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Food e-News

Edition 493: 23 June - 7 July 2010
Garlic and onion may promote iron and zinc bioavailability
The antioxidant activity of ginger and cumin
High blood pressure caused by high fructose intake
Conjugated linoleic acid in diary products and risk of myocardial infarction
First steps in using diet to control gut health
Extra virgin olive oil could protect against breast cancer
Chocolate and blood pressure
Product recalls and alerts
Food safety
Legislation headlines

Garlic and onion may promote iron and zinc bioavailability

Previous research has found that the bioavailability of iron and zinc from plant foods is poor.  This is influenced by inhibitors such as phytate, polyphenols, dietary fibre, oxalate and calcium and enhancers (organic acids) of mineral availability also present in the diet.  A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistryopens in a new window has investigated the effect of sulphur compound-rich Allium spices found in garlic and onion on the mineral bioavailability of iron and zinc from food grains consumed in India.  Gautam et al. used two cereals, rice and sorghum, and two pulses, whole green gram and chickpea.  The researchers analysed the bioaccessibility of iron and zinc in 10g of raw and cooked food grain and 10g of raw and cooked food grain with either 0.25g of garlic, 0.5g of garlic, 1.5g onion or 3g onion added.  The bioaccessibility was determined by using a simulated gastrointestinal digestion procedure.   The study found that both spices enhanced the bioavailability of iron in raw and cooked food grains, increasing the cereals iron bioaccessibility by 9.4-65.9% and in both pulses by 9.9-73.3%.   A similar effect was seen for zinc bioaccessibility, with cereals increasing by 10-159.4% and in pulses by 9.8-49.8%.  The authors of the study state that the Allium spices contain a high amount of thiosulphinates, sulphides, polysulphides, mercaptan amongst others.  Garlic contains 3.3mg/g of sulphur which is four times higher than in onion.  Previous animal research has found that supplementation of sulphur amino acids, particularly cysteine, enhanced zinc status.  It is thought that this is due to sulphur amino acids promoting zinc absorption however more research into this is needed.  In conclusion Gautam et al. state that the information generated in their study has a promising application in evolving a food-based strategy for alleviating deficiencies of these minerals in sections of the population.

RSSL’s Metalsopens in a new window Laboratory is equipped with AAS and ICP-MS to analyse for a wide range of concentrations of metals in foods, drinks and dietary supplements. Zinc can be determined down to a level of 50 ppb. We can analyse for a wide range of concentrations of iron (UKAS accredited) including haem iron and other metals in foods, drinks and dietary supplements.  For more information please contact Customer Services on Freephone 0800 243482 or email enquiries@rssl.comopens in a new window

RSSL's Functional Ingredients Laboratoryopens in a new window is willing to discuss with clients the analysis of various health beneficial components in garlic.  For more information please contact Customer Services on Freephone 0800 243482 or email enquiries@rssl.comopens in a new window

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The antioxidant activity of ginger and cumin

Spices are becoming more sought after for properties they possess other than to add flavour to foods.  These include preservative, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.  Ginger for example has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, for the treatment of arthritis and rheumatological conditions.  It is even thought to help symptoms of the common cold and flu.  Cumin is another spice that is widely used for its medicinal properties and is actually a key component of traditional medicines used to treat digestive disorders and wounds.  The search for natural antioxidants has intensified recently, due to the general public becoming ever increasingly concerned about their health and expecting more from their foods.  Spices can be a good source of natural antioxidants. A study recently published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistryopens in a new window has looked into the antioxidant activities of both ginger and cumin in more detail.  The study, conducted by El-Ghorab et al. used  fresh and dried samples of ginger rhizones and dry seeds of cumin. The scientists assessed the spices chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the volatile oils and non-volatile extracts using methods such as methanol extract, n-hexane extraction, DPPH and ferric reducing power (FRAP).   The study found that methanol extract of fresh ginger had the highest total phenolic content whilst n-hexane extract of cumin had the lowest total phenolic content.  DPPH showed cumin essential oil to have the highest antioxidant activity with fresh ginger essential oil the lowest, whilst FRAP showed similar results.  The essential oils of both spices showed reasonable amounts of high activity antioxidant compounds and the non volatile extracts of both had good free radical inhibition properties.   In conclusion the authors of the study state both ginger and cumin have potential as sources of natural antioxidants for foods.

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High blood pressure caused by high fructose intake

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common chronic condition in developed countries and is a major risk factor for heart disease.  Sugar has long been known to contribute to dental problems and obesity, but this new study conducted by Diana Jalal et al. of the University of Coloradoopens in a new window has now also linked it to hypertension.  The mechanism by which fructose is thought to have this effect is by increasing uric acid levels in the blood.  This in turn increases levels of angiotensin II, which is a hormone responsible for causing the blood vessels to contract. The study surveyed 4528 American adults, all of whom had no history of high blood pressure.  The dietary intake of each of the subjects was studied, and specifically the fructose levels were estimated.  They found that those who consumed 74 grams of fructose per day or more had a 28% chance of entering what they referred to as pre-hypertension, or a blood pressure reading of 135/85, and a 77% chance of becoming hypertensive.  This study has received some criticism, particularly from the Corn Refiners Association who claim that their methodology was flawed. This study, although potentially flawed, has raised an interesting issue that deserves further study.

RSSL's Functional Ingredients Laboratoryopens in a new window can determine fructose by HPLC.  For more information please contact Customer Services on Freephone 0800 243482 or email enquiries@rssl.comopens in a new window

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Conjugated linoleic acid in diary products and risk of myocardial infarction

Conjugated  linoleic acidopens in a new window (CLA) in the diet comes from dairy products and meats.  Cows grazing on grass have more CLA in their milk than grain-fed cows.  A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutritionopens in a new window has tested whether adipose tissue CLA is associated with risk of nonfatal myocardial infarctionopens in a new window (MI).  CLA is a natural trans fatty acid and the authors state that it might play a part in heart disease, although some animal models have suggested that the 9c, 11t isomer of CLA could protect against atherosclerosis.  Smit et al. studied 3636 participants from Costa Rica with and without a history of MI. The authors report that the dairy industry in Costa Rica uses milk from pasture grazing diary cows, so the CLA content will be higher than in milk produced in the United States, where cows are often grain fed.  Participants provided data on dietary intake, physical activity, socioeconomic, demographic and health characteristics.  The scientists determined the composition of all the foods including 9c 11t-CLA.  Adipose tissue was collected from the participants and analysed using  gas-liquid chromatography.  Smit et al. report that their data showed that higher adipose tissue 9c, 11t-CLA was associated with a lower risk of MI.  Intake of dairy product was not associated with risk of MI.  The participants with higher amounts of adipose tissue 9c, 11t-CLA had higher 9c, 11t-CLA intakes and higher intake of dairy products.  The study states that it supports the hypothesis of previous studies  that the effect of saturated fat in dairy products on risk of MI may be counterbalanced by the potential beneficial effects of 9c, 11t-CLA.   The authors note a number of mechanisms to explain their findings but note that findings from previous trials have not been clear.  Smit et al. indicate that it is possible that CLA could have a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect.  They report that at the moment it is uncertain whether an increase in CLA in dairy products will have a beneficial effect that would counterbalance the adverse effect of saturated fats.  They do state however that their study did show that adipose tissue 9c,11t-CLA is associated with a reduced risk of nonfatal acute MI in Costa Rica. 

RSSL's Lipids Laboratoryopens in a new window, part of the Investigative analysis team has expertise in all aspects of fat analysis and fatty acid profiling including the determination of CLA.  For information on the lipid profile of your product please contact Customer Services on Freephone 0800 243482 or email enquiries@rssl.comopens in a new window.

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First steps in using diet to control gut health

The bacteria that live in the human gut are known to play a role in digestion – helping to break down complex molecules that human enzymes cannot break down – and to play a role in the genesis of some gut diseases.  There is therefore some optimism that manipulating gut microbes could be a way of remedying disease and enhancing health. An animal study published June 25 in Cellopens in a new window, reported on the Science Dailyopens in a new window website claims to have made a move in this direction. The researchers from Stanford University were able to prove that they could predict, by looking at a mere handful of microbial genes, how a shift in diet can alter the microbial composition of the gut. The team introduced two distinct species of bacteria, both common in the human digestive tract, into mice that had been raised in a sterile environment. These "germ-free" mice have no resident microbes. The researchers were able to increase bacterial populations selectively by feeding mice a particular diet. The results highlight the potential of prebiotics, i.e. using diet to change the mix of bacteria in our gut in a healthy direction. However, to have any real-life relevance, these experiments now need to be scaled up to introduce more of the bacterial species found in the human intestine. This will not be easy given that there are nearly 1,000 of them. Nonetheless, the Stanford lab claims to have already embarked on increasing the complexity of its experimental system by increasing the number of human-associated bacteria into germ-free mice.

RSSL's Product and Ingredient Innovationopens in a new window Team, has considerable experience in formulating products containing prebiotics and probiotics. For more information please contact Customer Services on Freephone 0800 243482 or email enquiries@rssl.comopens in a new window

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Extra virgin olive oil could protect against breast cancer

Scientists from the Autònoma University in Barcelona, claim to have found a mechanism by which extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) can protect against breast cancer.   Due to a lower incidence of breast cancers amongst populations consuming the Mediterranean diet, many have already concluded that EVOO may have a chemopreventive effect on breast cancer. In contrast, high corn oil (HCO) diets are thought to stimulate it. The study published in the journal Carcinogenesisopens in a new window investigated mechanisms for these different modulatory actions using rats with mammary adenomas. They analysed the expression and activity of a variety of cell growth modulators and regulators, under different dietary conditions.  The scientists showed that an EVOO diet is associated with higher incidences of benign breast tumours compared to the HCO diet. The EVOO diet also exhibits a decrease in the activity of the p21Ras oncogene, which promotes uncontrolled cell proliferation and stimulates the growth of tumours. Moreover, EVOO appears to suppress the activity of the proteins that prevent apoptosis i.e. a cell 'causing' its own death. In an EVOO rich diet, the balance between proliferation and apoptosis in tumour cells is tipped towards cell death, which has the effect of slowing the growth of tumours.  There was also evidence that EVOO helps protect the DNA in the cell nucleus. Cells from animals fed a diet rich in virgin olive oil contained less DNA lesions than those fed a control diet.

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Chocolate and blood pressure

Dark chocolate and flavanolopens in a new window-rich cocoaopens in a new window products have attracted interest for their potential to reduce high blood pressure. A recent meta-analysis published in the journal BMC Medicineopens in a new window summarises current evidence on the effect of flavanol-rich cocoa products on blood pressure in hypertensiveopens in a new window and normotensiveopens in a new window individuals.  The researchers from the University of Adelaide in Australia searched for randomized controlled trials between 1955 and 2009 investigating the effect of cocoa as food or drink compared with placebo on systolic and diastolic blood pressureopens in a new window for a minimum duration of two weeks. They also conducted random effects meta-analysisopens in a new window fitting the inclusion criteria, as well as subgroup analysis by baseline blood pressure.  Meta-regression analysis explored the association between the type of treatment, dosage, duration or baseline blood pressure and blood pressure outcome.  15 trial arms of 13 assessed studies met the inclusion criteria.  The meta-analysis of the 15 trial arms suggests that dark chocolate and flavanol-rich cocoa products are superior to placebo in reducing systolic hypertension and diastolic hypertension.  Blood pressure was not reduced in the normotensive groups and flavanol-rich cocoa products did not significantly reduce mean blood pressure below 140 mmHg or 80mmHg diastolic.  It is clear that additional trials of hypertensive populations are needed to understand whether local dietary habits or genetic factors influence the blood pressure-lowering effect of cocoa.

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Product recalls and alerts

**EH Booth withdraws Chateau Ducla French AC Bordeaux Superior
**Morrisons recalls strawberry cheesecakes
**From Ireland
**From Australia and New Zealand
**From Canada
**From the US
**European Rapid Alerts
**Links to recall web sites
**Recall web sites for halal and kosher foods

**EH Booth withdraws Chateau Ducla French AC Bordeaux Superior
EH Booth has withdrawn two batches of Chateau Ducla French AC Bordeaux Superior because they contain sulphites that are not declared on the label. This makes them a risk to anyone who is sensitive to sulphites.  The Food Standards Agency has issued an Allergy Alertopens in a new window advising anyone with a sensitivity to sulphites not to drink this wine.

**Morrisons recalls strawberry cheesecakes
Morrisons has recalled its fresh strawberry cheesecakes because they might contain small pieces of plastic. The Food Standards Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Noticeopens in a new window.

**From Ireland

 

·         Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland has recalled four jelly sweet products, from SuperValu and Centra stores. The manufacturer has found lumps of hard undissolved ingredients in some sweets which may present a choking hazard.

 

**From Australia and New Zealand

 

·         George Weston Foods Limited (GWF) has initiated a consumer level recall on certain crumpet products as a precautionary measure due to the potential presence of small metal fragments which may be present in a small number of products.

·         Orgran gluten-free molasses licorice 200g with a best before date of 31 October 2011 has been recalled due to the presence of undeclared gluten.

·         Azzura Gelati has initiated a recall of certain Azzura Sorbets - Strawberry, Mango, Lemon and Blueberry Flavours due to it containing undeclared dairy.

·         Kylie (Australia) Pty Ltd has initiated a recall of certain Pacific West Beer Battered Fish Cocktails due to it containing undeclared dairy.

 

**From Canada

 

·         The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume certain cardamom seeds because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

·         Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) is warning the public not to consume President's Choice® Louisiana Hot Sauce Thick Cut Dipping Chips because it contains milk ingredients.

·         The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Juici Patties (Canada), Establishment 213, are warning people with allergies to milk not to consume Juici Patties brand Jamaican Style Vegetable Patty. The affected product contains milk which is not declared on the label.

·         The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Choice Family Meats are warning the public not to consume certain Choice Family Meats brand beef jerky products because they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.

 

**From the US

 

·         Lancaster Foods, LLC is voluntarily recalling fresh Spinach with the Best Enjoyed By dates of 19 JUN 10 through 27 JUN 10 sold under the brand names Krisp-Pak, Lancaster Fresh, Giant, and America's Choice because they could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

·         Working in consultation with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Kellogg Company (NYSE:K) is implementing a voluntary recall of certain breakfast cereals due to an uncharacteristic off-flavor and smell coming from the liner in the package.

·         Pure Base Distribution, LLC of Ontario, CA is recalling its 4 ounce bottles of “Pure Base Garlic Spread - Concentrate” and 7 ounce bottles of “Pure Base Garlic Spread - Ready to Spread” items because they may contain undeclared milk and wheat.

·         I Dolce Inc. dba Roba Dolce of Warwick, RI is recalling its 33.8 oz (1 Liter) packages of Roba Dolce Double Chocolate Chunk Gelato because they may contain undeclared peanuts.

·         DOMEGA NY INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD 4820 2nd AVE BROOKLYN NY 11232 is recalling FUMA CUSTARD PIE because it may contain undeclared milk powder.

·         Tri-Union Seafoods LLC is issuing a precautionary, voluntary recall of a limited amount of Chicken of the Sea brand 12-ounce solid white tuna in water.  Due to a production error, the product does not meet the company's standards for seal tightness.

·         Setton International Foods, Inc. is voluntarily recalling limited quantities of its Fairway brand Energy Mix and its Setton Farms brand Total Energy Mix sold to select stores in NY and NJ because they may contain peanuts and chocolate flavored chips (Sugar, Partially Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa, Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Sorbitan Monosterate (An Emulsifier), Salt, Soy Lecithin (An Emulsifier), Vanillin (An Artificial Flavor)) not listed on the label.

·         Rocky Mountain Natural Meats, a Henderson, Colo. establishment, is recalling approximately 66,000 pounds of ground and tenderized steak bison products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7

 

**EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF)

The database of rapid alert notifications hosted by the European Commission has recently changed format. The weekly list of notifications has been replaced by a database, searchable by week number.  The latest notifications, or updates to previous notifications are for 6 July 2010.

 

**Links to recall web sites
For UK product recalls visit the Food Standards Agency’s  Food Alertsopens in a new window and Allergy Alertopens in a new window web sites.
For US product recalls visit the USDA’s  Food Safety and Inspection Serviceopens in a new window (FSIS) or the Food and Drug Administrationopens in a new window (FDA) web sites.
For product recalls in Australia and New Zealand visit the FSANZ web siteopens in a new window.
For Canada go to The Canadian Food Inspection Agencyopens in a new window (CFIA)
For Ireland go to the Food Safety Authority of Irelandopens in a new window (FSAI).

 

**Recall web sites for halal and kosher foods
Food e-News does not cover product recalls and mislabelling alerts for Kosher or Halal products. If you need information on these please go to the London Beth Din Kashrut Divisionopens in a new window where there is a facility on the home page to access the  kosher alerts systemopens in a new window.  For US Kosher alerts please go to  Kashrut.com  and follow the link labelled 'Consumer Kashrut Alerts'opens in a new window for Kosher alerts. For Halal alerts go to the Muslim Consumer Groupopens in a new window web site, which also outlines the criteriaopens in a new window used to judge if products are halal or not. 

RSSL's Emergency Response Serviceopens in a new window (ERS) helps customers deal with a wide range of product emergencies and offers advice on crisis management. It operates 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.  To request an ERS presentation or find out more please contact Customer Services on Freefone 0800 243482 or e-mail enquiries@rssl.comopens in a new window

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Food safety

**Camel’s milk may soon be available in the EU
**Update on US GM rice
**Oil found in Gulf crabs
**Packaging caused taint in Kelloggs’s product recalls
**Bisphenol A to be voluntary phased out in Australia
**CPSI call for ban on artificial food dyes
**German safety body investigates bacterial load of packaging sprouts and ready to eat salads
**Health secretary reject advice on trans fat ban
**E.coli found in bags for life
**Catering companies who supply in flight meals have poor hygiene standards
**Five-year prison sentence for food tampering employee
**FSA commissions research on campylobacter
**Animal diseases updates and food poisoning outbreaks
**The Food Safety Network

**Camel’s milk may soon be available in the EU
According to The Nationalopens in a new window, a newspaper of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the European Union has informed the UAE that is has approved its plan to demonstrate the safety and quality of camels milk which could mean camel milk being export to Europe as soon as next year.  There are two companies in the UAE which sell camel milk and the article indicates that next year the EU will send inspectors to verify the documentation of quality standards at the camel farms, check veterinary practices and local regulatory regime.  Analysis has found that the milk has less than half the fat and 40% of the cholesterol of cow’s milk, and three times the vitamin C content.

**Update on US GM rice
The Food Standards Agencyopens in a new window has reported that they have written to enforcement authorities, and others, to tell them that the emergency measures controlling the import of rice products from the US, which have been in place since 2006, have been revoked by the European Commission. This means long grain rice from the US can be imported without a certificate declaring it to be free of the presence of the genetically modified rice, LLRICE601.

**Oil found in Gulf crabs
Scientists from the University of Southern Mississippi and Tulane University in New Orleans have found oil droplets in the larvae of blue crabs and fiddler crabs from Louisiana to Pensacola.  The director of the Center for Fisheries Research and Development at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory has report that this will enter the food chain in a lot of ways including fish feeding on crab larvae.  She has said although the researchers have not yet linked the crab larvae's hydrocarbons to the BP disaster she has little doubt the Gulf spill is the source. (USA Todayopens in a new window)

**Packaging caused taint in Kelloggs’s product recalls
Bakery and Snacks.comopens in a new window are reporting that the cause of Kelloggs’s nationwide recall of 28 million boxes of cereals produced at a facility in Omaha, Nebraska, was due to tainted packaging.  A slight increase level of a waxy resin, which is FDA-approve and usually found in low levels packaging material, was responsible for the off flavour and odour.   Kelloggs is reported as saying that the chemical is often used to coat foods including cheese, raw fruit and vegetables.  The product was recalled due to a failure to meet quality standards. 

RSSL can investigate Off-Flavours and Taintsopens in a new window 

**Bisphenol A to be voluntary phased out in Australia
The Australian Government have announced a voluntary agreement with retailers to begin the immediate phasing out of baby bottles containing bisphenol A. The government have stated that this is due to public concern over the chemical. Last week the French announced a similar agreement. (Food Production Dailyopens in a new window)

 

**CPSI call for ban on artificial food dyes
An article on News Infernoopens in a new window is reporting that The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is calling for a ban on artificial food dyes.  They state that none of the nine food dyes have proven safe.  The CPSI indicate that animal and human studies have found significant health risks related to these dyes including hyperactivity in children and the CPSI is saying that animal studies have linked the dyes and related chemicals in the dyes, to cancer. According to Food Navigator USAopens in a new window, food industry experts have responded to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) on banning food colouring by insisting there is overwhelming evidence of their safety. 

 

RSSL's Functional Ingredients Laboratoryopens in a new window can analyse foods for natural and artificial food colours by HPLC and identify added carotenoids. For more information please contact Customer Services on Freephone 0800 243482 or email enquiries@rssl.comopens in a new window

 

**German safety body investigates bacterial load of packaging sprouts and ready to eat salads

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), a German Safety body, state that poor processing hygiene and humid conditions inside plastic packaging is the likely cause of a high bacterial content seen in fresh packaged sprouts and ready to eat salads.   They report however that compared to pork and poultry the incidence of food poisoning from these vegetables were relatively low.  The study analysed 59 samples of fresh packaged sprouts and shoots.  It reports that after a few days the numbers of bacteria in sprouts increase considerably and have an above average microbial content when they reached the best before date. In 2008 a study of 133 bagged salads found that 5% contained Listeria.  This was seen particularly in mixed salads consisting of white cabbage.  The BfR recommend washing before consumption. (Food Production Dailyopens in a new window)

 

**Health secretary reject advice on trans fat ban

In the last issue of Food e-Newsopens in a new window it was reported that the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) had called for a ban on trans fats to help prevent around 40,000 early deaths a year.  An article in the Daily Mailopens in a new window this week states that Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has decided to reject the advice from NICE.  According to the article he is reported to have told the British Medical Association the Government was likely to opt out of legislating on health and diet. The Daily Mail says that Mr Lansley wrote: ‘voluntary action by the UK food industry had reduced levels of trans fatty acids in fats and oils used in food production to a minimum and continues by saying these benefits are equivalent to those achieved through legislation in Denmark and New York City. He reports that ‘low levels of average trans fatty acid intakes by the UK population…are considered to be within safe levels.’

 

RSSL's Lipids Laboratoryopens in a new window, part of the Investigative Analysis Team can determine the fatty acid profile of all dietary fats and oils including trans fats. For more information please contact Customer Services on Freephone 0800 243482 or email  enquiries@rssl.comopens in a new window

 

**E.coli found in bags for life

Researchers from the University of Arizona have found that bags for life may harbour food poisoning bacteria.  The researchers found that of the 84 bags tested, half of them contained traces of E.coli and many were contaminated with Salmonella.  The lead researcher Charles Gerba is quoted by the Telegraphopens in a new window as saying that their study indicates a serious threat to public health, especially from bacteria such as E.coli, which were detected in half of the bags sampled.  He continued by saying consumers are alarmingly unaware of these risks and the critical need to sanitise their bags on a weekly basis.

 

**Catering companies who supply in flight meals have poor hygiene standards

Reports by the FDA have indicated that catering companies which supply in flight meals to airlines including Delta, American Airlines, United, US Airways and Continental Airlines in the US and other international airlines operating from airports across the Atlantic, have been found to have poor hygiene standards.  The US authorities have found unsanitary conditions at some of the catering premises of Gate Gourmet, LSG Sky Chefs and Flying Food Group.  These include unclean equipment and keeping kitchens at unsatisfactory high temperatures, which could cause a risk of food poisoning.   The report by the Mail Onlineopens in a new window states that all three companies deny the reports. 

 

**Five-year prison sentence for food tampering employee

An employee of a Jacksonville Burger King restaurant has been sentenced to five year in prison after admitting to putting the painkiller hydrocodone in customers’ food.  Woody Duclos was arrested after a woman suffered a seizure after eating a sandwich at the restaurant.  He was charged with poisoning food with intent to kill or injure a person. (UPI.comopens in a new window)

 

**FSA commissions research on campylobacter

To support the Food Standards Agency’sopens in a new window five-year campylobacter risk management programme the agency is commissioning a range of research to tackle the food poisoning bug campylobacter.  The initial areas of research are: feasibility of developing a rapid on-farm test; effectiveness of biosecurity training; controlling campylobacter in the slaughterhouse; monitoring campylobacter; predictive models and measuring the impact of interventions.

 

**Animal diseases updates and food poisoning outbreaks
Regular global updates on food poisoning outbreaks and animal diseases, such as avian influenza, foot and mouth, Ebola, SARS, and Anthrax can be found on the International Society for Infectious Diseases ‘ProMED-mail’opens in a new window web site. 

 

**BITES safe food from farm to fork
The BITES web siteopens in a new window at Kansas State University (KSU) provides up-to-date details of food safety incidents around the world.  It replaced the International Food Safety Network (iFSN) web site at KSU, which is no longer being kept up-to date. The Fsnet Archivesopens in a new window are still available but only updated until September 2009.

RSSL's scientists are able to assist food businesses to manage food safety issues more effectively. The laboratories have considerable experience in the detection and identification of foreign bodies, heavy metals, allergens, toxins and chemical residues. For more information on any of these services and RSSL's Emergency Response Service, please contact Customer Services on Freefone 0800 243482 or e-mail enquiries@rssl.comopens in a new window

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Legislation headlines

**New ‘ Your Freedom’ website launched by FSA
**Organic food will now carry new logo
**FSIS, FDA, and CDC measure progress on food safety
**Eggs can continue to be sold by the dozen
**FDA produces guidelines for reducing antibiotics in meat
**Kellogg's pulls application for weight health claim
**Proposed changes to the structure of EU food additives legislation (England)
**The Food Irradiation (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
**Amendment to PDO for ‘Piacentinu Ennese’
**Amendment to Annex III laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin
**Amendment to PDO for ‘Robiola di Roccaverano’
**Amendment to PDO for ‘Fagioli Bianchi di Rotonda’
**PGI application for ‘Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong-Hai’
**PGI application for ‘ Chosco de Tineo’
**EFSA invites NGOs to discuss welcomed draft GMO Environmental Risk Assessment Guidelines
**EFSA scientific documents recently published

**New ‘ Your Freedom’ website launched by FSA
The Cabinet Office has launched a new website entitled Your Freedomopens in a new window which will allow anyone to suggest ideas on restoring liberties that have been lost, replacing unnecessary laws and stripping away excessive regulation on businesses. (Food Standards Agencyopens in a new window)

**Organic food will now carry new logo
From now on pre-packaged organic food made in Europe will have to carry a new logo as part of new food-labelling rules. The 'Euro-Leaf' will be compulsory on pre-packaged organic food products that have been produced in any of the EU member states.  However it will remain optional on non-packed and imported organic products. (Packaging Newsopens in a new window)

**FSIS, FDA, and CDC measure progress on food safety
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have taken another step in the agencies' collaborative efforts to measure progress in reducing illness, harm, and death from contaminated food by announcing two joint public meetings to hear stakeholder presentations on measuring progress on food safety. The two meetings are being held in Chicago, Ill., on July 21, and in Portland, Ore., on October 20.  (USDAopens in a new window)

**Eggs can continue to be sold by the dozen
The European Parliament will not be banning eggs from being sold by the dozen or any other food sold by quantity.  Under proposed new rules which are still a year away from approval, produce traditionally packaged and sold by number would also have to be labelled by weight. (Associated Press)

**FDA produces guidelines for reducing antibiotics in meat
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has produced draft guidelines for reducing the use of growth-promoting antibiotic drugs for meat-producing animals, saying it contributes to drug resistance in humans. (Food Navigator)

**Kellogg's pulls application for weight health claim
Nutraingredientsopens in a new window is reporting that Kellogg’s has pulled its application to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for approval of a weight health relationship claim under the proprietary and emerging science article 13.5 for generic ready-to-eat breakfast cereals.  The reason for the withdrawal has not been disclosed.

**Proposed changes to the structure of EU food additives legislation (England)
The Food Standards Agencyopens in a new window is alerting food businesses to the proposed changes to the structure of EU food additives legislation and is seeking advice on any omissions or errors in the new lists. The proposed changes by the European Union are to make it easier to identify which additives are permitted.  Responses are required by Friday 27 August 2010.

**The Food Irradiation (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
The Food Standards Agencyopens in a new window is seeking views on the proposed amending regulations, to make businesses and enforcement authorities aware of the new facilities and to provide opportunity for interested parties to comment on the proposals.  It will  make statutory provision to implement Commission Decision 2010/172/EU which adds three food irradiation facilities in India to the list of approved third-country (non-EU) food irradiation facilities. The list of approved EU member state facilities will also be updated to reflect the recent changes. Responses are required by 6 August 2010.

**Amendment to PDO for ‘Piacentinu Ennese’
An application has been made on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for ‘Piacentinu Ennese’opens in a new window .  The cheese is a compact pressed cheese made from the raw, whole milk, with natural acidity from fermentation, of sheep of the native Sicilian Comisana, Pinzirita and Valle del Belice breeds and their crosses.

**Amendment to Annex III laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin
An amendment has been made to Annex III of the Regulation (EC) No 853/2004opens in a new window which lays down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin. It provides, inter alia, that food business operators may place products of animal origin on the market only if they have been prepared and handled exclusively in establishments that meet the relevant requirements of Annex III.

**Amendment to PDO for ‘Robiola di Roccaverano’
The description, geographical area,  proof or origin, method of production , link and labelling have been amended for Robiola di Roccaveranoopens in a new window.

**Amendment to PDO for ‘Fagioli Bianchi di Rotonda’
An amendment to the protected designation of origin has been made for ‘Fagioli Bianchi di Rotonda’opens in a new window which is obtained from the Fagiolo Bianco and Tondino (or Poverello) Bianco ecotypes of the Phaseolus vulgaris L. species.

**PGI application for ‘Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong-Hai’
An application has been made for a protected geographical indication (PGI) for Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong-Haiopens in a new window .  This is a rice produced in the Thung Kula Rong-Hai area, extending across five provinces of north-east Thailand. It is grown from Khao Dawk Mali (KDML 105) and RD 15 varieties and in a light-sensitive paddy rice. It can be brown or white (milled rice).

**PGI application for ‘ Chosco de Tineo’
An application has been made for a protected geographical indication (PGI) for ‘Chosco de Tineo’opens in a new window which is a meat product made from select cuts of pork loin and tongue, seasoned with salt, paprika and garlic, packed in pig’s intestine, which gives it its characteristic shape, smoked and cured uncooked.

**EFSA invites NGOs to discuss welcomed draft GMO Environmental Risk Assessment Guidelines
As part of its on-going consultation with stakeholders, the EFSAopens in a new window has announced its intention to call a meeting in September 2010 with environmental NGOs on its guidelines for the Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). The revised draft ERA guidelines are the result of two years’ work by scientists from all over Europe.  In the current draft, the scientific experts have strengthened requirements for GM applications submitted to EFSA for evaluation with respect to data generation, collection and analysis. EFSA’s GMO Panel has in addition further developed specific guidance on the evaluation of possible effects of GM plants on non-target organisms.

**EFSA scientific documents recently published
Report on toxicity data on trichothecene mycotoxins HT-2 and T-2 toxinsopens in a new window
Modification of the existing MRLs for thiram in lamb’s lettuceopens in a new window
Modification of the existing MRLs for thiacloprid in figs and various cropsopens in a new window
Modification of the existing MRLs for spirotetramat in various cropsopens in a new window
Modification of the existing MRLs for trifloxystrobin in leafy brassicaopens in a new window
Modification of the existing MRLs for difenoconazole in peppers and auberginesopens in a new window
Modification of the existing MRLs for thiamethoxam in strawberries and beans (with pods)opens in a new window
Guidance on the data required for the risk assessment of flavourings to be used in or on foodsopens in a new window
Scientific Opinion in relation to the use of monomethylsilanetriolopens in a new window to be added for nutritional purposes to food supplements in the light of new data provided
The safety of neutral methacrylate copolymeropens in a new window used as a food additive

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This Newsletter was posted on: 07 July 2010

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