Asda has withdrawn some of its Extra Special Double Chocolate Cookies, because there is a problem with the packaging. Packets with a ‘best before’ date of 21 August 2010 actually contain Extra Special Double Chocolate and Hazelnut Cookies, which contain hazelnuts. This makes the mislabelled cookies a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to nuts.
The Food Standards Agency is offering grants towards half the cost of Cookits for primary schools. Cookit is a set of high quality cooking equipment, containing all the equipment needed to teach basic cooking and baking skills to up to 12 pupils.
The FSA is supporting a public debate on Tuesday 9 March 2010 that explores attitudes to food. It will consider: what we eat, what we buy, what we cook and the role of the food industry and government in shaping our attitudes towards food.
Grace Foods has withdrawn packs of its own-brand coconut milk powder, because the product contains milk, which is mentioned in the ingredients list only as sodium caseinate without additional reference to ‘milk’. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of milk. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.
The findings of a UK dietary survey, published by the Food Standards Agency, suggest that the nation is eating less saturated fat, trans fat and added sugar than it was 10 years ago. The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) is the first comprehensive survey of people?s eating patterns since 2001, when the survey was last carried out.
Harden Food has withdrawn its Rootz Large Eccles Cake, because the product contains sulphur dioxide, which is not mentioned correctly on the product label. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone who is sensitive to sulphites.
The Committee’s 49th meeting will take place on 3 March 2010, in open session, at Aviation House, London.
An Australian company has asked the Agency’s expert advisers on novel foods to consider its application for the chia seed under the simplified approval procedure. The seed is from a type of mint plant. A novel food is a food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union (EU) before 15 May 1997.
The Agency has published a leaflet, giving advice to businesses on the national food hygiene rating scheme known as ’scores on the doors’ in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Local authorities planning to be early adopters of the scheme can use the leaflet to let businesses know the scheme will be coming to their area this year. Other resources for local authorities have also been published.
The Food Standards Agency in Scotland has published the latest report of people’s views on food issues in Scotland. This is part of a series of citizens’ forums set up to establish a dialogue with the public on food.