Archive for September, 2009
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
The Australian Egg Corporation (AECL), the primary egg industry body, has implemented a major promotion to encourage all Australians to eat up to six eggs a week as part of a healthy diet.
This is the result of the major review done by the Heart Foundation this year about dietary fats and their impact on health. The review has found that up to six eggs a week can be included as a part of a healthy balanced diet. This confirms the Foundation’s decision in 2006 to award eggs the Heart Foundation Tick.
According to the Heart Foundation, a large 52g egg includes around 5 g fat of which only 1.5g is saturated and no trans fats. With only low amounts of saturated fat, eggs will not contribute to an increase in blood cholesterol and therefore do not impact on the risk of heart disease.
AECL’s Managing Director, James Kellaway, said, “There have been long-standing yet inaccurate beliefs around a link between blood cholesterol and eggs. Much research has been conducted to disprove this and the latest review by the Heart Foundation only further reinforces the nutritional goodness of eggs and provides us with clear guidance around how many eggs can be consumed each week. Australians can, if they don’t already, look to include an egg a day for six days or two eggs in three meals a week, as part of a healthy and balanced diet.”
The AECL promotion is the “six reasons to enjoy six a week” -
1. Eggs are a nutrient dense food, containing 11 naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.
2. Eggs contain the highest quality protein of all food sources. Just one serve provides over 20% of the recommended dietary intake of protein.
3. Eggs are a great source of antioxidants and long chain omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Eggs are an essential part of a healthy diet and carry the national Heart Foundation Tick for being a highly nutritious food.
5. Eggs have a high satiety factor, meaning you feel fuller for longer.
6. Eggs are convenient, cost effective and easy to prepare, making them a healthy ‘fast food’ option.
For more information about eggs and the new promotion, go to www.eggsaseasyas.com.au
Monday, September 28th, 2009
During June 2009, the IBM Institute for Business Value ran a survey of 1000 adult shoppers across ten major cities across the USA. The survey was intended to determine opinions about food safety across the country.
The results are very interesting, including the finding that less than 20% of those surveyed trust food companies to develop and sell foods that are safe and healthy. For those in the food industry, this is a frightening finding and may well be contributing to the increasing demand by the public for more information on the packaging.
The survey also showed that 60% of the respondents are concerned about the safety of the food they are purchasing, and at least 63% have a good knowledge about the content of the foods they are buying. Safety is therefore obviously a major issue in purchase choice.
Recalls have had a significant impact, with 83% of those surveyed able to name at least one product that had been recalled in the USA over the last two years. Eight % of those surveyed said they would never again purchase a recalled product due to not trusting the product or manufacturer.
Organic food businesses can take heart from a finding in the survey showing that at least 45% of those surveyed have changed their shopping behavior to purchases of fresher or “better quality” foods.
“Especially in today’s economy, if consumers are going to pay a little extra for a branded or organic product, they want to be assured that they’re paying for something different and better quality.” Guy Blissert, Consumer Products Leader, at IBM Institute for Business Value, “Across the board, consumers are demanding transparency and more information about the food they purchase to ensure their safety and that of their families. As the government, industry associations, retailers and manufacturers work through the operational issues associated with ensuring food safety, we can each become more aware and take greater responsibility for the food we purchase.”
For more information about the survey, go to www.ibm.com/smarterplanet/food
Friday, September 25th, 2009
The following information was provided courtesy of Food Standards Australia New Zealand and was found in the Food Surveillance News Winter Edition. More information can be found at;
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/newsroom/foodsurveillancenewsletter/winter2009.cfm
Peanuts
Between November 2008 and March 2009, the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) reported 691 cases of foodborne illness in the US caused by SalmonellaTyphimurium, linked with the consumption of peanuts and peanut products. Illness occurred across 46 states and may have contributed to nine deaths. The affected peanuts were distributed by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA).
More than 3,800 peanut containing products were voluntarily recalled in the US. Affected products included peanut butter, peanut paste, crackers, ice cream, cookie dough, confectionery, energy bars, curry sauces, bakery products and pet foods.
In response to this incident, FSANZ worked closely with national and international agencies, as well as industry, to establish whether any contaminated products were imported into Australia. The Australian response was facilitated by timely notifications from the USFDA, which occurred under a pre-existing confidentiality agreement between FSANZ and the USFDA that facilitates food safety information sharing.
To assist in the identification of affected products, FSANZ also collaborated with the Australian Customs Service, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, the International Food Safety Authorities Network, the Food and Beverage Importers Association, the Australian Food and Grocery Council and Australian importers.
A number of products (frozen cookie dough; a protein bar; trail mix and several nutritional bars) manufactured in the US, linked to the outbreak and subject to the US recall were identified as having been exported to Australia and were withdrawn from sale for precautionary purposes.
Australia’s national foodborne illness investigation network, OzFoodNet, did not identify any Australian cases of salmonellosis linked to the consumption of PCA peanut products.
Pistachios
In April 2009, the US reported a large recall of pistachios and pistachio products due to contamination with Salmonella. FSANZ requested information from the USFDA on potential imports of pistachios and pistachio products into Australia, and advised that several potentially contaminated products had been exported to Australia. These products were traced from US records and were recalled from the Australian market.
Salmonella was detected in a pistachio production facility in the US, but cases of illness linked with the consumption of these products were not identified in the US, Australia or other countries. There was no evidence to suggest a link with the earlier contamination of peanuts in the US.
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009
A national beverage deposit scheme is currently being reviewed by a Senate committee. The Greens and Family First are supporting the plan and believe that it would be cost neutral, potentially reduce greenhouse gas emission by 1.4 million tonnes per year and may save Council ratepayers up to $60 million dollars a year.
If passed through the Federal Parliament, the Container Deposit legislation will see a 10 cent levy on every beverage container sold across the country. This levy can then be recovered by the consumers when they recycle the containers. This is similar to the scheme already in operation in South Australia.
The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), one of the peak bodies representing the Australian food industry, spoke against the plan. It believes that will cost up to $500 million to taxpayers every year and will also increase costs to business and consumers.
AFGC Chief Executive, Kate Carnell, said in February 2009 that “it was disappointing that high profile members of the community were still calling for ‘costly, outdated 1970s solutions to 2009 challenges”. She was responding to calls by Ian Kiernan, the Clean Up Australia Chairman, for governments to introduce this legislation.
“It’s not just the deposit that would add costs there’s also the handling fees. Based on a 10 cent deposit and a four cent handling fee, the cost of a carton of beer would increase by $4 to $5″ said Kate Carnell. “Container deposit systems just don’t stack up in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. Victoria, which doesn’t have container deposit, recycles 20 kg more packaging per capita than South Australia, which does have container deposit.”
The AFGC believe that the focus should be on recycling and better waste management. Kate Carnell said “The AFGC through the Packaging Stewardship Forum is already working on improving recycling from workplaces, the hospitality sector and shopping centres. With the National Packaging Covenant (NPC), we have a range of projects are underway to recycle an extra 60,000 tonnes of packaging each year and that includes beverage containers.”
The National Packaging Covenant has been operating for the past 10 years. It is a cooperative agreement between industry, Government and Non Government Organisations to manage waste from packaging. Based on current focuses, the Covenant has the capacity to divert an additional 500,000 tonnes of packaging from landfill each year.
The Federal Government has not advised of a position on the plan, preferring to set-up the inquiry to weigh up the various arguments. We, as consumers and, members of the food industry will simply need to wait for the outcome. If you wish to contribute to the debate contact the AFGC on www.afgc.org.au
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
The following information was provided courtesy of Food Standards Australia New Zealand and was found in the Food Surveillance News Winter Edition. More information can be found at;
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/newsroom/foodsurveillancenewsletter/winter2009.cfm
Food identified as a risk to public health and safety is recalled. Recalls are normally triggered by consumer complaints, company testing or government testing. FSANZ is the coordinating agency for all food recalls in Australia and the NZFSA is the responsible authority in New Zealand.
Australian recalls over the months of April 2009 to June 2009 included:
• Roger’s Select Meats in Narangba, Queensland initiated a consumer recall of ready-to-eat roast beef (300-400g cryovac packets with the Use by date of 02.07.09) in response to testing that revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Any customers who have purchased the affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Only the above product of the nominated size and Use by Date is affected by this recall.
• Cadbury conducted a voluntary recall of Cadbury Old Gold Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa (200g block cardboard carton around foil inner all dates up to and including 07/06/2010) due to the potential presence of milk protein which is not declared on the packaging. Consumers with an allergy or intolerance to milk protein are advised not to consume the product. No other Cadbury products are affected by this recall.
• Regal Cream Products Pty Ltd initiated a voluntary recall of Bulla Creamy Classics- Cookies and Cream (2kg plastic tub with a Best Before 06/10/10) in response to reports of pieces of plastic in a small number of tubs. Any customers who have purchased the affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Only the above product of the nominated size and Best Before date is affected by this recall.
• Campbell’s Soup Australia conducted a voluntary recall of Campbell’s Country Ladle Potato and Leek Soup (505g can batch code: 3T9PAL) as pieces of rubber have been identified in some cans. Customers who have purchased the affected products should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Only the above product of the nominated size and batch code is affected by this recall.
• The Smith’s Snackfood Company initiated a voluntary recall of Smith’s Classic Crinkle Cut Potato Chips Chicken Flavour (45g/90g/175g/200g polypropylene (plastic) pack with a Best Before 09 Jul 09 and lot code: GE), Smith’s Classic Crinkle Cut Potato Chips Salt and Vinegar Flavour (90g/200g polypropylene (plastic) pack and 15 pack cardboard box both with a Best Before 09 Jul 09 and lot code: GE), Variety Box (20 pack cardboard box with Best Before 09 Jul 09 and lot codes: GF and GG and Best Before 16 Jul 09 lot code: GA) and Kidz Pick Box (20 pack cardboard box with Best Before 09 Jul 09 lot codes: GE and GF and Best Before 16 Jul 09 lot code: GA) due to the discovery of pieces of rubber in some packs produced at the Queensland manufacturing site. This recall only applies to the above products of the nominated sizes, Best Before dates and lot codes. No other flavours of Smith’s Classic Crinkle Cut Potato Chips are affected by this recall. Any customers who have purchased the affected products should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
• Kyana Farms conducted a consumer recall of ready-to-eat IGA Deli Roast Meat (100g plastic pocket with the Use by 24 Jun 09) as a result of testing which indicated the presence ofListeria monocytogenes. If consumers have purchased this product they should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall only applies to the above product.
• Meatworld Fishworld Maroochydore initiated a voluntary recall of ready-to-eat Sliced Pastrami (410g and 430g cryovac packets, available for sale from 02 May 2009) in response to testing which indicated the presence ofListeria monocytogenes. A total of 20 kg Sliced Pastrami is affected by this recall. Any customers who have purchased the affected products should return it to Meatworld Fishworld Maroochydore for a full refund. This recall only applies to the above product.
• Haigh’s Manufacturing Pty Ltd conducted a voluntary recall of Chocolate and Almond Cookie manufactured by Baylies of Strathalbyn (120g plastic over wrap, Best Before 04 Aug 2009) due to the undeclared presence of gluten. The product is only sold through Haigh’s stores. Consumers with an allergy to gluten who have purchased the affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall only applies to the above product of the nominated size and Best Before date.
• Mountain Creek Meats announced a consumer recall of Silverside and Boneless Ham ready-to-eat (various sizes and weights available for sale from 23 April 2009) due to testing which indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The products were only available for sale from Mountain Creek Meat store in Mountain Creek Queensland. Any customers who have purchased the affected products should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall only applies to the above Mountain Creek meat products.
• Mary’s Pasta Products initiated a voluntary recall of Mary’s Ravioli, Chicken Ravioli, Ricotta Ravioli, Mary’s Tortellini, Mary’s Gnocchi, Mary’s Egg Pasta Fettuccini, Mary’s Egg Pasta Spaghetti, Mary’s Egg Pasta Linguini, Mary’s egg Pasta Squid Ink Fettuccini, Mary’s Egg Pasta Kaffir Lime and Chilli Linguini, Mary’s Egg Pasta Chilli Spaghetti (all 500g poly bags and all date markings up to and including 01 Apr 2010), Lasagna Sheets (2kg all date markings up to and including 01 Apr 2010) and Mary’s Spaghetti Sauce (500g stand up pouch all date markings up to and including 01 Apr 2010) due to the potential contamination with foreign matter. Any customers who have purchased the affected products should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Only the above products of the nominated sizes are affected by this recall.
• Glutenfree Bakery conducted a voluntary recall of their Lamingtons (300g with the Use by: all dates between 28 May 2009 and 03 October 2009) due to incorrect labelling of the product. The product contains eggs which are not declared on the label. Any customers with an allergy to eggs who have purchased the affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall only applies to the above product of the nominated size and Use by dates. No other Glutenfree Bakery products are affected by this recall.
• Sunbeam Foods conducted a voluntary recall of Sunbeam Pistachios (80g plastic pillow pack, with Best Before dates: 22 Sep 09, 23 Sep 09 and 30 Sep 09) due to being informed by their Australian supplier that the Pistachio nuts may be contaminated with Salmonella. Any customers who have purchased the affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall only applies to the above product of the nominated size and Best Before dates. No other Sunbeam product is affected by this recall.
• Nut Producers Australia announced a voluntary recall of Value Pack Dry Roasted and Salted Pistachios (plastic bag, 500g; Best Before: 20 Aug 09) in response to information from their supplier advising that imported product from the USA may contain Salmonella. Any customers who have purchased the affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall only applies to the product of the nominated size and Best Before date.
• Nocelle Foods conducted a voluntary recall of Natures Delight Pistachios salted (500g all Best Before dates), Natures Delight Pistachio Kernels (125g, 300g, 375g, all Best Before dates), Natures Delight Pistachio Kernels Dry Roasted (125g all Best Before dates), Natures Delight Pistachios Roasted and Salted (150g all Best Before dates), Supa Barn Cranberry, Pistachio, Honey and Yoghurt (125g all Best Before dates), The Market Grocer Roasted and Salted (150g all Best Before dates), The Market Grocer Pistachio, Cranberry & Honey Yoghurt (125g all Best Before dates), The Market Grocer 100% Australian Mix (500g all Best Before dates), Setton Farms Roasted and Salted (11.34kg bulk box all Best Before dates) Setton Farms Kernels (11.34kg bulk box all Best Before dates) in response to testing by their supplier in the United States which revealed potential contamination with Salmonella. Any customers who have purchased the affected products should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall only applies to the above products.
• Heinz Australia initiated a precautionary recall of Heinz Dijon Mustard Sauce with a Hint of Orange (370ml plastic bottle, batch code: 3248 and Best Before 19/11/10) due to the incorrect labelling of a small batch of this product which does not declare the presence of egg and milk. Any customers with an allergy to egg or milk who have purchased the affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
There were 2 recalls in New Zealand over the same period.
• Cadbury initiated a voluntary recall of Cadbury Old Gold Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa (200g block with all Best Before dates up to and including 07/06/10) as the product contains milk protein which has not been declared on the product label. Consumers who are allergic or intolerant to milk protein are advised not to consume the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall does not affect any other Cadbury product.
• Nutrition Systems NZ Pty Ltd conducted a recall of all batches of Hydroxycut weightloss supplement (150 and 120 caplets) a U.S. originated product sold in health-food stores in New Zealand. This product has been recalled in the U.S. Customers who have purchased this product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall does not apply to Australian branded products which can be identified by AUST L number on the front panel of the label. The numbers are AUST L 154243, AUST L 154647 and AUST L 154808.
Sunday, September 6th, 2009
The popcorn you have at the movies may be healthier than we all thought. At a recent meeting of the American Chemical Society evidence was presented showing that cereal based snacks like popcorn are high in antioxidants known as polyphenols.
“We found that, in fact, whole grain products have comparable antioxidants per gram to fruits and vegetables,” said lead researcher Joe Vinson, a chemist at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania. “Early researchers thought the fibre was the active ingredient for these benefits in whole grains, the reason why they may reduce the risk of cancer and coronary heart disease. But recently, polyphenols emerged as potentially more important.”
These findings support the recognised health benefits of whole grain cereals. Oats were found to have the highest antioxidant content, followed by corn and then wheat.
Within the snackfood industry, popcorn has been found to have five times more antioxidant than it’s nearest rival. On investigation, it was found that baking and processing reduced the amount of antioxidants in finished goods, as an example tortilla / corn chips have ten times less antioxidants that popcorn because of the alkaline treatment during processing.
The study was funded by the University of Scranton.
Thursday, September 3rd, 2009
Recently two women gave birth prematurely and five others also contracted listeriosis after a Virgin Blue flight from Brisbane. These incidents have been traced back to Listeria food poisoning from chicken wraps consumed on the plane.
A NSW company, GMI Food Wholesalers Pty Ltd (trading as Australian Poultry and Food Wholesalers), has been found to be linked to the outbreak.
“Results of thorough testing conducted by the Food Authority and Queensland authorities show that the Listeria bacteria came from a cooked, diced chicken product supplied by the company to a Virgin Blue food supplier,” the NSW Primary Industries Minister, Mr Ian Macdonald advised.
“The Authority acted swiftly to identify the supplier and, following investigations by Authority officers, as a public health precaution immediately placed a prohibition order on the company on 4 August,” Mr Macdonald said. “Laboratory analysis finalised this week confirms the link that Listeria bacteria consumed by passengers on the Virgin Blue flights originated in the chicken processed at the Wollongong-based plant.”
“The prohibition order means the company is forbidden from producing or selling the implicated chicken product and any other ready-to-eat meats manufactured at the premises.”
The order will remain in place until further notice.
“Consumers can be assured that the contaminated product that was sent to Queensland has been isolated and removed from the marketplace,” Mr Macdonald concluded.
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009
As of July 2009, a large supermarket chain in the UK has begun a major environmental program one year ahead of their expected schedule. Tesco has begun diverting 100% of the waste produced by all of it’s UK operations away from landfill.
“Climate change is the biggest challenge facing us today and businesses such as Tesco have a responsibility to provide leadership,” Tesco Executive Director Lucy Neville-Rolfe said. “As well as research and development, improving our own operations and helping customers to make easy, green choices are the best way to combat climate change.”
There are more than 2315 sites across the UK using innovative methods to produce this significant result. These methods include;
• Re-using waste meat to generate fuel through a third-party plant which goes back into the national grid as electricity - at present, 5,000 tonnes of waste meat generate c. 2,500 mega watt hours of renewable electricity.
• Turning recycled carrier bags into refuse bags
• Recycling used cardboard boxes to make new ones which are returned to store with new products within 14 days.
• Waste from the south east of England is transformed into Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) through a third-party plant.
This move by Tesco highlights the importance of Environmental Management to businesses, and provides an example to Australian food businesses to also implement and then achieve a 100% recycling policy.
