scholarly journals Farm products’ direct sale in accordance with national and EC Regulations

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Renato Micheli ◽  
Alfredo Rossi ◽  
Giovanni Rossi ◽  
Alfonso Rosamilia ◽  
Emanuele Guidi

Primary production has always been considered the weak link in the entire food production chain (from farm to fork) and, due also to the grave health and food emergencies that have taken place over the years (BSE, dioxin, avian flu etc.), greater attention has been focused on the production stage, together with the need to regain the consumers’ faith. To preserve and support small farms in a local setting and, consistent with the aims of flexibility and respecting the main requisites contained in the EC Regulations (No. 852/2004; No. 853/2004) (European Commission, 2004; 2004a), production is allowed for tastingadministration on the premises and the processing and sales of agricultural products produced exclusively on the farm, such as: fresh meat from poultry and rabbits and small farmed wild animals; processed meats obtained from animals raised on the farm and from hunting; fishing and aquaculture products; raw milk for direct human consumption and dairy products; eggs, honey, fruit and vegetables, woodland products; jams and preserved fruit, flours, vegetable preserves, wild above ground and underground mushrooms; dried fruits, fruit juices, cereals, syrups; oil, wine, bread and baked products. This possibility is reserved for individual farmers or co-operatives, registered in the company register according to Article 8 of the Law 29th December 1993 No. 580 (Italian Republic, 1993); who may sell directly inside and outside farm, products coming mainly from the respective farms, observing the current regulations regarding health and hygiene. All this should provide an instrument for rural and competitive development for the entire European agricultural production chain strongly influenced by the marketing conditions imposed by the mass retailing groups on their own suppliers. Not least is the possibility of creating work and occupation and adequately counteracting the phenomenon of the depopulation of the countryside, encouraging the return to agricultural activities on the part of young people; and, consequently, a form of safeguarding the environment by reducing the costs linked to hydro-geological instability and soil maintenance. This trend, together with the national directions, may represent a support even for small local farms which, taking advantage of simplified procedures consistent with the objectives of flexibility of the community Regulations (EC) (No. 852/2004; No. 853/2004) (European Commission, 2004; 2004a), may take part in the promotion of agricultural markets managed directly by the farmers as sales points for local products (farmers’ markets), so as to guarantee a fairer price and consolidate the territorial link between production and consumption (short distribution chain or short circuit). Without, of course, renouncing the necessary prerequisites for placing any food on the market: health-hygiene; traceability; health and well-being of the animals; safeguarding of the environment and the plants.

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Caron-Roy ◽  
Sayeeda Amber Sayed ◽  
Katrina Milaney ◽  
Bonnie Lashewicz ◽  
Sharlette Dunn ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: The British Columbia Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP) provides low-income households with coupons valued at $21/week for 16 weeks to purchase healthy foods in farmers’ markets. Our objective was to explore FMNCP participants’ experiences of accessing nutritious foods, and perceived program outcomes. Design: This study used qualitative description methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with FMNCP participants during the 2019 farmers’ market season. Directed content analysis was used to analyse the data whereby the five domains of Freedman et al’s framework of nutritious food access provided the basis for an initial coding scheme. Data that did not fit within the framework’s domains were coded inductively. Setting: One urban and two rural communities in British Columbia, Canada. Participants: 28 adults who were participating in the FMNCP. Results: Three themes emerged: Autonomy and Dignity; Social Connections and Community Building; and Environmental and Programmatic Constraints. Firstly, the program promoted a sense of autonomy and dignity through financial support, increased access to high-quality produce, food-related education and skill development, and mitigating stigma and shame. Secondly, shopping in farmers’ markets increased social connections and fostered a sense of community. Finally, participants experienced limited food variety in rural farmers’ markets, lack of transportation, and challenges with redeeming coupons. Conclusions: Participation in the FMNCP facilitated access to nutritious foods and enhanced participants’ diet quality, well-being and health. Strategies such as increasing the amount and duration of subsidies, and expanding programs may help improve participants’ experiences and outcomes of farmers’ market food subsidy programs.


Dairy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-287
Author(s):  
Roberto Anedda ◽  
Riccardo Melis ◽  
Elena Curti

Fiore Sardo (FS), a traditional Italian cheese, is present in the market as a heterogeneous variety of products. The use of heat-treated (HT) milk is forbidden by the official production protocol, but no official analytical method able to detect heat application is yet available. Here, a combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relaxometry and image analysis approach to recognize FS made from raw milk is presented. Artisanal FS cheeses were produced from raw milk (RC) by five shepherds in accordance with the official protocol. They were compared to HT-milk counterparts (HTC). Additionally, industrially manufactured commercial FS cheeses (I) were also purchased and compared to RC and HTC. Relaxometry data of FS indicated the presence of two water populations; the ratio of characteristic relaxation time constant T2 and area fraction (Score, Ṩ) of the fastest relaxing population was used to compare RC, HTC and I samples. RC from HTC were successfully discriminated, the latter exhibiting lower Ṩ (enhanced protein hydration). I cheeses exhibited the lowest Ṩ values, sometimes comparable to HTC. Since visual appearance of RC and HTC is appreciably different, an image analysis deep learning approach using MRI and photographic pictures was adopted to discriminate the two productions, with promising percentages (>93%).


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olufemi Olatoye ◽  
Adesola Amosun ◽  
Uzo Ogbu ◽  
Yemi Okunlade

Improvement of traditional and nomadic milk production through dairy development program in Nigeria requires routine quality and safety monitoring of milk both at herd level and milk collection centers. A total of 411 bulk raw milk samples aseptically obtained from Ibarapa, Oyo and Oke-Ogun industrial milk collection centers were subjected to California Mastitis Test (CMT), Bulk Somatic Cell Count (BSCC) and bacteriological analysis for assessment of quality and safety of milk from the herds. One hundred and seven (26.0%) of the samples were CMT positive, while 74.0% were negative to CMT. The overall mean BSCC, TAC and TCC were 1.27×103 ± cells/mL, 1.12×103± 34 cfu/mL, 97.8±9.8 cfu/mL in the CMT negative milk samples while for the strong positive samples the mean BSCC, TAC and TCC were 4.33×106 ± cells/mL, 2.35×106 ± 453 cfu/mL, 189.3±41.1 cfu/mL respectively; these were higher than the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance acceptable limits. Positive correlation was found between CMT scores and bacterial contamination and between CMT scores and SCC was recorded. About 26.0% of the samples with positive CMT could be considered unsafe due to strong correlation with microbial contamination that could result in milk borne zoonoses and public health hazards. However, a greater proportion (76.9%) of the milk with negative CMT scores could be safe for human consumption after post-harvest pasteurization. Consequently, there is need to improve handling, environmental and milking hygiene; as well as proper herd and udder health management to improve quality and safety of Nigeria dairy products.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (32) ◽  
pp. 833-847
Author(s):  
M. S. MEDEIROS ◽  
A. C. GOULART ◽  
I. S. PACHECO ◽  
F. A. AMARAL ◽  
S. C. CANOBRE

The decrease of the water available for human consumption is directly related to the unregulated and unconscious action from the man himself. In rural areas, this depreciation is related to inappropriate conditions of artesian wells that capture the water (old wells and poorly sealed) and which are usually close to sources of pollution, such as septic tanks and animal grazing. In this context, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the physico-chemical and microbiological quality of underground water samples made available for consumption in three schools in the field next to the municipality of Uberlândia-MG. Methodologically, the data were statistically processed by means of descriptive and multivariate analysis (Pearson correlation coefficient). All schools are supplied by an artesian well, being carried out simplified treatment (chlorination mechanism of chemical treatment). In only one of the schools was identified the presence of a septic tank sewage collection system. Of samples evaluated, all were at odds with the standards laid down in annex XX of the Consolidation Ordinance No. 5 of the Ministry of health (old law 2,914/2011) in at least one of the parameters evaluated. Therefore, the results reflect the possibility of biological contamination of the water by grazing areas located in the region close to the wells, as well as the need for emerging measures, such as regular cleaning and maintenance of storage systems and distribution of the water consumed in the institutions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 48-48
Author(s):  
J Brad Morgan

Abstract Begin with the end in mind. Sounds simple enough. In other words, consumer wants, and needs have to be the major focus of everyone in the food production chain. Today’s consumer has questions about food – where it comes from, who’s producing it and how, food safety, animal well-being, environmental impact, labor and human rights as well as business ethics – just to name a few. A study by the Center for Food Integrity (CFI, 2018) found a "trust deficit" that exists between consumers and food companies, federal regulators and farmers. Only 33% of survey respondents said they "strongly agree" that they are confident in the safety of the food they eat, compared to 47% in 2017. Food traceability is no longer an option for manufactures, it’s a requirement. In fact, this increasing focus by consumers on sustainability, health and freshness has placed significant pressure on the food industry to innovate and communicate. This presentation will overview technologies/programs/efforts that are continuing to play an increasingly critical role in how the food we eat is produced, how it is packaged, how it is delivered, how it tastes, feels and smells and how it is reused and repurposed. After all, we are what we eat.


2015 ◽  
Vol 143 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 87-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anka Popovic-Vranjes ◽  
Milka Popovic ◽  
Marija Jevtic

Contrary to the safe practices of milk pasteurization or sterilization, which effectively reduce foodborne outbreaks incidence associated with raw milk and dairy products use, outbreaks caused by such products continue to occur. Despite this fact, a worldwide movement advocating for the rights of raw milk and cheese selling and consumption, due to their specific nutritive characteristics, has strengthened significantly in recent years. Traditional agricultural manufacturers from Serbia still sell products related to thermally unprocessed milk, such as cottage cheese and raw cream. In AP Vojvodina during the period of 1981-2010 a total of 179 foodborne outbreaks were reported, where the incriminated cause of the outbreak were milk or diary. In 126 (70.39%) outbreaks, totaling 2276 sick individuals and one casualty, it was confirmed that the incriminated food was from the group of dairy products. In 48 instances (26.82%), bacteriological tests confirmed that milk and dairy products were excluded as the outbreak causes, while in another 5 (2.79%) outbreaks, microbiological analysis of food failed to confirm any relation to the actual epidemiological instances. In some cases, bacteriological testing of incriminated foods was not possible. In the cases of outbreaks associated with the consumption of milk and dairy products, traditional raw milk products were cited as being used. Consumption of unpasteurized milk and cheese represents public health threat. National and international rules ensuring use of safe products for human consumption have to set rules of trade of thermally processed milk and products on the market.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. e1965
Author(s):  
Sebastian Giraldo-Ramirez ◽  
Santiago Rendon-Marin ◽  
Julian Ruiz-Saenz

Animals have become an essential member for our society, with roles related to company, human well-being and therapy for some diseases, and as a source of food in many populations around the world. Animals intended for human consumption like pigs and cattle, as well as companion animals, specifically cats and dogs, are constantly threatened by multiple viral agents. This puts at risk pet owners and threatens food security in the region. Considering that control or eradication is a complex problem that involves several aspects, there is a limited success in this regard for viral diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, rabies and classical or African swine fever, this review aims to show the most important characteristics, in the epidemiological context, from farm animals virus, re-emerging viruses affecting companion animals, and emerging and re-emerging zoonotic viruses. Since viral pathogens affect animal populations and human well-being, there is a need to increase efforts to control, monitor and eradicate them from livestock and companion animals. The following sections contribute to improve the understanding of these viral agents and orchestrate actions of control entities in the Americas.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 23-26
Author(s):  
Isa Shu’aibu ◽  
Habiba Abdullahi ◽  
S. Hanna Kadum ◽  
A. Jabir Hamza ◽  
Y. Kabiru Mustapha ◽  
...  

In Africa, the use of poor and unhygienic methods for animal milking and milk processing that leads to spoilage of milk by microbes affects the production of milk and dairy products, especially in the small scale and local processing plants. This study was conducted to analyze the quality and safety of raw milk collected from six different towns in Kwami local government area of Gombe State, Nigeria. The samples were serially diluted using ten-fold dilution and used aliquot 1 ml to inoculate the appropriate media using pour plate technique. The total viable count for bacteria in CFU/ml on plate count agar (PCA) was highest in sample E from U/Anchau with an average of total viable count of 3.8x104 CFU/ml, followed by 3.0x104 CFU/ml in sample B (Dirri), then 2.8x104 CFU/ml in sample D from Burakosuma, 2.5x104 CFU/ml in sample F from Dun urji, 2.3x104 CFU/ml in sample C from Zanbe with least count from sample A at Bele as 1.8x104 CFU/ml. Five (5) bacterial species of public health importance were isolated and identified using biochemical tests namely; Enterobacter sp., Yersinia enterocolitica, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella sp.. Out of the organisms isolated, Enterobacter sp. had the highest occurrence of 93% (n=280), then Yersinia enterocolitica 90% (n=270), E. coli 70% (n=210), S. aureus 57% (n=170), and finally Salmonella sp. 23% (n=70). Based on the microbiological outcomes, preventive measures for milking and processing that focus on training of farmers and dairy employees for the improvement of the hygiene of local milk and dairy production chain should be defined.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 213-223
Author(s):  
Soumitra Nath ◽  
Jibalok Sikidar ◽  
Monisha Roy ◽  
Bibhas Deb

Abstract Objectives The screening of traditional fermented products is essential for the assessment of safety, security, and further development of functional foods for the well-being of human health. The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify bacteria from fermented raw milk samples that exhibit health benefits upon consumption. Methods In order to confirm the isolates as probiotics, several in vitro assays were conducted to assess the probiotic properties of isolated bacteria. The initial screening includes tolerance to acid, bile, pancreatin, and NaCl. The cell surface properties demonstrate their interaction with mucosal epithelium, which includes hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation assay. Safety assessment was done by performing haemolytic test and antibiotic susceptibility test. The antagonistic activity of probiotic strain was further evaluated against some pathogenic bacteria. Results Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) isolated from fermented raw milk was preliminarily identified by biochemical tests and further confirmed using 16S rRNA identification. The isolate designated as L. plantarum strain GCC_19M1 demonstrated significant tolerance to low pH, 0.3% bile, 0.5% pancreatin, and 5% NaCl. In the presence of simulated gastric juice (at pH 3), the isolate exhibited a survival rate of 93.48–96.97%. Furthermore, the development of ecological niches in the human gut and their successful accumulation have been revealed by auto-aggregation and hydrophobicity properties. Absence of haemolytic activity ensures the non-virulent nature of the strain. Lactobacillus plantarum strain GCC_19M1 showed susceptibility towards gentamicin, tetracycline, kanamycin, meropenem, and ceftriaxone and exhibited an antagonistic effect on pathogenic bacteria. Conclusion The obtained results conveyed that L. plantarum strain GCC_19M1 has strong probiotic potential, and its presence in the fermented raw milk products may serve as a potent functional probiotic food.


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