safety
Targeting contaminated eggs
The European Commission is planning to set new targets to reduce salmonella in laying hens in member states. The move follows the publication of an EU study, which shows high levels of infection in flocks in a number of countries. UK animal health and welfare minister, Ben Bradshaw, welcomed the preliminary report from the European […]
Defra update on GM crops
Defra has proposed measures to ensure that growing of genetically modified crops in England will not disadvantage other farmers. The plans include enforcing strict separation of distances between genetically modified and conventional crops. Under EU rules, no GM crops will be grown in the UK unless scientific evidence shows they are safe for human health […]
Printing precautions taken by Tetra Pak
Following the recent recall of baby formula products tainted with ink in Italy, packaging company Tetra Pak announced that it had switched to printing processes using non UV inks. This decision was taken as a precautionary measure and in absence of any scientific evidence indicating a health risk. The company says the identified substance (ITX), […]
Nut warning needs more detail
Generic warnings on food labels, such as ‘may contain nuts’, could be dropped in favour of more detail. Many manufacturers who use an allergenic ingredient now use ‘may contain’ warnings, in cases where products may be mixed in by accident. However, despite growing concern about the risks posed by food allergens, the food industry, consumers […]
Farms get safety codes, and soaring costs
The fertiliser sector has been working closely with counter terrorism to ensure products are made, transported and stored to the highest safety standards. Guidance leaflets have been produced and codes for on-farm storage promoted. Work is also well advanced to provide an assurance scheme for fertiliser from production plant to field. But it’s not only […]
Training for Chilean workforce
Workers in Chile are to receive improved training in the agricultural and fresh fruit industry. In addition, producers and processors will be able to take advantage of the tax exemption awarded by the Chilean government for training schemes. Agrocap, the training division of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association (ASOEX), has signed an agreement with BSI […]