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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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
The majority of countries are finding implementing food safety culture controls difficult, according to a European Commission survey.
The report looked at the state of food safety culture controls in
Ireland’s largest Listeria outbreak and plans to introduce a food hygiene rating system are among the highlights of the Irish food agency’s annual report.
According to the Food
The European Commission has assessed histamine controls in fishery products with training highlighted as one of the major problems.
Histamine toxicity, also known as scombroid poisoning, is associated with consumption
Reports of food poisoning linked to a food truck are being investigated at a music festival in England.
Several people said on social media that they fell ill after eating
Boticelli Foods of Melville NY, is recalling one lot of bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Product was manufactured by Gustibus Alimentari
Lidl US is expanding its July 24 recall of Eridanous Shortbread Cookies to include all units with a foreign language ingredients and nutrition facts panel for the following products:
* Eridanous
Ukraine recorded 31 outbreaks in the first half of this year including 19 botulism cases and two deaths.
Data from the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer
