The US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration on May 19 announced a memorandum of understanding to help prevent interruptions at FDA-regulated food facilities, including fruit and vegetable processing facilities. A joint statement by Mindy Brashears, PhD, USDA’s undersecretary for food safety, and Frank Yiannas, FDA deputy commissioner for food policy and response, said the MOU creates… Read more »
Acrylamide is a carcinogenic substance found in many different foods, including breads, biscuits, crackers, rolls, and coffee. It was initially discovered in food in 2002. As it turns out, carbohydrate-rich ingredients among them, grains and rice, contain an amino acid called asparagine that converts to the carcinogen when the products are baked, toasted, roasted, or fried above 120°C. The longer… Read more »
EFSA is closely monitoring the situation regarding the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that is affecting a large number of countries across the globe. There is currently no evidence that food is a likely source or route of transmission of the virus. EFSA’s chief scientist, Marta Hugas, said: “Experiences from previous outbreaks of related coronaviruses, such as severe acute respiratory… Read more »
Children and adults all over the world love chocolate, either enjoying it by eating chocolate bars or sipping warm cocoa drinks. But behind its delicious taste, cacao contains cadmium, a chemical substance harmful to kidneys. It also increases the risk of cancer. If we compare it to other harmful heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium may not seem to be that… Read more »
As part of its enforcements, the Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until weeks or months after they are sent. In an Oct. 9 warning letter, the FDA used more than 2,600 words to outline “serious violations” at Pollman’s Bake Shops Inc., which is owned by… Read more »
Vigilance in the food sector is a requisite in the prevention of foodborne illnesses along broad supply chains. This year, industry has welcomed the entry of innovative solutions that aid manufacturers in curbing the spread of pathogens such as Salmonella, E. Coli and Listeria, while extending the shelf life of products. In this space, clean label additives are offering antibacterial solutions… Read more »
Foodwatch has launched a petition urging the food maker to cut titanium dioxide from its ingredients list. Although it is considered safe by European regulators, the contentious ingredient has been linked to negative health consequences, including damage to the intestinal flora and – in the form of very small nanoparticles – the development of cancer. E171 is a colouring used… Read more »
It seems like every day another major corporation is finding new use cases for blockchain technology. And investors, intrigued by the industry’s tremendous growth potential, are pouring capital into blockchain start-ups. The following developments help to illuminate both of these global trends. Nestle wants you to know where your food comes from Food titan Nestle (NASDAQOTH: NSRGY) announced a partnership… Read more »
Researchers in Japan have edited plant mitochondrial DNA for the first time, which could lead to a more secure food supply. Nuclear DNA was first edited in the early 1970s, chloroplast DNA was first edited in 1988, and animal mitochondrial DNA was edited in 2008. However, no tool previously successfully edited plant mitochondrial DNA. Researchers used their technique to create… Read more »
Two in five Europeans take a personal interest in food safety and only one in five say it is their main concern when choosing food. For most Europeans, it is one of several factors – together with price, taste, nutrition and food origin – that influence their eating habits and food choices. The most important factors for Europeans when buying… Read more »
