Tag Archives: food supply

The Formula for Safety in China and Other International Markets

bottleCompared to a few years ago, food safety fears in China have surged among consumers. The 2008 melamine/infant formula scare that killed several and sickened approximately 300,000 has been a cornerstone for this growing concern. Chinese parents have taken to other methods to procure formula for their children since, including the following: importing of brands from outside of the country, smuggling, obtaining via the mail, and even as featured in the New York Times, instructing friends, family, and others to bring home formula back from their international vacations.

As one Chinese mother said in the article: “How can we still trust mainland-made food after reading all these horrendous stories on food safety issues?” and, “We are the parents of our children, and nobody can accuse us for just wanting the best for our babies. It’s not that we don’t love our country — we just dare not take the risk.”

The general strength of our food supply has become an envied one in developing countries where food safety continues to become a focus in developing countries. This leaves a potential hole for American milk solids producers to fill. According to a recent report from the U.S. Dairy Export Council, “On a total-solids basis, exports were equivalent to 16.5% of U.S. milk production in June, slightly below the record mark hit in May” with increasing demand coming from places like Algeria, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

How, though, can U.S. companies approach the demands for infant formula in an ethical, efficient, and economically beneficial matter, along with contending with numerous political and economic concerns coming from governments of these countries, like China? As numerous interest areas in the dairy industry look to exports milk solids, much is yet to be determined. Yet, an industry stalwart is here to help you adapt.

Nelson-Jameson, Inc. will help you find solutions for both your domestic and international business production concerns. For those looking to milk solids or other dairy goods as potential exports, Nelson-Jameson, Inc. can act as a one-stop shop, simplifying the production process, so you can focus on creating a safe and trustworthy product and have more time to engage the complex process of exporting to other markets.  Keep checking back for more information and news on milk solids and formula right here on our blog.

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Making Strides for Food Safety

As consumers continue to become more aware of food safety, manufacturers and suppliers have put more emphasis on ensuring all parts of the supply chain are doing everything they can. Nelson-Jameson, Inc. continues to have more requests of our food safety programs and processes.

This month I attended a supply chain food safety workshop that was hosted by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. Attendees included many of our major customers. The goal of this workshop was to instill the need for continued and enhanced vigilance in the area food safety. As many people are aware one recall can change the consumer’s mind about products.

In the world of food safety Nelson-Jameson, Inc. is a leader among distribution. Our goal is to ensure that we provide a safe supply chain for the products that we sell to our customers. As all of our warehouse facilities know we have high standards to live up to. There are many processes and procedures in place to ensure we are protecting the products we sell. Sometimes it’s not easy to maintain the standards but everyone does it with a sense of pride. I would welcome any customer into any of our facilities at any point in time and know that they would be impressed with our operations.

Last week, our Marshfield headquarters had their latest inspection of the warehouse. Our staff worked diligently in order to maintain the standards expected with all of the transitions relating to the new warehouse. We are happy to say that it went very well and we are one step further ahead for our customers by ensuring the safety of the food supply.

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The Dairy Security Act: An Examination of the Debate

Milk Glass

If you have seen “Goodlatte” in the news lately, it might not be in reference to Starbucks. Instead, Reps. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va and David Scott, D-Ga are in the news due to their proposed “Dairy Freedom Act.” In response to the Dairy Security Act, the proposed Act, according to the Capital Press, offers margin insurance for “producers to reduce catastrophic losses. But it does so without a milk supply-management element.” Numerous manufacturers and retailers have signed on in support of the proposed Act, including the National Grocers Association, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, in addition to many more.

Despite these endorsements, the Act has also drawn some criticism.   A piece on the PR Newswire explains: “Opponents of supply management believe it would increase domestic prices on dairy products above international prices, make the American dairy industry less competitive and bring more government regulation and intervention into milk markets.”  Those opposed to the Act include the National Milk Producers Federation.

As a producer, processor, retailer, etc., you can check in with your respective professional organization(s) for their stance on the debate. Rep. Goodlatte has provided a link to the complete text on his website.  You can access that link here.

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