Global Developments Surrounding Food Authenticity

European Commission Tackles Food Fraud

The European Commission launched a novel information-sharing system or Knowledge Center to deal with the problem of food fraud and quality in the European Union. Operated by European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, the center is made up of experts in and outside the commission. It has been established as a response to the concerns of consumers about food items susceptible to adulteration including olive oil, wine, honey, dairy products, fish, and meat. The Knowledge Center for Food Fraud and Quality involves coordinating market surveillance activities, operating an early warning and information system for food fraud, and linking the information systems of the Member States and the European Commission, and generating country-specific knowledge. The center produces newsletters, interactive maps, databases, and regular reports and makes this information publicly available. “Food is one area where science can very directly and tangibly demonstrate the benefits it brings to citizens,” says Tibor Navracsics, the Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport. “The quality of the food we eat is important to all of us, and because food fraud is a transnational criminal activity, the EU has a clear role to play in the response. The launch of the Knowledge Centre for Food Fraud and Quality is an important step. It will help protect the integrity of the EU food chain and safeguard the quality of food products, generating a clear added-value for Europeans.”

USDA FSIS Partners with 3M

The USDA FSIS recently formed a partnership with 3M Food Safety for the use of pathogen detection instruments and kits in food safety. Under the contract, the 3M Molecular Detection System is the primary method to be used by USDA FSIS for detecting Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli O157 (including H7), which are the main pathogenic organisms posing a threat to the safety of meat, poultry, and egg-related products. Integrating technologies such as isothermal DNA amplification and bioluminescence detection, the molecular detection system offers a fast, accurate, and simple way to detect pathogens and overcomes some of the disadvantages of polymerase chain reaction pathogen testing methods. “Protecting food, consumers, and businesses with innovative and reliable technologies has been at the core of everything we do, so the USDA FSIS’ selection of 3M as a partner is the validation of the science and the spirit of our work,” says Polly Foss, global vice president of 3M Food Safety. “The 3M Molecular Detection System has proven to be a highly accurate and efficient tool for many food producers globally.”

New Testing Device for Food Safety in Dubai

The new testing device launched by the Dubai Central Lab is meant for testing the bigger capacity of fruits and vegetables that reach to 600 types of samples a day to ensure that they are free of pesticides and fit for human consumption. Amin Ahmed, director of DCL, says the testing device detects a variety of chemicals in imported fruits and vegetables faster and with greater accuracy. The device offers different types of inspection and is full-fledged with regards to capacity it can receive. According to Iman Al Bastaki, director of the food safety department at the Dubai Municipality, the civic body has been looking to test bigger samples of fruits and vegetables to ensure higher food safety amid virus outbreaks.

Sarkar is senior content writer at Allied Analytics LLP. Reach her at [email protected].