SGS Announces Canadian Food Inspection Agency Informs on Food Recalls - Common Problems, Potential Impacts and Recommended Solutions
Most food exporters, importers, manufacturers, packers, distributors, food service operators and retailers have recall programs to remove from the marketplace products that have some form of hazard. - September 29, 2014
SGS Informs on Canadian Government Defining Mandatory and Clear Labeling of Mechanically Tenderized Beef
Effective from 21 August 2014, Canada requires all mechanically tenderized beef to be clearly labeled as “mechanically tenderized” and include instructions for safe cooking. (1) - September 29, 2014
SGS Announces New Reformulation of Chemicals Under California Prop 65
Proposition 65 (Prop 65) is the "Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986," a ballot initiative passed overwhelmingly by California residents in 1986. Since its enactment, there have been numerous lawsuits which resulted in the reduction of carcinogenic and reproductive chemicals by reformulations of consumer products containing such chemicals (1). - September 29, 2014
SGS to Exhibit at MEDICA 2014 from November 12-15 in Düsseldorf, Germany
SGS will participate as an exhibitor at MEDICA 2014, taking place in Dusseldorf, Germany, November 15–23. Thanks to its strengthened position in the Medical Devices industry, SGS will present at MEDICA 2014 an expanded inspection, testing and certification service offering. - September 27, 2014
SGS Announces USDA FSIS to Allow Higher Level of Tomato Lycopene in Processed Meats
The United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) announced on 5 August 2014 that they are allowing a higher level of tomato lycopene extract and concentrate colorant in ready to eat/processed meat. - September 11, 2014
SGS Announces Recent Publication of RASFF Market Surveillance Report for Food Contact Materials
The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) annual report 2013 (1) presents the market surveillance activities related to food and feedstuff (2), including food contact materials (FCM). - August 22, 2014
SGS Opens New Wireless Testing Facility in Branchburg, New Jersey
SGS is proud to announce the upcoming opening of its new wireless testing facility in Branchburg, New Jersey, USA. - August 22, 2014
SGS Provides Updates on EU Commission's New "Blue Guide" Based on the New Approach Directives and Global Approach
In 2000 the European Commission published the original "Blue Guide" as guidance to the implementation of directives based on the New Approach and Global Approach. - August 11, 2014
SGS Informs on EU Regulation Laying Down New Methods for Sampling and Analysis of PCBs and Dioxins in Food
On 2 June 2014, Commission Regulation (EU) No. 589/2014 was implemented, laying down the methods of sampling and analysis for the control of levels of dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and non-dioxin-like PCBs in certain foodstuffs. This new regulation replaces the Commission Regulation (EU) No. 252/2012. - July 19, 2014
SGS Becomes First Worldwide Accredited Laboratory to Obtain CB Certificate for Photovoltaic Systems
SGS, the world’s largest independent inspection, verification, testing and certification service provider announces new accreditation for photovoltaic (PV) inverter manufacturers to obtain the CB Certificate according to the related IEC standards. - July 17, 2014
SGS Informs on European Parliament Clarified Definition and Labeling Rules for Genetically Modified Pollen in Honey
Directive 2014/63/EU of the European Parliament was published in the Official Journal and defines pollen as a natural constituent of honey, rather than an ingredient. - July 11, 2014
SGS Provides Updates on EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed 2013 Annual Report
The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) annual report 2013 notifies on an all-time high for pathogenic microorganisms in food. 642 notifications concerning pathogens in food were reached with a 40% increase compared to 2012. The main increase in notifications was for pathogens in meat and bivalve mollusks. - July 11, 2014
SGS Informs on Amendments to Food Labeling Regulations in South Africa
On 29 May 2014, South Africa published draft amendments to the Food Labeling regulations R429 with comments period open until 29 August 2014. - July 03, 2014
SGS Reports on Toxic Chemical Release of Heavy Metals from Metalware Into Food
Lead, cadmium and chromium are well-known toxic heavy metals which are ubiquitous in our daily life. Untreated industrial sewage with high concentrations of heavy metals causes air and water pollution when discharged into the environment and potentially causes harm to humans who are exposed to these toxic elements. - June 21, 2014
SGS Informs on EU Updates of Commission Regulations on Pesticide MRLS in Food and the Control Program for 2015-2017
In April 2014, the European Union has announced 2 Commission Regulations. - June 20, 2014
SGS United Kingdom Ltd. Announces Extended CB Accreditation Scope to Include Medical Devices
SGS United Kingdom Ltd. is proud to announce it has extended their CB accreditation scope to include medical devices testing in new custom-built testing laboratory. - June 15, 2014
SGS Provides Updates on Amended Food and Drug Regulations on Halal Food Labeling in Canada
On 23 April 2014 the Government of Canada amended the Food and Drug Regulations for food products labeled with Halal claims. - June 14, 2014
SGS Announces Acquisition of RF Technologies Ltd. in Japan
SGS is pleased to announce the acquisition of RF Technologies Ltd., in Yokohama, Japan. - June 13, 2014
SGS Update - New Standard on Maximum Residue Levels of Pesticides to Improve Food Safety in China
On 20 March 2014, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of the Republic of China announced No 4/2014, National food safety standard on maximum residue levels (MRLs) of pesticides in food (GB 2763-2014). - June 11, 2014
SGS Announces EU to Amend General Safety and Performance Requirements on Medical Devices Concerning Hazardous Substances
On 12 March 2014, the EU Parliament completed a final vote on a proposal for a regulation regarding medical devices, amending Directive 2001/83/EC, Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 and Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (1). An important revision concerns the use of phthalates in medical devices. - June 08, 2014
SGS Provides Updates on World Health Organization's Draft Guidelines on Free Sugars Intake
On 05 March 2014 the World Health Organization (WHO) published their draft guidelines on free sugars intake. Free sugars include mono and disaccharides added to food and sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit concentrates. Recommendations were provided on the consumption of free sugars to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases in adults and children. They requested public comment until 31 March 2014. - June 07, 2014
SGS Informs on US Government 2013 Food Safety Progress Report
On 17 April 2014 the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) released the 2013 Food Safety Progress Report. US CDC reports that limited progress has been made to reduce foodborne illness in the US. - June 07, 2014
SGS Informs on European Parliament Proposal of New Rules for Safer Products and Better Market Surveillance
On 15 April 2014 the European Parliament voted in favor of new rules to improve the safety of consumer products on the EU market, including products imported from outside the EU. - May 30, 2014
SGS Provides Updates on US FDA Releases Third Edition of the Draft Guidance on Prior Notice of Import Foods
On 28 March 2014 the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) made available their third edition of the draft guidance on Prior Notice on Imported Foods. This edition lists the questions and answers asked about Prior Notice of Import Foods that the US FDA received and answered since the second edition was published in May of 2004. Comment period ends 30 May 2014. - May 17, 2014
Consumer Product Safety Commission Held Workshop on Consumer Product Testing Burden Reduction Strategies
On 3 April, 2014 the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) held a day long workshop on exploring testing burden reduction strategies. US Public Law 112-28 required the Commission to explore options that would reduce the third party testing costs while assuring compliance with the limits set for phthalate and lead content as mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). - May 14, 2014
SGS Provides Support to Prepare for New Market Access Rules Under EEC's New RoHS-Like Legislation
As the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) is about to adopt a Regulation restricting hazardous substances in electronic and radio-electronic equipment, manufacturers, importers and retailers should start preparing for the impending changes to the market access process. - May 02, 2014
New SGS Whitepaper Helps Electronics Integrators Navigate the Challenges of RF Module Integration
SGS presents what electronics integrators need to know about using FCC pre-certified products. - April 30, 2014
SGS Announces EU Will Reduce Emissions of Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases from Electronic and Electrical Products
On 12 March 2014 the European Parliament (1) had a final vote on the proposal for a stronger regulation on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases). As a consequence, a tighter legislation will shortly be published which affects refrigerators and freezers containing F-gases. It is expected that placing on the EU market would be prohibited starting from 1 January 2015. - April 25, 2014
SGS Announces That the US FDA is to Propose Updates to Nutrition Facts Panel on Food Labels
On 3 March 2014 the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) published a proposal to make changes to the Nutrition Facts panel on food labels (1) (2). These changes are the first since 2006 when the US FDA required the Trans Fat amount to be listed on the Nutrition Facts panel. - April 17, 2014
SGS Informs on Energy Drinks Benefits, Health Issues and Regulations
Energy drinks have proliferated in recent years and continue to increase in popularity, especially among younger consumers. Laden with stimulants, usually caffeine, they have been linked to health issues in more than one country. As a result, they are coming under increasing scrutiny from regulatory bodies and consumer groups. - April 17, 2014
SGS Informs on Latest US Legislation to Extend the List of High Priority Chemicals and Chemicals of High Concern
In 2008, the US state of Maine enacted the "Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Products Law." The law requires a manufacturer or distributor in the state to report to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) if any accessible component of a children’s product contains a chemical of high concern (CHC) (1). - April 17, 2014
SGS Informs on Food Recalls Trending Upwards in 2013
In 2013, recalls of food products in Europe increased by 5%, compared to 2012, due primarily to the increased number of recalls in the wake of the horsemeat scandal. Typically, if a product has a major problem, all products in that category are heavily scrutinized by the industry, regulatory personnel and consumers. - April 06, 2014
SGS Informs on Risks and Regulations on Mercury in Food
Released naturally and by anthropogenic activity, mercury is found in the environment in three forms: elemental mercury, inorganic mercury and organic mercury. Highly toxic when ingested by humans, safe consumption levels have been established around the globe to protect consumers, and to guide and regulate the food industry. Exposure to methylmercury occurs primarily through the diet, with fish and fish products as the dominant source. - April 05, 2014
SGS Informs on EU Project to Strengthen Safety Requirements for Consumer Laser Products
On 5 February 2014, the European Commission published a Decision (1) on the safety requirements for consumer laser products, pursuant to Directive 2001/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on general product safety. - April 04, 2014
SGS Provides Updates on New List of Carcinogenic Chemicals Under California Proposition 65
California’s Proposition 65 (Prop 65) is now over 25 years old and has been effective in reducing exposures to toxic chemicals. It warns California residents of carcinogens and reprotoxic chemicals that come from consumer products and industrial activities. Businesses with ten or more employees may not expose individuals to chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity without first giving clear and reasonable warning, nor discharge such chemicals into drinking water (1). - April 04, 2014
SGS Provides Update in EU Regulation on Sulphites in Aromatized Wine - Based Products
The European Union has announced Commission Regulation (EU) No 59/2014 (1) in the Official Journal on 23 January 2014 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 (2) of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of sulphur dioxide – sulphites (E220-228) in aromatized wine-based products. - March 28, 2014
SGS Provides Update on New FSMA Proposed Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food
On 05 February 2014 the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) published their proposed rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food (1). - March 21, 2014
SGS Informs on US Food and Drug Administration's Methodological Approach to Identifying High-Risk Foods
On 04 February 2014 the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) published their draft procedure to designate what are high-risk foods that require specific tracing requirements as defined per section 204 of the Food Safety Moderation Act (FSMA) (1). - March 20, 2014
CBTL Status Newly Awarded to SGS Medical Devices Testing Laboratory in Tampere, Finland
The SGS Fimko CB laboratory for testing and assessment of medical equipment in Tampere, opened its doors in January 2013 and received the CBTL status and accreditation at the end of 2013. - March 16, 2014
SGS Announces China New Publication of National Safety Standard to Set Limits for Pathogens in Food
On 26 December 2013, the National Health and Family Planning Commission - Food Safety Standards and Monitoring and Evaluation Division published Bulletin No.11 of 2013(1), announcing China national safety standard, GB 29921-2013 the National Food Safety Standard Pathogens limits in food, effective from 1 July 2014. - March 15, 2014
SGS Introduces US Food and Drug Administration New Standards for Infant Formula
On 10 February 2014 the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) published their interim final rule on Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), Quality Factors, Notification Requirements, and Records and Reports, for Infant Formula (1). - March 14, 2014
SGS Announces EU to Amend Maximum Residue Levels for Pesticides in Food and Feed
In January 2014, the European Union has announced 4 Commission Regulations amending Annexes II, III and V to Directive 2005/396/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin. - March 11, 2014
SGS Announces EU to Amend Exemptions on RoHS for Medical Devices (Annex IV) and Fluorescent Lamps (Annex III)
From 22 July 2014 medical devices and from 22 July 2016 IVD need to comply with the RoHS recast (1). Due to various reasons, such as safety, a negative impact to environment or no substitutes, etc. the European Parliament and the Council have amended Annex IV of RoHS recast “2011/65/EU” (1). - February 24, 2014
SGS Opens New ISO 17025 Accredited Food Testing Laboratory in US
SGS has invested in a new ISO 17025 accredited Food Laboratory in Fairfield, New Jersey to meet growing demand for food testing services. - February 22, 2014
SGS Informs on the New RoHS Methodology Manual for Restricted Substances List
According to Recital 10, of EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS), the use of the following substances should be considered as a priority for the first review, which must be completed before 22 July 2014. - February 07, 2014
SGS Informs on New EFSA Assessment on Risks of Aspartame for Human Health
Aspartame and its breakdown products are safe for human consumption at current levels of exposure. This is the conclusion the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published in its first full risk assessment of this sweetener (1). EFSA has undertaken a rigorous review of all available scientific research on aspartame and its breakdown products, including both animal and human studies. - January 31, 2014
SGS Updates Information on US FDA Proposed Rule to Prevent Food from Intentional Adulteration
On 24 December 2013 the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) published their proposed rule on mitigation strategies to protect food against intentional adulteration. This proposal is another major rule of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Comment period ends 31 March 2014. - January 31, 2014
SGS to Host Exclusive Session on Food Allergen Management at GFSI Global Conference 2014
SGS will host an exclusive breakfast session on food allergen management at the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Global Conference on 28 February 2014 in Anaheim, California, USA. - January 16, 2014
New Warning on the Risks of Carcinogenic Substances in Vegetable Fats
The international Agency for Research on Cancer classified 3-MCPD as a possible human carcinogen (1). SGS informs readers on the risk of carcinogenic substances in foodstuff. - January 03, 2014
Exclusive SGS Seminar on HALT / HASS Testing Methods Held in October in Munich, Germany
SGS Germany hosted an exclusive seminar on the HALT and HASS product reliability testing methods, between October 8 and 9, 2013, in Munich, Germany. - December 14, 2013