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October 2008
Vol.2, No. 10

     In this issue:
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IAFP Updates

Food Safety News

Regulatory Updates

Research & Reports

Items of Interest

 

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This issue of IAFP Report is sponsored by
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IAFP is proud to have participated in the 2008 China International Food Safety & Quality Conference + Expo (CIFSQ) held September 24–25 in Beijing. This timely and important food safety event, which attracted more than 600 attendees, featured over 70 authoritative industry speakers from IAFP and other prominent organizations from around the world. Meeting highlights will soon be available on the CIFSQ Web site at www.chinafoodsafety.com.

The IAFP 2008 Annual Meeting Abstract Supplement and International Food Safety Icons are among the numerous food safety resources available for purchase through IAFP. Find our complete list of "Other Publications" by clicking on the Publications tab on our home page.


IAFP Updates

LisbonLogo
Lisbon: Best Rates for Early Registration

Those planning to join us in November for our Fourth European Symposium on Food Safety will want to take advantage of the early registration discount, which is effective through October 21. Be sure to visit our Web site to review the exceptional program and opportunities for sponsorship in legendary Lisbon, Portugal.
[Link to symposium]

Featured Abstract from Journal of Food Protection

"Source Tracking of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Contamination in the Lairage Environment at Commercial US Beef Processing Plants and Identification of an Effective Intervention" was the most widely-read article in the September issue. Read the abstract here.
[Link to abstract]

FPTCover
October Food Protection Trends: Abstracts and Monthly Columns by IAFP President and Executive Director

A study of how college-age foodservice employees are motivated to practice food safety leads to the development of a model focused on supervisory influence; a review of the history and efficacy of current and alternative knife disinfection practices in abattoirs; Stan Bailey thanks the dedicated people of IAFP 2008, comments on the meeting's accomplishments and highlights, and encourages an Association-wide Membership drive; David Tharp discusses the year's five international events and the forces behind these activities, and praises the opportunities and growth of the Association's worldwide Affiliate organizations.
[Link to FPT]


Food Safety News

Melamine in the News: Questions and Answers

As part of its Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response (EPR) efforts regarding the alarming consequences of melamine use in food in China, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an informational page addressing basic questions and answers about this notoriously misused substance.
[Link to WHO]

Senate Bill Aims for Improvements in Food Safety

Introduced on July 29, the "Improving Foodborne Illness Surveillance and Response Act of 2008 (S.3358) is a bill that seeks to strengthen and expand foodborne illness surveillance in the US. Details and progress of the bill are available through the Library of Congress THOMAS Web site.
[Link to bill]

Pesticide
EFSA Committee to Better Assess Pesticide Risks

Effective in October, the new Pesticide Steering Committee of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will plan and monitor the overall safety review process of active substances used in pesticides throughout the European Union.
[Link to EFSA]

Computer Tools to Track Foodborne Illnesses

The Consequences Management System and the Food and Agriculture Sector Criticality Assessment Tool are two computer resources being developed by researchers at the US Department of Homeland Security's National Center for Food Protection and Defense. The tools are intended to track and evaluate foodborne illnesses.
[Link to article]


Regulatory Updates

FDAdraft
FDA Draft Guidance for GE Animals

On September 18, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a 25-page draft guidance on "Regulation of Genetically Engineered Animals Containing Heritable rDNA Constructs." The link below summarizes the guidance and provides access to the complete draft. Comments are being accepted through
November 18.

[Link to FDA]

Label Requirements for Rejected Imported Foods

Through the use of official labels, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeks to hinder the practice of "port shopping" by importers whose foods have been rejected at other US ports.
[Link to FDA]


Research & Reports

Salmonella
CDC Issues Report on Salmonella Saintpaul

This report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzes the recent outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul from contaminated produce, which infected over 1,400 individuals in the US between May and August.
[Link to CDC]

EFSA Issues Opinion on Flavorings

In a follow-up to an assessment by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on 16 Food Additives (the JECFA) in 2000, a panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released its opinion concerning the same 16 nitrogen-containing substances used to flavor foods.
[Link to EFSA]


Items of Interest

Meat
New Video Series by AMI

"Ask the Meat Science Guy," a 9-part educational video series developed by the American Meat Institute (AMI), answers consumers' questions about the safety of meat. Also available are resources for broadcast media.
[Link to AMI]

FSANZ Invites Comments on Food Code Changes

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is considering a change to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code regarding the use of erythrosine, a cherry-pink food dye. Public comments are invited through October 27.
[Link to FSANZ]

EFSA
EFSA Calls for Data on Se and Cr

Through November 30, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is collecting data on the Selenium (Se) and Chromium (Cr) content in food and beverages. The data will serve to refine a 2006 exposure assessment.
[Link to EFSA]


Comments or suggestions for IAFP Report may be sent to report@foodprotection.org, or directly to the Contents Editor, Dr. Jeff Farber, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Canada. E-mail jeff_farber@hc-sc.gc.ca

Thank You to Our Contributors

Logos: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
Photos: Science Photo Library (pesticide molecule, by Dr. Tim Evans; Salmonella culture, by Tim Vernon, LTH NSH Trust; assorted meats, by David Munns )


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