Contamination Control

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has published the results of an extensive literature review examining the effects of consuming three pervasive, chemical food contaminants—pesticide residues, veterinary drug residues, and microplastics—on the human gut microbiome. The literature reviews aim to fill existing knowledge gaps about how dietary components can impact the gut microbiome and human health, which is crucial information to improve food safety risk assessment.

In an effort to address the growing public health threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is seeking data and information on alternative and advanced feed practices in animal agriculture to promote the responsible use of antimicrobials. 

Mettler-Toledo has introduced metal detectors for hazardous locations (HazLoc), ideal for dusty manufacturing environments such as for free-falling powders, grains, and granules. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have released a report summarizing a meeting on precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) that will support the Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL) in the development of guidance on the use of PAL. 

Microplastics and nanoplastics are pervasive in the food supply and may be affecting food safety and security on a global scale, according to a new study led by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Australia’s national science agency.

Additional control measures for Salmonella contamination by manufacturers of Not ready-to-eat (NRTE) breaded, stuffed chicken products—such as those proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture—could reduce salmonellosis cases associated with such products, according to a recent study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Key Technology has introduce its new, integrated hyperspectral sorting system for chilled bacon bits.

Minnesota is poised to pass legislation that will ban nearly all uses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the state.

On May 15, 2023, the California State Assembly passed first-of-its-kind legislation that would prohibit the use of certain dangerous and toxic chemicals in processed foods and drinks. Assembly Bill (AB) 418 would prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution of any food product in California containing red dye 3, titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, or propyl paraben.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a draft Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) for FDA staff on the agency’s enforcement of major food allergen labeling and cross-contact. In response to FDA’s statement about the inclusion of sesame in foods that did not previously contain the allergen, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) expressed its dissatisfaction.