The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) took the unusual steps of detaining certain food products from China without physical examination. Taking action against a country is not the norm, generally it is confined to a specific factory or region. In this case, due to the ubiquitous use of melamine in milk they have elected to… Continue Reading
A bill is in congress to amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to safety for food and drugs imported into the United States (H.R. 3610 introduced by John D. Dingell D – Mich.). Of key interest to U.S. importers of frozen vegetables are: If passed it would go into effect not later… Continue Reading
As an importer of frozen vegetables it is our responsibility to help the exporting country with the regulatory laws and in particular the pesticide tolerances for vegetables. Pesticides is the number one problem for frozen vegetable imports. As a general rule pathogens and bacteria are not of concern because the vegetables are blanched for several… Continue Reading
I have just received an email suggesting that we avoid all processed food from China and then it goes on to show some pictures that supposedly illustrate how dead chickens are collected and then processed to a completed roasted chicken, all done in very unhygienic conditions. Yes it is true that locally some of these things… Continue Reading
How safe is our imported frozen vegetables from China, Thailand, Viet Nam, India etc.? Frozen vegetables are probably the safest food we can eat from a Food Safety point of view. When we deal with a China supplier we ensure that they have HACCP in place and have been certified by their government authority. In… Continue Reading
Where is the Frozen Food Industry headed? I have just read a great book “The Dip” by Seth Godin which is about being remarkable and teaching you when to quit. In the book he talks about three potential outcomes, The Dip were real success comes from, Cul-De-Sac – working towards a dead end (nothing changes),… Continue Reading
I want to thank PaiPai in our Noon International office for translating this speech concerning the new laws, violations and punishments concerning China Food Safety. Mr. Cao’s Speech at China’s Food Quality and Safety Improvement Action TV/Tele Communication Conference. August 23, 2007 (A Brief Translation of his Speech) In addition of “ China’s Food Quality… Continue Reading
The China CIQ saga continues and we still have yet to come to the official start date of September 1. I am hearing that the CIQ is already implementing some restrictions on exports as well as imports and some US companies products being blacklisted or banned. They currently have punished some factories for exporting product… Continue Reading
What’s happening with China Food Safety? I cannot comment on all aspects of China Food Safety but I do have a little knowledge of what is happening in the frozen fruit and vegetable business. Being an importer for many years of product I have witnessed many changes in the production facilities in China. Today with… Continue Reading
Edamame is one of the great snack foods that is taking the US by storm (not only because it is great tasting but also because of its health benefits). If you haven’t tried them I suggest you do, they are awesome. I personally like to eat them while still in the pod, and still in… Continue Reading