The FPC has taken another great step forward with the recent election of new council members Andy Garton of Morrisons and Gillian Kynoch of Albert Bartlett. Together with Jim Jeffcoate of Asda, Andy provides solid supermarket representation; Gillian is the first female and Scottish council member, breaking new ground; and new vice-presidents Nigel Harris and Simon Martin add a positive dimension under the unerring leadership of president Jim Rogers as we grow from strength to strength.
Our recent tour of the Shandong Province of China was a resounding success, visiting Weihai on the east coast of the region and home to the country’s largest apple orchards. This was followed by a journey into the vast agricultural area of Weifang, where we were particularly interested to visit farms to discuss greater trading opportunities with producers and the authorities. Our Chinese hosts did not disappoint - the FPC delegation of key UK importers was granted VIP status and we were overwhelmingly impressed by the hospitality and schedule.
Investment and development across the province is gargantuan, and the road networks and sheer size of the litter-free cities with striking, state-of-the-art building design is simply breathtaking. Aside from the 3rd Weihai International Food Expo, we were delighted with site visits to ginger, blueberry, apple and vegetable producers, whose innovation and keenness to meet international standards was stunning. At the Weihai Fusheng Food Company we observed with interest the impressive food preparation areas which supply the 400-strong supermarket chain across the province, and the pesticide control centre at Anqui demonstrated organised and enforced compliance on a massive scale.
We were consulted on plans to build a new wholesale market in Shouguang, which will accommodate some 600 businesses. Potentially an enormous food centre rather than a traditional wholesale market, this innovative project is fascinating and we were delighted to discuss the detail with Weifang Xinsheng Food Company’s chairman, entrepreneur Liu Shili, and the municipal bureau delegation.
With several banquets held in our honour, serving excellent cuisine using local produce and inordinate amounts of regional alcohol, we made many new friends and look forward immensely to working with our Chinese colleagues moving forward to increase trading opportunities.
I am delighted to announce that the guest nation for our 67th annual dinner at the Savoy on 2 February 2013 is the Dominican Republic. This great country has much to offer with its vibrant culture and produce. We are working with ambassador and friend Dr Frederico Cuello and his team to ensure this will be an exceptional event, so make sure you note the date in your diary and prepare for a festival of merengue, rum cocktails, fine cigars and fine dining! Anglia Business Solutions is our UK sponsor for the sixth year so look out for more info and be sure to book early. -
EU APPROVES NEW SPROUTING SEED PROPOSALS
The EU Standing Committee has greenlighted several proposals covering the approval of establishments, traceability requirements, import certification and guidance for improving the safety of sprouted seeds in Europe.
The transition period for application of the import certificate for sprouting seeds has not been decided yet. It is likely that the final vote on the proposals will take place in October, which would mean that the requirements would come into force in January 2013. The proposal on microbiological criteria is expected to be adopted this month, with the EC still considering suggestions on the sampling method.
FPC will review and update the FPC Guidance for food business operators on the hygienic sourcing, production and safe handling of ready-to-eat sprouts accordingly. Anyone who has obtained a copy of the first edition published in May will be issued with a revised edition when the regulations are finalised-
MRL CONFIRMED
QACS - (Chemical use)
The FPC Technical Group recently discussed the regulatory status of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs), which are used as disinfectants in the trade.
The Chemicals Regulation Directorate in the UK has confirmed the default MRL of 0.01ppm applies for all QACs used as disinfectants, with no EU permitted use of QACs as a pesticide on fruit and veg.
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