September, 2023

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Viewpoint: How can technology help in food waste reduction?

Food Management

As operators face the financial and environmental consequences of wasting food, finding smart solutions has become a big priority and modern technology is becoming a valuable ally in this fight, bringing fresh and clever ideas to tackle the challenge head-on.

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Is Your Restaurant AI the Real Deal? Here Are Five Questions to Ask Vendors

Modern Restaurant Management

The restaurant industry is undergoing a technology renaissance. Everywhere you care to look, AI and automation can be found taking on critical roles and supporting restaurants, bars, cafes, and coffee shops still battling against labor shortages and rising inflation. Robots are helping with food prep and even serving dine-in customers. Data-driven analytics tools are allowing restaurants to optimize pricing and personalize menu options.

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Nearly 100 sickened with E. coli in Canada linked to Day Cares

Bill Marler

Canadian health officials have linked early 100 laboratory-confirmed patients in an E. coli outbreak linked to daycares with a common food service center. Eleven daycare centers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, have been closed because of the illnesses, which now number 96. During a press conference this afternoon, Dr. Francesco Rizzuti, medical officer of Alberta Health Services Calgary, said 22 patients had been hospitalized.

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8 Ways to Navigate The Restaurant Staff Shortage

Lavu

The restaurant staffing shortage is a major challenge for restaurant owners today. According to the National Restaurant Association 2023 Restaurant Industry Forecast , 9 in 10 restaurants are experiencing staffing shortages. This statistic is based on a survey of restaurant operators conducted in January 2023. The 2021 COVID-19 pandemic caused many people to leave the hospitality industry, and many have not returned.

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Seasonings recalled over rodent feces in samples

Food Safety News

Regal Foods, Inc of Leola, PA, is recalling various seasonings because rodent feces were found in samples of oregano. According to the details published online by the FDA, the recall was initiated on July 20, 2023, and is ongoing. The recalled products were distributed in Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Recalled products: REGAL ITALIAN SEASONING 3.25#, 3.25 lb Plastic Bag Product Quantity: 674 lbs Code Information: Code 10201310 REGAL OREGANO LEAVES 20 lbs. , 4 Oz, 1.5 lbs., variou

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Researchers Say FDA Should Look Closer at Multigenerational Effects of Aspartame After Study Suggests Learning, Memory Deficits

Food Safety Magazine

New research from the Florida State University College of Medicine suggests that the artificial sweetener aspartame may have negative cognitive effects, finding spatial learning and memory deficits among the offspring of male mice that consumed low doses of the chemical.

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More Trending

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Six Important Steps Restaurants Should Take to Build a Strong Food Safety Culture

Modern Restaurant Management

Ensuring food safety is essential for restaurant brands and others within the food industry. A weak food safety culture can have severe consequences, including product recalls, foodborne illnesses, reputational damage, diminished customer loyalty, and financial losses. Restaurants and other food businesses must prioritize building and maintaining a strong food safety culture to mitigate these risks.

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Yet another risk for produce – Angiostrongyliasis cantanensis – Rat Lungworm

Bill Marler

The CDC this week reports finding the spread of Angiostrongylus cantonensis , (Rat Lungworm) into Georgia. Originally described in Asia, where most human infections are reported, is now endemic in different regions of the world. In the United States, A. cantonensis was initially reported in Hawaii, and later in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida, likely introduced by infected rats and gastropods through trade routes, such as on merchant ships.

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Announcing the opening of SO/ Uptown Dubai

Hospitality Net

Making its stylish debut within Dubai’s up-and-coming new smart district, SO/Uptown Dubai brings a slice of avant garde living, unique identity, and design narrative to DMCC’s Uptown Dubai district with luxurious, sartorial guestrooms, distinctive dining experiences and breath-taking views of the city’s skyline.

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USDA issues public warning about SPAM

Food Safety News

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a public warning regarding SPAM meat product produced by Hormel Foods Corp. Services LLC. The implicated SPAM was under processed, which can lead to contamination. There is concern that consumers may have the product in their homes, but a recall was not requested because it is believed that the product is no longer available for consumers to purchase.

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Spoilage Bacteria Pseudomonas Able to Grow on Meat After Heat Treatment, in Vacuum-Sealed Packaging, Study Shows

Food Safety Magazine

Spoilage bacteria Pseudomonas are able to survive thermal processing methods commonly used in meat production and can grow in refrigerated, vacuum-sealed packaging with little to no oxygen, according to a recent study.

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Metz uses Stealth Nutrition Program to better serve K-12 clients

Food Management

Company is rolling out 40 new stealthy healthy recipes this fall to engage students with appealing choices that use nutritious ingredients.

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Why Manual Workforce Management Processes Should be a Thing of the Past for Restaurant Owners

Modern Restaurant Management

Scheduling employees is one of the most time-intensive tasks for restaurant managers. They often have to rely on historical data to forecast customer demand, and typically can’t take into account the impact of weather and other local events on demand. Additionally, they have to remember how this demand aligns with employee skills and availability, before they begin creating shift schedules – often using pen and paper or an Excel spreadsheet.

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CFIA – Notice to Industry: Tara Protein Powder (tara flour) not assessed for safety – FDA – your thoughts?

Bill Marler

This just landed in my inbox. September 28, 2023 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is advising businesses to avoid selling and purchasing tara protein powder (tara flour), or products containing this ingredient. Tara protein powder, also known as tara flour, could be classified as a novel food (or novel food ingredient), but has not been assessed for safety by Health Canada.

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HFTP Announces Return of Entrepreneur 20X at Major 2024 Events, Applications Now Open

Hospitality Net

Austin, Texas (September 28, 2023) — Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is pleased to announce the return of the premier hospitality technology pitch competition Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) at three events in 2024. Startups will have the opportunity to present their cutting-edge platforms at HFTP’s inaugural Digital Horizons 360 (DH360) Symposium in Europe in February and at HITEC Dubai and HITEC North America in June.

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Cantaloupe recalled in 19 states and Washington D.C. for Salmonella risk

Food Safety News

Eagle Produce LLC of Scottsdale, AZ, is initiating a recall of 6,456 cases of whole cantaloupe with the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella following an FDA test conducted on cantaloupe in a distribution center. The Kandy brand melons were distributed Sept. 5 -16 in California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington D.C. an

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FDA Updates Guidance to Address Food Manufacturers Circumventing Allergen Cross-Contact Requirements for Sesame

Food Safety Magazine

To address the trend of food manufacturers intentionally adding sesame to food products that did not originally contain the allergen in an attempt to circumvent allergen cross-contact requirements, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its draft guidance for industry on hazards analysis and preventive controls with a new chapter on avoiding allergen cross-contact and proper labeling.

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What’s new for the 2023 NFL season, Part 1

Food Management

Concessions firms introduce new items to tempt pro football fans this fall. Here a look at the burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches being debuted.

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How AI Technology Can Help Restaurants Stay Open

Modern Restaurant Management

In recent years, the restaurant industry has incurred staffing issues that have closed independent establishments and franchises nationwide. With two jobs open for every jobseeker , chances are slim that human workers will fill the demand. Fortunately, the latest advances in AI technology may keep the lights on for restaurants facing staffing shortages, while also helping these businesses run more efficiently and obtain more customers.

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Marler Clark investigates cause of E. coli Outbreak at Huntley High

Bill Marler

The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) and Huntley Community School District 158 are working collaboratively to respond to a recent outbreak of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC) at Huntley High School. There are currently seven confirmed cases of STEC, all of which involve students. The first case was identified on Sunday, September 17. At this time, there is insufficient evidence to indicate the source of the illness.

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Sterling Launches Resort within Gujarat’s Largest Theme Park at Vadodara

Hospitality Net

Sterling Holiday Resorts, India’s leading leisure hospitality brand, announced the opening of its new resort Sterling Aatapi Wonderland, Vadodara located within Gujarat’s largest theme park.

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Legislation would give the FDA, and CDC power to collect samples from animal farms during outbreaks

Food Safety News

A senator and representative have introduced legislation that would give the FDA and CDC authority to enter and collect samples at feedlots during foodborne illness outbreaks. Federal agencies currently cannot collect samples from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) unless the operators voluntarily give them access. This has impeded investigations into foodborne illness outbreaks, especially those associated with leafy greens grown next to CAFOs, according to Sen.

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CAST, IFT Publish Traceability Issue Paper to Help Industry Improve Food Safety

Food Safety Magazine

With increasing interest in food traceability around the globe and a focus on complying with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Traceability Final Rule, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) and the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) recently released an issue paper that examines traceability fundamentals and is intended as a resource for industry and other stakeholders.

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Viewpoint: Gig economy is a key ingredient for staffing success

Food Management

As labor shortages continue to impact onsite dining operations, solutions focus on delivering flexibility for both employer and employee.

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How AI and Gig Workers Will Improve Customer Service for Restaurants

Modern Restaurant Management

The past few years have undeniably changed the restaurant industry in more ways than one could imagine. Especially during the pandemic, restaurants have grappled with unexpected challenges, particularly in maintaining exceptional customer service amidst shifting operational dynamics. But as with every challenge, innovation thrives. Enter AI and gig workers.

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Perhaps the documentary Poisoned is having a positive impact?

Bill Marler

Booker, DeLauro Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Better Protect Americans from Foodborne Illnesses Legislation enables improved monitoring of CAFOs during outbreaks or when there is a public health need SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced the bicameral Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act (EFSIA) , legislation that would grant the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the authority to

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Hyatt To Introduce New Home Rental Offering: Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt

Hospitality Net

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) yesterday announced plans for a new short-term vacation rental platform, Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt, that will feature private homes and remote hideaways in the United States. When the offering launches, which is expected in the coming weeks, World of Hyatt members will have direct booking access to a unique collection of short-term private home rentals from beachfront escapes to mountainside ski chalets, where they can earn and redeem points beyond th

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Infant formula recalled because of an inadvertent release of rejected product

Food Safety News

PBM Nutritionals, LLC is recalling Parent’s Choice brand Sensitivity Premium Infant Formula and Tippy Toes brand Sensitivity Premium Infant Formula because of an inadvertent release of rejected product to the market. According to the details posted online by the FDA, the recall was initiated on June 16, 2023, and is ongoing. The recalled products were distributed in Illinois, Alabama, Iowa, Georgia, Mississippi, Indiana, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New H

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FDA Responds to CFP Recommendations for Food Code, Retail Program Standards

Food Safety Magazine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently published its response to the most recent suggestions given to the agency by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). Recommendations given to FDA by CFP cover the Food Code and its Annexes, the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards , and other actions.

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Aladdin’s Mobile Mart creates value-added dining for students at Ave Maria University

Food Management

M2 serves grab and go selections and convenience store-like items such as candy, chips, assorted beverages, and other packaged snacks.

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Three Things Your POS Can’t Do if You Lose Internet

Modern Restaurant Management

Nearly every restaurant in the United States relies on a Point of Sale (POS) system for the majority of its front-of-house operations. That system needs access to the internet in order to keep functioning. But what happens when your restaurant suffers an internet outage, taking your POS system with it? Not only can that become frustrating for your guests, but it can also make in-house operations much more difficult.