Commodity prices rebound
Commodity prices this week rebound and gained lost ground.
Corn prices were up by almost $4.2 per MT on an average in the Indian Markets. The average price was at $128.9 per MT, up from $124.7 per MT (last week) a gain of 3.3% in one week. The markets where the prices were high were Bihar, up from $110 per Mt to $127 per MT, a gain of 15%; Rajasthan, up from $150 to $158 per MT; and Uttar Pradesh, up to $163 from $140 per MT, an increase of 16% over last week. The Desi red variety of maize grown in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan was sold at $149 per MT, against $128 per MT of last week, an increase of 16.4%. The price of corn over last year are also high now, and are up by 2.27%.
Barley prices are soaring high and $200 per MT mark this week, up from last weeks $161 per Mt, an increase of 25%. The prices over last year is higher by 51%. Last year the price at this time of the year averaged at $133 per MT in the market yard.
Sorghum prices also rebound and reach $192 per MT, up from last weeks $169.43 per MT, an increase of 13% in one week. The prices are higher over last year by 19%.
Pearl Millet prices this week are down at $137.6 per MT, a loss of about 3.36%, but the prices are still higher than last year by $2.6 per Mt (1.98%).
There is still no way that the poultry operators can substitute Pearl Millet or Sorghum in poultry rations to reduce the prices. Pearl Millet prices are still higher than corn prices by 6.64% and the sorghum prices by 48.6%.
Why sell graded eggs?
In most countries the Grade requirements for eggs are set to protect the consuming public from undue risk. Factors like interior quality, weight, cleanliness and shell construction are considered while grading the eggs. These factors are related to safety, wholesomeness and quality. In countries like US, Canada and all of EU eggs are graded in a registered egg station to ensure they are handled and packed in a sanitary environment.
Regulations in place require that eggs from registered egg grading stations that are graded as A Grade (consumer grade eggs) must be clean and free of leaks, cracks or other defects that could present food safety problems.
In a grading station, eggs are received, washed, candled, weighed and packed into containers with the applicable grade name in an inspected, sanitary environment. The eggs must also be stored at appropriate temperature (refrigerated) before and after grading to main the quality.
By grading the eggs, it is possible to get a better return and selling eggs of particular grade to a target group who can afford to pay abetter value for Grade A eggs.
For the grading to happen, the standards must be set by a central agency and all must adhere to not only the grade standards, but also general rules of Good Manufacturing Practises (GMP) and Good Hygienic Practises (GHP). The grading and packing stations need to follow the requirements that cover all aspects of operation including construction, equipment, access to potable water, handling and packaging of eggs. All the requirements ensure that eggs sold to the consumers from these registered egg grading stations are handled and packaged in a clean, sanitary environment and are properly labelled.
Amit Sachdev
Representative
U S Grains Council, India
bluecross303@gmail.com
May 26, 2006
Friday, May 26, 2006
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Commodity prices remain stable; Biotech Media Tour 2006 and acceptance of the technology
Commodity prices remain stable
The week for the coarse cereals prices also showed a down trend as the stock market did the past week. Although the prices were not so badly hit as the crash in the stick market. Overall the prices were stable for grains.
This week also saw the tender for another 3 MMT of wheat opening for imports into India. Reports indicate that the total imports will be close to 5.5 MMT for the year 2006-07 and imports for private traders will also be opened in near future once the Food Corporation of India (FCI) can fulfil its own requirements of wheat for the Public Distribution System (PDS).
On the coarse cereal front, the barley prices remained higher than last year prices of $131 per MT and were at $161 per MT, about 23.18% higher than last year. Over the last week, the prices were down by just about 1%.
Sorghum prices on the other hand tumbled down by about 7% over last week and were $169.43 per MT. The prices turned lower due to more arrivals in the market specially in Maharshtra. Over the last year the prices are higher by 5.24%, during the same period.
Pearl Millet prices also were down by 2.&% over last week’s $ 146.2 per MT and were $142.3 per MT. The prices were also lower than last year prices by 2.53%.
Corn prices also had a down trend and prices dropped by 3% over last week, averaging at $124.7 per MT, just about 0.21% less than last year’s price of $125 per MT during the same period last year.
Prices of corn on CBOT also plunged to $ 99.42 per MT, down from last week’s close of $ 101 per MT, a loss of about 1.6% over last week. The planting is almost 85% complete. FOB values are estimated at $112-113 per MT (FOB NOLA).
Reports indicate that the prices of commodities especially corn will be higher than normal as we near the lean season. It will be a litmus test for the poultry sector at that time as it would be on the path of recovery. Those who have stocks will survive in the market, while those who will be dependent on the market for every day needs will suffer the most.
Biotech Media Tour 2006 and acceptance of the technology
The U S Grains Council had organized a media tour on Biotechnology Education in first week of April 2006.
The tour provided science-based information to a team of media representatives from around the world and brought them face to face with the way the products are researched, produced and handled. As one of the Journalists, ValentÃn Fuentes, editor of Quo Magazine in Mexico put it, “now I’m aware that it is used responsibly in the United States.
To know more about the program and what the journalists saw and experience, please visit the council’s Biotechnology Research Centre at the following link.
http://brc.grains.org/grains/page.ww?section=2006+Programs&name=April
It has been the endeavour of the U S Grains Council to provide correct, science based information to all the stake holders, including policy makers, users as well as consumers. While there have been some controversies associated with the technology and its acceptance, it has been gained wide spread acceptance in the last 10 years and farmers in many countries have embraced the technology for their own benefit and that for the society at large.
Farmers in Brazil are one such lot who have embraced the technology and in some cases have completely stopped - plowing or tilling the soil to eliminate weeds and prepare fields for planting. The benefits of conservation tillage range from less erosion to improved wildlife habitat to a reduction in greenhouse gases and fuel use.
Brazilian farmers have experienced damage to environment due to soil erosion. The losses were to the extent of 10 tons of soil per hectare per year, to produce one ton of grain. The problem has been lost by eliminating tillage, as per Mr.Almir Rebelo, grower advisor and president of Friends of the Earth.
A reduction in plowing means a decrease in the number "tractor trips" across a field – resulting in fuel savings and a reduction in greenhouse gases.
This is just a start and farmers are begging to realize the importance of GM traits being offered to them, which not only save them money, but also provide them with better production, help the environment by less soil erosion, green house emissions and much more.
Amit Sachdev
Representative
U S Grains Council, India
bluecross303@gmail.com
May 20, 2006
The week for the coarse cereals prices also showed a down trend as the stock market did the past week. Although the prices were not so badly hit as the crash in the stick market. Overall the prices were stable for grains.
This week also saw the tender for another 3 MMT of wheat opening for imports into India. Reports indicate that the total imports will be close to 5.5 MMT for the year 2006-07 and imports for private traders will also be opened in near future once the Food Corporation of India (FCI) can fulfil its own requirements of wheat for the Public Distribution System (PDS).
On the coarse cereal front, the barley prices remained higher than last year prices of $131 per MT and were at $161 per MT, about 23.18% higher than last year. Over the last week, the prices were down by just about 1%.
Sorghum prices on the other hand tumbled down by about 7% over last week and were $169.43 per MT. The prices turned lower due to more arrivals in the market specially in Maharshtra. Over the last year the prices are higher by 5.24%, during the same period.
Pearl Millet prices also were down by 2.&% over last week’s $ 146.2 per MT and were $142.3 per MT. The prices were also lower than last year prices by 2.53%.
Corn prices also had a down trend and prices dropped by 3% over last week, averaging at $124.7 per MT, just about 0.21% less than last year’s price of $125 per MT during the same period last year.
Prices of corn on CBOT also plunged to $ 99.42 per MT, down from last week’s close of $ 101 per MT, a loss of about 1.6% over last week. The planting is almost 85% complete. FOB values are estimated at $112-113 per MT (FOB NOLA).
Reports indicate that the prices of commodities especially corn will be higher than normal as we near the lean season. It will be a litmus test for the poultry sector at that time as it would be on the path of recovery. Those who have stocks will survive in the market, while those who will be dependent on the market for every day needs will suffer the most.
Biotech Media Tour 2006 and acceptance of the technology
The U S Grains Council had organized a media tour on Biotechnology Education in first week of April 2006.
The tour provided science-based information to a team of media representatives from around the world and brought them face to face with the way the products are researched, produced and handled. As one of the Journalists, ValentÃn Fuentes, editor of Quo Magazine in Mexico put it, “now I’m aware that it is used responsibly in the United States.
To know more about the program and what the journalists saw and experience, please visit the council’s Biotechnology Research Centre at the following link.
http://brc.grains.org/grains/page.ww?section=2006+Programs&name=April
It has been the endeavour of the U S Grains Council to provide correct, science based information to all the stake holders, including policy makers, users as well as consumers. While there have been some controversies associated with the technology and its acceptance, it has been gained wide spread acceptance in the last 10 years and farmers in many countries have embraced the technology for their own benefit and that for the society at large.
Farmers in Brazil are one such lot who have embraced the technology and in some cases have completely stopped - plowing or tilling the soil to eliminate weeds and prepare fields for planting. The benefits of conservation tillage range from less erosion to improved wildlife habitat to a reduction in greenhouse gases and fuel use.
Brazilian farmers have experienced damage to environment due to soil erosion. The losses were to the extent of 10 tons of soil per hectare per year, to produce one ton of grain. The problem has been lost by eliminating tillage, as per Mr.Almir Rebelo, grower advisor and president of Friends of the Earth.
A reduction in plowing means a decrease in the number "tractor trips" across a field – resulting in fuel savings and a reduction in greenhouse gases.
This is just a start and farmers are begging to realize the importance of GM traits being offered to them, which not only save them money, but also provide them with better production, help the environment by less soil erosion, green house emissions and much more.
Amit Sachdev
Representative
U S Grains Council, India
bluecross303@gmail.com
May 20, 2006
Monday, May 15, 2006
Commodity prices stable; World Avian Influenza update (with inputs from New York Times) and food safety
Commodity prices stable
The commodity prices in India over the week have remained stable, even as poultry industry is showing signs of revival.
Corn prices were up by almost $1.5 per MT over last week (1.2%) at $128.7 per MT but were still lower by $2.4 per MT (1.76%) over last year’s $131 per MT at the same time. The prices moved up in Maharashtra ($148 per MT from $123) and Rajasthan ($163 per Mt from $153), but dropped in Bihar ($120 per MT from $ 124) and Uttar Pradesh ($137 per MT from $147)
Pearl Millet (Bajra) prices mover lower to $146.2 per MT, loss of $3 per MT (2%) over last week. The prices were also $1.1per MT lower than last year as well.
Prices of Sorghum (Jowar) were up by $1.75 per MT to $182 per Mt over last week’s $180.25 per MT. The prices were also lower by $8 per MT over last year $180 per MT.
Barley is the only coarse cereals, which is running higher than last years prices during the same time. The prices last year were $117 per MT, which, this year are ruling at $163 per MT, higher by almost 40%.
Prices in US moved up and corn closed at $101.67 for July 2006 delivery. Higher by almost $7 over last week’s close. The FOB value US gulf for July delivery was $116.60 per MT.
USDA came out with an updated WADSE report on Friday. The comments are as under:
COARSE GRAINS: The 2006/07 U.S. outlook for coarse grains includes decreased feed grain supplies, higher use, falling stocks, and higher prices. The 2006/07 corn crop is projected at 10.55 billion bushels (268 MMT), 5 percent below last year’s 282.25 MMT. Total corn supply, at 12.8 billion bushels (325.12 MMT), is down 3 percent as the smaller corn crop is only partially offset by higher beginning stocks.
Projected 2006/07 corn use expands 6 percent to a record 11.6 billion bushels (294.64 MMT). Domestic use for ethanol production increases 34 percent from last year to 2.15 billion bushels (54.16 MMT) while exports increase 6 percent to 2.15 billion bushels (54.16 MMT). The export increase is due to reduced foreign competition and lower global feed-quality wheat supplies. Ending stocks of 1.1 billion bushels are down by about half from year-earlier levels. The projected price range for corn is $2.25 to $2.65 per bushel ($88.56 – 104.30 per MT), compared with $1.95 to $2.05 ($76.75 – 80.68 per MT) for 2005/06. Projected stocks of sorghum, barley, and oats are below year-earlier levels, and prices for these crops are higher.
The 2006/07 global coarse grains outlook includes slightly lower production, increased consumption, and lower ending stocks. Smaller coarse grain crops in the United States more than offset higher foreign production. Production increases are significant for Argentina and EU-25. Global coarse grain trade is up slightly while consumption is up 2.7 percent. China's corn stocks continue to fall; global corn ending stocks drop 29 percent to 92 million tons, the lowest in more than 20 years.”
Detailed report can be seen at
http://www.usda.gov/oce/commodity/wasde/latest.pdf
World Avian Influenza update (with inputs from New York Times) and food safety
Over the last couple of weeks there have been no reports from the bird flu from Southeast Asia, where it first started.
Vietnam. Which had almost 50% of the human cased of H5NI in the world, has not had a single human and poultry case this year. Vietnam began vaccinating its chickens last summer. Thailand also has not reported any human case for 1 year and no poultry case for over 6 months now.
Different tactics, used in countries have worked well. While Vietnam began vaccinating all its 220 million chickens last summer, Thailand did not because it has a large poultry export industry, and other nations would have banned its birds indefinitely. (Vaccines can mask the virus instead of killing it.). Instead, Thailand culled wide areas around infected flocks, compensated farmers generously and deputized a volunteer in every village to report sick chickens.
In China, the reported human cases have remained low: 8 last year and 10 this year.
Perhaps more important, its poultry cases — which lead to human cases and increase the risk of a mutant pandemic strain — seem to be dropping.
According to the World Health Organization, China said it had outbreaks in 16 provinces in 2004. In 2005, it reported outbreaks in only 12 provinces, but one in November was so large that 2.5 million birds were culled to contain it.
After that, the Agriculture Ministry announced that it would vaccinate every domestic bird in China, which raises and consumes 14 billion chickens, ducks and geese each year. The official news agency reported about the same time that a fake flu vaccine, possibly with live virus in it, might have spread the disease.
While all is being done to contain the virus though vaccinations and culling, there still is a need to educate the producers on the bio-security aspects of poultry farming, which seems to have taken a back seat. Unplanned expansions, new farms coming up in close proximity to each other and unwanted movement of people and materials from one farm to other may be another cause. The consumers also need to be made aware about the Good Kitchen Practises and safety of food products that they consumer on a regular basis.
Over the last few months, the Council has been active in providing information on Food Safety issues on meat, but which can also be applied to other food products which are used by consumers. It not only meat which gets into the kitchen, but also other products like fruits, vegetables, milk. One the readers of the report has posted his comments on the food safety issues with milk, which can be read at the following link.
http://usgcindiamarketreport.blogspot.com/2006/05/corn-demand-losses-steam-for-time.html#comments
If you have any such comments, please feel free to post the same of the blog spot or send the same to me.
Amit Sachdev
Representative
U S Grains Council, India
bluecross303@gmail.com
May 13, 2006
The commodity prices in India over the week have remained stable, even as poultry industry is showing signs of revival.
Corn prices were up by almost $1.5 per MT over last week (1.2%) at $128.7 per MT but were still lower by $2.4 per MT (1.76%) over last year’s $131 per MT at the same time. The prices moved up in Maharashtra ($148 per MT from $123) and Rajasthan ($163 per Mt from $153), but dropped in Bihar ($120 per MT from $ 124) and Uttar Pradesh ($137 per MT from $147)
Pearl Millet (Bajra) prices mover lower to $146.2 per MT, loss of $3 per MT (2%) over last week. The prices were also $1.1per MT lower than last year as well.
Prices of Sorghum (Jowar) were up by $1.75 per MT to $182 per Mt over last week’s $180.25 per MT. The prices were also lower by $8 per MT over last year $180 per MT.
Barley is the only coarse cereals, which is running higher than last years prices during the same time. The prices last year were $117 per MT, which, this year are ruling at $163 per MT, higher by almost 40%.
Prices in US moved up and corn closed at $101.67 for July 2006 delivery. Higher by almost $7 over last week’s close. The FOB value US gulf for July delivery was $116.60 per MT.
USDA came out with an updated WADSE report on Friday. The comments are as under:
COARSE GRAINS: The 2006/07 U.S. outlook for coarse grains includes decreased feed grain supplies, higher use, falling stocks, and higher prices. The 2006/07 corn crop is projected at 10.55 billion bushels (268 MMT), 5 percent below last year’s 282.25 MMT. Total corn supply, at 12.8 billion bushels (325.12 MMT), is down 3 percent as the smaller corn crop is only partially offset by higher beginning stocks.
Projected 2006/07 corn use expands 6 percent to a record 11.6 billion bushels (294.64 MMT). Domestic use for ethanol production increases 34 percent from last year to 2.15 billion bushels (54.16 MMT) while exports increase 6 percent to 2.15 billion bushels (54.16 MMT). The export increase is due to reduced foreign competition and lower global feed-quality wheat supplies. Ending stocks of 1.1 billion bushels are down by about half from year-earlier levels. The projected price range for corn is $2.25 to $2.65 per bushel ($88.56 – 104.30 per MT), compared with $1.95 to $2.05 ($76.75 – 80.68 per MT) for 2005/06. Projected stocks of sorghum, barley, and oats are below year-earlier levels, and prices for these crops are higher.
The 2006/07 global coarse grains outlook includes slightly lower production, increased consumption, and lower ending stocks. Smaller coarse grain crops in the United States more than offset higher foreign production. Production increases are significant for Argentina and EU-25. Global coarse grain trade is up slightly while consumption is up 2.7 percent. China's corn stocks continue to fall; global corn ending stocks drop 29 percent to 92 million tons, the lowest in more than 20 years.”
Detailed report can be seen at
http://www.usda.gov/oce/commodity/wasde/latest.pdf
World Avian Influenza update (with inputs from New York Times) and food safety
Over the last couple of weeks there have been no reports from the bird flu from Southeast Asia, where it first started.
Vietnam. Which had almost 50% of the human cased of H5NI in the world, has not had a single human and poultry case this year. Vietnam began vaccinating its chickens last summer. Thailand also has not reported any human case for 1 year and no poultry case for over 6 months now.
Different tactics, used in countries have worked well. While Vietnam began vaccinating all its 220 million chickens last summer, Thailand did not because it has a large poultry export industry, and other nations would have banned its birds indefinitely. (Vaccines can mask the virus instead of killing it.). Instead, Thailand culled wide areas around infected flocks, compensated farmers generously and deputized a volunteer in every village to report sick chickens.
In China, the reported human cases have remained low: 8 last year and 10 this year.
Perhaps more important, its poultry cases — which lead to human cases and increase the risk of a mutant pandemic strain — seem to be dropping.
According to the World Health Organization, China said it had outbreaks in 16 provinces in 2004. In 2005, it reported outbreaks in only 12 provinces, but one in November was so large that 2.5 million birds were culled to contain it.
After that, the Agriculture Ministry announced that it would vaccinate every domestic bird in China, which raises and consumes 14 billion chickens, ducks and geese each year. The official news agency reported about the same time that a fake flu vaccine, possibly with live virus in it, might have spread the disease.
While all is being done to contain the virus though vaccinations and culling, there still is a need to educate the producers on the bio-security aspects of poultry farming, which seems to have taken a back seat. Unplanned expansions, new farms coming up in close proximity to each other and unwanted movement of people and materials from one farm to other may be another cause. The consumers also need to be made aware about the Good Kitchen Practises and safety of food products that they consumer on a regular basis.
Over the last few months, the Council has been active in providing information on Food Safety issues on meat, but which can also be applied to other food products which are used by consumers. It not only meat which gets into the kitchen, but also other products like fruits, vegetables, milk. One the readers of the report has posted his comments on the food safety issues with milk, which can be read at the following link.
http://usgcindiamarketreport.blogspot.com/2006/05/corn-demand-losses-steam-for-time.html#comments
If you have any such comments, please feel free to post the same of the blog spot or send the same to me.
Amit Sachdev
Representative
U S Grains Council, India
bluecross303@gmail.com
May 13, 2006
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Corn demand losses steam for time being;USGC organises interactive session on poultry processing and Food safety
Corn demand losses steam for time being
It seams corn demand has lost steam and average prices showed a decline this week to $ 127.2 per MT, over last weeks $129.2. The prices are also lower than last years price of $130 per Mt in the first week of May 2005. This is probably due to high heat in North, which has led to lower placements of chicks and slow down in demand of feed and hence corn. In Maharashtra too as prices of chicken are still not up to normal and are at Rs.13.00 per kg live (Dressed Chicken Rs.32 – 35 per kg at live market), the placements are yet to pick up.
Barley prices on the other hand have notched a peak at $164.5 per Mt in the market, $10 higher than last weeks $154 per MT. The prices are higher by approximately 30% over last year’s May first week prices.
Sorghum prices are up to $180.2 per MT from last weeks $165 per MT, an increase of 9.2% in a week. The prices are higher than last years price of $173 per MT, up by 4.19%.
Pearl Millet prices dropped to $149.2 per MT from last week’s $153 per MT, a drop of 2.5%. The prices are higher still ruling higher than last years prices of $141 per MT (%.8% higher) during the same period last year.
Prices of Corn on CBOT for May closed at $90.76 per MT, while for July 2006 delivery the prices were close to $94.6 per MT. The crop progress report will be out on Monday, May 8, 2006 and will determine the prices for the week.
USGC organises interactive session on poultry processing and Food safety
U S Grains Council, organised an interactive session on poultry processing and food safety with Dr.James Denton, Professor Emeritus, University of Arkansas at Bombay, Calcutta and New Delhi in the week of May 01 – 05, 2006 for the benefit of poultry processors and value added product manufacturers. The session with the theme ‘New Threats in Poultry Processing and Need for Consumer Awareness’.
In the wake of drop in consumption due to the Avian Influenza issue and as the industry moves forward to value added products, Dr.James Denton advised the industry to make a road map with steps outlining specific goals to reach the final goal, SAFE FOOD FOR ALL. In his deliberations he pointed out that the industry needs to learn the lessons from other countries who have retained their consumers even in the wake of threats. It is necessary to win the confidence of the consumer and keep the trust of the consumer and it is only possible by having a feasible inspection system in place, wherein there could be government intervention and government can provide oversight.
It is also necessary to regulate the live markets and take steps that a bad product does not reach the consumer and in an event that happens there is a recall system in place. In his presentation he emphasised the need for the consumer awareness and making products as per the needs of the consumer.
In order for the industry to regain the lost ground with regard to consumption it is necessary to make the consumer aware about few things specially the difference between bacteria that are food safety hazard and that cause food spoilage. Ultimately the consumers also need to understand the value of cleanliness and take some steps at their end to keep the products safe.
On the new threats that are likely to engage the industry in near future are Generic E Coli, Listeria Monocytogenes, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter and Staphylococcus which might cause problems in the raw and Ready to Eat products.
It was pointed out that none of the above is such a issue that cannot be handled and if effect the product only if products somehow is mishandled at some point in the production, distribution, retail chain or the consumers end. Listeria is one such organism which can survive cold temperatures and can be found on luncheon meats and is a major threat to expectant mothers. Staphylococcus on the other hand is found on human hands and will find its way on the system if personnel do not follow Good Hygienic Practises. In case of Staphylococcus, the disease is not caused by the bacteria but the toxin produced by the bacteria which is heat stable.
The council distributed some material which can be used by the companies to educate the consumers. The material can be found on the website www.fightbac.org.
The brochure can be downloaded from the following link
http://www.fightbac.org/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_download/gid,67/Itemid,83/
Amit Sachdev
Representative
U S Grains Council, India
bluecross303@gmail.com
May 06, 2006
It seams corn demand has lost steam and average prices showed a decline this week to $ 127.2 per MT, over last weeks $129.2. The prices are also lower than last years price of $130 per Mt in the first week of May 2005. This is probably due to high heat in North, which has led to lower placements of chicks and slow down in demand of feed and hence corn. In Maharashtra too as prices of chicken are still not up to normal and are at Rs.13.00 per kg live (Dressed Chicken Rs.32 – 35 per kg at live market), the placements are yet to pick up.
Barley prices on the other hand have notched a peak at $164.5 per Mt in the market, $10 higher than last weeks $154 per MT. The prices are higher by approximately 30% over last year’s May first week prices.
Sorghum prices are up to $180.2 per MT from last weeks $165 per MT, an increase of 9.2% in a week. The prices are higher than last years price of $173 per MT, up by 4.19%.
Pearl Millet prices dropped to $149.2 per MT from last week’s $153 per MT, a drop of 2.5%. The prices are higher still ruling higher than last years prices of $141 per MT (%.8% higher) during the same period last year.
Prices of Corn on CBOT for May closed at $90.76 per MT, while for July 2006 delivery the prices were close to $94.6 per MT. The crop progress report will be out on Monday, May 8, 2006 and will determine the prices for the week.
USGC organises interactive session on poultry processing and Food safety
U S Grains Council, organised an interactive session on poultry processing and food safety with Dr.James Denton, Professor Emeritus, University of Arkansas at Bombay, Calcutta and New Delhi in the week of May 01 – 05, 2006 for the benefit of poultry processors and value added product manufacturers. The session with the theme ‘New Threats in Poultry Processing and Need for Consumer Awareness’.
In the wake of drop in consumption due to the Avian Influenza issue and as the industry moves forward to value added products, Dr.James Denton advised the industry to make a road map with steps outlining specific goals to reach the final goal, SAFE FOOD FOR ALL. In his deliberations he pointed out that the industry needs to learn the lessons from other countries who have retained their consumers even in the wake of threats. It is necessary to win the confidence of the consumer and keep the trust of the consumer and it is only possible by having a feasible inspection system in place, wherein there could be government intervention and government can provide oversight.
It is also necessary to regulate the live markets and take steps that a bad product does not reach the consumer and in an event that happens there is a recall system in place. In his presentation he emphasised the need for the consumer awareness and making products as per the needs of the consumer.
In order for the industry to regain the lost ground with regard to consumption it is necessary to make the consumer aware about few things specially the difference between bacteria that are food safety hazard and that cause food spoilage. Ultimately the consumers also need to understand the value of cleanliness and take some steps at their end to keep the products safe.
On the new threats that are likely to engage the industry in near future are Generic E Coli, Listeria Monocytogenes, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter and Staphylococcus which might cause problems in the raw and Ready to Eat products.
It was pointed out that none of the above is such a issue that cannot be handled and if effect the product only if products somehow is mishandled at some point in the production, distribution, retail chain or the consumers end. Listeria is one such organism which can survive cold temperatures and can be found on luncheon meats and is a major threat to expectant mothers. Staphylococcus on the other hand is found on human hands and will find its way on the system if personnel do not follow Good Hygienic Practises. In case of Staphylococcus, the disease is not caused by the bacteria but the toxin produced by the bacteria which is heat stable.
The council distributed some material which can be used by the companies to educate the consumers. The material can be found on the website www.fightbac.org.
The brochure can be downloaded from the following link
http://www.fightbac.org/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_download/gid,67/Itemid,83/
Amit Sachdev
Representative
U S Grains Council, India
bluecross303@gmail.com
May 06, 2006
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