IFU The International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association IFU, the International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association, was founded in 1949 by the main fruit juice producer organizations. Now, after nearly 70 years of supporting the juice industry, IFU has a worldwide membership with more than 130 members from all continents. The objectives of IFU are: To represent the worldwide juice interests as an NGO at governmental and international organizations To act as an information and communication center/facilitator To harmonize standards and practices for juice products and producers To co-ordinate scientific activities to benefit the juice industry The structure of IFU IFU promotes collaboration and best practice through active commissions such as 1. The Legislation Commission 2. The Methods of Analysis Commission with its Microbiological Working Group 3. The Science and Technology Commission All members of the commissions are specialists in their field with years of expertise and volunteer their knowledge to benefit the juice industry and meet the objectives of IFU.
1. The Legislation Commission (LC) The legislation commission represents the juice community as an NGO at Codex Alimentarius (the only NGO to represent the worldwide juice industry at Codex, which is a unique status) and is a member in various Codex working groups. IFU monitors the relevant activities of the WHO, WTO and WCO and reports to its members. The members from this commission are mainly working for national and regional associations, but also for companies and laboratories. The legislation commission has currently 23 members from 16 different countries. The Legislation Commission is involved in the following Codex Committees and Electronical Working Groups (EWG): Codex Committee on Food Labelling Front of Pack Labelling (FOPL) and Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling. Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods Lead ML in juices and nectars, particularly the review of maximum levels (MLs) for lead in grape juices Codex Committee on Food Additives The review of approved and proposed additives allowed in codex juice and nectar standards Codex Committee on Food Hygiene the revision of the General Principles of Food Hygiene (including HACCP) and a code of practice on food allergen management for food business operators which will provide guidance to manage allergens in food production, including controls to prevent cross contamination.
Future codex meetings: IFU will represent the member s interests in these sessions and their working groups: A guidance table of national or regional juice related legislation and standards has been developed by IFU members. It either gives a link to a website or a document providing the information described. IFU Legislation Information Center launched in October 2017
2. The Methods of Analysis Commission (MAC) The methods of analysis commission develops IFU methods and recommendations. IFU methods are recognized by Codex for juice analysis and are therefore used by the juice community worldwide to ensure safety and quality through the supply chain, from farm to glass. The microbiological working group is a sub-group of the methods of analysis commission, developing IFU microbiological methods. The methods of analysis commission has currently 21 members from 11 different countries, the microbiological working group currently has 21 members from 13 different countries, which were highly active in 2017, for example: Publication of revised recommendation No 3: The Use of Isotopic Procedures in the Analysis of Fruit Juices This is a major revision of the isotopic recommendation. Since the publication of the original recommendation there has been an extensive development in this area. The revision covers many of these developments looking at the advantages offered when using methods where either more than one compound is examined or ratios within a compound are examined. Using these "internal" methods detection limits are often enhanced. If you want an overview of isotopic testing as used in the analysis of fruit juice this offers an excellent review of the subject area. This revised recommendation is available in the methods section of the website www.ifufruitjuice.com Continuous flow IRMS systems, showing magnetic sector flight tube on the right In 2017, the following methods/recommendations were either revised or published for the first time:
IFU Methods and Recommendations:
IFU Microbiological Methods: 3. The Science and Technology Commission (STC) The mission of the STC is to facilitate discussion and the exchange of information between IFU members on scientific and technical issues relating to the global juice based beverage industry and to provide counsel to the IFU organization on technical matters. The Science and Technology Commission has currently 31 members from 13 different countries. The following targets have been set for the near future: The publication of IFU-STC Best Practices providing independent and trustworthy guidelines for the Industry. The organization of specific IFU technical classes involving top Universities and Research Centers in the juice arena to return specific and technical knowledge back to the base of the Juice Community on consolidated as well as on innovative technologies. The creation of an IFU database of fruit juice research centers and pilot scale lines around the world be able to support the endeavor of any IFU member toward a new product or technology development. IFU conferences, workshops and seminars in 2018 IFU organizes various events around the globe to get in touch with its members, establish new connections and provide help where it is needed.
IFU Technical Workshop The Technical Workshop has become an annual tradition for everybody working in technical fields in the juice industry, from quality managers to R&D people to staff working in the laboratory. With very low registration fees, compared to regular conferences in the industry, it should also give the employees that normally don`t go to conferences the chance to learn about new developments, discuss relevant topics and establish networking with fellow colleagues. The IFU Technical Workshop 2018 will be held on Monday, March 19th, in Cologne just one day before Anuga FoodTec. SGF and IFU Road Show The objective of the Road Show is to get engaged with local juice producers and supporting companies in the country of the roadshow. It is a unique opportunity to share information with an audience that has not either had an event for a while or never had one in their country. The Road Show 2018 will bring us to South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Algeria and Egypt. IFU Juice Conference In 2018, IFU holds the first annual Juice Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. The conference happens the day before Thaifex World of Food Asia (May 29-June 2, 2018), the largest F&B trade event in the region. This means, participants can connect both events with just one trip. The IFU Juice Conference will become the event for the juice industry outside Europe. A welcome evening and the networking dinner in addition to the conference offer various possibilities to get in touch with the industry and future customers. Contact and further information IFU International Fruit & Vegetable Juice Association Maria Schlaffer Mobile phone: +43 664 2127823 maria@ifu-fruitjuice.com http://www.ifu-fruitjuice.com