Food safety, traceability and sustainability blog

Traceability, Transparency Top IFIC Food Trends Survey

While price and taste certainly still rank high among consumers when it comes to purchasing behavior, they also want a deeper understanding of exactly what it is they are eating. According to the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation, U.S. consumers want to learn more about the origins of their food and its entire journey from farm to fork.

“Americans have a growing appetite for more information about their food, and technology is enabling eaters like never before,” said Joseph Clayton, CEO of the IFIC Foundation. “It’s also driving transparency across the food supply chain.”     

FDA Strengthens Effort to Make More Use of its Mandatory Recall Authority

“When issues arise that would put consumers at risk, we won’t hesitate to mandate the removal of a product from the market using the full extent of our authorities. It’s our responsibility. And it’s critical to our mission to ensure the safety of Americans.” - Excerpt from Nov. 9 statement by FDA Commission Scott Gottlieb, MD

Back in October, FoodLogiQ alerted you to the FDA’s new food recall policies; specifically, Commissioner Scott Gottlieb’s statement about the disclosure of retailer information and its subsequent ‘Draft Guidance’ aimed at setting criteria for making previously-confidential information public for certain types of recalls.

FDA Takes Commitment to Consumer Safety and Public Health to Next Level with New Food Recall Policies

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, issues statement regarding disclosure of retailer information; Agency then announces new ‘Draft Guidance’ that sets criteria for making previously-confidential information public for certain types of recalls.

On September 26, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement by Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, about the FDA’s new policy to disclose retailer information for certain food recalls in an effort to improve consumer safety.  Then, just one day later, the FDA published a notice announcing the creation of a new ‘Draft Guidance’ - the second in a series of policy steps the agency is taking as part of a broader plan to improve oversight of food safety and the recall process.

Food Fraud: Reducing the Risks and Ensuring Food Safety

Food fraud is a rising concern in the food industry.  The deliberate substitution, addition, tampering, or misrepresentation of food for financial gain defines food fraud. The Grocery Manufacturers Association estimates loss between $10 to $15 billion to food fraud each year. As the food supply chain becomes more complex and global, the possibility of encountering food fraud along the chain increases. Unfortunately, detecting and tracing cases of food fraud to the root sources becomes tougher.

Ensuring Food Safety and Building Customer Loyalty in Dog-friendly Restaurants

For dog-lovers, a meal at their favorite restaurant in the company of a four-legged friend might be the perfect treat. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 44 percent of American households own a dog. Although not all patrons are inclined to bring their pets along when eating out, there’s still a significant market opportunity.