Nutrition label changes to run into thousands of euros

While the European Commission still seems far from producing a proposal to amend rules on nutrition labelling, a new study suggests costs of label changes for the food maker could...

Lycopene gets go-ahead from UK for food use

The tomato-derived ingredient lycopene is safe for use in a range of foods including yoghurts, cheese, bread and cereal bars, says an expert panel in the UK.

EU proposes new law on broiler chicken welfare

The EU's farmers will have to take better care of their broiler chickens under a proposed directive the European Commission has adopted for submission to the bloc's Parliament.

Food regulator proposes raising age for parts removal

The minimum age when the EU's butchers must remove the brain and spinal cord from cattle could be raised to 21 months from the current 12 months if the European...

Seed industry criticises quarantine regulations

A meeting of agricultural seed industry experts this week is focusing on some countries' quarantine regulations, which they say are being used to hinder world trade.

Russians reject GM foods

Two thirds of Russians are against genetically modified foods and the majority of experts support a ban on GM crops as the government prepares new production laws, reports Chris Mercer.

Lack of funding threatens health and safety

Injuries at bakeries will be a major focus for 2005/6, says the UK's industry inspection body, yet the unions believe there is even less funding this year to implement health...

Monday comment

Time for a fair trade

The UK government must introduce a compulsory new supermarket code ofconduct if it is to make up for past mistakes and save the food industryfrom a spiral into anti-competitive practices.

New food standards to drive US innovation

The US Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is debating whether to create a new set of food standards in order to encourage more nutritious food formulation, writes Anthony Fletcher.

Finnish food agency clamps down on traceability

In light of new European 'one up-one down' rules on traceability, Finnish food safety receives a 'special focus' in 2005 with the government announcing a clampdown on fruit and vegetables.

US agencies propose changes to food labelling standards

A public consultation to change or eliminate regulations on food labelling, including the methods of processing and packaging used by manufacturers, has been launched in the US by the three...

South Africa looks to EFSA model for food safety?

Calls emerge in South Africa for the country to streamline food safety standards in the wake of the UK's Sudan 1 scare.

New labelling regime driving up product recalls

Tough new labelling regulations concerning allergens may be driving up the number of product recalls by UK's food producers, warns food safety consultancy RSSL.

Soft drink makers to limit heavy metals, says EFSA panel

Europe's food watchdog concludes soft drink makers should propose limits for heavy metals and aromatic hydrocarbons used as carrier solvents for flavouring preparations in soft drinks.

Russia bans Moldovan meat imports

Russia has banned imports of Moldovan meat amid suspicions that it is selling on sub-standard products from third countries, sparking a row between national authorities, reports Angela Drujinina.

EU delegation to investigate Vietnamese seafood

A team of EU inspectors has arrived in Vietnam to investigate the country's seafood sanitary conditions, after excessively high levels of antibiotics were discovered in a batch of seafood exports,...

EU cracks down on illegal GM grain

Forcing the traceability card, the European Union has voted to block imports of certain US grain unless they prove to be free of the genetically modified maize Bt10.

EU demands proof that US grain imports free of illegal GM ingredient

Forcing the traceability card, the European Union has voted to block imports of certain US grain unless they prove they are free of the genetically modified maize Bt10,reports Lindsey Partos....

France: risk analysis on trans fats recommends labels and upper limits for foods

French food watchdog recommends slashing trans fat levels in a wide range of bakery products, including biscuits and cakes, following findings from a new report released this week, reports Lindsey...

EU extends need for sudan-free certificates

Scientific experts at the European Commission have endorsed emergency measures to ensure that tumeric and palm oil imports are checked for illegal dye sudan 1.

Government pledges tougher fines for food safety lapses

The UK government has announced a regulation overhaul across many industries, including the food sector, promising less inspections and more incentives for firms with a good record on quality standards,...

China steps up food safety licensing

Producers of 28 different foodstuffs will be required by the Chinese government to apply for production licences as part of the Beijing government's ongoing measures to improve food quality and...

EFSA scientists reject flavouring, and call for more data on others

Europe's food watchdog continues to trawl through its risk assessment of 1000 flavouring substances, with 38 substances out of 51 requiring more data to complete the safety evaluation.

Israel to impose trans fat labels?

Opportunities continue to open up for trans fat alternatives as Israel communicates plans to become the world's third country to impose labelling rules on artery-clogging trans fats.

Fischer Boel outlines EU CAP reform priorities

Mariann Fischer Boel, the EU's recently appointed agriculture commissioner, has claimed that sweeping EU agricultural reforms will provide UK farmers with a "better balance of support", while forging a more...