Plainview Cooperative Recall Warns of Possible Salmonella Contamination
Plainview Milk Products Cooperative in Plainview, Minn., last Tuesday issued a voluntary recall of its agglomerated, or instant, products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The list of affected products includes instant nonfat dry milk, instant whey proteins, instant fruit stabilizers and gums that were packaged and sold by the company between June 4, 2007, and June 4, 2009. IDFA is working closely with the Food and Drug Administration and Plainview Milk Products Cooperative and offers advice to member companies that may have received the affected ingredients.
IDFA Questions Fairness of Cap-and-Trade Program in House Climate Bill
By a vote of 219-212, the U.S. House of Representatives passed on Friday a comprehensive climate change bill that includes a cap-and-trade program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all industries. Prior to the vote, IDFA and other food industry groups warned House leaders that the sweeping legislation could have a negative impact on food prices and accessibility. "We want to assure that Congress is fully considering these impacts as this legislation moves forward," said Jerry Slominski, IDFA senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy.
Market Update: The Real Story on Farm Milk Prices vs. Retail Fluid Milk Prices
During periods of low farm milk prices, it's common to hear complaints from farm groups that retail milk prices have not fallen at the same rate, says Bob Yonkers, IDFA chief economist. But in this month's Dairy Market Update column, Yonkers explains that while retail milk prices may not change in lockstep with farm milk prices, available data shows that retail milk price changes do tend to follow farm milk price changes over time.
NMPF Urges USDA to Raise CCC Purchase Prices, Extend DEIP through 2010
The National Milk Producers Federation called last week for a temporary increase of the Commodity Credit Corporation purchase prices for cheese and nonfat dry milk under the Dairy Product Price Support Program. In addition, NMPF urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend the Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP) on July 1 for FY 2009-2010. The invitations that USDA had announced in May for DEIP allocations will expire on Wednesday.
Natural Cheese Sales Continue to Grow, IDFA Report Shows
Natural type cheese varieties saw strong growth for both retail sales volume and dollar sales in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the same period last year. Retail sales volume in the quarter grew 4.2 percent, while retail dollar sales grew 7 percent, reaching $2.1 billion. These highlights and others are included in the newly released IDFA Cheese Market Research Project Report, First Quarter 2009. The report tracks data on detailed cheese segments and includes an analysis of both production and sales trends developed by IDFA. Subscriptions are available to IDFA members only. For more information, contact Rob Blaufuss, IDFA economic analyst, at rblaufuss@idfa.org or 202-220-3514.
MilkPEP Offers Family Traditions Promotion and New Processor Incentive
The Milk Processor Education Program's fall promotion will focus on New Family Traditions, highlighting the message that serving and cooking with milk can make a meal healthier for the whole family. For every retail account signed up to participate, processors will earn a separate sweeps entry for a chance to win one of six Disney family vacations in Orlando. Airfare, hotel and a three-day Disney pass for four are included. Also in September, MilkPEP will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with celebrity chef Ingrid Hoffmann. To learn more, call 1-800-945-MILK or visit www.milkpep.org/promotions/retail/new-family-traditions/.
IDFA to Host Technical Workshops at Worldwide Food Expo
IDFA will host four educational workshops and certification programs in conjunction with Worldwide Food Expo, October 28-31, in Chicago. The workshops – Dairy Industry Orientation, Advanced HACCP Certification, SQF Certification and Better Process Cheese – will provide the information you need to keep your operations running smoothly, to stay on top of important issues and trends, and keep current with the latest products, services and technologies. Each of the workshops will start October 27, the day before the trade show begins, and will require separate registration. All workshop attendees will receive complimentary registration to the Worldwide Food Expo show floor for all four days. To register for the workshops, click here.
Save the Date: Dairy Forum 2010 Set for January 17-20 in Phoenix
Widely considered the industry's premier meeting, IDFA's Dairy Forum brings together producers, processors, suppliers and policy makers to discuss the latest industry trends, challenges and opportunities. In addition to offering unparalleled networking opportunities, IDFA's Dairy Forum 2010 will tackle key issues, such as dairy policy, food safety, sustainability, health and nutrition, and global markets. Mark your calendar now and plan to join your colleagues at Dairy Forum 2010, January 17-20, at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix. For details, contact Kellie Bland, IDFA registrar, at kbland@idfa.org.
Look Who's Just Joined IDFA
IDFA welcomes four new members this month. Valio USA LLC, which offers functional and healthy-for-you dairy products, has joined the Milk Industry Foundation. The three new Business Partners are Berzaci, a manufacturer of ingredients for frozen desserts; CIMCORP Oy, a provider of automated warehousing and distribution systems; and Real World Communications, a service company that offers solutions for food traceability.
For more news on regulatory, legislative, international and marketing issues or on membership and educational opportunities, visit IDFA's News Center.
