News

The global BCG standard for packaging and packaging materials was significantly revised in August 2019 for the first time since 2015 to improve product safety and quality in relation to the production and printing of packaging materials. The Bureau Veritas International Certification Agency calls on manufacturers of packaging materials to take concrete measures to improve safety and quality according to the latest requirements published in the BRCGS Standards for Packaging Standards. The production of packaging for the food industry often involves potentially harmful substances or processes, such as inks or coatings of packaging, which can enter the food through foreign bodies. The revised standard is due to enter into force in February 2020.
More information is available here.

On 04/11/2019, the European Commission launched a public consultation on geographical indications and traditional specialties guaranteed. The aim of the evaluation is to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and consistency of these quality systems for certain types of food and agricultural products. GI schemes give consumers the assurance that a given product has been produced in a particular country or region; the traditional specialty guaranteed program ensures that the product has been manufactured using traditional methods. Contributions to the consultation can be sent by 27/01/2020.
More information is available here.

The Palm Oil Sustainability Round Table (RPSO) initiative introduced the first proposal for shared responsibility rules. The proposal is valid for RPSO members purchasing palm oil for any purpose, in particular Mondeléz and Nestlé. RPSO members should increase the share of sustainable palm oil purchases by 15% per year. Palm oil must be RPSO certified according to the 2018 RPSO ratified principles and criteria, and RPSO supply chain certification. The proposal is in the process of being discussed; the original implementation date in November 2019 has not been confirmed. Nestlé lists 2023 as the target for 100% sustainable use of palm oil worldwide. Mondeléz reports that it has achieved 100% sustainable use of palm oil in countries around the world as early as 2013.

Palm oil is one of the causes of deforestation. Food companies Mondeléz, Nestlé and Unilever, belonging to a group of 10 major palm oil processors, are now supporting and financing the development of a digital forest monitoring system called Radar Alerts for Detecting Deforestation (RADD). The system can detect deforestation in problem areas a few weeks earlier than the existing optics-based system. RADD is now being developed for Indonesia and Malaysia. One of the largest food businesses has committed to halving forest loss rates and restoring 150 million hectares of land by 2020.
More information is available here and here.

Israeli company ZeroEgg has developed a versatile vegetable substitute for eggs suitable in the food industry in the production of omelettes, pastries, pasta and sauces. The reason for seeking a replacement was the fluctuating price of eggs on the market and, above all, the question of food safety (infection, allergies or the risks associated with egg storage). The final product is a vegetable liquid egg supplied now and in powder form to producers or to restaurants and bakeries in Israel. The product consists of a selection of proteins not containing GMO, chickpeas, peas, soy or potato protein. Meat products, especially meat, are still perceived as a high-quality protein source. A US survey allows free meat sales in 2019 of 6.7%
More information is available here and here.

On 04/11/2019, the European Commission launched the Observatory to monitor the situation on the wine market. The Observatory aims to enhance transparency and strengthen market intelligence in the sector. The European Union is the world's largest wine producer, accounting for 65% of total EU wine production. The Observatory will regularly update a range of market data (prices, production, and trade), provide timely market analysis, short-term forward-looking reports, medium-term prospects, and output from regular expert-board meetings.
More information is available here.