At least 23 children died in India after eating contaminated food served under the free school lunch program. The tragedy raises concern over whether quality and safety standards can be sufficiently monitored and maintained when the new Food Security Ordinance rolls out, which more than doubles the reach of government food subsidies. http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/18/us-india-food-idUSBRE96H0HL20130718
Tag Archives | food safety
IFPRI Strategy 2013 – 2018: Food Policy Research in a Time of Unprecedented Challenges
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The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) published a strategy report for the next 5 years in food policy research. Their first strategic area is ‘ensuring sustainable food production’, which encompasses reduction of waste within the food system. Read the full report here, or see highlights here. http://www.ifpri.org/publication/ifpri-strategy-2013-2018 Full report: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/gi40.pdf Highlights: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/strategy2013hl.pdf
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Food Safety: Train Smallholders to Improve Processing at Farms
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The organization Twin is training Malawi farmers on best practices to avoid illness and crop losses caused by aflatoxin contamination of staple food crops. Twin’s initiatives align with a postharvest approach to food security, which addresses the safety and preservation of food already produced. http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2013/apr/30/food-safety-staple-crops-toxins
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Aflatoxin Cited As Major Cause Of Cancer In Africa
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A high-level official with the African Union Commission spoke recently about the increasing danger of aflatoxin contamination for Africans. He reported that over 5 billion people in developing countries are at risk, and that 1 in 5 African males suffer from a disease related to aflatoxin contamination. http://www.namnewsnetwork.org/v3/read.php?id=MjI3NDI2
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New Global Food Security Report and Public Exhibition
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UK Global Food Security (GFS) Research Partnership collaborated with leading experts to produce a new report, “Global Food Systems and UK Food Imports”. Key topics include the need for a better functioning supply chain, reducing food waste, and securing safer foods (Report PDF). http://www.foodsecurity.ac.uk/news-events/news/2013/130322-pr-gfs-report-public-exhibition.html
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Food Security Debate Needs to Include Stronger Focus on Food Safety
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This article argues for the need to include food safety in food security discussions due to the high occurrence of aflatoxin contamination in staple crops such as maize, peanuts, and rice. The dangerous toxin develops due to inadequate storage, posing serious health risks for local consumers and inhibiting market development for smallholder farmers. http://www.guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business/fairtrade-partner-zone/food-security-safety-developing-countries?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRovs67AZKXonjHpfsX86%2BwrXqO1lMI%2F0ER3fOvrPUfGjI4EScNkI%2FqLAzICFpZo2FFcH%2FaQZA%3D%3D
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Kenyan Farmers Turn to New Weapons Again ‘Osama’
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Kenyan farmers are benefitting from metal silo technology that protect grains against pests. Kenyan experts seek to scale-up the project after two years of successful pilot implementation. Pests are thought to cause up to 30% loss of Kenyan maize, the equivalent of about 162 million tonnes per year. http://allafrica.com/stories/201212180907.html
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Hungary Says Feed Maize Contains Toxin, Tightens Controls
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Hungary food safety authorities have found the country’s feed maize supply to be contimated with aflatoxin. Some officials suggest this year’s severe drought might have caused the increased presence of aflatoxin. http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/10/hungary-maize-idUSL5E8NACY620121210
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Floods, Fungi Fan Food-Price Jitters Over Argentine Wheat
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Heavy rains in Argentina have damaged wheat crops, reducing the harvest from 11.5 to possibly just 9.5 million tonnes this year. Quality was also affected as added moisture and delayed harvest time spurred the growth of fungi which is causing the crop to rot in the fields. The situation is a point of concern for […]
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2012 APEC Ministerial Meeting on Food Security
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The 2012 APEC Ministerial Meeting on Food Security made a declaration on APEC Food Security, addressing PHLs through investment, adopting technologies, engaging farmers, creating better management practices, and improving infrastructure and logistical support. http://www.apec.org/~/link.aspx?_id=677DAF23C1FE4A11BE254069DAC8072A&_z=z
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