Food News for November 2020
I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and I hope you and your loved ones are well.
I have great food stories for you this week.
Food Safety is Top Priority for Consumers
In a recent Food Crumb I shared the top findings from the recent Tetra Pak Index 2020 global research into consumers. In this longer summary, I want to discuss the findings around food safety.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many consumers' awareness of the food system increased, as have their concerns about food safety along the supply chain. About one third consumers lack confidence in food safety at stages of food production they cannot directly control such as storage, manufacturing, and sourcing. Two thirds of consumers stated that food safety is a major concern with over half saying they worry if the food they buy is safe and hygienic. This is reflected in consumers expectation that food manufacturers make “improving food safety” their number one priority.
Younger consumers, in particular, felt that they lacked knowledge on how food is processed and the effects of processed food on their long-term health. Younger consumers were also more likely to follow expiry dates and were less comfortable about unpackaged products. To me this last point is an opportunity for education around food safety, raw ingredients, and produce.
As food entrepreneurs, we must know consumers preferences and concerns as it affects our product and our marketing. Please book a call if you want a further discussion about this report.
Food Recalls
According to the FDA's new Investigation of Food Outbreaks Table there are a number of investigations ongoing that still don't have a known source of the food that caused the bacteria. Three separate outbreaks caused by E. coli O157 H7 outbreaks and three caused by Salmonella spps are active investigations.
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Current Recalls
A recall for fresh basil because of possible contamination with cyclospora.
Recalls of Romaine from Doyle and Tanimura & Antle
Hy-Vee is recalling precut fresh vegetables due to routine testing showing that Listeria monocytogenes might be present
Food Safety Mid Atlantic News
Please let me know if you like the new name, Food Safety Mid-Atlantic, for my food safety consulting business. As I am mostly doing food safety consulting, Food Industry Employment Program was no longer appropriate and I needed a change. There are other changes coming!!
Thank you for reading.
All the best,
Cathy