Senators call for tighter food safety laws
A number of Democratic senators have called for the establishment of a joint task force to examine recent outbreaks of E.coli, and suggest legal changes designed to prevent future problems.
Archives for December 14, 2006
Bilwinco software uses RFID to track and trace
An upgraded software programme using radio frequency identification (RFID) to track and trace products, will improve food safety management information, its manufacturer claims.
Women remain overwhelmingly influential in making food choices
Three-quarters of women still do most of the cooking and food shopping, according to new research that could help health promotion policies be targeted more effectively.
EC Health claims publication update
The new European health and nutrition claims regulation and food fortification regulation will enter into force in January 2007, as the EC decides not the wait for adoption of the comitology amendments.
Food industry 'in compliance' with illegal dye regs
The vast majority of foods tested for a range of illegal dyes comply with the law, claims the UK's FSA.
DuPont streamlining targets high value growth
DuPont's aggressive reorganisation strategy for its nutrition and crop protection businesses, involves closing or streamlining 10 plants and slashing 1,500 jobs globally.
DuPont expands corn business in China
Biotech firm DuPont has further strengthened its position in China, announcing this week the formation of a joint venture with one of the country's largest seed production companies.
Parliament passes chemicals law
The EU Parliament yesterday voted for a tougher regulatory regime for chemicals, requiring producers and users to replace some of the current chemicals in use with safer alternatives, if they exist.
Routine features first in breakfast choices, says study
Taste preference and familiarity remain the most important drivers behind peoples' breakfast choices, according to a new study by market researcher the NPD Group.
Court annuls 2002 decision on Spanish agriculture
An EC decision relating to measures adopted by Spain and implemented within the agricultural sector has been annulled.
FSA lifts the lid on Christmas shopping
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have offered retailers an insight into shopper habits by conducting a survey of over 2000 British adults into yuletide rituals.
New food processing park to boost Vietnamese exports
Vietnam's first industrial park catering solely to food processors is set to boost the country's position in value-added products for export markets, says the project's founder.
Australian project to turn food waste into healthy ingredients
A new project was launched this week by Australian food researchers to tap bioactive compounds from agricultural and food industry waste for use in health-enhancing foods and nutraceuticals.
McDonald's New Zealand changes to healthier oil
McDonald's New Zealand said yesterday that it would replace its frying oil with a blend that is lower in saturated fat and virtually trans-fat free.
Sainsbury's goes bananas for Fairtrade
Sainsbury's announced this week that it will convert banana stocks to 100 per cent Fairtrade, in a move that will have a significant impact on growers and other retailers.