Day 2-CIES International Food Safety Conference 2006
Dated: 9 February 2006
Aeon describes food safety work in Japan
Yasuhide Chikazawa, Aeon’s vice president, responsible for Kanto Regional Company, describes the Japanese retailer’s efforts in food safety. A series of incidents in recent years, particularly the outbreak of BSE in 2001 followed by a place-of-origin labeling fraud, have shaken the confidence of Japanese consumers. Aeon’s response was based on two principles: putting the consumer first; and learning from European precedents.
Yasuhide Chikazawa outlined a series of measures introduced by Aeon to reinforce food safety:
Traceability for beef: Aeon has introduced the SQF 2000 certification for beef both in Japan and its company-owned cattle ranch in Tasmania, Australia. Aeon stores have computer terminals that bring up information about the beef by entering a product code.
Green-Eye: this private-label range for fresh produce applies stringent standards for the use of additives and chemical fertilizers. Traceability is also applied and customers can view product information by pointing their cell phones at the barcode on the pack.
Labeling: allergen labeling became mandatory in Japan in 2002 for five allergens, and was recommended for a further 20. Companies were given the choice of giving a summarized or detailed listing of allergens on product packs; Aeon chose the latter after discussions with associations of allergy sufferers. Moreover, after it initially failed to indicate wheat as an allergen in spaghetti, Aeon held a press conference in order to maintain consumer trust.
(20 August 2008) Inspired leaders who champion reforms, mobilize resources and involve communities can play a key role in helping Asia meet its many water and sanitation supply challenges, says Xia...
(7 August 2008) Organic Alliance, Inc says it has agreed to implement the GS1 System to track its produce in order to improve traceability and consumer safety. GS1 is a global organization with an...
(1 August 2008) The cold supply chain is a multi-billion dollar business with more companies in Asia now positioning themselves to be part of the industry. The growth of retail sector throughout ...
(1 August 2008) The Food Standards Agency (FSA) says dried irradiated yeast that has been imported into the UK from China is in breach of regulations. The agency says the yeast has been mixed with...
(1 August 2008) TNT Express has launched a range of freight services for time sensitive heavy shipments. Available in Southeast Asia since June 2008, a selection of three services – Express Freig...
(21 July 2008) Following a public consultation, European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food (AFC) h...
(8 July 2008) TNT Express has received the ‘Leading HR Practices in Workplace Safety & Health Award’ as well as a Special Mention in the ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Award’ category in The S...
(2 June 2008) Waters Corporation has unveiled several new mass spectrometry innovations at the 56th American Society for Mass Spectrometry Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, incl...
Price promotions and the decision to only partially pass on food price inflation to customers have led to a downturn in second quarter margins for Ahold. Net sales for second quarter 2008 were EUR 5.8 billion, down 0.8% from the same period last year. At constant exchange rates, net sales increased by 7.3%.
Despite the credit crunch, drinks giant, Diageo reports another year of strong organic growth with net sales up 7% and operating profit up 9%. Sales rose to £8.09bn up from £7.48bn last year while sales volumes increased by about 3%.
Stop & Shop and Giant Landover supermarkets in the USA are getting a new-look and new logos. The stores are being revitalised as part of a series of new initiatives designed to enhance the customer store experience.
Tesco has raised £605 million (€ 758 million) from four sale & leaseback of properties in the latest phase of its ongoing programme of releasing value from its UK property portfolio.
The deal includes 13 Tesco stores, which account for about 2.4% of its UK store square footage, and a distribution centre.
After a 30% drop in its third-quarter net income, a down economy, and a ground beef recall because of possible E. coli contamination, Whole Foods will be laying off 49 workers, 13% of the people at it's corporate headquarters, after also closing its Austin (Texas) bakery only a few months ago.
Store brands account for 75% of Fresh & Easy sales. The Tesco-owned Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market has now produced its 3 millionth product - a 17-ounce package of store brand mashed potatoes - and plans to add over 250 new Fresh & Easy brand products to its stores over the next several months.
