Breaking News on Food Safety & Quality Control

Agitator adds delicate touch to the mix

By fitting an agitator to its range of volumetric depositors, food processors can now mixdelicate products without having to buy a new machine, says UK-based Turbo Systems.

New yoghurt process extends shelf-life

A new manufacturing process has the potential to extend the shelf life of yoghurts with live and active cultures.

Voluntary nanotechnology reporting launched in UK

UK food manufacturers and others are been asked to provide any information on nanotechnologies they are working on, under a programme launched this week by the government.

EFSA to evaluate meat cleaning substances

Cleaning substances used on meat products will be assessed for safety by theEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) under a new programme announced yesterday.

Nutrition labels may confuse public

If formulators are worried verbose FDA-approved health claims fog the message they are trying to get across to consumers, they should maybe question one of the basic foundations of nutrition packaging: the nutrition label.

Carbon monoxide in meat products 'deceptive', say consumers

Most consumers are concerned about the use of carbon monoxide to meats, according to a new survey, which rekindles an ongoing debate between industry and consumer groups.

Amendments to change range of EU hygiene regulations

A package of amendments to the EU's food hygiene regulations sets out the changes meat, fish and dairy processors will have to follow in their plants.

Flat label records time, temperature

A new flat label can record time and temperature data on food products for up to eight weeks,providing a record in case safety has been compromised by improper storage.

Veal definition to restrict use of term

In a bid to prevent the traditional definition of veal from being expanded to include olderanimals, the European Commission wants to lay down the law on what meats can use the description.

Weekly comment

When vegetables become victims

The demonisation of spinach following last week's E.coli outbreak could give salad-dodgers the excuse they have been looking for to skimp on their recommended five to nine portions of fruit and veg a day. Without communication and a united front from industry, a longer-term public health crisis could be on the cards.

Rosemary packaging extends meat shelf life

Spanish researchers have found a way to keep meat looking pink and fresh on the shelf, withoutthe use of carbon monoxide.

FDF slams 'scare tactics' over fat levels in crisps

The FDF has accused the British Heart Foundation of 'scare tactics' over its newly launched Food4Thought campaign.

Food scientists burrow deeper into industry issues

Food scientists are burrowing down into the molecular level of processing, finding new solutionsto industry's manufacturing problems, according to organisers here at a conference.

Fears mount over possible rice contamination in the Philippines

Environmental campaign group Greenpeace is warning that the food supply in the Philippines could be at risk from illegal GM rice contamination originating in the US and China, with potentially damaging costs to manufacturers in extraction.

EU's food agency battles attempts to hijack science

Science and politics make poor bedfellows. Just ask Herman Koeter, deputy executive director at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which has felt the push and pull of national politics ever since the agency began operating four years ago.

Chocolate technology on display

Manufacturers are lining up innovative processing equipment to attract confectioners at the upcoming international baking trade fair, the IBA.

Acrylamide study points way to processing methods

A predictive model developed to determine final acrylamide levels in processed potatoes can be used to reduce the potential carcinogen in other products, says a researcher from Dublin.

Smart label indicates accidental freezing

A new label on the market can indicate when temperature sensitive products have been accidentally frozen during transport or storage.

Danisco enzyme cuts costs and crumbs

A new baking enzyme which aims to cut costs on the production line and increase the shelf life of bakery products has been launched by ingredients giant Danisco.

UK regulator to increase inspection charges

As part of its policy to recover the costs of regulatory supervision from industry, the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) plans to increase its charges to the meat sector by 3.5 per cent next year.

Nano napkin detects pathogens with a swipe

A new biodegradable napkin under development uses nanotechnology to detect contamination in food products.

Food technologists debate processing techniques in Nantes

Food technologists are meeting this week in Nantes, France, to debate the latest scientific discoveries in processing, health and safety.

Book review

Traceability made easier

A new book gives food industry managers an expert look at the legal requirements on traceability and the strategies and tools available to fulfill them.

Special alfatoxin measures target repeat offenders

Updated EU rules on aflatoxin contamination crack down on repeat offenders such as Egypt, China, Iran and Turkey, and will affect imports of supplies such as peanuts, pistachios, and dried fruit.

Illegal pesticide levels found in 2 per cent of UK foods

About two per cent of foods sampled in the UK during the first quarter of 2006 contained pesticide residues above the maximum permitted levels.

EFSA faces the future at inaugural new board meeting

EFSA renewed its mandate of the Stakeholder Consultative Platform and discussed future strategic priorities at its inaugural new management board meeting this week.

Food allergens still pose a threat in US foods

Some food manufacturers are not doing enough to prevent the cross contamination of their products by allergens, according to a survey by the US food regulator.

EC analyses GM rice contamination controversy

The EC's Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health has now discussed the possible illegal GM contamination of long grain rice imports from the US.

Rugged pH sensor built for tough use, manufacturer claims

A new sensor on the market is designed to quickly measure pH in food samples, providing plants with a means of testing the quality of their products.

Taking the guesswork out of microbial production

A Netherlands-based research company claims a breakthrough in developing a more efficient way to produce the microorganisms used in industrial food production.

Texture analysis to standardise products

A machine that analyses texture will allow manufacturers to better standardise their mixes for pre-formed products, says its developer.

Machine speeds up dough making process, company claims

A new machine on the market uses a multi-roller satellite head to produce dough sheets with less strain, its manufacturer claims.

Draft law focuses on packaging contaminants

Proposed EU legislation would define the manufacturing practices the bloc's processors would have to take in ensuring that packaging materials do not migrate into foods.

Plant extracts beat synthetics as meat preservatives, says study

Grape seed and pine bark extracts as additives in cooked meats performed better than the synthetic preservatives in oxidation and microbial effects, results that could be readily acceptable to consumers seeking ready-to-eat meat products with natural preservatives.

Weekly Comment

Sweet nothing for global trade

The transition to the new EU sugar regime is a reminder of what was lost when the Doha round of WTO trade talks collapsed.

Italian producers push for organic label

Italy's organic food industry is pressuring the government to develop a labelling system for local produce.

Reduced snack variety could cut obesity

Reducing the variety of snack foods available to consumers could reduce the pleasure associated with them, cut consumption, and help fight obesity, suggests a study.

'Healthy' crisps aim to improve Walkers image

Following a £15m (€22.2m) investment in research and development at the company, UK crisp giant Walkers has launched a new 'healthier' range to attract snack-loving consumers worried about their waistlines.

EU companies consolidating to boost R&D investments

Despite the reluctance of many EU food and packaging companies to invest more in research and development, some have taken up the challenge of keeping the bloc on the leading edge of innovation.

Predicting the future of the world's food supply

The emergence of new agricultural production areas and changing diets will have deep consequences for the supply and demand of global food.

Use technology to tackle obesity, urges food industry insider

We desperately need to change the corrosive debate over obesity by looking for innovative solutions rather than just scapegoats, says a Danisco business development manager.

EFSA finds against noni - hepatitis link

EFSA has concluded that case reports questioning the safety of noni juice are unfounded, enabling products to remain in the EU market.

Sale of Bulgarian pork could be prohibited with EU accession

The sale of Bulgarian pig meat could soon be prohibited unless the government can prove it is successfully tackling increased outbreaks of Classical Swine fever (CSF) in the country, according to a new USDA report.

Food safety experts launch battle against E. coli bacteria

Food safety experts are meeting in Dublin, Ireland this week to discuss international standards they hope will cut back on the rising number of infections caused by the deadly enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) bacteria.

FSA seeks opinion on additive, enzyme and flavour regs

The FSA is seeking comments on proposed European Commission regulations that would establish a common authorisation procedure for food additives, food enzymes and food flavourings.

Tasting robot could be next generation quality and safety tool

A "tasting" robot that can identify foods, drinks and their ingredients through the packaging provides a glimpse into the future direction of safety and quality control in manufacturing plants.

Company receives award for bacteriophage technology

A Netherlands-based company producing bacteria that kill pathogens has won a Frost & Sullivan award for innovation in food safety.

Lupin detection made easier

A new method of screening for the potentially hazardous plant substance Lupin will allow bakers to use the soya-alternative without running the risk of contravening EU law.

FSA moves to block illegal GM rice

The UK's Food Standards Agency has taken action to ensure that testing and monitoring is carried out on consignments of American long grain rice in the UK.

New ingredients driving sugar-free development

The use of ingredients to improve the nutritional status of food products by replacing sugar is one of the major driving forces for new product development, according to Roquette.