Friday, January 31, 2014

Safe transport rule released

The seventh and last proposed rule under the 2010 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was released today by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The rule, titled Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food, “builds on the six rules proposed in 2013 to keep produce safe, enact preventive controls in human and animal food-producing facilities, modernize oversight of imported foods, and guard against intentional contamination,” writes FDA’s Michael R. Taylor in a blog entry. Inform, the AOCS member magazine, will have more about the rule in upcoming issues.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Registration is OPEN for the AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo!

Register today for the AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo and experience a premier international science and business forum on fats, oils, surfactants, lipids, and related materials. Here are just a few of the reasons to attend...
 
Exceptional Program
More than 700 presentations given by industry experts will cover the latest scientific and business topics in the fats and oils industry. View tentative program...
   
Industry Insights
Emerging Topics Symposia encompasses informative sessions that expand beyond science to address how current issues impact the business of fats and oils. Learn more...
   
Short Courses
AOCS Short Courses advance your knowledge and provide information to help you improve your products and expand your business. View short courses...

Expo
Discover more than 85 international companies during the 2014 Expo. Learn more...
  
Networking
Socialize at a variety of events with over 1,600 industry professionals from more than 45 countries. View schedules and activities...

Register by February 28 to receive the best rate! 






http://annualmeeting.aocs.org/hotels/content.cfm?ItemNumber=12131

Don't delay—due to several events taking place in San Antonio in May, hotels are reaching capacity quickly. Make your reservation today!


http://annualmeeting.aocs.org

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

AOCS Newsletter Highlights January 2014

AOCS Key Initiatives set for 2014

As of 2013, the AOCS Governing Board adopted a new long-term strategic objective for the Society that states, "In order to ensure long-term sustainability, AOCS will realize an annual growth rate of approximately 7%." Each year, AOCS staff and Governing Board identify a series of key initiatives to support that objective.

"Collectively, these initiatives drive much of the annual work for AOCS staff," said Pat Donnelly, AOCS CEO. "The initiatives are organized in a simple, easy-to-follow format," he added. Each month, AOCS staff track activity against these key initiatives and report progress to the Governing Board. "This tool has proven to be extremely useful in managing priorities," said Donnelly. "People are often surprised at the breadth and diversity of initiatives we take on in a given year," he noted.  

Our new Association Management System (AMS) has launched!

You should notice a more streamlined online Store experience and an upgraded member profile page.

With the switchover, the login process has changed slightly. Please refer to the following to log into your member account:

"Username" (Enter your email address on file)
"Password" (Enter your AOCS member number)
You will then be able to change your password from your profile page.

If you do have trouble accessing your AOCS member or store account, please contact Doreen Berning at +1 217-693-4813 or doreenb@aocs.org.

And don't forget to renew your Membership for 2014 so you don't miss another issue of Inform!


Inform Free Features

The first free article from the January issue of Inform is part of a three-article special report on specialty lipids in pet food. Discover how conjugated linoleic acids, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, and medium-chain triglycerides can provide some of the same health benefits to pets as to humans.

The European Food Safety Authority released a preliminary report in September 2013 suggesting that some European populations were at risk of overexposure to 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD-esters in foods. Esters of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol are process contaminants formed during the refining of vegetable oils. In the second free article, learn how different organizations responded to the report. AOCS submitted an official response, which included mention of four new validated AOCS methods for the characterization of MCPD-esters, 3-MCPD-esters, and glycidyl esters in vegetable oils.


Deadlines Approaching

The Smouse Fellowship application materials are due February 1, 2014. It includes a $15,000 scholarship and is awarded to a graduate student doing research in areas of interest to AOCS.

Visit the website for more information on nomination requirements and how to apply.

Two Divisions and one Section of AOCS are offering travel grants for the 105th AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo.

Find detailed information and eligibility requirements online:

AOCS Divisions Call for Candidates

All members of AOCS Divisions should have received a "Call for Candidates" email seeking nominations for Division Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary-Treasurer positions. The term of office is one year; however, a member may serve in an office for three consecutive terms. Self-nominations are welcome. The ballots – with candidates' names and statements – will be emailed to Division members in mid-February. The deadline to nominate is January 27, so act soon! Questions? Contact Elizabeth Garard.

Browse Through Some of the Most-Downloaded JAOCS Articles

Download these sample articles for free:
  • Chemical Stability of the Lipid Phase in Concentrated Beverage Emulsions Colored with Natural β-Carotene  Szterk, Arkadiusz; Roszko, Marek; Górnicka, Ewa
  • Characteristics of tea seed oil in comparison with sunflower and olive oils and its effect as a natural antioxidant  Sahari, Mohammad Ali; Ataii, Davood; Hamedi, Manuchehr
  • Modification of Vegetable oils. IV. Reesterification of fatty acids with glycerol  Feuge, R. O.; Kraemer, E. A.; Bailey, A. E.
  • Functional properties of soy proteins  Kinsella, John E.
  • EPR Investigations of Spin-Probe Dynamics in Aqueous Dispersions of a Nonionic Amphiphilic Compound  Nakagawa, Kouichi

Do your TFA measurements align with FDA's?

GUARANTEE your lab is properly identifying peaks with the AOCS trans fat analysis testing sample kit and webinar tutorial. This kit includes two samples for testing AOCS Official Method Ce 1h-05.

The webinar will help participants identify and avoid commonly made mistakes in order to help their laboratories maintain the highest possible standards of accuracy and reliability. Purchase today

Looking for a Job?

AOCS Career Services regularly posts some of the best career opportunities in the industry. Take a look below at some current listings, or get more information on the Career Center website.

 Learn more about all of our upcoming meetings.
 

AOCS Meeting Updates
AM14_Logo_90x100105th AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo | May 4–7, 2014 | San Antonio, Texas, USA
Annual Meeting Housing is now open!
Make your hotel reservation today—due to several events taking place in San Antonio this May, hotels are reaching capacity quickly.

Watch for registration to open in late January.

Kick off the annual meeting with a short course!

Montreux14_97x120World Conference on Fabric and Home Care—Montreux 2014 | October 6–9, 2014 | Montreux, Switzerland
Six leading industry CEOs and numerous senior executives will discuss Creating Value in the New Reality, sharing their expertise and visions of the future. Attendees will gain new perspectives and solutions to challenging issues from companies such as BASF, Coca-Cola, DuPont, Facebook, Henkel, Kao, Lion, Novozymes, Oxiteno, P&G, SC Johnson, Unilever, Walmart, and more. Find the full list of presentations on the Montreux website. New in 2014 will be the Technology Showcase, featuring 50 video presentations of the latest research from innovative leaders worldwide; and the Industry Innovations Incubator, showcasing start-up companies with cutting-edge ideas and products.
 
Upcoming Industry Meetings

CPEU14_90x90Cleaning Products Europe 2014 | March 25–27, 2014 | Europe
This conference will bring together every level of the value chain, with an agenda focused on providing a 360 degree view on those changes set to impact or disrupt the industry. Presentations will highlight the developments and changes needed to drive the industry towards the end goal of achieving a profitable yet sustainable industry, while minimising the negative impact on society and the environment. Speakers will include P&G, Unilever, DuPont, Huntsman, Elevance and more, plus representatives from associations UKCPI and AISE.

FoodStructure150x150Food Structure and Functionality Forum Symposium: from Molecules to Functionality | March 30–April 2, 2014 | Amsterdam
The Food Structure and Functionality Forum (FSFF) is delighted to announce this conference which will highlight the latest research efforts in food structuring and de-structuring. The FSFF is primarily focused on the structuring of food tailored towards end-user functionality (e.g., improved texture, taste perception, health, shelf stability). The conference will bring together experts in food engineering, food science, food technology, and nutrition. This is a significant opportunity for you to join leaders from industry and academia to ensure you keep abreast of recent developments in this fast developing field and for you to network with your international colleagues.




If you would like to receive the AOCS Newsletter and read it in full you may opt-in here.

New February 2015 dates announced for European debut of co-located Oilseed Congress Europe/MENA and Women in Agribusiness Summit

The co-located Oilseed Congress Europe/MENA and Women in Agribusiness Summit Europe will now be held in February 2015, deferred from the previous February 2014 dates, to ensure the highest quality content, programming and speaker line-up for which these events have come to be recognized.

These European debut events will take place in Barcelona, Spain, at the Hotel Arts in February 2015: the Oilseed Congress Europe/MENA on February 9-10 and the Women in Agribusiness Summit on February 11-12.  Attendees can take advantage of scheduling that allows for consecutive attendance at both events for a more in-depth examination of the ag sector.

Preliminary information on the Oilseed Congress, which is being launched in Europe by the producers of the Oilseed & Grain Trade Summit, the successful U.S. agricultural commodities event now entering its 9th year, is available at www.oilseedcongress.com.  Details on the Women in Agribusiness Summit, which received outstanding accolades for its U.S. events and is known for bringing women from across the value chain together for high-caliber business and career-enhancing discussions, can be found at www.womeninageurope.com.

“This new timing will enable us to delve even deeper into market research to make certain that we deliver the content, and convene the subject matter experts, that are of utmost relevance and importance to the European markets,” said Joy O’Shaughnessy, event director for HighQuest Partners, the conference host.  “These events promise a comprehensive look at the sector with the most pertinent industry content and speakers, and networking opportunities that expand business acumen, professional relationships and business possibilities.”

OILSEED CONGRESS EUROPE/MENA

The inaugural Oilseed Congress Europe/MENA will address key opportunities and challenges facing the oilseed trade in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa and provide networking opportunities for senior executives and industry players operating across the supply chain.  Key industry analysts, including Thomas Mielke, editor-in-chief of OIL WORLD, will discuss supply and demand trends in the oilseed sector and the opportunities and challenges for those operating in these markets.

The agenda for the event will address:   

•    Global overview of the oilseed market;
•    Overviews of major origins for oilseeds and consumptive markets for oilseeds and derivatives;
•    Identifying new sources of trade financing;
•    New developments in risk management strategies; and
•    Trends and developments regarding trading rules and arbitration.

The conference will use a format that encourages more interactive exchanges of information, not static presentations, in order to promote participation and open sharing of key knowledge between attendees.

WOMEN IN AGRIBUSINESS SUMMIT

The European Women in Agribusiness Summit will bring the same intimate atmosphere to the Barcelona event as the U.S. Summit, while also providing an interactive platform for women to discuss their unique experiences in the sector and hear from women leaders regarding industry trends and current topics.  The goal of the summit is twofold: to make the agriculture and food sectors career destinations for today's talented women, and to provide tools for women to become more informed leaders in the industry.

The Barcelona agenda has been designed to encourage dynamic participatory discussions concerning important topics such as Opportunities for Innovation in Agribusiness; Maintaining a Sustainable Supply Chain: Doing Business Across Borders; and The Future of GMO Crops

Additional breakout sessions will focus on ag policy, strategies and best practices, and innovations across the industry supply chain.  Executive roundtable discussions with today’s ag leaders will bring the pathways to leadership in ag closer to participants across the entire value chain. 

For sponsorship information on the oilseed event, contact Ann Parker at +1.978.887.8800, x113 or aparker@highquestpartners.com; for the Women in Agribusiness Summit, contact Belinda Harter at +1.978.887.8800, x130 or belinda@womeninag.com.  Receive a 10% discount on attendee registration for either conference using promo code: EUROPE-PR2.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

HighQuest Partners is a globally-recognized strategic advisory and consulting, events and media company serving the food, agriculture, agribusiness, feed, and biofuels sectors. Its team of advisors has worked with more than 100 clients across the agricultural value chain, while its Global AgInvesting Research & Insight online platform provides critical education and information to hundreds of investors to make qualified, decisive investment decisions.

For over 25 years, Soyatech, the company’s publishing subsidiary, has been the leading source of information on soy and oilseeds for the industry with its Soya & Oilseed Bluebook and business-to-business e-newsletter and website resources.

The company also hosts world-renowned conferences that include the GlobalAgInvesting series, the Oilseed & Grain Trade Summit, and the Women in Agribusiness Summit.

CONTACT:    

Michelle Pelletier Marshall
PR/Media Manager
978.887.8800, x117
mmarshall@highquestpartners.com

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

System Upgrade = Big Changes for AOCS Members


What a weekend!

Perhaps you noticed a few of the webpages on the AOCS website were inaccessible over the weekend. A rolling closure of webpages that may have seemed random and perhaps caused some confusion in navigating the site.

On 10 January 2014, we began the weekend long process of installing the new Association Management Software and integrating that software with the website.  This new software handles everything we do, from processing transactions to generating invoices, to handling your membership benefits. It is important piece of AOCS infrastructure and it hasn’t been upgraded since 1999. We did a lot with the older system; ways that weren’t even imagined when it was designed, but it was past time for an upgrade. You probably thought so too (some members did comment on this in the 2012 membership survey).

Core staff spent the weekend monitoring the new software (dashboard reports were fun to watch), fixing broken website links (we thought we had all the redirects addressed, but alas a few escaped our notice), running membership reports (always an adventure working with a new database and its structure), filling coffee cups to keep us focused (or water to keep us hydrated), along with continual testing of the site. It takes a few days, or a weekend, for the webpages to be fully integrated with the software and re-indexed by internet browsers.

Our goal was to have as seamless a transition as possible. But glitches occur even with the best planning.  Please know that we are doing everything we can to make this process as easy as possible for you, our member! As you experience the new look and feel of the redesigned webpages, please let us know if you have any troubles.

Remember the login process has changed. The new login is:
  • Username – enter your email address on file
  • Password – enter your AOCS member number
Don’t remember them? Please contact AOCS directly or try the online prompts.

And did you notice that you can now choose your username and password!  A common request from our membership along with it now an industry standard. This is one of the options under your members profile page.

I strongly encourage everyone to login to the site and explore your new member profile page. This is where you access your member benefits such as Inform online edition, journals subscriptions, Chemical Watch reports and member directory. But notice that you now can access past orders (2013 orders only), manage how we communicate with you (opt in communications), and see any outstanding orders or dues renewals. Also the AOCS store has been completely redesigned for customer expectations (coupon codes, ease of search, credit card on-file option, etc.) along with an industry standard shopping cart.

Not yet a member? You can login to the site (or create an account) and explore the store and career services pages. Again, I encourage you to do so. We welcome everyone to our website and have many offerings for those who are not yet a member of the Society. I suggest you review the free Inform articles. At least one new article is posted each month. All articles come from Inform which is our membership magazine.

Through the year long process of upgrading our Association Management Software, I have learned a lot about databases, database integrations with websites, and a bit of accounting practices.  I now feel my knowledge of software/databases/accounting has broaden, yet I master none.

When it comes to your professional society, I know that you have a choice. Thank you for choosing AOCS. Let us know what you think of the new webpages or need assistance accessing those members-only pages.

Doreen Berning (doreenb@aocs.org ; phone: +1 217-693-4813; fax: +1 217-693-4857) is standing by to assistant anyone with renewing their dues, purchasing a book, subscribing to one of our journals, post a job, participate in Laboratory Proficiency Program testing - well, really for any question anyone as we transition to the new system.

Monday, January 13, 2014

AOCS Membership Login Update

We have upgraded our Association Management Software and the AOCS website now requires you to use the following for login:

"Username" (Enter your email address on file)
"Password" (Enter your AOCS Member number)

Once you are logged in, you will have the option to change your password. If you have trouble accessing your AOCS Member account, please contact Doreen Berning at +1 217-693-4813 or doreenb@aocs.org.

Best Regards,
Your AOCS Membership Team

Saturday, January 11, 2014

PCPC and ACI Continue Defense of Antibacterial Soap Safety Following FDA Ruling

By Andrew McDougall+, 06-Jan-2014

The American Cleaning Institute and the Personal Care Products Council have responded to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) proposed rule governing antibacterial soaps and washes, reaffirming its safety and efficacy and applauding the agency for finally making the move. Read more...

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Food industry to fire preemptive GMO strike

Labeling of Foods that Contain Ingredients from Plants and Animals Produced through Modern Biotechnology - According to a January 7, 2014 Politico news story, the Grocery Manufacturers Association is "... looking for a federal solution to GMO labeling that would require the FDA to set up a voluntary labeling standard for foods that do not contain GMOs and determine the safety of GMO products ..." - Politico has obtained an early GMA discussion draft which would "... preclude states from adopting any laws that are not identical to the federal requirements and create a legal framework so that FDA can take a more active role in regulating GMO-labeling claims. Biotech food producers would have to notify the FDA about all new bioengineered foods four months before they could be marketed ... The draft further includes provisions that would allow a GMO-free claim to be made on dairy products from cows that consumed GMO feed and drugs developed by biotechnology, as well as foods that have been developed with a genetically engineered enzyme or processing aid, such as cheese and alcohol ... The plan also would require FDA to define the term 'natural' ..."

Read more:
* Source: January 7, 2014 Politico news story, titled "Food industry to fire preemptive GMO strike", posted at 


* The early-stage GMA discussion draft obtained by Politico is posted at
http://images.politico.com/global/2014/01/07/scaned_pdf1.html

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

UK farm minister calls for EU to approve GM corn in vote


Britain's farm minister called on the European Union to approve a strain of genetically modified maize in a vote later this month, saying such a move was supported by scientific evidence.

"If approval is granted ... then it will be the first GM food crop authorised for planting by the EU for 15 years," Owen Paterson told the Oxford Farming Conference on Tuesday.

Read more:
http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/01/07/britain-gmo-idINL6N0KH1YS20140107