Learn how to avoid potential health risks with imports

As our sister brand Business Review Canada already revealed, Maggi noodles were considered to be safe for consumption by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Specifically, the CFIA reported last month that there are currently no health risks associated with the popular noodle brand. Therefore, if you’re in Canada and you happen to be craving noodles, feel free to eat up!

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Imported from India, the Singapore food regulator also declared that Maggi noodles are safe for consumption, overturning the band that the product contained a high amount of lead and monosodium glutamate.

And while the noodle company will continue to be monitored by the food inspection agency to advice the public of any upcoming issues, Business Review Canada thinks it’s important to educate other imports on how to potentially avoid various health risks.

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First and foremost, it’s vital for both suppliers and importers to have a CFIA Registration Number—that’s an FDA Registration Number for food companies that are in the United States. This number is needed if foods or beverages are manufactured, packaged, processed or held for consumption.

Furthermore, the following list can help ensure that health risks are avoided when it comes to importing food and beverage products in and out of different countries. After all, it’s important to keep consumers safe and healthy, right? These tips can help!

• The product name and description should always appear on the front of the package
• The Net Weight statement of the product should always be visible on the package
• If the product doesn’t have nutrition information on the package, then a Small Business Exemption needs to be filed
• The nutrition information of the product must always follow the rounding rules

And finally, and perhaps most importantly, it’s vital that the ingredients are permitted into the country in which the product is being shipped to. Most problems occur in the ingredients portion of the label. Specifically, translations are not always accurate.

Safety is a major issue in the food inspection industry — so always do your homework!

It shouldn't matter what particular product you’re shipping—food or drink—or which country you’re importing that product to—always follow protocol and always ensure that your actions promote health and safety. After all, your reputation and entire business is on the line. And by following procedure, you wills save time and money. 

For the latest news in the food and beverage industry, visit our sister brand Food, Drink & Franchise.

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[SOURCE: The Hindu and Food Safety News]

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