Archives for April 1, 2013

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Wal-Mart to continue China investment despite feeling the pinch

By RJ Whitehead

Wal-Mart has announced plans to invest RMB500m (US$79.8m) to upgrade its Chinese stores. The statement comes in a bid to play down local media reports that the company’s growth plans were being hit by a spate of store closures.

OIG finds gaps in FSIS beef E.coli testing

By Joseph James Whitworth

The Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) need to re-evaluate its E.coli testing relating to the downstream processing of boxed beef products, according to the results of an audit from the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

EFSA gives opinion on MSM health risks

By Carina Perkins

Mechanically separated meat (MSM) from poultry and swine carries similar risks to non-mechanically separated meat unless produced using high-pressure production techniques, according to a scientific opinion published by the European Food Safety Authority...

Special EU protection proposed for Belgian chocolate

By Oliver Nieburg

The Belgian confectionery association Choprabisco is considering applying for protected geographical indication for Belgian chocolate to protect authentic producers from imitations.

Automated combination system speeds up testing

By Rod Addy

Biotecon Diagnostics has launched the first automated system incorporating detection of genetically modified organisms (GMO), allergens and animal species differentiation, which speeds up testing and is more sensitive than other methods.

RSPO disputes Rainforest Foundation palm oil food guide

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

A Rainforest Foundation ethical food product guide based on companies’ palm oil use unjustly discourages the use of palm oil even if it is sustainably sourced, claims the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

EFSA draws up priority list for food additive re-evaluation

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has called on food and drink manufacturers for information on the use of food additives, prioritising data on 15 colours and antioxidants for the end of July.

Fungus to wipe £7M from Tate & Lyle’s profit

By Gary Scattergood

Tate & Lyle has posted “reassuringly dull” third-quarter figures, despite having to implement measures to tackle aflatoxin, a fungus in maize caused by the unusually hot and dry conditions in the US last summer.

Dole completes sale of processed food business

By Hank Schultz

Dole Food Company has completed the sale of it global packaged foods and Asia fresh businesses to ITOCHU Corporation of Japan for $1.7 billion in cash.  The transaction will include rights to the Dole name in certain packaged food products worldwide and...