CDC’s annual report card shows that foodborne infections continue to be an important public health problem in the United States.
The rate of salmonella infections decreased by about nine percent in 2013 compared with the previous three years, bringing it to the rate last observed in the 2006-2008 baseline period. But campylobacter infections, often linked to dairy products and chicken, have risen 13 percent since 2006-2008.
A Salmonella outbreak which has sickened more than 150 people in Australia has been linked to raw mung bean sprouts.
Council meetings at the bi-annual Conference for Food Protection meeting turned to hand washing and norovirus this past weekend as a 2015 outbreak became a case in point for discussion purposes.
The FSA has today published the new Science Report by its Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Guy Poppy. In this third issue of the Science Report, Professor Poppy looks at whole-genome sequencing, the science of mapping the genetic make-up of micro-organisms, and how this new technology can help the FSA’s work to ensure food is safe and authentic.
Location: Co. Galway
About the role:
We are currently looking for a Food Technologist to join our Pastry site in Portumna whose primary focus will be to represent the company in nominated key accounts on all technical issues and to be the key liaison between R&D, the customer and the factory. They will also be responsible for writing customer specifications and ensuring that all products are produced in a safe and legal manner and that all products comply with EU legislation and meet retailer strategies and policies, whilst also complying with all company policies. The role will also involve working as part of the technical team delivering efficient implementation of new products / recipe changes from approved concept to first production.
Location: London
Job description:
Being the Private Secretary (PS) to the Chair and Deputy Chair puts you at the very heart of policy, relationships and oversight in a government department. It’s a position that is similar to Chief of Staff for a CEO or Chairman in a large corporate.
Your role is to support the Chair to carry out her role effectively, as the interface between her and the wider FSA and its diverse stakeholders. This means ensuring that she has the right advice at the right time on up-coming issues, events, meetings, and that agreed actions, decisions or requests are followed through. As PS you will actively contribute your ideas, perceptions and expertise. You will be alert to and research developments that the Chair will be interested in, or needs to know about. You will manage the workload of the Chair to balance current business demands with the need to anticipate future areas of focus. You will frequently accompany the Chair on visits across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to meetings with Ministers and shadow Ministers across the three legislatures, in Europe, and meeting consumers and food businesses.
Closing date: 19 April 2016
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a studythat delves into how often deli slicers are cleaned at the retail level. Deli foods are most commonly associated with Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
An outbreak traced to fresh sprouts appears to be over, according to federal officials who say 11 people in two states were sickened by E. coli bacteria in Jack & The Green Sprouts alfalfa sprouts.
This consultation seeks raw drinking milk producers’ and other stakeholders' views on the key elements of the draft appeal proposal and the timing of publication of inspection compliance ratings.
Who will this consultation be of most interest to?
Producers of raw drinking milk in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and other stakeholders.
What is the subject of this consultation?
The proposed appeal process whereby raw drinking milk producers may challenge the inspection ratings, which are due to be made publicly available for the first time alongside a list of registered raw drinking milk producers on the FSA website.
What is the purpose of this consultation?
The purpose of the consultation is to seek raw drinking milk producers’ and other stakeholders' views on the key elements of the draft appeal proposal and the timing of publication of inspection compliance ratings.
The provision of an appeals process is to ensure that raw drinking milk producers have an opportunity to challenge the compliance ratings of official control inspections before the results are published and is in line with the provisions of the Regulators' Code.
Location: Parma, Italy
Responsibilities:
Deadline: 14 April 2016 at midnight
Location: Dublin
Basic function: Teagasc is seeking to appoint a Food Processing Technologist. The appointee will be responsible for the development and delivery of food processing and product development supports to a wide range of users. The role will also include responsibility for the operation and maintenance of pilot scale processing plant and product development kitchens. This programme of work is typically carried out for the food processing and related sectors.
Deadline for applications: 12 noon Tuesday 22nd March 2016
Location: Galway
Summary of the Role:
As a member of our senior management team, the Director of Marine Environment & Food Safety Services (MEFSS) will play a key role in developing both MEFSS and overall Marine Institute strategic direction and focus. The Director will manage, motivate and lead an experienced team responsible for the delivery of a number of critical functions in support of seafood safety, fish health and the protection of the marine environment
Deadline for applications: 12 noon on Friday 18th March 2016
Location: Kerry
About the Role: As member of a very busy team, you will be managing all technical data of new and existing product formulations, and ensuring that accurate and timely information is supplied to the appropriate customers, R&D, manufacturing and commercial teams. You will also assist in procedures relating to certain food safety issues and keeping abreast of forthcoming food-related legislation.
Location: Northern Ireland
Job Description:
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Northern Ireland is currently looking to recruit an experienced and talented individual to join its Consumer Protection Team (CPT) acting as the focal point for food fraud matters within Northern Ireland. The post holder will also act as the liaison point between the CPT and the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) in London.
The post holder will establish and maintain relationships with external partners to facilitate two way flows of intelligence and information. They will also take intelligence packages developed by the NFCU to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), other government departments (OGDs) or district councils in order to facilitate criminal justice interventions. In conjunction with other partners and stakeholders in Northern Ireland and colleagues in the NFCU they will also instigate and participate in food fraud prevention initiatives.
Sift/interview dates and location
Sift will take place on 18 March 2016
Interviews will be held week Commencing 04 April 2016
Location: Co. Cork
Basic Function: The technician will operate closely with the DNA sequencing platform Post-doctoral researcher and assist in DNA/RNA manipulation, sample preparation and operating the platform. The successful candidate will have a Level 6 qualification in genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related discipline with past experience in working with DNA/RNA being essential and experience in working with DNA sequencing instruments being desirable.
Deadline for applications: 12 midnight on Friday 11th March 2016
Recall affecting nations including Britain, France, the Netherlands and Germany comes after customer finds red piece of plastic in Snickers bar.
A different method to generate gaseous chlorine dioxide (ClO2) can be used in cold food storage areas under certain conditions, according to a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) panel.
The U.S. government will test various foods for exposure to glyphosate, the active ingredient in several herbicides.
Tests on foods including soybeans, corn, milk and eggs are set to begin this year, says Food and Drug Administration spokesperson Lauren Sucher.
Norovirus in oysters from France has sickened more than 100 people in Denmark and Sweden.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to pause its testing program for non-toxigenic E. coli in cheese while it re-evaluates the issue.
