The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) today highlighted three private sector initiatives that will improve the safety and security of the nation’s food supply.  “The food industry is ultimately responsible for the safety of its products,” said Pamela G. Bailey, GMA president and CEO.  “We take that responsibility very seriously and want our consumers and policymakers to know that we are vigilant when it comes to product safety and consumer protection.  We are stepping up to the plate, taking responsibility and developing innovative reforms to improve the safety of our products.

“We are pleased by the commitment of Congress and the Obama Administration to enact food safety reforms and strengthen FDA’s food safety capabilities.  Combined with quick enactment of the necessary legislative and regulatory reforms, these initiatives should significantly reduce the number and type of food recalls we have seen in recent years and strengthen our overall food safety system.”
The initiatives are outlined in Prevention, Partnership and Planning: Supply Chain Initiatives to Improve Food Safety.  They include:

1.    Product Recall Modernization:  The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and GS1US, with the support of GMA, have developed and launched an electronic, Web-based product recall portal that facilitates the rapid and accurate flow of information between manufacturers and retailers during product recalls.

2.    Accredited Third Party Food Safety Audit Certification: Third party audits are an important part of America’s food safety net.  To ensure rigor and integrity in third party certification, policymakers and industry leaders should encourage the engagement of auditors employed by certification bodies accredited to international standards by recognized organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)..

3.    Modernization and Implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for Food: FDA is in the process of updating and issuing its Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) regulations for food, which are a critical component of our nation’s food safety system

“In addition, we are developing enhanced food safety education and training for member and non-member companies, assessing and enhancing our crisis management capability and expanding our ability to communicate directly with consumers during product recalls to ensure industry is doing its part to protect consumers.  We are working with stakeholders from the entire supply chain to develop comprehensive and meaningful food safety solutions that will improve food safety and consumer confidence,” concluded Ms. Bailey.

Prevention, Partnership and Planning is the third in a series of food industry proposals and initiatives designed to improve the safety and security of the food supply by preventing problems before they arise and utilizing private sector know-how to respond effectively to future incidents. In the fall of 2007, the food industry unveiled its Commitment to Consumers: The Four Pillars of Imported Food Safety, designed to improve the safety of imported food and food ingredients.  In January 2009, the industry announced its food safety legislative reforms for the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress.

McDonalds Burger King Pizza Hut There are dozens of fast food chains in every part of the world, making it quite difficult for anyone to have a strict diet. Who would want a salad when they could easily have a large fry and an entire pizza? Unfortunately, the foods that taste the best are often the worst for your body. While we usually ignore this important fact, it is crucial that we at least try to consume nutritional food four days out of the week.

Since the health trend has spiked in most recent years, a myth has circulated across the globe. Most people feel that “nutritional food” – the types of products with an abundance of fiber, protein, and other vitamins, taste like the bottom of your toilet seat. Although many of these products do taste a bit bland, there are plenty that are delicious. It is just a matter of weeding out the disgusting foods and focusing on the ones that taste the best.

If you are trying your best to be healthy, it is essential to find foods that will treat your bodies well. Most grocery stores include products that have an “organic” symbol at the bottom of each box. This is great to look for, especially if you are searching for healthy alternatives. Once you have come across this symbol, you should try to find something high in fiber. For instance, Fiber One cereals or Kashi products are very high in the nutrients your body needs. Fortunately, they also taste amazing. Looking for something sweeter? Add a few berries to your cereal each morning.

Looking for wheat products is also key. Instead of buying Wonder bread, opt for whole grain or wheat. These types of products are much better for your bodies, and actually include the fiber that you should be getting. Not ready to give up all of the bagels and danishes? At least try buying the low fat wheat bagels, which barely taste any different. Add light cream cheese, and you are all set for a healthy breakfast.

Aside from organic foods and whole wheat bread, you should be taking nutritional supplements. While some people enjoy swallowing their daily vitamin, others like to be creative. Noni Juice is a popular favorite, as it is a natural fruit juice that does not have any extra preservatives. Looking for sweetness with all of the nutrients? Noni Juice is the perfect product, if that is what you are looking for. It not only boosts your immune system, but it gives you energy, and it fights off viruses that are trying to get you sick.

Health food is always going to somewhat have a negative connotation. After all, it never will be Pizza Hut or Burger King. However, these junk foods will by no means give you the nutrition that you desperately seek. By eating healthy foods and looking great, you will not only feel better about yourself, but you’ll have additional energy. It is a known fact that you will feel much different if you consume foods with fiber and nutrients. Once you start eating these types of groceries, chances are you’ll turn the other cheek to fast food chains.

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• Since the health trend has spiked in most recent years a myth has circulated across the globe

Moroccan cuisine offers one of the most delectable and diverse dining experiences in the world. The food is awe inspiring to say the least. One of the reasons for its astounding popularity the world over is the diversity that has been lent to Moroccan aliments brought in through the borrowings from various cuisines that include the specialties from cultures such as Berber, Iberian, Arab, Mediterranean African, Average Eastern and Moorish cultures.

With so many influences and several eras full of experimentations carried out by talented chefs has given a new dimension to Moroccan cuisine. Its flavors, aromas, and the aesthetic value of the preparations all culminate to provide the diners an unforgettable experience. From the aristocratic kitchens and their able cooks in places like Meknes, Fez, Rabat and Tetauan to the elegant modern day restaurants of the Medina of Marrekech, it is avante garde Moroccan cuisine at its best.

Morocco has often been at the nucleus of several cultures through wars and alliances the cultures crept into Morocco and forever impacted the cultural fabric of the country including its cuisine. Even though its common place to see women from all over the world flocking to Moroccan recipe sites they seldom manage to capture the local flavors of the preparations simply because Moroccan cuisine revolved around the fulcrum of locally found ingredients.

The history, traditions and the story of the country are reflected in its gastronomic delights. The various settlements forever altered the Moroccan perception of flavors and aromas. Decades ago refugees would take flight from Baghdad to reach the safe haven of Morocco. But even though they left their belongings back they did bring along knowledge about their local cuisine which mingled with the local preparations making them richer and adding a new dimension to them. One of the traditional dishes that has been influenced by Iraqi cuisine is the bake apple.

Another country that has greatly influenced the Moroccan cuisine is Spain. The Spanish, Moorish Andalusian culinary traits were brought along by Muslim refugees who were befuddled out of Spain during the inquisition. All these influences intermingled with the local produce to create a one of its kind culinary culture. Everything that is grown locally is used with great creativity in the traditional cuisine. Poultry, meats fishes and vegetables all are used to create the extraordinary delicacies of the country.

The Spices

The exclusivity and the uniqueness of Moroccan cuisine can be attributed to their ingenious use of spices which form an integral part of the gastronomic traditions. One of the best places to purchase spices in Morocco is Agadir, you can get spices to add an assortment of colors and flavors to your food. These spices are used in all Moroccan preparations and guarantee a taste that will linger in your memory for the rest of your life. Although the people of Morocco cannot imagine without these spices they were not originally grown in the country.

Some of the commonly used spices include saffron, pepper, turmeric, ginger, sesame seeds, paprika, anis seed, parsley, cinnamon, cumin and others.

The Moroccan Meal

Moroccan dishes are heavenly concoctions that entice the senses and tingle the taste buds. A lot of imagination and the skill of many a talented chef has gone into Moroccan cuisine the way it appears today. A hot midday meal would start with a salad with fresh vegetables followed by the sumptuous tagine, then you will be served the couscous wit an assortment of vegetables and meat or fish. And the end of the meal is brought in with a cup of deliciously brewed tea.

Normally the couscous is served with locally grown vegetables and meats that primarily include poultry, lamb meat and fish; beef is also included but it is rare. The other meats are more common because they are easily and abundantly available.

The tagine and the couscous are not the only favorites the desserts of the country have their own special place in gastronomic history and you simply must taste Moroccan cuisine to experience its true splendor because no amount of words would be able to adequately and justifiably define the gastronomic adventure that Moroccan cuisine is.