Breaking News on Food Safety & Quality Control

Humidity during heat processing reduces salmonella

Processing beef at low humidity reduces the effectiveness of killing salmonella through cooking, according to a recent study.

Heat sealing reduces salad packaging and spoilage

A new a way to seal flexible film packaging reduces the amount of material required and extends the shelf life of products, according to results of recent trials.

Researchers develop new nut allergen test

A research laboratory has developed new tests that enable processors to identify pine nuts and chestnuts in food, which could help protect consumers with allergies.

Guest article

What to do when FDA shows up at your door

Being prepared for a US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) inspection requires advanced and effective planning and, for nutraceutical companies whose products do not require FDA pre-approval, it may be their first hands on experience with the Agency.

Thermometer assists tracing in supply chain

A portable refrigerator thermometer allows processors to record temperatures more accurately and easily, improving the traceability of products, its manufacturer claims.

Ultrasound improves conveyer cleaning, says study

Ultrasonic treatment could provide processors with a new method of cleaning conveyor belts, according to a recent study.

Steam cleaning cuts salmonella in meat, says study

Using commercial household steam cleaning can provide smaller processing plants with a low cost method of decontaminating beef and hog carcasses, according to a recent study.

Health Canada approves Denomega oils for food

Denomega Nutritional Oils has announced the Health Canada approval of its omega-3 ingredients for use in most foods, thereby opening up another market to the company.

USDA identifies rice in latest GM contamination

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has identified the source of a recent GM contamination in rice, and has said that it poses no food safety concerns.

Review slams FDA report on food from clones

The US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) risk assessment on meat and milk from cloned animals is based on "flawed assumptions and misrepresented findings", according to an independent review.

Crown expands easy-open closure range

Crown Closures Europe has put out three new diameters for its Ideal brand, expanding the range for which it can be used for packing foods and beverages.

Modular belt improves washdown efficiency

A new modular belt is designed with less hinges to reduce both the risk of contamination and cleaning time during washdowns, its manufacturer claims.

Absorbent pads help retain packaged meat colour

A new absorbent pad prevents meat discolouration while retaining moisture in packaging, its manufacturer claims.

California calls for suspension of GM rice testing

Government regulation for GM contamination of rice is clearly not working, according to the California Rice Commission, which has called for a moratorium on GM field testing in the state.

Fiber-optic light paves way for more accurate inspection

A new light source based on fiber-optic technology could be the next step in improving the accuracy of automated food inspection machines.

Labeller adds tamper safety to containers without changeovers

A new machine that can attach up to 400 tamperproof labels to containers per minute runs continuously without changeovers, its manufacturer claims.

Washing system cleans processing parts in minutes

A washing system can clean detachable food processing machine parts in minutes, allowing quick washdowns during changeovers, its manufacturer claims.

Processing lab opens for pre-production testing

A new lab that provides powder processing services allows firms to test small batches before they progress to full production.

EU aflatoxin peanut project completed

A European project has reported success in controlling aflatoxin contamination in peanuts, a product that has seen its export value fall in recent years.

New EU food testing labs come into operation

Three new EU food laboratories are coming into operation today, providing testing facilities for heavy metals, mycotoxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

EFSA publishes opinion on pesticide levels in food

EFSA has issued an opinion on the possible health risks from certain proposed residue levels of pesticides in food and feed.

Fungicide research helps fight wheat disease

The field performance of fungicides used to prevent the spread of foliar disease in wheat has decreased significantly within the last decade, according to UK cereal association, the Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA).

EFSA to review Monsanto maize concerns

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has revealed that it will review the new data presented by French scientists that revealed toxicity concerns in rats fed the MON863 variety of GM maize from Monsanto.

Krones to unveil new aseptic sterilisation process

Germany-based Krones next week plans to unveil a new sterilisation process for the aseptic filling of sensitive beverages.

Superchilling keeps fish fresh longer, claim scientists

Superchilling methods are being developed by Norwegian scientists to extend the shelf life of fish and meat, while reducing storage and transport costs.

USDA accused of lax food safety measures

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been accused of failing to protect the nation's food supply, following last week's withdrawal of a long-grain rice seed after possible contamination with genetically modified material.

Research to develop organic processing standards

EU researchers will discuss ways to improve the safety and processing of organic and other "low-input" foods at an upcoming meeting in Stuttgart, Germany.

Statement reveals breakdown in UK food safety

About 900 tonnes of poulty meat passed through a UK farm infected with bird flu and into the food chain during an outbreak of the disease last month, according to the country's public health minister.

BASF withdraws rice after GM contamination

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is preventing the planting and distribution of a long-grain rice seed from BASF because it may contain genetic material not yet approved for commercialization.

EU considers allowing cloned meat, milk on market

Meat and milk from cloned animals could soon become available in the EU, depending on the outcome of a European Food Safety Authority scientific review.

Tea wash reduces pathogens in meat, say scientists

Tea could be the wonder ingredient used as surface washes to improve the safety of ready-to-eat meats and vegetable.

Opinions on MSG safety updated

The 1997 Hohenheim consensus on the physiological effects and safety of monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been updated.

EFSA disputes key citrus canker study

EFSA believes that the findings of a recent US study on citrus canker are not supported by sound scientific evidence.

Breakthrough technology

Baking breakthrough improves product quality

Bakers could soon be benefiting from new technology developed to ensure high standards of product quality and appearance are met while maximising efficiency, cutting costs and reducing waste.

Trehalose best for improving aroma in dried fruit products?

Trehalose, a sugar found naturally in mushrooms, honey, lobster and shrimp, improves the aroma and quality of dried fruit ingredients, suggests a new study.

Human genes in rice spark new GM row

Genetically modified rice containing human genes has received preliminary approval in the US, sparking new concerns and fears on both sides of the Atlantic.

Fake vodka poses health risk in UK

Thousands of litres of fake vodka seized at an illegal bottling plant in Wales may pose a serious danger to consumers' health, officials have said, warning the drinks trade to be on its guard.

Amendments on contaminant levels in force

Three new EU regulations on contaminant levels in food came into force this month, requiring tougher safety controls in manufacturing plants.

New system to allow greater boiler control, says manufacturer

New high tech computer controls would allow processors to modulate their steam and hot water boiler systems more accurately, its manufacturer claims.

Lactococcus strain may offer end to food allergies

Non-pathogenic gut bacteria, bioengineered to produce a compound that regulates immune response in the gut, may offer significant potential for beating food allergies, if results from an animal study can be translated to humans.