Introducing the Pathogens Reduction and Testing Reform Act

A new bill- the Pathogens Reduction and Testing Reform Act- introduced by Congresswomen Rosa Delauro and Louise M. Slaughter to the House of Representatives could potentially give USDA the authority to recall contaminated food products (meat, poultry, egg products). If any of these food products are adulterated with pathogenic bacteria that could cause serious illnesses or complications with antibiotics, USDA would be required to recall that product. More about the legislation on Food Quality News' website!

China Food Safety Law and Liability

Our sources indicate that when the amended China Food Safety Law comes out, there will be an endorsement of food safety liability insurance.  With official encouragement, CFDA will be charged to oversee some pilot programs in key provinces for such insurance on "high risk products" like formula milk. 

 At its last Summit, June 14-15, GFSF updated members on its work on food safety liability insurance products started in 2013 and will soon be announcing a series of satellite meetings in China provinces to discuss new food safety liability products for corporate members, targeting recall and contamination for suppliers and buyers in traded product from China.

US FDA Issues a New Rule for Infant Formulas

"FDA Publishes Final Rule For Infant Formula"


www.foodonline.com: June 11, 2014

With FDA's new rule- Current Good Manufacturing Practices-manufacturers are now required to test for pathogens Salmonella and Cronobacter, establish quality control methods, and notify  the government when major changes to formulas have been made. Manufacturers must show that the baby products contribute to physical growth and produce evidence of acceptable nutritional content at the final product stage and at the end of its shelf life. Infant formula manufacturers are required to adhere to the rule by September 8, 2014.  

Wal-Mart China and Food Safety Spending

"Wal-Mart China to raise food safety spending to $48 million"

Daily Press: June 17, 2014

In continuing their efforts to build on food safety, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced yesterday that it would increase its spending on this issue to $48.32 million. The food and grocery market in China is estimated to reach $1.5 trillion in 2016 – a fact that has not been lost by big name retailers, nor has the topic of food safety. Two new developments that Walmart will include in its efforts include expanding DNA testing for its meat products and reaching more stores via two mobile safety labs. 

Taking Note of Company Conduct within the Food Industry in China

Xinhua News Agency: June 15, 2014 

China to Log Food Company Conduct

Deputy of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce , Ma Zhengqi, says that China has already begun an informational monitoring system on corporate actions which can be accessed by the public. Companies who trespass food safety laws risk being placed on a black list of illegal producers. This announcement follows newly enacted food safety regulations this year in China along with a push for harsher punishments for those who break the Food Safety Law.

China's Food Safety Publicity Week

Mark your calendars! This week is Food Safety Publicity Week in China. Starting from 2011, the government has made it into a national campaign to emphasize public food safety by highlighting different themes each year. This year’s theme focuses on “respect for morality, laws, and regulations”. 

Made in Australia

Food navigator-asia.com: June 5, 2014

“China can’t get enough of Australia’s organic produce”

According to Australian Organic, Chinese consumers have increased their demand for organic “milk, dried fruits, nuts, citrus fruits, wheat flour and coffee.” Shortly after IBISWorld Report forecasts a 50% growth rate over the next 5 years in Australian organic farming, Australian Organic signed an agreement with the Organic Food Development and Certification Center of China. This agreement aims to make the inspection process more efficient and smoother, especially for those within the beef and wine industry.Check out the rest of what Food navigator-asia.com has to say about this new development.  

Strengthening Regional Collaboration on Food Safety in Asia

                             Check out Food Industry Asia’s article on improving 

                             regional collaboration on food safety through 

                             public-private partnerships and what GFSF 

                             has been doing about it!

 "As a non-profit society based in Singapore, FIA represents and promotes the views of the food and drink industry throughout the region, using science-based advocacy to help shape public policy. "

China Pulls Permits From Some Domestic Infant-Formula Makers

The Wall Street Journal: May 30, 2014 

“China Pulls Permits From Some Infant-Formula Makers”

 

Beijing, May 30, 2014- The China Food and Drug Administration stated May 30th, that only 82 of the 133 companies that applied for baby-formula production permits were granted production permits. As part of a move to tighten regulations on the industry, increase food safety, and strengthen the domestic food industry, China has sought to clean up its dairy market after a 2008 baby formula scandal which resulted in six deaths and thousands of sicknesses. Currently there are 41 foreign companies who import and sell infant formulas; this accounts for 55% of the market share in China’s baby-formula industry.

2014 Food Ingredients Viet Nam Expo

Viet Nam News: Updated  May, 28 2014 08:40:24

 

Expo focuses on food ingredients market

The 2014 Food Ingredients Viet Nam Expo showcased over 100 food and beverage companies from 16 countries and territories during the three day exhibition. In organizing the event, UBM Asia noted the developing interest in the Vietnamese food and beverage industry, especially with a growing consumer market. The expo provided a forum for companies to network and learn in according to the UBM Asia business director; in fact, after the event several contracts were signed to begin or expand businesses in Vietnam.