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May 2008
FDA throws Lifeway lifeline after line closures
May 19, 2008Lifeway Foods, a major processor of cream cheese and seafood products, has been ordered by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to close down two of it production lines over alleged hygiene and labelling concerns.
Canadian health products bill draws criticism
May 16, 2008Legislative amendments being fast-tracked through the Canadian parliament that place pharmaceutical controls on the dietary supplements industry are raising alarm among industry.
Expert calls for crackdown on EU bootleg booze
May 15, 2008While China continues to pose a significant copyright threat to Europe's spirit makers, the industry must also address the problem on its own doorstep, according to the director general of the European Spirits organization (CEPS).
Europe finds lycopene safe for foods
May 14, 2008The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found the carotenoid lycopene to be safe in a number of new applications.
EFSA assesses turkey meat salmonella threat
May 13, 2008About one third of EU turkey flocks designated for human consumption were found to contain some presence of salmonella between 2006 and 2007, according to new findings by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
300 arrested in ICE raid at Iowa plant
May 13, 2008More than 300 people were arrested on suspicion of being illegal immigrants yesterday as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents executed criminal search warrants at a kosher food-processing plant in Iowa.
EFSA assesses turkey meat salmonella threat
May 13, 2008About one third of EU turkey flocks designated for human consumption were found to contain some presence of salmonella between 2006 and 2007, according to new findings by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
FDA seeks opinions on communication of spinach recall
May 13, 2008The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hopes to improve communication with consumers by seeking comments on its handling of 2006's spinach recall.
Infant milk panel formation targets industry action
May 12, 2008An independent panel has been formed by the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) to scrutinise whether the advertising practices of infant and follow-on formula makers are in line with new rules on infant nutrition.
Risk tool from Commission detects aflatoxin in food supply chain
May 12, 2008European food industry must continue its crack down on food safety as the European Commission identifies six food alerts in just seven days.
EU seeks further safety advice on GMOs
May 09, 2008The European Commission remains cautious over genetically modified organisms (GMOs), returning to its safety advisors for a third time for a verdict on three biotech products.
September 2007
US Food and Drug Administration
September 2007Center For Food Safety And Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) Constituent Updates
FSIS Announces Launch of 24-Hour Web Feature to Answer Technical and Policy Questions
august 16, 2007The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today launched askFSIS, a new web-based feature, designed to help answer technical and policy questions regarding inspection and public health regulations 24 hours a day.
August 2007
US pledges to help China tackle food safety
august 08, 2007The US will help China improve the safety of its food and drug exports, the country's health chief said in a statement released in Beijing.
Superfoods market set to double by 2011
august 08, 2007The superfood and drink market is expected to almost double in the ten year period up to 2011, says a report published today, with soy products and exotic fruits leading the charge.
Industry will have to incur GMP costs
august 08, 2007While many in the supplement and nutraceutical industry have applauded the US Food & Drug Administration's (FDA's) issuance of the long-awaited final rule to establish GMPs, not every manufacturer will be able to bear the cost of compliance with the final rule.
Seventh Session of the Codex ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology
august 08, 2007The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are sponsoring a public meeting on September 6, 2007, to discuss the agenda items coming before the Seventh Session of the Codex ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology (FBT) and to present draft U.S. positions on the agenda items. The Seventh Session of the FBT will be held in Chiba, Japan, September 24-28, 2007. The Under Secretary and FDA recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to comment on the agenda items that will be discussed at this forthcoming session of the FBT.
Food giants reveal milk supply concerns
august 02, 2007 A number of the world's leading food manufacturers have revealed their concern this week at the current high prices for milk supply, as they move to offset the adverse affects of increased production charges.
July 2007
One audit, multiple certifications
july 25, 2007One audit can achieve multiple food safety certifications under a new global service offered by a Switzerland-based company.
Food safety panel created, but labs could close
july 25, 2007While the Bush administration has established a cabinet-level panel to recommend food safety improvement for products shipped into the US, half of the country's import inspection laboratories are facing closure.
Companies need to regain public trust, survey shows
july 25, 2007Public apathy has set in over the safety of the food supply due to the soaring number of scares and recalls, according to a UK survey.
UN bodies call for tougher food safety legislation
july 23, 2007Tougher legislation and more inspections are needed to prevent the up to 200 food safety incidents reported internationally, according to two UN bodies.
FDA to receive more food safety funding
july 20, 2007The FDA is set to receive substantial funding increases for its food safety program, which will allow for additional research to prevent food contamination, as well as the creation of rapid response teams in the case of an outbreak.
EU launches consultation on nanotech code
july 20, 2007The EU yesterday launched a consultation on a voluntary code of conduct researchers and companies can use when developing nanotechnolgy products.
UK regulator to charge fees for meat inspections
july 20, 2007The UK will begin charging meat processors fees for inspections and assessing plants based on the potential risk manufactured products pose to public health.
Cheese makers face raft of legal changes
july 19, 2007Proposed changes to international food safety standards could affect the way cheese makers sell their products worldwide.
Survey reveals RFID benefits beyond supply chain
july 19, 2007More companies are realising that radio frequency identification (RFID) can be used to streamline operations beyond supply chain management, according to a new survey by ABI research.
Scientific panel advises keeping ban on growth hormones
july 18, 2007New scientific studies do not provide enough evidence for the EU to amend its ban on the use of growth promoting hormones in cattle, the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) has concluded.
Thermoplastics approved for food contact
july 18, 2007A line of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food contact.
No need to choose between box and bottle
july 17, 1007New packaging for wine encases up to six wine bottles in a carton that uses advantages from bag-in-box packaging, its manufacturers claim
Vietnamese food safety must improve, say experts
july 17, 2007Vietnamese food safety needs to be improved as part of wider modernisation requirements, according to officials from both home and abroad.
EU examines tougher biosecurity measures for food
july 16, 2007The EU is moving closer to implementing measures to protect the food chain from a terrorist attack, by publishing a discussion paper on stepped up security measures that would affect manufacturers.
[Read Green Paper on Bio-preparedness]
Qualification offered for food hygiene managers
july 13, 2007A new certification for hygiene managers targets those responsible for managing and assessing food safety at manufacturing operations.
New ISO standard to facilitate traceability in food supply chains
july 12, 2007ISO takes another step forward towards ensuring the safety of food products for consumers with its new ISO 22005 standard on traceability in the feed and food chain, its latest addition to the ISO 22000 series on food management systems.
FSIS Publishes Final Rule Prohibiting Processing of "Downer" Cattle
july 12, 2007The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced a permanent prohibition on the slaughter of cattle that are unable to stand or walk ("downer" cattle) when presented for pre-slaughter inspection. The inability to stand or walk can be a clinical sign of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
Pathogen resistance to drugs rising, according to UK study
july 12, 2007Up to 29 per cent of the Campylobacter pathogen are now resistant to a commonly used antimicrobial, according to a UK survey.
EU Parliament votes for tougher additives regulation
july 12, 2007The European Parliament this week voted through four regulations relating to food ingredients - on authorisation procedure, additives, enzymes and flavourings - with notable amendments aimed at providing a heightened level of consumer protection across the bloc.
Biodegradable packaging patents indicate growing interest
july 12, 2007Food packaging is beginning to move away from plastics such as petroleum-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and toward biodegradable materials, according to a new report.
EU policies handicapping sector, says industry report
July 12, 2007High commodity costs compared to other markets, regulatory burdens, and a relatively small amount of investment in research are handicapping the EU's food and drink sector, according to a report released yesterday.
Traceability could be the recipe for trust
july 11, 2007To regain credibility with consumers over food safety, processors need to turn to full traceability throughout the supply chain, according to a study by IBM.
Australian RFID pilot achieves 100 per cent read rate
july 10, 2007The results of a two-month Australian pilot testing radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to pallets prove the technology can raise productivity and efficiency in the supply chain, the study consortium claims.
EFSA condemns Red 2G colour as carcinogen
July 10, 2007EFSA has issued a damning opinion on the safety of food colour Red 2G (E128), the first under its reassessment programme and a strong indication of a sea-change in the use of additives in processed foods.
Codex adopts standards, sets risk analysis principles
july 10, 2007The adoption of 44 new and amended food safety standards by the Codex Alimentarius Commission signals the coming changes that member countries will make to their legislation over the next year.
CEOs of top processors pledge to cut water use
july 09, 2007In a sign that environment issues have risen high on the list of boardroom priorities, the chief executives of Nestlé, Coca-Cola and SABMiller have signed a UN commitment to manage water use at manufacturing plants more efficiently.
Handbook outlines energy strategy for small companies
july 09, 2007A new handbook aims to help the EU's small and medium sized processors cut down on their energy requirements.
Volume and safety to drive drinks packaging demand
july 05, 2007Demand for beverage containers in China is projected to increase 8.9 per cent per year to 2010, to about 181 billion units in 2010, according to a new study.
China standards unveiled, but safety woes continue
july 04, 2007As China unveils a raft of changes to food safety standards, its inspectors are investigating the excess additives and preservatives found in children's snacks made in the country.
June 2007
Food safety agencies to sign cooperation agreement
June 29, 2007In a ground-breaking move to improve food safety, the European Food Safety Authority and the US Food and Drug Administration will team up to share scientific information.
Codex to consider international food safety standards
june 28, 2007International food safety standards on fish, eggs and infant formulas are likely to be adopted next week at the annual meeting of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
Wal-Mart Canada suppliers must reduce packaging
June 26, 2007Wal-Mart in Canada will partly decide the products it stocks based on whether suppliers have made sufficient effortd to reduce packaging, the company announced last week.
EU ministers approve new customs procedures
june 26, 2007EU ministers meeting in Luxembourg this week approved a new customs agreement for the bloc, aiming to cut out the paperwork and reduce the costs of importing and exporting goods.
FDA Issues Dietary Supplements Final Rule
June 22, 2007The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced a final rule establishing regulations to require current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) for dietary supplements. The rule ensures that dietary supplements are produced in a quality manner, do not contain contaminants or impurities, and are accurately labeled.
Prevention with inspections are key to food safety
June 21, 2007Food safety can only be fought by prevention as well as inspections, according to a report by an influential quality safety body.
Regulatory Cooperation Expanded
june 18, 2007The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Commission (EC), and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) have agreed to expand their current cooperative activities in several important areas. At a meeting June 14-15, 2007, the FDA and the EU reviewed the past year’s activities under the existing Implementation Plan for the confidentiality arrangement.
Counterfeit toothpaste hits US market
June 18, 2007The search is on for counterfeit toothpaste with a dangerous chemical being sold under the Colgate name in four US states.
Counterfeit Toothpaste Falsely Labeled as "Colgate"
june 15, 2007Colgate-Palmolive announced today additional developments and actions by the Company to protect consumers against possible risk from recently reported counterfeit toothpaste. The Company yesterday warned consumers that the counterfeit toothpaste, which has been found in some small, independent dollar-type discount stores, may not contain fluoride and could contain Diethylene Glycol, an ingredient not used in Colgate toothpaste anywhere in the world.
FSIS to Hold Meeting to Discuss Results of Expert Elicitation
June 15, 2007The Food Safety and Inspection (FSIS) today announced a public meeting to present the results of an expert elicitation relating to risk-based inspection (RBI) in processing plants.
New USDA rule means some organic products in non-compliance
june 14, 2007Organic products containing certain non-organic minor ingredients are now officially in non-compliance with US government organic certifications, following the implementation of a new rule last week.
FDA to move towards risk-based inspections
june 14, 2007Inspections of imported food are likely to be "risk based" as the US Food and Drug Administration changes its approach.
FDA identifies food safety, labeling priorities
june 07, 2007Determining the regulatory status of salt and developing methods to detect low levels of trans fats in foods have been flagged up as priorities by the US food regulatory agency in a report issued this week.
june 05, 2007Security experts say the country is inheriting crime in wake of U.S. crackdown on organized shoplifting
Codex Seeks Comments on Sanitary and Phytosanitary International Standard-Setting Activities
June 04, 2007The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), today announced the publication of a notice of sanitary and phytosanitary standard-setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex).
OECD calls on governments to clamp down on counterfeiting
june 2007Governments should work more closely with companies and strengthen enforcement to fight the rising global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods, according to a new OECD report.
May 2007
EU's chemicals law comes into effect
May 31, 2007Europe's groundbreaking law requiring manufacturers and others to ensure that the chemicals they use are registered with a new regulator, comes into effect tomorrow.
EU's chemicals law comes into effect
May 31, 2007Europe's groundbreaking law requiring manufacturers and others to ensure that the chemicals they use are registered with a new regulator, comes into effect tomorrow.
National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods to Hold Public Meetings
May 30, 2007The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today that the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) will hold public meetings June 4 - 8, 2007.
U.S. pushes China on food safety
May 23, 2007The Bush administration on Wednesday pressed senior Chinese officials to bolster the safety of food exports, a key issue for U.S. consumers after a toxic chemical surfaced in imported pet food.
U.S. pushes China on food safety
May 23, 2007The Bush administration on Wednesday pressed senior Chinese officials to bolster the safety of food exports, a key issue for U.S. consumers after a toxic chemical surfaced in imported pet food.
China must step up food safety reform, claims expert
May 17, 2007China must continue to reform its food safety practices if it is to maintain consumer confidence in its products, says a food safety expert from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
China must step up food safety reform, claims expert
May 17, 2007China must continue to reform its food safety practices if it is to maintain consumer confidence in its products, says a food safety expert from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Processors nix proposal to charge fees for risk assessments
May 13, 2007The EU's processors have called on the bloc's administrative arm to drop a proposal that would allow the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) to charge companies fees for assessments.
Alcopops labeling bill moves to Senate
may 12, 2007A bill requiring malt liquor beverages to feature warning labels and mark their alcohol content has passed to the State Senate in California.
Opinions split as FDA closes cloning comment period
May 11, 2007The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to process a multitude of opposing comments on its proposal to introduce products from cloned animals into the nation's food chain, which reveal that industry, scientists and consumers remain split on the controversial issue.
Imports irradiated abroad to increase
May 07, 2007More irradiated products from abroad will become available to US processors following the arrival of the first shipment of mangoes treated in India.
Imports irradiated abroad to increase
May 07, 2007More irradiated products from abroad will become available to US processors following the arrival of the first shipment of mangoes treated in India.
Europe remains cautious on use of irradiation
may 06, 2007Europe continues to lag behind in the use of irradiation, with only 10 member states approving facilities to process foods, according to the latest European Commission report released yesterday.
UN researchers examine chlorine use in food manufacturing
May 04, 2007An international research project will help set global standards controlling the use of active chlorine in food production and processing.
UN researchers examine chlorine use in food manufacturing
May 04, 2007An international research project will help set global standards controlling the use of active chlorine in food production and processing.
Project aims to tear strips off packaging problems
May 04, 2007The effectiveness of tear strips used in cardboard packaging is being tested as part of a new project, which aims to market the findings later this year.
Wal-Mart expands RFID use in stores
May 04, 2007Wal-Mart will require suppliers to another 400 of its stores to use radio frequency identification (RFID) for tracking goods, adding to growing pressure on processors to invest in the technology.
US-EC trade framework may point way to Doha success
May 03, 2007The outcome Doha trade talks may still be up in the air, but the two giants of the developed world, the US and Europe, this week reaffirmed their commitment to finding a happy conclusion - and adopted a new framework to foster trade with each other.
Neckbanders add tamper safety to drinks at high speed
May 03, 2007A new range of high-speed shrinkbanders can add tamper evident wrapping to the necks of beverage containers with reduced changeovers, its manufacturer claims.
Neckbanders add tamper safety to drinks at high speed
May 03, 2007A new range of high-speed shrinkbanders can add tamper evident wrapping to the necks of beverage containers with reduced changeovers, its manufacturer claims.
FDA instructs inspectors to detain Chinese ingredients
May 02, 2007The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered inspectors to detain foods from China if they suspect the imports are contaminated with the banned chemical melamine.
April 2007
Alcoa to examine disposal of packaging business
April 27, 2007Alcoa said this week it would examine disposal of its packaging and consumer units, which together generate $3.2 billion in revenues for the company.
FDA food safety problems blamed on lack of funding
April 25, 2007Years of under-funding and a lack of trained staff account for failings by the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) in preventing contamination outbreaks, legislators said yesterday.
Vision sensors offer unlimited inspection possibilities
April 16, 2007Two new vision sensors can help ensure food and beverage packaging is defect-free with correctly positioned labeling, claims their manufacturer.
Regulator turns down hearing request on irradiation levels
April 12, 2007The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is sticking to its guns on setting a higher maximum limit on irradiation levels used to sanitize foods.
Row over chocolate composition escalates
April 11, 2007Disgruntled US chocolate manufacturer Guittard is mounting a defence of chocolate ahead of possible changes to the product's composition by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Ethyl Carbamate in food, drink as dangerous as diesel
April 10, 2007The attention of product developers is turning towards health risks posed by ethyl carbamate, a naturally ocurring substance in fermented food and beverage products that is now classed as dangerous as acrylamide and diesel fuel.
Australia launches logo for home-grown foods
april 06, 2007The Australian government last week unveiled a new logo food products produced in the country and with all significant ingredients grown there, expected to be an important promotional tool for growers and producers.
FDA proposes to relax labeling for irradiated products
April 05, 2007The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to revise its labeling regulations for irradiated foods, suggesting some irradiated foods could now be labeled as "pasteurized".
New Cryptoglyph from AlpVision... Protecting your brand!
April 2007AlpVision, leader in developing innovative solutions to protecting documents and packaging against counterfeiting, proposes Cryptoglyph®, a simple and cost effective solution that is easy to implement. It does not require additional security elements and uses standard printing processes.
March 2007
PETA: FDA Should Expand Pet Food Recall
March 30, 2007Animal rights advocates are calling on federal food safety regulators and pet food companies to expand a nationwide recall of dog and cat food to include dry varieties, claiming it makes pets sick.
Rat Poison Found in Tainted Pet Food
March 24, 2007 Pet owners were rechecking their cabinets and threatening legal action after state officials said rat poison was found in pet food blamed for the deaths of at least 16 cats and dogs.
March 22, 2007If you smell the aroma of dinner emanating from Lori Perrotti-John's kitchen, it's possible that meal may not be for her. It's likely for her dogs.
Wal-Mart suppliers on track to reduce packaging
March 15, 2007Wal-Mart said this week that enough suppliers has signed on to its online "green" rating system, to keep the giant retailer on track toward achieving a five percent reduction in packaging by 2013.
New easy open seals close packaging dilemma
March 04, 2007Two different packaging seals offer easier opening with security -- while one is designed for industrial and commercial use, the other meets increasing consumer demand, the manufacturer claims.
February 2007
Copper alloys surfaces touted as pathogen killers
February 07, 2007Three types of alloy surfaces containing at least 90 per cent copper completely eliminate E. coli O157:H7, according to an ongoing UK study of the pathogen-killing properties of the metal.
Bericap introduces tamper-evident closure for vinegar
February 07, 2007Packaging supplier Bericap has adapted its tamper-evident neck closure for the vinegar market.
January 2007
EU outlines future of food reform in 2007
january 22, 2007The European commissioner for agriculture has outlined the sectors targeted for reform in 2007.
US, EU pledge to complete Doha trade talksUS, EU pledge to complete Doha trade talks
January 16, 2007US president George W. Bush and commission president Jose Manuel Barroso have reaffirmed their commitment to breaking the deadlock in the Doha round of WTO trade talks.
RFID analyst forecasts cheap item-level tags by 2016
January 15, 2007The tagging of items with radio frequency identification (RFID) will take off in 2007 to become the biggest market by value by 2016 as prices fall dramatically, according to a forecast by a market analyst.
Proposed anti-terrorist law would boost security costs
January 12, 2007A proposed anti-terrorist law on chemicals would require food companies, among others, to implement potentially costly security measures to protect their sites from theft or attack.
RFID system tested on stretch wrapped shipments
January 12, 2007 IBM and packaging giant Pliant are testing a radio frequency identification system (RFID) that would allow processors to track products and detect tampering on stretch wrapped shipments.
EFSA approves QPS approach to microorganisms in food
January 12, 2007EFSA has recommended a Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) approach in order to assess the safety of microorganisms used in food.
DNA pathogen test will produce results within hours
January 12, 2007A DNA-based pathogen detection system, that will provide test results within hours, is being developed through funding from Tate & Lyle.
The ultimate terrorist threat: Biological, chemical and nuclear weapons
January 12, 2007A particularly sinister and deadly category of weapons may signal a new era of global terrorism. Many experts are of the opinion that it’s no longer a question of if but only a matter of time before a biological, chemical or nuclear terrorist attack occurs. However, there is considerable disagreement regarding the effectiveness of these attacks, as measured by physical destruction and human casualties.
Meat processors fall afoul of environmental laws
January 11, 2007Tyson Foods and Michael Foods will pay out about $1m each for falling afoul of environmental laws.
Lift on Mexican process ban of US pork proposed
January 11, 2007US food companies may soon be able to restart sending their pork supplies to Mexico for processing, if US Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposals are given the go-ahead.
Region in running for $451 million federal bioterror research lab
January 11, 2007Proposed Kansas and Missouri sites for the facility make Homeland Security’s initial cut.
Eco-Intimidation Bypasses Scientific Debate
January 11, 2007Junk science traditionally has been pretty much of an in-your-face phenomenon. Activist-generated scary headlines that are followed by a hysterical rush to adopt new laws and regulations is standard fare.
Animal ID Chief Requests Participation
january 10, 2007USDA says animal identification system will remain voluntary, but is seeking more participation.
Invisible RFID Ink Safe For Cattle And People, Company Says
January 10, 2007A startup company developing chipless RFID ink has tested its product on cattle and laboratory rats.
December 2006
Encapsulation innovation highlights
december 21, 2006Encapsulation of sensitive ingredients continues to generate interest and research, with innovative encapsulating compounds making waves.
Schumer: FDA should track produce
December 18, 2006Sen. Charles Schumer is calling for the Food and Drug Administration to begin tracking produce so that future outbreaks of bacteria in fruits and vegetables can be traced to their source.
November 2006
Chocolate-coated almonds added to Hershey salmonella recall
November 15, 2006Hershey Canada is adding chocolate-coated almonds purchased in bulk at its factory store in Smiths Falls, Ont., to its list of recalled products.
Biotech Rice Saga: USDA Approval Shortcut Emerges as Issue
November 06, 2006When the biotech company Bayer CropScience AG requested federal permission in August to market a variety of gene-altered rice, it assured itself a small, unwanted place in history: the first to seek approval for a genetically engineered food that was already—illegally—on the market.
October 2006
Pharmaceutical Adulteration - Panama
October 13, 2006The Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] in Atlanta [Georgia, USA] detected the presence of an industrial solvent in medications used by the Social Security Agency [of Panama] (CSS). Alleyne announces the recall of 7 additional medications and that the investigations into lisinopril are continuing.
Food safety agency recommends application of intenational standards: targets Salmonella exposure
October 11, 2006Food processors should be monitored to ensure they apply proper manufacturing and hygienic practices throughout their plants says an EU food safety panel. The recommendation is one of a series of opinions published yesterday by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as part of the bloc's programme to prevent and reduce animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Such foodborne zoonoses, such as Salmonella enteritidis, Campylobacter spp. and Listeria monocytogenes, cause about 380,000 EU residents to fall sick each year. The recommendations, some of which deal with in-plant processes, are sent to the European Commission and the bloc's legislative bodies, and if approved, could result in new regulations for the food industry.
[Find actual report here...]
October 05, 2006A new report released today, Regulating the Products of Nanotechnology: Does FDA Have the Tools It Needs? by Michael Taylor, a former Deputy Commissioner for Policy at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), examines the agency's capacity to properly regulate new products containing nanotechnology materials--including food, drugs, medical devices, dietary supplements and cosmetics. Taylor's report comes days before FDA's first major public meeting on nanotechnology oversight, scheduled for October 10, 2006.
June 2006
U.S. and others protest EU's proposed chemical law
June 13, 2006Mounting overseas pressure on the EU to rework a draft EU law requiring the registration and authorisation of chemicals could foreshadow a battle that seems destined for lengthy arbitration before the World Trade Organisation.
Ireland identifies benzene in two diet drinks
June 13, 2006Manufacturers in Ireland have recalled two diet drinks from the market, after testing by the country's food regulator found high levels of the cancer-causing chemical in their products.
Inside the world of counterfeit drugs
June 09, 2006Update: Less than a week after Dateline’s broadcast about counterfeit medicines, the FDA has announced new rules to require prescription medicines to be tracked every time they change hands from the factory to the pharmacy. The new rules are scheduled to take effect in December 2006
FDA Announces New Measures to Protect Americans from Counterfeit Drugs
June 09, 2006The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced new steps to strengthen existing protections against the growing problem of counterfeit drugs. The measures, which were recommended in a report released today by the agency's Counterfeit Drug Task Force, emphasize certain regulatory actions and the use of new technologies for safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. drug supply.
FDA Counterfeit Drug Task Force Report: 2006 Update
June 08, 2006This is the third report issued by the Agency since 2004 to address FDA's and the private sector's response to the emerging threat of counterfeit drugs entering the U.S. drug supply. This report contains recommendations to FDA's Acting Commissioner regarding actions that the public and private sector can take to further speed the adoption of electronic track and trace technology and for the use of pedigrees in general, to increase the safety and security of the U.S. drug supply.
Police investigate tampering at Australian bakery
June 01, 2006Around 2.5 million Top Taste cakes have been pulled from shelves across Australia, after the discovery of dangerous objects in a handful of products.
Draft Compliance Policy Guide 160.900 Prescription Drug Marketing Act
June 2006Purpose: To clarify for FDA personnel and the regulated industry how the agency intends to prioritize its enforcement efforts during the next year regarding the pedigree requirements in 21 U.S.C. 353(e)(1)(A) and 21 CFR Part 203.
May 2006
Florida grand jury report on the sale and resale of prescription drugs
May 2006We, the members of the Seventeenth Statewide Grand Jury have been called upon to examine, among other matters, the safety of prescription drugs in Florida. In particular, we have examined the situation concerning the sale and re-sale of prescription drugs in the wholesale market.
March 2006
H.R. 32: Protecting American Goods and Services Act of 2005
March 16, 2006Full version of PL 109-181, "Protecting American Goods and Services Act of 2005" (Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act) as passed by the 109th Congress.
H.R. 32: Protecting American Goods and Services Act of 2005
March 16, 2006Full version of PL 109-181, "Protecting American Goods and Services Act of 2005" (Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act) as passed by the 109th Congress.