Food & Beverage Update: Blue Apron delays facility’s health department registration for 3 years

Blue Apron registers with California health department after 3 years of operation

Blue Apron received California Department of Public Health approval to operate a food processing facility for the first time last month, despite having been packing and shipping boxes of fresh produce and raw fish, poultry, and meat in the state for more than three years. The company’s Oct. 5 registration immediately followed an Oct. 2 publication of an investigation by BuzzFeed News into the working conditions of the company’s Richmond facility.

Blue Apron reported it had done no wrong and its facilities have been appropriately regulated all along. The company said it registered with the state of California once it became aware it had to do so. The Environmental Health Department of the Contra Costa County Health Services says it referred Blue Apron to the California Department of Public Health Food and Drug Branch more than once, but Blue Apron never contacted or registered with the state. The California health department said companies – not regulators – are responsible for obtaining the appropriate permits to run their businesses.

European Commission to vote on acrylamide draft guidance

The European Commission is expected to vote next year on a draft regulation for acrylamide, a contaminant formed in foods when cooked at high temperatures. The level of the chemical compound is determined by the duration and temperature of cooking. Analysts claim that with specific measures, food manufacturers can reduce its presence in foods. Some scientists and non-government organizations claim that the Commission’s proposal does not effectively protect consumers’ safety though the food industry says it is a move in the right direction. Last year, the European Food Safety Authority posited that acrylamide was a "public health concern as it potentially increases the risk of developing cancer in consumers of all ages."

Food enzymes market offers positive outlook

The food processing industry is presently the largest user of industrial enzymes, acquiring approximately 40 percent of the $400 million market, according to Future Market Insights, provider of market intelligence. North America and Europe are the market leaders in industrial enzymes, but in the future, demand for food enzymes is expected to come more from the markets of the Asia-Pacific region. One of the major factors driving the growth of food enzymes is their use in the industry for fermentation. Other factors such as high performance and the environmental benefits associated with them also contribute to the growth of the market.

Global dried processed food market set to grow by 6 percent through 2020

The global dried processed food market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.43 percent during the period between 2016 and 2020, according to a new report by Research and Markets titled “Global Dried Processed Food Market 2016-2020.” Hectic lifestyles of consumers and the need for leisure have further increased the demand for convenience food products, which also has led to the growth of dried ready meals, dried pasta and noodles, and several other dried processed food products that require minimal time for preparation. In addition, the need for more leisure time is thus driving the demand for convenience food products worldwide.

Indian state offers incentives for food processing entrepreneurs

The Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is offering substantial incentives to boost the food industry in the state by organizing training programs and ensuring bank loans for prospective entrepreneurs. According to the Andhra Pradesh Food Processing Society and Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation, value-added products such as mango, banana, papaya, guava, coconut and cashew nut, should bring good returns for entrepreneurs.

Food Processing and Agribusiness ‘Top Five’ Award winners announced

Expansion Solutions Magazine announced the 9th annual "Top Five" Awards of Excellence in Food Processing and Agribusiness. The awards recognize economic development organizations that have shown exceptional progress and potential in the area of development by successfully recruiting, retaining and/or assisting growing businesses.