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Peanuts and peanut productsFood Information RegulationThe new Food Information Regulation (FIR), designed to make food labelling easier to understand for consumers, has been published by the European Union and has now become legally binding across the EU. The regulation combines rules on general food and nutrition labelling into a single EU regulation. Transitional arrangements set out in the FIR mean that the bulk of the requirements will not apply until 2014, with nutrition labelling becoming mandatory in 2016. In addition allergen declaration will be required across all food sold throughout the EU.
Peter LittletonSOFHT - Best Trainer 2011Congratulations to Peter Littleton winner of the SOFHT annual award for Best Trainer of the Year 2011. In support of the application, by Holchem to SOFHT, nominating Peter for the award we sought referrals from the food industry. The response was overwhelming and consistent in praise for Peter as a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual whose informal but informative style engaged delegates. Words used to describe Peter and his style included; excellent, relevant, concise, engaging, informative and fun. A key thread throughout Peter’s career has been the development of training and awareness programs for all levels of hygiene and technical operations in the food industry which has culminated in the very successful Professional Hygiene Management qualification which is the first nationally accredited course of its type. Further development of this concept has led to the creation of a follow-on course accredited as a Level IV qualification and being offered for the first time in 2009. Latterly, Peter has been instrumental in the development of nationally accredited e-learning awards for food operatives.
E Coli bacteriaNew Scientist E. coli 0104New Scientist Article. Earlier this month German health authorities tested stool samples from a school in Paderborn, where there were four known infections. They found 18 of the 30 children tested carried the strain, but had no symptoms. Worse, three kitchen workers at the school and three at a catering company supplying it were also carriers. The survey continues. This "substantial proportion of subclinical infections is the main reason for concern at this stage", says the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in Stockholm, Sweden. "Considering the large number of summer festivals in the EU, with sometimes inadequate food hygiene standards", people should remember "the need for proper hand washing".
Front cover of BRC Global Standard for Food SafetyBRC ver6The British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard for Food Safety (version 6) was published on July 31st 2011 and will succeed version five of the Standard in all audits conducted from January 1st 2012. The primary changes in the versions of the standard are rooted in the focus of the requirements, and hence the audit protocol and scope, in that the primary focus is to be the condition of the factory rather than the condition of the paperwork. To this end, the focus of the new version will be on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) which is achieved by shifting the balance of the audit away from the paperwork onto the requirements that favour GMP and the actual hygienic condition of the factory.
Bacteria shown multiplyingPerbac OPDHolchem have developed an open surface disinfectant, Perbac OPD, based on peracetic acid. It is applied as a light foam or as a spray. Work has shown that application in the method intended ensures that there is little or no smell and the exposure to hazardous components is significantly below (10 times) the work exposure limits. Perbac OPD demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria, yeast fungi and spores when tested in accordance with the European Norms. On the basis of these results, together with an extended field trial monitored by Campden BRI, Perbac OPD is listed by Marks and Spencer as an approved terminal disinfectant for use at 1%v/v.
Butcher in small abattoir cutting side of porkAimsThe Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) have appointed Holchem Laboratories Ltd as their recommended service provider for the provision of cleaning products and hygiene management solutions to their 300+ members. The scope of the Association now covers medium and small independent abattoirs, cutting plants, catering butchers and further processors in the red, white meat and game sectors.