Breaking News on Food Safety & Quality Control

Frutarom eyes natural raspberry flavor boost

08-Sep-2008 - A new development in natural raspberry flavors can match a number of the fruit’s unique taste characteristics amidst growing demands for the product in food and drinks, says its manufacturer.

Survey finds food groups pledging to keep out clones

05-Sep-2008 - While European and US risk assessors play down safety concerns over using food sourced from cloned animals, the fledgling industry appears set for tougher times in convincing manufacturers, according to a new survey.

US scientists express concerns over Bisphenol A exposure

04-Sep-2008 - In its final evaluation of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) has expressed concerns for potential exposures to foetus, infants and children.

Green challenge to new pesticide residue rules

01-Sep-2008 - Green organisations have instigated legal action over the new maximum legal limits on the level of pesticides allowed in food items sold in the European Union.

Far East plastics still a problem for formaldehyde: FSA

29-Aug-2008 - The migration of formaldehyde into foods from food contact materials manufactured in the Far East may still be a problem, according to a new FSA survey.

Commission to be quizzed on cloning safety, ethics

29-Aug-2008 - The debate over products from cloned animals entering the European food chain will enter a new phase next week, as MEPs ask the Commission searching questions about the welfare of cloned animals, ethics, and consumer information.

Europe not reacting to Californian Teflon concerns

28-Aug-2008 - As California moves a step nearer to outlawing the use of the chemical Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in food packaging, European regulators say they are not currently reassessing their own opinions on the chemical.

MSG linked to increased body weight: study

28-Aug-2008 - Consumption of the flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) may increase the risk of gaining weight, regardless of energy intake, suggests a new study.

Weekly comment

Omega-3 reality check

25-Aug-2008 - The market predictions for omega-3 products are endlessly buoyant but a closer look at the state of play reveals very few omega-3 functional foods and beverages have moved beyond niche sales levels.

UK government stands behind GM

25-Aug-2008 - The UK’s environment minister has challenged claims by Prince Charles that genetically modified (GM) crops are causing environmental damage.

No cancer concerns over paprika colour for foods: study

21-Aug-2008 - The increasing use of paprika as a food colour does not present any safety concerns for cancer or chronic toxicity, Japanese researchers have reported.

Growth hormone buyer eyes milk supply potential

21-Aug-2008 - Monsanto has found a buyer for its bovine somatotropin growth hormone, despite growing concern in the US over the use of such products in dairy cattle, as manufacturers continue to face commodity price uncertainty.

New film could inhibit bacterial growth on conveyor belts

20-Aug-2008 - A film coated with nanoparticles of silver and calcium phosphate could be used in food processing plants and packaging to inhibit pathogen growth, claim Swiss chemical engineers.

Natural preservative knowledge lags behind demand, warns authority

20-Aug-2008 - Research on natural food preservatives is lagging behind market demand for replacements for synthetic ones that have fallen out of favour with consumers, warns an expert, and a coordinated effort is needed to bridge the gap.

EU-wide dietary guidelines not feasible, says EFSA

20-Aug-2008 - The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a public consultation on its draft opinion on food-based dietary guidelines, in which it concluded that guidelines to span the whole of the EU would not be feasible.

US beef industry backing research to tackle bug

19-Aug-2008 - Despite recent recalls, the US beef industry is investing in research and new technologies to ensure beef safety and prevent E. coli contamination, claim industry representatives.

Salmonella outbreak leads to product recall

18-Aug-2008 - Irish company Dawn Farm Foods has withdrawn some cooked bacon products following concerns over possible salmonella contamination.

Oil combo to facilitate trans-fat free margarine: study

18-Aug-2008 - A blend of canola oil, palm stearin, and palm kernel oil can produce margarine free of trans-fats and desirable textural properties, says new research from the US.

Farmers over-reliance on antibiotics affects resistance, says UK organic group

14-Aug-2008 - UK farmers and veterinary surgeons are giving antibiotics to animals often to prevent rather than treat disease, which is contributing to the problem of antibiotic resistance through food, claims a UK organic group.

Plant and worker safety driving cleaning chemical sales - report

14-Aug-2008 - Rising public awareness of the risk of foodborne illnesses due to highly publicized cases concerning ground beef and other products will spur growth in cleaning chemicals, according to a new report from Freedonia.

Study links dairy to better bones in kids

14-Aug-2008 - Long-term dairy consumption, supplemented with other protein-rich foods such as meats can help maintain improved bone health in children, according to a new study.

High speed metal detection ensures quality control, claims Mettler Toledo

12-Aug-2008 - A new X-ray system will detect foreign bodies, damaged products and low fill levels in metal cans at high speeds, claims Mettler Toledo Safeline.

Dried fish stock may be salt enhancer for food

11-Aug-2008 - A dried stock made from the bonito fish – a stock used extensively in Japanese cuisine – may improve the palatability of reduced-salt products, suggests new research.

New tracking system will ensure meat safety, says IT firm

11-Aug-2008 - A new tracking system will improve the visibility and traceability of meat and poultry products using RFID technology and thereby improve food safety in Norway, according to an IT company.