Incorporating a novel “bio-fumigation” method based on a natural compound produced by mustard plants, the micro-malting machine effectively addresses mycotoxins while preserving quality. USDA is working with industry to scale the prototype for widespread adoption.
Although generally detected at low levels, mycotoxins were present in all plant-based meat alternative and beverage samples, suggesting that cumulative exposure may pose health concerns.
Tetra Pak has unveiled the first-ever use of its paper-based barrier technology for a juice packaging application by García Carrión. The Tetra Brik Aseptic Slim Leaf carton comprises 92 percent renewable materials and reduces carbon footprint by 43 percent.
GEA InsightPartner EvoHDry is a digital condition monitoring tool developed to support operational reliability in facilities producing items like infant formula, cream, evaporated milk, condensed milk, and cheese.
The UK Government has proposed rules that would prohibit the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under the age of 16, intended to “prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.”
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has received official approval for four changes to the Food Standards Code. It has also provided new targeted guidance on microbiological safety and hygiene for seafood and cell-cultured products.
FDA has issued a proposed rule to amend the Standard of Identity (SOI) for orange juice, reducing the minimum Brix requirement from 10.5 to 10. This addresses modern agricultural challenges making it difficult for manufacturers to meet Brix content requirements.
The current campaign to require a cancer warning on alcohol containers will likely be hampered by the complex and thorny congressional action required to update the health warning statement. Nonetheless, alcohol industry members will need to carefully implement public relations, legislative, and litigation strategies to respond to this emphasis on the potential harms related to alcohol consumption.
FDA carried out a sampling and testing assignment of bottled waters for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in 2023–2024. Although PFAS were detected in ten samples, no bottled waters were found to have levels of “forever chemicals” exceeding EPA maximum limits for PFAS in drinking water.
With the passage of House Bill 81, Utah will ban the addition of fluoride to public drinking water systems beginning May 7, 2025. Community water fluoridation has come under scrutiny in recent years due to concerns about its affect on children’s IQ.
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