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A further 934 pig and poultry farms were closed in Germany over the weekend following the discovery that previously unknown batches of dioxin-contaminated feed had been sold. (Foodproductiondaily.com) The action came as it was reported that a feed producer in Lower Saxony had concealed some of the outlets it had sold produce to. Farms in Lower Saxony as well as in North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria and Brandenburg were all shut and banned from selling eggs... read more →

Five men have been arrested in the investigation into the 2008 Irish pork contamination scare. (Meatinfo.co.uk) Irish pork products were recalled from 20 countries in December 2008 after animal meal on several farms in the Irish Republic was found to have up to 200 times more dioxins than the recognised safety limit. It is understood to have cost the industry more than 100m Euros, however an official report recently has concluded there was no delay in action... read more →

The H1N1 strain of influenza has been detected in turkeys on a farm in Cheshire, according to DEFRA. (Meatinfo.co.uk) It was discovered during a routine notifiable avian disease investigation relating to a small number of turkeys showing mild signs of disease. During the investigation there was clinical improvement in these birds. Results of laboratory tests show that statutory notifiable avian disease – where the government would need to take animal... read more →

High intensity pulsed light (HILP) technology is effective in decontaminating the surface of both meat and food contact materials in packaged chicken, new research has claimed. (Foodproductiondaily.com) A team from University College Dublin (UCD) found that HILP was able to significantly reduce counts of foodborne bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella Enteritidis and E.coli on both chicken and commonly used packaging. The technology uses broad spectrum... read more →

The first discovery of dioxin-tainted pork, a move by the Chinese to suspend German imports and proposals from the animal feed sector to boost controls on the toxic chemical were just some of the developments yesterday in the contamination scandal that has been dominating headlines this week. (Foodproductiondaily.com) Danish authorities also confirmed that eggs from animals exposed to feed containing illegally high dioxin levels could have been used in... read more →

Campaigners opposing plans for a super dairy in Lincolnshire are handing over a 70,000-name petition to the district council. (BBC Lincolnshire) The Campaign Against Factory Farming Operations and lobby group 38 Degrees are against plans for a 4,000-cow farm. The final decision on whether or not the Nocton diary will be allowed to proceed is set for March. The consultation period held by North Kesteven District Council ends on Tuesday. ‘Sheer size’ Mary-Ann... read more →

New technology promising to turn the testing and safety regime for shellfish products on its head could be on the market within 12 months. (Foodmanufacturing.co.uk) Biosensor-based tests for potentially dangerous toxins in shellfish developed by scientists at Queen’s University Belfast are significantly faster, cheaper and more reliable than existing methods, project leader Professor Chris Elliott told FoodManufacture.co.uk. They were also able to detect... read more →

New food safety legislation was signed into law last week, increasing the urgency for food companies to update their food safety plans, according to a new report from PwC US and Leavitt Partners. (Foodnavigatorusa.com) The report, entitled “Point of View: FDA Food Safety Modernization Act”, claims that food manufacturers will need to go beyond compliance in order to ensure the loyalty of consumers and investors, and to gain a competitive advantage. The... read more →