On October 25^th, we reported that the FSA had written to Local Authorities (LAs) relating to Ethylene Oxide (EtO) residues detected in xanthan gum and informing of the actions to be taken.

On the back of this, we contacted the FSA to highlight to them that currently, there are NO laboratories in the UK accredited to test for EtO. This will obviously have an impact on how effectively and quickly products can be identified and withdrawn from the market.

In light of this, the BFFF would recommend in the first instance trying to get assurance from the suppliers of the ingredient in question as although accredited testing facilities are available in the EU, exporting samples to the EU is proving extremely difficult and fraught with problems.

The FSA’s Scientific Sampling and Laboratory Policy (SSLP) Team have responded to our communications and have confirmed that conversations have been occurring with Fera who have confirmed that they will be offering an EtO method commercially soon (within the next few weeks).

There have been reports of salmonellosis infections linked to the consumption of sesame-based products such as tahini and halva imported from Syria.

Since January 2019, up to 121 people have been affected in five European countries, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. Several types of Salmonella are linked to the outbreak – S. Mbandaka, S. Havana, S. Orion, S. Amderdam, S. Senftenberg, and S. Kintambo.

The products are sealed and ready to be consumed, which suggests that contamination occurred before they reached the European market.

Control measures on the involved batches have been implemented since August 2020. Nevertheless, cases were still being reported as recently as September 2021. This could be because the products have a long shelf life and are being stored in people’s homes.

EFSA and ECDC scientists concluded that there is still a risk of new Salmonella infections related to these products in the EU/EEA.

The Scottish Government have published a consultation seeking views on their vision and approach to ending the need for food banks as a primary response to food insecurity and invites further suggestions on what more can be done to shape a national plan.

Their approach is weighted towards prevention firstly and responding where emergencies or crises arise. This would include:

• Minimum income Guarantee and Universal Basic Services
• Strengthening the protection of human rights, including the right to food as contained within the right to an adequate standard of living
• Investing in cash-first local partnership work to make food banks the last port of call
• Piloting the use of shopping vouchers in place of food bank referrals
• Developing shared values between national food insecurity funders on access to emergency financial assistance and holistic support services
• Working with the Trussell trust and independent Food Aid Network to support their food bank transition and exit strategies.

The Scottish Government are inviting people to respond by 25^th January 2022 using the consultation hub, Citizen Space.

To find out more about this consultation, please click here.

Parliament welcomes the Farm to Form Strategy and underlines the importance of producing sustainable and healthy food to achieve the goals of the European Green Deal, including on climate, biodiversity, zero pollution and public health.

MEPs highlighted the need for enhanced sustainability at every step of the food supply chain and reiterated that everyone – from farmer to consumer – has a role to play in this. To ensure that farmers can earn a fair share of the profit made from sustainably produced food, MEPs want the Commission to reinforce efforts – including through the adaptation of competition rules – to strengthen the position of farmers in the supply chain.

Other recommendations include:

Healthier food

• EU science-based recommendations for healthy diets, including a mandatory EU front-of-pack nutritional label
• Overconsumption of meat and highly processed foods with high salt, sugar and fat content must be addressed, including by setting maximum intake levels.

Pesticides and protection of pollinators

• Improvement of the pesticides approval process and better monitoring of implementation to protect pollinators andbiodiversity
• Binding reduction targets for pesticide use. Member states should implement targets through theirCAP Strategic Plans

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

• “Fit for 55 in 2030 package”must regulate and set ambitious targets for emissions from agriculture and related land use, including strict criteria for biomass-based renewable energy
• Natural carbon sinks must be restored and enhanced.

Animal welfare

• Need for common, science-based animal welfare indicators for stronger pan-EU harmonisation
• Current EU legislation must be evaluated to see if changes are needed
• Gradual end to theuse of cages in EU animal farming
• Non-EU animal products should be allowed only if their standards are EU-aligned.

Organic farming

• EU’s organic land should be increased by 2030
• Need for initiatives – promotion, public procurement and fiscal – to stimulate demand

To read more about this, click here.