The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), with input from the Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ), have conducted a comprehensive scientific assessment of microbiological risks linked to water use in the post-harvest treatment and processing of fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables, and herbs. 

Water use in this area presents a substantial risk of product contamination, especially from micro-organisms such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, E. coli, and viruses like norovirus. However, while some outbreaks are traced back to processing plants, it’s important to note that bacteria can also enter facilities through primary production. Despite investigations into such outbreaks, the exact route of contamination is rarely confirmed. 

The assessment included a literature review, analysis of outbreak monitoring data, and an industry survey. It revealed several under-implemented good practices in the industry:  

• Replacing infrastructure to prevent biofilm formation. 
• Monitoring and addressing biofilm formation in the water management system. 
• Implementing water cooling.  
• Monitoring the quality of process water 

It concluded that relying solely on a basic prerequisite program (PRP) for water control is no longer feasible and showed a need to adopt a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) based approach for water management.  

As a result of the findings, BIOHAZ have recommended that outbreak investigation reports should include more information and clear guidelines for companies on the use of water disinfection measures to maintain the microbiological quality of water used in post-harvest handling and processing of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. 

You can read the report in full here 

On Tuesday 21^st November we celebrated our wonderful 75^th Anniversary Annual Lunch. It was fantastic to see our past presidents and CEO’s all in one room to celebrate with us. We were joined by past CEO’s Alf Carr, Brian Young and Richard Harrow, and ex-presidents including Alastair Salvesen, Ali Hannaford, Howard McEvoy, Stephen Waugh, Paul Freeston, Peter Allan and Nigel Broadhurst. It was a true celebration to have everyone there.

In an address to 800 business leaders at London’s Hilton Park Lane, our President Mr Ian Stone said: “The combined effects of the pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis have led to a new-found enthusiasm for frozen foods.

He cited research conducted by the Federation which reveals that two in five consumers – nearly 40% – say that they are now buying more frozen food than they did just a year ago.

His speech marked the official 75^th anniversary celebration of the foundation of the Federation on 11 June 1948, at 352, The Strand, London for the inaugural meeting of what is now the British Frozen Food Federation.

Quoting from the archives, Mr Stone said that the first AGM, attended by only 11 people, reported that: ‘Frozen food growth is rapid. Annual sales of frozen fruits are more than 2,000 tonnes, frozen vegetables more than 4,000 tonnes and frozen fish from Grimsby a whopping 5,000 tonnes.’

“As we celebrate our 75^th Anniversary, those 11 people who met in 1948 would be astonished that sales of frozen foods would grow to a staggering 2 billion tonnes per annum; consumed across multiple categories both in and out of home.

Mr Stone concluded by telling members and their guests that: “It is truly remarkable that our Federation is today celebrating our 75^th birthday. Celebrating the gift that is frozen food, looking forward together to the next 75 years.”

The day was rounded off with our highly entertaining guest speaker TV presenter and former England International Rugby player, Martin Bayfield. Martin kindly auction off a signed rugby ball in support of our charity partner NHS Charities Together which raised a fantastic £2,300. A huge thank you to Simon Spence from Westbridge Foods who was the highest bidder and the winner of the signed ball.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event, and we hope you managed to enjoy some cake!