The USDA has appointed 21 new members to the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF), which provides impartial scientific advice and recommendations to federal food safety agencies. Members include experts in microbiology, risk assessment, epidemiology, public health, food science and other relevant disciplines.
Food organizations are undertaking a wide variety of data-oriented technology initiatives and face a profusion of technology solutions vying for attention, nearly all promising new levels of insight and productivity. While the landscape is complex, there are five basic steps that teams can take to help ensure that their technology investments are set up for long-term success.
To meet the goal of improving the food supply, the European Union (EU) has proposed new laws restricting the use of pesticides and other contaminants on crops across all member states. Analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry can provide the data to guide decision-making about changes to farming practices necessary to produce safe, healthful crops.
Food safety professionals, members of the FDA and USDA, and leaders in academia, food safety testing and cybersecurity met in Parsippany, New Jersey, for the 2023 Food Safety Consortium, where FDA reorganization, risk mitigation, recall trends and cybersecurity took center stage.
High pressure processing (HPP) is a nonthermal food preservation technology that extends shelf life while maintaining quality and safety. Automating the HPP process increases efficiency, reduces labor costs and injuries, and provides traceability and reliability. HPP automation is helping companies maximize productivity and meet consumer demand for high-quality, fresh products.
Rodent control is crucial to maintaining a safe environment in commercial facilities. Fortunately, there are many organic-certified rodent control methods that facilities can use to maintain their certification while helping to lower the risk of infestations.
“This acquisition puts us in the unique position of providing North American consumers with the most expansive network of freezing and distribution on the continent. Together, our combined strengths will propel us to new heights, quicker and with renewed vigor.”
Ideally, a commitment to food safety begins with management and permeates through the organization at all levels. And today, we have a range of digital tools that can help companies develop and maintain a strong food safety culture, by disseminating information quickly, providing training for a variety of learning styles, and monitoring compliance with both regulatory requirements and organizational standards and practices.
In 2021, family-owned G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers was hit by a ransomware attack. Here, they share how they detected and averted the attack, and share lessons learned as well as new cybersecurity practices they implemented to deter—and help others avoid—a similar disruption.
On October 7, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed California Assembly bill AB 418 into law. The bill bans the use of brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propyl paraben and Red Dye No. 3 as additives in food and drink products sold in the state.
