Food safety news round-up
RSSL expands food microscopy team with senior appointment
An experienced microscopist has joined Reading Scientific Services (RSSL) to provide senior consultancy support and promote the benefits of using food microstructure in product development.
Regarded as a pioneer in the use of microscopy in food structure analysis and quality assessment, Kathy Groves’ experience spans numerous research projects, including protein functionality, starch and fat interactions, meat quality and emulsions. At RSSL, her role will include mentoring, workshops and training for developing scientists.
Poultry heads up list of European food recalls
Food recalls in Europe are continuing to rise, with poultry experiencing the biggest increase, according to the latest quarterly report from Stericycle Expert Solutions. There were 987 food recalls across Europe in Q2 2019 – almost 200 more than in the same period for 2018, the report found.
Poultry and poultry meat product recalls jumped 55%, to 104 as the “world’s obsession” with chicken continued to accelerate, it said. Meanwhile, nuts, nut products, snacks, fruit and vegetables remained the category with the most recalls (187), reflecting the popularity of healthy and convenient food.
Pathogen detecting system extended to listeria
A rapid detection system for pathogens has been extended to include listeria testing and environmental mapping capabilities. Launched by DNA-sequencing services provider Clear Labs in 2018, Clear Safety is now able to detect listeria, monitor its persistence, and visualise contamination incidents.
The three-in-one system removed the need for multiple platforms or the creation of isolates, “drastically reducing” the cost and the turnaround time for identifying and characterising contamination and pinpointing its source, said Clear Labs.
Hygiena updates quality testing system with handheld device
A monitoring system that collects, analyses and reports data from multiple quality tests has been updated by its maker Hygiena. EnSure Touch features a shatterproof touchscreen that can be used while wearing gloves, and a redesigned user interface that functions like a smartphone.
It has been launched with the latest version of Hygiena’s data analysis software, SureTrend Cloud, which will enable users to monitor, track and trend-test results across one or multiple facilities and schedule automatic reports.
Steven Nason, chief executive of Hygiena, said: “The EnSure Touch is the result of new, advanced research and engineering, and incorporates the superior chemistry and ability of our previous instruments with today’s data management and handheld technology.”
