Food safety metrics and partnerships are key, say US agencies

Federal bodies in the United States are to hold public meetings to outline new proposals on how to measure food safety, with one senior figure warning that if initiatives weren’t...

Australia introduces voluntary bisphenol A phase out

International pressure to eliminate bisphenol A from food contact materials intensified yesterday after the Australian Government unveiled a deal with major retailers to begin the immediate phasing out of baby...

FDA urges phasing out of antibiotics in meat

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has produced draft guidelines for reducing the use of growth-promoting antibiotic drugs for meat-producing animals, saying it contributes to drug resistance in humans.

New technology delivers omega-3 chews for private label

UK-based Oxford Nutrascience has teamed up with Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC) to develop omega-3 chews, which it plans to supply to dietary supplement firms around Europe for their own-label lines.

FSA calls for comments on new additives legislation

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) is calling for comments from the nation’s food industry on proposed changes to EU food additive legislation to ensure all current additive uses are...

Survey assesses Gulf spill’s impact on seafood consumption

A new survey has found that more than half of Americans have changed their seafood consumption as a result of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill – and nearly a...

Germany highlights risks from packaged sprouts and salads

High bacteria loads observed in fresh packaged sprouts and ready-to-eat salads are likely caused by a combination of factors including poor processing hygiene and humid conditions fostered inside plastic...

Kellogg issues massive recall as tainted packaging sparks health fears

Kellogg Company has recalled 28 million boxes of breakfast cereal in the United States over fears an unknown chemical that has tainted its packaging could cause diarrhoea and vomitting.

EU hails success of new food safety regime

The recent introduction of tougher border controls on fruit and vegetables and the outlawing of hundreds of pesticides have boosted food safety in European Union, said Brussels.

Campylobacter hotspots highlighted in French study

Chicken batches slaughtered later in the schedule, pre-thinning flocks prior to slaughtering and temperatures in the evisceration room topping 15C are all factors likely to increase the risk of...

USP signs MOU with Chinese food safety agency

US Pharmacopeia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Chinese food safety agency, the National Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety – Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NINFS).

Scientists slam EFSA over bisphenol A, call to curb exposure

Hundreds of studies providing “overwhelming scientific evidence” of the harm caused by bisphenol A (BPA) are being dismissed by regulatory agencies because they don’t conform with the outdated safety...

Magnetic train technology used to measure fat content

Scientists at Harvard University have applied magnetic levitation, which is best known for enabling high-speed trains to float above tracks, to the task of measuring fat content in food.

Pectin-protein combo may extend ingredient microencapsulation

A combination of pectin and fibrils of ovalbumin may offer interesting and innovative encapsulation materials for formulators as protection for sensitive ingredients like flavours, says a new study.

News in brief

ProteoNic wins F&S award for food enzyme advances

Frost & Sullivan's 2010 European Food Enzymes Technology Innovation Award has gone to Netherlands-based ProteoNic for its contribution to cost and energy reductions in food enzyme manufacturing.

Antioxidant-rich melon extract may ease stress: Pig study

A daily supplement of an antioxidant-rich melon extract may lower levels of stress proteins in the gut, according to a French study with piglets.

Supreme Court overturns ban on GM alfalfa planting

In its first ever assessment on genetically modified (GM) crops, the Supreme Court has overturned a ban on planting of GM alfalfa, with potential implications for GM crops throughout the...

Omega-3 shows benefits against ‘oxidative stress’: Study

The heart health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA may be related to their ability to reduce oxidative stress, suggests new research.

Spectrometer simplifies cadmium in chocolate analysis - company

Thermo Fisher Scientific said it has developed a new, simple and accurate method for analysing the presence of cadmium in chocolate.

Resistant starch may replace wheat flour for biscuits

Substituting wheat flour for resistant starch may be an easy way for formulators to boost the health profile of a product without affecting taste or acceptance, says a new study...

Nestle critical of selenium health claim ruling

Influential New York-based, food policy academic Marion Nestle says a recent court action ordering the FDA to remove lengthy disclaimers from selenium health claims will open the floodgates to misleading...

Xanthan–guar gum blend may boost gluten-free rice cake quality

Both xanthan and xanthan–guar gum blend incorporated into rice cake production can help manufacturers overcome some of the structural challenges involved in gluten free bakery, claims a new study.

News in brief

ConAgra, Campbell issue large-scale recalls

ConAgra Foods and Campbell Soup Supply Co both issued large-scale recalls yesterday across the United States.

US food body responds to lead in food allegations

Product safety and adherence to best manufacturing practices are top priorities for food companies, said a leading US industry body in response to allegations that higher-than permitted-levels of lead have...

Apple polyphenols may ease food allergy: Nestlé study

An extract from apples rich in polyphenols may reduce or prevent an allergic response to food allergens, suggest findings from a mouse study by Nestlé scientists.

Higher vitamin B6 levels may reduce lung cancer risk

Higher blood levels of vitamin B6 may reduce the risk of lung cancer by about 50 per cent, says a new analysis of almost 400,000 people, including current and former smokers.

News in brief

Innovation award for DSM’s cheese enzyme

Ingredients firm DSM Food Specialties has been awarded the 2010 Ringier Technology Prize for its cheese enzyme solution, delvozyme.

Enzymotec increases omega-3 levels in its krill oil

Enzymotec has increased the omega-3 spec of its krill oil, which the firm says allows customers to declare higher levels of the fatty acids on their product labels without increasing...

ISO standard on fat content expanded to sheep and goat’s milk

An ISO standard on testing requirements and guidelines for the fat content of milk has been extended to cover sheep and goat’s milk.

Bakery flakes could boost health and shelf-life profile of baked goods

New flake ingredients, based on an ancient variety of barley, can extend the shelf life of multi-grain breads, rolls and bagels by a least 20 per cent, claims Kampffemeyer Food Innovation.

EFSA rules out H1N1 risk to humans from meat

The meat processing industry has welcomed a report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) ruling out the risk of humans contracting the H1N1 virus from pork, pork products, turkey...

Researchers develop non-chlorine rinse for poultry carcasses

Spray washing chicken carcasses with a solution of lauric acid and potassium hydroxide could help processors design practical and non-chlorine-based sanitisers, said the US Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

FDA, NOAA increase Gulf of Mexico seafood safety efforts

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said it is increasing its efforts to ensure the safety of fish and seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, and has released new...

News in brief

Four steps to improve food safety in India

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry in India (ASSOCHAM) has proposed a four-pronged strategy to help businesses implement demanding food standards legislation.

Comment

World Cup is an own goal for food culture

Sorry guys, the World Cup is not all about football. It’s about food too, and this year’s tournament should kick off a whole new debate about our sporting food culture....

UK targets campylobacter as chief food safety foe

Campylobacter in raw chicken is the biggest food safety challenge facing the UK today, said the Food Standards Agency (FSA) as it admitted the cost and burden of foodborne illnesses...

Two hour vit A milk test gains AOAC certification

SciMed Technologies has gained certification from AOAC International for a new test that the creators claim can accurately measure vitamin A levels in milk within 2 hours.

EFSA calls for fresh data on cloned animals

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is appealing for new data on the health and welfare of cloned farm animals as the debate on their regulatory status continues.

Germany agency calls for limits on BPA usage

Manufacturers, importers and users of bisphenol A (BPA) should use alternative substances that pose less risk to human health and the environment, advises Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (UBA).

New compliance support program for food packaging rules

Intertek has launched a support program to help companies struggling to comply with increasingly complex EU rules on food packaging materials.

UV light could prove useful in Listeria inhibition on belts

A new study demonstrates the efficacy of ultraviolet light (UV) exposure against survival of Listeria monocytogenes on conveyor belts.

Chicken processor faces record fine for repeat violations

A US chicken processor employing over 3,000 people is a facing a record fine of over $1m for repeated health and safety violations.

EU and China join forces to explore nanotech risks

The European Union and China yesterday reached an agreement to boost research into consumer safety and explore the potential risks from nanotechnology.

New studies fail to challenge opinion on ochratoxin A, says EFSA

New research does not contradict or change the conclusions drawn in the European Food Safety Authority’s opinion on ochratoxin A (OTA) in foods such as cocoa products and liquorice, claims...

No risk from bisphenol A in canned food - Health Canada

Exposure to bisphenol A from canned food poses no health risk to the general population, Health Canada has said after conducting a survey into levels of the chemical in 78 products.

New heat process improves flaxseed safety

Significantly improved food safety, without compromising product quality, nutritional value or shelf-life, are the benefits claimed for a new proprietary heat treatment process developed by Glanbia Nutritionals specifically for use...

Meat industry opposes legislation to require new E. coli tests

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has introduced legislation to test for six E. coli strains that currently are not regulated – but the meat industry claims there are significant problems with the proposal.

Special Edition: Nanotechnology

Nano risk assessment a work in progress

The risk assessment framework for nanotechnology in Europe – like so much else connected to the technology – appears to be in its infancy but developing at a rapid pace.

Filtration plant lowers dairy costs and lifts quality, claims GEA

Significantly lower production costs and improved product consistency are the twin benefits claimed for a reverse osmosis filtration plant introduced at one of Saudi Arabia’s leading dairies.

Roasted potato flour said to boost functionality and flavour

A new roasted potato flour ingredient can enhance the flavour and colour of baked goods and extruded snacks as well as gluten free foods while also providing dough expansion, said...

National Starch targets functional beverages category with emulsifier

The R&D team at National Starch Food Innovation (NSFI), looking at further uses for its emulsifier, Q-Naturale, said results showed that it is highly suited to clear beverages such as...

Special Edition: Nanotechnology

Food sector and R&D need to chew the nano fat for wider take-up: analyst

The benefits for nano-packaging, showing how it can overcome current food and drink industry challenges in terms of shelf life, distribution or sustainability, need to become more apparent in order...

News in brief

Japan and China sign food safety pact

Officials from Japan and China reached a bilateral agreement Monday to improve food safety standards and restore confidence.

Dingell calls for food safety action following latest salmonella recalls

Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich) has called for action on the Senate’s food safety bill, which has seen no attempt to move it forward since it passed from Committee with...