Latest news with #HACCP
Daily Maverick
3 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Gauteng foot-and-mouth outbreak at world's largest feedlot is a red meat flag
Karan Beef said this week that a case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) had been confirmed at its gigantic feedlot facility at Heidelberg in southeastern Gauteng, the latest outbreak of the highly contagious viral infection to hit South Africa's cattle and beef industry. At 2,330 hectares, Karan Beef's Heidelberg feedlot is the largest in the world. They say everything is bigger in Texas, but this facility outstrips the massive feedlots that are a defining feature of the grassy landscape along Interstate Highway 40 of the Texas Panhandle, the heart of the global beef industry. Outbreaks elsewhere have already curbed South African beef exports, but concerns raised on social media about local price increases are misplaced, as domestic supplies are expected to increase as a result. It's still very concerning because Karan Beef is widely regarded as South Africa's top beef brand, supplying most of the country's recognised retailers and premier butchers and restaurants. That reputation has been built in part on its strict biosecurity measures. In 2007, Karan Beef was South Africa's first beef producer to achieve the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) food standards accreditation. This is the gold standard on this front, described by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization as '… a globally recognised, systematic and science-based approach to food safety that addresses biological, chemical and physical hazards throughout the food chain.' The bottom line is that if an outbreak can occur at this operation, no South African cattle farm or feedlot is safe from the disease. This follows in the wake of recent outbreaks of FMD that spread to Mpumalanga and Gauteng. 'As a result of the spread of the KZN outbreaks to Mpumalanga and Gauteng, the People's Republic of China has suspended imports of cloven-hoofed animals and related products,' the Department of Agriculture said last month. 'The department urges all livestock farmers in the whole country to limit animal movement as far as possible … No cloven-hoofed animals should be accepted from areas under restriction for FMD in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga,' it said. This is a setback for South Africa's blossoming agricultural sector, which grew almost 16% in the first quarter of this year, making it the standout performer on a dismal stage that saw the total economy expand by only 0.1% – and which saw exports rise 10% in the same period. 'The one area that remains a concern (for agriculture) is the livestock industry, primarily due to the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. We have already seen various trading partners temporarily banning South Africa's beef exports due to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak,' said Wandile Silhobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber. What this means for you: While it is a blow for exports, what are the stakes for steak-lovers in South Africa? If you are a beef lover, you don't have to panic buy to fill your freezer – this ain't toilet paper during the pandemic. Beef prices may actually decline as the domestic market becomes flooded with product destined for export. But animal disease is worrying on a range of fronts and is a setback to South Africa's agricultural sector. According to Sihlobo, the curbing of exports will increase the domestic supply, and as a result, South African beef prices should 'decrease a bit.' Cattle destined for exports in feedlots still need to be slaughtered at the usual pace because of the feed costs, and FMD is not generally fatal for adult animals, so there will be no mass die-off even if the disease spreads like a Highveld wildfire in winter. Several factors are fanning the flames of animal disease worldwide, including climate change. But it is South African cattle farmers and producers who will bear the brunt of export curbs and potentially falling domestic prices. DM
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Lavender Bakery says products alcohol-free, sourced from halal-certified suppliers despite lacking Jakim certification
PETALING JAYA, May 29 – Popular Malaysian franchise Lavender Bakery has clarified that while it does not carry halal certification, its ingredients are sourced from certified suppliers and its products do not contain alcohol. In an official statement responding to social media allegations, the bakery said it had never claimed to be halal-certified but assured customers that items such as butter, oil, cheese, and sausages are obtained from suppliers with certification. 'We firmly clarify that our bakery items do not contain any alcohol. Any comments suggesting otherwise are inaccurate,' the bakery said. It added that it adheres to a strict 'No Pork, No Lard, No Alcohol' policy. The company also stated that it hold Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification, which it said demonstrates its commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene across its operations. Lavender Bakery also expressed appreciation for public suggestions that it apply for Halal certification through the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim). 'We truly appreciate this thoughtful suggestion and will carefully consider it as we strive to enhance our service and customer trust,' it said.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Popular M'sian bakery denies alcohol in cakes
LAVENDER Bakery Malaysia has issued an official response following viral social media posts alleging that its cakes contain alcohol, sparking concerns among Muslim customers. The controversy began when a Threads user, @hazirahanapi, shared a screenshot claiming that a bakery employee had informed a customer that the cakes contained wine. ALSO READ: Pastry company, director charged with using halal logo without approval Another similar claim surfaced on Facebook through a post by Amin Shukor, further fuelling public worry over the bakery's halal status. In response, Lavender released an official statement on May 27 denying the claims. 'We are aware of recent claims and discussions on social media regarding the Halal status and ingredient content of our products. We would like to take this opportunity to provide a clear and accurate clarification. 'Lavender Bakery is not Halal-certified, and we have not represented ourselves as such,' it said in a statement. 'However, we want to assure our customers that the ingredients we use such as butter, oil, cheese, and sausages are all sourced from Halal-certified suppliers. 'We also want to address recent concerns regarding alcohol content in our products. We firmly clarify that our bakery items do not contain any alcohol. 'Any comments suggesting otherwise are inaccurate. We operate under a strict 'No Pork, No Lard, No Alcohol' policy,' it highlighted. 'Additionally, we hold HACCP certification, which reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene throughout our operations. 'We acknowledge and appreciate the public's suggestion to apply for Halal certification through official verification channel, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM). 'We truly appreciate this thoughtful suggestion and will carefully consider it as we strive to enhance our service and customer trust. 'Thank you for your continued support and understanding,' the statement read.
Time Business News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
The Role of HACCP Consultants in Meeting Qatar's Food Safety Regulations
Food safety is a top priority in Qatar's fast-growing food industry. As international trade, tourism, and local demand increase, the Qatari government has introduced strict food safety rules to protect public health. One of the most trusted global systems for ensuring food safety is HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). To set up and maintain this system successfully, many businesses in Qatar turn to experienced HACCP consultants. Understanding HACCP and Its Importance HACCP is a proactive food safety system based on science. It works by identifying and controlling potential hazards throughout the food supply chain. Instead of checking food safety only at the final stage, HACCP focuses on each step—from sourcing raw materials to processing and distribution. In Qatar, following HACCP is often required by law for getting business licenses, meeting export standards, and passing public health checks. Why HACCP Consultants Are Essential Setting up a HACCP system takes a strong understanding of food safety laws, risk management, and industry-specific risks. HACCP consultants in Qatar are essential partners in this process. They offer services like: Gap Analysis : Reviewing current practices to find areas for improvement. : Reviewing current practices to find areas for improvement. Plan Development : Designing custom HACCP plans that meet global standards and local laws. : Designing custom HACCP plans that meet global standards and local laws. Staff Training : Teaching teams about food hygiene, hazard control, and record-keeping. : Teaching teams about food hygiene, hazard control, and record-keeping. Audit Preparation : Helping businesses get ready for inspections by health authorities. : Helping businesses get ready for inspections by health authorities. Ongoing Support: Guiding regular updates and improvements to stay compliant. Aligning with Qatari Food Safety Laws Qatar's Law No. 8 of 1990 and recent Ministry of Public Health updates highlight the need for strong food safety practices. Businesses must keep clear records, check for risks often, and take corrective steps when needed. Failing to meet these rules can lead to fines, license suspension, or even shutdowns. HACCP consultants help businesses stay compliant and build a culture of safety. They understand how to meet legal requirements while adapting food safety plans for different types of businesses—like restaurants, catering services, food manufacturers, and suppliers. Conclusion In Qatar's tightly regulated food industry, HACCP consultants act as trusted guides between companies and government rules. Their skills help businesses build reliable food safety systems, lower risks, and earn customer trust. For any food business looking to succeed in Qatar, working with a qualified HACCP Consultant in Qatar is not just helpful—it's a smart and necessary move. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Wire
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
FoodReady Announces Major Upgrade to its AI-Powered Platform, Further Revolutionizing Food Safety and Quality Management
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FoodReady, a leading provider of food quality and safety software and consulting solutions, today announced the rollout of major updates to its platform, including powerful new AI-powered tools, an upgraded inventory management module with intelligent lot tracking, and enhanced traceability features to support compliance with evolving FDA regulations like FSMA 204. We empower food companies to achieve unprecedented operational excellence and intelligent growth. FoodReady designed these new software features for food manufacturers, processors, co-packers, and distributors who want greater automation, real-time visibility, and regulatory readiness. With years of industry expertise, the FoodReady platform now delivers faster, smarter, and more compliant operations, from onboarding suppliers to delivering finished products. 'At FoodReady, our vision transcends mere safety; we empower food companies to achieve unprecedented operational excellence and intelligent growth,' stated Gerry Galloway, Co-Founder and Co-CEO. 'These AI-driven innovations and our enhanced traceability suite equip businesses not just to meet today's standards like FSMA 204, but to proactively shape a future where safety, efficiency, and informed decision-making are seamlessly integrated across the entire food supply chain.' Key Platform Updates Include: Intelligent AI Support: Provides instant answers to natural language questions and hands-free assistance with voice-activated AI agents, streamlining workflows and boosting efficiency. Enhanced AI-Powered Checklists and SOP Builder: Automatically creates customized operational and food safety checklists and SOPs in multiple languages. Using advanced AI, the builder significantly reduces the time needed to establish and maintain critical HACCP, HARPC, and other SOP workflows, ensuring comprehensive coverage and streamlined compliance. AI HACCP & Food Safety Plan Builder with Automatic Hazard Analysis: The HACCP builder creates HACCP and food safety plans with automated hazard analysis. Dynamic Inventory Management System: Provides intelligent lot tracking, supplier-linked purchasing, manufacturing order integration, and real-time inventory status updates across facilities. Full-Spectrum Traceability Engine: Enhanced full-spectrum traceability engine supporting bi-directional lot tracking, automated record generation, and FSMA 204 Key Data Element (KDE) capture across critical tracking events (CTEs) from intake to distribution. Manufacturing Order Automation: Batch-level monitoring, smart BOM execution, and mobile-first input/output recording to accelerate production while maintaining food safety compliance. Manufacturing Execution System: Provides comprehensive tools for managing and monitoring the entire manufacturing process, ensuring efficiency and adherence to quality standards. Availability The latest version of FoodReady's AI-enabled platform is available immediately for all customers via web and mobile. A live demo and walkthrough of the new features can be scheduled through the company's website. To learn more about FoodReady, visit or follow the company on LinkedIn. About FoodReady FoodReady is a leading provider of food quality and safety software and consulting solutions. Its AI-powered platform offers food manufacturers, processors, co-packers, and distributors enhanced automation, real-time visibility, and regulatory readiness. It delivers comprehensive solutions spanning production, inventory, and quality management, along with a robust food safety compliance system and expert consulting. From HACCP templates to digital traceability, recall management, and mobile production checklists, its platform integrates regulatory expertise with cutting-edge technology. FoodReady empowers thousands of food and beverage companies across the globe to maintain compliance, ensure audit readiness, and stay competitive.
