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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USDA extends public consultation period on determination to label Salmonella in breaded stuffed raw chicken products

U.S – The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has extended the comment period on the proposed determination titled Salmonella in Not-Ready-To-Eat Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products. This is in response to requests from industry associations for more time to assess and assemble comments on the proposal’s impact. Published on April 28, 2023, the deadline for…

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Scientists develop color-changing sensor to detect food spoilage

KOREA – Scientists from the South Korean Pusan National University have created a color-changing portable sensor that swiftly identifies biogenic amines (BAs) to combat hazardous substances left behind when meals like fish, meat, and cheese decompose.  Little amounts of BAs are used by the human body during procedures like hormone synthesis. However, consuming a lot of BAs from spoiled foods…

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Environmental Working Group finds hazardous chemical in popular oat products eaten by children

U.S – The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has revealed that popular oat-based food items frequently consumed by kids may contain hazardous levels of chlormequat, an agricultural pesticide linked to adverse health impacts. EWG hired a reputable, independent laboratory to evaluate 14 well-known granolas, cereals, and other oat-based products. Chlormequat was discovered in all but one of the tested products. A…

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Burundi National Quality Infrastructure Institutions take notes from Kenya, Tanzania

BURUNDI – The Burundi National Quality Infrastructure Institutions have taken part in a study tour to Tanzania and Kenya as part of an EU-funded project termed, “MARKUP Burundi project”, aimed at developing the country’s National Quality Infrastructure services in the coffee and tea sectors. The tour was instrumental in helping improve compliance with standards in Burundi by learning from implementation…

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Gates Ag One funds project to develop self-fertilizing crops for African farmers

AFRICA – The Bill & Melinda Gates Agricultural Innovations (Gates Ag One) has awarded a U.S$35 million grant to a Cambridge University-led project to create self-fertilizing crops for African farmers. The U.S$35 million grant will fund the Engineering Nitrogen Symbiosis for Africa (ENSA) research program over the next five years. ENSA is a Cambridge-led international partnership with partners from University…

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FDA approves cell-based chicken in U.S kicking off a new phase in cultured meat industry

U.S – The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Upside Foods the first “No Questions” letter it has ever issued for cultivated meat, poultry, or shellfish, confirming the safety of its cultivated chicken for consumption. Upside Foods grows meat, poultry, and seafood directly from animal cells. These products are not considered vegan or vegetarian but meat made without…

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Grain handlers in Uganda urged to observe quality

UGANDA – The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) officials and non-governmental organization Feed the Future, have stressed the importance of producing high-quality grain to meet requirements for facilitating local and regional trade during talks with farmers in the Mbale and Bulambuli regions. The Principal Public Relations Officer of UNBS, Ms. Sylvia Kirabo, claimed that most grain traders lack an…

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Committee finalizes review of Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme

IRELAND – The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), under the guidance of the FQAS Standard Setting Committee, has finalized the review of the Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (NIBL FQAS) expected to take effect from November 1, 2022. The formal review process, which began last autumn, saw the committee complete a root and branch review of…

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