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Food safety

The importance of food safety has been brought into sharp focus as North America has been hit by a spate of foodborne illnesses. Now the regulatory framework governing US food safety looks set for an overhaul.

USDA proposes 'test and hold' procedure to boost meat safety

The US Department of Agriculture has proposed that companies should hold meat and poultry products until inspectors have received foodborne pathogen test results, in an effort to reduce illness.

FDA delivers food recall search site, as required by food safety bill

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an easier-to-use version of its food recall search engine, in direct response to Food Safety Modernization Act requirements, the agency said Tuesday.

International food risk communication center seeks more international involvement

The newly formed International Center of Excellence in Food Risk Communication (ICEFRC) is looking to attract more international partner organizations, its chief facilitating organization has said.

News in brief

International food risk communication center formed

International food safety authorities have set up a new organization with the aim of creating a collective international resource providing communication materials about food risks along the supply chain.

Nano-based biosensor under development at Kansas State University

Nano-biosensors to boost detection of foodborne pathogens - research

A nano-based biosensor that could be used for early stage detection of foodborne pathogens such as E.coli and salmonella is under development by scientists in the US.

Industry body stresses importance of import safety

The Grocer Manufacturers Association stressed the importance of ensuring food import safety yesterday, in comments submitted ahead of an FDA meeting on implementing the import safety measures of new food...

NOAA, FDA to make data public from continuing Gulf seafood tests

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) has said it will continue to test seafood from the Gulf of Mexico into the summer, in an effort to convince consumers that...

Food safety fragmentation still a problem, says GAO

The establishment of a Food Safety Working Group in 2009 was a ‘positive first step’ but more work is needed to address fragmented oversight of US food safety, says the...

Canadian agency to name food safety offenders

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has said it intends to name companies that violate Canada’s food safety regulations in an effort to improve accountability and transparency.

Study sheds light on consumer food safety behaviors

Food safety messages need to be clear and targeted to drive the behavior of consumers, who are generally not confident in the safety of the US food supply, according to...

Industry urges Congress to reject user fees to fund food safety

A coalition of 16 food industry groups has written to key leaders in Congress urging them to reject increased user fees to fund the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Researchers believe enzyme treatment may reduce or remove levels of allergens in peanuts.

Enzyme treatment may remove peanut allergens, suggests study

An enzymatic treatment process may effectively reduce allergens in roasted peanuts by up to 100 per cent, according to new research.

Rapid tracing necessary to reduce foodborne illness: Study

Speed is essential for pinpointing the source of food contamination and saving lives, according to a new study examining the 2008 salmonella outbreak caused by Mexican peppers, but first linked...

Senator Leahy calls for Peanut Corp. investigation update

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) has written to the Department of Justice to demand an update on its investigation of former Peanut Corporation of America president Stewart Parnell.

CSPI seeks caramel coloring ban

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) claims that some caramel colorings may cause cancer, and has called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban them...

Race is on to find bisphenol A substitutes, says NAMPA

The race is on to find bisphenol A (BPA) alternatives in can linings but a substitute is unlikely be brought to market immediately - whatever laws are passed, the North...

FDA requests extra funding for food safety law in 2012 budget

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has requested a record $4.3bn budget for fiscal 2012, including $324m to start implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Dingell urges funding approval for food safety law

Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) has urged Congress to approve the $1.4bn of funding estimated to be necessary to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, which President Obama signed into...

FDA to hire ‘chief outbreak director’

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said it is seeking someone to fill the newly created position of chief outbreak director, putting one person in charge of foodborne illness...

Consumers reveal true value of foodborne illness reduction: Study

Consumers are willing to pay more than government analyses suggest in order to reduce their risk of becoming ill from foodborne pathogens, according to a new study published in Food...

Reportable Food Registry works to prevent illness, says FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that its Reportable Food Registry (RFR) is working to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks, in its first annual report on its efficacy.

FDA seeks to halt production at US juice company

The FDA is seeking the closure of US juice company Mystical One after it failed to implement an HACCP plan or comply with cGMP requirements and then did not respond...

Origin certification scheme launched to combat ‘honey laundering’

A coalition organization of honey companies and importers has revealed a new initiative to certify the origin of US honey in an effort to ensure product purity and safety.

New food safety bill should spur industry action: Report

New food safety legislation was signed into law last week, increasing the urgency for food companies to update their food safety plans, according to a new report from PwC US...

Fostering culture of food safety key to combating foodborne illness

Food processors must develop a complete culture of food safety that goes beyond such basic measures as regulatory compliance if they are serious about tackling the issue, according to new...