OTTAWA, CANADA – The Canadian government announced earlier this week that it is allocating $75 million to protect Canadians from food-borne illness outbreaks, after an independent investigation concluded that last year’s deadly listeriosis outbreak in Canada was met by a “void in leadership,” the Ottawa Citizen reports.
The funding will target the “litany of problems” that private investigator Sheila Weatherill detailed in her July report.
“One year ago, we were reminded that the job of keeping Canadians safe is never done. There are always new opportunities to strengthen our food-safety system,” said …

FDA concerned about ingredients used in U.S. products
* Warning follows agency’s March 2009 inspection
* Bayer says it sees no safety or efficacy impact (Adds comment from Bayer spokeswoman)
WASHINGTON, Sept 15 (Reuters) – U.S. health regulators warned Bayer AG (BAYG.DE) over the testing and quality of pharmaceutical ingredients made at its Bergkamen, Germany, facility, according to a letter released on Tuesday.
The Food and Drug Administration said its concerns arose following a March 2009 inspection that raised questions about the drugmaker’s ability to monitor and test for quality.
“We remain concerned with your …

Identical Supermarket Sales Increased 2.6% without Fuel

CINCINNATI, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today
reported identical supermarket sales increased 2.6% without fuel in the second
quarter of fiscal 2009 ended August 15, 2009, compared with the same period
last year.

Total sales, including fuel, in the second quarter were $17.7 billion compared
with $18.1 billion for the same period last year. Excluding fuel sales, total
sales increased 3.5% over the prior year.

Net earnings totaled $254.4 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, for the
second quarter, compared with net earnings of …

Company says, its preservation offerings help preventing contamination and thereby avoid recalls
DSM Food Specialties has revealed a new strategic positioning for its food protection portfolio which has been brought together under the umbrella brand ‘Protection You Can Trust’.
The company claims that the move reflects its commitment to offering effective preservation products to the global food industry which offer clear and tangible benefits such as reliable food protection, ease of application plus time and cost savings.
According to the company, its preservation offerings respond to stringent food safety standards and by preventing …

Affirmation Clears the Way for OnlySweet(TM) Stevia Extracts to be Used
    as a Sweetener for the U.S. Food and Beverage Industry
QUFU, China and ERLANGER, KY, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – Sunwin International Neutraceuticals, Inc. (“Sunwin”) (OTCBB: SUWN) – a worldwide supplier of all-natural, zero-calorie stevia and WILD Flavors, Inc. (“WILD Flavors”) – one of the largest, privately-owned suppliers of natural and health-enhancing ingredients, flavors, colors, and innovative product concepts to the food and beverage industry, have completed the process for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) self-affirmed GRAS status for stevia …