AFRICA – At the recent Africa Food Systems Forum held in Tanzania, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled visionary collaborations aimed at fortifying plant and animal health across the African continent. These transformative partnerships promise to usher in a new era of agricultural sustainability and food security, with far-reaching implications for Africa’s future. Jenny Lester Moffitt, Under Secretary for…
READ MOREYear: 2023
Japanese food facilities harness environmental monitoring to enhance food safety
JAPAN – A recent study in Japan on Environmental Monitoring Programs (EMPs) has unveiled the persistent presence of Listeria monocytogenes in food production facilities, emphasizing the significance of these monitoring programs. The research, conducted between 2021 and 2022, aimed to tailor EMPs to the specific needs of Japanese food businesses and promote the widespread adoption of these crucial monitoring strategies.…
READ MORECalifornia seeks to declare titanium dioxide safe for use as food additive
U.S – California has amended the California Assembly Bill 418 in a bid to remove titanium dioxide from the list of chemicals facing a potential ban as food additives. This legislative journey, which began in March 2023, has now entered a crucial phase as it heads towards a Senate vote. The bill, now known as the California Food Safety Act…
READ MOREUSDA empowers developers to boost food safety awareness with innovative API
U.S – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) has unveiled its inaugural Application Programming Interface (API) in a leap towards enhanced food safety and public engagement. This innovative digital gateway offers software developers access to critical data concerning recalls and food safety alerts, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that can amplify the reach of FSIS…
READ MOREAustralia, New Zealand seek public input on GMO corn for food use
AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND – In a pivotal moment for food regulation Down Under, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is inviting public commentary on an application that could see the introduction of genetically modified corn, line DP915635, into the food supply chain. This genetically engineered corn variety boasts herbicide tolerance and built-in defenses against insect pests, potentially reshaping the food landscape…
READ MOREResearch at University of Nebraska-Lincoln aims to transform swine production
U.S – In a groundbreaking development for both the agricultural and public health sectors, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA’s NIFA) has granted the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) a staggering U.S$2.48 million in research funding. The mission? To spearhead innovative projects that promise to reshape the landscape of swine production while addressing critical concerns…
READ MORESouth African scientists issue Listeria warning as beef sector contamination raises concerns
SOUTH AFRICA – In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pretoria (UP), South African scientists have raised alarm bells over the presence of Listeria in the beef sector, sparking fears of a potential outbreak. The research, spanning from 2019 to 2020, examined the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in beef and beef products at various stages of…
READ MOREPork sales thrive amid ARV contamination concerns, prompting calls for industry reform
UGANDA – Despite growing concerns over the misuse of anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs in the fattening of pigs and chickens, pork and chicken sales in Uganda remain unaffected, according to local dealers. This alarming trend has raised concerns about potential risks to consumers and the need for urgent industry reform. Deogracias Agenonga, a shareholder of Kampala-based Pork Junction, revealed that business…
READ MOREKEBS implements stringent regulations for sugar imports to address supply shortfall
KENYA – In a bid to manage the sugar supply crisis that has sent prices soaring to unprecedented levels, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has unveiled stringent regulations governing the importation of sugar under the country’s recent duty-free import initiative. These rules, announced on August 9, 2023, are designed to address the domestic sugar production deficit and prevent abuse…
READ MOREFormer FDA food safety expert joins Revol Greens in move to secure salad safety
U.S – Revol Greens has enlisted the expertise of Frank Yiannas, the former Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a move to bolster food safety and revolutionize the salad industry. Yiannas, renowned for his pivotal role in shaping and implementing transformative initiatives during his tenure at the FDA, will serve…
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