The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will be extending the comment period for its preliminary determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), a major source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, are not generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food. The determination was originally published in the Federal Register on Nov. 8 and given a Jan. 7, 2014, deadline for comments. In response to stakeholder requests for additional comment time, FDA has extended the deadline until March 8. Removing GRAS status from PHOs would mean they would be considered food additives and could not be used in food unless authorized by regulation. Consumption of trans fat can increase the risk of coronary heart disease by raising low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol,” and the Institute of Medicine has concluded that there is no safe level of consumption of trans fat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, removing PHOs from processed foods could prevent up to 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 coronary deaths each year.
The News Desk team at Food Safety News covers breaking developments, regulatory updates, recalls, and key topics shaping food safety today. These articles are produced collaboratively by our editorial staff.
In the wake of Cyclospora outbreaks this summer, the FDA has drafted a 10-point plan to mitigate and prevent future outbreaks.
The largest of the outbreaks this summer sickened
As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until weeks or
Cryptosporidium has been removed from a list of communicable diseases subject to epidemiological surveillance in Europe.
According to the European Commission, Cryptosporidiosis is a common but predominantly mild gastrointestinal infection
Health representatives from the Americas have approved an updated strategy to improve food safety systems and reduce foodborne diseases.
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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,
EAK Distribution of Casper, WY, is recalling Home Grown Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, Heirloom, in 8-ounce packages because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
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