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January 20, 2012: 12:00 AM EST
U.S. scientists who collected and analyzed 395 raw pork samples from 36 stores in Iowa, Minnesota and New Jersey found that seven percent – 26 samples – carried methicillin-resistant Staphulococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. This level is much higher than previously thought. MRSA causes around 185,000 cases of food poisoning each year and can also cause serious, life-threatening infections of the bloodstream, skin, lungs and other organs. MRSA is resistant to a number of antibiotics. The researchers found no significant difference in MRSA contamination between conventional pork products and those raised without antibiotics or antibiotic growth promotants. O'Brien A.M. et al., "MRSA in Conventional and Alternative Retail Pork Products", PLoS ONE, January 20, 2012, © O’Brien et al. | DomainsFood Safety
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October 4, 2011: 08:13 PM EST
Writer Nora Simmons reports that new labeling requirements and sales limits being considered by the Canadian government for energy beverages “could send shockwaves through the industry.” A Health Canada panel recently issued a set of labeling and sales recommendations saying that energy drinks such as Red Bull, Rockstar and Monster should be reclassified as “stimulant drug containing drinks” that should be sold only in pharmacies under the supervision of a pharmacist. Current labeling for energy drinks in Canada has the usual warnings for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children. But the panel suggested stiffening the warnings to say that energy drinks have been shown to have harmful and even fatal effects. Nora Simmons, "Energy drinks designated as drugs?", Functional Ingredients, October 04, 2011, © Penton Media Inc | DomainsFood Safety
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October 4, 2011: 09:16 PM EST
A petition calling for the mandatory labeling of genetically-engineered (GE) foods was submitted to the U.S. FDA “on behalf of millions of consumers” by a coalition of 400 businesses and organizations dedicated to food safety and consumer rights. GE foods are altered at the molecular level in ways that could not happen naturally, the coalition said. Noting that consumers have a right to know what’s in their food, Just Label It - We Have a Right to Know (www.justlabelit.org) said that the FDA has rejected labeling of GE food since 1992, even though many countries worldwide require it. The agency is considering allowing the marketing of a genetically engineered salmon that grows to maturity twice as fast as normal salmon. "JustLabelIt.org Launches Consumer Campaign Calling For the Right to Know What is in Our Food", Press Release, Organic Trade Organisation, October 04, 2011, © Organic Trade Organisation | DomainsFood Safety
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September 22, 2011: 09:38 PM EST
Two national surveys have found a knowledge disconnect between Americans and the food production process in the U.S. The surveys found that Americans think a lot about how food is grown or raised, but don’t really have any idea how food makes its way to the dinner table: seventy-two percent admitted they know nothing or very little about farming or ranching. They acknowledge that food production is important to the success of the country, but are divided over whether it is going in the right or wrong direction. Overwhelmingly, the surveys found, farmers and ranchers share the same values as consumers on issues related to environmental stewardship and animal care. Consumers also said they wanted to know more about how chemicals and pesticides are used in farming and ranching, and about food safety standards. "Nationwide Surveys Reveal Disconnect Between Americans and their Food", Press release, U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, September 22, 2011, © U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance | DomainsFood Safety
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September 4, 2011: 09:59 PM EST
An Israeli company has developed a package coating and spray derived from natural plant extracts that repel insects. According to Bio[pack] co-founder Shlomo Navarro, the compound is natural, safe and long-lasting. In addition, bugs are unlikely to develop a resistance to it. The product, which combines numerous natural repellant compounds, is being used as a repellant in factories and warehouses to keep food safe during production and storage. And the compound can be incorporated into plastic, aluminum wrap, cardboard and other types of food packaging to repel insects on store shelves. The company says its product is being evaluated by U.S. government agencies for marketing in the U.S. David Shamah, "Non-toxic solution keeps bugs out of food", Israel21C, September 04, 2011, © ISRAEL21c Foundation | DomainsFood Safety
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September 2, 2011: 08:56 PM EST
Twenty-five percent of food samples tested recently in a lab in the Indian state of Bihar were found to be contaminated or adulterated. Products such as cereals, wheat and wheat flour, graham flour, refined flour and “sattu,” rice and grams were contaminated with dust, insects and fungus. Milk and milk products were found to be adulterated with starch and sodium bicarbonate. Spices and condiments were adulterated with artificial yellow color, lead chromate, brick powder and dust. Under India’s Food Safety and Standard Act, which took effect last month, people caught selling adulterated food can be fined and/or imprisoned. Genetically modified food, organic food, health food and dietary supplements, alcohol and beverages can be tested under the law act, along with tea, coffee, soft drinks, jelly, ketchup, etc. Parul Pandey, "25% food samples found adulterated in state", Times of India, September 02, 2011, © Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd | DomainsFood Safety
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September 1, 2011: 07:27 PM EST
A Harris Interactive poll conducted for the American Meat Institute (AMI) has found that 80 percent of American adults do not use a thermometer to determine doneness when grilling hamburgers or poultry burgers. Three-fourths rely on sight to tell whether their meat is fully cooked. And 57 percent simply rely on the clock to determine when to take the meat off the grill – “not an accurate indicator of doneness,” AMI says. The organization notes that U.S. meat products are among the safest in the world, but like all raw foods, they can contain some potentially harmful bacteria. “It is important to take time to remind consumers about safe handling and cooking practices,” AMI says. "New Poll: Many U.S. Adults Unaware of Key Food Safety Practices", Press release, American Meat Institute (AMI), September 01, 2011, © The American Meat Institute (AMI) | DomainsFood Safety
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August 23, 2011: 12:00 AM EST
Portuguese researchers report that coriander oil is toxic enough to a variety of harmful bacteria to be used in foods to prevent food-borne illnesses. The researchers tested coriander oil against 12 bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Bacillus cereus and meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Solutions containing 1.6 percent coriander oil killed or reduced the growth of the tested bacterial strains. According to the researchers, coriander oil damages the membrane surrounding the bacterial cell, inhibits essential processes and ultimately causes cell death. They suggest that in addition to use in the food industry, coriander oil could be used as a natural alternative to antibiotics in lotions, mouth rinses and pills. Filomena Silva, et al., "Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) essential oil: its antibacterial activity and mode of action evaluated by flow cytometry", Journal of Medical Microbiology, August 23, 2011, © Society for General Microbiology | DomainsFood Safety
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August 20, 2011: 12:00 AM EST
Norwegian scientists have come up with an effective, fast and economical method of identifying infection sources such as bacteria, yeasts and molds in the food chain. Microorganisms that cause spoilage and deterioration can be found anywhere in the food processing system – for example, in the tubes that carry milk to cartons, or suspended in the air as sausages are being packed, etc. The new detection method is based on spectral readings of microbes collected from foods. Each microbe has a unique spectral profile that acts like a fingerprint for identification purposes. Using a spectrometer, scientists can detect microbes in finished food products and trace them back to the various steps in the production process. Henri-Pierre Suso, et al., "Spoilt Food Soon a Thing of the Past?", Press release, The Research Council of Norway, August 20, 2011, © The Research Council of Norway | DomainsFood Safety
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August 15, 2011: 12:00 AM EST
U.S. researchers report that proper sanitization can eliminate Salmonella and E. coli bacteria from the surface of fruits and vegetables, but can’t reach pathogens that infest the inner tissues. In their study, which used a technology known as immunocytochemistry, the researchers found a form of E. coli in tissues of mung bean sprouts, as well as Salmonella in peanut seedlings, after the plants' seeds were planted. The seeds could have been tainted before or after planting through contaminated soil or water, they suggested. The pathogens were found in every major tissue, including the plant tissues that transport nutrients. The only solution, they said, is to cook foods to temperatures known to kill the pathogens, especially in the inner tissues. Amanda J. Deering, et al., "Identification of the Cellular Location of Internalized Escherichia coli O157:H7", Journal of Food Protection, August 15, 2011, © International Association for Food Protection | DomainsFood Safety
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August 15, 2011: 12:00 AM EST
U.S. researchers have discovered that a group of garlic-derived organosulfur compounds act as potent antibacterial agents that could someday be used as a natural way to destroy harmful microbes in the food chain. According to the researchers, organosulfur compounds known as diallyl sulfides freely penetrate bacterial membranes and combine with sulfur containing proteins and enzymes, destroying the bacteria. The target microbe in the study was campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria commonly found in animal feces. It is considered the most common cause of bacterial food-borne illness in the world. It causes abdominal cramps, fever, and diarrhea accompanied by gross blood and leukocytes. X. Lu, et al., "Investigating Antibacterial Effects of Garlic (Allium sativum) Concentrate and Garlic-Derived Organosulfur Compounds on Campylobacter jejuni", Applied and Environmental Microbiology, August 15, 2011, © American Society for Microbiology | DomainsFood Safety
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August 8, 2011: 07:30 AM EST
Fraud in the food industry is a “phenomenal” global problem, according to the CEO of Oritain Global, an independent New Zealand-based commercial venture that specializes in scientifically determining and certifying food origins. The company, which works with universities and government agencies around the world, has tested meat, dairy products, honey, vegetables, fruit, coffee beans, seeds, wine and wool, with a goal of ensuring that labels aren't lying. The company sees its mission as “food justice” for consumers, producers and regulators in the food industry. Examples of food fraud include fake – and often lethal – Russian vodka, cheap pork dyed and chemically treated to sell as beef in China, and "Scotch" whiskey produced in China and India. Sally Rae, "Food verifying goes global", Otago DailyTimes, August 08, 2011, © Allied Press Limited | DomainsFood Safety
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August 4, 2011: 12:00 AM EST
Researchers in Minnesota have patented a newly discovered, naturally occurring peptide produced by a harmless bacteria that could be added to food as a potent weapon against deadly foodborne bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli and listeria. According to scientists, the lantibiotic they discovered is the first natural preservative that destroys so-called “gram-negative” bacteria, typically the harmful kind. The substance could protect many foods – meats, processed cheeses, egg and dairy products, canned foods, seafood, salad dressing, fermented beverages, etc. – from a broad range of disease-causing microbes. Lantibiotics are easy to digest, nontoxic, and nonallergenic. And dangerous bacteria have a hard time developing a resistance to them. Dan O'Sullivan and Ju-Hoon Lee, "Researchers Discover Natural Food Preservative That Kills Food-Borne Bacteria", Press release, University of Minnesota, August 04, 2011, © University of Minnesota | DomainsFood Safety
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August 3, 2011: 06:49 PM EST
Organic farmers can continue using certain synthetic substances in production and handling of organic crops, according to a final rule published by the National Organic Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The list of synthetic substances includes ferric phosphate used as slug or snail bait, hydrogen chloride for removing lint from cotton seed for planting, and egg white lysozyme. These substances were supposed to sunset in 2011 under the sunset provisions of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, but the National Organic Standards Board recommended their continued use in organic farming. Press Release, AMS, USDA, "Final Rule Allows Continued Use of Substances to Support Organic Agriculture", USDA, August 03, 2011, © USDA | DomainsFood Safety
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August 2, 2011: 08:05 PM EST
The FDA has warned HBB, L.L.C. that the agency can confiscate the melatonin-flavored brownies the company sells under the Lazy Larry brand. HBB has marketed the brownies as a dietary supplement, but the FDA letter says the product is promoted for use as a conventional food. The FDA argues the product is marketed together with snack foods; the company's web site claims the product has "the same ingredients your mother uses to make brownies;" and the product is packaged as a brownie. HBB has 15 days from receipt of the FDA warning letter to correct the situation. Eric Schroeder, "F.D.A. warns Lazy Larry brownies are unsafe", BakingBusiness.com, August 02, 2011, © Sosland Publishing Ltd | DomainsFood Safety
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July 18, 2011: 09:47 PM EST
A bipartisan group of legislators from the U.S. House and Senate has called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to not approve the genetically engineered (GE) salmon developed by AquaBounty. The U.S. House approved an amendment that seeks to keep the FDA from approving the GE salmon. Lawmakers, salmon industry leaders, and consumer groups oppose the GE salmon, which they claim can destroy the "genetic adaptations" of wild salmon populations. AquaBounty, however, claims that its GE salmon poses no health risks to humans and that GE salmons will be kept away from natural salmon populations. Helena Bottemiller, "Lawmakers Tell FDA to Back Off on GE Salmon", Food Safety News, July 18, 2011, © Marler Clark | DomainsFood Safety
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July 13, 2011: 12:00 AM EST
A meta-review by Danish and U.S. researchers of 85 studies on kava toxicity has failed to clear up the mystery of why some people can consume it safely while others become ill. Kava has been used without adverse effects as a sedative for centuries by Pacific Island cultures. Within the last twenty years, the substance has been used in the West as an herbal supplement to treat anxiety, emotional stress and sleep problems. However, reports of liver damage among Westerners began to surface in 2001, and some countries have banned or regulated kava. Numerous studies have tried to find out why kava sometimes has toxic effects, and several theories have been offered. But this meta-review found no consensus on the reasons for kava toxicity. Line R. Olsen, et al., "Constituents in Kava Extracts Potentially Involved in Hepatotoxicity: A Review", Chemical Research in Toxicology, July 13, 2011, © American Chemical Society | DomainsFood Safety
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July 2, 2011: 06:41 PM EST
Bayer AG's unit Bayer CropScience agreed to pay $750 million to settle lawsuits filed by thousands of U.S. farmers who claimed that a line of the company's genetically modified (GM) rice contaminated crops and damaged their export value. Farmers suffered financial losses after rice futures declined around 14% days after the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in August 2006 the discovery of the contamination of non-GM crops from nearby farms. Exports also slowed down as the European Union, Japan, Russia, and other anti-GM markets stopped buying or demanded testing of U.S. rice for GM contamination. Bayer has denied allegations of negligence during the GM rice test planting. Andrew Harris and David Beasley, "Bayer Agrees to Pay $750 Million to End Lawsuits Over Gene-Modified Rice", Bloomberg, July 02, 2011, © Bloomberg LP | DomainsFood Safety
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June 28, 2011: 09:49 AM EST
Any adverse effects reported for taking large amounts of omega-3 fatty acid supplements are probably due to problems with the intake of oily substances, rather than with the intake of EPA or DHA, a Norwegian food safety (VKM) has ruled. The panel reviewed safety data on EPA and DHA , two forms of omega-3 fatty acids, finding that levels as high as 6.9 grams a day led to no unfavorable effects. Scientists looked at dosages and effects for an array of conditions such as bleeding times, lipid peroxidation, inflammation and immunity, glucose metabolism and gastrointestinal disturbances. “Negative health effects regarding gastrointestinal function … have been reported, but seem to be associated with intake of an oily substance” rather than with EPA or DHA,” the committee concluded. Livar Froyland, et al. , "Evaluation of negative and positive health effects of n-3 fatty acids as constituents of food supplements and fortified foods", Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM), June 28, 2011, © Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety | DomainsFood Safety
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June 24, 2011: 09:28 PM EST
Peru's Congress has voted to enact a 10-year ban on genetically modified organisms (GMO), which includes the suspension of importation, cultivation, and breeding of genetically modified crops. Legislators who supported the moratorium were driven by the perceived dangers that can arise from biotechnology and the need to protect agricultural diversity. The move ensures that the country will not abet the spread of GMO products worldwide, but recent tests by Peruvian Association of Consumers and Users found around 77% of supermarket products tested showed some GMO contamination, raising questions over how effective the ban will be. Jonathan Benson , "Peru implements ten-year ban on GMOs", Natural News, June 24, 2011, © atural News Network | DomainsFood Safety
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June 21, 2011: 09:10 PM EST
The use of nanomaterials in food processing is likely to increase significantly in the years to come, once the federal government clarifies its stance on safety issues. According to this Food Safety News report, many discussions focused on nanoparticles during the recent Food Expo scientific sessions, though there were almost no displays of nanoparticles-based food innovations among the thousands of exhibits – a “perplexing” phenomenon. Many exhibitors claimed to be developing food applications using nanoparticles, but declined to talk about them. According to one exhibitor, the main reason for the reticence is "the ongoing concern about possible health hazards or adverse reactions from nanomaterial.” The situation is likely to change only when federal regulators provide a clearer idea of what’s acceptable in food and packaging. Andrew Schneider, "Many Eager to Use Nano in Food, But Few Admit It", Food Safety News, June 21, 2011, © Marler Clark | DomainsFood Safety
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June 21, 2011: 08:10 AM EST
A Kansas State University survey conducted among college students in the U.S., Ireland and France finds that American undergraduates are less skittish than their European counterparts about eating food products derived from cloned animals. The survey also found that K-State sociology and English students were less likely to consume cloned products than agriculture students. When told that both the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority found no safety risk in eating cloned animal products, many students said they’d be more likely to eat such foods. The researchers said their findings suggest that people with ethical and moral concerns about animal cloning are likely to avoid cloned products if they should come to market and are labeled as such. "Consumer Views On Cloned Products Breed Different Results", Press release, Kansas State University, June 21, 2011, © Kansas State University | DomainsFood Safety
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June 20, 2011: 07:55 AM EST
Reacting to the explosion of imported, FDA-regulated products, materials and ingredients, the agency has proposed reforms designed to better protect the health of American consumers. The problem is getting worse, thanks to rising productivity among Western economies, growing global demand for products, and faster and easier transfer of goods across borders. The four key reforms include partnering with international regulators, developing international data information systems and networks, developing an information gathering system focused on risk analytics, and working with public and private third parties and industry “to allocate FDA resources based on risk.” We can no longer rely on historical tools, activities and approaches,” said Acting Principal Deputy Commissioner of Food and Drugs John M. Taylor. "Pathway to Global Product Safety and Quality Report", Special report, FDA, June 20, 2011, © U.S. Food and Drug Administration | DomainsFood Safety
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June 20, 2011: 10:22 AM EST
A study revealed that folic acid supplementation and higher intracellular folic acid (ICF) levels during pregnancy are not associated with atopic diseases, such as asthma and wheeze, in childhood. Researchers conducted multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses of data gathered via the KOALA Birth Cohort Study. They also defined folic acid use as standalone and multivitamin supplements based on the period of use before and during pregnancy. Results of the study showed that increased ICF levels during pregnancy slightly decreased risk for developing asthma. Fabienne J. H. Magdelijns, MSc, Monique Mommers, PhD, John Penders, PhD, Luc Smits, PhD, Carel Thijs, MD, PhD, "Folic Acid Use in Pregnancy and the Development of Atopy, Asthma, and Lung Function in Childhood", Pediatrics, June 20, 2011, © American Academy of Pediatrics | DomainsFood Safety
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June 15, 2011: 12:00 AM EST
Swiss researchers who tested food packages made from recycled cardboard found that harmful mineral oils from printing inks can contaminate food even when recycled materials are only used for the transport cartons. In their study, individual packs of noodles rapidly absorbed ten times the recommended levels of contaminating oils from the transport boxes made from recycled fibers. The standard limit for the oils is 0.6mg in each kg of food, the researchers said. But after standing in packaging for just six weeks, food that had a two-year shelf life could contain 6.1mg/kg of the oils. Some companies have switched to packaging made from fresh fiber paperboard printed with inks free of mineral oil. But their efforts are pointless because recycled cardboard transport boxes contain the contaminating oils. Maurus Biedermann, et al., "Migration of Mineral Oil into Noodles from Recycled Fibers in the Paperboard Box and the Corrugated Board Transport Box as well as from Printing Inks: A Case Study", Packaging Technology and Science, June 15, 2011, © John Wiley & Sons | DomainsFood Safety
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June 14, 2011: 11:01 AM EST
Only one in four Americans said they would buy food imports from Japan after the radiation leaks at the Fukushima nuclear power plant that was crippled by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, according to a study presented at the 2011 Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo. FDA has failed to reassure American consumers about the safety of consuming Japanese seafood and other food products, despite testing and guarantees from the agency. Although 61% of respondents said they feel protected by U.S. regulations and government efforts to protect America's food supply, only 25% said they were ready to buy food imports from Japan. Respondents emphasized their feelings of suspicion and anxiety about buying food products from Japan, according to the study, "Food, Fear and Fury." Press Release, IFT, "Only 25 Percent of Americans Say They Would Buy Japanese-Imported Food Following Fukushima", IFT, June 14, 2011, © IFT | DomainsFood Safety
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June 10, 2011: 12:07 PM EST
The Robert Koch Institutes and the German government have rescinded earlier recommendations that people in the northern areas of Germany refrain from eating cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce because of the outbreak of the rare O104:H4 strain of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). They concluded that tainted bean sprouts grown on an organic farm in Northern Germany were the probable source of the deadly bacteria.They recommended that, in addition to practicing good hygiene, people should not eat raw sprouts and should dispose of any sprouts in stock along with any food items that might have come in contact with the sprouts. The new advisory is the result of a continually declining number of hospital emergency room admissions related to the EHEC outbreak. "Information update on EHEC outbreak", Press release, Robert Koch-Institut,, June 10, 2011, © Robert Koch-Institut | DomainsFood Safety
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June 10, 2011: 06:40 AM EST
A case study in Zurich, Switzerland, found that toxic mineral oils from printing inks can contaminate food products using recycled cardboard packaging. Results of tests conducted on packs of fine noodles showed that food speedily soaks up 10 times the suggested limit for concentration of these polluting oils from transport box. Researchers found that during the test period, the corrugated board contaminated the lowest packs inside the box with 6.1mg/kg mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH), 10 times the migration limit of 0.6mg/kg. Improved recycled paperboard showed mineral oil migration amounting to 4.9mg/kg, while a printing ink with 3g/kg MOSH also contaminated the fine noodles with 0.6mg/kg MOSH. Maurus Biedermann, Jan-Erik Ingenhoff, Martino Barbanera, Davide Garbini, Koni Grob, "Migration of Mineral Oil into Noodles from Recycled Fibres in the Paperboard Box and the Corrugated Board Transport Box as well as from Printing Inks: A Case Study", Packaging Technology and Science, June 10, 2011, © John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | DomainsFood Safety
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June 9, 2011: 01:06 PM EST
The Organic Trade Organization (OTA) has called an Op-Ed piece by David Mastio in The Washington Times a "biased, inaccurate and just plain irresponsible” attack against the organic food industry. OTA claims that Mastio is using misinformation and public hysteria over the recent Escherichia coli outbreak to attack organic food producers and points out that Federal food safety rules also cover the organic products industry and no evidence exist showing organic products are more at risk of E. coli contamination than chemically produced foods. It added that organic producers also have to meet third-party standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program, including emphasis on sanitation in the production process. Press Release Organic Trade Association, "OTA responds to "MASTIO: Dead bodies demand organic food moratorium" in The Washington Times", Organic Trade Association, June 09, 2011, © Organic Trade Association | DomainsFood Safety
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June 7, 2011: 11:13 AM EST
Nestlé SA plans to roll out its BabyNes infant-formula capsule system next year after initially launching it in Switzerland in May. BabyNes took over six to develop, and it costs 249 Swiss francs. Nestlé would like it to emulate the success of Nespresso, the company's single-serve capsule coffee dispensing system. Nespresso's success encouraged companies, such as Sara Lee Corp. and Ethical Coffee Co., to manufacture capsules compatible with the system. Nestlé responded by taking both to court. BabyNes machines will include a chip to prevent use of non-Nestlé capsules, with the company denying anticompetitive behavior and claiming it merely wants to ensure hygiene and safety standards are maintained. JOHN REVILL, "Nestlé to Take BabyNes Global ", The Wall Street Journal, June 07, 2011, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc. | DomainsFood Safety
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June 7, 2011: 12:20 PM EST
A report by a group of scientists and researchers says that the chemical industry and regulatory authorities in Europe has known for decades ago that the herbicide Roundup causes birth defects in lab animals, but did not share their knowledge with the public. One of the industry studies reporting on the damaging effect of Roundup’s active ingredient glyphosate was conducted by the product’s manufacturer, Monsanto. The report says German officials knew about the harmful effects – at low doses – as long ago as 1990, and the European Commission has been aware of the problem since 2002. According to one of the authors, Claire Robinson, the report sheds light on “a thirty-year cover-up by industry and regulators” that “has certainly placed the public at risk.” "Public kept in the dark on Roundup link with birth defects - new report", Press release, GMWatch, June 07, 2011, © GMWatch | DomainsFood Safety
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June 6, 2011: 11:37 AM EST
A British analyst firm focusing on the organic industry says the recent E. coli outbreak in Europe that has killed 22 people and sickened more than two thousand others will probably have limited impact on organic devotees over the long haul. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control traced a German farm and are analyzing 18 sprouts including bean and broccoli to determine if they’re the source of the outbreak. Amarjit Sahota, director of Organic Monitor, says sales of organic produce have taken a hit all over Europe but he doesn’t expect the outbreak to hurt the organic industry in the long term. Organic buyers are more worried about health issues associated with traditional farming, he notes. Tony C. Dreibus, "E.Coli Won’t Have ‘Significant Impact’ on Organic Food Industry", Bloomberg, June 06, 2011, © Bloomberg | DomainsFood Safety
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June 6, 2011: 11:12 AM EST
Children from infancy through age four who were fed typical allergenic foods such as cow’s milk and peanuts were no more likely to show symptoms of allergies than children who were denied such foods, new Dutch research has found. The study tracked eczema and asthma symptoms of 7,000 children who were introduced to cow’s milk, hen’s egg, peanuts, soy and gluten before they were six months old. “This study does not support the recommendation for delayed introduction of allergenic foods after age six months for the prevention of eczema and wheezing,” the researchers concluded. Ilse I. M. Tromp, MSc, et al. , "The Introduction of Allergenic Foods and the Development of Reported Wheezing and Eczema in Childhood", Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, June 06, 2011, © American Medical Association | DomainsFood Safety
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June 6, 2011: 09:48 AM EST
A U.S. study that tested long term dietary exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic containers, including baby bottles and water bottles, found that BPA accumulates in the body faster than scientists previously thought. BPA has been found to be a disruptor of the endocrine system, but animal studies tested large single doses of BPA, finding them tolerable and relatively safe. This study in mice, however, found that the absorption and accumulation of BPA in the blood increased when the mice were given repeated doses as a dietary supplement, instead of one large dose. Researchers concluded that continuous exposure to BPA in the diet is “a better predictor of BPA concentrations in chronically exposed animals and humans.” Paizlee T. Sieli, et al., "Comparison of Serum Bisphenol A Concentrations in Mice Exposed to Bisphenol A through the Diet versus Oral Bolus Exposure", Environmental Health Perspectives, June 06, 2011, © National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) | DomainsFood Safety
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June 1, 2011: 08:10 PM EST
To determine the safety of the sweetener aspartame, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) announced it is seeking all available scientific data available on its use as a food and drink additive and tabletop sweetener. Prompted by the European Commission, the agency will conduct a full re-evaluation of aspartame to be completed in 2012. The call for data extends to September 2011 “to ensure that EFSA’s risk assessment of the safety of aspartame will be the most thorough and up-to-date yet.” The agency wants all available scientific and technical data, whether published, unpublished or newly generated, related to the use of aspartame, a low-calorie sweetener that is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. "EFSA launches a public call for scientific data on aspartame", EFSA, June 01, 2011, © EFSA | DomainsFood Safety
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May 25, 2011: 12:53 PM EST
A coalition of health and consumer organizations led by the Natural Resources Defense Council has filed a suit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration charging that the agency has failed to meet its legal responsibilities to deal with the overuse of antibiotics in animal feed. According to the NRDC, the overemployment of antibiotics in animal feed is the main cause of the rise of drug-resistant infections in humans over the last 40 years. About 70 percent of the antibiotics used in the U.S. are fed to healthy farm animals to promote faster growth and compensate for unsanitary living conditions. The coalition suit would compel FDA to act on its own safety findings by withdrawing approval for most non-therapeutic uses of penicillin and tetracyclines in animal feed. "Superbug Suit: Groups Sue FDA Over Risky Use of Human Antibiotics in Animal Feed", Press release, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Council (NRDC), May 25, 2011, © Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) | DomainsFood Safety
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May 20, 2011: 08:21 PM EST
In 2009, Health Canada determined there would be some "safety and consumer confusion" issues arising from a 2005 compromise giving manufacturers of food and beverages, including junk food, discretion to fortify their products with nutrients. According to the memo written by a senior adviser to the director general of Health Canada's food directorate, the agency needed to address some issues about food companies' use of a loophole in the regulations to sell fortified food and drinks as natural health products. These concerns include the risk of too much intake of individual nutrients, which in the case of vitamin A in the retinol form might lead to liver diseases and, in cases of pregnant women, birth defects. Newly released documents also revealed that food companies are divided over how to go about food fortification, while the government has yet to propose new regulations. Sarah Schmidt, "Health Canada saw problems with fortified junk food two years ago: Documents", Montreal Gazette, May 20, 2011, © Postmedia Network Inc. | DomainsFood Safety
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May 15, 2011: 08:49 AM EST
About 5,000 people attended a festival in northeastern Greece to exchange seeds and voice opposition to genetically modified crops. European countries are under pressure from American GM producers such as Monsanto who argue that European bans on GM products violate global trade rules. The European Union has approved only two GM-crops: a maize strain for animal feed and a potato for paper-making. Popular disapproval of genetically modified crops has delayed decisions on a long list of others. On display at the festival were organic tomato roots and seeds to grow organic courgettes, beetroots, melons, watermelons and herbs. A total of 4,000 plant types were distributed to organic growers and supporters. "Greeks mobilize to protect endangered seeds", France 24, May 15, 2011, © AFP/France 24 | DomainsFood Safety
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May 12, 2011: 08:46 AM EST
Frequent consumption of sugary drinks dulls the sensitivity to sweetness, leading people to seek more sweet foods and drinks and a “vicious cycle” of consumption, according to a British study. For one part of the study, researchers assessed 22 lean and 11 overweight participants on the intensity of sweet taste, finding that overweight and obese people tended to rate identical drinks as being less sweet than lean people. The authors concluded that sweet “treats” become less rewarding over time, pushing people to look for even sweeter foods and drinks. In the second study, 12 lean people who rarely drank sugary beverages consumed soft drinks for four weeks along with their regular diet. The sugary drinks altered sweet intensity/pleasantness ratings and increased the preference for sweetness in these “sucrose dislikers.” F. Sartor, et al. , "Taste perception and implicit attitude toward sweet related to body mass index and soft drink supplementation", Appetite, May 12, 2011, © Elsevier Ltd. | DomainsFood Safety
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May 11, 2011: 03:23 AM EST
Chinese imports are expanding their presence in the U.S. grocery trade. Chinese products account for 7% of the frozen fruit and vegetable market but for some products it is much higher, such as apple juice concentrate where China accounts for around 60% of the US apple juice supply. Contrasting positions adopted by Trader Joe's, which stopped selling Chinese imports in 2007, and Whole Foods, which still sources some organic products from China, illustrate the ongoing public perception battle over Chinese imports. A Deloitte survey found 73% of consumers are more concerned about the food they eat than they were five years ago, yet most do not check nation-of-origin labels, in spite of various food safety scandals in China. Mitch Lipka , "China Imports in the Grocery Store: A Cause for Concern", Reuters, May 11, 2011, © FOX News Network, LLC | DomainsFood Safety
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May 10, 2011: 11:44 AM EST
Gary Berger, BOCA brand manager at Kraft Foods, said that U.S. retailers are re-locating meat alternatives in the store and giving them more shelf space as more consumers buy non-meat options and the category becomes increasingly mainstream. BOCA is looking to get new consumers to try non-meat products and is working with Weight Watchers to position the brand as a healthy weight management food option. BOCA is facing a growing number of competitors, but believes its healthy soy-based products will enable it to retain its leadership in the meat alternatives market. It defends the safety of its products but has introduced a non-GMO soy range to address concerns of consumers worried about GMO ingredients. Elaine Watson, "Kraft: Weight-conscious consumer is key to growth in meat alternatives", NutraIngredients-USA, May 10, 2011, © William Reed Business Media SAS | DomainsIngredients
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May 7, 2011: 11:24 AM EST
Two years ago China reacted swiftly to the melamine-contaminated milk scandal that sickened thousands of children: the government threatened, raided and arrested – even executed – disreputable food processors. But efforts by the government to enforce a tougher food safety law are falling short, The New York Times reports, as “a stomach-turning string of food-safety scandals this spring” has provided evidence of a continued problem. The media have reported on recycled buns, fake eggs, pork contaminated with drugs, pork sold as beef after being soaked in borax, rice contaminated with the heavy metal cadmium, arsenic-laced soy sauce, etc. And without a strong consumer lobby to voice its concerns, consumers feel helpless. Government officials meanwhile, though admitting embarrassment, say the situation is improving. Sharon LaFraniere, "In China, Fear of Fake Eggs and ‘Recycled’ Buns", New York Times, May 07, 2011, © The New York Times Company | DomainsFood Safety
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May 4, 2011: 04:22 AM EST
The first rules issued by the U.S. FDA under the recently enacted Food Safety Modernization Act will take effect on July 3, 2011, the agency announced. One rule bolsters the FDA’s ability to prevent potentially unsafe food from entering commerce, while the second requires anyone importing food into the U.S. to inform the FDA if any country has refused entry to the same product, including food for animals. Prior to the new law, the FDA’s ability to detain food products applied only when the agency had credible evidence of contamination or mislabeling. The new information reporting requirement in the second rule improves the FDA’s ability to target foods that may pose a significant risk to public health. "FDA issues first new rules under Food Safety Modernization Act", Press release, FDA, May 04, 2011, © FDA | DomainsFood Safety
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May 3, 2011: 11:56 AM EST
Eighty percent of 804 American mothers who responded to an online poll commissioned by the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming said they were concerned about giving antibiotics to animals produced for meat and poultry. Forty-two percent of the responders, all of whom were registered voters and mothers of children aged 16 and younger, said they were “very concerned” about the practice. In response to the poll findings, the Pew Campaign launched a grassroots movement of mothers working to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for their children and families. More than three-quarters of those polled favor federal regulations that would allow antibiotics to treat sick animals, but would eliminate the use of antibiotics to promote growth. "How American Moms In An Internet Study View Antibiotic Use In Food Animal Production", Press Release/Presentation, The Pew Charitable Trust, May 03, 2011, © The Pew Charitable Trust | DomainsFood Safety
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April 27, 2011: 11:19 AM EST
U.S. researchers who analyzed seven years of data from more than 36,000 postmenopausal women who participated in a placebo-controlled clinical trial found that daily supplementation with calcium and vitamin D significantly increased the risk of urinary tract stones. About half of the women who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative study received 1,000 mg of calcium carbonate plus 400 of IU vitamin D3 twice daily. The rest of the women received a placebo. The researchers found that 449 women in the calcium-vitamin D group reported urinary tract stones, which was almost 18 percent more than the placebo group. “These findings have implications for [calcium-vitaminD] supplement use,” the researchers concluded. But they cautioned that the self-reported occurrence of stones was not confirmed by clinical evidence. R.B. Wallace, et al., "Urinary tract stone occurrence in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) randomized clinical trial of calcium and vitamin D supplements", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 27, 2011, © American Society for Nutrition | DomainsFood Safety
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April 19, 2011: 07:35 AM EST
Mixing an energy drink like Red Bull with alcohol changes the reaction to alcohol that a drinker experiences, compared to a drinker who imbibes alcohol only, creating a potentially dangerous situation. Drinking alcohol makes people act impulsively. For the study, researchers randomly assigned 56 male and female college students to one of four groups that drank alcohol alone, alcohol plus an energy drink or a placebo, then measured task execution times. Adding the energy drink to alcohol did not increase impairment, but did change the perception of impairment. “The mix of impaired behavioral inhibition and enhanced stimulation is a combination that may make energy drink consumption riskier than alcohol consumption alone,” the researchers concluded. Cecile A. Marczinski, et al., "Effects of Energy Drinks Mixed with Alcohol on Behavioral Control: Risks for College Students Consuming Trendy Cocktails", Alcoholism Clinical & Experimental Research, April 19, 2011, © Research Society on Alcoholism | DomainsFood Safety
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April 15, 2011: 08:01 AM EST
A study of 136 meat and poultry samples collected from 26 grocery stores in five U.S. cities has found widespread contamination by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. In addition, according to the researchers, 96 percent of the bacteria were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. The researchers looked at 80 brands of meat and poultry products and found that 77 percent of the turkey samples were tainted, 42 percent of pork samples, 41 percent of chicken samples and 37 percent of beef samples. Some of the meat and poultry samples were contaminated by multiple unique S. aureus strains. “Our findings indicate that multidrug-resistant S. aureus should be added to the list of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens that routinely contaminate our food supply,” the researchers concluded. Andrew E. Waters, et al. , "Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in US Meat and Poultry", Clinical Infectious Diseases, April 15, 2011, © Infectious Diseases Society of America | DomainsFood Safety
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April 14, 2011: 10:23 AM EST
A study by Spanish researchers has found higher concentrations of the carcinogenic coffee compound known as furan in espresso and lower concentrations in coffee made in a drip coffee maker. Coffee prepared in drip machines is lower in temperature and brewed more slowly, the researchers found, allowing the furan to evaporate, lowering the concentrations. Furan levels in espresso range from 43 to 146 nanograms/milliliter. Coffee made in drip coffee makers, both regular coffee (20 to 78 ng/ml) and decaffeinated coffee (14 to 65 ng/ml) have significantly lower furan levels. The researchers stress, however, that the levels of furan found in all of the variations are considered "safe" to health. M.S. Altakia, et al. , "Occurrence of furan in coffee from Spanish market: Contribution of brewing and roasting", Food Chemistry, April 14, 2011, © Elsevier B V | DomainsFood Safety
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April 13, 2011: 11:27 AM EST
An editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal warns that Canada’s government sectors and private industry are not doing enough to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses. Regulation and oversight of food safety are lax and need to be strengthened. Key problems include inadequate surveillance systems, poor food traceability from “farm to fork,” and a lack of incentives to keep food safe throughout the food chain. "Private and public oversight of food safety should be reformed to ensure sufficiently uniform practices across the country,” the authors write. Though food can never be made completely sterile and risk free, there are measures that can be taken to prevent unnecessary deaths from food contamination. Ken Flegel MDCM MSc, et al., "Food in Canada: Eat at your own risk", Canadian Medical Association Journal, April 13, 2011, © Canadian Medical Association | DomainsFood Safety
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April 8, 2011: 04:10 AM EST
The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) NDA Panel has assessed 442 “general function” health claims – about 80 percent of such claims – relating to protection against oxidative damage to body cells, contribution to either cognitive or bowel function and maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. The panel reported favorably on claims regarding the relationships between, for example, walnuts and improved function of blood vessels and the antioxidant effects of olive oil polyphenols on LDL cholesterol. Nutrient replacement claims approved included replacement of digestible starch by resistant starch to lower the increase of blood glucose levels after meals and replacement of saturated fatty acids with mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids to maintain normal blood cholesterol. Claims not approved generally offered low quality scientific evidence, EFSA said. "EFSA completes evaluation of further 442 ‘general function’ health claims", EFSA, April 08, 2011, © EFSA | DomainsFood Safety
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