FOOD SAFETY “BITES” · 2016. 9. 26. · 6) Origin a) France will trial mandatory country of...

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FOOD SAFETY “BITES” Selected news, views and issues from ‘field to fork’

Food Safety Bites – August 2016

In this month's edition: 1. Brexit

a) Five trade options for life after Brexit: AHDB b) What are Britain's post-Brexit options and how will it impact industry? c) What does Brexit mean for your business? It means one third may now relocate outside of the UK d) Brexit: food firms need integrated supply chains e) Brexit- Greater risk of cyber-crime after leaving EU f) Brexit: ‘knock off’ protected food status threat g) Industry split on Brexit business impact: Poll h) Ireland to address exporters amid Brexit ‘shock’ i) Food firms to pay ‘£2,675 for every foreign worker’ j) Brexit may force EFSA to change its 'nationality balance' policy k) Brexit: Britain can lead global functional foods & supplements markets l) Brexit to change food buying habits- Nielsen m) Brexit uncertainty could raise UK food costs - but discount supermarkets may still win n) Scottish dairy looks to US market as Brexit causes trade uncertainty o) New Zealand fears Brexit will ‘disrupt’ red meat trade p) UK reportedly exploring free trade agreement with China q) Brexit to highlight food industry skills: DEFRA boss

2. Diet and health

a) Danish research links meat intake to cancer b) Heightened liver cancer risk linked to low selenium levels: Study c) Lower risk of death linked to higher unsaturated fat intake: Study d) Eat eight fruit & vegetable portions to feel happier, study says e) Butter may not be as bad for the heart as previously thought: Review




f) A healthy change: Sweden allows food firms to use dietary advice on labels g) Nordic 5 ask EFSA to help set intake limits for added sugar h) Calorie-restricted diet reduces onset of age-related diseases, study claims

3) Diet and Advertising to Children

a) Kids' 'healthy food' response and parents' influence overlooked in obesity prevention b) Junk food ads are screen-lickin' good, say kids; Ban them, says NGO c) Nutrient claims and cartoon characters will sway children

4) Nutrient Profiles

a) Commission asks: Can the EU go on without nutrient profiles? b) MEP caffeine vote 'disgraceful' victory of politics over science: Industry c) MEPs block 4 caffeine claims d) Caffeine claim calamity should give nutrient profiles wings

5) Sugar Tax a) Will Italy also debate a sugar and sat fat tax? b) South Africa sets out sugar tax plans

6) Origin

a) France will trial mandatory country of origin labelling for two years b) Made in Italy app will fight €60 billion industry of 'fake' Italian food, say creators c) New Australian country-of-origin labelling 'doesn’t go far enough'

7) Food Supplements

a) Dutch court rules dosage can't turn a supplement into a drug b) Italy ponders high-dose vitamin reclassification

8) ‘Fake’ farm brands spark complaint from NFU

9) FSA audits

a) FSA looks at fewer audits for certain FBOs b) Risk-based focus for hygiene audits will grow

10) Review of advice to consumers on eating raw or lightly cooked shell eggs

11) Bird flu virus cuts through central Africa

12) Industry guidelines on surplus food donations aim to fight food waste 1. Brexit

a) Five trade options for life after Brexit: AHDB




Five possible scenarios could determine the future of the UK food and drink sector’s trading relationship with the EU after Brexit, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). The AHDB highlighted the five options in the first of a series of reports looking at the potential implications for the food industry of the UK’s decision to leave the EU. http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/World-News/Food-industry-after-Brexit-five-possible-options/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=18-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOsaKGd1M8yo8HS3qXeEjCNm&p2= b) What are Britain's post-Brexit options and how will it impact

industry? Rising food prices, watered-down safety standards, food law dictated by big businesses and a disastrous impact on public health. Professor in food policy Tim Lang looks at the options of a post-Brexit UK but sees little light at the end of the channel tunnel. Until negotiations have been completed, European Union law remains in force in the UK. The immediate impact of the decision to quit the 28-member state bloc looks like rising food prices in a country that produces and grows less than 60% of the food it eats and is particularly reliant on imports from the EU for fruit and vegetables. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Ingredients/Food-labelling/What-are-Britain-s-post-Brexit-options-and-how-will-it-impact-industry/?utm_source=newsletter_product&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=05-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOsrhW5Ig7H7DL6OD4GvmkS%2B&p2= c) What does Brexit mean for your business? It means one third may now

relocate outside of the UK

The results are in: We asked FoodNavigator readers what Brexit means for them and their business. Nearly 300 responded - and almost one third said they are now considering relocating their business outside of the UK. There were diverging opinions, but when asked if they saw any opportunities arising out of Brexit, most readers replied with a flat “No” (and one spirited “NO!!!!”) while 75% either strongly agreed or agreed that food prices in the UK will rise as a result. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Business/What-does-Brexit-mean-for-your-business-It-means-one-third-may-now-relocate-outside-of-the-UK/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOsay7HWbbpBz9cCUN1A8s05&p2=

d) Brexit: food firms need integrated supply chains

An integrated supply chain that standardises legislation, systems, policies, and engineering methods is needed post-Brexit, according to a leading university academic.




Dr Christos Tsinopoulos, senior lecturer in operations and project management at Durham University Business School, called for a closely integrated supply chain, where ideas and information are easily exchanged. The comment came as the Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI) announced its focus on maintaining free movement of vehicles across Ireland’s border with the UK. http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Business-News/Brexit-food-manufacturers-need-integrated-supply-chains/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=01-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOsxe8gFJQoOGEF7NaLHCyDg&p2= e) Brexit- Greater risk of cyber-crime after leaving EU Cyber-crime will pose a bigger threat to food and drink manufacturers once the UK leaves the EU warn lawyers, after a US food chain suffered a devastating online attack last week. Manufacturing businesses – including food and drinks firms – would lose the protection from cyber-crime gained from the EU’s General Data Protection Regulations, said Kurt Rowe, part of the insurance team at Weightmans. http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Regulation/Brexit-Rise-in-cyber-crime-after-EU-exit/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GIN_FQNd&c=2dIZZoVkrOupMxzZLdgE31mEgC3r8B08&p2= f) Brexit: ‘knock off’ protected food status threat

Markets could be swarmed with “knock-offs” of classic regional British foods such as Cornish pasties and clotted cream thanks to the UK’s decision to leave the EU, according to market analyst Mlex. Under EU law, geographical food names – including traditional Welsh cider and Stornoway black pudding – can’t be sold by foreign producers that have no link to the corresponding region. However, now the UK has decided to leave the EU, the protected status of geographical food names – that are worth about €1bn (£831M) in sales – could be lost, claimed Mlex. http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/World-News/Brexit-knock-off-protected-food-status-threat g) Industry split on Brexit business impact: Poll

Brexit is generally regarded as bad for business, NutraIngredients readers have said, but some see positives in the UK’s decision to leave the European Union. About half of 100 respondents from the UK, Europe and elsewhere agreed or strongly agreed Brexit would negatively impact business – but another 40 disagreed or strongly disagreed the impact would be negative. 13 said they did http://www.nutraingredients.com/Regulation-Policy/Industry-split-on-Brexit-business-impact-Poll/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOuAWWtZCrnmfcqYJpOu8Yl4&p2=




h) Ireland to address exporters amid Brexit ‘shock’ Bord Bia will host a post-Brexit strategy briefing to calm the nerves of food and drink firms after a survey revealed 40% of levy payers expect sales to decline. Ireland’s levy body Bord Bia plans to chair a meeting on the implications of Brexit for Ireland’s agri-food industry on 6 July in Dublin. It comes in the wake of a survey conducted by Bord Bia which revealed widespread fear and anxiety taking hold of the industry. So far, no one – not government, levy boards, banks or big businesses – have been able to provide cast iron assurances on what the future trading landscape will look like for Ireland’s exporters. http://www.globalmeatnews.com/Industry-Markets/Ireland-to-address-exporters-amid-Brexit-shock/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=04-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOuYSe4IsarUTbSP0%2FZhzBU2&p2=

i) Food firms to pay ‘£2,675 for every foreign worker’ Food businesses face a bill of at least £2,675 to recruit every foreign worker, after the UK leaves the EU, warns law firm Simpson Millar LLP. The bill to recruit workers from mainland Europe – who currently account for 100,000 people or a quarter of the industry’s workforce – could, alone, total an extra £267.5M. http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/People/Food-firms-to-pay-2-675-for-every-foreign-worker/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=06-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOvc0XN7gmWNGkZq%2FGRxB9DL&p2= j) Brexit may force EFSA to change its 'nationality balance' policy

In 2015 a total of 177 experts of UK nationality contributed to the work of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), leaving some to question what an impending Brexit will mean for this talent pool. But with 177 UK experts contributing to EFSA’s work in 2015 – 130 individuals as part of panels and 47 as government experts – as well as 19 UK staff members, what will happen when the UK is no longer an EU member? For Dr Luca Bucchini, managing director of Rome-based Hylobates Consulting, the possibility of losing EFSA's UK talent pool was a concern. “Britain has provided EFSA and other EU bodies with some of the best scientists and officers. Whenever possible they should be retained. There are few talents with similar qualifications.” http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/Brexit-may-force-EFSA-to-change-its-nationality-balance-policy/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOtl03rnS6cudRU1xLHD0omn&p2= k) Brexit: Britain can lead global functional foods & supplements

markets




It is EFSA and the EU nutrition health claims regulation (NHCR) that is today the biggest barrier to European innovation in nutrition and Brexit, whatever else it may do, can remove some of those innovation brakes. The NHCR impacts both the development and the international competitiveness of the food and supplement industries in Europe and beyond. http://www.nutraingredients.com/Regulation-Policy/Brexit-Britain-can-lead-global-functional-foods-supplements-markets/?utm_source=Newsletter_Subject&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BSubject&c=2dIZZoVkrOvgsb11AtvBIeUU7nCZq0Me l) Brexit to change food buying habits- Nielsen Consumers fear food prices will rise after Brexit and plan to change their buying habits accordingly, reveals new research from Nielsen. More than two-thirds shoppers thought Brexit would bring a rise in grocery prices. Only 2% thought grocery prices would fall after the UK left the EU. A further 64% thought Brexit would adversely affect the UK economy in the short term, with 16% considering it would have a positive impact. http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Regulation/Food-buying-habits-to-change-after-Brexit/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOv6XfS6bz%2BHFv96aXicQ7BP&p2= m) Brexit uncertainty could raise UK food costs - but discount

supermarkets may still win Brexit-borne economic uncertainty could dampen supermarket’s ability to offer cheaper groceries, though worried shoppers could maintain sales figures at hard discounting retailers like Lidl and Aldi, analysts suggest. With roughly 40% of the food consumed in the UK imported from overseas, any long term change in exchange rates may “threaten the current period of cheaper groceries,” said Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar Worldpanel, which this week produced its latest grocery sales figures . Previously, it was reported that market fears over Brexit have been driving up the cost of food. However, despite potential rise in costs, consumers are unlikely to steer away from groceries in the face of economic uncertainty. http://www.foodanddrinkeurope.com/Retail/Brexit-uncertainty-could-raise-UK-food-costs-but-discount-supermarkets-may-still-win/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=05-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOsUSezk7YxzMo6gnFC1simD&p2= n) Scottish dairy looks to US market as Brexit causes trade uncertainty

American consumers can now buy a variety of Scottish dairy products that are united by a logo that says “made with 100% Scottish milk,” as the Scottish Dairy brand was launched at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. The Scottish Dairy brand is a government initiative with industry funding, according to business development manager, Roddy Wilde. The brand is




meant to bring “the best cheese and butter manufacturers together to make it easier for buyers overseas and international markets to access a variety of Scottish dairy products. http://www.dairyreporter.com/Manufacturers/Scottish-dairy-looks-to-US-market-as-Brexit-causes-trade-uncertainty/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GIN_NId&c=2dIZZoVkrOsALZZ%2F4z4X8NVnRXbztTiC&p2= o) New Zealand fears Brexit will ‘disrupt’ red meat trade Britain’s possible exit from the EU would mean two years of trade uncertainty for red meat importers to Europe, Beef + Lamb New Zealand has warned. The levy board fears that a ‘vote leave’ result in the EU referendum on 23 June will pave the way for a two-year period of ambiguity, as the UK and EU thrash out new policy on trade quotas. Beef + Lamb New Zealand said those who think Brexit won’t impact trade, because the UK takes just 2% of New Zealand’s exports, have been parochial. Meat trade to the whole of the EU is at stake, it suggested. http://www.globalmeatnews.com/Industry-Markets/New-Zealand-fears-Brexit-will-disrupt-red-meat-trade/?utm_source=newsletter_special_edition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=30-Jun-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOtT4iZEovVF3g800fS0D%2BbM p) UK reportedly exploring free trade agreement with China British Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond is rumoured to have started negotiations with China over a multi-billion pound free trade agreement (FTA), only possible once Brexit is realised. The deal, still very much in its infancy, could possibly see China reduce its trade barriers for UK goods, including meat, in exchange for the UK granting the world’s second-largest economy increased access for its manufactured products. http://www.globalmeatnews.com/Industry-Markets/BBC-Brexit-leads-UK-gov-to-open-door-to-FTA-with-China/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GIN_FNd&c=2dIZZoVkrOurUQP5hxFXh6t5MlH5FaQ1&p2= q) Brexit to highlight food industry skills: DEFRA boss Brexit will make skills development in the food and drink manufacturing sector even more important, said new environment secretary Andrea Leadsom, at the launch of a new apprenticeship programme. “In the post Brexit world, investing in skills and apprenticeships will be more important than ever,” said Leadsom, in her first speech since her appointment to the helm of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/People/Food-industry-skills-to-be-highlighted-by-Brexit/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=25-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOuk3gIyfldJbVMd6VR%2B7jfr&p2=




2. Diet and health

a) Danish research links meat intake to cancer

Meat could have cancer links though whole grains, fruit and veg could lessen the risk, Danish researchers say. Meat intake could have links to cancer, though further variables must be assessed to determine specific risk, according to experts at the National Food Institute (DTU) of Denmark. The team reviewed a range of studies on meat and cancer risk following last year’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) summary which banded meat with cigarettes and asbestos in a list of carcinogens. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science/Danish-research-links-meat-intake-to-cancer/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=04-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOtUSnZjvSxcTfWQEsZXxeVJ&p2= b) Heightened liver cancer risk linked to low selenium levels: Study

Low levels of selenium have been linked with an increased risk of developing liver cancer, according to a study, which blamed western diets and lifestyles for the deficiency. Findings detailed in the American Society of Nutrition suggest increasing the intake of selenium intake as one simple strategy for liver cancer prevention. Selenium can be found in foods such as shellfish, salmon, Brazil nuts, meat, eggs, grains onions and is commonly taken in multi or singular supplement form. http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Heightened-liver-cancer-risk-linked-to-low-selenium-levels-Study/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=05-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOthhkm6NG6ccJAZLiCRtcqF&p2= c) Lower risk of death linked to higher unsaturated fat intake: Study

Consuming higher amounts of unsaturated fats may lower the risk of death, according to a Harvard study. Findings published in the JAMA Internal Medicine suggest that replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats from plant-based foods—like olive oil, canola oil and soybean oil — can offer significant health benefits. The results also suggest a higher consumption of saturated and trans fats correlated with a higher death rate when compared with an equivalent number of calories from carbohydrates. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science/Lower-risk-of-death-linked-to-higher-unsaturated-fat-intake-Study/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=06-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOv6igy42Qj89oNuki%2BN4AFY&p2= d) Eat eight fruit & vegetable portions to feel happier, study says




Increasing fruit and vegetable intake to eight-a-day can make people happier, according to new research that challenges current European nutritional recommendations. Australian researchers found that people who switched from almost no fruit and veg to eight portions of fruit and veg a day recorded an increase in life satisfaction. The boost in mental well-being occurred within 24 months. Additionally, happiness levels were noted for each extra portion of fruit and vegetables up to eight portions per day. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science/Eat-eight-fruit-vegetable-portions-to-feel-happier-study-says/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOsTTvWnWpavcyFM6JobayOu&p2= e) Butter may not be as bad for the heart as previously thought: Review Eating butter has no effect on raising cardiovascular disease risk and may even have protective effects against diabetes, according to a review. The PLoS ONE review’s main results found consuming butter was weakly associated with all-cause mortality, was not significantly associated with any cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease or stroke and was inversely associated with the incidence of diabetes. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science/Butter-may-not-be-as-bad-for-the-heart-as-previously-thought-Review/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=04-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOslYHaPmxFmwdVVeoyD3zAf&p2= f) A healthy change: Sweden allows food firms to use dietary advice on

labels Food companies may now add national dietary guidelines to their products packaging and marketing material in order to help boost healthy eating, Livsmedelverket, Sweden’s National Food Agency (NFA), has decided. NFA nutritionist Åsa Brugård Konde said examples could include: "Eat lots of fruit, vegetables and berries!", "Switch to wholemeal!" or "Choose high fibre vegetables such as root vegetables, cabbage and cauliflower." Announced last week, the new rules are effective immediately and will mostly affect food products that already bear a Keyhole logo – Sweden’s healthy eating scheme. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Ingredients/Food-labelling/Sweden-allows-food-firms-to-use-dietary-advice-on-labels/?utm_source=newsletter_product&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=19-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOvltN5EJHbiJUtSO9sXlFT2&p2= g) Nordic 5 ask EFSA to help set intake limits for added sugar Five Nordic countries have asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) whether new evidence means limits for added sugar intakes could now be set. Talking at an open plenary meeting of the Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) in Brussels today (30 June), Valeriu Curtui, head of EFSA’s




unit on nutrition, said the mandate received last week was “very fresh” and had not yet been discussed internally. The authorities from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden cited the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation that no more that 5-10% of daily energy intake be made up by added sugars. The WHO lowered this level from 10% last year as global obesity rates reached a new catastrophic high. http://www.foodanddrinkeurope.com/Consumer-Trends/EFSA-added-sugar-report-requested-by-Nordic-states/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=05-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOtAectRxwqG6S7uFhelg1ay&p2= h) Calorie-restricted diet reduces onset of age-related diseases, study

claims Reducing the amount of calories eaten has been shown in healthy individuals to reduce inflammation – the precursor to many age-related diseases such as heart disease and dementia. Findings that appear in the journal Aging appear to suggest a calorie-restricted diet over an extended period of time, appears to reduce the onset of chronic conditions as long as adequate protein, vitamin, and mineral intake is maintained. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science/Calorie-restricted-diet-reduces-onset-of-age-related-diseases-study-claims/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=18-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOvsSDfJtj3IJHHhOeZnj7yl&p2=

3) Diet and Advertising to Children

a) Kids' 'healthy food' response and parents' influence overlooked in

obesity prevention A study by Cancer Research UK has found … wait for it … kids like sweets, crisps and fast food. The adverts for these products are also far too funny, addictive and tempting, so they should be banned before 9pm. “The rise in children’s obesity is a huge concern and a growing epidemic. There must be no delay in taking action,” said Alison Cox, director of prevention at the charity. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/Kids-healthy-food-response-and-parents-influence-overlooked-in-obesity-prevention?-Jul-2016&p2= b) Junk food ads are screen-lickin' good, say kids; Ban them, says NGO

Adverts for unhealthy foods like sweets and fast foods are so tempting to children that they should be banned before 9pm, says charity Cancer Research UK. The charity Cancer Research UK made the claim after it carried out qualitative research in 25 focus groups across UK primary schools.




They concluded that children “have a good level of nutritional knowledge, however they find that watching junk food advertising tempts them into eating unhealthy foods”. The adverts can also “make children feel hungry and want to eat junk food”, which leads to pestering of parents. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Market-Trends/Junk-food-ads-are-screen-lickin-good-say-kids-Ban-them-says-NGO/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GIN_FQNd&c=2dIZZoVkrOsYXqX%2Fg9JugFoYgs%2FQaSfM&p2=

c) Nutrient claims and cartoon characters will sway children

Front-of-pack nutritional information is largely ignored by children but combine a nutrient claim and a cartoon character and it can “significantly affect” the product choices they make, according to new research. The findings have important implications for labelling regulations and packaging designs, the authors said. The research, carried out by experts at three universities in Uruguay, involved labels designed around three variables – cartoon characters, nutrition claims and the traffic-light system http://www.foodnavigator.com/Market-Trends/Nutrient-claims-and-cartoon-characters-will-sway-children/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GIN_DRd&c=2dIZZoVkrOvQqyYnj8ctL8zCUqrmBu25&p2=

4) Nutrient Profiles

a) Commission asks: Can the EU go on without nutrient profiles? The European Commission has started the first phase of its investigation into the need for nutrient profiles, which it hopes will settle the issue once and for all. Head of the Commission's DG SANTE food legislation unit, Alexandra Nikolakopoulou, confirmed last week that a contractor had begun work on the evaluation of the need for nutrient profiles as part of its REFIT (Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme) mission to cut red tape where possible. “We’ve been discussing these profiles for some time, without spectacular results. The time has come to do something,” said Nikolakopoulou, who took up her post last year. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Ingredients/Food-labelling/Commission-asks-Can-the-EU-go-on-without-nutrient-profiles/?utm_source=newsletter_product&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=05-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOsF6LKJf44IfSHTuGv2V45c&p2= b) MEP caffeine vote 'disgraceful' victory of politics over science:

Industry Industry has lamented yesterday’s European Parliament plenary vote to block four caffeine claims, which otherwise seemed set to pass into EU law books after years of delay.




With European Parliament backing secured, the Commission will now be forced to withdraw the proposal altogether or come up with a new option. Mark Tallon, PhD, managing director of UK-based consultancy Legal Foods, said MEPs had steered the debate towards politics and away from science. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/MEP-caffeine-vote-disgraceful-victory-of-politics-over-science-Industry/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=08-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOsUDxMebrkIkNvSi2%2B0zeZE&p2= c) MEPs block 4 caffeine claims Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have voted to veto four health claims following a lively debate on energy drinks in a Strasbourg plenary today. Reacting to the decision, Hungarian MEP Krisztina Morvai said today the vote was about “more than it seems to be about” and urged a look at the “state of the health of the EU”. The motion also originally contained an appeal to “immediately” begin work on establishing nutrient profiles, but this proved divisive and did not make it past a European Parliament’s Environment and Public Health Committee (ENVI) vote in June. It was therefore removed from the motion presented today. http://www.nutraingredients.com/Regulation-Policy/MEPs-block-4-caffeine-claims/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=07-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOuMl6DcqLpu7arJ5nJ5ssfh&p2= d) Caffeine claim calamity should give nutrient profiles wings The European Commission has started the first phase of its investigation into the need for nutrient profiles, with a report expected in spring 2017. Yet with the caffeine claim fiasco ongoing, it’s never been clearer how necessary the profiles are. Head of the Commission's DG SANTE food legislation unit, Alexandra Nikolakopoulou, confirmed last week it had begun work on the evaluation of the need for nutrient profiles as part of its REFIT (Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme) mission to cut red tape where possible. Talking at a European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) meeting in Brussels last week she said the findings would be published next year, which would then be followed by another Commission report on possible options for a way forward. http://www.nutraingredients.com/Regulation-Policy/Caffeine-claim-calamity-should-give-nutrient-profiles-wings/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=07-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOs1t9Rg0vP8pmwjhdPnFb3B&p2=

5) Sugar Tax

a) Will Italy also debate a sugar and sat fat tax?




A small group of Italian politicians have presented a bill to the Senate proposing a tax on sugary and diet drinks as well as palm oil and industrial trans fats in a bid to stem rising obesity rates. According to a text accompanying the short bill, the international study Health Behaviour in School-aged Children-Comportament (HBSC – Italy) found in 2010 that almost one third (29.3%) of boys and just under one fifth (19.5%) of girls aged eleven years old were overweight or obese. “This finding is of particular concern, as it indicates that the obesity phenomenon is expanding and most commonly affects the younger generation. http://www.foodanddrinkeurope.com/Financial/Will-Italy-also-debate-a-sugar-and-sat-fat-tax/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=05-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOsbCNToZJAqYKEtPMgxjhyE&p2=

b) South Africa sets out sugar tax plans South Africa’s National Treasury has published proposals for a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, and is inviting comment on the plans. Releasing its policy paper and proposals for the taxation this month, the National Treasury said the tax aims to help reduce excessive sugar intake. Government strategies have set out targets to reduce obesity prevalence by 10% by 2020, with a sugar tax being one of the measures to achieve this. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/South-Africa-sets-out-sugar-tax-plans/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOsTEXwi%2B2UqHwgcx7Z%2FPTxn&p2=

6) Origin

a) France will trial mandatory country of origin labelling for two years

France will be trialling mandatory country of origin labelling for meat and dairy in prepared foods for two years, a move which has split industry. France confirmed this week that it will introduce mandatory country of origin labelling (COOL) for meat and milk in processed foods and prepared meals over a two-year trial period after getting the green light from the Commission. The bill must now get the backing of the Conseil d’Etat and could enter into force on 1 January 2017. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/France-will-trial-mandatory-country-of-origin-labelling-for-two-years/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=06-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOthSvUE%2Fl%2FiHnlI5tcOZU3T&p2= b) Made in Italy app will fight €60 billion industry of 'fake' Italian food,

say creators The creators of Italcheck, an app to verify genuine Italian products for shoppers and aid manufacturers fight food fraud, will help fight against the €60 billion fake Italian products black market.




Marco Masselli, founder of Italcheck, said he designed the app to detect fake Italian-sounding names that undermine genuine manufacturers. “I have the strong belief that authentic ‘Made in Italy’ products are an incredible resource for our country. But, as one of the most appreciated manufacturers and producers in the world for certain product categories, Italy and its producers are subject to a massive counterfeiting phenomenon," http://www.foodnavigator.com/Ingredients/Food-labelling/Italcheck-app-will-fight-60-billion-industry-of-fakes-say-creators/?utm_source=newsletter_product&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=05-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOsfhVG8sh0O5njGo0vgB2LQ&p2= c) New Australian country-of-origin labelling 'doesn’t go far enough' Australia’s new country-of-origin food labels are a good start, though there is plenty of scope to go even further, according to a leading food systems specialist. The labelling reforms, which came into effect at the start of July, have been designed to make it easier for consumers to find out where their food comes from. The new bar chart under an “Australian Made” kangaroo logo, along with a legend, is supposed to make it clearer to find where an item has been produced, grown, made or packed. But the labelling still offers scope to provide more information to consumers, said Bill Bellotti of Queensland University. http://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Policy/New-Australian-country-of-origin-labelling-doesn-t-go-far-enough/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GIN_FQNd&c=2dIZZoVkrOtJ8dkMsZs2DI9wS9Gf5UHT&p2=

7) Food Supplements

a) Dutch court rules dosage can't turn a supplement into a drug

The Dutch supplements industry is celebrating a court ruling that sleep aid melatonin cannot be classed as a medicine if its dosage is above a certain threshold. “The Dutch ruling learns us once again that authorities need to look further than only the dosage of an ingredient,” said Saskia Geurtes, director of Dutch food supplements association, NPN, which brought the original appeal in 2015. “The manner in which the product is used and familiarity to the consumers are, among others, very important characteristics.” http://www.foodanddrinkeurope.com/Products-Marketing/Dutch-court-rules-dosage-can-t-turn-a-supplement-into-a-drug/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=08-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOuptEutDSQpht%2BvTF5wRzI0&p2= b) Italy ponders high-dose vitamin reclassification




Italy could ban high-dose vitamin and mineral supplements after a nutrition committee recommended vitamin B12 (cobalamin) above 500 micrograms (ug) was medicinal. Insiders said the recommendation had government backing and that other nutrients may follow, even though it appears the position goes against EU case law that recommendations be based on data-based health risk to EU populations. http://www.nutraingredients.com/Regulation-Policy/Italy-ponders-high-dose-vitamin-reclassification/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=06-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOt9dMepKbyNVR9Z5or6ryxw&p2=

8) ‘Fake’ farm brands spark complaint from NFU

Retailers’ use of “fake” farm brands has sparked a formal complaint from the National Farmers Union (NFU) to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. The NFU said that fictional farm brands could lead consumers to believe products were from the UK, when they could actually be from another country. NFU president Meurig Raymond said: “The NFU’s legal team has looked at this carefully and, as a result, we are asking the Chartered Trading Standards Institute to look at whether ‘fake’ farm branding complies with the relevant legal requirements.” http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Business-News/Fake-farm-brands-spark-NFU-complaint/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=18-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOv00clZk5cBBvbvgK8TA4fn&p2=

9) FSA audits

a) FSA looks at fewer audits for certain FBOs

A change to the frequency of audits is being considered by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA). The consultation applies to Food Business Operators (FBOs) who have had Good (18 month frequency) and Generally Satisfactory (12 month) outcomes over two successive FSA audit cycles. “Further extending audit frequencies aims to provide recognition for FBOs who have sustained a high level of compliance over consecutive audit cycles with an aim to ultimately reducing footfall resulting from official control activities without increasing risk to consumer protection or confidence,” said the agency. http://www.foodqualitynews.com/Industry-news/Change-of-audit-frequency-proposed-by-FSA/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=05-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOvk7%2Fs6LQyZAwQhZN77R6Xb&p2= b) Risk-based focus for hygiene audits will grow Third-party hygiene audits will feature much more prominently under the changes planned for the way food businesses are regulated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), following a review. The biggest changes are likely to be a “differentiation” in the way the FSA deals with large and small businesses. The FSA intends to take a more risk-




based approach, focusing its attention on food businesses that present a bigger food safety risk. Most controversially, the changes will also transfer more of the costs of regulation onto the food firms. The FSA is considering using third-party hygiene audits to assess the risk businesses pose. http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Regulation/Risk-based-focus-for-food-hygiene-audits

10) Review of advice to consumers on eating raw or lightly cooked shell eggs

An expert group, set up by the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF), to look at egg safety, found there has been a reduction in the risk from salmonella in UK shell eggs since its last report on this issue 15 years ago. The Group concluded that the risk level for UK hen shell eggs produced under the Lion code, or produced under demonstrably-equivalent comprehensive schemes, should be considered as very low, whilst for other hen shell eggs, including non-UK eggs consumed in the UK, the risk level should be considered low. The report recommends that Lion code eggs (or eggs produced under equivalent schemes) can be served raw or lightly cooked to those in vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, the young and the elderly (but is not intended to include severely immunocompromised individuals). http://www.food.gov.uk/news-updates/help-shape-our-policies/review-of-advice-to-consumers-on-eggs FSA Advice http://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/acmsf-egg-reportv1.pdf 11) Bird flu virus cuts through central Africa Nations across west and central Africa are on high alert as the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain H5N1 tears through the region with devastating effect. Cameroon has become the latest African country to detect an outbreak of avian influenza (AI) and neighbouring countries – Nigeria, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of the Congo and Chad – fear for their poultry production. Cameroon’s economy has lost close to $20m as a direct result of the H5N1 strain. Nigeria is already reeling from a devastating bird flu crisis with 750 outbreaks that resulted in the deaths of 3.5m birds. Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Niger are also reported to have detected the H5N1 strain. http://www.globalmeatnews.com/Safety-Legislation/Millions-of-chickens-dead-in-Africa-bird-flu-virus/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=18-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOvH0za3eJNFBtAXW%2FVdxXVn&p2= 12) Industry guidelines on surplus food donations aim to fight food waste




Manufacturers and retailers have teamed up with the European Federation of Food Banks to produce a framework for donating surplus food and cutting down on food waste. Jointly drawn up by trade group FoodDrinkEurope, the European Federation of Food Banks (FEBA) and EuroCommerce which represents the retail and wholesale sector, the guide entitled 'Every Meal Matters' aims to give industry a practical voluntary framework on how to effectively deal with surpluses. http://www.foodanddrinkeurope.com/Retail/Industry-guidelines-on-surplus-food-donations-aim-to-fight-food-waste/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=05-Jul-2016&c=2dIZZoVkrOtfbvyFGgw2yE9CIGyIi8UO&p2= Guidelines http://www.fooddrinkeurope.eu/uploads/publications_documents/Every_Meal_Matters_Food_Donation_Guidelines.pdf Recalls –

Lytham Foods recalls a variety of its Freshbite wraps

20 July 2016 Lytham Foods is recalling a variety of its Freshbite Wraps because of concerns over the company procedures that are in place to control Clostridium botulinum. Nutricia recalls its Paediatric Seravit Unflavoured due to increased levels of

amino acids, minerals and fats

12 July 2016 Nutricia is recalling a batch of its Paediatric Seravit Unflavoured due to increased levels of amino acids, minerals and fats. This is a product that is only available on prescription from pharmacies and hospitals. Sainsbury’s and Tesco recall canned pasta products because they contain pieces

of rubber

12 July 2016 Sainsbury’s and Tesco are recalling some of their canned pasta products as they may contain pieces of rubber. These products were all manufactured by Noliko N.V in Belgium.

Allergy

Lidl recalls Sondey Salted Rice Cakes due to undeclared sesame

22 July 2016 Lidl is recalling Sondey Salted Rice Cakes because they contain sesame which is not mentioned in English on the label. This makes the products a possible health risk to anyone with an allergy to sesame.




Asda recalls its 2 Syrup Sponge Puddings due to incorrect labelling of milk as an

allergen

22 July 2016 Asda is recalling its 2 Syrup Sponge Puddings because the ingredients list does not mention milk correctly as an allergen. This means the product is a possible risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.

Premia Health is updating its recall of Premia Whey due to the undeclared

presence of soya and gluten and Protein Active Shakes due to undeclared gluten

21 July 2016 Premia Health is updating its recall of Premia Whey (Milk Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla flavours) because they contain soya and gluten which is not mentioned on the label; and Protein Active Shakes (including Diet Whey and Protein) because they contain gluten that is not mentioned on the label.

The Fine Cheese Co. recalls four types of its Pickled Fruits and Walnuts for

Cheese because they contain mustard

20 July 2016 The Fine Cheese Co. is recalling all batch codes of its Pickled Walnuts for Cheese, Pickled Cherries for Cheese, Pickled Pears for Cheese and Pickled Figs for Cheese because they contain mustard seeds which are not mentioned on the label. This means the products are a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to mustard.

Marks & Spencer recalls its Teriyaki Crackers due to the undeclared presence of

prawns

20 July 2016 Marks and Spencer is recalling its Teriyaki Crackers because the presence of prawns in a small number of packs is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible risk for anyone with an allergy to prawns.

Asda recalls its Baker’s Selection 20 Mini Rocky Road Bites due to the

undeclared presence of egg

19 July 2016 Asda is recalling its Baker’s Selection 20 Mini Rocky Road Bites because the presence of egg is not mentioned on the product label. This means that the product is a possible risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to egg.

Booths recalls its Sandham’s Creamy Lancashire Cheese Sandwich because it

contains undeclared egg and mustard

10 July 2016 Booths is recalling its Creamy Lancashire Cheese Sandwich because it contains egg mayonnaise. The presence of egg and mustard is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to egg and mustard.

Premia Health extends its recall to include Protein Active Protein Shot and

Protein Active Energy Shot that contain undeclared egg




8 July 2016 Premia Health is extending its recall to include its Protein Active Protein Shot and Protein Active Energy Shot, because they contain egg, which is not mentioned on the label. This means the products are a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to egg.

F.E.I Foods Ltd recalls its Tiori brand Golden Vegetable Microwaveable Rice

that contains undeclared egg

8 July 2016 F.E.I. Foods Ltd has recalled its Tiori branded Golden Vegetable Microwaveable Rice because the product contains egg and this is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to egg.

Frozen Value Ltd recalls Gut & Gunstig Rocket Ice Lollies because they contain

milk

5 July 2016 Frozen Value Ltd has recalled Gut & Gunstig Rocket Ice Lollies because the product contains lactose, and the word 'milk' is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.

Premia Health is extending its recall to include Protein Active Shakes (including

Diet Whey and Protein), Protein Active Paleo Bars and Premia Health Premia

Whey Tubs

1 July 2016 Premia Health is extending its recall to include Protein Active Shakes (including Diet Whey and Protein), Protein Active Paleo Bars and Premia Health Premia Whey Tubs, because they contain one or more of the following allergens: soya and egg, which is not mentioned on the product labels. This means the products are a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to soya and/ or egg. EU RASFF (Rapid alert system for food and Feed) – highlights

All RASFF can be found at: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-

window/portal/?event=notificationsList&StartRow=1

Date Country of

origin

Subject Country of

notification

Classification

22/07/2016 Bangladesh prohibited substance nitrofuran (metabolite) nitrofurazone (SEM) (2.7 µg/kg - ppb) in frozen raw shrimps from Bangladesh

UK information for attention

22/07/2016 UK undeclared mustard in UK food - alert -




pickled figs, cherries, pears and walnuts from the United Kingdom

company's own check

22/07/2016 Brazil poor temperature control of frozen boneless chicken cuts from Brazil

UK Border Rejection

22/07/2016 USA too high content of colour E 102 - tartrazine (sum: 774 mg/kg - ppm) and of colour E 129 - Allura Red AC and unauthorised use of colour E 110 - Sunset Yellow FCF (264 mg/kg - ppm) in cheese flavoured snacks from the United States

UK Border Rejection

19/07/2016 Seychelles tuna chunks in brine (Katsuwonus pelamis) from the Seychelles with defective packaging

UK Border Rejection

15/07/2016 India Salmonella (in 2 out of 5 samples /25g) in and absence of health certificate(s) and absence of certified analytical report for betel leaves from India

UK Border Rejection

15/07/2016 China aflatoxins (B1 = 7.0; Tot. = 7.9 µg/kg - ppb) in peanuts in shell from China

UK Border Rejection

13/07/2016 Belgium foreign bodies (rubber pieces) in canned pasta from Belgium

UK food - information for follow-up - consumer complaint

13/07/2016 India absence of health certificate(s) and absence of certified analytical report for salted peanuts from India

UK Border Rejection

12/07/2016 India absence of health certificate(s) and absence of certified analytical report for masala peanuts from India

UK Border Rejection

11/07/2016 India poor temperature control - rupture of the cold chain - of shrimps (Penaeus

UK Border Rejection




vannamei) from India 11/07/2016 Chile via

USA poor temperature control (-3.1 <--> -1.1 °C) of frozen salmon fillets (Salmo salar) from Chile, via the United States

UK Border Rejection

04/07/2016 Ghana benzo(a)pyrene (80 µg/kg - ppb) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (sum PAH: 596 µg/kg - ppb) in salted smoked fish (Lattes spp) from Ghana

UK information for attention

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FOOD SAFETY “BITES” · 2016. 9. 26. · 6) Origin a) France will trial mandatory country of...

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