Food & Beverage Reporter - June 2022

44 Pages·2022·29.1 MB·English

fbr Contents
03 INSIGHTS from the 2022
Food Safety Summit
04
WHAT’S IN A NAME
Debate rages over naming
conventions of meat analogue
products
07
Industry Update
12
10 Overview identifi es diffi culties
in preventing food fraud
12
Pesticide residues in food
14
Microbial environmental
monitoring according to
international standards
16 Ensuring quality and safety
across the food value chain
18 Consumer Trends: Ingredients
with natural antioxidant qualities
19 10
Blueberry boom
20
Seafood industry:
Latest insights
21 Fishermen unite for
23
World Ocean Week
P ckaging
processing
22 MSC board of trustees approves
FOR THE FOOD INDUSTRY
the new fi sheries standard
f od
beverage
REPORTER
Managing Editor
Bridget Day
[email protected]
[phone]
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Wendy Breakey
[email protected]
From the editor 083 653 8116
Research & Content
It has been a busy month for the team at FBR. While attending the Food Safety Jess Kelfkens
Summit 2022 organised by Food Focus and Anelich Consulting, we were exposed
to a great deal of insight on the challenges facing our industry as we recover from
Design & Layout
the pandemic. Water quality and foodborne/water disease remain a prevailing
Jane Prinsloo
challenge, which needs to be addressed on a bigger level. Dr Juno Thomas made
an interesting point, that without proper reporting of foodborne illnesses and
Published by
pathogen contamination, we have very little data with which to justify budget for
further education and activities into reducing this risk. Food & Beverage Reporter
We were also given a peek at some of the topics that organisations need 18 Miller Road
to address, such as food safety culture, the use of big data, the vital need to
Pierre van Ryneveld
implement cyber security protection measures. Local product recalls (on the rise
0157
in the last 12 months) and the ongoing food fraud risk (even greater now given the
shortages of food commodities worldwide and associated economic pressures)
were high on the agenda. We’d advise all businesses to put these topics on their
list of things to do, if they are not already on it!
Sustainability ranked high in all sectors – with multiple strategies coming into www.fbreporter.co.za
play to address this driver in ever more effective ways. The summit also looked
at the role that plant-based proteins play in the future of the industry, with
sustainability and consumer demands in mind.
Plant-based proteins is even higher on the agenda in South Africa right
now, following a communique from DALRRD on restrictions relating to product
labelling of meat analogue products. Regulation 1283 has been invoked to prevent
the use of terms such as nuggets, sausages and similar terms being used for
In partnership with Food Focus
plant-based protein products, with the risk of product seizure off the shelves for www.foodfocus.co.za
offenders. The plant-based sector is vehemently opposed to this directive, and
discussions are underway to challenge this decision. However, as it stands, the
assignee for meat products will be issuing notices to all in contravention of this
notice from the department, allowing companies 30 days to comply. You can read
more on this in our feature article.
Hope you stay warm and dry, despite the rolling blackouts and winter weather.
With the winter solstice behind us, we can look forward to brighter days ahead.
Happy reading. Endorsed by the SA Association of
the Flavour &Fragrance Industry.
You can reach me at: [email protected]
Endorsed by SAAFoST
2 | June2022 | Food & Beverage Reporter
Insights from the 2022
Food Safety Summit
T
his year’s virtual event was held on the 7th and 8th of
June 2022, as part of the global celebrations of World
Food Safety Day. The theme of this year’s Summit was
“Safer food for better health in South Africa”. The summit
provided insights into food safety, sustainability, legislative
Adele Krogh
reforms, and related topics. With over 300 delegates
(Food Focus)
from around the world, this event encouraged online and Lucia Anelich
(Anelich Consulting)
participation and promoted the ethos of collaboration
hosts for the 2022 event
to further food safety.
With leading sector-specific experts and exciting
discussion points, this event combined the very best of innovation, with some organizations opting to use hybrid
global knowledge and local insights. The event participants auditing, which combines online and on-site auditing.
ranged from CEOs to students, from auditors to food Hot Topics session included Big Data and Digital
safety professionals from companies of all sizes, and the Transformation, Cybersecurity in the Food Space, and
engagement and feedback from the delegates were Food Safety for Plant-Based Foods. Due to the increase in
evidence that the topics were relevant, thought-provoking, cyber-attacks on all organizations, a key takeaway from this
and value-adding. session was the significance of handling massive datasets
The opening session featuring the NICD, highlighted quickly and effectively for availability when needed, as
the lack of genuine data in South Africa regarding the well as ensuring that all data is kept safely. This includes
prevalence of food- and water-borne disease due to poor being prepared to cope with cyber-attacks if businesses are
data collection methods, a lack of financing for areas that targeted, which is a priority for SA, given that it has been
require research, and an absence of a partnership between classed as extremely vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to
the public and commercial sectors that have access to inadequate cybersecurity.
information. Food-borne illnesses are mostly caused by Session four covered food safety legislation, legal
inappropriate food preparation, handling, and storage, updates, current case studies, updates on revised regulations
particularly when food is prepared in high volumes at and standards in SA, and food defense. The recent increase
social occasions using self-catering. This may be remedied in food recalls was a fascinating topic for discussion.
by educating communities on proper food safety measures, The event discussed sustainability in the context of
a simple task by the sounds of it, but one limited to cultural manufacturing, restaurants, and social responsibility,
aspects, hierarchies (respect), education and adequate and sustainability driving change in food safety
facilities. management was a hot topic of conversation. The rise
Pesticide residues in food were also targeted, with it in customers wanting to see brands they purchase from
being noted that pesticides used in fresh produce are employ more sustainable packaging was explored here,
studied for years before being used. It was noted that which brands appreciated since it acted as motivation to
amongst the issues recognised globally, pesticide residues continue researching, developing, and enhancing their
is not one of the more urgent focuses. sustainability policies.
The presentation on ‘Water quality as a food safety issue The event closed off with Food Safety Culture, and
in SA’ provided startling facts regarding South Africa’s water conversations centered on the significance of creating
quality decline over the last 28 years. It may be attributed to environments that not only teach individuals about food
inadequate and ineffective management and upkeep of our safety but also encourage its practice outside of academic
water facilities. This has a significant impact on food safety context for both customers and manufacturers. The role of
since the amounts of microorganisms found in the water social media in influencing food safety understanding was
may present health risks to the public. discussed, with misinformation and lack of information
The Food Safety Testing and Auditing session highlighted being problematic.
an increase in product testing by small enterprises, The event was privileged to have sponsorship from
demonstrating that small-scale manufacturers are across the globe, allowing key service providers in the
becoming more aware of the necessity of food safety. A panel industry to bring their cutting-edge solutions and products
discussion on food safety auditing and certification followed, to the delegates and to engage with individuals. And with
unpacking the strain that the pandemic had on the ability to delegates already confirming their interest in next year’s
conduct thorough audits - particularly with the challenges summit it looks like we will be counting down
of online audits and the absence of human interaction as the months to the 2023
a component of engaging with the environment and its Food Safety Summit
people. However, this has provided an opportunity for South Africa
www.fbreporter.co.za Food & Beverage Reporter | June2022 | 3
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Debate Rages over Naming Conventions
of Meat Analogue Products
On 22 June 2022 DALRRD released a communique addressed to Processors, Importers and
Retailers of Meat Analogue, regarding the naming conventions used for plant-based meat
alternatives (referred to as meat analogues) and warning of seizure of non-compliant products.
This unexpected missive has rocked the industry, from producer to retailer alike
A
ccording to the communique, the problem lies with DALRRD advised that the seizure of meat analogue
meat analogue products using names which are used products using product names prescribed for processed
for processed meat products. They listed names such meat products will be delayed, to allow for the assignee
as Vegan Veggie Biltong; Mushroom Biltong; Plant based to conduct an environmental scan to determine the
meatballs, Vegan Nuggets, Vegan BBQ Ribs, Plant based extent of this situation.
Bratwurst; Chorizo and Red Pepper Vegetarian Sausages, Louis Visagie, CEO of The Food Safety Agency has
Plant Based Chicken-style Strips etc. since confirmed that the seizure of meat analogue
The missive also advised that product names listed in products which use product names prescribed for
Regulation 1283, the processed meat regulations, are processed meat products will be delayed by 30 (thirty)
reserved solely for processed meat products. This includes business days from the 24 June 2022.
generic terms such as nuggets, burgers, strips, sausages Visagie advised that they will be conducting an
and the like. extensive market survey on this issue and will provide the
DALRRD stated that the use of these terms for products DALRRD with feedback on the outcome of the survey
which do not contain meat is in contravention of the law and within the said period.
will result in seizure of any non-compliant meat analogue During this time, Food Safety Agency inspectors will be
products from supermarket shelves – with immediate effect. issuing directions for meat analogue producers who are
This will be implemented by theFood Safety Agency (Pty) Ltd, found to be in contravention, providing them with a grace
the assignee designated for this sector. period of 30 business days to rectify the incorrect product
Following their announcement, DALRRD held a names/descriptions used on their meat analogue products
stakeholder meeting with interested parties on 24 June which are on sale.
to discuss their concerns. A day later they advised that While not the outcome the plant-based industry was
implementation of Regulation No. R 1283 of the 4th October hoping for, it is certainly better than having immediate
2019 will be deferred to the Food Safety Agency (Pty) Ltd, seizureof product off the shelves, which would have resulted
as the designated Assignee in terms of section of 2 of in massive financial and logistical chaos.
the Agricultural Product Standards Act 119 of 1990.
4 | June 2022 | Food & Beverage Reporter www.fbreporter.co.za
We have been in communication with SAMPA and ProVeg, the associations
representing the processed meat industry and the plant-based industry
respectively, for their response to this news.
SAMPA’s Position: ProVeg’s Position
SAMPA has been lobbying for action by the regulators The South African Department of Agriculture, Land
since 2019. Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has taken a
Our position has been consistent and clear, “product
major step backwards in the fi ght against climate change
descriptions and product names must not ride on
with an imposed ban on “meaty” names for plant-based
the back of existing animal protein products or be
meat alternatives.
misleading to the consumer.”
Words such as “veggie biltong”, “plant-based meatballs”
Without doubt the meat analogue sector has felt
and “vegan nuggets” are now banned because they do
the only way it could gain traction in the market was
not meet the defi nition of “processed meat” under the
to link their product names to the powerful and well-
known established animal protein products so loved by country’s Regulation No.R.1283.
consumers. This is unacceptable to SAMPA members Yesterday in a letter addressed to “All processors,
who have spent many years and millions of rands in importers and retailers of meat analogues”, the DALRRD
developing their brands.
instructed that meat analogues “must not use the product
We expect any vegan /vegetarian/fl exitarian (VVF)
names prescribed and reserved for processed meat
who wants to eat a pumpkin product will want it
products”.
named correctly e.g., “Pumpkin Ball” and not a “Meat
The letter also instructs the Food Safety Agency
style Pumpkin Ball.”
(Pty) Ltd, the assignee designated for the inspection of
The meat industry is aware of the massive growth in
processed meat products, to seize and remove any plant-
the VVF market, and we welcome the growth this offers
producers and retailers in South Africa. SAMPA want based products using names that traditionally refer to
that sector to be able to grow with products that are animal-based products in terms of section 8 (“Seizures”)
honestly labelled and sell based on the products’ own of the Agricultural Product Standards Act 199 of 1990
customer appeal, not by riding on the shoulders of the
(“the APS Act”).
meat, poultry, fi sh, or dairy industries through the use
The names of plant-based meat alternative products
of misleading product descriptions.
cited in the document include:
We are very pleased with the directive issued by
• Vegan Veggie Biltong
DALLRD and strongly encourage the assignees to take
• Mushroom Biltong
swift and fi rm action against offenders.
• Plant-based Meatballs
• Vegan Nuggets
• Vegan BBQ ribs
• Plant-based bratwurst
• Chorizo and red pepper vegetarian sausages
• Plant-based chicken-style strips
What is seemingly an interpretation of existing
regulations, is in fact an extreme interpretation and is,
essentially, creating new legislation. The measure also
fl ies in the face of the government’s own plans to introduce
legislation to tackle climate change.
In the National Climate Change Response White Paper,
the South African government admits that “land-based
human activities, such as forest clearing and unsustainable
agricultural practices, are not only increasing Green House
Gas (GHG) emissions from these sources, but are also
reducing the earth’s natural ability to absorb GHGs”. The
White Paper also states that “[t]he evidence that current
global warming is due to human activities associated with
industrialisation and modern agriculture is overwhelming”.
Yet, now, this very government’s Department of
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is
www.fbreporter.co.za Food & Beverage Reporter | June2022 | 5
We have also
aiming to disrupt a prosperous economic sector that
could help South Africans mitigate their carbon footprint. since received a
What the White Paper fails to mention is that the
statement from Fry Family
farming and eating of animals is a leading contributor
to the global climate crisis, responsible for about 20% of Foods, one of the most
GHGs emissions, and that switching to a plant-based diet
established brands in
could reduce an individual’s food-related emissions by up
to 50%. this sector in South Africa,
The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
which has been creating
Change (IPCC) report also confi rms that the world needs
to shift more to a plant-based diet to keep within the plant-based products for
1.5 Celsius global warming limit set by the 2015 Paris
the local market for
Agreement.
“This is a huge step backwards in the Government’s three decades.
fi ght against climate change,” Donovan Will, Country
Director at ProVeg South Africa said. “Regulation such
as this is exactly what we don’t need when the world’s
scientists are telling us we urgently need to reduce our
meat consumption to help brake dangerous global
warming.”
Fry’s, along with many
“The regulation disrespects consumers,” Will said. of South Africa’s plant-
“There is no evidence to show that people are confused based food stakeholders,
by meaty names for plant-based foods. In fact, evidence believe that Regulation
from Australia, Europe and the US prove they are not No.R.1283 does not apply
to plant-based meat
confused.”
alternatives, and we
The meat and egg industries are essentially claiming
therefore do not believe
a monopoly on the term “meat” and “egg” and all other
that it is reasonable.
related terminology, where the alternatives should be
The regulations explicitly state, in 2.2.c thereof,
able to use these terms because they effectively mimic
that: “These regulations shall not apply to the
the taste, texture and use of the products they replace. following foodstuffs: Meat analogue products or
As long as products are clearly labelled as “meat- non-meat-based products that in general
free”, “vegan”, or “vegetarian”, the terminology is not appearance, presentation and intended use
misleading. They are marketed as alternatives to meat correspond to processed meat products (e.g., vegan
or vegetarian type processed products).”
and do not claim to be meat from an animal source.
Fry’s has been producing plant-based protein
A similar restriction on the naming of plant-based
products for over 30-years from our factory in Durban,
products referred to as the “veggie burger ban” was
South Africa. The company is the pioneer of the
proposed by the meat industry in Europe in 2019 but
category in South Africa. At no point have we felt
was defeated in the European Parliament in 2020 after a
that our naming conventions were confusing for
sustained campaign by ProVeg International and many consumers, and in fact, our product names play an
other groups. important role in helping our consumers understand
Although similar attacks on the plant-based dairy how to use our products. We feel strongly that if we
industry have not come to light yet, ProVeg South Africa cannot use product names like ‘burger’, ‘sausage’,
‘nugget’ or ‘mince’ it will create confusion for
is sure that it will soon follow, subjecting thousands of
consumers. Our consumers appreciate clear direct
lactose-intolerant South Africans to even more confusion
communication.
and disruption and further endorsing an industry that is
More so, the impact on our business of recalling,
poisonous to the environment.
relabelling, and repackaging would be massive, at
“We really urge the government to overturn this
a time when the South African Government should
regulation. At a time when countries are seeking ways really be supporting local business growth rather
to tackle climate change, we must do all we can to than making it harder for them to operate.
encourage a vibrant and innovative plant-based sector,” Says Tammy Fry, co-founder of Fry’s, “We have
Will said. so much data now that shows the undeniable link
between animal agriculture and climate change.
Plant-based foods play a vital role in making our food
systems more sustainable. Enforcing a regulation like
Share your thoughts this not only undermines the important work South
African meat analogue manufacturers are doing in
on this topic with us:
the fi ght against climate change, but it also makes
no sense in terms of how many other governments
Drop an email to
and food regulators from around the world are
[email protected] responding to the data.”
6 | June2022 | Food & Beverage Reporter www.fbreporter.co.za
fbr Industry Updates
Woolworths switches to electric
delivery vehicles
After a successful 10-month trial, Woolworths has announced at strategic Woolworths store
that it will be the fi rst South African retailer to embark on an locations. We will work closely with
extensive rollout of electric panel vans (EVs) in partnership DSV and Everlectric to plan, position
with DSV and Everlectric to deliver their customers’ online and negotiate the installation of
purchases in Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban. these charging stations to leverage off existing renewable/
The rollout will result in up to 70% of the retailer’s fl eet being solar installations co-located at the selected malls/ retail
powered by electricity which according to the fi gures from locations. Should there be any exception to renewables
the trial, will have on an annual basis the potential to save recharging, DSV and Everlectric will work with an audit fi rm
700 000 kgs of tailpipe carbon emissions. to procure Renewable Energy Certifi cates (RECs) to offset any
“Last year we announced bold new sustainability goals and indirect grid energy emissions,” explains Hillock.
ambitions, which included the goal to have ZERO nett carbon “At Everlectric, we believe that the South African
emissions by 2040 so we are very much looking forward to logistics sector is ready to transition to a cleaner, more
being the fi rst retailer in South Africa to embark on such environmentally friendly and sustainable future. We
an extensive rollout of electric panel vans to support our are delighted that Woolworths is taking a leading role
growing online business. This latest investment in electric in sustainable logistics in retail by committing to this
panel vans, enables us to continue to grow our online substantial rollout of our electric panel vans. We see
business and deliver the Woolies difference, but with a lower the global renewable energy and electric vehicle trends
carbon footprint,” confi rms Liz Hillock, Woolworths Head of manifesting, and we know that it is only a matter of time
Online and Mobile. before the existing internal combustion engine (ICE)
“To power the vans, electricity will be sourced as far as vehicles are replaced by EVs due to their enhanced
possible from renewable sources maximising the opportunity effi ciencies and economic benefi ts,” confi rms Ndia
to utilise solar at DSV and additional chargers co-located Magadagela, Everlectric CEO.
Consumer purchasing shift sees the rise of private
brands at Massmart
As the rising cost of living for South African consumers been dominated by national brands.
continues, shopping and spending habits continue to refl ect Massmart owns 86 private brands across the categories
the focus on cost saving. According to Massmart, the rising of food, general merchandise and home improvement.
economic pressure is causing consumers to buy more private
brand products as part of their routine shopping trips. With infl ation eroding consumer buying power,
“Investing into private brands not only benefi ts the private brands in the food category have experienced
business but enables us to support local suppliers where
most of the increased demand.
possible and provide the most competitive pricing for
our customers,” says Clyde Hill, Group Private Brand Vice
Massmart recently conducted a pricing comparison on 16
President at Massmart. “Our goal is to make essential items
household essential items using its private brands First
accessible to all our customers without compromising on
Value, Great Value, Econo and M as like-for-like substitutes
quality, whether they are purchasing to resell, or doing a
for popular branded products. The comparison yielded
monthly pantry shop for their homes.”
interesting results with savings as high as 20-40% on
McKinsey’s Global Consumer Sentiment Survey found
essential products including rice, maize meal, milk and toilet
that 61% of South African consumers (across income levels)
paper. In addition to striving to offer consumers the best
are cutting back on spending, with 70% of respondents
possible quality at the lowest possible price, Massmart says
paying more attention to the price of products. Just over a
the group has also increased its focus on elements such as
third of respondents reported substituting branded products
the packaging and marketing of its private brands.
with more affordable alternatives – such as private brands;
Massmart has seen an increased interest around its
an increase of 10 percentage points since the start of the
private label products across all customer segments and will
COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally, popular private brand
continue to invest in these areas. “With approximately 46%
products included staples and household cleaning supplies,
of South Africans receiving some form of social grant, there
but research conducted from Nielsen HQ shows private label
has never been a more important time to offer cost-saving
products now represent 24% of total basket value in South
alternatives to our consumer,” Hill concluded.
Africa. Competitive pricing, coupled with a quality offering
has driven the acceptability of private brand products in
many new categories, including those that have historically
www.fbreporter.co.za Food & Beverage Reporter | June2022 | 7
fbr Industry Updates
Eskort innovates with
restaurant partnerships
Latest Statistics South Africa fi gures show that despite
the easing of lockdown restrictions, food and beverage
enterprises had still only recovered some 60% of their
pre-pandemic income by March this year, with sales still
impacted by lingering COVID-19 fears.
Meanwhile, the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice
and Dignity group (PMBEJD) has revealed that the price
McCain invests in of cooking oil jumped 53% year-on-year in May, potatoes as
much as 22%, and beef 15%, once again placing restaurants
farms of the future at risk as households gradually tighten their belts.
According to Arnold Prinsloo, Chief Executive Offi cer of
Eskort, this has placed increased pressure on restaurateurs to
McCain Foods Limited has unveiled plans for a second
develop creative tactics to keep customers at tables.
Farm of the Future in South Africa, as part of its drive to
“The food industry is at a crossroads, and restaurants
cut carbon emissions and tackle the impacts of climate
need to prepare for a major shift as consumers grow more
change.
price-sensitive by the day,” he says.
The fi rst Farm of the Future location was in Canada,
More expensive meats such as beef and lamb have
and McCain plans to open three more in different
become particularly unaffordable, which has pushed
growing regions around the world by 2025. This
resourceful restaurants to consider alternatives such as pork
forms part of their global commitment to implement
that will appeal to their budget-conscious customers while
regenerative agriculture across 100 per cent of its potato
still generating profi ts.”
acreage by 2030.
Eskort has entered into partnerships with several leading
McCain has identifi ed two South African locations
local restaurants to place more pork on the menu, allowing
totalling 465 ha irrigation and 90 ha dryland on which
restaurants to deliver to affordable menus to consumers
McCain will grow 125 ha potatoes for use across the
without compromising on quality, while at the same time
country, per year. The farm will focus on enhancing
supporting both the restaurants and creating new markets
productivity, while prioritising soil health, water
for their products. The increased portion size of the pork
effi ciency, the reduction of agro-chemical impacts and
equivalent is an added drawcard for customers.
the introduction and preservation of biodiversity.
One such partnership has seen a famous South African
McCain CEO Max Koeune said the Farms of the
restaurant chain pilot an exclusive Eskort menu at 30 of its
Future project is vital in trying to make the global food
restaurants around the country, including sites at Polokwane,
system more sustainable: “This is a critical moment. The
Kempton Park, Pretoria, Middelburg, and King Shaka
strain that global supply chains are under right now is
International Airport.
shining a stark light on how exposed we are, with a food
As one of Gauteng’s favourite pub and grills, the
system that requires a radical transformation to address
GrubHouse has enjoyed similar success, with Eskort pork
the challenges of our century.”
having been a mainstay at its diners since opening its fi rst
“If we don’t change the way we farm, feeding the
location in October 2020. The GrubHouse uses Eskort pork
world in 30 years will require an 87 per cent increase
on its pizzas, burgers and breakfast dishes, as well as offering
in carbon emissions. The implications of that are
diners a selection of ribs, eisbein and pulled pork.
bleak – and we cannot allow it to happen. Farmers
“After COVID-19, many restaurants kept cutting quality to
are on the front line here – they see the impacts every
make their food more affordable but using pork has allowed
day, with extreme weather wreaking havoc on the
us to continue offering great value and taste while keeping
growing season. Working collaboratively, we believe this
our prices lower than the other big names in the industry.”
transformation will ensure both McCain and our farmers
says Andrew Crain, a professional chef and the GrubHouse’s
will have a business for generations to come.”
menu development expert.
At Farm of the Future Africa, the potential to
“Menus need to be affordable for customers, and the
grow multiple crops per year, innovate with irrigation
challenge for restaurants over the next few months will be
technology in a water-scarce region as well as the
striking the right balance between quality and price.”
challenges arising from the presence of soil-borne pests
and diseases make it the ideal location for transferring
learning to other parts of the world, including China,
India, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, and
Colombia.
All of the potatoes grown on Farm of the Future
Africa will be made into French fries and other frozen
potato products, servicing consumers across Africa.
8 | June2022 | Food & Beverage Reporter www.fbreporter.co.za