Food & Food Equipment News

FDA Updates Statement On The Investigation Into The Salmonella Montevideo Outbreak

 

The Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, continues to work closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health and other states in the investigation of an outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections associated with certain Italian-style sausage products including salami/salame.

The CDC reports that 213 people have been infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo in at least 42 states and the District of Columbia. Recently, the CDC and public health officials in multiple states conducted an epidemiologic study by comparing foods eaten by 41 ill and 41 well persons. Preliminary analysis of this study suggested salami/salame as a possible source of illness: http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/montevideo/index.html.

Although the confirmed source of this contamination has not been definitively identified, Daniele International Inc. has recalled a variety of ready-to-eat Italian style meats. The recalled products, including salami and Hot Sopressata Calabrese, are regulated by the USDA-FSIS.  A complete listing of all recalled products and a list of the stores that sold these products can be found at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_006_2010_Release/index.asp.

Recent samples of black pepper collected by the Rhode Island Department of Health at Daniele International Inc. tested positive for Salmonella. One sample from an open container matched the outbreak strain.  The remaining supply of pepper testing positive for Salmonella has been voluntarily placed on hold by both of Daniele’s suppliers.

The FDA is actively investigating the supply chain of the black pepper used in the manufacturing of the recalled meat products to see if it poses a risk to consumers. The agency has collected and is currently analyzing both domestic and imported black pepper samples. To date, all the samples collected and analyzed by the FDA have tested negative for Salmonella; however, testing continues.

If FDA identifies a public health risk associated with black pepper, or any other product, the Agency will take the appropriate action necessary to protect the public’s health.

The recalled meat products have an extended shelf life up to one year. Therefore, recalled products may still be in grocery stores and in consumers’ homes, including in the freezer.  Consumers are advised to visit the USDA-FSIS web site for a list of the recalled products and labels to make sure they do not have any of them in their homes. If they do, consumers should throw the products away immediately.   

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. Individuals having consumed any Italian sausage products and who may be experiencing these symptoms should contact a health professional immediately. For details on salmonella sources, symptoms, and treatment, please refer to the Salmonella page on FoodSafety.gov: http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/salmonella.html.

For more information, visit FDA.

USDA Issues Final Rule On Organic Access To Pasture

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced details of the final regulation regarding access to pasture for organic livestock operations. This rule amends the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations to clarify the use of pasture in raising organic ruminants.

"Clear and enforceable standards are essential to the health and success of the market for organic agriculture," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The final rule published today will give consumers confidence that organic milk or cheese comes from cows raised on pasture, and organic family farmers the assurance that there is one, consistent pasture standard that applies to dairy products."

The final rule provides certainty to consumers that organic livestock production is a pasture based system in which animals are actively grazing pasture during the grazing season. The majority of organic dairy and ruminant livestock producers are already grazing animals and maintaining pastures that meet the requirements of this rule. These standards contain clear requirements that will provide greater assurance that all producers are being held to the same standards.

USDA received a substantial number of comments on provisions of the rule affecting finish feeding practices of slaughter livestock, and has extended the comment period for this provision for 60 days. Finish feeding is commonly used by organic farmers and ranchers to improve the grade of beef and involves feeding livestock grain

"It is difficult to decouple standards for milking cows from standards for finish feeding," said Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. "Since finish feeding gets swept up into this dairy rulemaking, we are taking an extra step and inviting public comment on the finish feeding requirements. We want to be certain that our actions pertaining to finish feeding are aligned with organic principles."

This final rule is the culmination of a process that was initiated in 2005 when the National Organic Standards Board recommended that ruminants obtain a minimum 30 percent dry matter intake for at least 120 days. The proposed rule, published on Oct. 28, 2008, received over 26,000 comments from producers, retailers, handlers, certifying agents, consumers, trade associations, organic associations, animal welfare organizations, consumer groups, state and local government entities and various industry groups.

The main components of the rule include:

• Animals must graze pasture during the grazing season, which must be at least 120 days per year;
• Animals must obtain a minimum of 30 percent dry matter intake from grazing pasture during the grazing season;
• Producers must have a pasture management plan and manage pasture as a crop to meet the feed requirements for the grazing animals and to protect soil and water quality; and,
• Livestock are exempt from the 30 percent dry matter intake requirements during the finish feeding period, not to exceed 120 days. Livestock must have access to pasture during the finishing phase.

The final rule becomes effective 120 days after publication, June 17, 2010. Operations which are already certified organic will have one year to implement the provisions. Operations which obtain organic certification after the effective date will be expected to demonstrate full compliance.

Although this is a final rule, comments on the exceptions for finish feeding of ruminant slaughter stock may be submitted before April 19, 2010. This 60-day comment period pertains to the finish feeding provisions only. The specific questions to consider and instructions for submitting comments are available on the NOP website at http://www.ams.usda.gov/NOP .

Copies of the final rule and additional information are on display on line at http://www.ams.usda.gov/NOP .

About USDA

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

For more information, visit USDA.

FMI Praises California Banking Committee For Investigating Credit Card Swipe Fee Abuses

Calls for Reforms to Increase Transparency and Empower Retailers to Negotiate Fees

 

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) commended the California Assembly Banking & Finance Committee and its Chairman Pedro Nava (D) for investigating credit card interchange or “swipe” fees – hidden charges added to every plastic transaction that cost Californians nearly $5 billion a year and all Americans more than $48 billion.

“Reforms are needed to create a transparent process for businesses to negotiate rates and enhance public awareness of interchange fees, which continue to increase,” testified FMI Director of Government Relations Liz Garner before the committee yesterday.

“Card companies and banks collect an interchange fee averaging about 2 percent on every credit and debit card transaction, and can raise the rates at any time by any amount,” she said. In fact, the total cost of interchange tripled since the beginning of the decade due to increases in the fees and card use. She described legislation pending in the U.S. Congress that would address these issues:

• The Credit Card Fair Fee Act, introduced in the House (H.R. 2695) and Senate (S. 1212), empowers retailers to negotiate fees with card companies and banks.
• The Credit Card Interchange Fees Act (H.R. 2382) requires disclosure of transaction fees and card acceptance rules. It would not allow rules that might foster competition in the marketplace such as allowing retailers to give discounts to customers who pay with debit or credit cards that carry low fees. Other rules prevent retailers from promoting discounts for paying with cash.

As a result, all customers bear the cost of interchange, whether they pay with plastic, checks, cash or food stamps.

The purpose of the California hearing is to gather facts about interchange issues and explore steps the state legislature can take to help resolve them.

About the Food Marketing Institute

Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its 1,500 member companies - food retailers and wholesalers - in the United States and around the world. FMI's U.S. members operate approximately 26,000 retail food stores and 14,000 pharmacies. Their combined annual sales volume of $680 billion represents three-quarters of all retail food store sales in the United States. FMI's retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent supermarkets. Its international membership includes 200 companies from more than 50 countries. FMI's associate members include the supplier partners of its retail and wholesale members.

For more information, visit FMI.

Air King Opens New Brampton, Ontario Distribution Center

 

Air King, a West Chester, PA manufacturer of residential exhaust fans, range hoods, furnace mounted humidifiers and industrial fans, has opened a new distribution center located in Brampton, Ontario Canada to complement already existing facilities throughout the United States.

The new distribution center is strategically located to efficiently serve the Canadian market with major shipping corridors close by allowing for easy logistics for all transportation companies. With numerous truck bays, this new facility will allow efficient shipping and receiving with the ability to have multiple transportation companies loading and unloading at the same time.

The extensive warehouse space provides the storage needed to effectively stock all the Air King products including the new lines of Energy Efficient ENERGY STAR® Qualified Exhaust Fans and Range Hoods that are keeping Air King at the forefront of the ventilation market.

This new facility will serve as the corporate headquarters for the Canadian Division of Air King and the new office and customer service areas will allow Air King to better support and serve customers. Additionally this facility provides customized lab and testing areas that will allow Air King to continue to advance the engineering and product development centers.

Air King welcomes the opportunity to answer any questions or concerns that might arise from this announcement. 

For more information, visit Air King.

Food & Drink Product Launches Decline During 2009 Recession

 

The economic slump paid its toll on US food and drink manufacturers in 2009, according to a recent review of Mintel’s Global New Product Database (GNPD). Food and drink product launches show a substantial decline of nearly 30% from 2008.

“We see that a number of small companies, which typically introduce a wide range of products, have been stopping or slowing their introductions due to the economy. Additionally, some categories have simply become so over-saturated that there is little room for new products.”

“In the last decade, Mintel GNPD has only tracked occasional, small declines in new product introductions for the US market, never a decline as strong as this,” notes Lynn Dornblaser, leading new product expert at Mintel. “We see that a number of small companies, which typically introduce a wide range of products, have been stopping or slowing their introductions due to the economy. Additionally, some categories have simply become so over-saturated that there is little room for new products.”

Despite this declining trend, there are some categories and claims that found a hidden niche in which to excel. Ethical and environmental claims increased from 9% of all product launches in 2008 to 17% in 2009. Specifically in this category, the environmentally friendly packaging claim nearly tripled, growing from 3% of all products launched in 2008 to 9% in 2009.

“The increase in ethical and environmental claims is less about companies introducing new products or changing their packaging and more about manufacturers communicating with their consumers and knowing what’s important to the people who purchase their products,” says Lynn Dornblaser.

Meanwhile, in clear correlation with the recession, products boasting an economy claim have increased by 72% from 2008 to 2009*.

In addition, side dishes was one of the few categories of food and drink that saw an increase in 2009, with 16% more launches than in 2008*. This increase is most likely due to more people eating in and the introduction of products that offer convenient solutions, such as vegetable steam bags.

Still, most categories saw decreases due to the down economy, notes Lynn Dornblaser: “Natural and organic products, which saw large increases in 2008, took a few steps back in 2009 due to their higher price points.”

Food and drink introductions with an all-natural claim decreased from 15% of all launches in 2008 to 13% in 2009. The organic claim, showed a similar decline of 12% to 10% in the same timeframe.

*These numbers are based on a percentage difference from 2008 to 2009, not based on a percentage of total launches.

About Mintel

Mintel is a leading global supplier of consumer, product and media intelligence. For more than 35 years, Mintel has provided insight into key worldwide trends, offering exclusive data and analysis that directly impacts client success. With offices in Chicago, New York, London, Sydney, Shanghai and Tokyo, Mintel has forged a unique reputation as a world-renowned business brand.

For more information, visit Mintel.

Bio-Tec Environmental LLC. Unveils EcoPure PC Additive For Transparent Biodegradable Polycarbonate

 

Bio-Tec formulates the use of EcoPure™ for transparent polycarbonate that passes visual and optical specifications for manufacturers and brands. Bio-Tec continues to expand its EcoPure™ line of biodegradable additives.

Bio-Tec Environmental, a New Mexico company known for its EcoPure™ additive that accelerates the biodegradation of plastics, announces the release of EcoPure™ biodegradable additive for polycarbonate applications requiring totally transparent materials. In preliminary testing EcoPure™ treated Polycarbonate passes visual and optical specifications for eyewear and DVD applications. Bio-Tec has begun production of the EcoPure™ PC grade of their biodegradable additive. Samuel Adams, Senior VP of Bio-Tec, states, "This is a major step forward in the environmental industry; EcoPure™ PC additive opens up a whole new collection of industries that now can be stepping forward into the green wave." Bio-Tec released its biodegradable G2 formulation for clear PET in June of last year and continues to expand the EcoPure™ product capabilities into a wide range of resins. Bio-Tec Environmental LLC. is on the brink of releasing another industry-changing additive, they plan on releasing further details by Q2 of 2010.

“This is a major step forward in the environmental industry; EcoPure™ PC additive opens up a whole new collection of industries that now can be stepping forward into the green wave.”

About Bio-Tec Environmental

Bio-Tec Environmental is the manufacturer of EcoPure™. It has been in business since 2003 and its entire focus has been on making plastics biodegradable. EcoPure™ is the newest generation of our extensive research and development. Bio-Tec Environmental, since launching the EcoPure™ additive in 2008, has formulated two other additives to work with PET and Polycarbonate. Bio-Tec plans on launching a third variation for the EPS Foam industry by 2010. In the words of Sam Adams, Senior VP, "We are more than just a collection of people running a business. Our vision is simple: to help our customers and the environment. We have combined great customer service with extensive technical and R&D expertise. We strive to 'raise the bar' for service, integrity and forthrightness when dealing with both our customers and our employees."

For more information, visit Bio-Tec Environmental.

Idaho Technology Inc. Launches High Volume Food Test Kits

 

Idaho Technology, Inc. (ITI) has launched their new high volume kits for foodborne pathogen detection. The new high volume kits feature 160 reactions per kit, a simplified protocol, and a competitive price, making them ideal for food labs with large testing capacities. The assays all use real-time PCR technology to identify the presence of Salmonella, Listeria or Escherichia coli O157:H7 in various food and environmental samples.

“We feel that our high volume kits not only accomplish this objective, but also result in more efficient operations.”

“Our goal with the high volume kits is to give high throughput labs a scientifically advanced food-testing product at the same price as less advanced technologies. This allows them to continue to be competitive in the marketplace during a time of slimming margins and increasing production costs,” states Rachel Jones, ITI vice president of Sales and Marketing. “We feel that our high volume kits not only accomplish this objective, but also result in more efficient operations.” These kits are now available for purchase and have been granted Performance Tested Methods Status by the AOAC Research Institute for use with the R.A.P.I.D.® LT Food Security System (FSS).

The validation of these high volume kits is an important development for all food manufacturers since foodborne pathogens are a major health problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are 76 million cases of foodborne illnesses each year, resulting in 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. The use of screening tools that are both rapid and accurate will permit earlier release of products without fear of potential outbreaks or possible food recalls. These assays are intended for use by trained laboratory personnel.

About the R.A.P.I.D. LT FSS

Built upon LightCycler® technology, the R.A.P.I.D. LT FSS combines rapid air thermocycling and a real-time fluorimeter to reliably test food and environmental samples. In addition to the instrument, robust freeze-dried reagents have been designed and optimized to run on this instrument and provide precise results. Because of its sensitivity, accuracy and high speed, it is the ideal instrument for rapid foodborne pathogen identification and represents a significant improvement over traditional microbiology tests that currently require five to seven days.

About Idaho Technology, Inc.

Idaho Technology, Inc., based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the originator of rapid DNA analysis with applications including DNA amplification, real-time PCR and mutation discovery. ITI’s systems include biothreat detection systems (R.A.P.I.D.® and RAZORTM systems), a biomedical research system for gene quantification and mutation scanning (LightScanner® system), and a food protection system (R.A.P.I.D. ® LT). Founded in 1990, ITI is a privately held company focused on worldwide applications in the defense, research, industrial and food testing markets.

About AOAC International

AOAC International is a not-for-profit scientific association committed to worldwide confidence in analytical results.

For more information, visit Idaho Technology, Inc or AOAC International.

Biopack Plans 7 Continues Expansion in Rapidly Developing Asian Market

Biopack Environmental Solutions Inc. (OTCBB: BPAC), a designer, manufacturer, and supplier of 100% biodegradable packaging products, is pleased to announce it has secured follow up orders to the initial placement, first announced November 9, 2009, of its sustainable packaging products from Hong Kong based supermarket city’super.

“with high quality, internationally sourced merchandise which is ethically and environmentally responsible”

In addition to its 9 stores in Hong Kong and 3 in Taipei Taiwan, city’super recently announced it is following in the path of other international retailers, and opening its first store in China. Scheduled to be open for business May 1, 2010 in Shanghai, this "Mega Lifestyle Specialty Store" will cater to Shanghai’s growing affluent population.

As the overseas consumption environment has become more severe and exports decline, China has rendered domestic demand expansion and the stimulation of residents’ consumption as one future focus. With the continuous improvement of this consumption environment, it is believed the chain supermarkets focusing on necessities sales will enjoy broad development room in the future.

Recently, fifty thousand people turned out for the January opening of supermarket giant Tesco’s Qingdao centre, as Tesco plans to spend £500m (approximately $800m USD) in China this year (or one-quarter of their total capital expenditure outside the UK) to catch up with other rivals. Wal-Mart’s share of Chinese super market sales in 2009 was 45bn Yuan ($6.6bn USD), Carrefour's 33bn Yuan ($4.83bn USD), while Tesco accounted for just 11bn Yuan ($1.61bn USD), according to data from Euromonitor.

“As we have commented before, we are pleasantly surprised with the pace and growth of the sustainable packaging market in Asia, and especially China. Biopack has taken notice of this, and plans to devote more efforts to capturing market potential in this burgeoning sector” says Gerald Lau, CEO of Biopack. He continues “As many of the bigger international retailers move into China and Asia, they also bring with them a high level of corporate standards to be socially responsible. This coupled with increasing consumption, rising per capita income and stricter environmental policy, mean the potential for Biopack’s 100% biodegradable and compostable packaging products to become the alternative to cheaper but polluting packaging is very exciting”.

About city’super

city’super was established in Hong Kong in 1996, and now employs more than 1,200 people across four retail brands. It considers itself as a "Mega Lifestyle Specialty Store" and is focused on satisfying customer’s demands “with high quality, internationally sourced merchandise which is ethically and environmentally responsible”. city’super has 9 stores in Hong Kong, 3 in Taipei Taiwan, and has trading companies in Japan and the United States.

About Biopack

Biopack manufactures 100% biodegradable consumer packaging products from locally available sugar cane waste called Bagasse. Based in Hong Kong with manufacturing facilities in Jiangmen, China, Biopack has earned the “premium brand” label in the biodegradable packaging market in Europe. Distributed under the “Roots Biopack” trademark, Biopack’s unique line of compostable packaging is sold in 12 European countries, North America, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Africa. 

For more information, visit Biopack.

PMA Reception At 2010 Fruit Logistica Celebrates Global Produce Community

Produce Marketing Association (PMA) will reach out to international members and industry at the Fruit Logistica fresh produce trade fair, Feb. 3-5 in Berlin, Germany. The association will have an expanded presence at the international event as an exhibitor and host of a networking reception.

“PMA is continually upgrading our contacts, information, and business solutions to respond to the need of the global produce and floral industry,” said Nancy Tucker, vice president of global business development. “We have partners and members worldwide, and look forward to welcoming many of them to our reception celebrating the association’s global scope.”

PMA is sending Tucker, Director of Global Business Development Richard Owen, Director of Member Relations Paula Gonzalez and Vice President of Marketing Kelly Koczak to the show in Berlin.

PMA will exhibit in Hall 23, booth C.01. The association will host a reception, “Celebrating PMA’s Global Community,” from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4, at the PMA booth. The event will bring together leaders throughout our global produce and floral community. Beer, wine and light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

“Join us for an opportunity to meet PMA members and potential members, see old friends, forge new contacts, and learn about advancements in PMA initiatives to build and strengthen our industry,” Tucker said.

The reception is presented in conjunction with industry partners KPG Solutions, Inc., Macro Plastics, Purfresh, The Packer and Washington Apple Commission. RSVP for the reception by Feb. 1 to pma@pma.com.

About Produce Marketing Association (PMA)

Founded in 1949, the Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association representing nearly 3,000 companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain. Members rely on PMA year round for the business solutions they need to increase sales and consumption, build strong professional relationships, and expand their business opportunities. 

For more information, visit PMA.

Florida’s Largest Strawberry Shipper-Grower Debuts New Brand With Humorous Online Videos

 You’ve heard of the Jolly Green Giant and Tony the Tiger. Now meet Misty the Garden Pixie.

“Strawberries are about sweetness and fun, so we created a brand that reflects those qualities. The new brand name is a natural evolution for our company. People have been referring to us as ‘Wish Farms’ for years”

Wishnatzki Farms today announced Wish Farms, a new brand for its fresh produce products. The new consumer label, featuring Misty the Wish Farms Garden Pixie, will replace the Wishnatzki Farms label on the company’s strawberries, bell peppers, squash, and cherry and grape tomatoes sold in grocery stores.

To introduce the brand to consumers, the company has launched an online campaign that includes a series of humorous videos. The videos, which are posted on www.WishFarms.com and on www.YouTube.com/WishFarms, introduce Misty the Garden Pixie through the eyes of her warehouse worker pixies.

Gary Wishnatzki, Wishnatzki Farms’ president and chief executive officer, decided to implement the new brand after extensive consumer research, which found that the label would be easy to spot on grocers’ shelves, and that the name and label were memorable and family friendly.

“It is our goal to connect with consumers in a more memorable way,” said Wishnatzki. “Strawberries are about sweetness and fun, so we created a brand that reflects those qualities. The new brand name is a natural evolution for our company. People have been referring to us as ‘Wish Farms’ for years,” said Wishnatzki. “It’s time to make it official.”

ABOUT WISHNATZKI FARMS

Wishnatzki Farms, Florida’s largest strawberry shipper-grower, is recognized nationally for quality and innovation. It represents more than 2,000 acres, and ships approximately three million flats of strawberries and two million packages of vegetables per year. The company markets produce under Wishnatzki Farms, Wish Farms, Strawberry Joe, Clear Choice Organic and other brand names. Wishnatzki Farms is proud to continue its tradition of providing high-quality produce since 1922.

For more information, visit WISHNATZKI FARMS.