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Packaging and labeling of cannabis-infused edibles are unregulated at the federal level due to Cannabis remaining a Schedule I drug, therefore industry must comply with individual state codes and use international standards for guidance. Cannabis-infused edibles are packaged and labeled with all the familiar requirements for a food and dietary supplement, and further requirements must be met.

This article discusses the latest research elucidating the main reason why foodborne pathogens like Salmonella are more resistant to heat inactivation in low-moisture food (LMF) systems, including quantitative data relating thermal treatment temperature and water activity/relative humidity to the log-reduction rate of bacterial pathogens in different LMF. Case studies on pilot-scale thermal treatments for the control of Salmonella in LMF are also presented. 

Mettler-Toldedo Product Inspection Group has introduced a significant new update—Version 2.6—for their ProdX inspection device management software.

Melodea Ltd. has introduced its newest innovation, MelOx NGen™, a barrier product engineered to allow for the recyclability of plastic food packaging.

McMaster University researchers have created a new packaging tray that can signal when Salmonella or other foodborne pathogens are present in raw or cooked foods, such as chicken.

Food business operators must ensure that their HACCP teams are motivated, dynamic, and knowledgeable, and that they correctly identify and outline all possible hazards for their product.

An extensive literature review has pointed out knowledge gaps about the migration of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) oligomers from food contact materials (FCMs) into foods, as well as inadequate risk assessment for the chemicals.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has alerted businesses that they should not sell plastic food contact materials containing bamboo and other plant-based materials, and have put out a call for evidence related to their safety and stability. 

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs are a policy approach where producers are given a significant responsibility for the treatment of post-consumer products. They involve building the cost of disposal into the cost of the product. These programs are meant to boost collection and recycling. They can also result in increased reusable and refillable packaging and encourage material reduction in packages. Any EPR program for food packaging needs to take into account food safety requirements and comply with applicable food packaging regulations. Any changes in food packaging must continue to protect the food after filling, during transportation and storage, and throughout its shelf life. Currently, four states—Maine, Oregon, Colorado, and California—have food packaging EPR laws, with more states expected to follow. However, EPR laws impacting food packaging are still in their infancy. States are looking for the most efficient ways to meet the requirements in the statues.

Chinova Bioworks has introduced the new MycoKleer™, a sustainably produced vegan fining agent for the manufacturing of beverages. MycoKleer can save manufacturers time, energy, and money by improving their efficiencies during the clarification process of drinks.