The World Health Organization (WHO) today released an updated fact sheet (N°368) on foodborne trematodiases, diseases that affect at least 56 million people worldwide, primarily in Southeast Asia and South America. These illnesses, which are caused by trematode worms (also known as flukes) that infect humans who consume raw fish, crustaceans or vegetables that harbor the parasite larvae, result in severe liver and lung damage.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials provided insight on proposed rules for foreign supplier verification programs and the accreditation of third-party auditors during a Sept. 4 web seminar hosted by the United Fresh Produce Association, The Packer reported Sept. 5.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Sept. 5 called attention (via Twitter) to a page on its website that illuminates the history and objectives of its Microbiological Testing Program for E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).
The FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) today announced its Plan for Program Priorities, 2013-14. The Plan, which aims to help CFSAN focus its highest priorities for protecting and promoting public health, acknowledges developments in the food and cosmetic sectors, and incorporates new responsibilities, tools, and authorities established by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Continuing research on Salmonella may enable researchers to identify and track strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria as they evolve and spread, according to researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. Michael DiMarzio, a doctoral candidate in food science working under the direction of Edward Dudley, associate professor and Casida Development Professor of Food Science, developed a method for identifying and tracking strains of Salmonella enterica serological variant Typhimurium as they evolve and spread.
Chobani is pulling some of its Greek yogurt from supermarket shelves after hearing of "swelling or bloating" in cups. The company said it has investigated and found a type of mold commonly found in dairy that may be to blame. The effort is voluntary and the company is not issuing a formal recall.
China's Xinhua news agency today reported that Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III has approved a law that aims to protect consumers from trade malpractices and substandard or hazardous food products. Although President Aquino signed the bill — Republic Act No. 10611, to be known as the Food Safety Act of 2013 — into law on August 23, the presidential palace just informed the media on September 3.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service today reaffirmed the equivalence of the food safety inspection system for processed poultry in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which was originally established in 2006. This will enable the PRC to certify plants to export processed poultry product to the United States.
Science has revealed what ancient kings and sultans never knew: instead of improving health, spices sometimes make people very sick, so Indian government officials are quietly pushing some of the most far-reaching changes ever in the way farmers here pick, dry and thresh their rich bounty. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will soon release a comprehensive analysis that pinpoints imported spices, found in just about every kitchen in the Western world, as a surprisingly potent source of salmonella poisoning.
Merck Animal Health this month suspended U.S. sales of its beta-agonist Zilmax, after Tyson Foods and other large meat processors announced they would stop buying cattle treated with the drug, due to animal health concerns. Feedlot operators, who have long been adding Zilmax to feed to help cattle gain weight shortly before slaughter, are concerned and dismayed by the move, but some consumer advocates hope it is the start of a trend.
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