EFSA experts have examined the quality of water used during operations in the fresh and frozen produce sector.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) asked the Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) for a scientific opinion on the microbiological hazards associated with water use in the post-harvest handling and processing fresh
Continue Reading EFSA assesses hazards for water use in the produce sector
Two sampling projects have found issues with meat substitution and undeclared allergens despite an overall high level of compliance.
Findings come from targeted surveillance sampling of products in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland for the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
In 2020, the program focused on commodities and hazards where intelligence
Continue Reading Sampling projects find adulteration and allergen issues
FAO and WHO have published the full report of an analysis looking at reducing the risk of microbiological hazards in fresh fruits and vegetables.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) document covers leafy vegetables and herbs, berries and tropical fruits, melons and tree fruits
Continue Reading FAO and WHO release full report on hazards in produce
Experts have evaluated a range of methods to combat microbial hazards in fruit and vegetables.
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Meetings on Microbial Risk Assessment (JEMRA) covered the prevention and control of microbiological hazards in fresh fruits and vegetables and provided scientific advice on ways to control such hazards from primary
Continue Reading Scientists assess ways to control hazards in produce
Listeria monocytogenes has been detected in a number of frozen vegetables tested in Ireland.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said findings show a potential risk of illness for consumers who have non-ready-to-eat (RTE) frozen vegetables, fruits or herbs without cooking.
After a 2015 to 2018 listeriosis outbreak in
Continue Reading People urged to cook frozen fruit and vegetables because of Listeria findings
A survey on herb and spice authenticity in Europe has found potential adulteration, illegal dyes and allergens.
The work was overseen by DG SANTE, the European Commission’s health and safety body, and carried out in 21 EU member states, Switzerland and Norway.
Technical support came from the Joint Research Centre,
Continue Reading EU survey on herbs and spices finds fraud, dyes, extraneous material, allergen risks
An evaluation of food irradiation rules in Europe has found legislation is unlikely to have much impact on use because of a decline driven by industry and consumer fears, despite scientific evidence of its safety.
European Union directives on the topic came into force in 1999 and have not been
Continue Reading EU evaluates food irradiation rules as usage declines
Shenandoah Growers Inc. is recalling its fresh cut, packaged organic basil packed at its Indianapolis location because sample tests showed the Cyclospora parasite. Retailers, including Kroger and Schnuck’s received the implicated herb.
The recalled products from the Harrisonburg, VA-based company were distributed to retail stores Feb. 3 and 4 in
Continue Reading Shenandoah Growers recalls organic basil from 10 states after positive parasite test
A Shigella outbreak in Denmark that sickened more than 40 people was likely caused by imported fresh mint.
In August and September, 44 Danes became ill including 30 women and 14 men between 0 and 75 years old. Thirteen people were hospitalized. Those sickened mostly live in Hovedstaden.
A case
Continue Reading Fresh mint linked to Danish Shigella outbreak
The system in Egypt to control microbiological risks in food of non-animal origin for export to the European Union is in a phase of transition and reform, according to a report.
An audit led by DG SANTE assessed official control systems in production and processing of food of non-animal origin
Continue Reading EU audit finds Egypt’s control system in transition stage
