News in brief

Lock provides quality assurance for ingredients company

Lock Inspection Systems high frequency metal detector has enabled EHL Ingredients to meet BRC standards.

Russia moves to ban US meat

Russia is moving to ban US meat imports in the row over instances of contamination with ractopamine, a growth promoting chemical banned in Russia, with more contaminated consignments detected....

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Thermo Fisher Scientific eyeing up Life Technologies?

Thermo Fisher Scientific could be lining up a bid for Life Technologies, according to Reuters who cited three unnamed sources.

Listeria suspected source of two separate outbreaks

Listeria is the suspected cause of two recalls of fish and vegetable products across the US and Canada.

Eurofins acquisition boosts Dutch food testing capabilities

Eurofins has bought Dutch food testing centre Laboratorium Zeeuws-Vlaanderen (LZV) in a move that shores up its food and feed testing prowess in The Netherlands.

Produce and poultry top sources of foodborne illness, finds report

Produce was linked to almost 50% of foodborne illnesses and poultry to more deaths than any other commodity over a decade, according to a US Centers for Disease Control and...

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OSHA issues carbon monoxide warning

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is urging employers to protect workers from the potentially fatal effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Nanotech concerns highlight core research needs

Public concerns about nanotechnology in food processing highlight important areas for further research, according to a US paper just published in the journal Nanobiotechnology.

Water jet technology extends celery shelf life

A fresh produce firm claims its adoption of an automated water jet machine for topping and tailing celery has enabled it to extend the shelf life of the product.

Foodborne disease outbreaks topped 1,500 in two years, reports CDC

Foodborne disease outbreaks led to more than 1,500 outbreaks and 23 deaths in two years, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Pepsi Cola Bottling Co., resolves violations with EPA

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has resolved violations with four Guam companies, including Pepsi Cola Bottling Co., for their failure to report the amount of diesel fuel and other...

Chemical contaminant linked to obesity in mice

Food chain contaminant tributyltin (TBT) causes transgenerational obesity in mice, according to researchers in California, suggesting it could raise similar concerns to Bisphenol A (BPA).

EFTA pinpoints weakness in Icelandic import controls

Iceland needs to remedy potential shortcomings in its import control system and checks of products from animal origin, according to a European Free Trade Association (EFTA) report.

Fakin’ it: fighting Listeria through simulation

Manufacturers can test the Listeria-killing potential of heat treatments in factories by using the enzyme amylase to simulate the behavior of the pathogen, scientists have discovered.

News in brief

Specialty Food Ingredients given validation for pathogen reduction system

Specialty Food Ingredients (SFI) has received 5 log validation for its steam pasteurization system on certain products.

Horse meat from Poland didn't come from our site, says ABP Food Group

ABP Food Group has stressed that the horse meat identified in beef burgers, which has been found to come from Poland, did not come from its plant in the country as the...

ACC slams Californian plan to list BPA as developmental toxicant

A move by a Californian public health agency to list bisphenol A (BPA) as a developmental toxicant has been called “scientifically unjustified” by the American Chemistry Council (ACC).

News in brief

Salmonella contamination leads to two recalls

Jouni Meats has recalled ground beef products and Stallings Head Cheese Co., are withdrawing hog head cheese due to salmonella contamination.

Parmalat Canada fined CAD$120,000 after worker suffers burns

Parmalat Canada has been handed fines totalling CAD $120,000 for violations that resulted in a worker suffering first and second degree burns while attempting to sanitise a piping system.

IMPORTANT TRADE BODY ATTACKS VIDEO FOR 'INACCURACIES' IN OPEN LETTER

IBWA hits back at 'factually incorrect' video attacking bottled water

After BeverageDaily.com published a story from a US pressure group this morning alleging that high US bottled water consumption had a hidden cost, we received the following response from the...

EFBW challenges video savaging $11.7bn bottled water ‘bad habit’

The European Federation of Bottled Water (EFBW) strongly denies that bottled water has hidden costs for human health and the environment, after a US pressure group urged consumers to kick...

DCD use suspended in New Zealand after residue discovered in dairy

The sale and use of dicyandiamide (DCD) has been brought to a halt in New Zealand after low levels of the substance were discovered in samples of dairy products from...

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Xylem gets EU backing for water innovation

Xylem has received a €120m loan for research, development and innovation activities in the water industry.

US highlights food fraud perils

Seafood, clouding agents and lemon juice are the latest categories targeted by food fraudsters flagged up by the US Pharmacopeial (USP) Convention’s Food Fraud Database.

Mettler-Toledo launches rapid moisture analyser

Mettler-Toledo has launched a high speed moisture analyser, which can be used on the factory floor as well as in a lab.

Rana Meat Solutions cited for exposing workers to ammonia

Rana Meat Solutions has been cited by OSHA for exposing workers to ammonia hazards during a plant refit last year.

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Selfridges facing court over raw milk vending machines

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed its intention to prosecute department store Selfridges over its decision to install raw cow milk-dispensing vending machines at stores in 2011.

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Meat recalled due to labelling error

C & H Meat Company has recalled almost 80,000 pounds of marinated pork and chicken products as they contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) which is not declared on the label.

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Deal will enable us to expand platform and enter new markets - Alchemy

Alchemy Systems has said that its acquisition by a private equity group will allow the firm to expand its training platform and enter new markets.

Faulty machinery blamed for metal contamination in two US recalls

Two separate product recalls due to possible metal contamination have been attributed to machinery failure, according to the two firms involved.

Future looks brighter for infrared analysis

FOSS is engaged in a 15m kroner research project focusing on developing a much brighter form of infrared light for routine analysis in food and feed production.

UK bakery ban after ‘blatant disregard for hygiene laws’ is an isolated case, says councilman

The owners of Meads Bakery in the UK have been banned from any future in food after persistent hygiene violations including pest infestations, mold and dead mice but a local...

CAT Squared launches mobile food safety software

US software firm CAT Squared has partnered Janam Technologies to launch food safety data analysis software that can be used with a handheld mobile device for added convenience.

Mold, expired label dates and rat infestation prompts UK cake recall

A range of cakes and confectionery has been recalled by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) due to mold, expired ‘best before’ dates and contamination due to a rat infestation...

EC identifies ‘public perception of risk’ among future challenges

The European Commission (EC) has said public perception of risk in the food supply chain is a challenge for future food safety policymaking in Europe, as it reflects on the...

Salmonella infections down due to legislation and vaccination, says researcher

Legislation and mass poultry vaccination programmes have led to a decline in salmonella cases since the 1990s according to a UK-based researcher.

News in brief

Partnership leads to food safety training facility

The Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) and Waters Corporation have partnered to open a food safety training facility today (Tuesday).

Decontamination tactics in war on meat pathogens

Decontamination procedures are vital in the war against germ transmission in the meat supply chain, although they are no substitute for a comprehensive health and safety policy.

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Dole partners with SafetyChain to boost food safety

Dole Fresh Vegetables has partnered with SafetyChain Software to prepare for the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA).

Technology allows faster screening for bacteria on food

Australian researchers have claimed a breakthrough that will allow them to use DNA amplification on “microspheres” to rapidly detect and identify large numbers of different bacteria at once.

BPA ban close for baby food containers in Maine

The US state of Maine is a step away from banning the use of food contact material bisphenol-A (BPA) in infant formula cans and baby food jars and lids.

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BSE testing should continue, says BfR

Healthy cattle slaughtered above eight years of age should continue to be tested for BSE in Germany, according to a German food safety watchdog.

Australian cheese listeria outbreak linked to two deaths

A listeria outbreak from cheese in Australia has been linked to the death of two people and has led to 18 cases nationally.

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Food testing remains strong, says SGS

Food testing continued its positive momentum delivering double-digit growth with particularly strong market share in South America and Asia, according to SGS.

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ATS Labs seals deal to expand microbiology services

ATS Labs has acquired Microcheck adding that the deal strengthens their microbiology services to sterile and non-sterile manufacturing operations.

European ingredient suppliers investigated after horse meat incident

ABP Food Group has vowed to step up DNA testing after UK and Irish beef burger meat from subsidiaries Dalepak Hambleton and Silvercrest Foods was found to contain horse meat.

Employee complaints led to food firm OSHA investigation

Progressive Gourmet has been hit with more than $73,400 worth in proposed fines after an investigation following employee complaints found energy control, ammonia and other hazard violations.

Exclusive interview

Bosch Packaging Technology outlines MAP trends

Seal integrity and taste preservation are some of the topics driving the global development of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), according to Bosch Packaging Technology.

Food quality key to customer loyalty - survey

Food quality, a wide product range and product reliability are the three most important things to win customer loyalty, according to a survey.

News in brief

FSA notified of two breaches of BSE testing regulations

The UK Food Standards Authority (FSA) has been notified of three cattle aged over 72 months entering the food chain without being tested for BSE.

Horse meat contamination could hit processed meat sales, predicts analyst

The processed meats industry in the UK and Ireland is likely to see sales fall after the Food Standards Authority of Ireland (FSAI) found many supermarket beef burgers were contaminated...

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Scientists develop sensitive BPA detection method

Scientists have developed a highly sensitive method of detecting the food contact material bisphenol-A (BPA) in food and water.

Researchers urge action on Indian cereal contamination

The high level of mycotoxin contamination in Indian cereals must be addressed with improved monitoring and maximum levels for contamination set, a new study says.

Kosher gains ground as global QC measure

Having foods and ingredients approved by Jewish rabbis may not seem a matter that would of great importance to non-Jewish food and supplement manufacturers – not so.

Shredded lettuce identified as source of E.coli outbreak

Canadian officials have identified shredded lettuce as the likely source of an E.coli outbreak which has sickened at least 26 people.

News in brief

Neogen’s salmonella detection method gains food-type expansion

Neogen Corporation has received a matrix extension to cover foods in the bakery, confectionery and dairy industry for one of its salmonella detection methods.

Modified machine guard led to severed fingertip

The severing of a woman’s fingertip at King Asia Foods in Doncaster would not have happened if the firm had not modified a hopper guard and adequately communicated procedures for...

FSA issues recall for tofu linked to Bacillus Cereus

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a second updated alert on two varieties of tofu due to Bacillus Cereus.

Scientists challenge BPA links to heart, kidney disease

Scientists have disputed a study associating food contact material Bisphenol A (BPA) consumption to higher risk of heart and kidney disease in children and adolescents.

Coca-Cola China files police claim against ‘false’ fungicide rumors

The Coca-Cola Company has confirmed that it has filed a police report in China targeting recent internet hoax rumors that its orange juice contains an illegal fungicide, and will pursue...

FSIS issues Lebanon bologna guidance after outbreak

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has updated compliance guidance for Lebanon Bologna after an outbreak of E.coli O157:H7 in the product in 2011....

EFSA opens public consultation on aspartame review

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has opened a public consultation on its safety assessment of aspartame and has found no safety concern at current intake levels, following studies that...

Eurofins explores options for allergen detection method

Eurofins is exploring the bakery industry as well as food that uses herb and spices for its mass spectrometry allergen detection method.

AquaBounty Technologies CEO: Opponents have ‘consistently and intentionally misrepresented the facts’ on GMOs

The boss of AquaBounty Technologies - which has spent years waiting for the FDA to decide whether to approve its genetically engineered (GE) salmon - says the tortuous process “has...

EFSA verdict on food of non-animal origin

Germs from food of non-animal origin (FoNAO) were responsible for almost half the number of deaths caused by food-transmitted pathogens, according to European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) analysis.

News in brief

NACMPI to hold meeting to discuss veal issues

The US National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) is to host a public meeting next week.

Ecolab predicts strong year despite tough market

Ecolab has predicted “another strong year” despite continued soft economic and market trends.

Listeria blamed for US smoked salmon recalls

Listeria monocytogenes contamination continues to drive a wave of US smoked salmon recalls.

News in brief

'Vomiting Larry' helped norovirus research

The Health & Safety Laboratory has created a simulated vomiting system, dubbed “Vomiting Larry”, to study the extent of contamination from Norovirus.

CFIA plans specific centres to target food issues

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is to create 16 centres with specific expertise to provide industry and inspectors with better access to expert advice.

The wait is over for new FSMA rules. .. but questions remain over ‘unfunded mandate from Congress’

News that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally unveiled two long-awaited proposed rules under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has been welcomed by food safety experts, although...

Study warns against sale of ‘toxic’ algae supplements

The sale of algae supplements containing A. flos-aquae is ‘highly questionable’ warn researchers, as they identify toxins in every commercially available product in Germany.

News in brief

RSSL investment in food safety

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) has invested in its microscopy facilities to introduce a service for identifying foreign bodies in food.

News in brief

Eagle swoops to land Brazilian distributor

Eagle Product Inspection has partnered with a Brazilian machinery distributor as forecasted foreign demand is expected to boost the country’s food exports.

FDA sends warning letter to farm linked to salmonella in cantaloupes

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent a warning letter to the farm at the centre of a salmonella outbreak that led to three deaths and sickened more...

EFSA panel raises concerns over mercury contamination

Consumers may be at risk of exceeding recommended consumption levels for methylmercury and inorganic mercury, according to evidence considered by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

News round-up

E.coli investigation concluded and Sunland food facility registration restored

An E.coli investigation in Canada has ended with no identified source and Sunland Inc., has had its food facility registration restored after its peanuts were linked to salmonella, in this...

News in brief

Norovirus cases increase in UK

Norovirus cases have risen 72% from this time last year, according to the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Rosina faces nearly $55,000 fines after OSHA citations

Rosina Food Products Inc. has been handed proposed penalties of almost $55,000 for serious hazards at its West Seneca, New York plant.

Eriez launches x-ray inspection system for packaging

Eriez has unveiled its latest x-ray product inspection system to provide protection for packaging applications.

USDA explores faster E.coli detection method

A new real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system offers a “promising method” for testing for shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) in food samples, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)....