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For further information or advice please contact the SOFHT Helpline. (Subject to membership conditions) Please call 08444 77 11 61 or email [email protected] The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD FOOD SAFETY “BITES” Selected news, views and issues from ‘field to fork’ Food Safety Bites February 2017 In this month's edition: 1) Brexit 2) Diet and health 3) Free Range Eggs 4) Food Fraud 5) Sustainability and Environmental 6) Food Safety 7) Origin 8) 2017 salt targets in danger of failing, warns CASH 9) CCTV in French abattoirs ‘won’t halt malpractice’ 10) From farm to fork: How much do you know about where Europe's food comes from? 11) Boom and bust in the orange market: Brazil's crop plummets whilst Tunisia's reaches record high 12) ACS backs Passport Office & Home Office campaign encouraging PASS Cards as ID 13) Meat processors show leadership in animal welfare 14) The Cabinet Office has published a detailed paper on the future practices of regulators. 15) Industry welcomes GFIA, the UK's gluten-free trade group 16) Labelling and Marketing 17) EU court of auditors attacks Commission for its failures on food waste

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Page 1: Food Safety Bites February 2017 - The Society of Food Hygiene … · 2017-03-20 · Food Safety Bites – February 2017 In this month's edition: 1) Brexit 2) Diet and health 3) Free

For further information or advice please contact the SOFHT Helpline. (Subject to membership conditions)

Please call 08444 77 11 61 or email [email protected] The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology

The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD

FOOD SAFETY “BITES” Selected news, views and issues from ‘field to fork’

Food Safety Bites – February 2017

In this month's edition:

1) Brexit

2) Diet and health

3) Free Range Eggs

4) Food Fraud

5) Sustainability and Environmental

6) Food Safety

7) Origin

8) 2017 salt targets in danger of failing, warns CASH

9) CCTV in French abattoirs ‘won’t halt malpractice’

10) From farm to fork: How much do you know about where Europe's food

comes from?

11) Boom and bust in the orange market: Brazil's crop plummets whilst

Tunisia's reaches record high

12) ACS backs Passport Office & Home Office campaign encouraging PASS

Cards as ID

13) Meat processors show leadership in animal welfare

14) The Cabinet Office has published a detailed paper on the future practices of

regulators.

15) Industry welcomes GFIA, the UK's gluten-free trade group

16) Labelling and Marketing

17) EU court of auditors attacks Commission for its failures on food waste

Page 2: Food Safety Bites February 2017 - The Society of Food Hygiene … · 2017-03-20 · Food Safety Bites – February 2017 In this month's edition: 1) Brexit 2) Diet and health 3) Free

For further information or advice please contact the SOFHT Helpline. (Subject to membership conditions)

Please call 08444 77 11 61 or email [email protected] The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology

The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD

1) Brexit

a) Barrier-free EU Single Market access is vital: CBI

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has repeated calls for barrier-free

access to the EU’s Single Market after Brexit, following food industry calls

for continued access to its 500M customers.

The UK’s new relationship with the EU should be tariff-free, with minimal

non-tariff barriers in place, suggested CBI’s latest report – Making A Success

of Brexit.

Losing access to the Single Market could see an average 22% tariff on food

and drink products, claimed CBI.

http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Business-News/Barrier-free-EU-Single-

Market-access-is-vital-

CBI?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=21-

Dec-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOvfZfoY%2BvAl6A3V3SqnVuNo&p2=

b) Brexit nutrition impact survey launched

British PM Teresa May has indicated the nation will pursue a ‘hard Brexit’ –

but what does that mean for the world of nutrition and food?

Better nutrition group the Alliance for Natural health-International (ANH-I) is

conducting a survey about the impact of Brexit on the food, nutrition and

healthcare sectors.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Markets-and-Trends/Brexit-nutrition-

impact-survey-

launched/?utm_source=Newsletter_Subject&utm_medium=email&utm_camp

aign=Newsletter%2BSubject&c=2dIZZoVkrOsc%2BpWF798ZTM2hk4x%2F

BvN6

Take part in the survey

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Brexit-health

c) Dairy industry responds to Brexit speech

This week, British Prime Minister Theresa May outlined some of the

expectations of Brexit negotiations, expected to begin after the UK formally

announces its intention to leave the EU this spring.

Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, said that while Dairy UK

welcomes the Government’s commitment to maintain a robust trading

relationship with the EU, “we have significant concerns about the UK's

prospects outside the Single Market and without certain elements of the EU

Customs Union.”

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Market-Trends/Dairy-industry-responds-to-

Brexit-

speech?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=

19-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOuMRaCcQY2gFMs2gBW%2Bycsn&p2=

Page 3: Food Safety Bites February 2017 - The Society of Food Hygiene … · 2017-03-20 · Food Safety Bites – February 2017 In this month's edition: 1) Brexit 2) Diet and health 3) Free

For further information or advice please contact the SOFHT Helpline. (Subject to membership conditions)

Please call 08444 77 11 61 or email [email protected] The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology

The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD

d) Food industry’s cautious welcome to PM’s Brexit speech

Food industry organisations have cautiously welcomed Prime Minister

Theresa May’s assurances about the right of non-UK EU workers to continue

working in the UK after Brexit, in a keynote speech delivered yesterday

(January 17).

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said the industry needed access to

skilled workers. It said it looked forward to understanding how the prime

minister’s proposals impact food organisations’ future access to EU workers.

http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/People/Food-industry-reacts-to-Theresa-

May-s-Brexit-

speech?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=

20-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOvdC5euUNE0FyBqEch8%2BZR%2F&p2=

e) Little chance of post-Brexit food fraud frenzy

Criminals operating in the UK’s food chain are “home grown” and unlikely to

be involved in organised crime, according to the head of the country’s food

crime unit (FCU).

“I’m an organised crime denier,” Andy Morling said at an industry event held

just before Christmas. “There are easier ways for organised criminals to make

money. There are too many barriers for entry [into the food sector].”

However, the crime unit, set up in the aftermath of the horsemeat scandal, is

struggling to convince manufacturers and the wider food industry to ‘blow the

whistle’ when there is the suggestion of criminal activity.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/Little-chance-of-post-Brexit-food-

fraud-

frenzy?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=0

3-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOuabb%2Fjm%2FWctoXURH6HBt8n&p2=

2) Diet and health

a) High red meat intake a risk factor for an inflamed gut: Harvard study

The consumption of red meat might be a dietary risk factor in the onset and

progression of a common inflammatory bowel condition, according to Harvard

researchers.

The study found the highest level of red meat intake was related to a 58%

increased risk of developing diverticulitis, when compared with the lowest

levels of consumption.

With each daily serving an 18% increased risk was correlated. This risk

reached a high at six servings per week and was particularly strong for

unprocessed red meat, such as steak.

Replacing one daily portion of meat with fish or poultry lowered risk by 20%.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science/High-red-meat-intake-a-risk-factor-

for-an-inflamed-gut-Harvard-

study?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1

2-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOsDd3ZcvpJbAl93RumOCNN6&p2=

Page 4: Food Safety Bites February 2017 - The Society of Food Hygiene … · 2017-03-20 · Food Safety Bites – February 2017 In this month's edition: 1) Brexit 2) Diet and health 3) Free

For further information or advice please contact the SOFHT Helpline. (Subject to membership conditions)

Please call 08444 77 11 61 or email [email protected] The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology

The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD

b) Eating red meat to excess appears not to raise heart attack risk

Exceeding recommended levels of red meat does not seem to make a

difference to blood pressure and blood cholesterol - at least in the short-term, a

review has concluded.

The research findings, which included all types of red meat although mostly

unprocessed beef and pork, goes against the general consensus that consuming

red meat to excess is detrimental to cardiovascular health.

However, red meat as the cause of cardiovascular disease has not been firmly

established according to the research team, who argued that there was limited

work that investigated the effects of red meat consumption on cardiovascular

disease (CVD) risk factors.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science/Eating-red-meat-to-excess-appears-

not-to-raise-heart-attack-

risk?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=22-

Dec-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOsx%2FACDg%2Fe8bvukbPRuUM5P&p2=

c) Meat body slams study linking cured meat to asthma

A French study linking increased cured meat consumption with increased risks

for asthma sufferers has been strongly rebuked by the North American Meat

Institute (NAMI).

Medical journal Thorax published a study this week that claimed four portions

of processed or cured meat, such as bacon, ham or salami, could spark asthma

attacks among sufferers. The study, which said the nitrites in cured meat

products could inflame airways and trigger attacks, made headlines around the

world but the meat industry, particularly NAMI, has roundly dismissed the

“inaccurate” study.

http://www.globalmeatnews.com/Analysis/US-meat-body-slams-inaccurate-

study-linking-cured-meat-to-

asthma?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=

22-Dec-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOu481dToM%2Fs2U3OK9ECrwcG&p2=

d) Barbecued meat appears to cut post-cancer survival time: Study

Breast cancer survivors are advised to steer clear of grilled, barbecued and

smoked meat as findings have established a link between these cooking

methods and a decrease in survival time, post-cancer.

The findings point to a compound known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

(PAHs) that have been already been strongly attributed to a rise in breast

cancer cases.

Along with other cancer-inducing chemicals, this compound is produced when

meat is cooked at high temperatures.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science/Barbecued-meat-appears-to-cut-post-

cancer-survival-time-

Study?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=0

6-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOucugEF4EoXHHn9%2FvewPq1S&p2=

Page 5: Food Safety Bites February 2017 - The Society of Food Hygiene … · 2017-03-20 · Food Safety Bites – February 2017 In this month's edition: 1) Brexit 2) Diet and health 3) Free

For further information or advice please contact the SOFHT Helpline. (Subject to membership conditions)

Please call 08444 77 11 61 or email [email protected] The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology

The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD

e) 'Bold' obesity plan in Scotland would see manufacturers suffer, says

industry

Scotland needs a “bold approach” to tackle obesity, according to an

influential group of politicians. But food industry representatives said tough

regulation could present “barriers to business” for the country’s

manufacturers.

Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) on the health and select

committee said decent policies are already in place but this is “not necessarily

translating into healthy outcomes”.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/Bold-obesity-plan-in-Scotland-would-

see-manufacturers-suffer-says-

industry?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign

=26-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOuH7u1Xe8gdm5koSWMiwxYc&p2=

f) Obese parents triple obese offspring risk, experts warn

EarlyNutrition, a project comprised of 36 international research institutions,

has released its final report following five years of investigation. The report

sends a grave warning to parents and those planning for families on the

dangers of parental obesity for children.

‘Early nutrition’ refers to the metabolic status of an unborn child and the status

during its first two years after birth. Currently research into how early

metabolism affects later life is limited.

The consortium found that obesity during pregnancy and during a child’s early

life will typically triple the child’s own risk of obesity in later life.

Overweight parents will similarly double that risk.

http://www.dairyreporter.com/Regulation-Safety/Obese-parents-triple-obese-

offspring-risk-experts-

warn?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=22

-Dec-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOvy1SJH1sb3QzP2MGLLVeq2&p2=

g) Kids start the day with big sugar-kick; breakfast cereals highlighted

Children in England consume almost three cubes of sugar at breakfast,

according to new research that puts cereal brands in the spotlight once again.

The survey, conducted by Public Health England (PHE), found that children

have 11g of sugar (almost three cubes’ worth) before leaving for school –

more than half the recommended intake for the entire day.

PHE pointed the finger at sugary cereals, drinks and spreads. “When analysing

a number of breakfasts from families across England, we were concerned to

see the high amount of free sugars and low amount of fibre in many of these,”

said Sara Stanner, science director at the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF).

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Market-Trends/Kids-start-the-day-with-big-

sugar-kick-breakfast-cereals-

highlighted?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campai

gn=03-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOv1YmlY6uNVKoUCmVrGamXG&p2=

Page 6: Food Safety Bites February 2017 - The Society of Food Hygiene … · 2017-03-20 · Food Safety Bites – February 2017 In this month's edition: 1) Brexit 2) Diet and health 3) Free

For further information or advice please contact the SOFHT Helpline. (Subject to membership conditions)

Please call 08444 77 11 61 or email [email protected] The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology

The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD

h) Urgent research shift needed to fight dual threat of malnutrition &

obesity

Salt-cutting strategies with industry targets are a 'best buy' for

governments

Government-supported policies that include food industry agreements to

reduce salt intake would be cost effective in most of Europe saving nearly six

million life-years lost to cardiovascular disease annually, say scientists.

The research, which looked into the outcomes of a 10% reduction in salt

consumption over 10 years in 183 countries found that even a ‘soft regulation'

approach, where the food industry worked to agreed goals, along with public

education, would still prove highly cost-effective.

These conclusions would still be applicable even without accounting for

potential healthcare savings.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/Salt-cutting-strategies-with-industry-

targets-are-a-best-buy-for-

governments?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_camp

aign=13-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOus3OgbebetNdC27Gj4iXB5&p2=

i) Sugar changes to Eatwell Guide are ‘large’ but worthwhile: Oxford

study

Reducing sugar consumption in line with recommendations set out in the

Eatwell Guide, are likely to extend the average life expectancy by around six

months according to Oxford University researchers.

In an analysis of the UK Government’s dietary guidelines that were updated in

March 2016, the team also found that sticking to this advice may also prevent

as many as 850,000 diabetic cases over the next ten years.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science/Sugar-changes-to-Eatwell-Guide-are-

large-but-worthwhile-Oxford-

study/?utm_source=Newsletter_Subject&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign

=Newsletter%2BSubject&c=mZEn04e80rH%2F0o1Rc4rXwg%3D%3D

j) Sugar-free drinks no better for weight control, argue researchers

Artificially-sweetened beverages (ASB) do not contribute to weight loss and

may even be part of the overall obesity problem, researchers claim.

The commentary piece highlighted a lack of evidence linking these drinks in

preventing weight gain and could not recommended their consumption as part

of a healthy diet.

Industry responded by calling the results 'unhelpful' at a time of rising rates of

obesity.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Market-Trends/Sugar-free-drinks-no-better-

for-weight-control-argue-

researchers?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campai

gn=04-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOslaxGAFYK9wgJaG0m6eBhj&p2=

Page 7: Food Safety Bites February 2017 - The Society of Food Hygiene … · 2017-03-20 · Food Safety Bites – February 2017 In this month's edition: 1) Brexit 2) Diet and health 3) Free

For further information or advice please contact the SOFHT Helpline. (Subject to membership conditions)

Please call 08444 77 11 61 or email [email protected] The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology

The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD

k) Fibre’s impact on gut & metabolic health studied

Fibre’s positive influence on health has been further reinforced in two studies,

which point to its functional capabilities as a prebiotic, metabolic manager and

inflammation reducer with few if any side effects.

Undigested or resistant starch (RS), a type of dietary fibre, was the subject of a

review paper that assessed its role in different health outcomes such as

postprandial glycaemia, satiety, and gut health.

The wealth of evidence linking RS to reduced postprandial glycaemic

responses has resulted in an EU-approved health claim back in 2011.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Fibre-s-impact-on-gut-metabolic-

health-

studied?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=

06-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOvlRcXfRn9SCZbXrg0efIlu&p2=

l) Fruit & veg flavonoids prevent unhealthy fat build-up: Twin study

Flavonoid-rich foods appear to alter body composition as UK researchers tie

in a higher intake of anthocyanins, flavonols and proanthocyanidins with a

lower body fat mass.

Findings from the cross-sectional multi-variable study suggest flavonoids may

contribute to an overall healthier fat mass profile.

This definition includes body fat distribution, which may be a stronger

influence on insulin resistance and inflammation that is characteristic of

metabolic conditions such as diabetes.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Fruit-veg-flavonoids-prevent-

unhealthy-fat-build-up-Twin-

study?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2

0-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOsRvY8JnEKlTHpV5YEgu8%2Bp&p2=

m) Kiwi fruit may guard offspring against obesity-related liver damage

An antioxidant found in foods such as kiwi fruit could provide protection

against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the offspring of

overweight parents, researchers have found.

The study was able to demonstrate that Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) can

protect offspring of obese mothers in the onset of obesity-induced NAFLD.

The disease is the most common chronic liver disease in Europe and case

numbers are rising.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Kiwi-fruit-may-guard-offspring-

against-obesity-related-liver-

damage?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=

05-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOsTvCcA5m%2FtxEDeX51w%2BAU5&p2=

Page 8: Food Safety Bites February 2017 - The Society of Food Hygiene … · 2017-03-20 · Food Safety Bites – February 2017 In this month's edition: 1) Brexit 2) Diet and health 3) Free

For further information or advice please contact the SOFHT Helpline. (Subject to membership conditions)

Please call 08444 77 11 61 or email [email protected] The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology

The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD

n) Mediterranean diet linked to increased brain volume, say scientists

The traditional Mediterranean diet of fruit and vegetables, nuts, fish and wine

could prevent neurological degeneration in later life, say researchers at the

University of Edinburgh.

Hippocrates (470-377 BC) said: “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be

thy food”, and recent research into the diet on which he lived appears to be

proving the Ancient Greek physician correct.

Examining the brain volumes of people with an average age of 73 in Scotland,

those reporting adherence to a Mediterranean style diet were found to have

endured significantly less physical brain reduction three years later than those

without.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science/Mediterranean-diet-linked-to-

increased-brain-volume-say-

scientists?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign

=05-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOvKkFM2IWtfrhHPlkLX3HGC&p2=

o) ‘A compelling story’: Meta-analysis supports omega-3s for heart

disease risk reduction

EPA and DHA omega-3s from food and supplements may reduce the risk of

coronary heart disease (CHD), according to results of a new meta-analysis.

Data from 18 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) indicated that EPA and DHA

were associated with a non-statistically significant 6% risk reduction in CHD

among all populations, while the risk reduction increased to a statistically

significant 18% when data from 16 prospective cohort studies was assessed.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/A-compelling-story-Meta-

analysis-supports-omega-3s-for-heart-disease-risk-

reduction?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaig

n=04-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOu47lXTpoN8b9HF85n3hTG1&p2=

p) Cracking cognition: Moderate egg consumption may boost certain

brain functions

Eating eggs can improve aspects of cognition, according to research that also

concludes neither high intake of cholesterol or eggs are associated with an

increased risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

The study, involving almost 2,500 Finnish men, aimed to test a suggested link

between intakes of cholesterol (and eggs as a major source of dietary

cholesterol) and cognitive decline in both the general population and in a

group of people genetically ‘at risk’ of dementia.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Cracking-cognition-Moderate-egg-

consumption-may-boost-certain-brain-

functions?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaig

n=09-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOv5YwPCpQGM4voQ5gL8zqr5&p2=

Page 9: Food Safety Bites February 2017 - The Society of Food Hygiene … · 2017-03-20 · Food Safety Bites – February 2017 In this month's edition: 1) Brexit 2) Diet and health 3) Free

For further information or advice please contact the SOFHT Helpline. (Subject to membership conditions)

Please call 08444 77 11 61 or email [email protected] The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology

The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD

q) Modest increase in zinc intake may reduce 'wear and tear' on DNA

A modest 4 milligrams of zinc extra every day in the diet may reduce DNA

strand breaks and improve levels of proteins involved in DNA repair,

oxidative stress, and inflammation.

The study’s findings, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,

is said to be the first to show that a modest increase in dietary zinc reduces

oxidative stress and damage to DNA.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Modest-increase-in-zinc-intake-

may-reduce-wear-and-tear-on-

DNA?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=0

6-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOv4lslIhxBt6%2Faeym1SKF5T&p2=

r) RCT finds omega-3s can reduce childhood asthma rates

Taking a high-dose supplement of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids while

pregnant could help prevent asthma in children, new trial data has suggested.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/RCT-finds-omega-3s-can-reduce-

childhood-asthma-

rates?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=04

-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOv2hHfbayz%2F7LWhM7BZjsdO&p2=

s) Vital role of Vitamin D in improving gut flora and preventing

metabolic syndrome revealed in new research

The main cause of metabolic syndrome appears to be a diet high in fat or

carbohydrate. However, observational studies have also linked metabolic

syndrome to vitamin D deficiency, which affects 30-60% of the world's

population.

Metabolic syndrome affects nearly a quarter of the world's adult population.

Symptoms include obesity around the waistline and at least two of the

following: high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Sufferers usually also have excess fat in their liver

http://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/Research/Vital-role-of-Vitamin-D-in-

improving-gut-flora-and-preventing-metabolic-syndrome-revealed-in-new-

research?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign

=GIN_DRd&c=2dIZZoVkrOv9R2Gy4pr6lyLeOtmf4jUO&p2=

Page 10: Food Safety Bites February 2017 - The Society of Food Hygiene … · 2017-03-20 · Food Safety Bites – February 2017 In this month's edition: 1) Brexit 2) Diet and health 3) Free

For further information or advice please contact the SOFHT Helpline. (Subject to membership conditions)

Please call 08444 77 11 61 or email [email protected] The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology

The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD

t) Vitamin B3 may benefit those with Parkinson's disease

Individuals with a specific type of Parkinson's disease (PD) could gain from

increasing vitamin B3 (niacin) content in their diet, say British investigators.

The findings point to niacin’s ability to increase levels of a compound

responsible for energy generation and DNA repair.

These factors — if left unattended — result in faulty mitochondria function

that contributes to the progression of the neuro-degenerative disorder.

Niacin or Vitamin B3 is found in a number of foods, including liver, chicken,

beef, fish, cereal, peanuts, and legumes.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Vitamin-B3-may-benefit-those-

with-Parkinson-s-

disease?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=

11-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOsxajjZ0X7SdZofQ%2BdkMBzj&p2=

u) Vitamin C & E supplements may protect against age-related brain

declines: Study

Supplements of vitamin C and E may reduce the risk of cognitive decline,

according to data from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging.

“Overall, these findings indicate additional support for the use of antioxidants

as a preventive strategy against cognitive decline. Supplements of vitamins C

and E are generally safe, inexpensive, and may provide a number of health

benefits.”

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Vitamin-C-E-supplements-may-

protect-against-age-related-brain-declines-

Study/?utm_source=Newsletter_Subject&utm_medium=email&utm_campaig

n=Newsletter%2BSubject&c=mZEn04e80rEK1Vp9Aa1wqA%3D%3D

3) Free Range Eggs

a) Bird flu could halt free range egg production, warn MEPs

Outbreaks of bird flu throughout Europe could put a stop to free range eggs as

safety precautions make meeting the labelling requirements impossible, Dutch

members of the EU parliament have warned.

Dutch MPs put questions to the European Commission requesting decisions

on the status of free range as a category during the bird flu crisis which will

hugely affect the poultry industry throughout 2017.

For poultry products to be labelled as free range in the EU, farmers must

adhere to strict welfare regulations. Birds must have constant access to a

natural outdoor area, food and water and live in lower densities.

However, in case of veterinary emergencies - such as the current crisis -

poultry can be kept indoors for up to 12 weeks.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Market-Trends/Bird-flu-could-halt-free-range-

egg-production-warn-

MEPs?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1

3-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOv1N0GYKSji5JkTLADKti%2F9&p2=

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b) Pressure and confusion builds over free range egg labelling

Poultry in Europe is being kept indoors to prevent the spread of bird flu, after

12 weeks all hens will no longer be free range; what, if anything, can the

industry do to keep the free range status through the crisis?

Following outbreaks of bird flu in a string of EU countries at the end of 2016,

housing orders have been set in place to restrict movement of poultry and

contain the virus in almost all of Europe.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/Pressure-and-confusion-builds-over-

free-range-egg-

labelling?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign

=26-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOs814DDvBrbSbsnAbko%2F%2Bq5&p2=

4) Food Fraud

a) Counterfeiting to grow by 3% a year

Counterfeiting across the world is predicted to increase by 3% a year as

globalisation creates increasingly complex and lengthy supply chains,

according to new research from PMMI, the US Association for Packaging and

Processing Technologies.

It was also a threat to the UK identified by Andy Morling, head of the Food

Standards Agency’s National Food Crime Unit, speaking at last year’s Food

Manufacture food safety conference in London.

http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Packaging/Counterfeiting-to-grow-by-3-a-

year?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11-

Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOsp5HmpLzW4FW1RZ9VO8hnf&p2=

b) Food fraud prevention focus for FSSC 22000 version 4

FSSC 22000 has revealed version 4 of its international food safety and quality

management system certification scheme.

It is the result of a 14 month consultation process with industry, certification

and accreditation bodies, training organizations and governments.

The scheme includes requirements for unannounced audits, prevention of

intentional product contamination and critical nonconformities.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Business/FSSC-22000-updates-certification-

scheme?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=

04-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOtBcwd0hPrMlhLL%2FnFiPoC%2F&p2=

Brochure

http://www.fssc22000.com/documents/pdf/brochure/brochure-fssc-22000-

versie-c-2016.pdf

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c) Marks & Spencer slams unofficial third-party sellers

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has condemned the sale of its own-label food by

unauthorised third-party sellers, after two of its pork stuffing products were

part of a Food Standards Agency (FSA) recall.

The retailer’s pork, sage and onion stuffing with a use-by date of December 29

2014 and pork and roasted red onion stuffing with a use-by date of December

26 2014 were among a number of products recalled from butchery chain

Nicholls Meats on December 22 2016.

Also included in the recall were Asda’s Extra Special Pork, Mulled Cranberry

and Orange Stuffing, as well as several branded and non-branded Nicholls

Meats products.

The FSA said products were recalled due to extended use-by dates, inadequate

temperature controls, labelling and traceability contraventions. The products

posed a risk of food poisoning.

http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Regulation/Marks-Spencer-condemns-

unauthorised-third-party-

sellers?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=0

5-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOuzcnf4bwMfOk2Gx8B7irkt&p2=

d) Nestlé investigating Chinese fake food factories

Nestlé has joined Chinese authorities in investigating factories suspected of

producing £12M worth of counterfeit food seasonings and sauces, including

fake Nestlé products.

Up to 50 factories are being investigated by the China Food and Drug

Administration (CFDA), after Chinese media reportedly uncovered the

operation near the city of Tianjin, northern mainland China.

The factories were using ingredients unfit for human consumption – including

industrial salt – in seasonings, including soy sauce and vinegar, claimed

Beijing News.

The products had been packaged as brands such as Nestlé and Knorr.

http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/World-News/Fake-food-factories-probed-

in-

China?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2

0-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOvMGgccQQP0H1rJP82ecH8M&p2=

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e) Dodgy: ‘Scammers’ shut down after illegally targeting elderly with

‘fake’ remedies

Fake companies are scamming elderly people out of millions of pounds by

selling them ‘useless’ health supplements based on false promises, warns

British government agency the Insolvency Service and charity Age UK.

Senior citizens and their carers’ in the UK have been warned to be on the alert

against scams involving health supplements, following the forced winding up

of companies that made millions of Euro’s by targeting the elderly.

The Insolvency Service, an executive agency sponsored by the UK

Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

(BEIS) noted that two companies registered in the UK but allegedly run by

two men in Goa, India, have been wound up in recent months.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Regulation-Policy/Dodgy-Scammers-shut-

down-after-illegally-targeting-elderly-with-fake-

remedies?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign

=GIN_DRd&c=2dIZZoVkrOudW3FcI6Lkzgvj14UvBaGR&p2=

5) Sustainability and Environmental

a) Catch 22: Sustainable fishing produces massive carbon emissions

Whilst smaller scale sustainable fishing practices protect the oceans from

depletion of marine life, they are vastly more detrimental to the environment,

say researchers

A report by researchers at University of California Merced (UCM) last month

revealed that sustainable tuna fishing may have enormous consequences for

other aspects of the environment.

Use of ‘selective’ fishing techniques reduces the amount of fish caught by

traditional techniques like seine fishing but selective processes require up to

four times the amount of fuel.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Market-Trends/Catch-22-Sustainable-fishing-

produces-massive-carbon-

emissions?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaig

n=06-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOu7hExaHO9NAKU%2FSOOPvGvS&p2=

b) Ferrero defends palm oil in Nutella with advert against 'unfair smear

campaign'

Ferrero has launched a TV advertising campaign defending its use of palm oil

in its flagship product Nutella, saying palm oil is currently suffering "an unfair

smear campaign" in Italy.

Ferrero’s campaign comes as negative publicity surrounding palm oil gains

momentum in Italy and elsewhere but the company confirmed that Italian

sales of Nutella increased in the last quarter of 2016.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Market-Trends/Ferrero-defends-palm-oil-in-

Nutella-with-advert-against-unfair-smear-

campaign?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaig

n=11-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOvouy4GTpX0Ea1%2BDOBoysL2&p2=

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The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD

c) Nutrition experts predict sustainability ‘most important’ trend for 2017

Sustainability wins another vote for the “most important” trend to watch in

2017, followed closely by plant-based protein, according to a small, but well-

educated group of nutrition experts, surveyed by Ketchum’s Global Food and

Beverage Practice and supported by Ketchum Global Research and Analytics.

Based on feedback from 114 nutrition professionals around the world,

Ketchum says sustainability issues related to food will “take center stage” in

2017.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Market-Trends/Nutrition-experts-predict-

sustainability-most-important-trend-for-

2017?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=09

-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOvWp9zuwKZXJ0tlw5%2BQeDPI&p2=

d) NFU vows to continue fight against methane emissions

The UK’s National Farmers’ Union (NFU) says livestock producers need to

keep up their efforts to reduce methane emissions, but said factors outside

agriculture must be investigated as new research shows greenhouse gas levels

are rising.

http://www.globalmeatnews.com/Environment/NFU-vows-to-continue-fight-

against-methane-

emissions?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaig

n=03-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOtDybGMCzoDPhP%2FWtEekMz6&p2=

e) Greenpeace calls for ban on neonicotinoids after publishing new study

Greenpeace is calling on EU policy makers for a complete ban on

neonicotinoid pesticides as its latest report shows the harmful effects on

pollinators.

The GBO commissioned the University of Sussex, UK, to conduct the newest

study on the subject, which concluded that neonicotinoid pesticides have more

harmful effects to pollinators than what was previously concluded in a

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) study published in 2013.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science/Greenpeace-calls-for-ban-on-

neonicotinoids-after-publishing-new-

study?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1

6-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOtvEgDDX830KaPFEJ%2FQfEMu&p2=

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The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD

6) Food Safety

a) Six sickened by botulism linked to dried salted fish

Germany and Spain have reported six cases of foodborne botulism from dried

salted fish.

Four botulism E cases are in Germany and two are from Spain . Five have a

Russian background and one has a Kazakh background.

Foodborne botulism is caused by eating food where germination and

multiplication of C. botulinum has occurred as well as neurotoxin production.

Salted and dried roach (vobla/Plötze Salz) was distributed to Austria, Belgium,

Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal,

Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

It was from the Netherlands and Lithuania with raw material from Poland.

http://www.foodqualitynews.com/Food-Outbreaks/Fish-link-in-German-and-

Spanish-botulism-

cases?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=03

-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOtfO4ZRhI9YR6fn1b6joCM5&p2=

b) More than 50 Campylobacter cases linked to raw milk

More than 50 cases of Campylobacter have been linked to unpasteurised (raw)

milk from a farm in Kendal, UK.

The most likely cause of the outbreak is raw milk from a vending machine at

Low Sizergh Barn Farm.

The farm has suspended sales of raw milk to the public.

South Lakeland District Council and Public Health England are investigating

the 56 illnesses.

http://www.foodqualitynews.com/Food-Outbreaks/FSA-and-PHE-

investigating-Campylobacter-

outbreak?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign

=03-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOvIOIXkIRQX3ipzB%2BuNtnqf&p2=

c) Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Unilever and Delta in acid contamination scare

Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Unilever and Delta have withdrawn products in a region of

Greece after a group threatened to contaminate them with chlorine and

hydrochloric acid.

Action came after a post on a website from a group claiming they had

contaminated them with chlorine and hydrochloric acid.

The group said tainted products will be put back on retail shelves throughout

Attica from 22 December to 5 January as part of ‘Green Nemesis - Act 2’.

The motive was to sabotage the companies financially through the withdrawal

of products for two weeks and not to cause harm to consumers, it added.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Business/Contamination-threat-prompts-Coke-

Nestle-Unilever-and-Delta-

recalls?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2

1-Dec-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOsEWQ%2Fygn4CDJgtBLy%2BuWJ9&p2=

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d) New EU rules to boost food and feed safety one step away from

adoption

The legislative process is nearly complete for the revised EU rules on official

controls of food and feed safety, with the regulation likely to be published in

March.

A spokesperson for the Council told us: “The next step – approval of the text

by the EU Parliament at plenary session – is really just a formality and, then,

the rules will be published in the Official Journal of the EU.”

The regulation is aimed at improving the checks and balances carried out by

EU countries to ensure the application of EU legislation on food and feed

safety, animal health and welfare, plant health, and plant protection products.

http://www.feednavigator.com/Regulation/New-EU-rules-to-boost-food-and-

feed-safety-one-step-away-from-

adoption?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign

=GIN_GMNd&c=2dIZZoVkrOsdk%2B%2Bu6DkDxTjvevhc%2FBOH&p2=

7) Origin

a) France meat and dairy ‘country of origin labelling’ trial comes into

force

France rolls out its two-year trial for mandatory country of origin labelling

(COOL) for meat and dairy in prepared foods, this month.

The initiative concerns ready meals with a certain amount of meat or milk in

them.

100% French meat or French milk

If dishes contain more than 8% meat and 50% milk their origins must be

mentioned on the label.

Only meals with 100% French meat or French milk can contain the label

“Produit d’origine Française”.

Interbev, French trade association which represents meat processors and

livestock, said it was pleased with the "significant advances made”, giving

consumers ‘clear and transparent information’ on the products they buy.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Market-Trends/France-meat-and-dairy-COOL-

trial?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=03-

Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOt2LGVrFzgxan9Z%2BsOeIkUf&p2=

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The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD

b) French meat and dairy country-of-origin labelling trial begins

France is trialling a two-year country-of-origin labelling (COOL) scheme for

meat in ready meals and milk in a host of prepared food items.

The scheme came into force on 1 January 2017 and covers beef, pork, poultry,

sheep and goat meat. The pilot project will run until 31 December 2018, after

which France will submit a report to the European Commission outlining the

results.

If it is a success, the EC may consider generalising the rules for all 28 member

states.

However, the controversial move has split the food industry’s key figures,

some of whom have warned the COOL scheme could lead to disintegration of

the single market at a time when trade protectionism is rising.

http://www.globalmeatnews.com/Safety-Legislation/French-meat-and-dairy-

country-of-origin-labelling-trial-

begins?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=

GIN_FNd&c=2dIZZoVkrOs9nn7lIL6LDtukBybEw%2B0M&p2=

c) Italian dairy country of origin labelling comes into force

Italy has introduced mandatory country of origin labelling for dairy products.

The new experimental law means Italian dairy products that include dairy

ingredients must list the country of origin.

The Italian government said that without a negative response from the EC, and

after hearing from most national agribusiness organizations, it was creating the

new ruling , which will remain operational until March 31, 2019.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/Italian-dairy-country-of-origin-labeling-

comes-into-

force?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=26

-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOuKoGxrEIuxqjcUofZx%2BjPX&p2=

8) 2017 salt targets in danger of failing, warns CASH

The caution was issued by the health watchdog after a survey revealed that a number

of branded crumpets still contain a high sodium content.

The Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH), based at Queen Mary University

of London, claimed it found that several brands of crumpets were even saltier than

sausages.

Almost half (48%) of the 27 brands tested exceeded the 2017 average salt target of

1.13g salt per 100g, while seven products surpassed the maximum salt target for 2017

of 1.25g salt per 100g.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/2017-salt-targets-in-danger-of-failing-warns-

CASH?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=21-Dec-

2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOtJNqnOm9yCjmVtGOvRWX7R&p2=

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9) CCTV in French abattoirs ‘won’t halt malpractice’

Putting video cameras in France’s 960 slaughterhouses will not stop malpractice,

industry groups have argued, following a proposed law mandating video surveillance

in slaughterhouses.

“Protecting animals in slaughterhouses cannot be reduced to a question of cameras,”

said France’s meat industry organisation Culture Viande. It said in a statement that

videos would only allow malpractice to be shown after the act, “as videos shown by

anti-meat groups prove”.

http://www.globalmeatnews.com/Safety-Legislation/CCTV-in-slaughterhouses-won-

t-stop-

abuse?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=23-Jan-

2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOtVHViGoiUcQRhC3Og%2B37ey&p2=

10) From farm to fork: How much do you know about where Europe's food

comes from?

Eurostat, the official statistics bureau of the European Union, has published data

report on Europe's farms, fisheries and food supply. How much do you know about

where your food comes from?

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/From-farm-to-fork-How-much-do-you-know-

about-where-Europe-s-food-comes-

from?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=06-Jan-

2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOuQHYcgvozMlvyTqO2D5I%2FO&p2=

Report

http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/3217494/7777899/KS-FK-16-001-EN-

N.pdf/858fcc37-4185-4c89-8ba2-11be5353c578

11) Boom and bust in the orange market: Brazil's crop plummets whilst

Tunisia's reaches record high

As climate crisis decimates Brazil’s orange crop, Tunisia is graced with a record

yield. How will the European market be affected and can the crises resolve one

another?

The El Niño weather phenomenon caused high temperatures, humidity and increased

air pressure throughout Brazil, damaging conditions for the sensitive orange harvest.

A Rabobank report last year detailed how many areas of food production could be

affected over the coming year. Coffee, wheat and sugar cane production are all

experiencing disruption due to the weather conditions.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Market-Trends/Boom-and-bust-in-the-orange-market-

Brazil-s-crop-plummets-whilst-Tunisia-s-reaches-record-high?-Jan-2017&p2=

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12) ACS backs Passport Office & Home Office campaign encouraging PASS

Cards as ID

The Association of Convenience Stores is supporting a new campaign by the Passport

Office and Home Office that aims to prevent identity fraud as a consequence of stolen

or lost passports.

The government is urging students and young people to leave their passports at home

when going on a night out and to use a PASS card instead, the national proof of age

accreditation scheme card with photo identification on it.

Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill said: “A passport is a highly valuable

document. If it gets lost or stolen, not only does it cost the holder money to replace it,

but it can fall into the hands of criminals unless it is handed in and cancelled.

https://www.acs.org.uk/acs-backs-passport-office-encourages-pass-cards-as-alternate-

form-of-id/

Passport Office and Home Office comment

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-new-crackdown-on-

passport-fraud

13) Meat processors show leadership in animal welfare

Poultry firms Noble Foods and Cranswick, both UK-based, top the global Business

Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW).

Noble Foods and Cranswick led the poultry sector globally on managing and

reporting animal welfare policies, according to the BBFAW report published today

(23 January).

http://www.globalmeatnews.com/Retail/Meat-processors-show-leadership-in-animal-

welfare?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=23-Jan-

2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOs559ETXRZsO2G%2BjUMwzvRi&p2=

Report

http://www.bbfaw.com/media/1451/bbfaw-2016-report-executive-summary.pdf

14) The Cabinet Office has published a detailed paper on the future practices of

regulators.

The policy direction is towards ‘regulated self-assurance’ and ‘earned recognition’

coupled with fuller cost recovery. The review focused on some key themes:

the future of regulation;

regulated self-assurance and earned recognition;

charging for regulation;

collaboration between regulators; and

burdens on regulators

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/582283

/Regulatory_Futures_Review.pdf

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15) Industry welcomes GFIA, the UK's gluten-free trade group

UK food firms have created the Gluten Free Industry Association (GFIA) to promote

best practice manufacturing tips, gluten testing and ingredient sourcing for the free-

from sector's most lucrative category.

GFIA's founding members include Warburtons, Genius Foods, Mrs Crimbles, Nairns

Oatcakes, Bells of Lazonby, BFree Foods, Delicious Alchemy and Dr Schar.

A statement issued by the trade group said the top priorities for 2017 would be

developing best practice guidelines on ingredient sourcing and gluten-testing

methodology.

The UK’s gluten-free market is the most lucrative segment of the free-from category,

accounting for 60% of all free-from foods and enjoying a 36% increase during 2015.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Ingredients/Food-labelling/Industry-welcomes-GFIA-

the-UK-s-gluten-free-trade-

group?utm_source=newsletter_product&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=17-

Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOvkeKoPH85Rma0FDGOjQFG3&p2=

16) Labelling and Marketing

a) More Germans want to see animal welfare logo, says Ministry of Food

& Agriculture

The number of Germans who look for animal welfare logos on meat products

is rising, according to a 1000-strong survey commissioned by the Ministry of

Food and Agriculture, which gives a glimpse into the nation's changing dietary

habits and preferences.

The survey was commissioned by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Food and

Agriculture (BMEL) and carried out by opinion research institute Forsa in

October 2016. It interviewed more than 1000 people aged over 14 years.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/More-Germans-want-to-see-animal-

welfare-logo-says-Ministry-of-Food-

Agriculture?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campai

gn=GIN_NId&c=2dIZZoVkrOu4YZWAK2Jal8Qx08f%2BniT%2F&p2=

b) Silly sausages? German Ag Minister criticises vegetarian products with

meaty names

Germany’s agriculture minister Christian Schmidt has weighed in on the

debate surrounding plant-based alternatives using meat names, calling

them "completely misleading" - but the European Commission seems reluctant

to act.

Schmidt, a member of the centre-right Christian Social Union (CSU) party

focussed his attention on vegetarian curry wurst, a typical German Bratwurst

sausage sliced and covered in curry sauce, and vegan schnitzel, telling German

daily tabloid newspaper Bild last week the terms were “completely misleading

and unsettle consumers”.

“I favour them being banned in the interest of clear consumer labelling. I do

not want us to pretend that these pseudo-meat dishes are meat dishes.”

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/Silly-sausages-German-Ag-Minister-

criticises-vegetarian-products-with-meaty-

Page 21: Food Safety Bites February 2017 - The Society of Food Hygiene … · 2017-03-20 · Food Safety Bites – February 2017 In this month's edition: 1) Brexit 2) Diet and health 3) Free

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names?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=0

5-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOvntHVV%2FG3z3q2iU8Lneb%2Fc&p2=

c) What's in a name? Product legality, as UK updates food naming

guidance

The UK's Department for food, the environment and rural affairs (DEFRA)

has updated guidance on food product naming to make the complex and

potentially hazardous field more user-friendly for manufacturers.

A spokesperson for DEFRA told us naming policies remained unchanged

about using brand names, trademarks and other labelling practices.

Firms which do not comply with this policy risk a fine which varies in

accordance with the severity of the offence.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/What-s-in-a-name-Product-legality-as-

UK-updates-food-naming-

guidance?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign

=09-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOu1eqrbInydyHsX9PeOPKsR&p2=

Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/naming-food-products

d) Denmark’s Tænk slams producers for misleading labels

A Danish consumer rights organisation has made wide-ranging formal

complaints against several food producers, including Nestlé and Kellogg’s,

accusing them of misleading product labelling.

Tænk, the Danish Consumer Council, has taken producers to task over what it

says is misleading labelling. After initially trying to resolve its issues with

manufacturers directly, Tænk has now sent complaints about 20 products

across seven different categories to the Danish government's Veterinary and

Food Administration.

Breakfast cereal featured heavily, with six products from three manufacturers

included in the complaints, which focused on the use of whole grain logos on

sugar-rich cereals.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/Denmark-s-Taenk-slams-producers-for-

misleading-

labels?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=0

5-Jan-2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOu4Fqdc0J1f2Np%2BUcphkCV4&p2=

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Please call 08444 77 11 61 or email [email protected] The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology

The Granary, Middleton House Farm, Tamworth Road, Middleton, Staffs B78 2BD

17) EU court of auditors attacks Commission for its failures on food waste

EU auditors said the European Commission’s efforts to tackle food waste have lacked

effort, coordination, been fragmented and intermittent - and without even a real

definition of food waste, in a report released yesterday.

The report attacks the total lack of organisation and communication within the

European Union and the European Commission to align different policies and

structures that could make an effective impact on reducing food waste.

Currently a number of initiatives exist aimed at addressing the issue; auditors say

establishing these initiatives has taken the bulk of the commission’s work and resulted

in very little.

An ‘expert panel’ created in 2014 for example, has met only twice so far.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Regulation-Policy/EU-court-of-auditors-attacks-

Commission-for-its-failures-on-food-

waste?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=19-Jan-

2017&c=2dIZZoVkrOs1mATtRhqjiSuIV7h2%2FmCX&p2=

Report

http://eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADocuments/SR16_34/SR_FOOD_WASTE_EN.pdf

Recalls –

Waitrose recalls Hearty Minestrone Soup because the product may contain blue

plastic pieces

25 January 2017

Waitrose is recalling all batches of its Hearty Minestrone Soup because it may contain

pieces of blue plastic.

Clayton Park recalls Twin Packed Cream Cakes due to incorrect date marking

20 January 2017

Clayton Park is recalling its Twin Packed Cream Cakes as the product has been

incorrectly labelled with a ‘best before’ date of 18 February 2017. The product should

have been labelled with a ‘use by’ date of 21 January 2017.

Thorntons recalls Hollow Milk Chocolate Jolly Santa

19 January 2017

Thorntons is recalling all batches of its Hollow Milk Chocolate Jolly Santa because

they may contain a piece of plastic.

Consumers warned about frozen meat and fish products supplied by MDA

Products Ltd* (updated Jan 20)

13 January 2017

Consumers are being warned not to eat a number of food products, mainly frozen fish

and chicken, supplied by MDA Products Ltd. The products have been repackaged in

an unapproved premises and are therefore potentially unsafe.

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Allergy

B&M recalls Mini Cream 10 Pack Biscuits due to incorrect allergen labelling

20 January 2017

B&M is recalling its Mini Cream Cookies (various flavours) because they contain

wheat, milk, soya and sulphites which are not correctly declared on the labels. This

means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to

these foods.

Windmill Organics recalls Pro Fusion Organic Cacao Nibs Cashew Butter due to

misleading allergen labelling

17 January 2017

Windmill Organics Ltd is recalling its Pro Fusion Organic Cacao Nibs Cashew Butter

because the level of peanut found in this product is above that suggested on the label.

This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanuts.

Tesco recalls two batch codes of its Tesco Takeaway Butter Chicken because of

undeclared nuts

16 January 2017

Tesco is recalling two batch codes of its Tesco Takeaway Butter Chicken because the

sauce used contains nuts (cashew), which is not mentioned on the label. This means

the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to nuts.

Morrisons recalls batches of Morrisons Market Street Assorted Cupcakes

because of undeclared allergen

12 January 2017

Morrisons is recalling some batches of Morrisons Market Street Assorted Party

Cupcakes because they contain cereals containing gluten (wheat, barley, rye, oats),

milk, egg, soya and fish which are not mentioned on the label.

Pepsico recalls Doritos Lightly Salted Corn Chips because of undeclared soya

and wheat (gluten)

5 January 2017

Pepsico is recalling some batches of Doritos Lightly Salted Corn Chips because they

contain soya and wheat (gluten) which are not mentioned on the label. This means the

product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to wheat or

gluten, and/or an allergy to soya.

Booths recalls Free Range Egg Mayonnaise Sandwich because of undeclared egg

and mustard

3 January 2017

Booths is recalling its Free Range Egg Mayonnaise Sandwich because it contains egg

and mustard which are not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a

possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to egg, and/or an allergy

to mustard.

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EU RASFF (Rapid alert system for food and Feed) – highlights

All RASFF can be found at: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-

window/portal/?event=notificationsList&StartRow=1

Date Country of

origin

Subject Country of

notification

Classification

26/01/2017 Nigeria attempt to illegally import

dried beans from Nigeria

UK Border

Rejection

26/01/2017 Egypt absence of health certificate(s)

for peppers from Egypt

UK Border

Rejection

26/01/2017 India aflatoxins (B1 = 88.8 µg/kg -

ppb) in groundnuts for bird

feed from India

UK Border

Rejection

25/01/2017 India aflatoxins (B1 = 11.6; Tot. =

12.2 µg/kg - ppb) in chili

powder from India

UK Border

Rejection

25/01/2017 India Salmonella (presence /25g) in

betel leaves from India

UK Border

Rejection

25/01/2017 India absence of health certificate(s)

for spice mix (Sambhar

Masala) from India

UK Border

Rejection

25/01/2017 United States aflatoxins (B1 = 80.4 µg/kg -

ppb) in groundnuts kernels

from the United States

UK Border

Rejection

19/01/2017 UK foreign body (plastic piece) in

milk chocolate santa figure

from the United Kingdom

UK food - alert -

company's own

check -recall

from consumers

19/01/2017 Turkey aflatoxins (B1 = 10.1; Tot. =

14.9 µg/kg - ppb) in dried figs

from Turkey

UK Border

Rejection

19/01/2017 India absence of health certificate(s)

and absence of certified

analytical report for sesame

and coconut chikki from India

UK Border

Rejection

18/01/2017 Cameroon high content of cyanide (31.9

mg/kg - ppm) in frozen

cassava from Cameroon

UK Border

Rejection

18/01/2017 Thailand damaged packaging and

unsuitable transport conditions

for canned yellowfin tuna

slices in oil (Thunnus

albacares) from Thailand

UK Border

Rejection

17/01/2017 Vietnam absence of health certificate(s)

for dragon fruits from

Vietnam

UK Border

Rejection

Page 25: Food Safety Bites February 2017 - The Society of Food Hygiene … · 2017-03-20 · Food Safety Bites – February 2017 In this month's edition: 1) Brexit 2) Diet and health 3) Free

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Please call 08444 77 11 61 or email [email protected] The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology

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17/01/2017 UK unauthorised substance

phenylbutazone (6.8 µg/kg -

ppb) in horse kidney from the

United Kingdom

UK food - alert -

official control

on the market

17/01/2017 China aflatoxins (B1 = 6.6; Tot. = 8

µg/kg - ppb) in blanched

peanuts from China

UK Border

Rejection

16/01/2017 India absence of health certificate(s)

for sesame crunch from India

UK Border

Rejection

13/01/2017 China absence of health certificate(s)

and absence of Common Entry

Document (CED) for river

snails rice noodles & corn

sticks from China

UK Border

Rejection

11/01/2017 Uganda attempt to illegally import

fresh aubergines from Uganda

UK Border

Rejection

11/01/2017 Ghana Salmonella (presence /25g) in

moringa leaf powder from

Ghana

UK information for

attention -

official control

on the market

10/01/2017 India unauthorised substances

monocrotophos (0.07 mg/kg -

ppm) and acephate (0.13

mg/kg - ppm) in fresh okra

from India

UK Border

Rejection

10/01/2017 Bangladesh prohibited substance

nitrofuran (metabolite)

nitrofurazone (SEM) (7.3

µg/kg - ppb) in frozen raw

headless shell-on freshwater

shrimps from Bangladesh

UK Border

Rejection

05/01/2017 China absence of health certificate(s)

and absence of certified

analytical report for rice

noodles from China

UK Border

Rejection

04/01/2017 India via

Turkey

improper health certificate(s)

for dried chillies from India,

via Turkey

UK Border

Rejection