Tag Archives: FDA

Food & Drink

The FDA proposes limits on arsenic and lead in baby food | Instant News


The Food and Drug Administration plans to propose limits on arsenic, lead and mercury in baby food, with the agency taking action two months after a congressional report found products from some of the country’s biggest producers. “polluted” with toxic heavy metals.

Although the FDA has established acceptable levels of inorganic arsenic in bottled water, it does not regulate metals in infant and toddler foods other than, starting last year, arsenic in rice cereal.

“We recognize that Americans want zero toxic elements in the food their babies and children eat. In fact, because these elements occur in our air, water, and soil, there are limits to how low these levels can be,” the agency said. stated. “Therefore, the goal of the FDA is to reduce levels arsenic, lead, cadmium and Mercury in this food as much as possible. “

Heavy metals enter fruits and vegetables from soil or water contaminated by sources including pesticides and fertilizers. Heavy metal exposure can harm both adults and children, but babies and toddlers are especially vulnerable because of their smaller size and developing brain. Exposure over time can result in neurodevelopmental disabilities including autism in children, say the experts.

The FDA intends to review science, establish a maximum acceptable level and monitor compliance of baby food makers, the agency said in breaking down the multi-year. strategy, which is called “Closer to Zero”. Regulators plan to set standards for maximum lead levels in baby food by April 2022 and for arsenic by April 2024, with a final lead on April 2024 followed by a decision on arsenic. The agency said it would collect and review cadmium and mercury data.

Toxin levels will be excluded as a guideline, and following these levels will be voluntary for the producer.

Call for stronger action

The FDA’s action won praise from advocacy groups including the Environmental Working Group, which called on the agency to take stronger and faster action on heavy metals.

“It’s great that the FDA is finally proposing to propose a metal limitation in baby food,” said Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president of government affairs, in a statement. statement. “Setting a draft rate would send a strong signal to the food industry to do better. But proposing to apply is not the same as setting mandatory standards that baby food companies must meet. Parents don’t have to wait – and Congress shouldn’t wait, but instead – instead of setting an interim level in the law that companies must meet immediately. “


Rep. Krishnamoorthi weighs on PPP fraud and …

7:28 a.m.

Gerber and other big baby food makers make up Baby Food Board by 2019 with the aim of reducing the levels of heavy metals in baby food “as low as possible”.

Gerber – the country’s largest producer of baby food – said in a statement that it welcomes the opportunity to work with the FDA to make “safer food supplies for infants and young children.”

The FDA’s move follows the recent introduction of the Baby Food Safety Act of 2021 by Democratic Councilors King Krishnamoorthi of Illinois and Tony Cárdenas of California, along with Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois. That measure will require the FDA to set limits on infant cereals and other infant and toddler foods for cadmium, inorganic arsenic, lead and mercury.

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uk

General Mills invests in a potted dessert company | 2021-04-13 | Instant News


MINNEAPOLIS – 301 INC, the investment arm of General Factory, Inc., leads a multistage investment of up to $ 20 million in Pots & Co, in partnership with other investors. Pots & Co offers a variety of desserts sold in reusable ceramic pots in supermarkets across the UK.

Available in variations such as chocolate lava fudge cake, inverted lemon cheese cake, apple crumb and cinnamon, and sticky lava toffee cake, ceramic pots give desserts a soft texture and an artisan touch, according to the company.

Pots & Co will leverage the investment to expand its product reach and grow its footprint in the United States. This investment is supported by an increase in retail distribution, which is focused on the West Coast and Rocky Mountains. The company will initially supply a variety of potted desserts and has long-term plans to offer a new range of savory Mezze style sauces.

The increase in retail distribution marks a major expansion for the London-based company, which currently manufactures all of its products in the United Kingdom. The 301 INC investment will allow businesses to explore manufacturing capabilities in the United States, said Julian Dryer, founder of Pots & Co.

“We want to create one of the leading food brands in the world and we are very pleased that General Mills has invested in Pots & Co, enabling us to accelerate our business growth and create outstanding products for American consumers,” said Mr. Dryer. “We continue to focus on quality and exceptional taste, using only the finest natural ingredients to deliver high-quality desserts and savory food to supermarket aisles in the UK and US.”

Pots & Co is 301 INC’s first overseas investment.

“Our mission is to discover new and growing food brands with extraordinary offerings,” said John Haugen, founder and managing director of 301 INC. “Pots & Co fulfills that mission by focusing on natural ingredients to create restaurant-quality desserts. We are confident that Pots & Co will generate substantial growth with an increasing variety of desserts and by switching to savory products. “

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Food & Drink

Meow Mix dry, recalled cat food for potential Salmonella contamination | Instant News


JM Smucker Company announced limited and voluntary recall of two lots from the 30-pound bag Meow Mix® Original Choice of Dried Cat Food due to the potential for salmonella contamination. The company received no reports of pet disease or adverse reactions and has issued this recall out of extreme caution. Affected products are sold at select Walmart stores in IL, MO, NE, NM, OK, UT, WI, and WY. No other Meow Mix® products affected by this recall.

If the parent pet has a product that fits the following description, they should stop giving it to the cat and throw it away immediately. This information can be found on the bottom and back of each bag.

Image taken from US FDA website 4/13/2021.(FDA)

Salmonella can affect cats that eat contaminated products Salmonella bacteria and can spread to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they do not wash their hands after coming in contact with cat food, food surfaces and / or cats that have been in contact with affected products. Healthy people are infected Salmonella should monitor yourself for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea or diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can cause more serious illness, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers showing these signs after contact with this product should contact their healthcare provider.

Symptoms Salmonella Infection in cats may include vomiting or diarrhea. Some cats may not experience diarrhea, but may experience decreased appetite, fever, and excessive salivation. If your pet has consumed recalled products and is experiencing these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. Some cats may not appear sick but can spread the infection to other animals and people in the household.

Pet parents who have questions or wish to report an adverse reaction should call 1-888-569-6728, Monday to Friday, 8 am-5pm ET or visit www.meowmix.com/contact-usExternal Links Disclaimer.

The recall was carried out in collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration.

To report a correction or typo, please send an email [email protected]

Copyright 2021 KY3. All rights reserved.

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Brazil

Covaxin may face hurdles following Brazil’s move to halt its imports | Instant News


Brazil’s refusal of an emergency use permit for Bharat Biotech International’s Covaxin on the basis of alleged serious irregularities at its Hyderabad facility could discourage other health regulators and the World Health Organization from authorizing India’s covid vaccine, experts say.

Others said Bharat Biotech might still meet Brazil’s requirements.

On Tuesday, Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitari Brasil, or Anvisa, said it found the company violated the norm for good manufacturing practices during an inspection in March. It said the company could not validate the methods used to deactivate, or kill, the virus, which could lead to people being injected with the virus.

“Observation of Anvisa could be a significant problem for Bharat Biotech, especially if it approaches WHO and foreign regulators for emergency licenses. Other regulators will ask about the process for inactivating the virus, “said a vaccine industry official on condition of anonymity.

This process is important because live virus particles in the vaccine could potentially put ‘beneficiaries’ at risk of contracting Covid-19 instead of protecting them, the official added.

Bharat Biotech said on Wednesday, “The requirements indicated during the inspection will be fulfilled. The timeline is under discussion and will be finalized. “He added that the Brazilian order for 20 million active doses. It has signed an agreement with US biopharma company Ocugen Inc. to jointly develop, supply and commercialize Covaxin in the US.”

Anant Bhan, a bioethicist, said Anvisa’s observations could lead some regulators, such as the US FDA, to visit the facility when they seek emergency use authorization.

“What may be important to WHO is efficacy. For other regulators this (Anvisa’s observations) may be cause for concern and some may want further clarity while, perhaps, others may wish to carry out inspections as well. “

Gagandeep Kang, professor at Christian Medical College, Vellore, said Anvisa’s observations did not mean the product had failed and that the vaccine may still meet regulations. “But these are things that Indian companies and regulators should take seriously too.”

Questions sent by email to India’s Drug Control General VG Somani and a health ministry spokesman on Wednesday did not receive a response.

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Switzerland

Bell Food Group will acquire the Swiss sandwich business Aryzta | 2021-04-02 | Instant News


BASEL, SWISS – Bell Food Group, through its subsidiary Hilcona AG, has reached an agreement to acquire Aryzta AG’s sandwich business in Switzerland. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Bell Food Group said the transaction will expand Hilcona’s market position in a growing area of ​​sandwiches that are freshly prepared daily.

As part of the transaction, Bell Food Group will acquire Aryzta’s sandwich production plant in Schlieren, Switzerland, as well as 25 employees working at the site.

Aryzta’s assets will be combined with Hilcona’s 500 employees at its production plant in Orbe, Switzerland, “in response to increased demand for a wide variety of craft sandwiches, which are freshly prepared every day,” said Bell Food Group.

“Freshly baked bread and high-quality ingredients are still the most important recipe for success,” said Lorenz Wyss, chief executive of the Bell Food Group. “With proximity to customers, innovation and quality of traditional factories, we will stand out from our competitors in the growing market for fresh produce.”

Bell Food Group is one of Europe’s leading meat processors and practical food specialists. Its product range includes meat, poultry, charcuterie, seafood and convenience products as well as vegetarian. Brands include Bell, Eisberg, Hilcona and Hügli. Its customers include retail trade as well as the food service sector and the food processing industry.

The sale of the fresh sandwich business is another step in Aryzta’s strategy to simplify his business. The company in mid-March agreed to sell its North American pastry business to private equity firm Lindsay Goldberg for $ 850 million.

Aryzta North America provides bakeries, sweet and savory baked goods, and snacks to customers in fast food restaurants, food service, and retail markets throughout the United States and Canada. The company’s portfolio includes private label and branded offerings under the Otis Spunkmeyer, La Brea Bakery and Oakrun Farm Bakery brands. Aryzta North America operates 15 production facilities with more than 4,000 employees in the United States and Canada.

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