Breaking News on Food Safety & Quality Control

Digital refractometer improves concentration readings

A new digital refractometer can automatically scan liquids for concentration levels and offers the market leading measurement range, claims its manufacturer.

Early exposure to food allergens may increase tolerance

Exposing premature and low birth weight babies to food allergens early in life may boost tolerance later in life, suggests a new study from Canada.

Weekly Comment

Training the salt of the earth

On International Labour Day, workers across the world will be raising a glass in honour of the salt of the earth.

Laser sorter scans products for chlorophyll

A new fluorescence-sensing laser sorter scans products for chlorophyll to identify and remove foreign matter from fresh and frozen vegetables.

New law would impose fees on non-compliant imports

New UK legislation would allow regulators to charge companies fees for additional costs incurred when imports of non-animal origin do not comply with food and feed laws.

Testing finds pet killer chemical in hogs

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation into whether a chemical thought to be responsible for a number of pet deaths has entered the human food chain.

Chitosan complex superior for emulsion flavour stabilisation?

A chitosan-containing complex was more effective at stabilising citrus flavours and could offer a cost-effective alternative to gum arabic, suggests joint Italian-US research.

New processing toxins linked with aging diseases

A new class of toxins produced when meats and cheeses are grilled, fried or broiled, can lead to a host of diseases associated with aging, say researchers.

Energy drink market gets rush from clubbers

The energy drink market has gotten further stimulus from club crowds who mix these functional beverages with alcohol, according to market researcher Mintel.

Packaging PFOAs found in newborns

A new study showing that perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) is showing up in newborn babies has again raised concerns about the chemical's use as a protective coating on some food packaging.

Glove inserts protect food and employees

New inserts for hygiene gloves used during food processing absorb sweat, which reduces contamination risks while retaining finger sensitivity, the manufacturer claims.

Polyethylene film improves contaminant detection

A new polyethylene film has been developed that can be detected by metal detectors, reducing the risk of contamination in food processing, its manufacturer claims.

Europe to harmonise pesticide testing for cereals

The EU has issued plans to harmonise pesticide residue testing among member countries with a series of measures designed to improve the safety of food supplies.

Research examines improved safety for citrus supply

A group of research centres have banded together to examine ways of improving safety and quality along the supply chain for citrus products.

EU toughens pasteurisation testing

The European Union has set new standards that regulate dairy pasteurisation testing, which bring bloc into line with international standards already in place.

Weekly Comment

Ditch the marketing madness

Marketing strategies - two words that incorporate everything from pseudo scientific research to shock value advertising campaigns. But shouldn't honesty be the best policy?

X-ray detects contaminants in cartons

A new x-ray inspection system can detect multiple contaminants in products being conveyed on belts, its manufacturer claims.

Cadbury charged in salmonella contamination case

Cadbury and some of its managers face prosecution for allegedly ignoring a case of salmonella contamination at one of the company's UK plants.

Bernard Matthews' bird flu payout criticised

The UK turkey producer at the centre of an avian influenza outbreak earlier this year is to be compensated nearly £600,000 (€885,000) despite receiving criticism in an official report published yesterday.

EU launches study on Salmonella in pigs

The EU's food safety agency will assess the public health risks posed by the presence of Salmonella in pigs.

Deaeration system improves beverage filling

A new system designed to reduce oxygen levels in beverages improves fillings speeds and can extend the shelf life of products, its manufacturer claims.

Mass poisonings highlight China food safety concerns

The Chinese government is likely to come under further pressure to review its safety procedures following a recent wave of food poisoning outbreaks in the country.

New guidelines help UK producers plan food safety

The UK food regulator has published a guidance to help manufacturers improve the safety of their products and deal with contamination incidents when these occur.

Testing tools help keep beverages pathogen-free

Two new testing tools from Döhler are designed to keep pathogens and impurities from contaminating beverage filling lines.

Irish meat imports into UK breach BSE regulations, says report

Several batches of beef recently imported to the UK from Ireland were found to contain material banned under laws designed to prevent bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) from entering the supply chain.

Wastewater recycler uses combined technologies

A new treatment system integrates two technologies to recycle wastewater in plants, claims its manufacturer, helping food and drink firms to meet their environmental commitments.

Perspectives for Food 2030

EU research needs conference begins

About 150 experts are gathering here today in Belgium's capital city for a peak into the future of the food industry.

Transmitting environment sensor withstands depths

A new waterproof temperature and humidity sensor can take readings while submerged and transmit the results across a plant, its manufacturer claims.

Leatherhead forms food industry NanoWatch group

Leatherhead Food International is forming a new working group to investigate the use of nanotechnology in the food and drink industry, with particular emphasis on ingredients and hydrocolloids.

Weekly comment

Food contamination: time for action

At a time when so many resources are being pumped into improving consumer health through food, it is pitifully ironic that more and more people are getting sick or dying from what they eat because of safety slips.

Environment committee votes on additives amendments

The European Parliament Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety yesterday voted through amendments to upcoming new legislation on food additives aimed at making the laws more transparent.

Ireland's egg industry declared Salmonella free

A regulatory effort to reduce Salmonella contamination throughout Ireland's food chain is beginning to pay off in the egg sector.

Senator calls for labeling of cloned foods

California State Senator Carole Migden has unveiled legislation that would require the clear labeling of meat and milk from cloned animals.

Coatings protect bake-in packaging

US based packaging firm Michelman is set to unveil a raft of bake-in coating solutions for the bakery industry at trade fairs this year.

Proposed safety regulations target packaging gases

Packaging gases and other additives used for prolonging the shelf life of foods are some of the substances targeted by proposed safety regulations passed yesterday by an EU parliamentary committee.

Organic Standards talks to begin next month, says expert

The inaugural meeting of a new committee to establish guidelines for domestic and imported organic foods in Australia will take place next month, even without full industry representation, says an industry expert.

Ethyl Carbamate in food, drink as dangerous as diesel

The attention of product developers is turning towards health risks posed by ethyl carbamate, a naturally ocurring substance in fermented food and beverage products that is now classed as dangerous as acrylamide and diesel fuel.

Nitrogen testing could aid organic certification

Research into a nitrogen isotope-based testing system being pioneered in Britain could provide a vital new tool in ensuring valid organic certification for food and drink products.

Health claims need urgent attention, says food law expert

Food companies should divert resources to auditing health claims for their products and putting in place transitional arrangements in advance of the new EU legislation becoming applicable on July 1, advises an Eversheds lawyer.

National salt guidelines ignore WHO advice, says professor

Global salt intake is still too high, according to a leading academic, and many countries ignore the WHO's advice on a maximum intake of 5g/day by issuing guidance far in excess.

FDA proposes to relax labeling for irradiated foods

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to revise its labeling regulations for irradiated foods and supplements, suggesting that some irradiated foods could be labeled as "pasteurized".

New analyser relieves pressure on drinks makers

The maker of a new analyser capable of monitoring carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen claims it can help brewers and soft drinks firms step closer to perfection.

China to review food recall measures, says report

China's ministry of health is set to review its current food recall practices in a bid to adopt more stringent food safety practices amidst the dynamic growth of processing in the country, say news reports.

Project aims to tear strips off packaging problems

The effectiveness of tear strips used in cardboard packaging is being tested as part of a new project, which aims to market the findings later this year.

Snack brands slammed over secret sugars

UK consumer watchdog Which? has hit out at several snack and ready meal brands for their 'hidden' sugar content.

Salmonella infects one in four chickens for meat

Salmonella infects one in four chickens in flocks reared for meat, according to European survey findings published yesterday.

Monsanto disputes hormone-free dairy claims - again

The ongoing battle between Monsanto and dairy producers who do not use the firm's milk-producing hormone rBST has stepped up a notch, with the biotech and chemicals giant requesting action to stop what it calls "deceptive milk labeling and advertising".

Salmon inspection can leap ahead with automated vision, claims study

Computer vision systems could automate salmon fillet sorting lines, reducing labour costs and increasing processing speed, according to a study by scientists in Norway.

Groups hail Euro vote to keep GM out of organic foods

Organic food and environmental groups have welcomed a European Parliament decision to set the threshold for genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in organic food at the lowest level possible - quelling fears that higher levels in some countries could destroy the market.

Bernard Matthews escapes bird flu prosecution

The UK poultry processor at the centre of the avian influenza outbreak earlier this year will not face criminal prosecution, the national food regulator has confirmed.

Weekly comment

Wanted: testing for supplements

The dietary supplement industry needs an independent testing program that is recognizable to consumers in order to enhance the credibility of its products as well as encourage solid science and sourcing.

Meat inspection consultation launched

The UK food regulator is asking for feedback on proposals to change meat inspections, including charging processors for services and delegating duties to private bodies.