The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has lowered the tolerable daily intake levels of bisphenol A (BPA) from 50 µg/kg body weight to 5 µg/kg body weight, pending the outcome of research by the U.S. National Toxicology Program. A publication date for the research is currently unknown.
The USDA-FSIS announced today that it is launching a 12-month Nationwide Beef and Veal Carcass Baseline Survey (B-VCBS) to sample establishments that slaughter and process beef and veal carcasses. During this survey, FSIS will collect samples from the carcasses of steers, heifers, cows, bulls, stag, dairy cows and veal, including heavy calves, bob veal and non-formula fed and formula fed veal. Samples will be collected at two locations in the slaughter process, immediately after hide removal (pre-evisceration) and at pre-chill (after all anti-microbial interventions). Overall, approximately 4,000 samples will be scheduled.
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in Tennessee and the USDA-FSIS to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections among nine inmates at a Tennessee correctional facility. Results from Tennessee’s investigation indicate that mechanically separated chicken produced by Tyson Foods, Inc. is the likely source of the outbreak at the jail.
Once Salmonella bacteria get into a food processing facility and have an opportunity to form a biofilm on surfaces, it is likely to be extraordinarily difficult, if not impossible, to kill those bacteria, according to research conducted at the National University of Ireland, Galway. In a study published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, the Irish researchers discuss their attempts — using three types of disinfectant — to kill Salmonella biofilms on a variety of hard surfaces.
The Telegraph (UK) reported today that Dutch food authorities have issued an official recall for up to 11,000 kilos (24,000 lbs.) of horse meat that was illegally sold as beef in Holland last year. This latest fraud — involving 200 horse carcasses — was only discovered on Dec. 27, 2013, after an investigation by officials from [Holland's] Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today published two final guidances for industry to help dietary supplement and beverage manufacturers determine whether a liquid food product is properly classified as a dietary supplement or as a beverage, and to remind the industry of legal requirements regarding the substances that may be added to either type of product. Together, the two guidances finalize a previously published draft guidance, and take into account public comments submitted on that draft.
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced it is sponsoring a public meeting on Jan. 23 to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items, and draft U.S. positions to be discussed at the first session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra is facing another contamination scare. The company is recalling almost 9,000 bottles of fresh cream over fears they may be contaminated with E coli.
The American Meat Science Association (AMSA) is offering a complimentary educational webinar on "Salmonella and Campylobacter Challenges in Poultry Processing," scheduled for Friday, Jan. 17 at 11:30 a.m. Central Time. Attendance is free but requires pre-registration.
In response to a disastrous Jan. 9 chemical spill that contaminated the water supply in nine West Virginia counties, affecting at least 300,000 people, Steritech has made available a Water Contamination Food Safety Brief to help foodservice operators and food retailers develop temporary alternative procedures.
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