Posts from the "Latest News" category
MY: HACCP certification adds global value to Malaysian food manufacturers
matrade.gov.my: In effort to encourage more Malaysian food manufacturers obtain the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is collaborating with SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd and SME Bank to introduce the HACCP Certification Assistance Programme.
The joint-collaboration will see MATRADE providing financial assistance to companies in the application of the HACCP, SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd as the certifying body and SME Bank as the body to offer financing facilities for companies to upgrade or renovate their factories – a key requirement in HACCP. The pilot project is targeting at least 30 companies to be HACCP-certified within a 6-month period.
Read Article →NZ: Are tainted food cases on the rise?
Radio New Zealand: Statistics on the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand website show 23 product recalls so far this year compared to 27 last year and only 13 in 2013, which does suggest a jump. But public health officials are cautious about suggesting any significant increase.
Read Article →US: Walmart applies behavioral science techniques to food safety
Food Safety Tech: Frank Yiannas, vice president of food safety at Walmart, reviews behavioral science techniques that can be applied to a food safety management system. In part I of this video series from the 2015 Food Safety Consortium, Yiannas reviews the principles of consistency and commitment [in promoting a culture of food safety].
Read Article →NZ: Cadmium-resistant potato developed in NZ
Fresh Plaza: A new line of potatoes have been developed in New Zealand by University of Canterbury researchers. The potatoes are potentially resistant to cadmium, a highly toxic metal found in soil which is harmful to crops and can contribute to health issues in humans.
Read Article →US: Experts mixed on Chipotle’s plans to test produce
Nation’s Restaurant News: Will screening help restaurant chains avoid foodborne illness outbreaks?
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.’s plans to do more high-resolution testing of all fresh produce for potential pathogens may be industry leading, but food safety experts are mixed about the effectiveness of such screening efforts for the prevention of foodborne illness.
Read Article →NZ: New development in MPI’s berry investigation
Ministry for Primary Industries: A newly notified case of Hepatitis A is likely to be linked to the consumption of the Fruzio Mixed Berries product, which is currently the subject of an MPI-directed product recall.
If confirmed, the development would bring the number of people who have contracted Hepatitis A after eating the Fruzio Mixed Berries product to five, says MPI’s director of plant food and environment Peter Thomson.
Read Article →US: Fresh produce responsible for most foodborne illnesses in the U.S.
Food Safety News: Fresh produce is the cause of most foodborne illnesses in the U.S., reports the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).
In a study of outbreaks that occurred between 2004 and 2013, the consumer advocacy group found that fresh produce, such as cilantro, cucumbers, cantaloupes and peppers, caused 629 outbreaks and almost 20,000 illnesses.
Read Article →Food fraudsters stealing reputations, writes Jan Davis
Jan Davis writes: Most of us have at some stage come across cheap knock-off copies of expensive brands – Louis Vuitton handbags, Ralph Polo shirts, Rolex watches, Nikes – whatever. Maybe you even succumbed to temptation.
Chinese counterfeiting has been a challenge to many major corporations and fashion houses for decades. However, the copyists have moved on and the latest trend is in faking foods and consumables.
This is proving a nightmare for Australian farmers, agribusinesses and consumers.
Read Article →AU: Sale of raw apricot kernels prohibited
Food Standards Australia New Zealand: The retail sale of raw apricot kernels is prohibited from today, when changes to the Food Standards Code come into effect.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon said FSANZ has found that raw apricot kernels (both with and without skin) pose an acute public health and safety risk.
“Raw apricot kernels contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are broken down to release cyanide when eaten,†Mr McCutcheon said.
Read Article →AU: Power of the Red Tractor
Farm Weekly: VICE Chair of the UK’s Red Tractor Assured Food Standards company Andrew Blenkiron believes Australia is about half-way towards achieving a similar labelling regime.
But completing that journey will require strong leadership to develop a cohesive quality-assurance framework behind a label, to readily demonstrate safe and ethical food production standards to consumers, he says.
Read Article →