Gourmet News

USDA Issues Warning of Illegally Imported Myanmar Products

Published October 25, 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is issuing a public health alert for various meat and poultry products that were illegally imported from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. 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. View labels in Burmese.

180-g. cans containing “BEST BEEF CURRY.”
425-g. cans containing “BEST Chicken Biryani.”
360-g. cans containing “Hti Mi Gwik Dry MoHinGa Paste.”
425-g. cans containing “BEST Myanmar Duck Blood.”
400-g. cans containing “Eain Chak MoHinGa Paste.”
160-g. vacuum sealed clear packages containing “Min Thar Gyi Dried Fish.”
400-g. cans containing “Eain Chak Coconut Soup Paste.”

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 retail locations in Arizona, California, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.

The problem was discovered when FSIS was performing surveillance activities at a retailer and found meat and poultry products from Myanmar that are not eligible to be exported to 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 health care provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ pantries and 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.

Media and consumers with questions regarding the public health alert can contact Leo Chen, Managing Member, at 480-399-6811 or Leo251185@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/.

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AAK Sells NJ Foodservice Facility to Stratas Foods

Published October 23, 2024

AAK has entered into an agreement to divest its foodservice facility in Hillside, N.J. This move aligns with its portfolio-based strategy to further optimize foodservice operations. While the standalone Hillside site will be sold, AAK is also planning to invest in enhancing its European foodservice structure, with a focus on strengthening its strong presence in the United Kingdom and Nordic regions.

A binding transaction agreement has been signed with Stratas Foods LLC, and the transaction is expected to be completed before the end of the year, subject to customary closing conditions. Until completion, Hillside will continue to be reported as part of Food Ingredients. The transaction is expected to generate a one-time positive cash flow impact of approximately SEK 600 million at closing, with no anticipated material effect on the profit and loss statement. Hillside represents approximately 5 percent of AAK’s total volumes and contributes around 1 percent to its
operating profit.

As a result, the divestment is expected to positively impact the group’s operating profit per kilo by approximately 4 percent, all else being equal. At the same time, to future-proof and strengthen its remaining foodservice operations in Europe, AAK is looking to invest in a new site to replace the existing facility in Dalby, Sweden. Additionally, it is enhancing and modernizing its Hastings Foodservice site in the United Kingdom.

The total capital investment for the European foodservice expansion is approximately SEK 400 million, spread over 2025-2026. These investments will further strengthen AAK’s competitiveness in the United Kingdom and northern Europe.

Johan Westman, president and CEO: “In line with our strategy, we are optimizing our foodservice business by focusing on Europe, where we see critical mass and growth potential. As part of this shift, we will divest the Hillside plant while strengthening our European presence by investing in a new facility in Sweden to replace the existing site in Dalby. Additionally, we are enhancing and modernizing our Hastings Foodservice site in the UK. These strategic investments will improve operational efficiency and position AAK for future growth in the foodservice sector.”

Erik Heggen, CEO Stratas Foods, LLC: “The acquisition of AAK Hillside underscores our commitment to expanding our footprint and capabilities in the Northeast. Along with our Englewood, N.J., site, AAK Hillside fortifies a robust platform that empowers us to grow with our customers today and well into the future. At Stratas, our Team is focused on re-defining what is possible to help our customers thrive. Together, our Hillside and Englewood locations are poised to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and stakeholders alike.”

AAK Foodservice manufactures over 300 specialty products, including oils, condiments, sauces, dressings, frying oils and ingredients. Following the divestment of Hillside, AAK operates three foodservice facilities worldwide – Runcorn and Hastings in the United Kingdom and Dalby in Sweden – collectively accounting for around 5 percent of the group’s total production volume. Once completed, the new site will replace the existing site in Dalby.

Stratas Foods, LLC is the leading supplier of fats, oils, mayonnaise, dressings and sauces to the foodservice, food ingredients and retail private label markets in North America. Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between Associated British Foods and Archer Daniels Midland.

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CPG Industry Drives US Economy, Study Shows

Published October 22, 2024

The Consumer Brands Association released a study on the consumer packaged goods industry’s growing economic footprint across the United States.

Conducted by PwC, the study found that the CPG industry is the largest manufacturing sector by employment. It supports 22.3 million jobs, which is almost three times the population of New York City and contributes $2.5 trillion — or nearly 10 percent — to the U.S. economy, which is more than Canada’s 2023 total gross domestic product.

“As one of the nation’s top job creators, the makers of the products consumers choose and the brands they trust play a crucial role in our national economy,” said Genna Gent, executive vice president of industry engagement for Consumer Brands. “When you look at how many jobs our industry proudly supports to make the food that families serve at the dinner table or the household and personal care products we use every day – from the scientist ensuring product safety, the farmer growing wheat for bread or the trucker on the road to the retailer, it’s clear the human-powered CPG industry has a massive impact on the economy.”

The study examined the total contribution of the CPG industry, including employment, labor income and economic value added, at the national, state and congressional district levels in 2022.

According to the study, the industry directly and indirectly supports:

22.3 million jobs, or 10.5 percent of total U.S. employment.
$1.5 trillion of labor income, including $195.2 billion directly, which is a 30 percent increase in CPG wages over five years.
$2.5 trillion in U.S. GDP, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the national total.

“Each one of the 22.3 million jobs the CPG industry supports is part of a greater purpose — contributing to the industry’s commitment to delivering for consumers every day — and the results can be found in nearly every American household,” Gent said. “The findings in this report also reinforce the need for federal and state policies that facilitate job creation, spur innovation and build consumer trust.”

The Consumer Brands Association champions the industry that makes the products you choose and the brands you trust. From household and personal care to food and beverage products, the consumer packaged goods industry plays a vital role in powering the U.S. economy, contributing $2.5 trillion to U.S. GDP and supporting 22.3 million American jobs.

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