The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has extended the comment period for its “Draft Risk Profile on Pathogens and Filth in Spices,” which was first released in October and given a Jan. 3, 2014, deadline for comments, scientific data and other information. FDA announced Tuesday that the new deadline for the profile will be March 3, 2014. The agency’s testing between 2007 and 2010 revealed that 12 percent of imported spices were contaminated with insects, excrement, hair and other materials. The draft calls attention to the most common microbial hazards and filth in spices, their prevalence, possible sources of contamination along the supply chain, and control options. FDA is looking for comments that could improve the data and information used, the analytical analyses employed, and the clarity and transparency of the draft risk profile. The agency extended the submission period in response to requests from interested parties. For resources related to the draft profile, information on how to make submissions, and links to the Federal Register notice, visit FDA’s Risk Profile: Pathogens and Filth in Spices page.
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The American peanut industry has made major efforts to improve controls on exports to Europe, but aflatoxin contamination remains a problem, according to the European Commission.
An audit by DG
An analysis of official controls in Norway and Iceland has revealed effective oversight overall with some recurring weaknesses.
Norway and Iceland are part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
Bongkrekic acid and the illegal use of a substance to give the appearance of fish freshness were examples of emerging risks discussed in a recent report about problems in Europe
Alasko brand frozen whole raspberries are being recalled in Canada because of contamination with norovirus.
This recall was triggered by findings by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency during its investigation
Danone USA is recalling of So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert pints with best-by dates on and before April 3, 2028, because consumers complained
Sri Lanka has unveiled its first national food safety policy with six themes including improving food controls, strengthening surveillance, and enhancing standards.
Developed by the Ministry of Health and Mass
Whole Foods Market of Austin, TX, is recalling Fromagerie Coop de Mean Cabricharme cheese because the product contains egg lysozyme, an egg white protein, which is not declared on the
