Food Safety

Regulatory Watch

FDA reopens comment period for UF milk

February 11, 2020

The FDA has reopened the comment period for the proposed rule published in the Federal Register of Oct. 19, 2005, entitled “Cheeses and Related Cheese Products; Proposal to Permit the Use of Ultrafiltered Milk.”

Food Safety

The evolution of food safety management systems—from early 1900s to audits today

Richard F. Stier

January 24, 2020

In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt signed legislation that created the agency with legal authority to seize goods in interstate commerce that were adulterated, contained additives injurious to health, or contained filthy, decomposed or putrid substances.

Field Reports

Upgraded metal detection recovers 5-10% more product from false rejects

January 24, 2020

Cebro Frozen Foods, Newman, Calif., a bulk producer and supplier of organic, kosher and conventional individually quick frozen (IQF) vegetables to the industrial and food service industry, was founded in 1993 and is operated by third-generation grower and owner Patrick Cerutti.

Food Safety

FDA moves to in-depth analysis after romaine field tests didn’t find outbreak strains

'Root-cause' investigation will help determine needed preventive controls

Rose Shilling

January 16, 2020

E. coli tests of romaine fields where investigators traced contaminated lettuce did not turn up outbreak strains, so the FDA will move to an in-depth “root-cause” investigation for three outbreaks.

The basics of cleaning and sanitation in food plants

Understanding the difference between cleaning and sanitizing is critical

Richard F. Stier

January 7, 2020

Sanitation maintains or restores a state of cleanliness and promotes hygiene for prevention of foodborne illness.

Food Safety

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams recalls one pint flavor that may contain allergen

One person complained of reaction to dessert labeled non-dairy

Rose Shilling

January 6, 2020

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams recalled three batches of Cold Brew with Coconut Cream Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert pints because they may contain undeclared milk allergen.

Regulatory Watch

Decreased assessment rate proposed for tart Michigan cherries

January 6, 2020

A proposed rule issued by AMS would implement a recommendation from the Cherry Industry Administrative Board to decrease the assessment rate established for 2019-20 and subsequent fiscal years.

Regulatory Watch

California almond accepted user program revised

Sharon Spielman

January 6, 2020

The USDA issued a final rule that requires California almond accepted users to dispose of inedible material within 6 months of receipt, submit public weighmaster weight certificates within 10 business days of receipt of inedible material, and submit an accepted user plan annually.

How companies are coping with intentional adulteration rule enforcement

Rose Shilling

January 6, 2020

A big part of implementing a food defense plan is deciding between expensive technology and cheaper, low-tech strategies to protect your product from intentional adulteration.