Food Safety


NIH-funded Study Finds 2.5 Percent of Americans Have a Food Allergy

An estimated 2.5 percent of Americans--7.5 million people--have at least one food allergy and young black children with asthma appear to be at the highest risk, according to findings from one of the largest food allergy studies to date. The research was conducted by investigators at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, the National Institutes of Health, and other institutions.

FDA Seeks Permanent Injunction against New York Juice Maker

Failure to identify and control food hazards could lead to the formation of Clostridium botulinum (C. bot.) bacteria that can germinate in the carrot and beet juices made by the company. The neurotoxin formed by C. bot., when ingested in even very small amounts, could cause paralysis, difficulty breathing, and potentially death from asphyxiation.

California Serves $450,000 in Fines During Restaurant Enforcement Sweep

The statewide enforcement sweep conducted on Sept. 16 involved 162 restaurant inspections and resulted in the issuance of 88 citations against 79 restaurants.

Abbott Voluntarily Recalls Certain Similac Brand Powder Infant Formulas

Abbott is recalling these products following an internal quality review, which detected the remote possibility of the presence of a small common beetle in the product produced in one production area in a single manufacturing facility.

Fruit Processing Plant to Pay $106,000 for Failing to Report Ammonia Release

According to case documents, EPA alleges that Tree Top failed to immediately notify emergency response authorities after the ammonia release occurred and also failed to submit the required reporting documents.

DOL Sues Tyson Meats for Systemic Discrimination Against Women

The complaint requests that all of Tyson's federal contracts be canceled; it be debarred from future government contracts until it has remedied the violations; and it provide complete relief, including lost wages, interest and other benefits of employment, to affected individuals.

FDA Approves Pediatric Use of Chemical Poisoning Treatment

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the pediatric use of Protopam Chloride (pralidoxime chloride), a drug used to treat poisoning by organophosphate pesticides and chemicals (e.g., nerve agents). The drug is approved to be administered either by intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injections.

FDA Moves to Regulate Electronic Cigarettes, Issues Warning Letters

The Food and Drug Administration recently issued warning letters to five electronic cigarette distributors for various violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act including unsubstantiated claims and poor manufacturing practices.



Poultry Processing Plant Slapped with Penalties for Repeat Hazards

OSHA began its inspection in March after receiving a complaint concerning ammonia odors, trip and struck-by hazards, cuts, and stabbing injuries. The investigation was expanded to all areas of the facility when inspectors observed a high number of safety hazards.

Product Contamination Insurance Prompted by Food Recalls

A new policy being launched by XL Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd goes beyond standard policies by offering coverage for government recalls.

FDA Seeks Court Order against Michigan Dairy

The complaint is based, in part, upon illegal neomycin, penicillin, and sulfadimethoxine drug residues that the USDA found in the edible tissue of dairy cows that defendants had offered for sale for human consumption.

Antibacterial Enzyme May Protect Food against Anthrax Contamination

An antibacterial enzyme found in human tears and other body fluids could be applied to certain foods for protection against intentional contamination with anthrax, scientists reported at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.

FDA Releases Guidance on Federal Menu Labeling Requirements

Section 4205 of the Affordable Care Act, signed into law in March 2010, set new federal requirements for nutrition labeling for foods sold at certain chain restaurants and similar retail food establishments.

FDA Seizes $859,000 of Food from Rodent-Infested Warehouse

Investigators found 14 live rodents, seven dead rodents, 23 gnaw holes on multiple food containers, multiple containers of food containing rodent pellets, four rodent nests, and apparent rodent pellets too numerous to count.

FDA Proposes Withdrawal of Low Blood Pressure Drug

Orthostatic hypotension is a condition in which patients are unable to maintain blood pressure in the upright position and, therefore, become dizzy or faint when they stand up.

FDA Issues Key Public Health Mission Objectives Relating to Medical Devices

The Food and Drug Administration yesterday issued two comprehensive evaluations containing recommendations that address three key objectives of the agency's public health mission as it relates to medical devices--foster device innovation, create a more predictable regulatory environment, and enhance device safety.

New Food Safety Leader for IFIC

Marianne Smith Edge has been named senior vice president of Nutrition and Food Safety at the International Food Information Council and the International Food Information Council Foundation, which recently released its 2010 Food & Health Survey.

U.S. Seeks Permanent Injunction against N.Y. Cream Cheese, Salad Maker

Recent FDA testing has found Listeria contamination throughout the defendants' facility and in a sample of its finished product. Although the company promised to address and correct deficiencies following inspections in 2006, 2007, and 2009, a 2010 inspection confirmed that the company continued to operate without adequate controls, the agency said.

Construction of venues for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games is well under way in London.

London Looks Ahead

With construction of venues for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games well under way, a study commissioned by HSE analyzed the risks and hazards at major sports events around the world. The 2010 FIFA World Cup was insured for a total of about $9.4 billion, according to Lloyd's.

FDA said 125 primary reports and 1,638 subsequent reports were submitted during the first seven months the registry was in operation.

FDA Hails New Food Safety Reporting System's Success

The Reportable Food Registry requires manufacturers, processors, packers, and distributors to immediately report to the government safety problems with food and animal feed that are likely to result in serious health consequences.

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