Breaking News on Food Safety & Quality Control

Some processors fail in calculating meat content, survey finds

About six per cent of meat products sold in the UK either did not contain, or failed to list, the amount on the label, according to a survey by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Finnish functional food program strives for taste and health

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the University of Kuopio have announced a joint interdisciplinary research program on functional foods, bringing the possibility of further industry opportunities in this market.

Optical switches automate liquid detection

A new range of optical switches are designed to turn off after detecting when the correct liquid level is reached.

UK moves one step closer to ban on trans fats

The UK government has taken a significant step towards the possible banning of trans fatty acids by asking the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for its urgent advice.

Brown marine algae mined for functional ingredients

Polysaccharides from brown marine algae could provide the ingredients for a new wave of beverages with health benefits, according to researchers in Ireland.

Fake foods, drinks on the increase, says OECD

The amount of fake foods, drinks and agricultural products being traded worldwide is on the increase according to a new report on counterfeiting released today by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Micro-fibres eyed as future functional ingredients

'Micronised' insoluble fibres, insoluble fibres processed to the micron scale, could favourably change the gut health of hamsters and may translate into important ingredients for functional foods, suggests new research.

New milk culture for yoghurt launched

A new line of freeze-dried and frozen cultures for yoghurt production offer a cost effective replacement for milk solids, while also retaining taste and texture, their manufacturer claims.

Company claims UV technology eliminates ink migration

New ultraviolet (UV) labelling technology can reduce or eliminate odours and ink migration in food packaging, its manufacturer claims.

USDA announces new E coli measures

A higher incidence of E coli-contaminated meat has prompted the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to tighten its safety efforts with a number of initiatives including expanded testing and more rapid recalls.

Organic not organic if it's air-freighted, says Soil Association

Organic produce that is flown into the UK may not be certified as organic until it meets standards on ethical and fair trade, the Soil Association proposed today, a decision that has stirred up fears for the livelihoods of farmers in the developing world.

Mid-level oxygen-barrier film adds to range of options

A new mid-level oxygen-barrier film released on the market adds to the choices processors have for packaging foods and liquids.

Three clean label vanilla extracts launched

French supplier Euringus has developed three organic, clean-label Bourbon Madagascar vanilla extracts that retain the volatile flavours and vary in strength.

Beta-glucan best in beverages and soups, research finds

Beverages and ready-to-eat soups are prime candidates as carriers of added beta-glucan so long as manufacturers maintain sensory properties, according to a new book.

Natural extract could boost meat shelf life

A new natural extract claims to allow meat producers to extend the shelf life of their products by keeping these looking and tasting fresh for longer, according to manufacturer Kemin Food Ingredients.

Health claims amendment could boost innovation

The European Commission is to look again at article 18 health claims, which currently mean any claim supported by new scientific research will have to wait at least two years before they can be used.

Danisco offers to Care4U with food protectants

Danisco is taking its natural food protection services to a new level with the launch of a new label called Care4U, which combines ingredients with advice and analytical support.

US testing speeds peanut import process

The import of American peanuts by European countries is now simpler and quicker because the European Commission has approved the pre-export aflatoxin tests carried out by the USA.

Other salts offer low-sodium bread potential

The use of potassium, magnesium and calcium salts in place of sodium chloride could lead to breads with 33 per cent less salt than normal, with changes in texture and mouthfeel, according to new research from South Africa.

New flavouring regulation presents challenges to industry

With new legislation covering flavourings is a hot topic for debate by the European Parliament and Council, a leading consultant set out some of the main flashpoints of debate and potential challenges for the industry.

New glazing protects frozen doughnuts, manufacturer claims

BakeMark UK has developed a glazed ring doughnut which it claims is eye catching and stops the food product from deteriorating when thawed.

Weekly Comment

The weather excuse

With all the threats facing food and beverage production -- from contamination in the food chain, to rising input prices -- there appears to be one menace that towers above the rest, namely 'The Weather'.

USDA updates list of allowed organic ingredients

Manufacturers of organic goods may no longer use certain nonorganic color ingredients or the food additive potassium tartrate, following the publication of a new rule by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Alginates to boost stability of dairy-protein emulsions

The use and stability of dairy proteins as emulsifiers could be massively extended by adding sodium alginate into the mix, according to new research from Massachusetts.

Ministers request folic acid-colorectal cancer review

UK health ministers have asked the Food Standards Agency to take another look at studies on folic acid fortification and colorectal cancer risk before making a decision on mandatory fortification of some food products.

Ireland's regulator issues warning on recalls

With 22 food recalls made in Ireland since January, the country's regulator has warned managers to follow safety regulation or face the consequences.

Medium distinguishes between Campylobacter species

A newly developed culture medium provides a simpler way to distinguish between Campylobacter species, according to scientists.

Coca-Cola seeks medicinal and coffee kicks

Coca-Cola this week announced plans to scour China for traditional medicines to develop a more nutritionally beneficial portfolio of drinks.

Device embeds RFID tags into packaging

A new way of embedding radio frequency identification (RFID) tags into pack cases could reduce the cost of using the tracking technology, according to the companies involved in the project.

Weekly Comment

Time to get serious on health claims criteria

The European Food Safety Authority's task to assess thousands of health claims is a headache in anyone's book - and one made worse through vague instructions to industry.

EFSA assessing nanoparticles and cloned meat

Developing a methodology for assessing the risk of nanoparticles and the meat of cloned animals are part of the ongoing work of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the organisation's head told EU parliamentarians this week.

Commission alarmed at thousands of health claim proposals

The head of food law and nutrition at the European Commission has expressed his concern over the number of health claims being submitted by industry to Member State regulators - which is already running into the high thousands.

FSA quizzes industry on additive removal plans

The UK's Food Standards Agency has requested the food industry tell it what action has been taken to remove certain artificial additives from products and the timeframe for achieving further removals, in the light of the Southampton study linking some colours and sodium benzoate to hyperactivity in children.

Global nanotech code up for consultation

A global consultation is underway to create a code that would guide companies developing, manufacturing and selling nanotechnology-engineered products.

Cognis makes lauric acid-free whipping agent for snacks

Cognis has developed a new whipping agent under its Lamequick brand using vegetable oils that are free from lauric acid, thus avoiding the soapy taste that can result from interactions with herbs and spices.

Sipal Partners introduces organic fructose syrup

Sipal Partners has developed an organic fructose syrup with exceptionally high fructose content, providing a sweetener low in calories and with a low glycemic index for a growing market sector in Europe.

Reformulation and the bid to stem commodity costs

Palsgaard, CP Kelco and Danisco have said they are researching ingredients' potential to reduce reliance on commodities in food products, but are manufacturers really prepared to reformulate to help control costs?

Weekly comment: Food prices

Will value-added lose out to the basics?

Food companies have been focussing on value-added products in a bid to reduce their reliance on commodities, which can fluctuate wildly and deliver slim margins. But now that prices of basic foods are at an all-time high, can value-added foods still compete for their share of the consumer buck?

DSM saves sausages with anti-mould innovation

DSM Food Specialities has developed a new mould and yeast inhibitor for meat products, said to ensure an even coating of natamycin on products like sausages and give stronger protection against health risks.

System monitors spray nozzle performance

A system developed in Denmark helps plant managers monitor the performance of spray nozzles used in dryers.

UK regulator issues milk testing proposals

The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued proposals to adopt EU-wide measures designed to prevent antibiotic residues entering the food chain via raw milk and other dairy products.

Barry Callebaut launches new antioxidant cocoa

Barry Callebaut today said it is adding to its healthy chocolate portfolio with the official launch of a cocoa product containing a high level of antioxidant flavanols.

Bud maker denies GM accusations

Anheuser Busch yesterday denied claims by environmental organisation Greenpeace that batches of its beer, including the flagship brand Budweiser, contain genetically modified (GM) materials.

UK proposes to tighten protection for whisky

The UK government yesterday announced new production, export and labelling measures to protect whisky from the threat of counterfeit goods.

RFID system ensures happier harvests

The development of a new RFID software system offers the fresh food industry an unprecedented level of monitoring and traceability, to ensure safety is retained from the farm to the fork, its manufacturer claims.

Meat ban lifted in UK

The European Union will allow meat products from selected parts of the UK to be exported to other member states, and lift the ban imposed last month after Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was found on a farm.

UK seeks minced meat amendments

A UK consultation on amendments to the country's hygiene laws affecting meat processors foreshadows changes to be implemented across the EU by the end of this year.

Gateless conveyor designed to handle delicate foods

A new conveyor system is designed to handle delicate foods, such as chocolates or confectionery, helping to reduce product damage and flavour loss, the manufacturer claims.

Innocent found guilty over antioxidant health claim

UK's Innocent has been rapped on the knuckles for making a health claim about its smoothie having a high antioxidant content and detoxifying effect.

When an inspector calls

The UK regulator yesterday published its audits of four of the country's largest meat processing plants, exposing them to increased public scrutiny over their food safety practices.

New test spots the toxins, researchers claim

A brand new test for food processors can spot within five minutes the presence of biogenic amines, naturally occurring toxins that cause headaches, researchers claim.

Indian guar gum imports 'accepted' in EU

Fears over dioxin levels in guar gum supplies from India are not stopping the shipping of consignments, according to reports from India.

Hydrocolloids go head-to-head as emulsifiers

Sugar beet pectin has come out top in a comparison of hydrocolloids for stabilising emulsions, researchers from Japan and the UK have reported.

FDA publishes food additive guidance

The US Food and Drug Administration has set out guidance for submissions for approval of antimicrobial food additives.

Weekly comment

Ripping the red tape

They say that patience is a virtue. But when it comes to the regulatory process on both sides of the Atlantic, patience too often results in dust gathering in the "to do" box on some regulator's desk.