U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) targeted testing of clams found a range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) present in all samples. Testing of domestic clams did not reveal a similar level of contamination.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a public consultation for the market authorization of additives, flavorings, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for use in food and feed; two novel foods; and one food contact (FCM) material. Additionally, approvals for eight flavorings have not been renewed.
Researchers have estimated a global economic cost of $1.5 trillion per year associated with three toxic chemicals commonly found in plastics and food contact materials—BPA, DEHP, and PBDEs—due to premature deaths, chronic diseases, and lower IQs.
Taking place online in February 2025 and hosted by Germany’s Food Safety Authority, the annual International Training for Safer Food is a training program on food safety risk management, intended for public health authority staff members in non-EU countries who handle issues related to food safety.
Filling a critical knowledge gap in light of recent outbreaks and recalls associated with low-moisture foods, a study led by National University of Singapore researchers has characterized dry surface Salmonella biofilms and developed a fit-for-purpose, antibiofilm, waterless sanitization protocol for the low-moisture food industry.
The EU has implemented a new regulation that requires U.S. importers of apiculture products like honey to register with the EU’s Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES). Prior to TRACES registration, businesses must complete an assessment with USDA and an application with FDA.
A research project funded by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) is exploring the microbial risks of unconventional surfaces in small and midsized produce packinghouses with the goal of determining sanitation best practices.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has opened a public consultation on a draft scientific opinion about the public health risks associated with perchlorate in food. EFSA increased the tolerable daily intake for the chemical and concluded no health risk to the general population at current exposure levels.
The new VarioFlow belt conveyor variant from Bosch Rexroth is suitable for the mass transport of unstable or bulk, film-packed products, and can also be used to convey large or wide products, as well as deep-drawn plastic trays.
Osaka Metropolitan University researchers have discovered the ability of an amino acid to inhibit Clostridium perfringens spore formation in the human gut, a process that causes foodborne illness.