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MONACO CONGRESS PROGRAM |
THURSDAY, 28 MAY 2009
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9:00am-5:00pm |
Registration at the Fairmont Hotel |
FRIDAY, 29 MAY 2009
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8:00am |
Bus departs from Fairmont Hotel for Golf Tournament at Monte Carlo Golf Club Golf Tournament, Sponsored by Setton Pistachios
Golf Lunch, Sponsored by Harris Woolf Almonds |
9:00am-5:00pm |
Registration at the Fairmont Hotel |
9:00am-2:30pm |
Scientific and Government Affairs Committee Meeting, at the Fairmont Hotel |
9:30am |
Bus departs from Fairmont Hotel for Tennis Tournament at Monte Carlo Country Club |
10:00am |
Lessons in Casino Games at the Monte Carlo Casino |
3:00pm-5:00pm |
Dried Fruit Meeting |
4:00pm-6:30pm
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Poker Tournament at Sun Casino, Fairmont Hotel. Finals from 9.30pm till 2.00am |
5:00pm-6:00pm |
Speakers’ Meeting at the Fairmont Hotel |
6:45pm |
Bus departs from Monte Carlo Bay Hotel to “La Salle Empire”, Hotel de Paris |
7:00pm-9:00pm
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Welcome Cocktail party at “La Salle Empire”, at Hotel de Paris
Co-Sponsored by Ahcom and the Monaco Tourist and Convention Authority |
SATURDAY, 30 MAY 2009
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9:00am
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Congress Officially opens at Fairmont Hotel
Welcome: Giles Hacking & Adam Hacking, Congress Co-Chairmen, and Jack Mariani, INC Chairman |
9:30am |
HAZELNUTS Working Group, chaired by Dr. Maurizio Cortese, Ferrero Group |
10:00am |
Speaker: Professor Joachim Schwass, IMD Family Business |
10:45am |
Coffee break. Do not miss to visit the exhibitions area |
11:15am
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WALNUTS Working Group, chaired by Gary Ford
PECANS Working Group, chaired by Dick Walden |
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11:45am |
DRIED: FIGS/ APRICOTS/ PRUNES Working Group, chaired by Mark Mariani |
12:15pm
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BRAZIL NUTS Working Group, chaired by David Rosenblatt
PINE NUTS Working Group, chaired by Huo Jianguo |
12:45pm |
Scientific Seminar, chaired by Pino Calcagni. Outcomes of the study “Functional effects of nuts on gut health”, Dr. Daniel Scharlau; Round table on nuts and dried fruits, latest regulatory issues, INC Scientific and Government Affairs Committee. |
1:45pm |
Buffet Working Lunch, Sponsored by Rajkumar Impex Ltd |
4:00pm-6:00pm |
Ambassadors Meeting, at the Fairmont Hotel |
8:15pm |
Bus shuttle from Fairmont Hotel to “Le Deck” |
8:30pm |
Casual Buffet Dinner at “Le Deck” |
9:45am-2:30pm |
Spouses Tour: Monaco old town (lunch included) |
SUNDAY, 31 MAY 2009
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9:00am |
INC General Assembly at the Fairmont Hotel |
10:00am |
2010 Beijing-China World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress Presentation |
10:15am |
ALMONDS Working Group, chaired by Doug Youngdahl |
10:45am |
Coffee Break. Exhibition continues |
11:15am |
PISTACHIOS Working Group, chaired by Asadollah Asgaroladi
PEANUTS Working Group, chaired by John Petersen |
11:45pm |
Speaker: David Coulthard, F1 Race Driver |
12:30pm
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CASHEWS Working Group, chaired by Ashok Krishen
MACADAMIAS Working Group, chaired by Michael Waring |
1:00pm
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DRIED: DATES Working Group, chaired by Mohsen Boujbel
DRIED: RAISINS/ SULTANAS/ CURRANTS Working Group, chaired by Barry Kriebel |
1:30pm |
Buffet Working Lunch, Sponsored by Sun-Maid Growers of California |
6:45pm |
Bus shuttle from Fairmont Hotel to “Salle des Etoiles” |
7:00pm |
Cocktail in the gardens of the Salle des Etoiles and des Salle des Palmiers |
8:00pm |
Gala Dinner and Ball at the “Salle des Etoiles”. Sponsored by Noberasco S.P.A. Black tie/Lounge suit recommended |
9:30pm-3:00pm |
Spouses Tour: Nice, the Capital of the French Riviera (lunch included) |
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Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods
3rd Session - 23-27 March 2009, Rotterdam (The Netherlands)
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The INC is participating at the forthcoming 3rd Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF), to be held on March 23-27, 2009, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Among others, the CCCF will discuss the following issues:
- Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods;
- Draft Maximum Levels for Total Aflatoxins in Brazil Nuts;
- Code of Practice for the Reduction of Acrylamide in Food;
- Code of Practice for the Reduction of Contamination of Food with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) from Smoking and Direct Drying Processes;
- Priority List of Contaminants and Naturally Occurring Toxicants Proposed for Evaluation by JECFA.
Over the past months, the INC has participated in the Discussion Paper on Aflatoxin Contamination in Brazil Nuts, prepared by Brazil, with contributions from FAO, the Netherlands, UK, USA, and the Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the EU (CIAA). The conclusions and recommendations of this Discussion Paper will be taken into consideration by the 3rd Session of the CCCF.
The INC, as Official Non-Government Observer, will be represented by Mr. Pino Calcagni, Chairman of the INC Scientific and Government Affairs Committee, and Ms. Julie Adams, Vice-Chairman.
We will keep you fully informed about the conclusions of the session.
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Join us at the 2009 IFT FoodExpo
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The INC will again be participating at the IFT FoodExpo, which will take place from 7 to 9 June, 2009, at Anaheim Convention Center.
Attendees from more than 80 countries around the world will converge in Anaheim to hear about the latest food science and technology developments, learn about the newest products and trends and form new professional relationships.
To whom it may interest we have free passes at INC members’ disposal. Please contact us at +34 977 331 416 or e-mail inc@nutfruit.org.
We look forward to meet you in Anaheim and explore the ways in which we can support you and the nut and dried fruit industry.
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Pino Calcagni elected Chairman of the EU Advisory Group on Fruit and Vegetables
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The INC is pleased to announce that Pino Calcagni, member of INC's Board of Directors and Chairman of the Scientific and Government Affairs Committee has been elected Chairman of the EU Advisory Group on Fruit and Vegetables for the next two years.
The Advisory Groups bring together high-level EU advisers to assist the European Commission in any matter relating to the common agricultural policy and to the policy of rural development and its implementation, and in particular the common organizations of the market and the measures which the Commission is called on to take in that context.
Among others, the Advisory Group on Fruit and Vegetables deals with the EU School Fruit Scheme, F&V Common Market Organization, F&V Marketing Standards, Maximum Residue Levels and international trade matters.
This appointment is of particular significance, recognition of his efforts and dedication to the nut and dried fruit sector, and the INC wishes him the utmost success with his new position. |
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Top Functional Food Trends
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According to Food Technology magazine, consumers’ main concerns in 2009 will be heart health, weight management, immunity and digestive health. Among others, the magazine lists the following trends:
- Beauty Foods: antioxidants such as Lutein and Vitamin E to promote skin health.
- Cognitive Health: Omega-3 fatty acids, Citicoline and Phosphatidylserine to improve mental health.
- Weight Management: ingredients that curb appetite and promote satiety will enjoy a strong growth.
- Digestive Health: markets are welcoming probiotics.
- Natural sweeteners for calorie counters.
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| New Scientific & Regulatory Issues on the INC web site
Scientific Studies
- Harris WS, Mozaffarian D, Rimm E, Kris-Etherton P, Rudel LL, Appel LJ, Engler MM, Engler MB, Sacks F. Omega-6 fatty acids and risk for cardiovascular disease: a science advisory from the American Heart Association Nutrition Subcommittee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; and Council on Epidemiology and Prevention. Circulation. 2009 Feb 17;119(6):902-7.
- Torabian S, Haddad E, Rajaram S, Banta J, Sabaté J. Acute effect of nut consumption on plasma total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2009 Feb;22(1):64-71.
- Sathe SK, Seeram NP, Kshirsagar HH, Heber D, Lapsley KA. Fatty acid composition of California grown almonds. J Food Sci. 2008 Nov;73(9):C607-14.
- Sicherer SH, Leung DY. Advances in allergic skin disease, anaphylaxis, and hypersensitivity reactions to foods, drugs, and insects in 2008. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009 Feb;123(2):319-27.
- Strunz CC, Oliveira TV, Vinagre JC, Lima A, Cozzolino S, Maranhão RC. Brazil nut ingestion increased plasma selenium but had minimal effects on lipids, apolipoproteins, and high-density lipoprotein function in human subjects. Nutr Res. 2008 Mar;28(3):151-5.
- Gallaher CM, Gallaher DD. Dried plums (prunes) reduce atherosclerosis lesion area in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Br J Nutr. 2009 Feb;101(2):233-9. Epub 2008 Sep 2.
- No authors listed. Walnuts slow growth of breast cancer tumors. W V Med J. 2008 Nov-Dec;104(6):36.
Regulatory Issues
- EU, Reasoned Opinion of EFSA: Modification of the existing MRL for lambda-cyhalothrin in currants. January 20, 2009.
- EU, Reasoned Opinion of EFSA: MRLs of concern for the active substance procymidone, taking into account revised toxicological reference values. January 21, 2009.
- EFSA proposes to decrease the current MRLs for procymidone of a number of products, among others apricots, plums and table grapes, in order to reduce the acute and/or consumer exposure to a level where no negative consumer health effects are expected. Consequently, the MRLs for the related processed products would also be decreased.
- FVO Program of Audits and Inspections 2009.
- FVO Report of a mission carried out in Argentina from 11 June to 19 June 2008 in order to evaluate controls of pesticides in food and plant origin intended for export to the European Union.
- CIAA Acrylamide “Toolbox”. Guidance for food business operators on ways to lower acrylamide. Updated February 17, 2009.
- US, HR 875 Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009.
- CANADA Organic Products Regulation, 2009. Canada Gazzete Part I. February 14, 2009. This Regulation forms the basis of a federal regulated system for organic agriculture in Canada. The Regulation will come into force on June 30, 2009.
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Update: EU High Risk Products Legislation
The
legislation on high risk products (implementing rules from Art. 15.5 of Regulation 882/2004) was not adopted by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCFCAH), during its 12-13 February meeting. The European Commission, Health and Consumer Protection Directorate General (DG SANCO), decided to withdraw the draft text from the vote since Member States’ representatives requested to further discuss the draft Regulation in a working group meeting. This meeting should take place on 13 March 2009. The main points to be further discussed are the following: the criteria for listing and de-listing products, the capacities of some designated points of first entry into the EU to deal with all official controls, and the possibility to carry out the official physical checks in the country of final destination.
EU: FVO Inspection Program for 2009
The EC Food and Veterinary Office has recently released its inspection program for 2009.
The following third countries are planned to be inspected in 2009 in order to check on compliance with the requirements of the EU food safety, quality and plant health legislation in products intended to be exported to the EU:
Country of Origin |
Product |
Area to be assessed |
AUSTRALIA |
Food of plan origin |
Contaminants |
AZERBAIJAN |
Food of plan origin |
Contaminants |
BRAZIL |
Food of plan origin |
Contaminants |
Food of plan origin |
Pesticides |
CHILE |
Food of plan origin |
Pesticides |
INDIA |
Food of plan origin |
Contaminants |
MOROCCO |
Food of plan origin |
Pesticides |
PERU |
Food of plan origin |
Contaminants |
USA |
Food of plan origin |
Contaminants |
UZBEKISTAN |
Food of plan origin |
Contaminants |
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As in previous years, adjustments to the plan could be required through the year. In fact, inspections in response to emergencies could be made by cancelling or postponing planned missions. The carrying out of certain inspections will depend on the timely availability of resources.
FVO Program of Audits and Inspections 2009
http://ec.europa.eu/food/fvo/index_en.cfm
AFRICA: New CCAFRICA Website
The FAO/WHO (Codex) Coordinating Committee for Africa (CCAFRICA) has recently launched its website www.codexafrica.org.
The website, which has English and French versions, was launched by the coordinator of CC AFRICA, Prof. Sefa-Dedeh Dean. It provides information, advice and support for food safety in the Africa region.
www.codexafrica.org
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RASFF Notifications
EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed
Weeks 4-8, 2009
ALERT NOTIFICATIONS
Country of Origin |
Reason for Notifying |
Total Notifications |
CHINA |
Melamine (13 mg/kg – ppm) in peanuts from China, via the Netherlands |
1 |
INDIA |
Aflatoxins in peanuts from Germany, with raw material from India |
2 |
IRAN |
Aflatoxins in pistachios |
1 |
SOUTH AFRICA |
Undeclared sulphite (87 mg/kg -ppm) in golden sultana raisins |
1 |
ITALY |
Traces of milk ingredient (19.3 mg/kg – ppm) in sweet nut snack |
1 |
USA |
Aflatoxins in pistachios from USA, via Germany |
1 |
Peanut butter flavored snack bars from the United States possibly contaminated with Salmonella typhimurium |
1 |
Salmonella in dietetic meals containing peanut paste |
1 |
Salmonella in peanut bar from Canada, with raw material from USA |
1 |
Suspicion of Salmonella in honey roasted peanuts and chipotle peanuts |
1 |
Suspicion of Salmonella in snack/candy bars containing peanuts |
3 |
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Alert Notifications are released when a food or feed presenting a serious risk is on the market and when immediate action is required.
INFORMATION NOTIFICATIONS
Country of Origin |
Reason for Notifying |
Total Notifications |
CHINA |
Melamine (13 mg/kg – ppm) in peanuts from China, via the Netherlands |
1 |
INDIA |
Aflatoxins in peanuts from Germany, with raw material from India |
2 |
IRAN |
Aflatoxins in pistachios |
1 |
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Information Notifications concern a food or feed for which a risk has been identified, but for which the other member states do not have to take immediate action, because the product has not yet reached their market.
BORDER REJECTIONS
Country of Origin |
Reason for Notifying |
Total Notifications |
ARGENTINA |
Aflatoxins in peanuts |
3 |
BRAZIL |
Aflatoxins in cashew nuts |
1 |
Aflatoxins in peanuts |
2 |
CHINA |
Aflatoxins in peanuts |
7 |
EGYPT |
Aflatoxins in peanuts |
1 |
IRAN |
Aflatoxins in pistachios |
4 |
LEBANON |
Salmonella spp. (presence /25g) in pistachio halawa |
1 |
SOUTH AFRICA |
Aflatoxins in peanuts |
5 |
SYRIA |
Aflatoxins in pistachios |
1 |
TUNISIA |
Unauthorized food additive (formaldehyde) declared on label in stuffed dates with almond paste |
1 |
TURKEY |
Aflatoxins in dried figs |
10 |
Aflatoxins in hazelnuts |
7 |
Aflatoxins in pistachios |
4 |
Bad hygienic state of dried figs |
1 |
Ochratoxin A in dried figs |
3 |
UKRAINE |
Walnuts infested with moulds and insects |
1 |
USA |
Aflatoxins in almonds |
6 |
Aflatoxins in pistachios |
6 |
Aflatoxins in peanut butter with roasted honey nut |
1 |
Aflatoxins in peanuts |
1 |
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Border Rejections concern food and feed consignments that have been tested and rejected at the external borders of the EU and the European Economic Area when a health risk was found. The notifications are transmitted to all EEA border posts in order to reinforce controls and to ensure that the rejected product does not re-enter the Community through another border post.
Withdrawal of Previous Notification:
Aflatoxins in dried figs from Turkey (notification 2008.BZN was identical to notification 2009.ABZ).
http://ec.europa.eu
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AHA Confirms the Benefits of Omega-6 Fatty Acids
According to a new science advisory from the American Heart Association (AHA), published in the January 26 online issue of Circulation, omega-6 fatty acids –found in some nuts, seeds and vegetable oils- may improve insulin resistance, reduce diabetes risk and lower blood pressure.
This advisory was undertaken to summarize the current evidence on the consumption of omega-6 fatty acids and heart disease risk. Aggregate data from randomized trials, case-control and cohort studies, and long-term animal feeding experiments indicate that the consumption of at least 5 to 10 percent of energy from omega-6 fatty acids reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease relative to lower intakes. The data also suggest that higher intakes appear to be safe and even more beneficial. Reducing omega-6 fatty acids intakes would be more likely to increase than to decrease risk for heart disease.
To see the full report, please click www.americanheart.org.
Technology Improves Peanut Grading
Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) scientists at the National Peanut Research Laboratory have developed a new technology that improves peanut grading. According to USDA-ARS, researchers have found that using x-ray technology to grade peanuts performed a 98-99% accuracy rate, and was faster than official peanut-grading methods—7 minutes vs. 20 minutes per sample.The National Peanut Research Laboratory has developed an automated method for moisture detection in peanuts in-shell using radio frequency. Together with the x-ray grading technology, peanut processors may solve many of their issues.
www.ars.usda.gov
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E-mail: inc@nutfruit.org