No change to mānuka honey definition

 No change to mānuka honey definition

#foodsafety #newzealand #change #wolrdfoodsafetyday

New Zealand's regulatory definition of mānuka honey - first introduced in 2018 - has been validated following a robust scientific reassessment, and will not be changed, says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/news/media-releases/no-change-to-manuka-honey-definition/?utm_source=notification-email

List of organizations and associated posts related to food safety

 List of organizations and associated posts related to food safety,

--- grouped by region:

Africa:

Africa Food Safety Forum (AFSF)

African Food Safety Network (AFoSaN)

The Food Safety and Quality Authority of The Gambia (FSQA)

Tanzanian Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA)

Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA)

Moroccan National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA)

South African National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS)

Egyptian Food Safety Authority

Ghana Food and Drugs Authority

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (Nigeria)

Kaduna State Livestock Regulatory Authority

Americas:

Argentina:

Minister of Economy

Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing and Food

National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA)

Canada:

Minister of Agriculture

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Minister of Health

Health Canada

Health Products and Food Branch

Guelph Food Technology Centre

United States of America:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)

International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI)

Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Under Secretary for Food Safety

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

Asia:

Saudi Arabia:

Saudi Food and Drug Authority

Bangladesh:

Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA)

China:

General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine

State Food and Drug Administration

Hong Kong SAR:

Centre for Food Safety

India:

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

Indonesia:

National Agency of Drug and Food Control of Indonesia

Nepal:

Department of Food Technology and Quality Control

Philippines:

Food and Drug Administration (Philippines)

South Korea:

Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)

Minister for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs

Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs

Office for Healthcare Policy

Taiwan:

Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHW)

Food and Drug Administration (TFDA)

Malaysia:

Ministry of Health (MOH)

Food Safety and Quality Division (FSQD)

Kazakhstan:

Islamic Organisation for Food Security

Europe:

European Union:

Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (EU)

European Food Safety Authority

SAFE FOODS

Food Safety Promotion Board

Belgium:

Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain

Greece:

Hellenic Food Authority

Germany:

Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection

Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)

Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety

Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung

Netherlands:

Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation (ELI)

nieuwe Voedsel en Waren Autoriteit (nVWA)

Rijks Kwaliteitsinstituut voor Land- en Tuinbouwproducten (RiKILT)

Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu (RiVM)

Stichting Voedingscentrum Nederland

Norway:

Minister of Agriculture and Food

Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food

Norwegian Food Safety Authority

Portugal:

Ministry of Economy

Economic and Food Safety Authority (ASAE)

Spain:

Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social, Gobierno de España

Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (AESAN)

United Kingdom:

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Animal Health

Pesticides Safety Directorate

UK Government Decontamination Service

Veterinary Medicines Directorate

Food Standards Agency

British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard

Advisory committee on the microbiological safety of food

Food Standards Scotland

Oceania:

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)

Australia:

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

Government of New South Wales

Minister for Primary Industries (NSW)

New South Wales Food Authority

New Zealand:

Minister for Food Safety

New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA)

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Tutin - Honey Testing

 

Tutin is a naturally occurring toxin found in the nectar and pollen of certain plants, particularly tutu (Coriaria arborea), which is native to New Zealand. Bees that feed on the nectar or pollen of tutu plants can collect and transfer tutin to their honey. Consumption of honey containing high levels of tutin can be toxic to humans, causing symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and in severe cases, convulsions and respiratory failure.

To ensure the safety of honey, New Zealand has strict regulations and testing procedures in place to monitor tutin levels. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) sets limits for tutin in honey and regularly tests honey samples to ensure compliance. Honey producers in New Zealand follow these guidelines to ensure that their honey is safe for consumption.

ref:https://www.sciencenews.org/article/mystery-toxins-tainted-new-zealand-honey-nabbed 

Hygiene check report for production premises

 Based on a hygiene check conducted on the production premises, a concise report is as follows:

Overall Hygiene Assessment: The production premises were evaluated for cleanliness and adherence to hygiene standards. The following observations were made:

General Cleanliness: The premises were found to be clean and well-maintained. Regular cleaning practices were observed, including sweeping, mopping, and waste disposal. There were no visible signs of dirt, debris, or pests.

Sanitation Facilities: Sanitation facilities such as toilets and handwashing stations were available and properly maintained. Soap, water, and hand dryers/towels were provided for hand hygiene. Waste bins were adequately placed and regularly emptied.

Personal Hygiene Practices: Staff members were observed practicing good personal hygiene. They wore appropriate protective gear, including gloves, hairnets, and clean uniforms. Proper handwashing protocols were followed, especially before and after handling food or engaging in any production activities.

Food Handling Areas: Food handling areas were clean and well-organized. Surfaces, utensils, and equipment were properly sanitized. Temperature controls were in place for perishable items, ensuring food safety. No cross-contamination risks were identified.

Storage and Waste Management: Storage areas for raw materials and finished products were well-maintained, organized, and free from signs of contamination. Waste management procedures were followed, with separate disposal bins for recyclables and non-recyclables.

Recommendations for Improvement: Although the production premises generally meet hygiene standards, the following areas could be improved:

Enhanced Staff Training: Ensure regular training sessions on personal hygiene practices, including proper handwashing techniques and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Periodic Deep Cleaning: Implement a schedule for periodic deep cleaning of hard-to-reach areas, equipment, and ventilation systems to prevent the buildup of dust or contaminants.

Monitoring Pest Control: Strengthen pest control measures by conducting regular inspections, sealing entry points, and maintaining a proactive approach to prevent pest infestations.

Overall, the production premises are well-maintained, and the staff demonstrates good hygiene practices. By implementing the suggested improvements, the premises can further enhance their hygiene standards and ensure a safe production environment.

ref: https://chat.openai.com/c/0ed84665-6f0b-4417-aa1a-a3765ccde049 

Effects of MGO on diastase enzyme in Manuka honey.

 Effects of MGO on diastase enzyme in Manuka honey.

High concentrations of MGO could indirectly affect diastase activity by denaturing or inhibiting the enzyme.

Enzymes are sensitive to changes in pH, temperature, and other environmental factors. High concentrations of MGO could alter the pH or other chemical properties of the honey, potentially affecting the activity of diastase and other enzymes.

The relationship between MGO and diastase activity may vary depending on the specific honey sample, the level of MGO present, and other factors such as the type of diastase enzyme and its optimal pH and temperature range. #chemical #diastase #MGO #Manuka #specificity