Food Safety By iPura®

Public Health Services & Systems Research

2013-03-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

A relatively new field of research, Public Health Services & Systems Research (PHSSR), is showing promise as a tool to address the nation's challenges of a rapidly evolving health care system. With limited funding for public programs, maximizing resources and efficiencies will be more important than ever, and a growing legion of practitioners of PHSSR will make significant impact on population health.

PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES & SYSTEMS RESEARCH

PHSSR examines the structures of organization, funding and delivery systems of public programs and how they translate into direct results for public health. The methodology reveals connections and gaps in existing services, competencies and results, and helps guide policy makers and health care professionals to administer resources for peak return-on-investment.

The American Public Health Association reports that PHSSR is set apart by its "hyper-responsiveness" to real-time concerns in the community. The philosophy of the practitioners is to wed their research from the onset to real world problems and solutions toward getting their findings and recommendations into the hands of the professionals working with less and less to do more and more. Seeing through the eyes of the front-line health professionals, working in collaboration with current data from the agencies and programs themselves, allow the researchers to find practical solutions for implementation while developing improved health systems and responses continuously as new data becomes available.

Notable projects include efforts to curb underage drinking; finding ways to improve delivery of public health services to rural areas; these and other local projects to find and develop best practices appear to be good news for public health professionals and the hungry citizens in America who long for a system that serves their needs. Taxpayers deserve the best, and PHSSR looks to be on their side.

Learn more:
National Coordinating Center for PHSSR and Public Health Practice-based Research Networks NCC
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
University of Kentucky College of Public Health

by iPura

Seafood Myths And Facts

2013-03-16T01:11:00.002-07:00

Seafood consumption varies around the world, making up a larger proportion of Asian diets than Americans and Europeans, for example. As a food commodity and global trade sector, it's a multi-billion dollar business employing millions with significant environmental and social implications; yet still, an aura of mystery and confusion veils seafood's substantial benefits, myths that have endured despite extensive coverage in the media. And myths, as we know, have the power to shape empires, let alone the eating habits of a solitary eater.

If these myths were to be dispelled, would Americans and Europeans start enjoying seafood more often?

Myth: Seafood is unsafe to eat due to mercury, pcbs and other contaminants.
Fact: Seafood is one of the most nutrient-dense sources of food on the planet, extremely safe and healthy to eat for general population.
Source: Seafood Safety and Seafood Health Facts

Myth: Seafood is too expensive.
Fact: Seafood includes a range of species, some more costly than others. In many cases, it's less expensive than other sources of nutrition.
Source: BHG

Myth: Seafood is too difficult to prepare.
Fact: On the contrary, with a little practice, most home chefs can become an excellent seafood cook.
Source: Seafood 101

Myth: Frozen fish isn't as delicious or as good as fresh fish.
Fact: Frozen seafood properly thawed and prepared is every bit as delicious as fresh fish, and in many cases may be higher quality.
Source: National Geographic

Myth: Wild seafood is superior to farmed seafood.
Fact: 50% of the world's seafood is farmed. Aquaculture provides the same nutrient-rich quality caught in the wild, with the added benefit of taking pressure off wild stocks, many of which are endangered.
Source: Safety of Farmed-Raised Fish and Farmed Seafood Quality

Boston Seafood Show Live - 2013

2013-03-11T09:12:00.001-07:00

The International Boston Seafood Show has kicked off with a big splash as thousands of industry professionals, media and bloggers from around the world have transformed the cavernous tradeshow hall into a fish lover's delight. Important issues to be watching are Sustainability, Traceability and U.S. domestic seafood production.

We are excited to see which blogger wins the $1,000 top prize for the 3rd annual iPura Tweet & Blogfest. First year winner Richard Auffrey is back again to regain his title, joined by some of Boston's finest social media elite.

Here are some of the highlights of the show so far and we will add to it as North America's largest seafood tradeshow unfolds.

Excerpt from food safety professional and blogger Thomas Siebertz:

From the moment I entered the door I felt the place alive with energy and buzzing with thousands of people. After fighting through a maze of people to get to registration and get my entrance badge, I finally made it to the exhibit room floor. I was greeted with an enormous inflatable fish hanging from the ceiling above the Yihe booth. It was early in the day but the floor was already packed. I made my way to my agency’s booth where I chatted with a few colleagues before diving into the sea of people wandering about.

Walking around the exhibit floor is amazing. There is a constant murmur of voices in the background, which is occasionally drowned out by a variety of foreign languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Indian and many, many others. The rows were lined with bright and colorful displays. The aroma of the many different seafood products filled the air. It was very easy to get lost, as there were thousands of different companies, each with their own booth. READ MORE

Undercurrent News - Seafood, Tom Seaman

2013-03-07T13:56:00.001-08:00

Seafood is more than a slab of fish on a plate, a source of nutrition for hungry humans. Seafood is a multi-billion dollar business touching virtually every nation on earth, central to fishing communities and millions of workers, and at the heart of ecological conservation and management. The activities and conversations in the world of seafood are broad and relatively complex, and a worthy subject of several professional publications including SeaFood Business Magazine, Seafood Source, FIS, Intrafish, Seafood.com, and many niche publications covering chosen subjects.

Recently, a new kid on the block joined the fray: Undercurrent News, "Seafood business news from beneath the surface." Editor Tom Seaman, formerly on-line editor of IntraFish Media, appears to have married his experience, journalism skills and industry connections to a strong digital channel that offers a little something for everybody.

If you're looking for another perspective on fluctuating seafood commodity prices, trends and updates on a variety of fish species, profiles about industry entrepreneurs, insights and analysis on the latest trends, retail and foodservice news, and/or looking for a job, Undercurrent News is a resource you may want to add to your basket. A premium subscription is available for power users, as well, taking a deeper plunge into the subject.

Undercurrent News is shaking things up in seafood media, an effort that may turn out to be quite a catch.

by iPura

Eco Sustainability, Social Responsibility In Food

2013-03-05T09:54:00.003-08:00

Photo Courtesy of USDA NRCS

Recognizing the importance of a clean, renewable, sustainable food supply on individual health, the American Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics published a practice paper to call attention to the need for focus and education on this topic of growing interest, titled "Promoting Ecological Sustainability Within The Food System." A practice paper is a critical analysis of current research and science to help Academy members translate complex and important topics for their clients' benefit.

According to the Academy: "Food system sustainability is dependent, in part, upon the protection and conservation of soil, water, energy and the preservation of biodiversity. This presents a unique opportunity for RDs and DTRs to promote practices that support and sustain natural resources and the environment. This paper provides a brief overview of dietary guidance in support of ecological sustainability and highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting and conserving soil, water and energy."
The practice paper is designed to encourage dietitians to share the news to help individuals make sustainable food choices at home and the workplace. A copy of the paper is available on-line to Academy members and available to the public for a fee.

"Registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, registered have an opportunity to shape the future of our food system and are uniquely poised to meet the growing needs of clients seeking guidance on food choices as they relate to human health and ecological sustainability," according to the Academy's practice paper. "It is essential that the dietetics community take a more active leadership role in support of ecological sustainability and social responsibility."

This practice paper comes at a time of growing movements around the world for clean food and sustainability in the global food system, driven by consumer demand for safe and healthy food grown in a responsible manner beneficial to today's and future generations. Food ingredients, processing technologies, conditions for workers and the effect on communities and the environment all play a role in human health, and it is a good sign to see that the army of professional nutritionists are on the case.

Source: Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics

by iPura

Food Safety Culture For Retailers - NSF

2013-03-04T10:42:00.001-08:00

NSF International announced a global food safety program designed for retailers to help close the gap in food handler knowledge/practice and supply chain quality. Retail food safety expert Gina Nicholson has been appointed Global Director of Retail Accounts and will oversee the program that seeks to instill a food safety culture from the top layers of management on down.

"New developments in technology and increased cooperation among government and the food industry have led to improvements in addressing foodborne illness outbreaks. However, prevention through training and a strong farm to fork food safety program must remain the focus of retailers as the globalization of the food supply chain poses new challenges. Food safety and quality is equal to brand protection," states Ms. Nicholson in a press release from NSF.

NSF has developed a number of training, technology and solutions for the food safety management supply chain with its team of scientists and regulatory experts, and has been working with the World Health Organization to improve water and food quality since 1997. The independent NSF writes standards, and test and certifies, and audits products and companies in the consumer goods industry, providing consultation and accreditation services in addition to its technical expertise.

"As the last stop along the food supply chain, retailers face many unique challenges," said Ms. Nicholson, formerly of The Kroger Co.. "Applying the science-based research and experience of world-renown psychologists and NSF's food safety experts, the global retail program will work with companies to motivate and train their associates to develop and reinforce behaviors and systems that protect and improve food safety across all locations worldwide."

Related stories:
Costco Food Safety Program Adds Quality & Value
FDA Retail Food Safety Initiative

Food Safety Culture by Frank Yiannas

by iPura

Food Safety Summit 2013 - Innovation Expo

2013-03-04T09:06:00.002-08:00

The Food Safety Summit will celebrate its 15th year in a new location this year, April 30 - May 2, in Baltimore, MD. Showcasing some of the industry's most innovative and exciting developments, the conference delivers an educational program to address the critical issues across the supply chain to a range of professionals tasked with the complex responsibility for safe food and business protection. Scientists, regulators, managers and communicators find common ground and gain insights to be applied in their respective disciplines.

This year's expo will feature workshops and seminars on a sweeping range of topics including HACCP, traceability, Norovirus, allergen control, food defense, risk based management, food fraud, implications of FSMA, the Global Food Safety Initiative, Listeria, tools & apps, and social media. The theme appears to be the cultivation of partnerships, collaboration and clear communications that will result in the protection of public health.

The Summit also showcases innovation and excellence. The Food Quality Awards sponsored by DuPont will honor the Quality Assurance/Quality Control team that has made "exceptional contributions" to the field, consumer satisfaction and business success. The NSF Food Safety Leadership Awards recognizes individuals and companies that have "demonstrated excellence" in the foodservice industry.

by iPura

5 Seafood Trends To Watch In America

2013-02-28T10:26:00.000-08:00

1. Sustainability - with so many stakeholders, methods and opinions at play, there is one thing upon which all agree: responsible management of the world's wild fisheries and aquaculture operations toward a replenishing, healthy supply of nutrition for generations to come is not an option, it is an obligation.

2. Health - virtually every known expert on nutrition and healthful lifestyle points to the benefits of consuming seafood on a regular basis, especially in light of the expanding waistlines and diseases afflicting too many people. Watch for Americans to eat more as the years unfold.

3. Food Safety - you may not know this, but the U.S. imports roughly 90% of its seafood from well over one hundred countries, placing an added burden on safety and quality assurance, and increasing the value of innovative brands that operate in a traceable, collaborative manner across the supply chain.

4. Aquaculture in U.S. - the farming of marine products currently provides about 50% of all the world's seafood, is a main source of income for many countries around the world, and has been relatively neglected in the United States, presenting great opportunities for communities nationwide.

5. Truth-in-Labeling - a stream of shocking reports about mislabeled seafood has brought the issue of fish fraud to the surface, both deliberate and non-deliberate actions that weaken confidence and in some cases threaten health, making reputable seafood stakeholders more valuable and vital than ever.

Resources to get you started on learning more:
Sustainability
Health
Food Safety
Aquaculture in U.S.
Truth-In-Labeling

Wu Heng Blogs Food Safety In China

2013-02-26T13:09:00.001-08:00

An excellent article by Beijing-based BBC journalist Mary Kay Magistad features a young man in China whose concern for access to safe food compelled him to launch a blog that has grown into a force for Food Safety. Wu Heng, a university grad student studying historical geography, had become aware of the presence of carcinogens in pork at a local restaurant and decided to raise a voice in protest. He started "Throw It Out The Window", a name inspired by a story about President Theodore Roosevelt throwing his sausage out the window after reading Upton Sinclair's The Jungle and learning what went into his food. "From that point on, the U.S. Food Safety situation became better and better," Mr. Heng is quoted as saying. He hopes that China can follow suit.

China is one of the world's largest food exporters and has suffered from a series of scandals over the years involving adulterated, harmful food. To meet the demands of an expanding affluent domestic market, some producers apparently viewed incentives to ignore safe practices, leading to a series of deadly incidents. In addition, contaminated product from China has reached international markets, causing a backlash and lingering suspicion in general surrounding Chinese food exports. A chorus of concern from consumers in China and the rest of world has not fallen on deaf ears, evidenced by several official moves by the Chinese government to repair reputation and protect public health. Substantial monetary rewards have been offered to whistleblowers and the death penalty has been administered to transgressors. China and the U.S. FDA have also engaged in serious cooperative moves to bolster conditions throughout the food production chain, including FDA offices in China and a recent five-year agreement to make measurable progress.

Forces are in play that may lead to a new Food Safety culture across China. Wu Heng's blog, discovered by the community on Weibo (China's equivalent of Twitter), grew from ten thousand views a month to over five million the next. A team of thirty volunteers now provides information through "Throw It Out The Window," reporting on outbreaks and scandals. With a half billion Chinese on-line, the word is getting out and putting pressure on officials and food companies to do the right thing. Meanwhile, the FDA has been holding workshops for food producers and working to instill the concept that prevention, not inspection, is the key to success. In the end, it will take a commitment across the supply chain to prevail.

In many ways, Wu Heng represents the new China of individuals confronted with a brave new world and armed with social media tools to communicate their wishes, dreams and demands. As Ms. Magistad's article points out, today's China echoes the early 20th century in America, when explosive industrial growth and opportunity tested the limits of capitalism and regulation. With voices like Wu Heng's in ascension, there is much to expect toward a cleaner, greener, safer China.

Source: PRI's The World

by iPura

Boston Seafood Show 2013 - International Trade

2013-02-25T08:53:00.003-08:00

The international seafood trade is a multi-billion dollar sector that impacts virtually every nation and consumer on earth, and has a direct effect on the oceans' health due to its scope and reach. The stakes are high for countries, companies and communities, and as the global population expands, the opportunities and challenges will only multiply.

Every year, as winter begins its descent, the major stakeholders representing the various constituents in the seafood world convene in Boston for the International Boston Seafood Show. Thousands of exhibitors and attendees pour into the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, filling it with an energy that is best experienced live. Row after row of seafood delicacies prepared by chefs and presented by vendors would impress any lover of seafood and likely any critic. If you plan to attend North America's largest seafood tradeshow, arrive hungry in comfortable shoes and prepare to be dazzled.

One of the great things about this show is the way in which the issue of "Seafood Sustainability" has grown increasingly central to the conversation over the past few years. Major buyers have committed to sourcing product deemed certified-sustainable at a rate never before realized in the industry. Conservation groups and globally-recognized standards and practices NGOs have teamed with business leaders to drive real solutions to the equation. Many of these alliances may well have been initiated at the Boston Seafood Show.

Innovations in the industry like iPura have been showcased and gained recognition here, cutting against the grain of a generally conservative industry resistant to change. Yet, as a nod to the necessity for growth and new models, this year's keynote speaker will feature innovation expert and Wall Street Journal's bestselling author of Leapfrogging, Soren Kaplan.

Learn more about this year's schedule of seminars, exhibitors and exciting events at IBSS 2013.

Related stories:
3rd Annual Tweet & Blogfest
Seafood Sustainability For Consumers
Global Aquaculture Alliance
Aquaculture Stewardship Council
Seafood Watch

Phil Gibson's Post-Safeway Sustainable Encore

2013-02-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

After leading supermarket giant Safeway to the top position of Greenpeace's Sustainable Seafood rankings, executive Phil Gibson has joined California-based advisory, sales and marketing group Encore Associates to continue his work making a difference. As reported in Undercurrent News, Mr. Gibson will focus on cutting through the rhetoric of sustainable sourcing and promote innovative programs that he believes are not getting enough "air." In his informed estimation, certain advances in the industry have been slower to market than necessary, product quality enhancements that will benefit consumers everywhere. He reports to be looking forward to serving the entire industry in his new role.

Learn more:

Encore Associates - Solutions provider to the food and consumer packaged goods industry

Sustainable Seafood In Supermarkets - Policy statements of dozens of major chains committed to sourcing sustainable seafood

Safeway - An industry-leading supermarket, innovator and leader with several on-going initiatives

by iPura

Fiscal Cliff Food Safety Cuts - FDA, USDA

2013-02-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

The Obama Administration says that if Congress fails to resolve the budget crisis eroding the economy and public confidence, the plunge over the fiscal cliff will impact ordinary Americans in several forms, from education to health care to research and innovation to public safety. The automatic cuts to be implemented, called a sequester, will reduce the deficit over ten years but would come at too high of a cost for the middle class, believes the President.

Food Safety is an area that impacts everyone on a daily basis. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates that 48 million Americans get food poisoning each year, resulting in 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. In the event of a sequester, the USDA and FDA will be forced to scale back efforts to help prevent contaminated food from reaching the food supply.

2,100 fewer food inspections at domestic and foreign food facilities
USDA's Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS) may have to furlough all employees for two weeks
Loss of millions of dollars to food and agriculture sector in lost production volume

These cutbacks may increase the frequency and severity of foodborne illness outbreaks, say officials, at a far higher cost to the economy and public welfare than the benefits derived through proposed savings.

America enjoys one of the safest food supplies in the world, and still, one in six of us falls victim to unfriendly microbes in our food every year. Government inspections alone are insufficient to assure safety, as the food industry has the primary, moral and legal obligation to deliver safe product to consumers. However, relying upon the hen to guard the hen house has never been sound policy, making government oversight a critical tool in the overall Food Safety puzzle. Consumers deserve more precautions and attention as called for in the Food Safety Modernization Act, not less.

by iPura

(As a Food Safety-centric health and wellness brand, our business is to provide clean, safe, healthy food to consumers. We understand that the food chain is a vast, global and complex system requiring all stakeholders to maximize efficiency and efficacy, including officials tasked with enforcing regulations that benefit public welfare)

An Overview Of How The Sequester Would Impact The Middle Class -- From The White House

"Seafood Sustainability" Sustainable? NPR, MSC

2013-02-14T11:44:00.002-08:00

Kudos to NPR for dredging up the issue of "Sustainable Seafood" to the surface by taking a close look at the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in a three-part series released to the public. Pointing out perceived flaws in the process of creating truly sustainable fisheries around the world, and the apparent imperfections of the results and status of particular MSC-certified fisheries, the NPR study captures the spirit of the controversy swirling about the term "sustainability" and its use to market products to consumers.

Parallel to the study, researchers at NPR and Truven Health Analytics conducted a poll of Americans to learn more about their habits and feelings about the sustainability of their seafood. Some of these results may surprise you:

24% of respondents claim to eat seafood rarely or never
30% said they eat fish four times a month
80% of those who eat fish regularly said sustainable methods are "important" or "very important"
67% say they are "somewhat confident" in the truth-in-labeling of sustainability labels
20% say they don't believe in the claims at all
14% are "very confident" in the sustainability claims
Nearly 50% are willing to fork over between 10%-20% more for sustainably-labeled seafood

Source: NPR

The good news is that consumers realize the value of sustainable food production, and although critics and advocates on both sides are yet to be on the same page, progress is being made. Journalists free to explore the issues and report them to the public; scientists and professionals worldwide devoting their lives to making positive impact; educated consumers empowered to engage and reward the good and great in this world; these beacons suggest we're heading in the right direction in making sure there's healthy food for the future.

by iPura
(*Sustainable practices, transparency, traceability and truth-in-labeling are at the core of the iPura Food Safety & Quality Assurance Program. The issues presented in the NPR report are important and consumers deserve nothing but the full and unvarnished truth)

Read more:
Is Sustainable-Labeled Seafood Really Sustainable? - NPR 3-part series

MSC response to NPR's study

Supermarkets & Seafood Sustainability -- major commitments, goals, actions

Healthy Snack Food In Schools - Smart Standards

2013-02-06T14:53:00.000-08:00

To bolster the advances made to the quality of food served to students in school cafeterias, the USDA has proposed standards to ensure that snack foods in vending machines and snack bars are stocked with good, healthy food rather than junk food. Seeking public comment on the standards, USDA officials continue to move forward on the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 that establishes nutrition guidelines for schools.

"Parents and teachers work hard to instill healthy eating habits in our kids, and these efforts should be supported when kids walk through the schoolhouse door," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Good nutrition lays the groundwork for good health and academic success. Providing healthy options throughout school cafeterias, vending machines, and snack bars will complement the gains made with the new, healthy standards for school breakfast and lunch so the healthy choice is the easy choice for our kids."

The new "Smart Snacks In School" proposal is based on several key points:

Offer more of the foods that should be encouraged
Offer less of the foods that should be avoided
Targeted standards flexible to the needs of varying age groups
Flexibility for important traditions, holidays, bake sales
Reasonable limitations on when and where standards apply
Flexibility for state and local communities
Significant transition time for schools and industry

To learn more about the public comment period for the "Smart Snacks in Schools" proposal, visit here.

Source: United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service

by iPura

Retail Dietitians Business Alliance - RDs In Stores

2013-02-05T12:50:00.001-08:00

A new professional group for retail dietitians has been formed, backed by some of the food industry's most influential organizations and individuals. The Retail Dietitians Business Alliance (RDBA) will serve the more than 400 registered dietitians who most often work in supermarkets and grocery stores across the nation to educate consumers and employees about food and nutrition. Their stated mission is "To foster the continuing business education and career development of current and future retail (supermarket) dietitians."

The RDBA will provide on-going educational resources and outreach to support existing RDs and to cultivate future ones through on-line tools, its newsletter and live events. A first-of-its-kind retail business certification program designed by an Advisory Board of industry experts will be offered, as well.

The Alliance feels that RDs are uniquely positioned to serve the interests of public health through their work with the food industry and consumers.

Executive Committee
"Supermarket Guru" Phil Lempert
Allison Beadle
Kim Kirchherr
Annette Maggi
Jerry Rymont, Penton Media

Advisory Board:
Food Marketing Institute (FMI)
Supermarket News, Whole Health
Natural Products Expo (New Hope)
University of Southern California
Retail RDs
Retail Executives

Heart Health For Babies, Infants Starts Early

2013-02-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

February is Heart Month, a chance to focus on the lifestyle choices that can increase your overall well-being and protect your health. Remember, heart disease is the number one killer in America, so it makes sense to take the matter seriously and do what you can for yourself and loved ones to maximize longevity and quality of life.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, starting your baby's heart on the right path entails a few important choices when it comes to food:

Breast feed, if possible, for the first year and add additional nutrient sources at 4-6 months
Wait until baby is six months old before introducing juice, then limit intake
Avoid overfeeding or forcing baby to finish meals if not hungry
Offer healthful foods often, even if initially rejected by baby
Avoid feeding baby empty calories

Baby's heart is precious. Give it the healthy start he or she deserves!

More tips, resources, recipes for a heart-healthy baby
American Heart Association
National Institutes of Health (NIH)

by iPura

Husband, Father, Son, Caretaker

2013-02-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

While this blog covers the world of food from a business point-of-view, the whole purpose of sharing the news, insights and analysis is to inform you about the very real issues of Food Safety and Sustainability that impact your health. This publication doesn't exist in a vacuum, and its author, yours truly, is as affected by the complexities of those issues as you.

On a rare, personal note, I would like to share a set of current circumstances that puts things in perspective for me as never before when it comes to Food Safety.

My mother has been diagnosed with advanced cancer and is receiving treatment as we speak. My wife is expecting our second child in six months. And my two-year old, thankfully, is a healthy, energetic toddler. Never before have the lessons learned in my professional capacity converged with such urgency in my personal life. Food Safety is not just a topic for discussion, but a matter of life and death.

The CDC estimates that each year in the U.S., 3,000 people die from food poisoning

Caretakers of persons with chronic illnesses, parents of toddlers, and expectant fathers and mothers have a special responsibility to adhere to safe food handling and hygienic practices to protect loved ones.

Here are some key resources to know and use:

Food Safety for Pregnant Women
Food Safety for Persons With Chronic Illnesses
Children and Food Allergies

Dramatic as my personal circumstances may appear, millions of us are in the same boat and share the task of protecting ourselves and loved ones. I encourage all, if nothing else, to take a few moments to learn the facts that may save a life of someone you know.

by Jason Simas
Director of Communications
iPura Foods

McDonald's Sustainable Fish - MSC Seafood McBites

2013-01-27T08:02:00.001-08:00

To coincide with the introduction of its new product line, McBites, fast casual restaurant chain McDonald's announced that it will serve only MSC-certified fish in the U.S. beginning in February, 2013. "Sustainable" seafood has been gaining traction across the U.S. and Europe in supermarkets and foodservice in recent years as major buyers have taken responsibility for the impact on fisheries worldwide. Declining fish stocks and the growth of aquaculture has shifted the paradigm for harvesting seafood, giving rise to a rare convergence between conservationists, consumer advocates and corporate interests. The golden arches are glowing greener with this latest announcement.

Though met with cynicism by those who fear "greenwashing" is being used to trick consumers, the news should be welcomed by anyone who values responsible stewardship of the ocean's resources. As one of the world's largest sellers of fish, serving 64 million people in 119 countries, the commitment ensures that the Alaskan Pollock served in its filet-o-fish and McBites can be traceable all the way through the supply chain back to a MSC-certified fishery. Independent scientists assess fisheries under the MSC program against three core principles: the health of the fish stock; the impact of the fishery on the ecosystem; and the management system that oversees the fishery.

MSC Chief Executive Rupert Howes commented, "Through this partnership with McDonald's, millions of McDonald's U.S. customers each day have an opportunity to recognize and reward sustainable fishing practice that not only preserve fish stocks, but support seafood industry livelihoods and communities that depend on fishing."

"McDonald's collaboration with the Marine Stewardship Council is a critical part of our company's journey to advance positive environmental and economic practices in our supply chain," said Dan Gorsky, Sr. VP of U.S. supply chain and sustainability.

In 2011, McDonald's started selling MSC-certified fish in its European outlets, and has been working closely with the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership for a decade to improve the management of the oceans.

Marketing hype or meaningful supply chain management? We believe its the latter. Tip-o-the-hat to McD's!

Learn more:
McDonald's sustainability policies
NOAA Fisheries

by iPura

Nutrition Labeling Changes To Aid Consumers

2013-01-24T15:50:00.002-08:00

Are nutrition labels confusing? And if so, would changes made to the panel improve the food choices made by consumers? That's what researchers are trying to find out in the on-going efforts of health officials to curb the nation's expanding waistline.

In a recent on-line study of 9,000 participants, Amy M. Lando, MMP and Serena C. Lo, Ph.D of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, presented a modified version of the nutrition panel to learn more about consumers' usage and perception. Previous studies have indicated that people may misunderstand the nutrition information presented on the current form of the panel, including miscalculation of the calories, especially when there are two servings per container that are generally consumed in one sitting.

Evidence in this new study suggests that a dual-column approach containing single serving size information in one column and total package nutrition information in the other may help consumers make more informed decisions. Also, total package information presented in a single column may help consumers understand clearly the nutritional values of the food.

Introduced twenty years ago, the nutrition panel has been adjusted periodically to refine its effectiveness and compatibility with consumers.

Learn more at The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

by iPura

Family Mealtime Campaign - FMI Inspires

2013-01-23T10:47:00.002-08:00

Food is more than nutritional and caloric value. At heart, food is community. Food is family.

To encourage food companies to focus on their central role in families' experiences, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) has introduced a new campaign to inspire its members to create family mealtime solutions for shoppers, "Let's Put Our Plates Together."

Catherine Polley, FMI's VP of Health and Wellness, and Executive Director of the FMI Foundation, stated, "The food retail industry feeds families and enriches their lives through more than just a shopping list. U.S. consumers' work to put food on the table, nourishing the bodies and minds of those they define as family. Likewise, grocery stores enable these families to come together over a meal and share an experience. While this experience has unique context to each family, food retailers can inspired ideas, themes, flavors and concepts to create something personal and meaningful."

The campaign will include an annual prize called the "Gold Plate Award." Themes include healthy family meals, quick family meals, cooking with kids, themed dinners, breakfast with the family, MyPlate meals and other concepts to be submitted by FMI members.

FMI conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its nearly 1,250 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world.

by iPura

SuperTracker For Food, Fitness & Health

2013-01-14T04:44:00.001-08:00

Want to get in great physical shape and eat healthier meals, but don't know where to start or how to stay on track? Look no further and join over one million people already in the know!

The USDA's on-line nutrition and physical activity personalization tool, SuperTracker, celebrated its first birthday in January. A primary feature of the MyPlate campaign designed to educate Americans about healthy eating, the easy-to-navigate guide is actually, well, super.

SuperTracker includes a "Food-A-Pedia" with over 8,000 foods and counting, and allows the user to plan meals, track favorite foods and combos, and receive tips and support in making healthier choices. Weight management guidance provided by a virtual manager is bolstered by a "My Top 5 Goals" and a "My Reports" portion for meeting targets, tracking nutrient- and calorie-intake, and identifying trends over time.

The MyPlate guidelines are based on the evidence-based recommendations presented in Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010. Including the Let's Move initiative, the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food campaign, and other programs, health officials have been seeking creative ways to engage and encourage citizens of all generations to pursue a healthier lifestyle.

To learn more about the challenges facing Americans' waistlines, visit the CDC.
by iPura

New Food Safety Standards Proposed By FDA

2013-01-09T09:53:00.001-08:00

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has proposed two new food safety rules that implement key provisions of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Officials encourage Americans to review and comment on the rules over the next 120 days.

Foodborne illness in America is a costly burden on health and the economy. Each year, 48 million Americans get food poisoning, resulting in 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths.

"The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act is a common sense law that shifts the food safety focus from reactive to preventive," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "With the support of industry, consumer groups, and the bipartisan leadership in Congress, we are establishing a science-based, flexible system to better prevent foodborne illness and protect American families."

The two proposed rules are:

Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls for Human Food - Makers of food to be sold in U.S., whether produced domestically or in a foreign facility, must develop a formal plan for preventing their food products from causing foodborne illness. In addition, they must have a plan for taking corrective action in the event problems arise.
Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce For Human Consumption - Enforceable science- and risk-based safety standards for the production and harvest of fruits and vegetables on farms.

The U.S. is importing an increasing amount of its food from foreign sources. Currently, 15% of the total food supply is imported, with some products much higher like produce (over 50%) and seafood (over 90%).

"The FDA knows that food safety, from farm to fork, requires partnership with industry, consumers, local, state and tribal governments, and our international trading partners," said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. "Our proposed rules reflect the input we have received from these stakeholders and we look forward to working with the public as they review the proposed rules."

When it comes to Food Safety, we are all major stakeholders. A smart, efficient, science- and risk-based approach by government serves everyone well. Educated consumers can help protect themselves and their families by learning and making safe practices at home, and by rewarding honest, good quality food producers with their patronage. And food producers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers have a solemn responsibility to take every reasonable preventive measure to assure the safety of their products.

While Americans enjoy one of the world's safest food supplies, together, we can do better.

by iPura Food Safety & Quality Assurance

U.S. FDA - China Food Safety Cooperation

2012-12-17T10:37:00.002-08:00

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has extended its agreement with the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China (AQSIQ) to enhance cooperation between the two countries with food and feed safety.

The original agreement was signed in 2007 on the heels of several high profile food contamination cases involving imported food from China. To better safeguard consumers, the FDA and China agreed to cooperate in a manner that has strengthened the ties between the two economic giants and resulted in measurable improvements in the FDA's ability to protect consumers' health:

improved ability to identify high risk food products
gaining access to Chinese food production sites for inspections
focusing on high risk foods being exported to U.S.
creation of processes to facilitate certification and registration
improved laboratory system performance and confidence
educating, facilitating AQSIQ with Food Safety Modernization Act's new requirements

In 2008, the FDA opened three offices in China and have been working closely with Chinese officials to learn about the nation's food safety system and to share knowledge and best practices toward the production of safe food. The new five year extension will allow the FDA to strengthen its ties, build upon its successes to date and continue to help China update its steadily improving food safety environment.

For more on the economic impact of food imports from China, visit. USDA ERS

To learn more, read the entire Memoranda of Understanding between HHS & AQSIQ

by iPura

Food Environment, Health & Obesity Prevention

2012-12-17T08:27:00.004-08:00

The facts are startling. Men, women and children are obese in America to a degree that nearly defies imagination and raises an alarm to action. Problem is, which action(s) to take? The "food environment" is a complex maze of factors, from geopolitical to personal to societal, a labyrinth quixotic enough to confound, well, just about anybody.

It may be easy to say to an overweight or obese person, "Hey, eat healthier, eat less and exercise!" Solid, sound advice, much easier said than done in many situations. Researchers have been delving into the "toxic food environment" for the past two decades to learn more about the crisis that costs the American economy billions of dollars each year and immeasurable human pain and suffering. Prevention of obesity has become a national emergency, a call for "all hands on deck!"

What determines the food you eat?

Families -- The food available in the home plays a major role for present and future health. Homes in which fruits and vegetables are readily available tend to produce healthier people. A question is, are fruits and vegetables too expensive versus sugar-laden, cheaper fare for lower-income people? It appears that families who eat well together, stay healthy together. Does every family have time for that? Do single working parents have time and money to prepare healthier foods from scratch? Many questions, fewer easy answers.

Worksites -- You spend a significant time in your life at work. What's in the vending machines? What's for lunch in the company cafeteria? Where do dine for lunch? Bring any snacks from home?

Schools -- While you're at work, your children in school. What's for lunch in their cafeteria? How available are "competitive foods," foods sold outside of the school nutrition program via vending machines, school stores and cafeterias that tend to be low in nutrition, high in sugar and fat. It's called Junk Food for a reason.

Neighborhoods -- It's a lot harder to eat healthy food if there are no food outlets in your area. Many Americans live in "food deserts," referring to neighborhoods with limited access to full-service grocery stores or supermarkets. It is estimated that two million Americans lack the resources to travel to the nearest outlets for healthier food.

Convenience Stores -- Conversely, with more access to small stores that carry few healthy selections, there may be an increased risk of obesity. Studies suggest that if small neighborhood stores were to carry more healthful selections, they could make a positive impact in their communities.

Fast Food -- Studies are inconclusive in general, but many have suggested a link between proximity of fast food outlets and increased risk of obesity. In the case of children, studies suggest that there is a link.

Societal Influences:

Food Marketing -- Despite evidence that the multi-billion dollar marketing of food products to children and adolescents has contributed to unhealthy eating habits, the practice of advertising using cartoon characters and other entertainment figures sees no end in sight. Marketers have also embraced the digital universe, reaching their audience on every platform possible. Self-regulation by the industry has yet to measure up to its promise.

Government Food Policy & Pricing -- The prices of fruits and vegetables have been rising steadily, while those for sugar and artificial sweeteners have been declining. Studies suggest that people without the means to afford more expensive food will opt for the cheaper food. If the cheaper food is less nutritious, weight gain is likely to be the result. Can the government set certain policies that can help improve the costs of the healthier foods?

Social Networks & Norms -- Social relationships play a major role in the weight of individuals. If your friends are overweight, you may be too. Friends play a larger role than neighborhoods in influencing eating habits, studies suggest.

Clearly, if measured by the weight of the nation, the American Food Environment is producing undesired results. As a food company dedicated to producing good, nutrient-dense, healthful foods, we encourage everyone to eat as healthy as possible, as often as possible. And encourage a friend!

Source: Harvard School of Public Health

Restaurant Sales 2013 Forecast Healthy

2012-12-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

Sales at America's 980,000 restaurants are expected to have a record year in 2013, forecast by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) to reach $660 billion. Restaurants will employ 13.1 million people next year, ten percent of the workforce, the second largest private sector employer in the U.S.. The industry's job growth was over twice the overall rate this year, and is expected to be nearly as strong in the coming year.

The NRA released its 2013 Restaurant Industry Forecast on December 11, 2012. In addition to robust sales, the report points out several consumer-driven trends that are shaping the future:

Local food sourcing and nutrition
Healthy foods on menus
Electronic payment, menus at tableservice and quickservice restaurants
Mobile Smart Phones and Apps

The shaky economy over the past few years has challenged restaurant operators to find more efficient and cost-saving ways to do business in efforts to keep prices affordable for money-conscious consumers, and these efforts will continue in 2013, reports the NRA.

Source: NRA 2013 Restaurant Industry Forecast