This week’s stats include inflation, pesticides, food fraud and funding for Scottish SMEs to develop healthier foods.
720,000 tonnes. Use of pesticides and herbicides in Brazil, producer and exporter of coffee and sugar, citrus fruits and grains, is growing quickly. A study of 4,600 food samples showed more than half contained pesticide residue and almost a quarter have more residue than was allowed or contained banned pesticides. Experts in the UK and Brazil are starting a new project to develop sensors to assess the scale and impact of these chemicals in the Brazilian agricultural industry.
4%. The Bank of England warned that rising food prices could drive inflation to 4% as it voted for a fifth cut in interest rates in a year.
4. The Food Standards Agency’s National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) has arrested four people as part of a major food fraud investigation into the distribution and sale of basmati rice in counterfeit packaging. “The arrests send a clear message that we will pursue those who seek to profit from deceiving consumers,” the NFCU said in a statement.
£5,000. The Food and Drink Federation has announced new funding for Scottish food and drink SMEs to use on projects that reduce fat, salt and sugar from recipes, or add fibre or vegetables. Applications close on September 5th.
