Benefits of Coconut Milk:

Following are some of the health benefits of coconut milk:

1. Helps to maintain blood sugar places:

   Glucose intolerance may cause manganese deficiency in your body. Coconut milk is a rich source of manganese. Whole grains, legumes and nuts are some excellent sources of manganese.

2. Keeps skin and blood vessels flexible and elastic:

   Copper is very important mineral for most of the bodily functions. Copper and vitamin C help to maintain the flexibility and elasticity of the skin and blood vessels.

3. Aids in building strong bones:

   Coconut milk is not rich in calcium, but it is rich in phosphorus. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient that body needs for strengthening bones. It is must to take phosphorus with calcium particularly to prevent bone loss because it supplies phosphate to the body.

4. Helps to prevent anemia:

   Lack of iron is the most common nutrient deficiency among the people throughout the world. Iron deficiency in body does not allow the body to develop enough hemoglobin for keeping sufficient oxygen levels in red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Each cup of coconut milk supplies the body with nearly a quarter of daily value of iron

   [SOURCE]

   The Expert’s Thought: Coconut milk is extracted by grating mature coconuts and squeezing them by using cheesecloth or both bare hands.Apart from preparing foods tastier and creamier, coconut milk is also a healthy addition to various food preparations.

Reading tons of food news can make you hungry. But if the past year is a typical one, it can also make you scared to eat. It turns out people get sick from food-borne illness constantly, everywhere in the world. Millions of people! So it’s no surprise that we didn’t have to search far when we wanted to compile a list of the 11 worst food safety disasters of the year. But it also goes without saying that there are so many such stories that it’s impossible to be totally comprehensive! If we missed a story you thought was a bigger disaster than some of the ones on our list, let us know in the comments. Also, a side-note: as tomorrow is the last day of 2011, this wraps up our end-of-year coverage. Onwards and upwards in 2012!

1. Listeria found in Cantaloupes:  The deadliest food poisoning outbreak in a century of American history brought the country to its knees, with dozens dead after ingesting listeria along with cantaloupes from Jensen Farms outside Denver.

India has recently put into practice its FSS Act 2006 / FSS Regulation 2011 and the entire food industry is expected to adhere to it. Apart from several other firsts, one of the primary changes that FSSA has brought about is imposing the responsibility of food safety on the manufacturer for the first time (under the PFA regime, it was the food inspector responsible for examination and prosecution).

Audits and inspections

A periodic internal audit of the whole system is to be done to find out any fault / gap in the adopted SOP to follow GMP/GHP system. Hence the knowledge and skills are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Food Safety Management System a requirement of any organisation in the food chain in accordance with Part 2, Schedule 4 of the Food Safety Act 2006 / Rules and Regulations 2011. Therefore FBOs (food business operators) should have a person with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement and conduct internal audit of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS).

The commissioner of food safety has the authority to appoint a designated officer in charge of a district whose duties shall include issuing or cancelling licenses of FBOs, and shall be responsible for inspection of food business, drawing samples and sending them to food analyst for analysis serving ‘improvement notices,’ prohibiting sale of food articles violating prescribed standards, receiving reports and samples of food articles from FSOs (food safety officers) and getting them analysed, sanctioned or launch prosecutions and get investigated any complaint against any contravention of the Act or against the FSOs.

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The Expert’s Thought: Inspection, Food Inspection and Food Auditing is an important part in Food Safety Domain. Every food industry should comply with it.

If you find yourself using toilet facilities in some far-flung place where there is no soap these holidays, do not despair about your hand hygiene.

Recently published research from the University of Auckland shows you can get your hands clean without soap under running water.

However, as senior research fellow with the university’s department of medicine Dr Tom Miller says, it is not a matter of putting your hands under the water briefly and flicking them dry.

You must hold them under running water and rub them together “purposefully” for 20 seconds – about the same time as a verse or two of a well-known song.

That did not mean “taking your skin off”, nor did it mean casually waving one hand over the other. It involved friction – rubbing hands together backwards and forwards with some pressure between the fingers and involving both the palms and backs of the hands.

[SOURCE]

The Expert’s Thought: Excellent Research published by the researchers from University of Auckland. Water is an effective tool for cleaning hands.  Alone washing with water, removes most of micro-organisms and prevents contamination.

Walking the talk on kitchen hygiene, the University of Mumbai recently sent a committee of experts to inspect two canteens and a hostel mess at the Kalina campus. The panel members have ordered an overhaul of the kitchens.

A student from Garware Institute said, “They came with a civil engineer and inspected the poor kitchen management and food handling system here. They gave some offhand hygiene tips to the canteen management. But, an overhaul of the kitchen is needed to ensure that the food is safe.”

The four-member team also visited the canteen of the distance education department and a mess at the Savitribai Phule Girls’ Hostel.

One of the experts said the kitchen at the mess in the girls’ hostel was comparatively better than the two other places and students there had no complaints either. “But the distance education department’s kitchen needs a makeover. We have ordered the civil engineer to make more platforms and a sink, fix cracks and repaint the kitchen.”

According to the member, cracks in the kitchen pose a major threat to hygiene as many bacteria and fungi can grow in them and can, thus, contaminate food.

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The Expert’s Thought: The joint venture of DNA – Equinox Labs has done a fantastic job in creating mass awareness about Hygiene aspects.

Even as avian flue scare grips the state, the health department and municipality are turning a blind eye to hygiene when it comes to the sale of meat and poultry.

Jharkhand witnessed a spate of crow deaths in recent weeks and tests revealed that the dead scavengers were afflicted by the H5N1 virus. Though this virus has so far not spread to other species, experts have voiced concern about possible chances of human contamination if not checked.

Hundreds of poultry shops in the city operate near open drains with flies and dogs feasting on wastes of chicken and mutton. But no one has taken any step to stop this unhygienic exercise so far. The slaughterhouses in Ranchi are also a horrible sight. The skinned goats are hung at makeshift shops in busy areas. “These shops should have closed glass enclosures with curtains. Flouting of norms means a fine ranging from Rs 1,000 to 2,000,” said an official of the Ranchi Municipal Corporation. But who cares?

Corporation authorities claimed to have launched many drives against these shops and even fined them. “We have taken stringent action against them but they have returned,” said Gopalji Tiwary, deputy chief executive officer of RMC.

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The Expert’s Thought: Hygiene is very critical in Meat Industry. Any carelessness can lead to cross contamination, growth of micro-organisms on beef and meat and hence hygiene becomes mandatory in the Meat Industry.

The total turnover of the tea industry in India is likely to reach Rs 33,000 crore by 2015 from the current level of about Rs 19,500 crore, apex industry body ASSOCHAM said on Saturday. With nearly 6 lakh hectares under tea cultivation, the domestic tea industry is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 15%, according to a study titled ‘Indian Tea Industry’ released by Assocham.

“India is world’s largest consumer, second largest producer and fourth largest exporter of tea after China and accounts for nearly 30% of global output and nearly 25 per cent of tea produced worldwide is consumed in India ,” said Mr D.S. Rawat, secretary general of Assocham while releasing the findings of the study. “Branded market accounts for nearly 55 per cent of the total market and is growing at about 20% while the unbranded market is growing at 10% annually,” said Mr Rawat.

Nearly 35 lakh workers are employed in over 1,500 tea estates across India and about 65 per cent of these are employed indirectly. Assam produces over half of India’s tea and accounts for over 12% of annual global tea yield, according to Assocham. Tea being cheap, affordable and addictive in nature nearly 90% of Indian households are regular tea drinker.

[SOURCE]

The Food and Drug Administration’s role is “protecting the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and products that give off radiation.” However, regarding genetically modified or bioengineered organisms, the FDA seems to be protecting big agri-business over the rights of consumers.

When the FDA approves the sale and consumption of foods produced using biotechnology, it is because the agency has determined that it is materially the same as the traditional counterpart regarding function and nutrition. The agency therefore considers it misleadingfor a company to label its products as “non-GMO” if it implies that the conventional product is superior to an engineered product.

Of course, there are pros and cons to bioengineered foods, beyond taste and nutrition. On one hand, they may help feed undernourished populations; on the other hand, there may be unknown consequences that put our food supply at risk. Another objection is that genetically engineered crops like soybeans, corn, and cottonallow for greater use of stronger, potentially harmful herbicides. Some consumers may want to choose non-GMO products for environmental reasons, and not because they believe the conventional product is better nutritionally.

But whatever one’s personal opinion is regarding GE-foods, marketers should be able tout whatever virtues they believe their target market cares about, as long as the statements are true. Enforcing the objective truth is what we should expect from the FDA, not deciding which facts are relevant or may be misinterpreted, which is inherently subjective. Legislation recently introduced into the House of Representatives by congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) would require that genetically engineered food be clearly labeled. At a minimum, producers of all-natural foods should be able to advertise that their products are GMO free without impediments from the FDA.

Two rehabilitation centers in the Mexican city of Guadalajara recently reported food poisoning cases.

The incident has led to the death of six people and other 37 inmates are admitted in a hospital.

Meanwhile, investigations are going to determine whether it was an intentional or accidental act. Earlier also, such incidents have happened where Mexico’s rival drugs cartels have targeted rehabilitation centers. But till now, nothing could be said as laboratory reports are still due to come. The cooks of both the centers are being questioned.

The Spokesperson for the Red Cross, Ally Daniel Nunez said all inmates were served sausages with vegetable and rice. It is suspected that sausages were being laced with cyanide which is giving hint to the involvement of some third person.

It has not happened for the first time, as 60 people died during the last three years in similar cases. Rehabilitation officers said they got to know about the incident when one after other started complaining dizziness and vomiting after having the dish.

The number started increasing and then, they got to know that one person has already died. They immediately took them to hospital in one of the nearby places. Officials said, “The first patient appeared with moderate intoxication, but after a while we were called by others that at least 14 were intoxicated. At the site we find that a man had died”.

The majority of survivors feel that food was not cooked in the centre were being donated. One of the survivors said that generally whatever is placed in their plate is open. There is very little food which the centre buys.

Whether it was a planned move or an accident, it’s still due to be known, said the state coordinator of aid stations, Oscar Mejia.

Source: French TribuneThe Expert’s Thought: Food Poisoning is a sad story for Food & Beverage Industry. No matter, where it takes it always remind us for better Hygiene, Food Management and the professional ways to tackle it.

While Food Recall is a relatively new concept in India, with the FSS Act, 2006, focussing on this vital aspect, awareness is growing and companies are looking at it as a vital link in the supply chain.

Indian companies are slowly realising that at times the product they have released in the market, needs to be recalled. And this can be minimised if the company’s recall system is well planned, implemented and understood by those who are involved in core activities of sourcing, manufacturing and distribution functions.

With the kind of emphasis, which is being given to food safety nowadays, consumers are also very much aware and at the same time concerned about the safety of the product they consume.

Section 28 of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, of Government of India emphasises the need for product recall. This states If a food business operator considers or has reasons to believe that a food which he has processed, manufactured or distributed is not in compliance with this Act, or the rules or regulations, made thereunder, he shall immediately initiate the procedures to withdraw, the food in question from the market and consumers indicating reasons for its withdrawal and inform the competent authorities thereof.

Every food business operator shall follow such conditions and guidelines relating to food recall procedures as the Food Authority may specify by regulations.

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The Expert’s Thought: It’s indeed a new concept and i think, the concept and law would ensure better food safety in terms of Management and practices.

“Alcohol tastes sweeter when loud music is playing,” Metroreported today. The news is based on a study that found that people listening to loud club music rated alcohol as tasting sweeter than those who were either listening to nothing at all, to a news story, or to a mix of music and news.

According to an interview with the lead researcher the findings offer a “plausible explanation” as to why people drink more alcohol in noisy environments and “has implications for bars, the drinks industry and local authorities”.

This was a small experimental study, carried out over 45 minutes. It used a specific population – young and mainly female – and one specific type of drink – cranberry juice and vodka – and took place in laboratory conditions rather than in the ‘real world’. Given these limitations, its findings are of minor interest and should be viewed with caution.

Alcohol and pop music are a potent mix in terms of sensory arousal, and the relationship between the two is complex. People probably drink more in clubs, bars and parties where there is loud music for a variety of reasons, including general excitement, nervousness and to release inhibitions (so that they can dance to the music). Music arguably makes people want to stay on – and therefore drink more. Whether altered perception of the taste of alcohol is also a factor in people drinking more when listening to music is uncertain. How, or whether, this research informs alcohol strategy, industry attitudes or people’s individual consumption is unclear.

[SOURCE]

The Expert’s Thought: Extreme new Scientific Research. Our Food Technology team is working on the findings.

Early Symptoms of Diabetes:

Diabetes can be cured effectively if diagnosed in early stage. You can prevent the complications if treated immediately. But, it is difficult to know if you are not aware of the early signs of diabetes. Following are some signs and symptoms of diabetes.

Frequent urination: In diabetes, glucose levels increase in urine and blood. Because of high urine sugar levels, frequency of urine levels increase.

Increase in hunger: Glucose cannot enter into cells from blood stream during diabetes. As glucose is necessary for producing energy, a person may get exhausted quickly. As a result, one may feel increase in hunger.

Unexplained weight loss: Though hungry increases, a person may experience unexplained weight loss. Because of lack of cellular energy, your body will start breaking down muscular fats and proteins, resulting in weight loss.

Fatigue: As energy levels decrease, a person may feel constant tiredness and fatigue. Also, a person may feel sleepy after meals.

Infections: Another important warning of diabetes is frequent skin infections or urinary tract infections. A person with diabetes becomes more vulnerable to fungal or bacterial infections.

[SOURCE]

The Expert’s Thought: Diabetes is a chronic ailment. This condition is caused by increase in blood glucose levels. Glucose is the energy source needed for performing daily chores. In a healthy person, insulin regulates blood glucose levels. In diabetics, insulin is not produced or is produced insufficiently. Any of these may occur in any form of diabetes.

Winter season heralds chilly weather and early sunsets, which means we spend most of our time indoors often snacking on sugary and starchy foods.

Drink Healthy Fluids
The cold weather outside may tempt us to drink plenty of hot caffeinated and sugary beverages like coffee. This can cause dehydration, weight gain and affect our immune system. Instead of coffee, try herbal tea to boost your energy, maintain ideal weight and improve digestion. White and green teas are recommended as they are rich in antioxidants.

Get Plenty of Sleep
The holiday season means you have a lot of parties to go to. Heavy partying till the wee hours can affect your health. So, ensure that you get enough sleep to feel rejuvenated for the next day.

Grab Some Garlic
Garlic contains sulfur which can improve your immune system and ward off colds. You can eat garlic cooked or raw to enjoy its benefits.

Zinc is Good
Zinc-rich foods can keep your immune system healthy throughout the cold and dark winter. These foods include yogurt, garbanzo beans, sesame and pumpkin seeds, lentils, lamb, turkey, pork, lean beef, liver and oysters.

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The Expert’s Thought: Winter is a time when our body needs a lot of fat and calories. We spend most of our time indoors often snacking on sugary and starchy foods. This hibernating instinct can cause a host of health problems. For one, since our activity level decreases, we can become prone to constipation. Our immunity also gets affected, and we may become victims of winter flus and colds.

Herbal teas promote good health and one of them is Artichoke tea. It has several health benefits besides being a great beverage to sip on. This is a native to Southern Europe. Usually it is consumed as a vegetable, but for people who dislike it as a vegetable.

Health Benefits of Artichoke Tea:

• Artichoke tea strengthens the immune system of the body. Hence, it fights against diseases and infections.
• It prevents liver, gall bladder and kidney infections as it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Artichokes flower heads are excellent sources of antibodies among all vegetables. Because of this it has capability to combat certain cancer forms.
• Regular consumption of artichoke herbal tea helps to tone up the muscles and to maintain them in healthy condition.
• In order to cure hepatitis, you can also drink this along with the medications. Also, it is known to prevent birth defects.
• This tea is also beneficial for liver. It boosts up the production of bile, which in turn accelerates the elimination of toxins and cholesterol from liver. Enhances gall bladder and liver functioning, thereby prevents liver impairment and other diseases associated with it.
• Artichoke herbal tea is good for liver. Hence, any damage caused to it because of excessive alcohol consumption can be recovered by drinking it regularly.

[SOURCE]

The Expert’s Thought: Artichoke is made into herbal tea. These are a good source of proteins, carbohydrates and many minerals and vitamins. Also, it is rich in antioxidants. Because of the presence of cynarin in artichokes, it has excellent healing properties.

Delay in obtaining clearance for imported food items is a major problem for the importers, who have time and again tried to bring the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) attention to the issue. This was informed by Pankaj Shah, vice-president, the Bombay Custom House Agents’ Association.

“The total time taken for clearance of imported food items is anywhere between five to 10 days, as sample testing itself needs five days. We have repeatedly approached the Authority on the issue but in vain. However, one good thing happened is that procedure for clearance has been placed online, which reduced our effort in approaching the authority a number of times,” said Shah.

The situation is aggravating also because there is not enough infrastructure backup for storage of imported food items. Items which do not come in reefer vessels lie in open.

[SOURCE]

The Expert’s Thought: The major challenge what India is facing is the Food supply chain and Hygiene Management. If we work on this core issues, the Indian Food supply chain would be the safest in the world.