News & Views

Some dried garlic coming out of Asia, where coal fired driers may be used, have been found to have high levels of sulfites, sufficiently high to require labeling. Until recently, analytical method used to test the garlic (the Monier-Williams Method) converted some of the naturally accruing Allicin in the garlic to sulfites, thus making a determination of added sulfites difficult. A newer method, now used by S&S Labs converts a much smaller amount of Allicin to Sulfites, so gives a much more accurate result for added Sulfites. The method is called Reversed-Phase Ion-Pairing Liquid Chromatography with Post-Column Detection.

S&S Labs "Test Your Taste" Coming to a Trade Show near you!

At each trade show where S&S Labs exhibits, we challenge you to "Test Your Taste" by tasting then guessing the Scoville Heat of the salsa we have that day. We do give hints, so anyone has a chance to win. The person who guesses closest to the actual laboratory result (see Scoville Heat Analysis) wins a cash prize! If you want to know who has won over about the last year, check out the very prestigious Wall of Flame"!

Chemist 1st in Aflatoxin Proficiency:

Every laboratory participates in proficiency testing check sample programs to assure that the analysts are performing the analyses correctly. In the most recent round of the AOCS Aflatoxin in Corn Meal Laboratory Proficiency Program, our Chemist, Cheng-Chi Shi, attained First Place in the analytical work for the determination of Aflatoxin in Corn Meal and was again certified an AOCS Approved Chemist. We congratulate Chen-Chi Shi on his achievement.

FDA modifies lead levels in candy guidance:

The guidance provides a recommended maximum lead level of 0.1 ppm in candy likely to be consumed frequently by small children. FDA considers the recommended maximum lead level to be achievable with the use of good manufacturing practices in the production of candy and candy ingredients. See: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/pbguid3.html

In addition to announcing the recommended maximum lead level, FDA is rescinding the previous 0.5 ppm guideline for considering enforcement action against candy products likely to be consumed frequently by small children. FDA is prepared to take enforcement action against any candy product containing lead at levels that may pose a health risk.

FDA Guidance Document: Recalls

A new guidance document is now available from the FDA regarding the use of electronic communications during a recall. The document can be found at: www.fda.gov/oc/guidance/electronic.html. In our current era, dominated by electronic communications, FDA recognized the usefulness and speed of e-communications for the delivery of safety information when a recall or withdrawal of a product is required. The document is of value for all FDA-regulated products.

Recall Summary: March 2008

During the month beginning February 28 and ending April 1, there were 23 food recalls. Twelve were for suspected Salmonella in cantaloupe. There was one recall for Clostridium botulinum, two for other, non-cantaloupe Salmonella contaminations, one for Listeria monocytogenes and 2 for foreign material contamination. The 6 of the remaining recalls were for undeclared allergens: one for Sulfites, two for Milk, one for Wheat and one product for undeclared Milk, Fish and Wheat.

For more detailed information about food recalls, go to FDA's "Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts".

Calendar for 2008:

1/22-24/08
International Poultry Expo., Atlanta, GA
In attendance: Supat Sirivicha, Dir. Operations, Ken Goldscher, Account Manager and Toni Manning, Dir. Consulting

2/24 – 2/26
International Boston Seafood Show, Boston, MA, Booth 547
In attendance: Ken Goldscher, Account Manager, Supat Sirivicha, Director of Operations, Toni Manning, Dir. Consulting

3/17 - 3/19
Food Safety & Security Summit, Washington, DC, Booth 537
In attendance: Ken Goldscher, Account Manager, Supat Sirivicha, Director of Operations, Toni Manning, Dir. Consulting

4/6 – 4/9
American Spice Trade Association Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL
n attendance: Supat Sirivicha, Director of Operations, Toni Manning, Dir. Consulting

4/7 – 4/9
PMCA Production Conference, Hershey, PA
In attendance: Ken Goldscher, Account Manager

6/10
Maryland IFT Golf Outing 2008, Bulle Rock, MD
In attendance: Ken Goldscher, Account Manager, Supat Sirivicha, Director of Operations, Toni Manning, Dir. Consulting

6/28 – 7/1/
Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting & Expo, New Orleans, LA - See us in Booth #615
In attendance: Ken Goldscher, Account Manager, Supat Sirivicha, Director of Operations, Toni Manning, Dir. Consulting

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