World Food Safety Day in Kenya culminates with adoption of joint Food Safety Commitment  Statement

AFRICA – In a landmark event marking the fifth edition of World Food Safety Day, Kenya and its African counterparts convened at the prestigious Safari Park Hotel for a three-day summit. Over 200 participants from 30 African countries gathered to discuss critical food safety issues and address the growing need for collaborative action. The summit culminated in the adoption of…

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FDA emphasizes need for post-market review, regulatory reform of chemicals added to foods

U.S – In a recent article, top officials of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have highlighted the agency’s efforts to modernize and strengthen the assessment of chemicals added to foods. The focus is on implementing a data-informed and risk-based approach through a systematic post-market review. However, FDA acknowledges the need for additional funding and expanded authorities to effectively…

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Study highlights Listeria monocytogenes persister cells’ antimicrobial tolerance, susceptibility to chlorine treatment

U.S – A recent study has shed light on the formation and characteristics of persister cells in Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium of public health concern, particularly in produce packinghouse environments. These persister cells are a subpopulation of growth-arrested cells known for their ability to tolerate antimicrobial agents and pose a risk of reverting to an active state under favorable conditions.…

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EU-funded project strengthens food safety in Comoros, Seychelles

COMOROS/SEYCHELLES – Two teams of international consultants have carried out missions to validate the data gathered on the food control systems in the island nations of Comoros and Seychelles, marking a crucial milestone in the project’s progress. This is part of an ongoing two-year project being conducted in 11 African Union (AU) countries in a significant effort to enhance governance…

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Africa Food Safety Summit 2023 gears up to enhance Food Safety and Quality in Africa

KENYA – The highly anticipated third edition of the Africa Food Safety Summit, recognized as Africa’s premier conference and exhibition on Food Safety, Quality, and Food Systems, is set to commence from June 15th to 17th at the esteemed Sarit Expo Centre in Kenya. This influential event aims to shed light on the opportunities, challenges, and market trends within Africa’s…

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Study reveals alarming contribution of ill workers to outbreaks, need for improved policies

Analysis reveals alarming contribution of ill workers to outbreaks and need for improved policies U.S – A recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that approximately 40 percent of foodborne illness outbreaks in retail food establishments from 2017 to 2019 were caused by infected employees. During the study period, National Environmental Assessment Reporting…

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FDA provides updates on PFAS testing, research in food supply

U.S – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has shared testing results for PFAS in 186 samples from the TDS, detecting PFAS in two cod and two shrimp samples, as well as in single samples of tilapia, salmon, and ground beef. However, the levels of PFAS found in these samples are not likely to pose a health concern for…

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FDA sets action level for inorganic arsenic in apple juice to ensure safety

U.S – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued a final guidance for the industry, titled “Action Level for Inorganic Arsenic in Apple Juice”, establishing an action level of 10 parts per billion (ppb) for inorganic arsenic in apple juice. This aligns with the action level proposed in a draft guidance released in 2013. Over the years,…

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USDA releases updated guideline for Salmonella control in swine slaughter, pork processing

U.S – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) has recently unveiled an updated version of its Guideline for Controlling Salmonella in Swine Slaughter and Pork Processing Establishments.  This comprehensive guideline incorporates new scientific recommendations and support, catering particularly to small and very small establishments, in their efforts to effectively manage Salmonella contamination at various stages of…

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Breakthrough molecular tool enables rapid genomic surveillance of Rift Valley fever virus

AFRICA – Scientists from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), in collaboration with research partners from Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania, have developed a faster and more cost-effective method for generating genomic data on the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), the pathogen responsible for RVF outbreaks. RVF is a climate-driven disease that poses a severe threat to both human…

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