Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Kraft cuts 8,000 jobs to offset spiralling costs

US manufacturer Kraft Foods has announced a massive extension to its three-year restructuring plan that will see a further 8,000 jobs and 20 production plants go, as the company absorbs rising energy and ingredient costs.

Mobile dispenser can be used on multiple production lines

A mobile dispenser used for inserting pouches of desiccant, silica gel and oxygen absorbers into packets of food can be used on multiple production lines.

Film eases process of making stand up pouches

A co-extruded polyester film makes it easier to make stand-up food pouches, the manufacturer claims.

Scientists develop more effective bird flu vaccine for flocks

US scientists claimed yesterday to have genetically engineered an avian flu vaccine that is more effective in protecting chickens from infection.

Belgium, Netherlands meat sectors face dioxin crisis

Belgium and the Netherlands face another dioxin crisis, after the cancer-causing chemical was detected in pig and poultry feed used by hundreds of farms.

Electrolyzed water effective as chemical cleaner, study finds

Scientific tests confirm that electrolyzed oxidizing water can replace the chemicals used for cleaning equipment in the food industry.

Retailers bid to reduce cost of unsaleable goods

Retailer organisations have called for more collaboration with manufacturers in reducing unsaleable goods.

Bacteria-killing water replaces chemical cleaners

A US company has made inroads in bringing its electrolysed water technology to market as a replacement for chemical cleaners.

Weekly Comment

Time to ditch the FFQ

Little wonder consumers are confused about which foods are good for them, and which bad, when scientists use methods with almost no chance of meaningful results.

UK's shortage of scientists, technologists hurts industry

A shortage of food scientists and technologists in the UK has left about 25 per cent of the positions in the industry unfilled, according to a survey.

Shipping container material reduces contamination risk

A new type of shipping container material replaces wood and reduces the risk of contamination of any foods being transported, its creator claims.

EU proposes animal welfare labelling for food products

The European Commission proposes to create a special "animal welfare" label for meat and fish products.

BASF, Dow raise plastic resin prices in Europe

BASF today joined Dow in raising the prices in Europe for plastic packaging, a bid by both companies to pass on high raw material and energy costs.

Company develops spray to light up pathogens

AgroMicron is developing a spray that lights up pathogens, providing a way for companies to quickly detect contamination in foods and drinks.

Machine automates PET bottle packaging

A stand-up bottling machine allows beverage companies to automate the handling and unloading of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.

Supersonic processing making waves in food and drink industry

Pursuit Dynamics, the UK-based creators of novel sonic wave food and drink processing technology, will announce at its AGM today plans to expand even faster this year after its breakthrough in 2005.

Company develops process to make vegetable dough

An Israel-based company has developed a method to make pastry dough mix that contains 50 per cent of vegetable ingredients.

Commission guidance documents aim to clarify hygiene laws

In a bid to help food companies understand the EU's complex new food safety hygiene rules, the European Commission yesterday published three guidance documents on the regulations.

Filling sensor reduces waste, allows faster changeovers

An integrated filling sensor simplifies batch delivery by eliminating the need for separate controllers for valves and pumps.

Cost cuts to balance high input prices, Nestlé says

Prices for raw materials and energy are forecast to rise by around five to 10 per cent this year, but Nestlé believes cost cuts will balance the equation out, the company's chief executive said yesterday.

UK's large retailers increase bill paying period

The UK's largest food retailers last year increased the time they take to pay their bills by seven days, putting more pressure on their suppliers.

Brand erosion threatens famous labels

Private label popularity is challenging the reign of famous brands, leaving European manufacturers with a tricky dilemma: should they produce more private labels to recover profits or adapt their trademarked goods to meet changing consumer needs?

Dean Foods pioneers use of stainless steel packing robot

Kuka Robotics has installed what it claims is the first stainless steel robot in a North American food plant, another sign of the increasing automation in the sector.

Budget cuts undermining food safety, warns EFSA

EFSA has expressed serious concern that the EU's proposed budget cut could seriously undermine food safety in Europe.

Russian import ban hits Ukraine dairy industry

Milk producers in the Ukraine have lost an estimated €4million (UAH25m) following the import ban into Russia last week, implemented because imports of animal products had breached food safety standards.

Waste reduction key to manufacturing success

Food manufacturers could save up to £1,000 per employee by using more effective waste management techniques, says UK-based environmental agency Envirowise.

EU launches patent consultation

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on its plans to create a European Union-wide patent system, intended to spur research and development growth in the bloc.

Rising production costs causing UK job losses

Manufacturers in Britain are cutting more and more jobs as rising raw material costs and difficulties passing these on through the supply chain continue to squeeze profit margins, says a new report.

Food companies cut costs in bid to offset high energy prices

Most of Europe's consumer goods companies, including food processors, will likely succeed in cutting enough costs out of their operations to offset the impact of the high energy prices, Standard & Poor's says in a new analysis.

Versatile acidity meter tests a range of foods

A compact acidity and temperature meter features interchangeable heads, allowing it to be used for a variety of foods.

UK revamps bakery apprenticeship programme

The UK has revamped apprenticeship requirements for the bakery sector in a bid to attract more people into the workforce.

BSE in Canadian cow sets back effort to regain lost markets

Another cow with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been found in Canada, a second blow against the US' recent success at regaining its international markets.

Packagers target wine makers with plastic bottles

At least two packagers are attempting to cash in on the growing demand for wine bottled in plastic at an industry showcase being held in Sacramento this week.

Company develops food safety indicators for packaging

A Toronto-based company has developed diagnostic packaging inserts that will let buyers know whether food is fresh and safe to eat.

Russia's lack of excise stamps shuts down alcohol producers

Russia's decision to change procedures on excise stamps and import licences for alcohol has backfired, with several domestic producers reportedly having to suspend production.

Weekly Comment

Food miles leave a bitter taste

The organic food movement has been hijacked by supermarkets intent on being seen to be green, but their disrespect of food miles shows they are anything but.

Aseptic screw cap opens easier, manufacturer claims

A new aseptic screw cap opens easier as packers can apply it after a beverage carton is coated and filled, its manufacturer claims.

Italy's food safety measures called into question

Recent regulatory measures by Italy againstimported wheat, chocolate and poultryhave raised questions over whether the country isusing the EU's food safety and labelling laws tobatter down foreign competition.

PepsiCo dives into functional drinks with Ardea

PepsiCo's bottling arm has bought up US functional drinks maker Ardea Beverage, as the iconic soft drinks firm positions itself for growth on the functional drinks market.

Euro Freeze investigation continues with hunt for chicken wings

The search for mislabelled meat products in the UK continues, with the country's food regulator calling on buyers to be on the lookout for frozen chicken wings originally sourced from Euro Freeze (Ireland) Ltd.

Russia lifts German beef import ban

From February 1 Russia will resume pedigree beef trade with Germany following the ban imposed five years ago during a bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) crisis in its cattle.

Rugged computer display designed for food sector

Psion Teklogix has adapted its vehicle-mounted computer for the transportation and food industries, allowing workers on the move to link up to a plant's network and use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

Coating protects floors from temperature changes

A new concrete coating is designed to protect floors at food and beverage plants from dramatic temperature fluctuations and to resist bacteria.

Industry to hold science pow-wow on innovation research

The EU's food industry will meet with scientists next month to hammer out an action plan on how to translate research into new and better products.

How to navigate new EU food regulations

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has issued a guide to help food firms in the UK meet new legislative requirements.

Sensor measures small flows of liquids

A flow sensor is designed for the automated measuring low volume liquids in food plants.

Demand for plastics down in Europe as price hikes kick in

Recent price hikes for petroleum-based plastics seem to have led to a downturn in demand in Europe, according to a market analyst report.

Northern Foods files appeal against Melton Mowbray pie decision

Northern Foods yesterday said it has filed an appeal in the UK's High Court against a decision that could cut the company out of the lucrative market for Melton Mowbray pork pies.

Milk and salmon contamination feature in food safety alerts

Alerts about ink chemicals in Italian milk and doctored salmon from Norway dominate the latest EU's food safety advisory.

Europe's logistics providers adapt to industry's needs

With the pressure on Europe's food manufacturers to maintain or reduce costs, third-party logistics providers are attempting to meet their needs, according to a Datamonitor study.

Machines cut poultry processing costs, manufacturer claims

Three automated machines for portion cutting and batching poultry will help processors cut costs, Denmark-based Scanvaegt claims.

Sensor sniffs gases on meat to determine freshness

Russian scientists say they have developed a sensor that "smells" a meat's gases to determine if it is fresh and how long it has been kept in storage.

Texture analyser measures quality of thin foods

A texture analyser for measuring the quality of thin foods can now be used to test the strength of packaging.

Arla launches Mini30 milk in battle for Danish dairy

The dairy group's new, lower calorie milk technology may help it re-gain ground on its home Danish milk market, after dropping almost 10 per cent in market share and losing another supply contract to a smaller rival.

A decade on: is GM winning hearts and minds?

It is ten years since the first large-scale planting of genetically modified (GM) crops. Food Navigator looks at both sides of the argument to assess the future of the technology and its implications for the European food industry.

UK malt scheme gains international recognition

Accreditation by an international organisation has given a malt tracking scheme the backing it needs to assure its customers they're getting the correct supplies.

Straw war: company launches suit against Nestlé

An Australian company has taken Nestlé to court in the UK over the rights to a flavouring beverage straw.

Amcor to develop flexible, biodegradable packaging

Amcor has teamed up with Plantic Technologies to develop a biodegradable, flexible plastic packaging for confectionary.

Regulator approves four antimicrobials for use with chicken

The EU's food safety regulator's endorsement yesterday of four chemicals for cleaning chickens marks a shift in policy to allow the use of antimicrobials in meat processing plants.

Food quality tester linked to Internet monitoring service

A spectrometer manufacturer has linked up its Internet monitoring service with its quality testing machines, a move that could help food laboratories improve productivity.

EC puts money into promotion of EU food products

The EC's approval of a €25.5 million programme to support the promotion of agricultural products reflects growing concern over global competition.

Fingerprint reader built to withstand harsh chemicals

A biometrics company has created a durable waterproof version of its fingerprint reader for the food industry.

Food packers get access to design process

Food companies can now get directly involved in designing the plastic packaging for their products, through a special workshop created by Graham Packaging.

Funding directed at new foods and processing techniques

Designated food "clusters" in the EU will receive a boost in funding to help the bloc's researchers develop innovative foods and processing techniques.

EFSA issues guidance on lupin allergies

The growing popularity of lupin in Europe has increased concerns that some consumers could be unwittingly exposed to allergic reactions.

Fonterra eyes dairy venture in Poland

Two of the world's largest dairy firms, New Zealand's Fonterra and Europe's Arla, are looking to increase their operations in the Polish dairy industry, according to a recent report.

Weekly comment

Some news is good news

I am beginning to feel like a freak among journalists. Good or bad, my reporting is the product of hours of questions, fact-hunting and often-times editorial debate. Yet, despite this rigour, every day we receive emails from people asking, or even instructing, us to publish their press release on our sites.

Relief for small companies proposed under greenhouse gas trading

The European Commission says it wants to ease the impact of the EU's greenhouse gas trading scheme on small companies as part of a plan to make the programme less complex.

Device automates food safety testing

A portable spectrophotometer automates the process of testing water at food and drink plants.

Operating to specification key influence in purchasing decisions

The number one influence on whether to buy food processing equipment was whether it lived up to its specifications rather than whether it was too costly, according to a survey by amanufacturing supplier.

EU food industry low R&D spend leaves it vulnerable

Low spending on developing new products and processing techniques coupled with sluggish export growth, has made the EU's food industry vulnerable to increased global competition, according to figures released by the bloc's industry association.

Confusion surrounds Italy's seizure of wheat

While processors wait for Italy's food safety regulator to determine if contaminated wheat was distributed to Europe's pasta plants, Canada's grain regulator says the shipment was tested and found safe.

Plastic compound helps packagers downgauge

A new plastic compound produces a thinner food package, allowing processors to downgauge and cut costs, according to its manufacturer.

Scientists look for secrets of foamy beer

Scientists are using new technology to further unravel the mystery process behind foamy beer, to help brewers get that perfect brew every time.

Handy packaging drives snacking mega-trend

Manufacturers must adapt an innovative packaging design and marketing approach to tap burgeoning consumer demand for on-the-go snacking, says report.

Machine automates confectionery bar packing

An automated machine for packing cereal and confectionery bars into cartons helps manufacturers speed up their production lines and cuts down on labour costs, its manufacturer claims.

Variable barcode printer meets demand for high speed processing

A variable-data barcode label printer can run at a top speed of 15 inches per second, making it one of the fastest such machines available in the market.

Acrylamide study suggests new formation pathways

The occurrence of acrylamide in food matrices devoid of common precursors such as meat, supports an additional formation pathway, according to researchers in Germany.

Portable weigher gives flexibility to production line

Ishida Europe has developed a gantry that allows its multihead weighers to become mobile.

Planning for disaster if avian flu becomes a pandemic

Food processors need to make disaster plans in case the lastest outbreak of avian influenza in Europe becomes a global pandemic, according to risk experts.

RFID advances help food traceability

Advances in RFID make the technology more useful to food processors in tracing and tracking their products.

Growth in convenience foods drives use of barrier films

The growth in the grab-and-go food market is pushing processors toward using more barrier film packaging, according to a US study.

Aflatoxin kit provides one-stop screening method for 16 commodities

A new aflatoxin test has received regulatory approval for screening 16 commodities, making it easier for food companies to weed out bad batches of ingredients.

Pasta mill head arrested, wheat stocks alleged to be contaminated

With the head of Europe's largest wheat mill under arrest, pasta makers are checking their supplies to see whether any came from a stock found to be contaminated with a cancer-causing toxin.

EU food regulator proposes charging fees for work

Europe's food safety regulator says it is underfunded and might have to start collecting fees from companies for its work.

Metal screen frames speed up filtering process

Using screen frames made from metal in filtering food ingredients speeds up the production process, according to Rotex.

UK dairy industry unites behind school milk subsidy

Britain's dairy sector will hold a special, industry-wide meeting to discuss how it can defend school milk subsidies, after a report commissioned by the government said they should be scrapped.

Acquisition marks further consolidation in logistics sector

Swiss-based transport company Kuehne + Nagel has acquired ACR Logistics, expanding its global network further into Eastern Europe and Asia.

UK food, drink exports on growth path

A 3.1 per cent growth in UK exports of food and drink during the first half of 2005 indicates that the industry is on track to break the £10bn barrier for the first time in a decade.

Dough mixer upgrade package improves bread quality, cuts costs

Bakers using APV Baker's Tweedy range of mixing machines can now improve the quality of their products and cut costs by attaching a pressure and vacuum mixing package to the machines, says the bakery equipment supplier.

Finnish research unveils future food technologies

A Finnish research programme suggests that enzymatic engineering and microencapsulation could be major food technology tools in the future.

Roundup: Food packaging innovation driven by social trends

New food packaging indicates that innovation in the industry continues to be driven by fast changing social trends and the increasing consumer demand for convenience and safety.

Canada faulted for lax food safety, corrects problems

Canada's lax food safety system could lead to people falling sick, according to an audit of the US agriculture department and its inspection system.

Software provides records for regulatory audits

Software for tracking, tracing and analysing manufacturing processes provides auditable records to help food companies meet regulatory requirements.

Report calls for review of food plant inspections

A report into the mass outbreak of E. coli in Wales calls on the UK's food regulator to look into whether there should be more legislation and guidance on plant inspections.

Tough polyethylene resin developed for frozen food packaging

A new polyethylene resin provides a tough packaging while being able to be easily processed, its manufacturer claims.

Company develops speedy test kit for bird flu

Applied Biosystems plans to release kits that can test humans and animals for avian flu virus within two hours.

Sluggish growth as Premier Foods takes position

Premier Foods has delivered slow 2005 interim trading results after acquisitions strengthened total grocery sales but failed to bolster like-for-like sales growth.

Free trade vital to counter slowdown, says food industry

The CIAA has urged the new EU presidency to push ahead with the liberalisation of the global food trade in order to open new markets and tackle the slowdown in productivity growth.

Avian flu: poultry consumption faces another downturn

A deadly outbreak of avian flu in Turkey is spreading westward, with health officials confirming that a further three human cases have been found in the capital Ankara on Sunday, along with infected domestic fowl.

RFID handheld operates to European standards

A hand held radio frequency identification (RFID) reader is the first mobile device of its type that can be used on European frequency bands, its manufacturer claims.

Biodegradable plasticiser developed as phthalate replacement

A biodegradable plasticiser can be be used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) packaging as a replacement for for phthalates, a chemical linked with infertility in men.

Canterbury Foods CEO scoops profitable assets from failed firm

Just days after the demise of bankrupt meat manufacturer Canterbury Foods, the former managing director has bought up the remaining productive processing plants under his new Medway Foods banner.

Food association sets out 'wish list' of regulatory change

The EU's food industry association is calling for a raft of changes to proposed laws, calling some of them unworkable and misleading, including those that would regulate additives and enzymes, flavourings, additives, chemicals and health claims.

Food challenge for 2006: satisfying the ethical consumer

Ethical considerations increasingly dictate food purchases, and companies that pay scant attention to this defining trend will lose out.

New rules ease foreign access to protected name status

In a bid to meet World Trade Organisation demands, the European Commission plans to make it easier for non-EU companies to gain geographical indications (GI) protection for speciality brand names.

Vacuum drying method preserves vitamin content

Scientists in Germany claim to have developed a microwave vacuum drying method that preserves the vitamin content of fruit and other foods.

Spirits industry wary of EU reform plans

A senior official said the industry was not consulted on the European Commission proposal to re-categorise spirit drinks, but welcomed plans to update production regulations.

DHL launches a 'virtual warehouse' for importers

As part of a new international shipping and distribution service, DHL plans to offer companies customized transit reports on all their imports.

Process shortens multigrain cereal production

A new technique for producing multigrain flakes allows cereal makers to shorten processing times.

Carrefour in legal bind with supply chain

Talks between global retail giant Carrefour and its suppliers are underway as new French legislation governing backroom deals and pricing strategy hits the statute books.

Grants boost UK research into less wasteful packaging

H J Heinz, Northern Foods, Geest Mariner Foods and International Food Partners (IFP) are among those granted UK public funds yesterday to develop less wasteful packaging.

Canterbury Foods finally folds

British food manufacturer Canterbury Foods today announced the sale of three factories as PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) steps in to take control of the ailing business.

Plastic packaging additive cuts out taste and odors

A new plastics additive removes taste and odor molecules as they pass through food packaging, its developer claims.

Dairy price rises forecast to moderate as demand eases

The international demand for dairy products has eased slightly and prices for supplies are likely to moderate in the next several months, according to a new report.

Foodborne Campylobacter infections increase

A general increase in reported cases of campylobacteriosis over the last few years in the EU's fifteen original member states indicates that food companies need to step up their safety procedures against the disease.

Manufacturers must work to fight private label threat, warns report

The global private label goods trend will continue to enjoy record expansion and eat into famous brand profits if manufacturers fail to adopt winning strategies to combat competition, say analysts.

Northern Foods appeals Melton Mowbray pork pie decision

Northern Foods has vowed to take its battle over who can make Melton Mowbray pork pies to a higher court, after being stymed by a UK judge who ruled that an application by local producers for protected status can proceed under EU laws.

Pathogen tester speeds up process of detecting contamination

DuPont Qualicon has introduced a new pathogen testing instrument to speed up the process of ensuring food products meet regulatory requirements.

Congress considers legislation to harmonise food safety laws

Legislation to harmonize state and national laws on food safety has been submitted to the House of Congress for consideration.

Report advises pest control companies to target processing plants

Food processors are a growth market for pest control companies as they traditionally rely on staff to keep insects and rodents at bay, according to a new report.

Australian food safety tester buys into European market

SAI Global has acquired EFSIS Ltd., one of the food safety inspection and certification firms companies will be turning to when checking whether they are in compliance with the EU's new hygiene regulations.

Air dryer design reduces down time for maintenance

An air drying machine for beverage makers has fewer moving parts, reducing down time for maintenance and cleaning.

Ahold reshuffle brings extra Q4 charges and job cuts

Dutch retailing giant Ahold will axe 700 jobs from its US operations as restructuring costs see more than $50 million in charges added to fourth quarter results.

New year ushers in tougher food safety laws

With the ushering in of new hygiene laws at the start of this year, food companies are now under tougher regulatory scrutiny to ensure they do not send out poisonous products from their plants.

Measuring meter reader fits tight spaces

Small electromagnetic shakers are designed specifically for tight fitting processing and packaging distribution lines that require precise metering and low maintenance drives, the system's manufacturer claims.