European Union: MEPs may veto "visual only" meat checks in abattoirs
Proposals to allow veterinarians to declare that meat is fit for human consumption in abattoirs after a simple visual check could be vetoed in a vote on Wednesday.
Page 15 of articles about food safety
China to ensure the safety of agricultural products
The agriculture ministry has announced that it will build a system to ensure the safety of agricultural products within five years, amid growing public concern about food safety.
Chile launches the Information and Food Alerts net
It is a quick information exchange system between public services in relation to food harmlessness events.
European Union: Commission reviews pig meat inspection rules
The new rules are based on an opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and introduce a more risk-based approach to pig meat inspection.
European Union: rise in human infections from Campylobacter and E. coli
Campylobacteriosis remains the most reported zoonotic disease in humans, with a continuous increase in reported cases over the last five years.
China to create single body to monitor food safety
China will create a single agency to deal with food and drug regulations.
Italy: many associations sign a document in favour of the rationalization of the use of antibiotics
Many Italian farmers', veterinarians' and feed manufacturers' associations have signed a document in favour of the rationalization of the use of antibiotics.
China may require further tests of U.S. pork
China intends to require U.S. exporters to show that a third party has independently confirmed that no ractopamine residue is present in meat, according to USMEF.
European Union: Member States discuss mislabelling of meat products
The Commissioner recommends to introduce an EU-wide three month programme of control measures including random DNA testing of processed beef products in Member States.
United Kingdom: meat testing protocol published by FSA
The Food Standards Agency has published the protocol for the UK-wide survey of food authenticity in processed meat products.
Russia imposed temporary restrictions on importation of US pork and beef
Rosselkhoznadzor considered it necessary to impose temporary restrictions on importation of pork and beef from the USA to Russia. The restrictions will be imposed from February 11, current year.
China to enhance food, water safety
In 2012, China published 88 new standards on food safety and expanded the monitoring network on chemical contaminants and pathogenic microorganisms in food.
Canada’s food supply safer for consumers
The Safe Food for Canadians Act, S-11, was adopted by the Senate on October 17, 2012 and passed by the House of Commons on November 20, 2012.
USA: FDA increases dose of ionizing radiation to treat meat
FDA concludes that the proposed use of irradiation to provide for the safe use of a 4.5 kGy maximum dose of ionizing radiation to treat meat is safe.
European Union: Council's position on Codex decision on Ractopamine
As fixing a MRL is considered as setting a threshold under which the use the product is considered as safe, the new standard fixed by the Codex can be considered de facto as an authorisation of using ractopamine below the fixed MRL in food producing animals.
Ireland: DNA sampling of pigmeat will determine origin
‘DNA certified’ Programme for pigmeat has begun, which will expose misleading labelling and provide an assurance for producers and consumers on the origin of pigmeat.