Breaking News on Food Safety & Quality Control

EU's chemicals law comes into effect

Europe's groundbreaking law requiring manufacturers and others to ensure that the chemicals they use are registered with a new regulator, comes into effect tomorrow.

Water treatment system cuts costs and risks

A new water treatment system can help food processors reduce costs and meet water safety regulations, its manufacturer claims.

Stored goat's milk can make the grade, says study

Goat milk stored under refrigerated and sanitary conditions meets grade A standards for up to five days, according to a recent university study.

Fresh health fears hit benzoate in soft drinks

Common preservative sodium benzoate, widely used in soft drinks and other foods, is again at the centre of health concerns after research emerged linking it to cell damage.

Air hoist redesigned to EU safety standards

Ingersoll Rand has redesigned its oil-less air hoist to meet EU workplace safety standards aimed at preventing explosions.

Temperature sensor built for rugged use

A new rugged temperature device is designed for high moisture environments, where the sensor is subject to continuous freeze and thaw cycles.

Slim metal detector ideal for small spaces

A new metal detector, designed for high speed packaging systems, is thin enough to fit into small spaces, its manufacturer claims.

Bird flu infects two people in UK, tests confirm

Two people have been infected with the bird flu virus that has caused an outbreak on a farm in North Wales, tests have confirmed.

Weekly Comment

Press releases for the press?

In a world where getting your name out there is called branding, and branding in turn equals better market share, some companies will go to great lengths to draw attention to their name. With information sources driven by open-access Internet, companies can tailor press releases not always intended for the press.

European food safety training off to a flyer

Last year was busy, but this year will be better, is the European Commission's message in its first annual report on food safety training initiatives.

Processors called to arms in anti-biotic resistance battle

Food processing must play a role in preventing the evolutionary shifts that lead to bacterial antibiotic resistance, according to new research from the US.

Portable thermometer extends user's reach

A new portable thermometer has an extendable cable, which allows temperatures to be taken in harder to reach places, its manufacturer claims.

FSA tightens cheese hygiene rules

Cheese processors in the UK have been handed tougher guidance on hygiene, following EU claims that the country's food safety authority was not doing enough to protect consumers.

Guarana extract shows promise as preservative additive

Extracts from the exotic fruit guarana showed excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which could see the exotic berry making a move into food preservatives, new research suggests.

Researchers target Campylobacter phage

UK and Canadian researchers yesterday said they have joined forces to develop bacteria that can destroy Campylobacter, a pathogen responsible for millions of cases of food poisoning worldwide.

Bird flu is back in UK

Bird flu is back in the UK, following the discovery of a form of the virus on a farm in North Wales, government officials confirmed today.

Tester determines oxygen permeability

A new machine can help processors test the barrier properties of packaging to ensure food products maintain their stated shelf life.

Shipments to supermarket must use temperature device

US retailer, Albertsons, now requires its suppliers to use temperature monitoring devices on perishable food shipments to its distribution centers, which could force processors to invest in the technology.

Tracking system leverages existing Wi-Fi networks

A new tracking system leverages existing Wi-Fi technology to locate products and objects throughout the supply chain.

Swiss BSE controls rewarded with lower risk status

The Swiss beef industry was yesterday rewarded for its efforts in controlling bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), when the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reduced its status to "controlled risk" for the disease.

Spray system can reduce chemical reliance

A new food contact surface cleaning system uses both ozone and antibacterial sprays to maintain hygiene in processing plants.

Processors, packagers prepare for new chemicals law

Packagers and manufacturers are gearing up for the EU's new regulation on chemicals, which comes into force 1 June.

Soybean waste to offer cost-effective natural antioxidants

Antioxidant waste from the soy industry could offer a cheap and healthy alternative to synthetic antioxidants that prolong the shelf life of food, suggests a study from India.

Melamine legacy blights Chinese exports

A number of US food processors said they will boycott Chinese exports over fears regarding the safety of products coming from the country.

Weekly comment

Masterfoods and the vegetarianisation of food

Masterfoods' U-turn over its plan to reformulate its famous confectionery brands using animal-derived whey sets a precedent that will prevent any other food manufacturer from flying in the face of the global trend towards the vegetarianisation of our food.

UK to unveil new vocational qualifications to processors

A UK master-plan for a raft of 16 new vocational qualifications in food manufacturing will be unveiled to employers on 6 July.

Europeans weigh nanofood risks with benefits

Europeans are willing to buy foods produced, processed or packaged using nanotechnology techniques so long as they perceive the benefits, according to new research.

Liquid nitrogen cooler rapidly chills

A new cooling system uses liquid nitrogen to rapidly chill and freeze foods, its manufacturer claims.

EFSA calls for zoonoses proposals

European countries are being asked to submit reports on incidents of zoonoses in an effort to coordinate a common food safety strategy across the bloc.

DSM enzyme offers better high-fibre bread stability

Ingredients specialist DSM is helping bakers target the lucrative health-conscious market with its newest enzyme product, designed to overcome the typical obstacles associated with producing high fibre breads.

EU countdown to bird flu amendments continues

The European poultry industry has just six weeks left to prepare itself for new proposals designed to prevent the spread of H5N1 avian influenza into the food chain, the European Commission has warned.

Ultrasonic spray dryer reduces overspray

A new range of spray dryers use a non-clogging ultrasonic atomising nozzle, which reduces overspray that can cause atmospheric contamination, the manufacturer claims.

Scientists develop 12-hour salmonella test

Danish scientists have developed a 12-hour detection method for salmonella in meat and poultry, which could slash the time of processors need to wait before allowing shipments to leave.

China must step up food safety reform, claims expert

China must continue to reform its food safety practices if it is to maintain consumer confidence in its products, says a food safety expert from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

1,300 food incidents investigated in UK last year, says report

Over 1,300 food safety incidents were investigated by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) last year, according to a report published yesterday.

FSA begins UK business guidance review

The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has today announced the start of a review of its own guidance, which aims to make regulations easier to understand and follow for firms.

Future nanopackaging market worth billions, says study

As worldwide sales of nanotechnology-related products approached the $1bn (€739m)mark last year, the food packaging industry could be worth as much as $30bn (€22bn), according to a new study.

Coca-Cola settles in benzene lawsuit

Coca-Cola has reformulated two of its soft drinks in the US to halt a lawsuit alleging they may contain the cancer-causing chemical, benzene.

Pea protein seen as promising microencapsulator

Researchers in Brazil have identified pea protein as a possible novel encapsulator after results showed the protein capable of encapsulating vitamin E at high concentrations.

FAO looks to organics for food security

Leading proponents of the benefits of organic agriculture put their heads together last week to discuss how organic methods could help preserve food security for the future.

Dutch to increase import checks following GM discovery

Dutch inspections of US shipments will increase following the discovery of genetically modified (GM) maize banned in the EU as part of a Netherlands bound cargo.

Farm milk may reduce asthma and allergy

Regular consumption of unpasteurised farm milk may offer protection from range of allergies, but the researchers cautioned against drinking raw milk until more research is carried out.

Microwave technology targets meat preparation

A new microwave tempering system can significantly enhance safety and performance within meat processing, its manufacturer claims.

Euro Freeze prosecuted for selling illegal meat

Euro Freeze (Ireland) has received a £13,000 (€19,000) fine after being prosecuted in a UK court for illegally putting false health certificates on meat products.

Cosmeceuticals focus

Health claims could drive beauty foods market

The new health claims regulations for foods could prompt more companies to tout the beauty benefits of their products, since cosmetics are not generally subject to the same stringent rules as foods and supplements, says an analyst.

Gene foods could lead to consumers ruling the food industry

The emergence of foods based on nutrigenomics could spark a shift in the landscape of the food industry, says HortResearch's Karl Crawford, and the industry needs to start considering how it is going to cater for consumer demands.

Arsenic, mercury levels in baby food below limit, says regulator

Baby food processors are breathing easier today after the UK industry regulator released a study showing that levels of arsenic and mercury in their products are below legal limits.

Leading zero trans oils analyzed in independent testing

Independent testing of trans fat oil alternatives has revealed that the performance and taste of the more 'heart-healthy' oils matches or exceeds those of partially hydrogenated oils.

UK study sparks additives row

Growing use of natural ingredients in the UK food and drink industry took on greater importance this week in anticipation of a new study again linking widely used additives to behavioural problems in children.

Regulators investigate China imports for melamine

EU regulators are investigating whether the banned chemical melamine has made its way into Europe's food and feed supply chain from China.

Politicians raise acrylamide scare in Holland

Politicians in Holland have called on government to set maximum consumption limits for acrylamide, potentially leading to legislation that would force processors to reduce the potential carcinogen in their products.

Tara gum may turn milk protein into locust bean gum alternative

Using the sugar tara gum to improve the gelling of the whey protein beta-lactoglobulin may offer industry with a more cost effective alternative to locust bean gum, suggests new research from Portugal.

Texture analyser helps improve quality

A new system that measures the texture of food could provide processors with results to improve the shelf life and taste of products, its manufacturer claims.

Food biotech will benefit from cross-section approach, says DIB

The food sector will remain the biggest biotech employer in Germany by 2020, according to a new study, but German industry must make use of synergies between sectors to remain competitive.

Weekly Comment

Ingredients for cheap?

As recent incidents of food contamination demonstrate, the cheapest source for ingredients may not turn out to be so cheap after all.

Air-conditioner offers round-the-clock protection

A new range air-conditioners offers processors continuous protection against air-borne contaminants, even when cooling operations are not in use, claims the manufacturer.

Artificial 'snot' improves sensor smell say researchers

Artificial snot costing just a few extra euros greatly improves the performance of electronic odour sensors, according to new research.

New cleaning products improve plant hygiene, manufacturer claims

Three new hygiene products that can be used by food processors to comply with food safety procedures, their manufacturer claims.

Smoked, BBQ meat linked to breast cancer

Postmenopausal women who regularly consume smoked and barbecued meats may be increasing their risk of breast cancer by at least 50 per cent, suggests a new study.

UN researchers examine chlorine use in food manufacturing

An international research project will help set global standards controlling the use of active chlorine in food production and processing.

Commission rethinks hygiene amendment proposal

A European Commission proposal to exempt small businesses from part of the bloc's main hygiene rules has been sent back to the drawing board.

Sensor provides multiple hygiene readings

A new handheld sensor that provides multiple environmental conditions in a single report helps processors comply with food safety regulations, its manufacturer claims.

EFSA seeks cloned animal studies

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has called on industry and other groups to submit scientific information as part of its review on cloned meat.