As US authorities issue further recalls for some Chinese products that may contain the chemical melamine, domestic dairy manufacturers are not concerned that their products may become contaminated.
A new melamine detection and testing service is targeted at companies in the European food and drink sector including food and ingredient manufacturers and food importers, says Leatherhead Food International.
EU member states are now required to inspect any Chinese products containing more than 15 per cent milk in light of the ongoing melamine contamination scandal that has rocked the nation’s dairy industry.
Using animals, and specifically rats, to build the science behind ingredients is vital, but dismissing conflicting studies just because a rat is not a human is not acceptable.
As some of the world’s leading dairy groups attempt to play down their potential involvement in the Chinese melamine scandal, the European Commission says that its existing import rules on the country’s dairy goods remain sufficient.
The proposed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules on genetically engineered (GE) animals are seriously flawed, claims the US Centre for Food Safety (CFS).
New Zealand dairy group Fonterra is facing criticism over lethal contaminated milk powder supplied through its Chinese joint venture, but says action was delayed as it had to go through the correct procedures in China.
As another scandal involving Italian cheese production hit the headlines this week, authorities in the country claim there is no danger to the public from their products and consumer protection has not been compromised.
While European and US risk assessors play down safety concerns over using food sourced from cloned animals, the fledgling industry appears set for tougher times in convincing manufacturers, according to a new survey.
Europe’s health claim assessment process kicked off with the rejection of almost 90 per cent of the first bunch. But industry must accept its shortcomings if credibility is to be the winner.
The debate over products from cloned animals entering the European food chain will enter a new phase next week, as MEPs ask the Commission searching questions about the welfare of cloned animals, ethics, and consumer information.
Chr Hansen is offering a new test for tetracycline antibiotic residues in milk that can help dairies ensure they are under EU limits and maintain quality in yoghurt and cheese-making.
The European Food Safety Authority has kicked off the eagerly awaited health claim assessment process with a slew of claim rejections signalling a hard line methodology that may see thousands of claims submissions binned.
In a draft risk assessment, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that an adequate margin of safety exists for the chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA) at current levels of exposure from food contact uses.
The Greeks have a saying that goes something like this: ‘If you’re in too much of a rush, you’ll trip up’. The food and drinks industry could well benefit from the simplistic wisdom of such traditional advice as they race to bring the natural sweetener...
EFSA has identified information gaps relating to some flavouring substances as part of its ongoing evaluation of additives, and is asking industry to provide more information on their safety.
Pan-European health and nutrition claims moved a step closer to reality after 2870 claims were delivered to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for assessment by January, 2010.
The Irish dairy industry is set to take a leaf out of the book of its US counterpart with a new research scheme that uses stakeholders from across the industry to help improve milk quality and hygiene.
EFSA scientists say there is no concern over the safety of three mineral forms commonly used in food supplements, even at doses twice that commonly found in the regular diet.
FSA guidance on terms like 'fresh', 'natural' and 'pure' helps protect responsible businesses against unscrupulous competition. But labelling that does not meet guidance in full would still be legal if it does not mislead...
New disinfection and disinfestant food technology using radio frequency (RF) heating can eliminate microbes and insects without the use of chemicals, claims US investment firm Allied Minds.
New guidelines concerning the recycling of plastics intended for use in the packaging of foods have been published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
For a little yellow flower, it's ignited a huge debate. Believe the
headlines and St John's wort won't help hyperactive kids, but last
week's study asks more questions than it answers. It's time to put
funding...
French authorities have approved revisions for the production of
camembert cheese, which only allows products derived from raw milk
to carry the sought after AOC Appellation Contrôlée (AOC) Camembert
de Normandie.
The European Parliament's Heart Group has declared its preferred
best approach to front of pack labelling for food so consumers can
see at a glance whether a product is good for their heart: four key
nutrient quantities, plus...
The results of a survey by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland
(FSAI) on the fat content and fatty acid composition of
pre-packaged food products reveal that generally, levels of
trans-fatty acids in the surveyed products are low.
Modifying the population of bacteria in the gut may improve the regulation of glycemic control and reverse the insulin resistance that occurs with obesity, suggests a new study from the Nestlé Research Center.
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is
tightening food safety measures by creating fourteen new committees
to provide expert advice on food, feed and consumer product safety.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) expects to process
applications for 1000-2000 health claims, 900 food additives and
2800 flavours in the next 12 months, according to EFSA executive
director, Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle.
UK-based Dairy Crest has extended a product recall to another batch
of its 2kg tubs of Vitalite brand due to incorrect packaging
labeling claiming the product is 'soya free' and 'suitable for
vegans'.
'Growing up in an obesogenic environment', 'Have we sacrificed our
children on the altar of a free market?', 'Endocrine disrupters and
obesity - old chemicals, new questions' and other presentations
will...
After a week of uncertainty for the future of Italian Mozzarella
producers, the European Commission today said it will not be
banning sales of the cheese.
Recent amendments to Germany's biotech laws will allow the
country's food processors to make use of a "without biotech" label
on their products, despite some concerns that such claims are
misleading, says a new...
Environmental group Friends of the Earth (FOE) has called for a
moratorium on the use of nanotechnology in the food chain, claiming
insufficient research has been carried out into its effect on human
health and the environment.
Adding probiotic bacteria to cheddar may lead to the formation of
blood pressure lowering proteins, giving the cheese an added health
punch, report Australian researchers.
The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has this morning played down
claims that dairy processors could face having to include
cigarette-style health warnings on products like cheese and butter.
Incorporating heart healthy phytosterols in yoghurt formulations
does not negatively impact on the starter cultures, potentially
boosting their use in these foods, says new research.
An increased intake of calcium and vitamin D from non-fat dairy
could reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, suggests
new research from Harvard.
DSM Food Specialties has acquired CMT Srl, the company behind the
Copan Milk Test for the detection of antibiotic residues in milk,
strengthening its position in the market at a time when European
controls are tightening.
The food industry has a window to research ways to reduce saturated
fat in products before the UK's FSA starts its consumer awareness
campaign at the end of this year, says an expert from ADM who is
anticipating a swell of interest...
A UK-based nutrition group has this week kicked off a new scheme
designed to promote the consumption of dairy products like cheeses
and milk as a key element of good dental health.
A new bill on milk labelling standards up for consideration in the
Indiana House of Representatives has come under criticism this week
by some organisations and producers, which claim it would prevent
informed consumer choice if passed.
The European Food Safety Authority is expecting to complete its
evaluation of the safety of 2,800 flavouring substances by April to
allow for a positive list to be established, but is seeking for
more information from industry.
The US arm of Danone could be forced to make a multi-million dollar
refund to its customers over allegations that it has used
fraudulent health claims to sell some of its Activia and DanActive
branded yoghurts.
Europe's food safety watchdog has issued updated advice on reducing
the risk of the food-borne bacteria listeria, urging food
manufacturers to watch out for contamination during packaging,
preparation and storage of food.