Contamination Control

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent a warning letter to Bimbo Bakeries USA Inc. for listing “contains” statements for major food allergens on the labels of products that do not actually contain the listed allergens. The warning letter follows an FDA statement denouncing a trend of food manufacturers attempting to circumvent allergen cross-contamination requirements by exploiting loopholes around “may contain” label statements.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published an outline of its research priorities regarding the dairy food safety implications of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1.

Researchers from Purdue University have developed a new biosensor-based rapid test that can detect fecal contamination of produce in-field with 90–100 percent accuracy.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has expanded fish consumption advisories based on the results of ongoing testing for per- and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS) in bodies of water across the state.

A recent study of canned tuna packed in oil and sold in Europe revealed toxic chemicals bisphenol A (BPA) and/or glycidol in all of the analyzed tuna products. Mercury and 3-MCPD were not found at levels high enough to cause concern.

Approximately half of raw chicken sold at Lidl stores across five European countries are contaminated with antibiotic-resistant foodborne pathogens, according to the findings of a recent sampling and testing project commissioned by Essere Animali.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has provided updates on its sampling and testing activities of retail milk for the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viral fragments. Additionally, Health Canada and CFIA recently completed a study on pasteurization’s efficacy against HPAI in milk. 

Researchers from Tulane University assessed the levels and risks of toxic metals in chocolates sold in the U.S., made from beans originating from different global regions.

The European Commission is taking strides to improve honey authenticity, including setting new origin labeling requirements, and the development of harmonized traceability requirements and improved methods of composition analysis and origin tracing. The Commission is assembling a group of experts called the “Honey Platform” to advise this work and is accepting applications.

Food safety is paramount in the production process, and crucial for protecting consumers from health risks associated with allergens and contaminants.