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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Authorities in an Italian region have suspended the sale of tomatoes in canteens after reports of Salmonella infections.
Following a notification from officials in the Puglia region regarding cases of
Plans to create Scottish-specific pathogen thresholds have been dropped, according to an update on foodborne illness in the country.
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) said it would follow the approach
Microbiological risks and mycotoxin levels in plant-based dairy alternatives are generally low but consumer storage practices and product ingredients can significantly impact safety, according to research in Finland.
Findings
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for canned chicken Vienna-style sausages that were illegally imported from Jamaica, a country that
Health representatives from the Americas have approved an updated strategy to improve food safety systems and reduce foodborne diseases.
Foodborne infections cause about 78,000 deaths in the region each
Stewart’s Shops Corp. of Saratoga Springs, NY is recalling two flavors, Heavenly Medley and Vanilla-Chocolate-Strawberry, of half-gallon ice cream because of the potential presence of metal.
WinCo Foods of Boise, ID, is recalling the following Salsa Bean Dip Trays because of the inclusion of recalled peperoncini from G.L. Mezzetta.
* WinCo Foods Salsa Bean Dip Tray,
