CFA provided substantial input to FSA in its review of its 2017 Vacuum and Modified Atmosphere Packed Guidance regarding the inclusion of fresh meat (CFA News 54). As a result of this the guidance has been revised to no longer limit shelf life to 10 days after the day of production for vacuum or MAP chilled fresh beef, pork or lamb. However, food businesses will be responsible for identifying and applying a safe shelf-life in relation to non-proteolytic C. botulinum in line with their existing food safety management systems, in the same way they do for other types of food. […]

The new T level Science qualification, with its food science module, offers another route into the food industry. CEd has been contacted by the team at the STEM Network to help them support the new qualification by sharing real life experiences of industry colleagues. This approach works very well on the CEd website, with the career paths and case studies amongst the most visited on the site. STEM Network is a long-time partner of CEd and will host video interviews with CFA colleagues. CEd is currently co-ordinating colleagues’ involvement and investigating other ways to support the initiative. 15 April 2021

CFA has released 2020 market data commissioned from Kantar, charting sales of chilled foods ranging from prepared produce to chilled cake. The market has not been immune to the effects of the pandemic with most consumers compelled to change their work and home life patterns. The statistics reflect the massive upheaval experienced by the UK, with fluctuations across almost all categories. However, the overall market remains strong and is now worth almost £13.5bn, up by 4.1 percent on 2019. With many offices and workplaces closed, classic office lunchtime foods such as ready-made sandwiches, rolls, and baguettes predictably took the biggest […]