Food and Drug Administration
We pasteurize milk: Should similar protection be mandated for other foods?
(January 22, 2009) - One of the recurring discussion topics of this column is food safety. In a recent column, we talked about imported honey. At other times we have talked about melamine in chocolates and wheat gluten, ethylene glycol in toothpaste, and e. coli in beef and field-grown vegetables.
This week we want to look at Salmonella in peanut paste and peanut butter used in commercial settings. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported a genetic match between the Salmonella found in a batch of peanut butter at an institution in Minnesota and the strain of Salmonella that has caused illnesses in Minnesota and other states.
Central Bi-products announces new policy regarding beef and dairy animals
From Farmers Union Industries, LLC
Redwood Falls (January 20, 2009) - Central Bi-Products, the rendering division of Farmers Union Industries, LLC announced on Tuesday January 20, 2009 their new policy regarding Bovine beef and dairy animals over thirty months of age.
On April 27, 2009 the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will implement a rule that will prohibit the brain and spinal cord of beef and dairy animals over thirty months of age from entering the United States food and feed supply (Cattle Material Prohibited in Animal Feed, CMPAF). This rule makes it difficult for renderers to pick-up and process farm mortalities in this prohibited class. However, due to environmental concerns relating to proper disposal of the animals, Central Bi-Products is taking steps to continue to provide this valuable service to certain geographical areas in Minnesota and South Dakota.
Central Bi-Products will continue dead animal removal service in the area it currently serves, and will remove animals over thirty months of age for an added cost. It is anticipated the charge to properly remove and process the FDA prohibited animals will be $35.00 per animal. More details regarding the new fee schedule will be published on February 15, 2009 with the implementation date of April 1, 2009.