U.S. organic food sales totaled nearly $17 billion in 2006, representing approximately three percent of all retail sales of food and beverages, according to preliminary findings from the Organic Trade Association's (OTA's) 2007 Manufacturer Survey. Organic foods' share of total food sales is up from 1.9 percent in 2003 and approximately 2.5 percent in 2005. Sales of organic foods grew by 22.1 percent in 2006 to reach $16.9 billion, according to survey results. Sales in 2005 were $13.831 billion. Strong growth is expected in 2007 as well.

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE SAID TO
COMBAT WORLD HUNGER

Researchers in Denmark told a U.N. conference that a large-scale shift to organic agriculture could actually help fight world hunger while improving the environment, reported USA Today.

Crop yields initially can drop as much as 50 percent when industrialized, conventional agriculture – using chemical fertilizers and pesticides – is converted to organic. While such decreases often even out over time and promote other benefits, the figures have kept the organic movement largely on the sidelines of discussions about feeding the hungry. However, the study showed there would not be any serious negative effect on food security for sub-Saharan Africa if 50 percent of agricultural land in the food exporting regions of Europe and North America were converted to organic by 2020.

While total food production would drop, the amount per crop would be much less than previously assumed, and the drop in world food prices that resulted could be mitigated by improvements in the land and other benefits, according to researchers.

A similar conversion to organic farming in sub-Saharan Africa could help the region's hungry because it could reduce their need to import food, Niels Halberg, a senior scientist at the Danish Research Center for Organic Food and Farming, told the U.N. conference on "Organic Agriculture and Food Security."

Farmers who go back to using traditional agricultural methods would not have to spend money on expensive chemicals and would grow more diverse crops that are more sustainable, the report said. In addition, if their food is certified organic, farmers could export any surpluses, bringing in cash since organic food has such premium prices.

Join NAFFS October 18-21 at The Resort at Longboat Key Club in Longboat Key, Fla. where the “real world” approach to organics will be explored in great detail. This 2-day seminar was designed to help all in the flavor and food-ingredient industry to better understand this exploding market. Industry leaders from Whole Foods, Florida Crystals, Wizard’s Cauldron, Treatt plc and more will be on hand to identify:

Mark your calendars now for this information-packed program.

The ITC has instituted an investigation regarding the alleged violation of Section 337 of the 1930 Tariff Act by imports of certain sucralose, sweeteners containing sucralose and related intermediate compounds thereof.

The complainant requests that after this investigation the ITC issue a permanent general exclusion order and a permanent cease and desist order against the respondents, which are located in China, Hong Kong and the U.S. A list of respondents may be obtained at: http://www.usitc.gov/ext_relations/news_release/2007/er0507ee1.htm or by contacting the NAFFS office.

In an import alert, FDA announced it had given inspectors the power to detain without inspection all vegetable protein imports from China for use as animal or human foods if they suspect the products might contain melamine.

Facing increasing criticism for its handling of food safety incidents, FDA has beefed up its regulatory oversight of the industry and created a new regulatory position to solely oversee food safety and protection.

In its import alert guidance, FDA singled out a number of wheat, rice, corn, soy and mung bean imports from China for regulatory attention. Any increase in detention could mean some processors will find their ingredient imports are not available when they need them.

Recently melamine contamination was linked to an outbreak of cat and dog deaths and illness associated with pet food manufactured with vegetable proteins from China. About 18 pet food manufacturers and others have recalled dog and cat food and other suspect products and ingredients. The FDA noted that it had collected about 750 samples of wheat gluten and products made with wheat gluten.

Of these 330 tested positive for melamine or melamine related compounds. Of the 85 samples of rice protein concentrate and products made with the ingredient, 27 tested positive. All the ingredients were imported from China.
China has since banned its food exporters from using melamine.

FDA said since the extent of the problem is not known in China, it was assigning its inspectors the immediate powers to make detentions.

CDC ISSUES REPORT ON
POPCORN FLAVOR SAFETY

Flavor manufacturers and flavored-food producers need to develop a timely, effective response to identify and reduce cases of lung disease in workers exposed to flavors such as diacetyl, said the CDC in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

A priority for employers should be the implementation of safety measures to minimize worker exposure to flavoring chemicals, the report indicated. Engineering controls, including local exhaust ventilation and closed transfer of chemicals, should be the primary control measures, according to CDC. Other precautions should include work practices such as covering containers and minimizing spills.

Employers should also establish a comprehensive respiratory protection program for organic vapors and particulates that adheres to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Respiratory Protection Standard. Consultation with an industrial hygienist or occupational safety and health professional might be necessary to implement appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and an appropriate respiratory protection program, according to the report.

NAFFS CALENDAR

October 18-21 – The 90th Annual NAFFS Convention, Longboat Key, Fla.