CMi

10/9/2010 -

Food Manufacturing E-bulletin - January 2010

Food Safety News

A spotlight on the hottest topics for the food manufacturing sector

January 2010

In this edition

UK FSA draft recommendations on promotion of lower-fat products
UK FSA guide to buying food when you have an allergy
UK FSA publishes 2010–2015 Strategy
UK Pig Meat Supply Chain Task Force to launch Code of Practice on Labelling
Revision of UK FSA guidance to compliance with Regulation (EC) 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on food
Iodine Warning on Soya Milk
FSA Food and Allergy Alerts (December ’09)

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1. UK FSA draft recommendations on promotion of lower-fat products

This document proposes voluntary recommendations for industry on promotion of lower-fat dairy products, fat and saturated fat reductions for meat products, increased availability of smaller single-portion sizes for savoury snacks, and increased marketing of reduced/low-fat versions of these products. As part of the FSA saturated fat and energy intake programme, published in 2008, it follows the July ‘09 consultation which covered biscuits, cakes, pastries, buns, chocolate confectionery and soft drinks.

In addition, the Agency is consulting on the scope to amend the current 1996 Food Labelling Regulations, relating to specified minimum fat contents for ice cream and cheddar cheese. The full consultation document can be referenced at:

http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/consultation/promolowfatprodssatfatreduct.pdf

2. UK FSA guide to buying food when you have an allergy

A new FSA consumer advice leaflet, ‘Buying food when you have a food allergy or intolerance’, guides people with a food allergy or intolerance, including coeliac disease, through the steps to remember when buying food and when eating out. The topics covered include: checking the label on pre-packed food; what to look out for when foods aren't pre-packed; talking to restaurant staff about your allergy; what to watch out for when using self-service restaurants
Leaflet available at: http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/publication/buyingfoodallergy1109.pdf

3. UK FSA publishes 2010–2015 Strategy

The new strategy defines the FSA purpose of safe food and healthy eating for all. The plan sets out key objectives and priorities, and describes the outcomes and approaches the FSA and others will take to safeguard the UK’s food and encourage positive dietary change.
The strategy is shaped by the FSA core principles of putting the consumer first, openness and independence, and science and evidence-based.
The five outcomes the FSA aims to deliver are:

food produced or sold in the UK is safe to eat
imported food is safe to eat
consumers understand about safe food and healthy eating, and have the information they need to make informed choices
food products and catering meals are healthier
regulation is effective, risk-based and proportionate, is clear about the responsibilities of food business operators and others, and protects consumers and their interests from fraud and other risks.

Full strategy at: http://www.food.gov.uk/aboutus/publications/busreps/strategicplan/

4. UK Pig Meat Supply Chain Task Force to launch Code of Practice on Labelling

A new code of practice on the labelling of pork and pork products is to be drawn up following agreement by pig producers, processors, major food retailers, and the food service sector under Defra’s Pig Meat Supply Chain Task Force.

When introduced, companies who have signed up to the code will clearly display the origin of the pork on the front of the packet. Meanwhile, a declaration that the meat is, for example, “British”, will mean that the animal was born, reared, and slaughtered in Britain. There will also be an end to ambiguous terms such as “Produced in the UK” as the origin of the meat will be declared.

As well as origin labelling the code will also seek to provide greater clarity and consistency in the use of product definitions, such as ‘outdoor reared’, and use of breed names on labels. The code of practice will build on the FSA’s existing best practice guidance for food labelling. The code of practice is set to be finalised at the Task Force meeting in February 2010, at which time pig producers, processors, retailers, and the food service sector will be invited to sign up to it.

5. Revision of UK FSA guidance to compliance with Regulation (EC) 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on food

The FSA is seeking views on draft updated guidance to compliance with Regulation (EC) 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on food. (First version published Apr 2008).
The guidance aims to help food business operators making nutrition or health claims comply with the Regulation, and provide a tool for enforcement bodies to help ensure consistent and proportionate application of the Regulation.
Key changes to the draft guidance are:

New guidance on health-related charity and national association endorsements.
Revised section on health claims making reference to recommendations by doctors and health professionals to ensure the interpretation of this provision of the Regulation is clear.

Draft guidance at:
http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/consultation/revfsaguidanceregec19242006.pdf

6. Iodine Warning on Soya Milk

The FSA have been notified by the Food safety authorities in Australia and New Zealand about high levels of iodine in a soya drink called 'Bonsoy', which some people use as an alternative to milk.

The FSA are investigating the UK distribution of this product and, following discussions with the drink's importer, they have taken action to quarantine all existing stocks of the product in the UK and notify all their customers to withdraw the product from sale.

The Bonsoy packs affected by this problem have best before dates up to and including 3 November 2011 and are distributed in 1 litre Tetra Pack containers.

Nine adults and a child in New South Wales, Australia, have been diagnosed with thyroid problems and also reported drinking Bonsoy. This soya drink is enriched with a seaweed product that naturally contains iodine. Iodine is an essential element required to make thyroid hormones, but higher levels than normal may affect the way the thyroid works. However, most healthy people will not be affected by any slight excess of iodine.
People who drink a lot of this product, including toddlers fed soya drinks as an alternative to milk, could be at risk.

7. UK FSA Food and Allergy Alerts (December ’09)

Food Alerts:

22/12: Heinz recalls Heinz 100% Apple and Pear Puree baby food with a 'best before' date of 11 January 2011, because of leaking product pouches.

23/12 & 30/12: Cans of 400g Pakstar brand Curried Chick Peas (BB Aug –Dec 2012) produced in premises served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, because of food hygiene contraventions and insufficient canning controls.
Manufactured by: United National Foods Ltd, Elland, previously trading as Rahman & Sons Ltd.

31/12: Morrisons recalls own brand Ready to Eat Chilled Sweet Chilli Chicken Pieces (120g), Use By 02 Jan, as some packs may contain chicken that has been undercooked.

Allergy Alerts:

2/12: Ginni Enterprises Ltd withdraws soft dried apricots (200g), Best Before Oct 2010, due to incorrect allergen labelling.
Allergen: Sulphur Dioxide

4/12: Boutinot Ltd recalls the Novas Winemaker’s Selection White 2006 brand of Chardonnay Marsanne Viognier Wine due to incorrect allerging labelling information. Allergen: sulphites

16/12: ASDA withdraws its own-brand ready-to-eat Southern Fried Popcorn Chicken due to the presence of undeclared gluten (wheat). Allergens: Gluten (wheat)

If you have any queries or comments about these articles please contact Jon Adams – Business Development Manager - Manufacturing on 07801039026, email jonathan.adams@nsf-cmi.com

NSF-CMi is the leading independent environmental health, food assurance and supply chain technical services provider working throughout the catering, foodservice and hospitality & leisure sectors. It is the UK market leader for bespoke, food safety, health & safety compliance support and provides a full range of technical services for the retail, catering and leisure sectors.

NSF-CMi works extensively with governments, UK and international executive agencies and industry bodies to develop solutions which balance the interests of all stakeholders in the quest to improve the quality of consumer safety, provide client protection and enhance brand equity.

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