In the news

The Stericycle Recall Index published a report with the data for the fourth Q of 2017. Showing a large increase in recalls. “The food and beverage industry experienced the most dramatic spike in units recalled over the past five years,” according to the report released today. Bacteria contamination was the most frequent offender. FDA recall increased from 28% in 2012 to 31.3% in 2017. The numbers of undeclared allergens also increased. @ https://www.stericycleexpertsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Expert-Solutions-Recall-Index-Q42017.pdf

A gene “genie” developed by Rice University scientists grants researchers valuable data about microbes through puffs of gas from the soil. The latest version is a robust two-stage microbial sensor that will help bioengineers, geobiologists and other researchers observe gene expression and the bioavailability of nutrients in laboratory facsimiles of environments like soil and sediments without disturbing them. @ https://www.technologynetworks.com/analysis/news/microbial-sensor-provides-non-destructive-snapshot-of-environments-297196?utm_campaign=Newsletter_TN_BreakingScienceNews&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=60440362&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8GB2781tcnpYM3XuWJ5Wravq_rDqBblVV7XecUhY6F6PVg7-wQ_pam9uIrSDUN7a5kwQgSvTUZR1YQURt0Y3LyQtIl0Q&_hsmi=60440362

In a blog Baylen Linnekin writes that while as of this week the produce rule applies only to large farms (Making < $500,000 in sales/Y), by 2020 FSMA will apply to farms with revenues of $25,000-$250,000. Many farmers fear the cost of compliance. The FDA cost estimate is $13,000/Y, while for large farms the estimate is $30,000/Y. That means that for some small farmers, compliance costs could eat more than half of their revenue. For larger farms, compliance costs will amount to less than one percent of revenue. There are reservations about the cost-benefit of this rule and if Congress should have passed the law. @ http://reason.com/blog/2018/02/03/fda-begins-implementing-awful-food-s-new

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