November 19, 2009
Company News
Events & Seminars
Toy/Children's Products
Food/Drug
Consumer Products
Private Label/Store Brand
Responsible Sourcing
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Specialized Technology Resources, Inc.
Raising the world's expectation of product quality, safety and supply chain responsibility
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Company News
• STR UK's Softlines Division to Relocate in December 2009
In December 2009, STR UK's Softlines Division will relocate to a prestigious new facility, with laboratories, and a support and training centre, at Sherwood Business Park in Nottingham.
Read more.
Events & Seminars
• STR To Participate at the AAFA Product Safety/Supply Chain Compliance Seminar
STR will participate in the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) Product Safety/Supply Chain Compliance Seminar on December 8, 2009 in Hollywood, CA. Event Details.
• STR Hong Kong to Exhibit at Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair
Please visit STR Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Hall 3, booth number 3CC35-37, on January 11-14, 2010. Event Details.
• FDA & FSIS to Hold Public Meeting on Food Product Tracing
The U.S. FDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will hold a public meeting on December 9-10, 2009 in Washington, D.C. on how to enhance the current food product tracing system. Event Details.
• CPSC to Hold Workshop on Section 14 of CPSA
The Consumer Product Safety Commission will hold a workshop on December 10-11, 2009 in Bethesda, MD to discuss issues relating to testing, certification, and labeling of certain consumer products pursuant to Section 14 of the Consumer Product Safety Act. Event Details.
Toy/Children's Products
• Illinois Lead Warning Label Required in 2010
Effective January 1, 2010, the Illinois Lead Poisoning Prevention Act will require that certain products intended for children bear a lead warning label.
Read more.
• Susan DeRagon's Blog Clarifies CPSC Draft Guidance
In her latest "Play It Safe" blog, Susan DeRagon, Associate Director of the Toy and Premium Division at STR, discusses new CPSIA testing and certification requirements recently released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Read more.
• TIA Announces TSCP® Accredited Certification Bodies and Testing Laboratories
Five certification bodies and 25 testing labs around the world are now accredited to review and certify toys under the Toy Safety Certification Program®. Read more.
Food/Drug
• Avoid Audit Pitfalls
In the latest issue of Food Quality, Art Rumpf, Senior Technical Consultant at STR, writes about how to improve food plant audit systems. Read more.
• STR Shares Auditing Insights with QA Magazine
QA magazine recently conducted a survey of key industry auditors, including STR, for their input on the role and purpose of third-party audits, including standards, expectations, and requirements. Read more.
• Consumer Reports Recommends Removal of BPA in Food Packaging
After recent testing found various levels of BPA in a wide range of packaged food products, Consumer Reports recommended that manufacturers and government agencies eliminate the use of BPA in all materials that come in contact with food. Read more.
• U.S. Commits $30 Million to Further Study Effects of BPA
The National Institutes of Health recently announced it will spend $30 million over the next two years for additional research intended to provide a more comprehensive assessment of how BPA may impact human health. Read more.
• FDA to Crack Down on Package-Front Nutrition Labeling
Concerned that some symbols/logos on the front of food packages may mislead consumers about the product's nutritional value, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will step up enforcement of current regulations and may develop mandatory criteria to more strictly regulate package-front nutrition labeling. Read more.
• FDA Releases 2009 Edition of Food Code
The U.S. FDA recently released the 2009 Edition of the FDA Food Code, a model code and reference document that is integral to achieving uniform national food safety standards and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the food safety system. Read more.
• Consumer Confidence in Dietary Supplements Reaches All-Time High
Eighty-four percent of American adults – the highest level ever – are confident in the safety, quality, and effectiveness of dietary supplements, according to a survey conducted for the Council for Responsible Nutrition. Read more.
Consumer Products
• Legislation Would Limit Formaldehyde in Furniture
A bill introduced to the U.S. Senate last month would reduce indoor emissions of formaldehyde in composite wood products – materials commonly used in household furniture – to 0.09 parts per million by January 2012. Read more.
Private Label/Store Brand
• Private Label: Past, Present and Future
STR's Eugene Damon, a Senior Vice President with over 40 years of experience, recently shared his insights on the private label industry with Exclusive Brands. Read more.
Responsible Sourcing
• Even in Recession, Consumers Support Socially Responsible Companies
Consumer willingness to spend with companies that have a social purpose, even during a recession, creates an opportunity for companies to build brand loyalty and equity, according to the Edelman goodpurposeTM Consumer Study. Read more.
• Collective Bargaining Results in Less Labor Unrest
Countries with well-established collective bargaining mechanisms in place have fewer and shorter strikes, less wage inequality, and lower and less persistent unemployment, according to the International Labour Organisation. Read more.
• Guide Available To Help Companies Incorporate Gender into Sustainability Reporting
The International Finance Corporation and the Global Reporting Initiative have developed a guidance document, Embedding Gender in Sustainability Reporting, to help companies worldwide create business opportunities for women, adopt best practices in sustainability reporting, and improve companies' bottom lines. Read more.
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