Policy picks: The latest China and Vietnam safety rules, plus developments in NZ and Pakistan
China traceability rule changes: “QS” quality and safety logo no longer permitted for use
Food and beverage manufacturers operating in China are now required to use a new set of quality and safety marks.
Manufacturers can no longer use the “QS” logo, but to replace it with an identification code that comprises of the alphabets “SC” and 14 digits.
The new system is meant to improve product tracing mechanism.
Besides general food items such as oil, meat, dairy, beverages, and canned food, health food and foods for special medical purposes will also need to comply with the regulation.
Friend or foe? New Zealand raw milk regulations to be reviewed this year amidst continued debate
New Zealand regulations surrounding Raw Drinking Milk (RDM) will be evaluated this year, amidst the ongoing debate over its health benefits and risks.
The review will begin in November, with the aim of determining whether or not the current New Zealand raw milk regulations, implemented in November 2016, need to be modified.
According to the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website, it “has undertaken to review the raw milk policy […] two years after its full implementation, to ensure it is working effectively.”
Before the implementation of the 2016 regulations, consumers were able to collect raw milk from collection points across the country.
Kellogg's, Mars, Nestlé pledge to reduce sugar, salt and fat as Saudi authorities launch the Healthy Food Strategy
Global food and beverage manufacturers such as Kellogg's Arabia, Mars Saudi Arabia and Nestlé Middle East have signed a voluntary pledge with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) that seeks to reduce sugar, salt and fat content in their products.
Besides cutting down on sugar, salt and fat, the companies also pledged to place clear nutritional labels on their products.
Other companies which have signed the pledge include included Mondelez Arabia, Ferrero, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo International, Unilever, and Freeze Land.
Pakistan water crisis: Nestle, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola amongst companies summoned for water usage
The CEOs of Nestle, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, amongst other beverage giants, have been summoned by Pakistan’s Chief Judge with regard to their water usage in the country.
The summons were in regard to a suo motu (where a government agency acts on its own cognizance) case about major environmental concerns facing the Katas Raj Temples in Punjab.
The temples made headlines over the past year because its pools dried out after the establishment of cement factories in its vicinity that drew out large amounts of water via sub-soil wells.
Manufacturers warned as Vietnam government raises food safety violation fines by 350%
The Vietnamese government has passed a ruling approving a 350% raise in penalties for food safety violations.
The new decree dictates that violators of food safety regulations will be fined up to US$ 5,840 (VND 200m), or seven times the value of goods. It will commence on October 20.
This number is 3.5 times higher than the previous penalty from the old regulations in 2013.
