Gourmet News

FSIS Issues Alert for Beef Tallow Products From Mexico

Published November 25, 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is issuing a public health alert for beef tallow products that were illegally imported from Mexico and are ineligible for entry into the United States. The products were not certified for export to the U.S. by the government of Mexico as being produced under equivalent inspection, they do not identify a certified establishment number on their packaging, and they were not presented to FSIS for import reinspection as required. These factors make the products ineligible to import into the U.S. and unfit for human consumption. FSIS is continuing to investigate how these products entered the country.

The following products are subject to the public health alert, regardless of the product date.

1-kg or 500-g bag packages containing “INCA GRASA COMESTIBLE DE SEBO BOVINO” (edible fat from beef tallow).

The products subject to the public health alert do not bear an establishment number nor a USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distribution and retail locations in Arizona.

The problem was discovered when FSIS was performing surveillance activities at a retailer and found beef tallow products from an unverified supplier in Mexico and, therefore, ineligible for import into the United States.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ pantries or on retailers’ shelves. Retailers who have purchased the products are urged not to sell them. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the public health alert can contact Jose Gallardo, Owner, MEXDIS, LLC, at 520-455-7239 or mexdisllc20@gmail.com.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

For more news of interest to the food and beverage industry, please subscribe to Gourmet News.

Wilton Unveils Gingerbread Boy Shaped Sprinkles Mix

Published November 21, 2024

Wilton, a leader in baking and decorating, proudly unveils its new limited-edition holiday packaging. This is the first in a series of special edition packages that will roll out throughout the next year for America’s favorite holidays. Each colorful design features Wilton “gift tags” tailored to reflect the distinctive hues and icons of the holiday beginning with Christmas, followed by Valentine’s Day, Spring/Easter, and Halloween. Alongside this festive debut, Wilton introduces innovative icing decorations to help put the finishing touch on all your baked goods this season.

Designed to mirror the excitement and joy associated with gift-giving and holiday festivities, Wilton’s holiday packaging artfully resembles wrapping paper, making each product a perfect present for the baker in your life. The design sports the updated Wilton logo, a modern color palette and food imagery to draw shoppers in and inspire creativity.

“Our holiday packaging encapsulates the spirit of giving and celebration that defines this joyful time of year,” said Shanta McGahey, Wilton’s Director of Masterbrand and Community. “Our festive, seasonal packaging is designed to inspire bakers and decorators of all skill levels to embrace the magic of holiday baking while sharing the spirit of the season through their favorite recipes.”

The special edition Christmas line includes Wilton’s newest icing decorations, which introduce a delightful twist on beloved holiday themes with cherished shapes like Santa, gingerbread men, and penguins. Nostalgic peppermint flavor is featured in the Christmas Peppermint Crunch Sprinkles and Edible Peppermint Candy Spoons. The playful, new Gingerbread Boy Sprinkle Mix is a highlight of this year’s holiday lineup.

“These new products reflect our continued commitment to bring joy and creativity to every baker’s kitchen,” said John Hollfelder, Senior Brand and Product Manager at Wilton. “We aim to inspire new holiday traditions for baking beginners and provide the perfect opportunity for baking enthusiasts to share their passion for creating sweet moments with loved ones.”

For over 95 years, Wilton products have been cherished by bakers and decorators around the world. Their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation propels the brand forward year after year and this holiday season is no exception. The special edition packaging will be available at major retailers nationwide, including Hy-Vee, Kroger, Meijer, Target, Wegmans, and Walmart.

Since 1929, Wilton has been a pioneer in baking, decorating, and education with a commitment to making baking and decorating accessible and enjoyable for all. Today, Wilton continues to champion adding sparkle and fun to any occasion with an array of renowned baking and decorating products in over 105 countries and skill-building classes at the Wilton Sweet Studio. From avid bakers to novice beginners, Wilton’s expansive product line and expert guidance are designed to help create sweeter moments. Be inspired at www.wilton.com.

For more ne3ws of interest to the confections industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.

IFT Bestows Section Impact Awards for Food Science Industry

Published November 21, 2024

The Institute of Food Technologists, a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, recognized five IFT Sections this year with its new IFT Section Impact Award. IFT Sections allow food science professionals to network with their local peers through a variety of events and opportunities, including supplier nights. IFT has 47 Sections spread across the U.S., as well as Mexico, Japan, England, and Canada.

Each winning section, which received a monetary prize to be used for continued local programming, was recognized at IFT FIRST 2024, IFT’s popular global event celebrating Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology.

One award was presented to each Section in the following categories:

Innovative Section Programming
Grants and Scholarships
Student Engagement
Section Outreach
Advocacy and Public Policy

“Sections are integral to the success of IFT’s global community, providing both virtual and in-person networking opportunities throughout the year where professionals working in the science of food can learn from one another and build their careers,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “Over the years, IFT Sections have had a tremendous impact on their local communities, and we are proud to recognize those contributions with the launch of the IFT Section Impact Awards.”

Here is a summary of each winner:

Impact Award for Innovative Section Programming
The New York Section of IFT was selected as the Section Programming winner in recognition of its two sold out events this year that focused on artificial intelligence and the future impacts of AI in the food industry. Established in 1942, NYIFT includes members from Northern and Central New Jersey, New York City, and Southeastern New York State (excluding Long Island). The Section Chair is retired PepsiCo executive Spencer Sullivan.

Impact Award for Grants and Scholarships
The recipient of the grants and scholarships award was the Alamo Section of IFT from San Antonio, Texas. Geographically the largest IFT section, the Alamo Section covers South Texas, including Austin, San Antonio, College Station, Houston, Laredo, and the Rio Grande Valley. The Alamo Section, which was recognized as an IFT Section of Excellence in 2019-2020, the Alamo Section uses its annual golf event to raise money for local grants and scholarships. The 2023 golf outing raised nearly $20,000 and over the last 10 years, it has raised more than $150,000 to help students at six colleges and universities in Texas. The 2024 golf outing recently took place on November 7, 2024, at Fort Sam Houston Golf Course in San Antonio. The Immediate Past Chair is Mary Karpati with Beneo.

Impact Award for Student Engagement
The Oregon Section of IFT was recognized as the student engagement award winner for its work to engage with the Oregon State University Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) and its more than 30 members. Through their efforts, student membership in the Section increased 30% since the pandemic, due in large part to strengthening ties and creating a pipeline for future Section leaders and volunteers, as well as supporting several student programs and events. The OSIFT President is Christina Johnson from KFK Seasonings.

Impact Award for Section Outreach
The Kansas City Section of IFT, representing both the states of Kansas and Missouri, was selected as the winner for Section Outreach. Under the leadership of now Immediate Past President Jennifer Vuia-Riser, the Kansas City Section has flourished with extensive engagement that has included launching initiatives to strengthen ties with local students and universities. The Kansas City Section also launched an outreach initiative to increase in-person presence at events, boost their social media footprint, host events, and build stronger relationships with the higher education community.

Impact Award for Advocacy and Public Policy
The Washington, D.C. Section was the final Impact Award winner this year for its work around advocacy and public policy led by President Kelly Higgins from Exponent. Most of the D.C. Section activities involve public policy, including the highly successful Food Policy Impact Summit that featured more than 100 attendees and 26 speakers and panelists.

To learn more about joining an IFT Section, go to www.ift.org/community/regional-sections. And to become a member of IFT and gain access to numerous networking opportunities and educational resources, go to www.ift.org/membership.

For more news of interest to the food technology industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.