PRODUCT SAFETY CONCERNS
FSSAI ready to shake up protein powder space
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is set to release tighter regulations on protein supplements, after it conducted a study which revealed that dozens of protein powders and supplements were being sold at store shelves, gymnasiums and e-commerce platforms with false and misleading claims, said one of the persons.
Heatwave: How to protect your smartphones in extreme heat environment
Amid soaring temperatures, smartphone users must protect their devices from overheating. Brands like Apple and Samsung recommend temperatures up to 35°C; Xiaomi claims up to 40°C. Tips include avoiding sunlight, using thermal cases, updating software, and monitoring temperature to prevent slowdowns and battery damage. These precautions are crucial to maintain smartphone performance and safety during the heatwave.
Ilya Sutskever’s new startup is the latest of many AI ventures coming out of Big Tech
Ilya Sutskever left OpenAI last month and is launching his own startup soon. This is the latest in a larger trend of professionals leaving tech titans to establish their own startups, pursue their own goals and avoid commercialisation of products.
1.52 lakh safety category posts vacant, says Railways in RTI reply
The Indian Railways faces a significant vacancy of over 1.5 lakh posts out of around 10 lakh sanctioned under the safety category, according to the Railway Ministry's response to an RTI application. This includes critical roles like train drivers and signal maintainers crucial for safe train operations.
Human finger in ice cream: Food safety concerns keep quick commerce companies on their toes
Food safety concerns have intensified for quick commerce companies in recent weeks, particularly after a disturbing incident in Mumbai where a customer discovered a human thumb in their Zepto ice cream order. This incident has brought the issue under greater public scrutiny. Here's a look at the latest episodes in the quick-commerce space.
Ice cream nightmare highlights quick commerce's food safety issues
Food safety has become a concern in terms of quick commerce in recent weeks as a Mumbai customer found a human finger in Yummo brand ice-cream from Zepto. Walko Foods, the owner of Yummo, took the incident seriously and halted manufacturing at the third-party facility. A Blinkit facility in Hyderabad was also raided by food safety authorities.
- Go To Page 1
Human finger fallout: Yummo ice cream off quick commerce shelves
Yummo products removed from Blinkit and Zepto after human finger found in Mumbai. Customer files police complaint. Walko Foods halts manufacturing at third-party facility. NIC brand products still available. Walko Foods raised $20 million from Jungle Ventures. Concerns over food safety with quick commerce platforms growing.
Ramen Revelations: Are your favorite instant noodles harming your health?
Danish authorities have recalled Samyang's spicy ramen noodles due to high capsaicin levels, posing health risks. Capsaicin is a compound in chili peppers responsible for spiciness. The move reflects concerns over the safety of Korean noodles, popular for their fiery heat. Instant noodles' convenience has led to increased consumption, but studies link them to cardiometabolic syndrome, especially in women. The recall underscores the need for food safety and informed dietary choices.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun to testify before US Senate panel on June 18
Outgoing Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun will testify before a U.S. Senate panel on June 18 regarding safety and quality concerns, including the capped production of the 737 MAX.
HC rejects PIL on action against import of pricey refurbished medical gear
The Delhi High Court on Thursday rejected the Patient Safety and Access Initiative of India Foundation’s plea seeking action against large scale illegal import of high-end and high-value used medical equipment other than critical care (Refurbished HEHV medical equipment) without following the mandatory regulations, including prior approval by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
‘Doctors knew Covid vaccine’s side-effects killed my daughter. But they didn’t tell us’
Dr Snehal Lunawat was the first case in which the AEFI committee accepted there was a direct correlation between vaccination and death. Many of the petitioners, like her father Dilip, have questioned why information about the side-effects wasn’t made public earlier.
Boeing set to deliver plan to regulators on upgrading safety
A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board published in February found that four bolts securing the panel that blew off were missing. "Boeing must commit to real and profound improvements," FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said on February 28.
OpenAI forms AI safety committee after key departures
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, announced the formation of a new safety committee on Tuesday, weeks after the departures of key executives raised questions about the firm's commitment to mitigating the dangers of artificial intelligence. The committee's formation comes on the heels of recent executive departures that stoked concerns about OpenAI's AI safety priorities.
OpenAI sets up safety committee
Microsoft-backed OpenAI's chatbots with generative AI capabilities, such as engaging in human-like conversations and creating images based on text prompts, have stirred safety concerns as AI models become more powerful.
Govts, tech firms vow to cooperate against AI risks at Seoul summit
More than a dozen countries and some of the world's biggest tech firms pledged on Wednesday to cooperate against the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, including its ability to dodge human control, as they wrapped up a global summit in Seoul. These dangers also include an AI model that could potentially "evade human oversight, including through safeguard circumvention, manipulation and deception, or autonomous replication and adaptation", they added.
Nepal follows HK and Singapore, bans India’s Everest and MDH spices
Nepal’s Department of Food Technology and Quality reported that the ban is due to the suspicion of ethylene oxide contamination. The banned spices include madras curry powder, sambhar mixed masala powder, mixed masala curry powder of MDH, and fish curry masala of Everest. The importers and traders are requested to recall these products from the Nepalese market.
After Singapore and Hong Kong, Nepal bans 'Everest, MDH Masala' brand
Nepal's Department of Food Technology and Quality Control has prohibited the import, sale, and consumption of two Indian spice brands, Everest and MDH, due to concerns about high levels of ethylene oxide. These are Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Mixed Masala Powder; Mixed Masala Curry Powder of MDH and Fish Curry Masala of Everest
As summer turns extreme, manufacturing firms go the extra mile to keep workers cool
As extreme summer heat leads to increased absenteeism and reduced productivity, manufacturing and engineering firms like Tata Steel, Larsen & Toubro, Nayara Energy, Thermax, and Maruti Suzuki are implementing measures to protect their employees. Initiatives include providing desert coolers, air-conditioned rest areas, and AC transportation, distributing rehydration salts, conducting medical check-ups, and offering doctor consultations. Tata Steel adjusts job schedules to minimize direct sunlight exposure, while L&T extends lunch breaks for outdoor workers.
Extra control measures in place for Indian spices, says UK watchdog
Dismissing reports of any additional steps taken recently, the country's food watchdog noted that it has an early warning system (EWS) in place for maximum residue levels of ethylene oxide (ETO) - a food contaminant not allowed in the UK - in various spices from India since early last year.
View: Why India struggles to keep its food safe
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India denounced as “false and malicious” news reports that linked the spice scandal to a recent 10-fold relaxation on maximum permissible limits of pesticide residue. The country has the most stringent norms, the regulator said, even though others clearly seem to think otherwise.
Why contaminated foods can easily enter your kitchen
Though India has a food regulator, the actions regulators abroad take on exported foods seem to get wider attention. There is a danger of trust deficit that needs urgent attention through better testing, penalties, and transparency.
Misleading ads: Public figures must act responsibly while endorsing products, says SC
The Supreme Court has directed that advertisers and endorsers must act responsibly when endorsing consumer products, as they are equally responsible for issuing misleading advertisements. The court emphasized that advertisements must conform to the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, and should not offend morality, decency, or religious susceptibilities of subscribers. The court also urged the ministries concerned to set up a procedure to encourage consumers to lodge complaints regarding misleading advertisements.
KARAM Safety acquires Midas Safety India
KARAM Safety, a global PPE and fall protection solutions provider, has acquired Midas Safety India, enhancing its market leadership by combining expertise in fall protection with hand protection safety products. The acquisition strengthens the KARAM Group's position, aiming for a revenue of INR 1400 crore by 2025 and promoting indigenous manufacturing growth in India. Midas Safety India brings valuable experience, distribution network, and manufacturing capabilities to drive growth and innovation in the safety products market. The Indian PPE market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.20% due to workplace safety regulations, industrialization, and increased awareness driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Concerns raised over Covishield vaccine safety in India's apex court
A plea has been filed seeking setting up of an expert medical panel to study and assess the possible risk factors associated with the Astrazeneca's Covishield vaccine, which was one of two vaccines administered in India against Covid-19. Advocate Vishal Tiwari in his fresh application said that AstraZeneca had accepted a link between the vaccine and Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS).
Quality concerns may threaten over half of India’s spice exports: GTRI
GTRI highlighted concerns over $700 million India spice exports at risk due to regulatory actions in critical markets. Urgent actions are needed to prevent widespread rejection and ensure the integrity of Indian spice products.
US probes Tesla recall of two million vehicles over Autopilot, citing concerns
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it was opening an investigation after the agency identified concerns due to crash events after vehicles had the recall software update installed "and results from preliminary NHTSA tests of remedied vehicles." The agency's new probe comes after it closed its nearly three-year investigation into Autopilot, saying it found evidence that "Tesla's weak driver engagement system was not appropriate for Autopilot's permissive operating capabilities" that result in a "critical safety gap."
Sugar & chemicals in food: FMCGs' biggest risk is not inflation but what they mix in what we eat
Product safety concerns in India pose risks for the FMCG industry, impacting companies like Nestle India. Regulatory scrutiny challenges health claims, affecting consumer trust. Social media influencers influence companies' actions, while the spices category raises new risks for FMCG companies.
Here's why Hong Kong and Singapore have announced a recall of MDH and Everest products
Hong Kong and Singapore have recalled popular Indian spice products from MDH and Everest due to the presence of carcinogenic ethylene oxide. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen, prompting food regulators to take action. This article covers the details of the recall and the potential health risks associated with ethylene oxide in spices.
Boeing hit with whistleblower allegations, adding to safety concerns
FAA investigates Boeing whistleblower's safety concerns on 787 and 777 jets, leading to production halt, quality problems, and a Senate hearing. Boeing faces a safety crisis with management changes and delivery decline.
Load More
