Dec
27
2011
Tweet this: Food recalls tough on produce
laurabernheim December 2011, Trends & Topics 0
In the wake of a recall, Twitter and Facebook can level painful blows to an already beaten producer. Social media, however, can also lend an opportunity to respond to unhappy customers. Strong communication in the face of a crisis can bring companies back from the brink.’
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Dec
22
2011
USDA unveils online tool to help farmers with food safety
laurabernheim December 2011, Trends & Topics 0
Just revealed last week, the free web platform will help farmers create customized food safety plans, streamlining the process to achieving Good Agricultural Practices certification. Developed with input from the USDA, trade groups and extension specialists, the tool targets small- to mid-sized farmers. Continue reading.
Dec
22
2011
Fields of overkill
laurabernheim December 2011, Trends & Topics 0
Food safety measures gone awry following the 2006 E. coli spinach outbreak have forced California farmers to rip out wildlife habitat, drain ponds and line their property with fences. High-powered buyers essentially advocate a “scorched earth” policy in the wake of food safety concerns. Continue reading.
Dec
22
2011
Producers seldom hear of food-safety issues from their private screeners
laurabernheim December 2011, Trends & Topics 0
A private inspector gave Jensen Farms a superior safety rating in the same month thousands of tainted cantaloupes were sorted for distribution across the country. Auditors hired by growers in the absence of enough government inspectors have a conflict of interest, according to many in the article. Continue reading.
Dec
12
2011
Food safety tips for healthy holidays
laurabernheim December 2011, Trends & Topics 0
Keep your holiday merriment from turning to misery by making sure the festive times of giving and sharing don’t include foodborne illnesses. Getting the ham to the table is only half the battle — leftovers should be treated just as carefully. Continue reading.
Dec
06
2011
What do consumers think of today’s farmers?
laurabernheim December 2011, Trends & Topics 0
Consumers perceive “family farmers” as a group who shares their priorities of safe, affordable and nutritious food, but fear that “commercial farmers” place profit ahead of principle. Producers need to more effectively show commitment to consumer values to overcome the bias, according to Center for Food Integrity CEO Charlie Arnot. Continue reading.
Dec
06
2011
2011 Food & Health Survey: Consumer attitudes toward food safety & health
laurabernheim December 2011, Trends & Topics 0
While most consumers understand their role in preparing safe food, they are less likely to adhere to safe practices such as washing their hands or cutting boards and using a thermometer. The International Food Information Council’s comprehensive, annual survey reveals.
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Dec
06
2011
Willingness to pay for traceable meat attributes
laurabernheim December 2011, Trends & Topics 0
Consumers will spend 22 percent more for the assurance their food is safe, according to Gianni Cicia and Francesca Colantuoni’s analysis of 23 independent studies. Their article, which appears in the International Journal on Food System Dynamics, also shows that shoppers will loosen the purse strings if a product maintains excellent animal welfare or provides traceability back to a farm. Continue reading.
Dec
06
2011
Confidence in food safety slipping, industry survey finds
laurabernheim December 2011, Trends & Topics 0
Although food safety is consumers’ No. 1 priority —beating out even affordability — shoppers’ confidence is waning. In the wake of recent recalls, researchers with the Center for Food Integrity found significantly more people believe the food supply was safer when they were growing up, despite industry improvements. Continue reading.