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Woolworths’ R750m ‘investment’ in lowering food prices – chicken too
22 October 2020
Retail giant Woolworths is aiming for a bigger share of South Africa’s lucrative fresh food and grocery market, by committing “to invest R1 billion in its prices” over the next two-to-three years – 75% of which will go into lowering food prices.
Pick n Pay buys Bottles – an online grocery service
22 October 2020
Retailer Pick n Pay has concluded an agreement to purchase on-demand, online grocery service Bottles.
This smart strip can tell you if your food is safe to eat, or not
19 October 2020
MIT engineers have designed a Velcro-like food sensor, made from an array of silk microneedles, that pierces through plastic packaging to sample food for signs of spoilage and bacterial contamination.
Registration opens for Virtual Food Safety Summit — South Africa
19 October 2020
Registration is now open for the Virtual Food Safety Summit 2020 South Africa, scheduled for 3rd November 2020. This event is a joint venture hosted by Food Focus and Anelich Consulting.
How future food packaging can help solve the people-planet dilemma
15 October 2020
king into the future, the need for food is only going to grow. By 2050 the global population is predicted to reach 9.1 billion, which will require 70 percent more food.
KZN premier asks retailers to reconsider aQuellé ban
14 October 2020
PREMIER Sihle Zikalala has asked South Africa’s major food retailers to reconsider their decision to remove aQuellé, owned by KwaSizabantu Mission, from their shelves after it was alleged that there was rampant abuse at the mission in Kranskop...
New rules proposed for ‘junk food’ and alcohol in South Africa
13 October 2020
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has proposed stricter regulations around the advertising of alcohol and unhealthy food in South Africa...
UN World Food Programme wins 2020 Nobel Peace Prize
13 October 2020
The agency was recognized “for its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict”, said Berit Reiss-Andersen, chair of the
Illicit trade hotline to curb illegal activity
14 October 2020
Illegal trading is one of the biggest threats to economic order and growth in the country, according to the Consumer Goods Council of SA (CGCSA), who have launched the illicit trade hotline.
Pick n Pay results hit by liquor lockdown
12 October 2020
Pick n Pay says it expects diluted headline earnings per share to drop by between 50-60% for the 26 weeks ended August 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic and national lockdown led to “unprecedented conditions”.
RCL Foods joins global food waste and loss initiative 10x20x30
06 October 2020
RCL Foods has joined Pick n Pay in the international '10x20x30' initiative, which focuses on rooting out food loss and waste from the supply chain...
Unpacking Food Safety in a World of Coronavirus
05 October 2020
The widespread prevalence of COVID-19, the illness caused by SARS-CoV-2, among the farm and packing workforce is well documented.
FAO and WHO to relook at Listeria in RTE foods
05 October 2020
FAO and WHO experts are to look again at Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. The move by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) is due to developments in diagnostics and changes in the epidemiology of listeriosis outbre
Nearly 9 in 10 People Globally Want a More Sustainable and Equitable World Post COVID-19
05 October 2020
Globally, 86% of all adults surveyed agree that, “I want the world to change significantly and become more sustainable and equitable rather than returning to how it was before the COVID-19”. Of those, 46% strongly agree and 41% somewhat agree, while 14% disagree (10% somewhat and
Tiger Brands signs South African Food Loss and Waste Declaration
02 October 2020
In commemoration of International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Reduction yesterday, Tiger Brands has signed a letter of commitment to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which aims to halve global food waste and reduce food losses along the p
Food Industry Poll - Analytical Testing Needs
02 October 2020
The Agrifood Technology Station wishes to poll the general food industry regarding their needs for analytical testing.
UK beef exports to U.S. restart after two decades
01 October 2020
The first shipment of beef from the United Kingdom to the United States in more than 20 years was dispatched this week.
International agreement heralds new dawn for food waste practices
01 October 2020
Government partners with retailers and European Union to bring about change in food waste reduction
Coca-Cola will launch its first alcoholic beverage in 2021
30 September 2020
Watch out White Claw fans, a new alcoholic seltzer is set to hit shelves in 2021. Molson Coors Beverage Company entered into an agreement with The Coca-Cola Company to launch its first alcoholic beverage in the country.
Four steps to safer food at home, at school, at work and at play
01 October 2020
September is Food Safety Education Month: Each week we will post educational material about food safety. Some is for consumers, some is for educators, all is targeted on reducing foodborne illness.
Local fast food restaurant group shares more than 140 000 chicken pieces
21 September 2020
Proudly South African QSR Hungry Lion, has shared more than 140 000 pieces of chicken with Mzansi in the first half of their Pay It Forward Campaign.
Shoprite plans to close stores in Kenya
15 September 2020
Shoprite Holdings plans to dispose of its Kenyan operations, and close its remaining two stores in the East African country by year-end.
Food safety and social stability ‘two sides of same coin’
11 September 2020
The government is not doing nearly enough to protect the public from health risks that may be associated with imported chicken, says Fairplay founder
Liqui Fruit recall - it wasn't glass
10 September 2020
Pioneer Foods recalled about 270,000 cans of its Liqui Fruit grape juice after three consumers reported finding “small glass shards” in their cans, only to discover that the glass was, in fact, harmless cream of tartar crystals.
The new ISO standards and what it means for food microbiologists
08 September 2020
David Tomas of Merck discusses how ISO standards relating to microbiology affect food testing laboratories and the benefits this can reap in an insightful interview.
The importance of using safe packaging for home-brewed beer
08 September 2020
Home-brewing has increased strongly in South Africa after the government ordered a strict lockdown in March, which saw the sale of alcohol being banned to contain the spread of Covid-19 and to limit social contacts...
Food testing 4.0
04 September 2020
As transparency becomes ever more important to consumers, Nina Constantine from Eurofins Genomics discusses the new frontiers in food safety and traceability.
COVID-19 Brings the Value of Adaptability into Focus
03 September 2020
The food industry is facing a crisis unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. COVID-19, a disruption bigger than any food recall, hurricane, or other “black swan” event, has exposed the challenges associated with a traditionally linear and analog food supply chain.
FSIS Recognizes September as Food Safety Education Month
02 September 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is reminding the public to think about health and safety in the kitchen for National Food Safety Education Month this September. Consumers are encouraged to practice behaviors that will continue
How to guard against food fraud post-COVID-19
07 September 2020
Food fraud costs the UK food and drinks industry £12bn every year through overpayments for lesser ingredients, unfair competition and reputational damage.
Winner of the award for the most inappropriate slogan for 2020 goes to KFC
25 August 2020
The home of the world’s favourite fried chicken ‘fesses up to slogan being a bit ‘offbeat’... for now and the use of Its Finger Lickin’ Good will be paused in advertising around the globe from today
South Africa: 12-14 million people will move to cities over next 15 years
24 August 2020
The South African Bureau for Agricultural and Food Policy expects the country’s economic recovery to be a prolonged process “with real GDP only projected to exceed 2019 levels by 2026”, according to their newly released baseline report. The fresh produce industry will be signific
Stats SA adjusts ‘foods poverty line’ to R585 per month
21 August 2020
Any person living in South Africa needs to have at least R585 per month to afford enough food to meet the minimum required daily energy intake needed to survive.
Sweet ending for Tongaat Hulett as it weathers accounting scandal
21 August 2020
TONGAAT Hulett has emerged from its accounting scandal in better shape than it was 12 months ago after it reduced its headline loss to R285 million during the year to end March 2020.
FoodForwardSA says more people in SA will be in need of access to food
20 August 2020
FoodForward SA, South Africa’s not-for-profit food redistribution organisation, said the escalating number of poor people will drastically increase the number of vulnerable people needing access to food...
Tiger Brands says sale of listeriosis-tainted units will not affect class action
19 August 2020
Tiger Brands CEO Lawrence MacDougall speaks at a press conference, 5 March 2018, in Bryanston, Johannesburg, where he indicated that Tiger Brands has not been provided with any evidence to show there is a direct link between the 180 listeriosis deaths and the company’s products..
It is a necessity to ensure the work environment is safe
18 August 2020
It is vital in today’s environment to not only understand the Occupational Health and Safety legislation but also to have a working knowledge of all the protocols outlined by the Department of Health. The Department of Employment and Labour have also given a comprehensive documen
Thirteen people arrested over counterfeit goods and expired food in Springs
14 August 2020
irteen people have been arrested for being in possession of counterfeit goods and expired food at a warehouse in Springs.
TBCSA launches Covid-19 safety app for tourism and hospitality industry
14 August 2020
Through a multi-stakeholder partnership, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), has launched a tourism and hospitality industry app called Opus4business.
Could ghost kitchens and deliveries be the Covid-19 cure for SA's fast food industry?
14 August 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to the local and global fast food industry, with industry players consequently adapting to rapidly shifting market conditions, in order to survive. As part of efforts to find a cure for the economic effects of Covid-19...
New push to relax South Africa’s alcohol ban at provincial level
14 August 2020
The Western Cape Government cabinet says it will push for the safe opening of all businesses and the domestic sale of alcohol, together with smart interventions...
Top Three Visibility Challenges in Today’s Food Supply Chain
11 August 2020
During COVID-19, the underlying problem that prevented companies from pivoting at the outbreak persists: Lack of visibility. Looking ahead, participants across the food supply chain will need greater transparency and cohesive collaboration to ensure a consistent and safe supply i
Pillsbury reformulates cookie dough to be safely eaten raw
05 August 2020
The reformulated cookie dough is made with heat-treated flour and pasteurized eggs, which kills pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses in the raw product, according to the company's website. The company says the recipe has not changed, just these ingredients, so the cookies
Shoprite sees better South African trade with market-share gains
05 August 2020
Even as the main lower-income customers of Africa’s largest food retailer battle with the impact of an economic slowdown.
Invasive fish become lockdown food in South Africa
04 August 2020
The Groenvlei lake, in South Africa, is full of gleaming carps. The fish were introduced in the 1800s and have proliferated so much that they threaten the lake’s ecosystem.
Unilever to divest most of its tea business but keep parts of Lipton brand
04 August 2020
Unilever plans to divest most of its tea business following a six-month review by placing them into a separate entity, the company said during its recent earnings call. The changes to its tea business would see Unilever divesting the Lipton brand in some areas while retaining it
When you know how much you don’t know you can begin to look at COVID-19
03 August 2020
No matter how much individuals think they know about COVID-19 and food safety, experts agree on one point. No one knows enough...
Tshwane to address concerns of hygiene, food safety at CBD market
03 August 2020
“The toilets there are not properly maintained as there is sewage overflowing in the market daily. In addition, there are no proper security measures in place at the market.”
More than 800 hospitalised in Jordan food poisoning outbreak
30 July 2020
Child dies after surge of cases that health minister linked to single restaurant offering cheap meal deal
Virtual food hygiene inspections could reduce backlog
24 July 2020
Virtual food hygiene inspections are being used in the United Kingdom to tackle a backlog caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Digital inspections can help authorities manage a build-up at lower risk establishments and minimize risk of contamination as inspectors can visit multipl
EFSA to host meeting on climate change and food safety
24 July 2020
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is to host a virtual meeting in October on climate change...
Salmonella Uses Lettuce As a Host to Evade Cleaning
23 July 2020
A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology has found that Salmonella uses lettuce as a host to evade cleaning. The pathogen can get into tiny pores in the lettuce, meaning that it can’t be washed off the leaves. This strategy also protects them agains the plant’s immune syste
Domino’s Pizza assets up for auction in South Africa
22 July 2020
Park Village Auctions (PVA) has announced that all the assets used for the Domino’s Pizza franchise in South Africa – including food preparation factories and 50 fully-equipped stores – are now open to offer.
Bird Droppings Carry Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria, Cause Food Poisoning
21 July 2020
Whenever there is a food poisoning outbreak linked to produce, we have told you that one source of the pathogen may be bird droppings. A new study conducted at Rice University and published in Elsevier journal Environmental Pollution states that bird droppings carry...
Nespresso launches new fair trade coffee capsule in SA
17 July 2020
We all enjoy a strong cup of Joe, especially during these trying times when caffeine is the one vice many of us have left to enjoy thanks to strict lockdown regulations. But, while coffee might be your own saving grace for taking the edge off, have you ever stopped to think about
Food Lover's store admits to charging excessive price for raw ginger
17 July 2020
The Competition Tribunal has confirmed a consent agreement reached between the Competition Commission and Food Lovers Holdings whereby the firm agreed to stop excessive pricing for ginger sold at one of its stores.
Research shows estimated 180 deaths per year in UK because of foodborne illness
17 July 2020
Researchers have estimated there are 180 deaths per year in the United Kingdom caused by foodborne diseases from 11 pathogens. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) estimates that about 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness occur every year in the UK...
Ghost kitchens could be a $1T global market by 2030, says Euromonitor
14 July 2020
Ghost kitchens, or cooking facilities that produce food only for delivery with no dine-in or customer facing areas, could create a $1 trillion global opportunity by 2030, according to a Euromonitor virtual webinar presented by Euromonitor's Global Food and Beverage Lead Michael S
FDA Sees Sharp Increase in Hand Sanitizers With Methanol
14 July 2020
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, hand sanitizers have been in high demand and short supply. Many manufacturers have been scrambling to increase their stock, and the products fly off the shelves. But the FDA has noticed a serious problem with some of these products. They have se
USDA won’t require meat and poultry testing for COVID-19
13 July 2020
https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2020/07/usda-wont-require-meat-and-poultry-testing-for-covid-19/
U.S. raises four issues at WTO SPS meeting
13 July 2020
The United States raised four new issues at a meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) committee on food safety and animal and plant health this past month...
Restaurants take government to court over 'absurd' alcohol, social distancing rules
09 July 2020
A group of restaurants is heading to court to force the government to allow their patrons to drink alcohol with their meals.Led by Cape Town-based Chefs Warehouse restaurants, the group said in court papers filed on Wednesday that it wanted the matter to be heard on an urgent bas
Agricultural bodies cracking down on fake honey after complaints
07 July 2020
The Western Cape Bee Industry Association (WCBA) and agricultural advisory and food safety inspection services company, Impumelelo Agribusiness Solutions, are cracking down on honey fraud...
JSE fines Tongaat Hulett R7.5m for non-compliance
08 July 2020
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on Wednesday issued a public censure and a maximum fine of R7.5 million on sugar producer Tongaat Hulett due to non-compliance with its listing requirements.
Chinese researchers warn of new virus in pigs with human pandemic risk
07 July 2020
A new flu virus found in Chinese pigs has become more infectious to humans and needs to be watched closely in case it becomes a potential "pandemic virus", a study said, although experts said there is no imminent threat.
Survey shows 68% of South Africans willing to eat out
07 July 2020
A new survey shows that many people will be visiting restaurants within the first 30 days of their opening for sit-down meals. The survey, by Dineplan, a reservation company, found that of the more than 3 300 people who responded, 68% said they would be eating out within the firs
Restaurants trading massively down one week after reopening due to alcohol ban
08 July 2020
Restaurant owners have doubts about their ability to turn any profits, or pay off huge debts accumulated in the past few months, given the lockdown restrictions on alcohol consumption.
South Africa VS Coronavirus: Exports keeping agriculture afloat
06 July 2020
In the sixth part of our series on the impact of COVID-19 on South Africa, we look at the agriculture sector, where the citrus industry is exporting record volumes to Asia, following a surge in demand for lemons.
COVID-19: FASSI issues guidelines for washing fruits and vegetables - Here are some dos and don'ts
06 July 2020
With the emergence of a global pandemic, people became more aware and specific about the food they consume and the way they consume it. Hence, it is essential to ensure the cleanliness of the food you consume.
Food safety goes hand-in-hand with COVID-19 safety this year
03 July 2020
Planning to enjoy a picnic, barbecue, or meal under the summer sun on this holiday weekend? In addition to food safety, remember to practice social distancing — stay 6 feet apart from others you don’t live with — and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s safety
SA’s biggest agriculture showcase is going virtual
03 July 2020
After almost six decades in which it grew to be one of the biggest privately-owned agricultural exhibitions in the southern hemisphere, the annual Nampo Harvest Day will be going virtual this year, organisers Grain SA announced. Due to the covid-19 pandemic the iconic agricultura
Pilgrim’s Pride Recalls Nearly 60,000 Pounds of Chicken Nuggets
02 July 2020
The frozen, ready-to-eat nuggets may be contaminated with a flexible rubber material.
Fresh Express salad recall includes 90 products - all from same plant
02 July 2020
Naming additional retailers in relation to a parasitic outbreak associated with bagged salad mixes, U.S. officials are confident in evidence that is showing a Fresh Express production plant implicated in previous recalls and outbreaks is the likely source of contaminated products
Meat processing plants: COVID-19 hotspots in Europe
30 June 2020
While we have witnessed a COVID-19 outbreak at a Melbourne meat processor in May, there are many more outbreaks happening at meat and poultry facilities across the US and Europe...
Six New Members Join South African Plastics Pact
29 June 2020
Since the launch of the South African Plastics Pact on 30 January 2020, CCBSA, RCL Foods, Berry Astrapak, Palletplast, the African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) and the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) have all signed up to demonstrate their commitment to reducing plastic
Dissolving biofilms with a yeast-based solution
26 June 2020
Removal of biofilms is crucial for the food industry, as they can potentially cause large-scale product contamination. Harsh cleaning products and detergents called surfactants combined with scrubbing are the most effective methods of removing biofilms. However, biofilms are noto
SA's diesel shortage: Some farmers struggle to find fuel to harvest and deliver their crops
26 June 2020
South Africa may face a maize meal crunch as diesel shortages start to affect food production. South Africa has been rationing diesel since last month. Local fuel producers said the sharp increase in demand following months of lockdown had caught them by surprise...
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Joint Statement from USDA and FDA on Food Export Restrictions Pertaining to COVID-19
26 June 2020
Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D., issued the following statement regarding food export restrictions pertaining to COVID-19...
85 Million Americans Avoid Buying Food With Top 9 Allergens
26 June 2020
A new study from Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) reveals that 85 million Americans avoid buying food with the top nine allergens in it because either they have allergies or members of their households have them. This consumer group...
Food prices will fall as country's economy recovers from Covid-19, says Competition Commission
25 June 2020
The Competition Commission says it expects food prices to fall and has vowed to monitor retailers to make sure savings are passed on to consumers.The commission’s acting spokesperson, Siyabulela Makunga, said the commission had been vigilant in responding to consumer complaints o
What explains the high rate of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in meat and poultry facilities?
25 June 2020
Question: What explains the high rate of Sars-CoV-2 transmission in meat and poultry facilities? Brief answer:The working environment in these facilities is favourable to SARS-CoV-2 persistence (metallic surfaces, low temperatures and relative humidity).The working environment ma
Restaurants can reopen but what are the rules from government?
24 June 2020
On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that under continued level 3 regulations, leisure businesses such as hotels, restaurants, casinos and cinemas would be allowed to reopen and operate while adhering to strict physical distancing guidelines...
China Stops Poultry Imports From Tyson Foods Due to COVID-19 Concerns, Clamping Down on Inspections
25 June 2020
China is taking action to block imports and control what is feared to be a second wave of the virus in the country.
Sea Harvest forced to shut its doors over coronavirus contraventions
25 June 2020
With the West Coast fast becoming a Covid-19 hot spot, Sea Harvest, one of the region's biggest employers, was forced to shut its doors after being found to be in contravention of the Health and Safety Act...
The value of accreditation in improving food safety
19 June 2020
Sanas World Accreditation Day dialogue discussed the impact of good food safety practices on public health
Which Foods May Be Contaminated With Listeria Monocytogenes Bacteria?
19 June 2020
Which foods may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria? Outbreaks of listeriosis, the illness caused by this pathogen, that have been linked to these kinds of foods go back to 1985. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have put together a list of foods tha
How restaurants expect to operate under ‘advanced’ level 3 lockdown
18 June 2020
A number of businesses would be able to reopen under an ‘advanced’ level 3 lockdown, including sit-down restaurants, says small business development minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. In a number of interviews this week, Ntshavheni said that the decision to open sit-down restaurants
We are ready to open today: South African restaurants
12 June 2020
South African restaurant closures are beginning to pile up – which is to be expected, given that the country is 74 days into what has been a strict lockdown sought by government to prevent the spread of Covid-19...
South Africa's superhero dietitians
12 June 2020
As Covid-19 has spread across the world, we have seen dietitians at the frontlines of the health response supervising life-sustaining nutrition in hospitals and care homes. Many have also been working remotely, helping patients manage their health and nutrition under lockdown...
Dodgy hand sanitiser may cause big problems for stores - as fears over side-effects grow
12 June 2020
Stores could be facing a rush of lawsuits if people develop health issues from hand sanitiser, an underwriting firm warns.In the rush to source sanitiser, stores might be using product that is using poor quality or harmful ingredients.Stores are in a tricky spot, as they're legal
Can we solve hunger in South Africa?
11 June 2020
As lockdown stimulates exciting new initiatives, the country must focus on ensuring access to quality food for all.
LGMA subcommittee looks at land near leafy greens fields
11 June 2020
The California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement has a new subcommittee that focuses on how land adjacent to leafy greens fields might contribute to foodborne illness outbreaks from romaine lettuce.
Alleged fake honey seized by DAFF appointed agent
11 June 2020
Impumelelo, the DAFF appointed agent to monitor honey quality, seized allegedly fake honey selling at R29.00 per 500g from three stores in Cape Town and Gauteng.
USDA FSIS to Expand STEC Testing to Additional Raw Beef Products
10 June 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) has announced plans to expand its routine verification testing for six Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) (non-O157 STEC; O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, or O145) as well as O157:H7.
Mom was right about not touching slime; researchers looking at pathogens in food facilities
10 June 2020
New research underway seeks to determine how and where bacteria hide in food processing plants so that they can be eliminated, to the benefit of public health and the bottom line of food companies.
RCL Foods warns of profit drop and writedowns due to Covid-19
09 June 2020
RCL Foods, which owns Rainbow Chicken and Selati Sugar, has warned of a drop in profits and writedowns of its businesses as Covid-19 hits South Africa’s food industry.
Dining industry still in ICU
09 June 2020
While restaurants have been allowed to provide delivery services and more recently takeaway food and alcohol under lockdown alert Level 3, the new normal has not been enough to cover a number of restaurants in the industry.
MSC debuts “Little Blue Label, Big Blue Future” campaign for World Oceans Day 2020
09 June 2020
World Oceans Day 2020 has been busy for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which kicked off its eight-week “Little Blue Label, Big Blue Future” campaign on 8 June to honor the United Nations-observed festivity.
WHO urges caution as countries in Africa ease lockdowns
05 June 2020
Brazzaville, 28 May 2020 – Three months after the first case of COVID-19 was detected in sub-Saharan Africa, the region has made progress in tackling the virus. Many countries implemented lockdowns and key public health measures early and these appear to have helped slow down the
7 dead after drinking toxic homemade alcohol at Cape Town house party
05 June 2020
Seven people have died after drinking homemade alcohol. Thirteen others have been hospitalised, of which five are in a critical condition, after they consumed the brew that was tainted with methanol.
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