Recently signed into law, California Assembly Bill 660 standardizes the use of “Best if Used By” and “Use By” dates on food labels, and prohibits the use of “Sell By” and other, inconsistently used dates. 

U.S. Senators Edward Markey and Cory Booker recently wrote a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging the agency to revoke its authorization for phthalates in food contact materials, arguing that the chemicals are proven to be toxic. 

The newly formed Northern California Nut Processing Group brings together four Duravant operating companies—Key Technology, WECO, PPM Technologies, and Multiscan—to deliver a complete portfolio of processing solutions for the California nut industry, as well as local sales and service support.

To understand the full extent of human exposure to all food contact chemicals, the Food Packaging Forum has created the FCChumon Database, which documents for the first time hundreds of chemicals found in humans, and which of those are hazardous or have unknown toxicity.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Jeannie Shaughnessy, CEO of the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA), about the PTNPA's work to help nut processors ensure food safety and quality, as well as current events affecting the nut industry.

A recent study explored how the use of uniform, threshold-based precautionary allergen labeling could increase food safety for allergic consumers, as well as enhance the number of foods available to them on the market. 

GEA recently introduced its patented CONTA dual block valve technology for spray dryers that is hygienically designed to reduce microbial risk in food and dairy processing. 

With relation to circular agri-food production models, a recent article authored by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) experts has explored the current and emerging risks, data gaps, and opportunities for food safety.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have granted “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) status to INNEO, a food processing aid that uses antimicrobial peptides to eliminate Listeria monocytogenes in food.

A recent survey of the low-moisture food industry and relevant stakeholders has revealed the sector’s key food safety challenges and research needs related to food safety culture, sanitation, pathogen reduction, and technology adoption.