Ben Rudman’s Post

FDA looks to check up on food chemicals, but where’s the money? State bans and consumer uproar have pressured the FDA to review the safety of numerous chemicals already in the food supply. The agency now has a plan to step up oversight but warns it lacks the resources to carry it out. It’s time to remove harmful food additives from our food system. The FDA has finally acknowledged the need to review dangerous chemicals in our food supply, but they claim there’s not enough money to act. Meanwhile, states and consumers are sounding the alarm, demanding safer food. Our health can’t wait for funding to catch up. The food industry is too important to be left unchecked. We deserve transparency and food that nourishes, not harms. Let's push for meaningful change—our food system and health depend on it. #sustainability #foodsystems #foodadditives #healthandwellness #healthandwellbeing #FoodSafety #CleanFood #HealthMatters #BanHarmfulAdditives https://lnkd.in/e5jCFcpd

Yesterday, the USDA and FDA announced a joint Request for Information (RFI) about food date labeling—seeking information on industry practices and preferences for date labeling, research results on consumer perceptions of date labeling, and any impact date labeling may have on food waste and grocery costs. The information collected from the RFI may be used to inform future policy decisions, guidance, or consumer education campaigns on food date labels intended to help reduce the premature discard of wholesome and safe food. Learn more in the press release: https://lnkd.in/gZEgG4FS #FoodDateLabels #FoodWaste #Policy #RequestForInformation

The Importance of Adhering to Food Process Guidelines In the food industry, strict adherence to set food process guidelines is crucial for ensuring safety, quality, and consumer trust. Deviating from these guidelines can lead to a myriad of issues, ranging from minor quality defects to severe public health risks. When established protocols are not followed, the likelihood of contamination increases, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses. This can not only harm consumers but also damage the reputation of the business involved, leading to financial losses and legal consequences. Moreover, inconsistency in following these guidelines can result in products that fail to meet regulatory standards, which can result in costly recalls and the loss of certifications required for operation. In summary, maintaining strict compliance with food process guidelines is not just a regulatory obligation but a moral responsibility to protect public health and maintain the integrity of the food supply chain.

So called "expiration dates" on food are misleading! California is aiming to change that with the passage of AB 660 which the legislature sent to Governor Newsom’s desk for signature by the end of the month.  Ensuring that everyone can understand when food is still good to eat will help alleviate pressure to toss food that could have nourished instead. Defining a standard for consumer-facing labels provides clarity on when food actually poses a safety risk and reduces the likelihood of discarding good food.  https://lnkd.in/g-yvb2mT

Traceability allows you to track every step of the food production process, from farm to fork. It helps identify and manage potential risks quickly and efficiently. Benefits: - Quick response to contamination issues - Increased transparency and trust with consumers - Compliance with regulatory standards   Implement robust traceability systems to enhance food safety and build consumer confidence.   #FoodSafety #Traceability #Transparency #FoodProduction #ConsumerTrust

USDA, FDA Looking at Clarification of Food Labeling The Food and Drug Administration and the USDA announced a joint request for information about food date labeling, which includes the use of terms like “Sell By,” “Use By,” and “Best By.” The information request asks for data on industry practices and preferences for date labeling, research results on consumer perceptions of date labeling and any impact date labeling may have on food waste and grocery costs. “Confusion over a multitude of different date labeling terms on food products accounts for about 20% of food waste in the home,” says FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones. “We look forward to gathering information to determine how date labeling can make it easier for consumers to know whether a food is still good to eat and avoid food waste.” Both agencies currently recommend that food industry members voluntarily apply the “Best if Used By” quality-based food date label.

Now it’s McDonalds . A place I would never eat. Even with all that ammonia and preservatives E. coli persists. These food related recalls are growing in magnitude and severity strains are getting more virulent and resistant to drugs and processes. Maybe we need to look at our food system and reinvent a new wheel, as the current is clearly broken. Get back to real food, naturally raised and meat processed in smaller facilities and not the mega factories and farms? Plus the risk of an E. coli outbreak from plant based is greatly reduced?

The #FSSAI's draft amendment to include #Natamycin as a food #preservative, might enhance product shelf life, but I’m curious about its potential impact on #consumer #health and #perceptions. Will the benefits of extended preservation outweigh the concerns over #additive use in our daily #food products? What's your view?

Confused by those food expiration dates? Take a look at this article to educate yourself on what those labels really mean.

Confused by those food expiration dates? Take a look at this article to educate yourself on what those labels really mean.