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24th European Dried Fruit Meeting
By Mike Hurley On November 20th the European Dried Fruit Meeting was held in Hamburg, Germany. I was privileged to represent the ACFSQ/DFA at this annual meeting, which included nine countries along with the USA. Martin Rome from FRUCOM and his team discussed their mission and recent lobbying efforts. Their latest focus is to change Aflatoxin legislation to increase tolerances for tree nuts. Hot topics included "Risky Products", anti-dumping policy, rules of origin and sulfite issues. Aflatoxin, Ochratoxin A and heavy metals continue to be problematic for products arriving into the European Union. FRUCOM will hold its 50 anniversary next year and they are planning a grand event; stay tuned for more information. Turkey had a strong contingency present to discuss new pesticide regulations and practices. Further discussion compared the Turkish acceptance level of sulfur dioxide in dried fruit to other countries levels of acceptance. Turkish hazelnut prices have greatly fluctuated this year, creating challenges for their European customers. Pino Calcagne provided an overview of changes to the Aflatoxin legislation. These changes will go into effect March 2010. Almonds, pistachio and hazelnut tolerances will change from 4 ppb total / 2 ppb B1 to 10 ppb total / 8 ppb B1. I managed to acquire a spot on the agenda for a short discussion on the increase of recalls in the USA in recent months. I highlighted the ability for regulators to find and confirm pathogens due to new technologies. Dr. Scharlau from the University of Jena lead an interesting presentation on the important nutritional aspects from tree nuts. His presentation highlighted the fact that although tree nuts are high in oil, they actually have the ability to reduce weight. This project was funded through INC research. The European Dried Fruit Meeting was followed by the annual Waren-Verein Der Hamburger Borse dinner. Pino Calcagne was presented a special award from FRUCOM recognizing his efforts to change European Union legislation to increase aflatoxin tolerances. The semi-formal gala event included an excellent speech from the local bank president discussing optimistic changes to the world economy. |
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Comments, questions or story ideas? Please contact newsletter editor Richard Cherrix at 916.561.5900 ext. 107 or richc@agfoodsafety.org  View Newsletter Archive IN THIS ISSUE Member Spotlight: Valley Fig Growers 24th European Dried Fruit Meeting ACFSQ/ DFA Board Members: Don Soetaert, Chairman Shoei Foods USA, Inc. Susan Brauner Blue Diamond Growers Sam Keiper Diamond Foods, Inc. Jack Mariani Mariani Nut Company George Sousa, Sr. Mariani Packing Company, Inc. Barry Kriebel Sun-Maid Growers of California Mark Dalrymple Sunsweet Growers Inc. Mike Emigh Valley Fig Growers Pete Turner Wilbur Packing Company SCTC Board Members: Michael Cassidy, Chairman Sun-Maid Growers of California Chip Litten CalDak International, LLC Bruce Higton California Food Connections Craig Duerr Campos Brothers Farms N. Leon Dermenjian Derco Foods Martin Mariani Mariani Nut Company Jim Zion Meridian Nut Growers, LLC Everett Golden Otis McAllister, Inc. Linda Robbins Pacific Century Trading, Inc. President’s "E" Award By Erika Tarr Known as one of the oldest and most widely trusted companies dealing in global trade of food products, Otis McAllister, Inc. is truly a shinning star. Founded in 1892 by James Otis, Jr., M. Hall McAllister and Everett N. Bee, their mission was simple: to provide their global customers the widest breadth of sources for high quality and reasonably priced foods, beverages and food ingredients and to conduct business with all suppliers and clients in an ethical manner. This practice has continued for one hundred and sixteen year history as a key company in the worldwide food industry. <read more> Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC) 2010 Ag Shipper Workshops By Erika Tarr The Specialty Crop Trade Council works closely with The Agricultural Transportation Coalition (AgTc). The AgTC monitors government and commercial activity on ocean shipping and other transportation issues and keeps AgTC members up-to-date on how these will impact their business. To view Ag Shipper Workshop Dates and Locations, please visit http://www.agtrans.org/Section.asp?article_id=1989 American Shipper <view PDF> |
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