July 2023 | Food Safety Africa Magazine

Canada triumphs in food safety as report reveals almost perfect scores in microbial contaminant testing

Jul 31, 2023Jul 31, 2023

CANADA – In a remarkable feat for food safety, a recently published interim report from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has revealed nearly 100 percent of food samples tested for microbial contaminants between April 2018 and March 2022 received a “satisfactory” rating. This outstanding achievement showcases Canada’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its food supply and protecting consumers…

Salmonella outbreak linked to cherry tomatoes sparks global concern, ECDC, EFSA launch joint investigation

Jul 31, 2023Jul 31, 2023

EUROPE – European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have uncovered a multi-country foodborne illness outbreak of Salmonella Senftenberg, potentially originating from cherry-like tomatoes. The joint investigation has sent alarm bells ringing as genetic analysis points to a common source—cherry tomatoes—believed to be responsible for illnesses across 11 EU/European Economic Area (EEA)…

Research sets course to combat antimicrobial resistance in agrifood systems

Jul 31, 2023Jul 31, 2023

GLOBAL – In a resolute effort to tackle one of the most formidable global health threats, a pioneering report titled “A One Health Priority Research Agenda for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)” has emerged, outlining vital research areas to counter the rise of AMR at the interface of agrifood, healthcare, and the environment. AMR, a menacing adversary, undermines our ability to combat…

UK Food Standards Agency seeks data on mycotoxins in food to inform risk analysis process

Jul 30, 2023Jul 28, 2023

UK – In an effort to safeguard consumers from potential health risks, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have launched a nationwide data collection initiative to assess the levels of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in food. Mycotoxins, produced by certain fungi, can pose a threat to human health, and their presence in cereal crops, such…

FDA announces user fee rates for importer, certification programs in FY 2024

Jul 30, 2023Jul 28, 2023

U.S – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking a proactive step in bolstering food safety by announcing the user fee rates for two vital programs in fiscal year (FY) 2024; the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) and Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP). Under the provisions of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), these user fees support the…

Revolutionary GeneSeekR tool unleashes precise E. coli detection for enhanced food safety

Jul 30, 2023Jul 28, 2023

CANADA – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has unveiled an innovative rapid tool that promises to revolutionize food safety measures by providing swift confirmation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains detected in food samples. Known as GeneSeekR, this groundbreaking technology is the result of the Government of Canada’s Genomics Research and Development Initiative (GRDI), fueling advancements in genomic research…

EFSA updates list of microorganisms approved for use in food and Feed

Jul 28, 2023Jul 28, 2023

EUROPE – The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has taken a proactive step to safeguard the quality and safety of food and feed by updating its qualified presumption of safety (QPS) list of approved microbiological agents. The QPS list serves as a vital resource, offering generic pre-valuation of the safety of microorganisms intentionally added to food and feed products. The…

USDA’s Produce Safety University empowers school nutrition professionals with new funding, education opportunities

Jul 28, 2023Jul 28, 2023

U.S – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service has unveiled exciting new funding and educational initiatives under its renowned Produce Safety University (PSU) program, aimed at ensuring the safe and nutritious inclusion of fresh produce in school meals. PSU, a “train-the-trainer” experiential learning platform, equips child nutrition professionals with essential tools and knowledge to implement proper produce…

CDC raises alarm over persistent multidrug-resistant Salmonella strain causing outbreaks

Jul 28, 2023Jul 28, 2023

U.S – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has taken a proactive step in addressing a growing public health concern by publishing a new webpage dedicated to a persistent, multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella Infantis known as REPJFX01. This strain has been at the center of numerous illnesses and outbreaks, defying conventional prevention efforts and causing long-term health…

Bayer faces multi-billion euro write-down as glyphosate controversy takes toll

Jul 28, 2023Jul 28, 2023

GERMANY – German multinational corporation Bayer has announced a colossal 2.5-billion-euro (U.S$2.8-billion) write-down on the potentially carcinogenic herbicide glyphosate. The announcement comes amid growing concerns and controversies surrounding the widely used weedkiller. Bayer’s grim warning projected that the write-down would lead to a net loss of 2.0 billion euros for the second quarter, leading the company to lower its annual…

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