Referee analysis of probiotic food supplements

The Government Chemist (GC) in the UK has been required by statute to act in cases of dispute between traders and UK regulators for over 130 years. This paper describes a case related to probiotic food supplements and the manner in which work was organised to ensure that test results were provided by expert laboratories in such a way that they would be fit for use in court. Four samples of ‘probiotic’ foods had been alleged to be not of the quality demanded by the purchaser, contrary to section 14 of the UK Food Safety Act 1990, an allegation which had been disputed by the trader. The GC appointed London Metropolitan University (LMET) to carry out the work on his behalf. LMET reported that three of the samples (Acidophilus) were deficient of putative probiotic bacteria from the numbers claimed to be present on the label of the food. The retailer, on receipt of the results reported by the GC, accepted that these products were not stable after production and ceased all orders. The manufacturer stopped production and reformulated the product. The retailer stated that they will accept new batches of this product only on a positive release basis after analysis using a method developed by LMET for a Food Standards Agency (FSA) project. The product has been reformulated and re-marketed and was only reinstated after post-production stability was proven. The other sample (‘Sensitive Colon Support’, containing Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus) was reported as satisfactory, but this work showed that there was reliability problems with some of the methods in common use in laboratories. The laboratories concerned have been informed so that suitable validated methods may be used in future. The FSA protocol has been accepted by all laboratories involved, which should help prevent further disputes in this area.     

Definition and usage of food safety margins for verifying compliance of Food Safety Objectives

Over the last decade, risk analysis has gradually been introduced as a tool to make decisions about food safety policies. In this framework, the ALOP (Appropriate Level of Protection) concept, which can be seen as a statement of the degree of public protection that should be attained in a country, was introduced. In addition, FSO (Food Safety Objectives) was introduced to provide a link between the ALOP and target points/goals in the supply chain. Historically, ALOP and FSO decisions have been based on the ALARA (As Low As reasonably Achievable) approach. Since an ALARA approach is based on the status of current technology, it is likely that the ALOP is attainable, provided a substantial portion of the industry complies with technological requirements or adopt “best practices” that will achieve the FSO. Food managers must control and government agencies must enforce and monitor the fulfilment of FSO. Once FSO has been established and adopted by the food industry, a major concern is to evaluate the results of the implementation of FSO in order to verify compliance. This paper introduces the concept of food safety margin (FSM) and its formulation based on classical and probabilistic approaches, which are intended to be used as a tool to measure the degree of compliance with FSO. For a better understanding of how food safety margins perform, FSM are estimated for Listeria monocytogenes in three different products, (semi-soft cheese, heat treated meat and cold smoked salmon). The results obtained, adopting both classical and probabilistic approaches, are discussed.     

Risk identification in food safety: Strategy and outcomes of the EFSA emerging risks exchange network (EREN), 2010–2014

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) established an Emerging Risks Exchange Network (EREN) to exchange information between EFSA and the Member states (MSs) on possible emerging risks for food and feed safety in 2010. The Network is composed of delegates from MSs and Norway designated through the Advisory Forum of EFSA and observers from the European Commission, EU pre-accession countries, the Food and Drug Administration of the USA and the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations. Through 2010 to 2014, the EREN met 12 times. The EREN discussed a total of 63 signals of potential emerging issues that were presented and assessed using a standard template developed by the Emerging Risks unit of EFSA (EMRISK). Out of these signals, 39 originated from EFSA, 24 from MSs. The issues discussed were mainly microbiological and chemical hazards, but also food safety issues as result of illegal activity, new consumer consumption trends, biotoxins, new technologies and processes, allergens, animal health, environmental pollution, new analytical methods, new food packaging technology and unknown hazards were on the agenda. Based on the available evidence, EREN recommended whether an issue should be considered emerging or not, and if it merited further consideration, such as generating data on the issue, starting a full risk assessment and/or consultation of other bodies. According to the emerging risks identification process set in place at EFSA, the issues discussed and found of relevance by EREN were sent to the EFSA's Scientific Committee Standing Working Group on Emerging Risks for final evaluation. With four case studies, i.e the zoonotic potential of Usutu virus, risk of ciguatera fish poisoning in EU, zoonotic aspects of illegally imported wildlife products and benefits and risks of 3D food printing, the method developed to preliminary assess signals of potential emerging issues is presented and discussed.     

A review on food safety and food hygiene studies in Ghana

Food safety and hygiene in Ghana was studied using desk top literature review. Food research was highly concentrated in the capital city of the country and most research focus were on commercial food operations specifically street foods and microbiological safety with limited information from institutional catering and other forms of food hazards. The media currently serves as the main source for reporting of food borne diseases. Food establishments and other sources contributing to food borne diseases included restaurants, food joints, food vendors, schools and individual homes. Limited use of prerequisites measures and food safety management systems was identified. Recommendations on regulating the General Hygiene Principles, implementation of HACCP to strengthen the food sector, regular food safety and hygiene workshops and training for food handlers that commensurate with their roles were made. Government support for SMEs and food handler's health screening were made.     

Evaluating the determinants of public and private costs of local food control

The level of food safety is determined by the actions of the consumers, the food business operators (FBOs) and the authorities that undertake official food control. Food control requires substantial investments by the FBOs as well as by the society, and these investments should be proportionate to the benefits obtained. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of economic resources currently invested in food control by the local food control authorities and by the restaurant business operators (RBOs). We also analysed the determinants of the variation in costs and evaluated the implications of the variation for the efficiency and equity of food control. Our results revealed a large variation in the costs, which in relation to the RBOs may in some cases imply risk-based targeting of food control, whereas in relation to the local control units, it may simply lead to unequal treatment of the control objects. The personnel resources (work years devoted to food control) of the local control units varied widely, and there were large differences (at most fourfold difference) in the number of control objects per personnel work year. The units that were found to have high costs had high costs regardless of the measurement unit (cost per work year, cost per control object, cost per inhabitant). Furthermore, larger units were found to have higher costs per work year and per control object. Less food control revenue was collected from control objects in units with a higher number of control objects per inspector. The challenge of management increases with the unit size, and focusing on the management skills and the organizational functionalities of the control units seems necessary.     

An assessment of the value of documenting food safety in small and less developed catering businesses

Current legislation requires food businesses to identify and control food hazards by focussing on critical factors which directly affect the safety of food. This study, commissioned by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) compares the standards of food hygiene in seventy food premises operating either documented or undocumented hazard analysis systems within the Derby City Council boundary.Food hygiene standards were evaluated from purchase of foodstuffs to service of meals to customers. Scores were awarded for the implementation of controls integral to hazard analysis, based on epidemiological data. The only stages in production where a significant difference in standards existed was during preparation and cooking. That is, the standards of hygiene were better during preparation and cooking in those premises with documented hazard analysis systems compared to those operating undocumented systems. The findings highlight problems associated with ineffective monitoring of temperatures, particularly at cooking and cross contamination resulting from poor cleaning practices.The study has important implications for future development of hygiene legislation, particularly if Government is committed to require 30% of UK food businesses to implement full HACCP by April 2004.     

Baseline for consumer food safety knowledge and behaviour in Canada

Understanding consumers' food safety practices is helpful in reducing food-borne illness. A systematic literature search was conducted to establish a baseline of consumer food safety practices in Canada, identify research gaps and make recommendations for future research. To date, this is the first study examining Canadian populations which gathers survey results measuring consumer food safety practices from both peer-reviewed, published literature and non-peer-reviewed public opinion research reports. The search found 26 Canadian publications from 1998 to 2011. Questions covered frequency of food preparation, sources of food safety information, consumer confidence and assigned food safety responsibility, awareness of food safety, knowledge of high-risk groups and high-risk foods, and personal experience with food-borne illness. Food safety behaviours were evaluated according to the ‘clean’, ‘separate’, ‘chill’ and ‘cook’ principles emphasized by the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education's FightBAC^® Program. Overall, results differed considerably between studies due to variations in study designs, populations, survey questions and definitions of correct behaviour. However, the analysis provided a general indication of areas requiring targeted consumer food safety education such as increasing thermometer use when cooking meats, raising awareness of high-risk populations and knowledge of high-risk foods, and expanding messaging to the internet and social media. Consumer food safety studies in Canada were limited to self-reported behaviours. Future research could include observational studies to validate results from self-reported food safety practices, and provide more accurate information on consumer food handling practices. Finally, establishing a set of standard food safety questions that can be compared between future surveys would contribute to a comprehensive baseline against which future food safety interventions could be measured.     

Occurrence of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus in various food products commercialized in Botucatu,SP, Brazil and detection of toxins from food and isolated strains

The aim of this work was to assess the microbiological quality of commercialized desserts, sandwiches and finger food in Botucatu, SP, for human consumption. A total of 172 food samples were analyzed for fecal coliforms and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and 69 (40.1%) were in disagreement with the standards established by Decree No. 12 (Brazilian Food Sanitation Standard, 2001). Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus was isolated from 26 (15.1%) samples. Toxins were not isolated directly from foods but 27 (54%) coagulase-positive Staphylococcus strains were enterotoxigenic, and toxin type C was the most frequently detected. These results suggest that these products may act as an important vehicle of transmission for well-established pathogens.     

A survey of automation practices in the food industry

Over the last few years, the food manufacturing industry has experienced unprecedented growth and became one of the major forces in the US economy. Some recently published surveys [N.A. Aly, A survey on the use of computer-integrated manufacturing in food processing companies, Food Technol. 43 (3) (1989) pp. 82–87; R.H. Caro, W.E. Morgan, Trends in process control and instrumentation, Food Technol. 43 (7) (1991) 62–66] indicate that the food industry has been rather slow to adopt new automation technologies, yet considering utilizing such technologies in the near future. A nationwide scientific survey of US food manufacturers was conducted to better determine the current state of automation in the food industry. The survey also included system integrators and equipment suppliers that sell goods and services to US food manufacturers. It has been determined that although there has been a significant increase in food process automation over the last decade, the current level of automation is extremely variable. Larger manufacturing plants are generally better automated and have less desire for future technological evolution. Equipment suppliers and system integrators are more advanced in the field of food process automation, but this advancement is seldom used due to food industry's low demand for advanced technologies.     

Development of conscious food handling in Hungarian school cafeterias

The last steps of food chain are particularly important, because this is when the food products reach the consumer. In the catering sector, the responsibility of food handlers are very high in the prevention of foodborne diseases. In this situation, the food handler's work must be conscious. This paper focuses on the issue of consciousness in food handling, which is the relationship between the level of knowledge and the implementation of right practice. The aim of this study is to establish a special food hygiene training model and measure its efficiency. The essence of the training model is to increase the consciousness of food handlers.Food hygiene training was tested at 33 school kitchens, where 145 staff participated. The program lasted for 6 months. Theoretical knowledge was evaluated, using self-administered tests, and food handling practice was measured through observation. Results before and after the intervention program were compared.Deficiencies in hygienic knowledge and in food handling practice were identified in seven areas. Significant increases were observed in theoretical knowledge in the areas of receiving (33.5%) and food waste (11.7%). With regards to the food handling practice, some remarkable positive changes were observed in the fields of storage (33.3%), dishwashing (24.7%), and cleaning (22.0%). Dishwashing, personal hygiene, and cleaning were the areas where such increases were observed, both in their knowledge and practice, that is, consciousness was increased in these areas.The parallel development of hygienic knowledge and food handling practice increased the consciousness in food handling, which is indispensable for ensuring safe food practices. Increasing consciousness make good practice instinctive in everyday work.     

Knowledge of food safety and food handling practices amongst food handlers in the Republic of Ireland

Food safety concerns have existed for a long time, as millions of people across the globe suffer from food borne disease every year. Contamination of food owing to limited knowledge of food safety practices primarily increases the risk of food borne illnesses. In the present study, quantitative research was carried out to gauge the level of food safety knowledge amongst people living in Ireland. A total of 1069 participants from all over the Republic of Ireland contributed to the survey (of which 821 were included in this research). Results showed that the residents of Ireland overall had an average level on knowledge of food safety practices (67.0% passing rate). They had an average level of knowledge in food storage (52.8% passing rate), usage and maintenance of the kitchen facilities (59.0% passing rate), and personal hygiene (61.0% passing rate). Conversely, they had a critically low level of knowledge in food handling (10.8% passing rate) and food poisoning (20.1% passing rate). The results of the present study also showed that, the level of knowledge of food safety practices varies amongst the residents based upon their gender, age, place of residence, education level, and marital status, while no significant difference in the knowledge level was observed based upon their per capita income. The study thus, highlights that there is scope for improvement for the residents to advance their knowledge of food safety practices. Therefore, it can be recommended that researchers, educators, food safety communicators, and the media can engage in educating the population, to help the residents advance their food safety knowledge to safer food practices.     

Patterns of food frauds and adulterations reported in the EU rapid alert system for food and feed and in Finland

Food control systems are sometimes challenged when requirements set by law are intentionally violated by Food Business Operators (FBOs) deliberately putting food on the market with the intention of deceiving the consumer (food fraud/adulteration). There is also a growing concern that in some cases food frauds could be considered more risky than traditional food safety threats since their public health risks are often unconventional and difficult to detect. In this study, food frauds/adulterations published in the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) (n = 376) in 2008–2012, notifications of recalls published by the Finnish Food Safety Authority (Evira) (n = 50) in 2008–2012 and local Finnish cases (n = 16) in 2003–2012 were analysed to determine the overall pattern of reported frauds/adulterations in 2008–2012. Products originating from outside the borders were most often reported by both RASFF (92%) and Evira (90%), whereas local Finnish cases mainly dealt with domestic production (69%). In RASFF, 33% of notification reasons reported illegal or unauthorized trade, practices or adulteration/tampering, whereas the rest (67%) concerned detected frauds or intention of fraud in documentation. Missing, fraudulent or improper documents were also most commonly reported in local Finnish cases (63%), but the pattern was very different in Evira's notifications, where unauthorized food, ingredients or processes comprised 98% of all fraud notifications reasons. Both in RASFF fraud notifications (50%) and in local Finnish cases (88%), the majority of cases concerned food of animal origin, whereas in Evira's fraud notifications food supplements dominated (44%) and food of animal origin was reported only once (2%). The FBO was accused and found guilty of a health crime in 83% of local Finnish cases processed in court (n = 12). Although the differences detected in patterns of fraud/adulteration cases may be a reflection of true differences in frauds on the market, it may also indicate a risk of an overly narrow scope in surveillance of frauds/adulterations at the international, national or local level. This study also highlights the need to incorporate different types of data sources when planning national and international control systems for food frauds and adulterations.     

Summary report: Food safety objectives—role in microbiological food safety management

The Workshop, organised by ILSI-Europe, provided for the first time an opportunity for government, industry and academia to consider the implications of the evolving concept of the Food Safety Objective (FSO) in microbiological food safety management. The historic development of the concept and its relationship to other established food safety tools was discussed at length. An example application of an FSO was described for Listeria monocytogenes in cold-smoked salmon. The Workshop identified a number of conclusions and requirements for future consideration.     

Quality and food safety issues revealed in certified food companies in three Western Balkans countries

Certification of quality and food safety management system is increasing, with various business drivers that demand third party audits. A survey was undertaken where audit reports and revealed findings (nonconformities and/or improvement opportunities) were analyzed from 123 quality and/or food safety audits performed in 60 food companies. The results showed that QMS audits revealed most of the findings in the management process (21.8%), followed by control (14.5%). Findings related to documentation and control of records increase as the system evolves. Food safety audits showed that the majority of findings are related to managing food safety issues (17.5%) and various aspects of food safety control (15.5%). Further analysis showed that the majority of findings (59.6%) are related to prerequisite programs including GHP requirements. These audits generated twice as much nonconformities than quality management system audits. The survey recognized that in the sampled companies, managing quality and food safety as well as control of quality and food safety represent a problem which should be addressed by most of the companies.     

Assessment of fermentation as a household technology for improving food safety: a joint FAO/WHO workshop

Food safety and nutritional aspects of lactic acid fermentation processes for the purpose of complementary food preparation at household scale in tropical countries were assessed during an FAO/WHO workshop held in Pretoria, South Africa in December 1995.

Lactic acid fermentation was evaluated in particular, taking into consideration that microbial fermentation is only a part of the food preparation processes involving other operations such as soaking, cooking and the use of germinated cereals. The latter are of special interest as they enable the preparation of semiliquid porridges of high-nutrient density.

The present state of knowledge concerning the antimicrobial effects imparted by the acidity in lactic-fermented foods was reviewed, as well as the nutritional benefits of fermentation and use of germinated cereals. Areas requiring further research were identified and prioritized.

It was concluded that high priority should be given to research on: the effect of lactic acid fermentation on viruses, parasites, some bacteria and mycotoxins; risk assessment using the HACCP approach, health education of food handlers and consumer perception of fermented foods; characterization and optimization of fermentation processes and development of appropriate starters; and some physiological and nutritional effects of consumption of fermented foods.     

Evaluation of food safety training on hygienic conditions in food establishments

Food handlers' training is fundamental in order to ensure the safety of the foodstuff. However, the success of training programs that provide only information is unclear and changes in improper food practices are not usually achieved. Food training programs based on theoretical as well as practical activities have been revealed as an important tool in which food handlers can put information into practice. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the influence of food safety training, based on both theoretical and practical approaches, on the microbiological counts of food contact surfaces, food tools, food equipment surfaces and hand washing in canteens and cafes of one university campus. After food safety training, total plate counts decreased about 60% in the case of canteens and almost 45% in cafes while moulds and yeasts decreased approximately 65% in canteens and 55% in cafes. In terms of location, the microbiological reductions observed were higher for food equipment in canteens and for food tools in cafes. The microbiological counts of food handlers' hands decreased after both food safety training and disinfection. Food safety training influenced the reduction of overall microbiological parameters. Parametric t-tests (after vs before training) indicated that reductions were statistically significant before and after disinfection for total plate counts. The decrease observed for total coliforms and Enterobacteriaceae, were statistically significant only before disinfection. The food safety programs cannot be based entirely on a theoretical approach but also on adequate training which includes a practical approach. The success of the microbiological reductions in the study was associated to the practical lessons which let the handler put into practice the knowledge acquired in the theoretical part.     

Effective implementation of food safety initiatives: Managers’, food safety coordinators’ and production workers’ perspectives

The purpose of this research is to identify factors motivating HACCP implementation in small and medium food companies, factors essential to successful implementation, and challenges during implementation. Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with various personnel in eight establishments in Ontario. These generated 239 pages of transcribed data. Trends and patterns in the data were identified using NVivo7 software. The main motivating factors were the likelihood of future regulation, the value of HACCP for marketing, and avoiding food safety problems. Management commitment was the most commonly cited element of successful implementation. Food safety managers/coordinators faced the greatest variety of challenges during implementation.     

Evaluating levels of knowledge on food safety among food handlers from restaurants and various catering businesses in Vienna,Austria 2011/2012

The aim of this study was to detect the most important gaps in knowledge on food safety among food handlers in Vienna, Austria and to identify possible differences in levels of knowledge between food handlers from restaurants and catering companies. The survey was conducted from May 2011 to January 2012 in Vienna and 234 food handlers participated. The average knowledge score for all food handlers was 76%. We revealed no significant difference between the two sample groups; food handlers from catering businesses scored similar (75%) to those from restaurants (76%). Persons with a training at their current workplace (internal and external) scored significantly higher (82%) then persons without an on the job training (71%). Food handlers passing the mandatorily required yearly food safety training had a higher knowledge than persons without this on-the-job training (p ≤ 0.001); 23% of the food handlers didn't participate in any training during the last year. The study identified substantial knowledge gaps concerning correct temperatures for cooking, holding and storing foods. Data from this project underline the value of harmonized action in the field of food safety, but also indicate considerable potential for further improvement in Austria.     

Reforms to food additive regulation in Australia and New Zealand

A new joint standard for food additives (Standard 1.3.1) has been adopted in Australia and New Zealand. This standard takes as its underpinning policies the protection of public health and safety while facilitating industry innovation in the market, and hence improving consumer choice. The principles applied are essentially similar to those in the European Union directives on food additives and set out in the preamble to the Codex General Standard for Food Additives. The standard allows for use, limited only by good manufacturing practice, of a very wide range of additives that are considered to be safe even if consumed in excess or are self-limiting. The standard is based on a comprehensive food classification system derived from one developed by the Confederation of Food and Drink Industries of the European Community and used by the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants. Each additive included in the standard underwent a detailed risk analysis including identification and application of acceptable levels of exposure based upon toxicological and other safety data, examination of technological function and justification for use, good manufacturing practice, and dietary exposure estimation using the Food Standards Australia New Zealand DIAMOND model.     

The role of science in international food standards

International food trade rules, as established and agreed under the auspices of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), have enhanced the role of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). However, the increased recognition has also led to increased pressure for the Codex to define more clearly the approach to the setting of international food standards. The paper provides an account of the discussions in Codex on three complex debates: the setting of residue limits for hormones in meat and in milk and the adoption and use of four `statements of principle' on the role of science in the Codex decision-making process. Arising from these debates, the paper looks at the role of science in the adoption of Codex standards and considers those issues, known as `other legitimate factors', which also figure in the process.