Fw: Food Irradiation Update (June 2010)

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From: Ron Eustice <ron@mnbeef.org>

Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:11:09 -0500

To: Ron Eustice<ron@mnbeef.org>

Subject: Food Irradiation Update (June 2010)

June 2010

Food Irradiation Update is published by the Minnesota Beef Council

Quotable Quotes: Food safety issues have been in the news lately. Outbreaks have stimulated greater scrutiny as each incidence of illness occurs. Recently the demand to legalize the sale of raw milk universally is making us examine the debate between 'the common good' vs. 'right to personal choice. ARS researchers have found that moderate levels of the irradiation used to reduce the level of harmful microorganisms on fresh spinach leaves either does not or slightly reduces the amount of vitamins C, E, K, folate and four caratenoids. Read more here.... USDA Press Release India's mango export to the US and Europe are looking up for the second year in succession because of strong demand and easy availability following start of the sea route. Not only volumes are encouraging, Indian mangoes this year are also fetching higher price. Read more here.... In This Update: Indian mangoes fetch higher price in US Benefits of Irradiation to Agriculture Cited Nutrient Retention of Safer Salads Construction of irradiation facility in Ahmedabad to begin soon Harnessing The Atom To Make A Better World Irradiation technology to preserve food without changing nutrient value Subway Apologizes for Salmonella Outbreak Contaminated Lobster Recall; Listeria Suspected Pakistani mango enters US Important Food Safety Links: Kansas State University Marler Blog Food Irradiation Processing Alliance (FIPA)

Indian mangoes fetch higher price in US; Financial Express (June 16, 2010):

NEW DELHI: India's mango export to the US and Europe are looking up for the second year in succession because of strong demand and easy availability following start of the sea route. Not only volumes are encouraging, Indian mangoes this year are also fetching higher price. Last year, Indian mangoes were sold at around $20 per 3.5 kg, but this year already the price has touched $28 for the same quantity. Till now more than 70 tonne of the juicy Kesar and Alphonso varieties have been exported this year at good prices. In 2009, India exported almost 250 tonne of mangoes, whereas the country has the potential to export almost 500 tonne of mangoes annually. Read more here...... Related Story: Loads of Indian Mangoes to Satisfy US Consumers

Benefits of irradiation to agriculture cited; Manila Bulletin (June 11, 2010):

MANILA: What usually comes to mind when one hears about radiation is nuclear energy or anything that is radioactive. But few realize that radiation has numerous benefits, and agriculture is one of the areas that largely gain from it. The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology which is the sole agency of the government that advances and regulates the safe and peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in the country, identifies agriculture and natural resources as among its priority areas. Researchers from PNRI have been developing improved crop varieties through mutation, a non-conventional method of plant breeding which uses mutational agents (mutagens) such as radiation or chemicals e.g. ethyl methyl sulfonate (EMS). Read more here...

Nutrient Retention Of Safer Salads,Western Farm Press (June 2, 2010):

WASHINGTON,D.C.: Irradiating salad leaves after washing reduces harmful and non-harmful microorganisms. Now, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and colleagues have looked into the effect of various levels of irradiation on concentrations of four vitamins and four carotenoids in two popular baby-leaf spinach cultivars. The study was conducted by post-harvest plant physiologist Gene Lester and entomologist Guy Hallman at the ARS Crop Quality and Fruit Insects Research Unit in Weslaco, Texas. Lester is now with the ARS Food Quality Laboratory in Beltsville, Md. For the study, two spinach cultivars were grown, harvested, sanitized, and packaged according to industry practices. Each cultivar was packaged in air or nitrogen gas as used by industry to extend shelf life. Read more here.....

Construction of irradiation facility in Ahmedabad to begin soon; Food & Beverage News; (June 1, 2010):

NEW DELHI: State-run Gujarat Agro-Industries Corporation (GAIC) on Friday said that the construction of an irradiation facility for food and agro products at Bavla, near Ahmedabad, was expected to begin in the next few months, according to a PTI report. "The tendering processing was almost over and now the project drawings shall be prepared," said Ms Thara, managing director, Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation (GAIC). The corporation got the approval of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) for setting up the irradiation facility following which bids were invited for the construction and commissioning of the Rs 12-crore plant, earlier this year. The electromagnetic waves emanating from the hi-tech machinery installed at this facility shall disinfect mangoes and make them chemical free without touch of hand, a pre-requisite for exports to the US and Europe, a GAIC official said. Read more here....

Harnessing The Atom To Make A Better World (June 2010)

(NAPSI)-Those looking for an exciting and rewarding career may consider opportunities in nuclear science and technology. Nuclear professionals can be found working in a number of settings, including government, academia, research laboratories and private industry. For instance, nuclear engineers are engaged in areas such as nuclear medicine, nuclear energy, space exploration, agricultural and biological research, food irradiation, and archaeology and paleontology, to name a few. They also command the third-highest median income among the engineering professions--over $100,000 a year. There is a high demand for graduates of nuclear engineering programs with either B.S. or M.S. degrees . Read more here.....

Irradiation technology to preserve food without changing nutrient value; Food & Beverage News (May 15, 2010):

JAKARTA: The National Nuclear Energy Agency (Batan) said that the country was eyeing the use of irradiation technology to make food last several years without changing its nutrient value. Batan claims that irradiation technology using Gamma rays kills bacteria, viruses, insects or plants contained in foods and helps delay food from going off. Irradiation is believed to prevent organisms and micro-organisms from proliferating. Addressing the international meeting on food irradiation in Jakarta on May 10, 2010, Taswanda Taryo, deputy head of the nuclear agency, said, "We have run a string of tests, for example, on Minang cuisine rendang [beef simmered in spices and coconut milk] and fish. The irradiated rendang and fish remain fresh for a year." Read more here.... Related Stories Indonesia to Irradiate More Foods

Subway Apologizes for Salmonella Outbreak; (June 17, 2010):

BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS: The Subway restaurant chain issued an apology Wednesday in connection with a salmonella outbreak that has affected 80 people across 26 Illinois counties. As state health investigators continue working to pinpoint the cause of the outbreak, a Subway corporate spokesman said the company was sorry for the problems. "We sincerely apologize to all Subway customers, those who have fallen ill, and those who now may hesitate to come back for a while," spokesman Kevin Kane noted. "We are truly sorry for the difficulty this situation has caused you, our customer, and are working diligently to solve this mystery and to regain your trust." The Illinois Department of Public Health says people began getting sick after eating in Subway restaurants beginning May 11. Read more here.....

Contaminated Lobster Recall; Listeria Suspected; Consumer Ally (June 16, 2010):

A recall has been issued for lobster meat sold from coast-to-coast after tests showed it could be contaminated with Listeria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced. The following brands are subject to this recall: Portland Shellfish Company, Inc., Claw island, Craig's All Natural, and Inland Ocean. Portland Shellfish distributed the knuckle and claw meat, which was sold in cooked, fresh or frozen packages. Read more here.....

Pakistani mango enters US; Dawn.com (June 15, 2010:

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani mangoes have finally gained access to the markets of the United States, and in this regard the US Federal Register will issue the notification next week; probably this is one of the best outcomes of Pak-US bilateral cooperation in agriculture. Read more here....

Food Irradiation Processors Alliance (FIPA) Website: http://www.fipa.us/

Food Irradiation Principles and Applications is an excellent source of information about food irradiation. For information go to: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0471356344,descCd-tableOfContents.html

Food Irradiation; A Guide for Consumers, Policy Makers and the Media: Booklet Provides Science-based Information on Food Irradiation: This booklet produced by the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA) can be downloaded from: http://www.gmabrands.com/publications/SPP_Irradiation5.pdf

Food Irradiation Research and Technology published by Institute of Food Technologies Press and Blackwell Publishing is now available. To order your copy phone (515) 292-0140 or 1-(800) 862-6657. You may order online from Blackwell Publishing at: http://www.blackwellprofessional.com/

Food Irradiation Update is being sent as an update on food irradiation by the Minnesota Beef Council.  If for any reason you do not want to receive these updates please hit Reply and ask us to delete you from the list of recipients. Ronald F. Eustice Executive Director Minnesota Beef Council 2950 Metro Drive # 102 Bloomington, MN 55425 USA Phone: 952/854-6980 Fax: 952/854-6906 E-mail: ron@mnbeef.org Website: www.mnbeef.org  For more information on food irradiation go to http://www.mnbeef.org

 

 

Ronald Eustice

Executive Director

Minnesota Beef Council

2950 Metro Drive, Suite 102

Minneapolis, MN 55425

phone: (952) 854-6980

fax: (952) 854-6906

 

Researchers develop potato powered batteries

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/Batteries-Rechardable-Potatoes-Alternative-Energy,news-7138.html

Researchers develop potato powered batteries

Whether it's egg and chips, a few roasties, or boxty, as an Irish girl, I don't need another reason to love potatoes. However, researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have just given everyone else another reason to love the starchy root vegetable: They say they have discovered a new way to construct an efficient battery using zinc and copper electrodes and a slice of potato.

Researchers at Yissum Research Development Company Ltd., the technology transfer arm of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, found that boiling a potato prior to use in electrolysis increases electric power up to 10 fold over an untreated potato. This enables the battery to potentially work for weeks.

The study showed that the treated potato generates energy that is five to 50 times cheaper than commercially available 1.5 Volt D cells and Energizer E91 cells, respectively. This means boiled potatoes (or other treated vegetables) present as a possible solution for a cheap and accessible energy source for developing countries that don't have access to the electrical infrastructure available to more developed nations.

The Hebrew University says the scientific basis of the finding is related to the reduction in the internal salt bridge resistance of the potato battery, which is exactly how engineers are trying to optimize the performance of conventional batteries.

Local food movement is growing, but much produce still comes from afar

http://www.enterprisenews.com/food/x1740775115/Local-food-movement-is-growing-but-much-produce-still-comes-from-afar


Local food movement is growing, but much produce still comes from afar


PEORIA, Ill. —

Local fruits and vegetables make up a growing industry, but our food is raised around the corner and around the world.

While the U.S. local food movement picks up market share, the amount of items arriving for grocery produce shelves from all over the world also is increasing.

"We definitely have a global food system," said Rich Pirog, associate director of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University.

"We're seeing a net increase in the fruits and vegetables that are coming into this country while, at the same time, there's a burgeoning local market," Pirog said.

A visit to a local supermarket in search of fresh fruits and veggies is "like a tour of the world," said Pirog, whose center recently launched a Web site (www.leopold.iastate.edu/resources/fruitveg/fruitveg.php) to help consumers find out where their food comes from.

"It's all about land costs and labor costs. Transportation isn't a major item, but it is significant," he said, referring to factors that figure into food production.

"It's not just about mileage," said Pirog, noting that Idaho potatoes that travel 1,000 miles by rail to Chicago can be more economical than those grown in nearby Wisconsin.

Some products will travel quite a distance before reaching the consumer, he said.

"I noticed a jar of canned peaches in the store where the fruit was grown in Spain but packed in Thailand. That's about 17,000 miles before it gets here (in Iowa)," said Pirog.

The trend over the past 20 years has been toward year-round produce for the U.S. consumer, said Gregg Proctor, a produce manager for the Kroger Co. speaking from company offices in Indianapolis.

"It used to be that you couldn't get strawberries at certain times of the year. Now we get them year-round," he said.

"Right now we're getting fresh apples out of New Zealand and tangerines from South America," Proctor said.

"Central American countries realize they can produce food for the North American market. The demand is here," he said.

Things tend to change quickly on the fresh food front, said Proctor. "We used to get all our pineapple out of Hawaii, but most of what we consume in this country now comes out of Costa Rica. Land and labor is cheaper and there's less transportation involved," he said.

While Kroger is shopping the world, so is the Indianapolis Fruit Co., the Indiana-based company that supplies produce to grocery stores across the country.

Along with the variety, the volume of produce consumed in this country has increased dramatically over the years, said Shane Towne, Indianapolis Fruit's head of marketing and new business development.

"There are a lot of factors involved - from concerns about obesity to the fact that the president's wife is out there planting a garden at the White House," he said.

The message that fruits and vegetables are good for you is getting out there, said John Waugh, president of East Peoria, Ill.-based Waugh Foods, a food distributor that supplies schools, hospitals and restaurants across central Illinois.

"People eat healthier now. We've noticed that the pre-cut lettuce business (used for salads) has grown tremendously," he said.

While food arrives at the store from many distant locations, there's also more coming from nearby farms, said Kathy Corso, a Peoria grower who, along with Spring Bay's Pat Jenkins, coordinates the Peoria Heights Farmers Market.

"You're seeing more local produce become available because more people are interested in where their food comes from," Corso said.

She looks for that interest to spur more local growers.

"I'm not against buying food that isn't grown locally, but locally grown food just tastes better and is better for you," she said.

Peoria Journal Star Steve Tarter can be reached at 686-3260 or starter@pjstar.com.

Fresh food facts

Stocking the produce section in today's supermarket is a global effort. Here are some facts and figures about the fruit and vegetables we put on our table.

- More kiwi fruit comes into the United States from Chile than New Zealand, where growers renamed the fruit after the country's national bird.

- While U.S. farmers produce 6 billion pounds of onions annually, no fewer than 175 countries around the world grow onions.

- China is a new and growing source of fresh produce for the United States. In 2007, the most recent year figures are available, the U.S. Department of Agriculture tracked 17 shipments of different fruits and vegetables into this country from China.

- Canada has pushed forward as an exporter of produce through its development of a vast greenhouse network that allowing the northern country to raise tomatoes, carrots and other vegetables.

- New Jersey is a leading producer of blueberries in the United States.

- Michigan harvests 11,000 acres of asparagus annually.

Sources: Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Statistics Canada, Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board

Sino Green Land Announces Launch and Expansion of Green Food Exports to Australia

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/sino-green-land-announces-launch-and-expansion-of-green-food-exports-to-australia-2010-06-23?reflink=MW_news_stmp


Sino Green Land Announces Launch and Expansion of Green Food Exports to Australia


NEW YORK and GUANGZHOU, China, Jun 23, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Sino Green Land Corporation /quotes/comstock/11k!sgla (SGLA 0.30, 0.00, 0.00%) , a leading distributor of high-end fruits and vegetables in China, today announced it has commenced and subsequently expanded its export of Green Foods into Australia following a successful trial order with local distribution partner(s). Green Foods are healthy and environmentally friendly foods that meet strict standards set by the China Green Food Development Center, under the direct supervision from China's Ministry of Agriculture.

Mr. Anson Fong, Chairman and CEO, stated, "We are excited to announce the launch and expanded distribution of Green Foods in Australia following a very successful trial order with our local distribution partners. We see Australia as a sizeable new market, ripe for expansion. In 2009, gross exports of Green Foods reached more than $2 billion and in the past 5 years, Green Food exports from China have increased at more than a 40% compound annual growth rate. The Green Food designation is an important standard set by China's Ministry of Agriculture, and recognized by over 40 trade partner countries. Through our relationship with the China Green Food Association we have access to distribute over 17,000 food items from more than 6,000 producers. As a result, we are able to offer competitive pricing on these foods, which meet the highest standards, including meats, fruits, vegetables, teas, spices, seafood, soft drinks, frozen foods, and much more. We look forward to developing a strong market presence in Australia with the support of our local partners."