NEW ZEALAND FOOD AWARDS
Entries are now open for the New Zealand Food Awards. You have until the 31st of May to enter. Product Award Categories Beverage Artisan Chilled Below Zero Pantry Primary Sector Health & Wellbeing Novel Product Lifetime Achievement Award Business Awards Business Innovation Food Safety Culture Community Awards Food Hero For more information go to https://www.foodawards.co.nz/ INSPIRE+ NZ ARTISAN AWARDS These are designed to celebrate the very best in the New Zealand F&B Industry. Entries for these close 30 July 2021 Categories • Alcoholic Beverages • Non Alcoholic Beverages • Frozen • Chilled/Deli • Ambient • Fresh • General Merchandise • Sauces For more information https://supermarketnews.co.nz/nz-artisan-awards/ Stay updated!!! The Mobile Food Scientist regularly posts ion Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/themobilefoodscientist.co.nz/ Like this page for important updates of whats happening in the food industry. Don't be shy to add reviews to the Facebook page as its always great to read what other people say. PREVIOUS NEWS If you are new to this mailing list and feel like you have been missing out, check out my other newsletter for handy info @ http://www.themobilefoodscientist.co.nz/news THANK YOU The Mobile Food Scientist has provided expert food labelling solutions for 7 years - join our valued client family and find out what its all about!!! Thanks to all my loyal customers, I look forward to hearing from all of you :) Feel free to forward this newsletter to someone else that might be interested or get them to send me an email [email protected] or call 021-642-005
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PEAL- Plain English Allergen Labelling
On the 25th of February 2021, the Food Standards Code Australia and New Zealand was amended to include PEAL.This is designed to help people with allergens find the information they need more easily on a label. The Mobile Food Scientist will help your business to understand what is required and help implement the new standards. Today we start with a summary of the new standard, outlining the next steps to avoid product recalls in the future.Summary: There are now 13 specified allergen types that can cause severe allergic reactions, these must be declared on labels in food sold in Australia and New Zealand. The format, wording and location of the allergen declaration is now specified under the Food Standards Code. Specific terms must now be used and allergens must be included in bold both in the ingredients listing and advisory statement. For products which are imported the summary statement may only contain the 13 mandatory allergens and may not contain any other allergen, even if required in other jurisdictions. If an imported product contains, for example, celery, it must not be listed in the summary statement, nor can it be bolded in the ingredient listing, which is a requirement for many overseas countries. Another change is FSANZ requires processing aids containing allergens to be listed in the statement of ingredients with the words ‘processing aid’ in conjunction with the required name of the allergen concerned. The allergen would also be declared in the summary statement. Next Steps It is crucial to start the long compliance process now to stay competitive and avoid recalls. The Mobile Food Scientist is a trusted expert in food labelling and here to help your business remain competitive and compliant with the new standards. Don't delay get in touch today to find out more about the new standards and how these will affect your food labelling, Email [email protected] to book in your updates. Stay updated!!! Did you know the Mobile Food Scientist regularly posts important updates on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/themobilefoodscientist.co.nz/ Like this page and check it regularly for important updates of whats happening in the food industry. Don't be shy to add reviews to the Facebook page as its always great to read what other people say. Do you prefer Linkedin for updates, then lets link up www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-sutton-91591537 Is there another channel you'd like The Mobile Food Scientist to use to bring you important updates? If so let us know your preferred communication channel by emailing [email protected]WHATS ON Short Courses The Food Bowl in Auckland has four interesting courses scheduled in the next couple of months.
https://foodinnovationnetwork.co.nz/events Meetings NZIFST Canterbury Branch Meeting When: 23 March 2021, 5.30pm Where: Matt Solutions 20 Avenger Crescent, Wigram Who: Stephen Stout shares his experience and thoughts over 30+ years at the Christchurch City Council in Environmental Health RSVP to [email protected] by Friday 19 March 2021 NZIFST Canterbury Branch Meeting When: 13 April 2021, 5.30pm Where: Matt Solutions 20 Avenger Crescent, Wigram Who: Leigh O'Brien talks about The Microbiome as we age – What we Should and Shouldn’t Change RSVP to [email protected] by Friday 19 March 2021 Shows Food Tech Pack Tech 2021 When: 13-15 April 2021 Where: ASB Show Ground Auckland Visit www.foodtechpacktech.co.nz/ for more information New Zealand Food Awards Start preparing these are coming up entries open 1st May 2021 For more information go to www.foodawards.co.nz PREVIOUS NEWS If you are new to this mailing list and feel like you have been missing out, check out my other newsletter for handy info @ http://www.themobilefoodscientist.co.nz/news THANK YOU The Mobile Food Scientist has provided expert food labelling solutions for 7 years - join our valued client family and find out what its all about!!! Thanks to all my loyal customers, I look forward to hearing from all of you :) Feel free to forward this newsletter to someone else that might be interested or get them to send me an email [email protected] or call 021-642-005 EMAIL PROBLEMS
Over the Easter break my email provider had some issues, this mean't that if you sent an email you would have been notified that it had been rejected. Thank you to the clients that phoned to notify me of the problem, the problem I now have is the emails that were rejected never came through. Therefore if you sent an email between the 20th and the 25th of April and have not heard back from me please resend and I will action this ASAP. RE BRANDING This has been completed thanks to Sander@Cowper Murray http://cowpermurray.com/ Check out our new logo and upgraded website @ www.themobilefoodscientist.co.nz. Check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/themobilefoodscientist.co.nz/ So start by liking the facebook page -For event posts -Interesting web pages and links -Business updates. It would be great if you could add referrals to the Facebook Page while you are there. ALLERGENS With the recent major recall involving milk in Barry Callebaut Dark Chocolate, we have reviewed the way we label allergens. This includes moving away from using the word traces and replacing with may contain as a trace is a very small amount. In the case of Barry Callebaut Dark Chocolate which contains Milk as a carry over ingredient on the product line but is not added as an actual ingredient we suggest you use the term "contains dairy from manufacturing", to use the words may contain is not acceptable to MPI in this instance as it contains greater than 0.1% milk solids. A large number of companies (at least 20) were affected by this recall and on a positive note it has been a great learning experience for those involved. I suggest if you use any brand of dark chocolate in your product check with your supplier on the probability of the product containing milk and review your product labelling. MPI are also reviewing terms used in labelling of allergens to try and make it easier for consumers. It has been suggested to use the term Milk rather than Dairy. It has also been suggested for gluten allergens to use the grain name eg "contains wheat" rather than gluten. If the product contains more than one source of gluten then add "contains gluten containing cereals" GIVE ME A BREAK From the 15th of May 2019 I will be having about 10 days off. I will be able to respond to emails however would prefer to not be working during this time. If you know you have work coming up, get it in this week and I will complete it before my break or call 021642005 or email me directly [email protected] before the 15th of May to discuss this further. WHATS ON CANTERBURY NZIFST MEETING 14th May 5.30pm @ESR 27 Creyke Road Ilam “Sustainability in Mushroom Production” Mel Rushton is the Marketing and Innovation Manager at Meadow Mushrooms Ltd. She is part of the Senior Team and is responsible for developing Marketing Strategy for Meadows including brand, social and digital, new product development, events and partnership marketing activities. Recently, Meadow Mushrooms, has been given recognition by the Healthy Food Guide Magazine. Annually, the magazine prepares their “best” healthy food products across 16 categories (and even call out a few bad examples) in the mix. Meadow Mushrooms earned a “Highly Commended” in the sustainability category for the mushroom pre-packs. This is a great recognition for Mel’s work, and she encourages the business to keep up the momentum and continue to think of ways to think reduce, reuse, recycle. Mel is an awesome friend and client of mine and this will be a great presentation to go to. RSVP to [email protected] by Friday, 10th May 2019 Free to members $5.00 for non-members. NZIFST ANNUAL CONFERENCE- CHRISTCHURCH 2nd - 4th July in the fabulous 'new' Christchurch Town Hall See the PROGRAMME and take advantage of big savings with Early Bird Registration prices at REGISTRATION (Standard rates apply after 31 May). There is still time to register your interest to present a poster. Please contact Rosemary for this opportunity OR to enquire about exhibition and sponsorship options.NZIFST FOOD INDUSTRY AWARDS Nominations close 7th May for awards for:Distinguished Service to a food sector 'Ron Hooker' - for service to the Institute 'J C Andrews' - for substantial contribution to food science and technology Leadership above and beyond 'business as usual' Allergen Bureau Best Practice Allergen Management Young Technologist - aged under 30 Institute Fellowships For more information contact NZIFST And don't forget the Food Safety and the Allergen Bureau Awards! THANK YOU
CHANGE IS AS GOOD AS A HOLIDAY
RE BRANDING Over the next couple of months the business will be re branding. This will include: New Logo Website updates www.themobilefoodscientist.co.nz. Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/themobilefoodscientist.co.nz/
NUTRITIONAL DATABASE CHANGES The Nutritional Database is being upgraded. Improvements will include:
There is a lot involved in changing systems and this will be put in place over the next couple of months, with the aim to be fully running from October 2018. Nicki will still be the only person with access to your information ensuring all data is kept confidential. There is a cost involved in moving systems and therefore a very small price increase across the board will be occurring from 1st October 2018. Please email [email protected] for more information. CHANGE OF ADDRESS After a few years on the move due to earthquake rebuilds, The Mobile Food Scientist moved to a permanent address in January based in St Albans, Christchurch. This includes a bigger work space, separate office and bigger storage areas including separate refrigerated and frozen storage space. If you are sending samples for testing please check the address before sending product. STUDENT AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER Third Year Food Technology Student Interested in Summer Work! "Hello, my name is Laura McKie, I am currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Food Technology at Massey University. A requirement of the degree includes completing practical experience in the industry. Therefore, I am looking to complete around 400 hours over the November to February period. I am extremely passionate about the industry and the numerous opportunities it offers. Last summer I worked at Formula Foods, here I completed a lot of analytical tasks and was also involved with many of the shelf life trails. I am a dedicated and hardworking individual which is evident in my GPA of 8.25. Throughout my studies and extra circular activates I have also demonstrated that I am a good leader and work well as a team, however, can also work independently. My main goal out of these summer practical hours is to gain more experience in the industry and to get exposure to the possibilities I have. Currently, I am fascinated by the product development side of the industry, however, would be grateful for any opportunity in the industry. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on 0274873558 or by email on[email protected]." WHATS ON CANTERBURY NZIFST MEETING-late notice but not too late to RSVP 28th August 6pm @Tegal Foods Kvas – A Russian Tradition right here in Canterbury The Kvas Company is New Zealand's first Kvas brewer. Kvas is a traditional Slavic drink brewed by a lactic fermentation process using a starter made from rye bread flavoured with coriander seed and sultanas.Learn about The Kvas Company, how the business started, hurdles that have been overcome and taste this amazing product. RSVP to [email protected] or [email protected] by Friday, 24th August 2018 Free to members $5.00 for non-members. FOOD TECH PACK TECH 18th-20th September 2018 @ASB Showgrounds Auckland New Zealand’s largest food manufacturing, packaging and processing technology trade show. https://www.foodtechpacktech.co.nz/ PREVIOUS NEWS If you are new to this mailing list and feel like you have been missing out, check out my other newsletter for handy info @ http://www.themobilefoodscientist.co.nz/news THANK YOU
ALLERGY ALERT ARE YOU COVERED
ALLERGIES With World Allergy Week a couple of weeks ago, it feels like a good time to catch up on the importance of allergy labelling. If you had asked me 5 years ago what I thought about allergies my opinion would have been very different, but having a child who carries an Epipen due to severe allergic reactions, I have been alerted to the importance of correct labelling. Why not spend some time reviewing your allergen labelling using the helpful list below or contact [email protected] to do it for you. Another way to review your allergen levels is by using the Vital computer program http://allergenbureau.net/vital/ What are the common allergenic foods and where could they be hiding? This list gives some ideas of where to look but may not cover all hidden allergens. Peanuts- peanut oil, peanut butter, satay premixes Tree nuts- nut oils, nut butters Milk-milk powder, sodium caseinate, butter, cream, cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, lactose, yoghurt, some pie glazes, some egg substitutes, some flavours Egg-some pie glazes, egg powders Sesame- sesame oil, tahini, some hummus Fish- fish sauce, oyster sauce, anchovies, some flavourings Shellfish- oyster sauce, some flavourings Soy- tofu, lecithin, soybean oil, some HVP, some TVP, soy flour, miso, tamari, soy sauce, antioxidant 306 Gluten- wheat flour, barley, rye, malt, spelt, some glucose, some maltodextrin, malt vinegar, some TVP, some HVP, some starches, sauces and flavourings Lupin-more likely to be in imported food products Sulphites >10ppm-dried fruit, coconut, glucose, meat premixes/seasonings, sauces If you are claiming your product is GLUTEN FREE, your product must be tested at least annually by an accredited lab using Elisa testing, contact [email protected] if you want help to organize this. The gluten result must be listed in g or mg under protein on your nutrition information panel, [email protected] can also organize this. It is a good idea to test your product randomly in house and review ingredient specs regularly to ensure no gluten has managed to sneak into the factory. The Mobile Food Scientist has recently trialed some easy to use rapid flow test kits that you may be interested in. Labelling words to be wary of! Chemical Free- all matter is made up of chemical elements (for example water, carbohydrates, proteins, salt) therefore this term is misleading. Pure- this only applies to something that has nothing else added to it. Gluten Free- if your product contains any wheat or barley products it can not be called gluten free even if these products do not contain gluten (for example wheat grass, barley grass) What has the Mobile Food Scientist been up to?
Remember if you are looking for a Food Science Consultant send The Mobile Food Scientist an email [email protected] or call 021-642-005 WHO, WHY & WHAT
WHO FOOD SCIENTISTS, WHO ACTUALLY ARE WE? Often I get asked what the difference is between a Food Scientist and a Food Technologist. Essentially, there is no difference. I state I am a Food Scientist as I did a Bachelor of Consumer & Applied Science at Otago University and Majored in Food Science. Massey graduates often refer to themselves as Food Technologists as the Massey degree is known as Food Technology. The main point when choosing a Food Science/Food Technologist Consultant is do they have a degree in Food? To read more about a degree in Consumer and Applied Sciences follow this link http://www.otago.ac.nz/capsc/ A well recognized Food Scientist/Food Technologist will also be a member of the New Zealand Institute of Food Science & Technology. The more experienced a Food Scientist/Food Technologist, the higher the membership level. I have been a professional member of the Institute for about 10 years. A professional member is recognized as competent in their profession through a combination of academic study, continuing professional development and work experience in the food industry. To read more about NZIFST membership follow this link http://www.nzifst.org.nz/about-NZIFST/membership.asp The letters BCApSc (Food) MNZIFST after my signature on reports and emails show I have completed a degree in Food Science and am a professional member of the Institute. WHY TRADE MARKS WHY YOU SHOULD REGISTER YOUR TRADE MARK! I recently spent time with Christchurch based solicitor Stephanie Melbourne from James & Wells http://www.jaws.co.nz/ Stephanie was great at explaining the "ins" and "outs" of trade marks and how they can help develop strong Registered Trade Marks. I was surprised to hear that this is not actually an expensive process. Upon looking up the IPONZ website https://www.iponz.govt.nz/about-ip/trade-marks/search/, I noticed a lot of my clients haven't registered their trade marks. Stephanie is happy to have an initial discussion to help identify areas where they may be of value to you. James & Wells also have strong connections in Asia which may be of benefit to your business and possible NZ investors who may be interested in investing in your company. WHAT HAVE I BEEN UP TO?
Give me a call or send me an email if you want me to check your packaging to ensure you comply. If I am completing Nutrition Information for you and you are wanting to see if you can make any claims, make sure you let me know and I will include this service.
THANK YOU My business is continuing to grow at a steady rate and this is all due to your support!!! Remember if you are looking for a Food Science Consultant send The Mobile Food Scientist an email [email protected] or call 021-642-005 THE MOBILE FOOD SCIENTIST, PO Box 21387, Christchurch 8143 Phone: 03 390-0190, Mobile: 021 642-005, [email protected] A NEW YEAR & A NEW LIFE
NEW MEMBER TO THE TEAM During my time off in January I managed to recruit a new team member. This one doesn't leave my side much but luckily has a liking to sleeping and eating, ensuring my work life has not altered considerably. Because of this sometimes I may not answer my phone, please leave a message or send me an email [email protected]. I will respond to you ASAP, in most cases this will be within the hour. Welcome to the team Cooper Davie Sutton Medder born 21st January 2016. FOOD & BEVERAGE WORKSHOPS Food South are hosting a number of Food & Beverage Workshops this year. Why not head along and learn something new while networking? These kick off on the 14th of April with Food & Beverage Business Fundamentals. More information can be found at http://foodinnovationnetwork.co.nz/ or by contacting Alex Howie [email protected] PRICING REVIEW Although I have tried to keep my prices low, I have been advised I need to increase them. I hate doing this so to keep everyone happy a slight increase on most services will come into effect as of 01 April 2015. For more information on your individual pricing please email [email protected] CHCH FOOD SHOW I am aiming to attend the CHCH Food Show next Friday morning, 8th April 2016. I look forward to personally introducing myself to those of you I haven't already met. If you have anything specific you want to discuss or samples for testing let me know and I will make sure you are on my list. If you don't have a stand but are planning to attend and would like to catch up, let me know and I can arrange a meeting onsite prior to the show opening at 10am. THANK YOU I had an overwhelming response to my last newsletter in two respects. -The spare Food Scientist was scooped up in a flash and is enjoying her new role at a company in CHCH. -I had numerous emails thanking me for the roles I play in your companies. This always brings a smile to my dial. I will post some of these on my website www.themobilefoodscientist.co.nz soon for all to see. Remember if you are looking for a Food Science Consultant send The Mobile Food Scientist an email [email protected] or call 021-642-005 Mention the word Christmas and everyone goes into a mad panic! The good news is that The Mobile Food Scientist will not be closing this Christmas. I won't be far from my phone or computer throughout the festive season, so if you have an urgent query I will be here to jump.
GIVE ME A BREAK Everyone does need a little break, so the Mobile Food Scientist will be taking some time off mid to end of January 2016. During this time email access will be limited but the aim is to complete nutrition information panels or answer general queries within a week. THE FOOD ACT 2014 The new food regulations have been formally passed, on the 7th of December 2015. I haven't had time to read these yet, so while the rest of you are relaxing at the beach with the latest Jeffery Archer novel, I will be catching up on legislation changes. http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2015/0310/latest/DLM6684211.html?src=qs FOOD CONTROL PLANS I am concerned that some clients still haven't heard of Food Control Plans, the new Food Act comes into force on 01 March 2016, so to be aware of what this means for your business please follow this link http://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety/food-act-2014/ Some new templates have been put out recently to help prepare these. You may require a food safety consultant to help design one specifically for your business, although I am not one of these myself, send me an email [email protected] if you want some suggestions of great consultants with expertise relevant to your business structure. FAVOURITE FEEDBACK FROM 2015 There is nothing better than picking up the phone to hear an overly excited development client yelling WOW you've nailed it again!!! This comes from having awesome innovative ingredient suppliers, who bend over backwards to help me achieve my goals for specific clients, while also using my communication skills to determine exactly what the client is after. However my favourite expression of gratitude this year is this one "It goes without saying Nicki that I have been SUPER impressed with your contribution since joining our team we are delighted to have you on board - it feels like Sonny Bill has just come off the bench and taken the field so a huge thank you for your efforts. Hopefully my sentiments have flowed to you via my business partner, as I have expressed several times how pleased I am with your cut through ability, speed and obvious food expertise - Great Stuff!” FOOD TECHNOLOGIST LOOKING FOR A PART TIME ROLE BASED IN CHCH Okay so I am also a recruitment consultant, who would have thought!!! A well respected Food Tech with decades of industry experience mostly in Bakery and Dairy NPD has recently been made redundant. Due to family commitments she is after part time but permanent work. I know a couple of CHCH bakeries that would benefit significantly from employing her, so if you want to make someone's Christmas by offering them a job or at least having a chat regarding potential opportunities flick me an email [email protected] and I will pass on her details. FOOD SOUTH NZ Food Innovation South Island (FoodSouthTM), is up and running with a successful open day last month, show casing some of the capabilities of the pilot plant. If you have a new product idea or want to trial out new machinery this may be the place to help get you to market. If you have a project you wish to discuss email John Morgan [email protected] or for more information check out http://www.foodinnovationnetwork.co.nz/location/food-south CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to all of my start up clients from this year. I love reading of your success in cuisine magazine or at various food awards. I know from experience starting up a new business is hard work but you've got yourselves out there which is the first step to success!!! NEW BUSINESSES If you know of anyone starting a food business don’t forget to tell them about "The Mobile Food Scientist" or point them towards my website www.themobilefoodscientist.co.nz. I love giving guidance on Food Standard requirements, mentoring opportunities and various courses available to newcomers to the industry. WEBSITE For those of you who have not visited my website Check out www.themobilefoodscientist.co.nz for more information on the areas I am specializing in. The key objective of my company “The Mobile Food Scientist” is to offer a high quality, professional, yet friendly service with a fast turnaround time. THANK YOU A massive thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past 2 years, whether you are a client, a supplier or another consultant who has recommended me to others. Your support means a lot and has got me to where I am today. WHAT'S ON TO MARKET A SCONE!
NZ FOOD AWARDS!!! Have you got an outstanding product or something a little different??? Entries close on 10 July 2015 for NZ Food Awards so you still have time to enter, click here for more information http://www.foodawards.co.nz/ I love it when my clients win prizes. JULY WORKSHOPS Two workshops are running on consecutive days in Christchurch, so it may be worth a trip to the garden city for those who are based in other areas of the country. 28 July 2015- NZ Food Innovation South are running a workshop on how to Be Market Ready, How to take a food product to market. For more information contact Jan Hales by email at [email protected] or phone 021 0250 7352 29 July 2015- NZIFST are running a workshop on Compliant Food Labels and Health Stars. If you are making health claims on your products or supermarkets are requesting you supply your health star rating, this is the course for you. If you feel this is over your head or something you would rather pass over to "The Mobile Food Scientist", I will be attending the course and am already up to speed with the Food Standards Code changes. This course is also running in Nelson this Tuesday 7 July so if you are in Marlborough, the West Coast or Nelson and are free on Tuesday register now. https://nzifst-fit.arlo.co/courses/25-compliant-food-label-health-claims-and-health-stars EXCITING NEWS NZ Food Innovation South Island (FoodSouthTM), Pilot Plant is almost up and running at Lincoln. NZ Food Innovation South Island are currently looking for interest of use. If you have a project you wish to discuss email John Morgan [email protected] or for more information check out http://www.foodinnovationnetwork.co.nz/location/food-south If you have any equipment or instrumentation you no longer use, they may be interested in taking it off your hands, Mike Foster is the Operations Manager so for equipment enquiries email [email protected] CO-PACKERS I have recently had enquiries re co-packers in the North Island. If you have a production facility in the North Island with a Food Safety Programme or Food Control Plan and are interested in co-packing other peoples products, send me an email letting me know your capabilities. [email protected] BUSINESS PARTNER I have a client with an interesting product looking for a business partner. Do you have a production facility capable of making chutney/sauce type products and are interested in a business partnership? Send me an email [email protected] so I can link you up. NEW BUSINESSES If you know of anyone starting a food business don’t forget to tell them about "The Mobile Food Scientist". I love giving guidance on Food Standard requirements, mentoring opportunities and various courses available. WEBSITE For those of you who have not visited my website Check out www.themobilefoodscientist.co.nz for more information on the areas I am specializing in. The key objective of my company “The Mobile Food Scientist” is to offer a high quality, professional, yet friendly service with a fast turnaround time. LASTLY if I have completed any work for you, I would love to hear about your experience good or bad. This lets me know what I am doing right and what I can improve on. I would also love to include some of these on my website www.themobilefoodscientist.co.nz so that people can hear what others have to say, so please email me your comments [email protected] |