Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Extended tests help food labs assess performance

Lab M has extended its food lab proficiency testing scheme by adding Lactic acid bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes and osmophilic yeasts to its kits.

UK food retailers 'committed to removing trans fats'

A voluntary commitment by British Retail Consortium (BRC) members to eliminate industrially added trans-fats represents a major change of gear in the battle to make processed food products healthier.

Oil filter reduces frying changeovers

A new cooking oil filter continuously removes sediment to ensure high quality frying while reducing changeovers, its manufacturer claims.

UK research casts doubt on environmental claims

A UK-government research study on the environmental impacts of food production casts doubt on commonly held opinions, such as claims that organics are greener than conventionally-grown produce or that preserved products have less of a effect than frozen ones.

Label can cover is biodegradable

A supplier of label can covers has added a biodegradable product to its offerings.

Companies combine to create high-speed robot

Two companies have teamed-up to create what they claim is one of the world's fastest robotic packagers.

Another BSE slip hits UK meat industry

A case of mistaken identity has led to another breach of the UK's bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) regulations, the country's food regulator said yesterday.

Tamper-evident tub targets ice cream market

A new ice cream tub on the market comes with a security tamper-evidence feature that allowsworkers to detect when it has been opened before use.

Filling machine boosts dessert making

Confectionery equipment supplier Packaging Automation has seen its latest enhanced filling and sealing machine upping factory output and improving performance, according to customers.

Convenience drives high visibility packaging demand

The demand for convenience foods will drive processors toward using more high visibility packaging such as clamshells, according to a forecast report.

Logistics study highlights use of technology in food sector

Food and beverage companies are increasing their use of cross-docking, are continuing to rely on paper-based order-pick methods, and most are outsourcing some or all of their transportation, according to a survey of logistics practices in the industry.

Weekly comment

Deja Moo: Are we ready for cloned cattle?

Here we go again. Yet another technology in its infancy is likely to be introduced into the food supply, while industry remains cautious and consumers divided.

EU agency sets maximum limit for bisphenol A

The EU's food agency today set a maximum limit for human daily intakes of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical implicated as a potential carcinogen and widely used in plastic food packaging and cans.

Friesland takes spray drying to Asia

Friesland Foods is expanding its spray drying operations within Indonesia, as it looks to capture growing demand for powdered ingredient ranges in the region.

Airfreighting organic food faces UK ban

UK processors may forced to source organic foods closer to home after a certification body proposed an outright ban on airfreighting such products.

UK processor under fire for BSE slip

Processing firm ABP Shrewsbury is under investigation by the UK's food regulator after allowing a heifer to enter the food chain without undergoing mandatory testing for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

Redesign boosts poultry cooker output, manufacturer claims

A redesigned spiral poultry cooker produces a moister product, higher yields, increased output,while reducing maintenance costs, its manufacturer claims.

High pressure processing kills norovirus say researchers

High pressure processing could help inactivate human norovirus strains in raw foods like shelf fish, according to new research published in the January 2007 issue of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

Scottish research unit launched to help small processors

Scotland's University of Abertay Dundee yesterday launched a new food research unit aimed athelping small and medium sized manufacturers develop new products and processes.

Low-level formaldehyde in gelling agents not a problem, says EFSA

The presence of low-level formaldehyde in gelling agents like carrageenans and alginates does not pose a threat to human health, the European Food Standards Authority (EFSA) has reported.

Lithuania employee costs 10 times lower than Germany

Employee costs are significantly lower in Lithuania, Estonia and Slovenia, while they are at the highest in Germany, Denmark and Belgium according to an EU remuneration study by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

CPS stay independent following acquisition

One of the UK's largest dairy machine manufacturers will continue to operate as an independent company following its acquisition by Tetra Laval this month.

Remote monitor signals food safety problems

An automatic monitor and alarm system alerts plant managers to breaches in food safety round-the-clock, ensuring they remain aware of emerging production problems -- even if they are off site.

Food testing leaps ahead with space-age technology

A high-speed imagining system using satellite technology to detect contamination and defects could soon be part of standard food safety equipment if prototype testing proves successful.

Bush immigration proposals could help processors

Promised reforms to the US immigration system could ensure the supply of workers to meat andpoultry processors -- and help them avoid problems with the law.

Campylobacter screener speeds-up test results

A campylobacter testing system, aimed at the poultry industry, can reduce result times from days to hours compared to traditional methods, the manufacturer claims.

Packager sells US operations to focus on Europe, Asia

Sweden-based Svenska Cellulosa AB (SCA) has sold its North American packing operations so as to focus on expanding its European and Asian operations.

Commission adopts fruit & veg reforms

The European Commission has adopted the EU agriculture minister's proposals to shake up the bloc's fruit and vegetable sector.

Redesigned coating line slashes changeover time

FMC FoodTec has redesigned its breading and battering production line, which the company claimsslashes the time it takes to make product or recipe changes down to 30 minutes from two hours.

Campari agrees Polish distribution deal

Poland's largest vodka producer, Central European Distribution Corporation (CEDC) has become the exclusive distributor of the Gruppo Campari portfolio in the country, further consolidating its share of the growing domestic whisky and spirits market.

Swift considers sale of company

After registering losses of $30m due to immigration raids in December, Swift & Co. said thisweek it is now considering a variety of strategies for the future, including a sale of the companyor a stock offering.

Fryer designed to handle trans fat free oils

A new poultry fryer designed to handle more volatile and unstable oils meets a demand frompoultry processors who are switching from using trans fats.

Project seeks processors for nanotech product development

A UK-based consultant is looking for processors to join a collaborative research project aimed at exploring the benefits that nanotechnology can bring to the food and drink industries.

Salmonella found in one of six broiler farms in Germany

One in six broiler flocks in Germany is infected with salmonella, according to a pilot survey bythe country's Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

Supplier accusations lack evidence, says UK grocery probe

Complaints by food and drink suppliers about mistreatment at the hands of large retailers have still not been backed up, says a report on the UK grocery supply chain probe.

Experts review UK regulator's research focus

A panel of independent experts will review the UK's regulator research programme for the year in a bid to ensure these help lower the presence of food borne pathogens in the supply chain.

Supplier complaints lack evidence, says UK grocery probe

Complaints by food suppliers and producers about mistreatment at the hands of large retailers have still not been backed up, says a report on the UK grocery chain probe.

Regulator approves more meat processing antimicrobals

The federal food safety inspection unit has approved an additional batch of additives, antimicrobals and agents for use as processing aids directly on meat and poultry products.

Metro's RFID tests mark "milestone" for Europe, company says

A European test of radio frequency identification (RFID) at a Metro distribution centre inGermany has achieved read rates of close to 99 per cent, pointing the way ahead to a furtherexpansion of the technology throughout the supply chain.

Glossy polyethylene offers alternative to PET

Moulded packaging made from a combination of new high density polyethylene (HDPE) and a colour masterbatch boosts glossiness by 200 per cent compared to competing products, the manufacturer claims.

Weekly Comment

Death to the industry conspiracy theories!

Here we go again. Industry-sponsored studies into the nutritional benefits of food and drink products are biased. Don't believe anything that has an industry sponsor.

Review of UK meat inspection system focuses on cost recovery

A review of UK food safety laws for meat processing plants could end up with companies payingmore for inspections.

Premier to close two factories in bid to cut costs

In a bid to cut costs, UK-based Premier Foods said it would close down two of its factories over the next six months, cut about 450 jobs and invest in making three of its plants more efficient.

Swab test reduces pathogen detection time, claims manufacturer

A new test for perishable foods such as salads can detect pathogens within minutes, its manufacturer claims.

Pallet pooler incorporates global RFID standard

A plastic pallet provider has coupled an international product coding standard with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, allowing processors to better track their products thoughout the global supply chain.

Gas controller provides fine touch to atmosphere control

A new gas flow controller can help processors save on costs by accurately adjusting oxygen levels in packaging or at produce storage facilities, its manufacturer claims.

2007 a good year for dairy, says EU

Confidence rippled through the UK dairy industry this week after EU officials said they expected rising demand and higher market prices both in and out of Europe this year.

Irish fish toxin levels test safe

Toxin levels in Irish fresh and processed fish are "well below" legal limits and are unlikely to present a risk human heath, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said yesterday.

Association issues warning about toxic imports into UK

Cuts in funding and a plan by UK regulators to publish details of its testing regime for imports, could lead to toxic foods ending up on the shelves, an organic industry association claimed yesterday.

Regulator publishes research plan

The UK's regulator has published details of its research programme for the coming year, outlining areas in which it has food safety concerns.

Deutsche Bahn in talks to buy Schnellecke, claims newspaper

Deutsche Bahn is reportedly in talks to acquire logistics firm Schnellecke, according to unnamedsources cited by the Financial Times Deutschland.

Sale of Owens-Illinois plastics business on the cards

The world's largest glass container manufacturer is considering hiving off its plastics packaging business as it reviews strategic options for the division.

Superabsorbent soaks up packaging problems

A new superabsorbent intended for food packaging can soak up to 500 times its own weight in leaked liquid, claims the manufacturer.

Dairy packaging demand forecast to rise 4 per cent

US dairy industry demand for packaging is expected to rise by 4.1 per cent annually, according to a forecast from Freedonia.

Food safety certification service offered to associations

Two companies have teamed up to develop branded food safety compliance systems and certifications for food industry associations.

Liquid dispenser pumps thick and thin

Rieke Packaging Systems has launched a new pump, which can dispense a variety of liquid products from free-flowing sauces to highly viscous creams as well as those containing small particulates.

Commission takes tough line on greenhouse gas emissions

In a bid to hold down greenhouse gas emissions under the bloc's carbon dioxide trading scheme the European Commission yesterday ordered Belgium and Holland to cap allowances below what their governments had allocated to industry.

French meat companies under investigation

A major meat distributor and two processor are under judicial investigation in France, after foodregulatory authorities accused the companies of using spoiled meat in a canned corn beef product.

EU states agree on clone food plan

There will be no special measures to cover food products from cloned animals in the EU, member states have agreed, following news the offspring of a cloned cow was growing up in the UK.

Processors find new ways to cut operating costs

US processors are seeking new ways to cut operating costs and increase competitiveness in the face of another tough trading year, says PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Fresh bread tester launched

A new machine allows manufacturers to test the freshness of packaged and unpackaged bread without risking damage.

Regulatory procedures set out for plastic packaging

The European Commission has set out interim procedures food packagers must follow when usingplastic additives, until the bloc establishes a unified list of authorised materials.

Belt conveyer offers 30 second changeover

A new conveyor frame can be completely disassembled, without tools, in 30 seconds, allowing processors to clean their machines and get production underway again faster.

Wild labs approved for independent testing

Labs owned by German flavours firm Wild have been certified to perform independent testing, offering its customers in the food and drink industry an easier way to analyse new product concepts.

Project to test lightweight glass containers in food sector

A new project launched in UK could help processors cut down on the amount of glass they use, with the promise of costs savings and ultimately cutting down on packaging waste.

Courts hear cases against EuroFreeze, John Tudor

A new round of court hearings against two processors, and the possible consideration of chargesagainst a third, indicates that the UK regulator is taking a tougher approach to breaches of foodsafety law.

RFID analyst forecasts cheap item-level tags by 2016

The tagging of items with radio frequency identification (RFID) will take off in 2007 to becomethe biggest market by value by 2016 as prices fall dramatically, according to a forecast by a market analyst.

TNA promises confectioners speedy bagging

Equipment supplier TNA has introduced its triple jaw vertical bagging system, capable of speeds in excess of 220 bpm, to the confectionery market with the machine set to be demonstrated at this month's ProSweets trade fair.

Pre-wash system improves bottle cleaning

A pre-wash system significantly improves the cleaning performance of bottle washers, its manufacturer claims.

Weekly Comment

There aren't plenty more fish in the sea

As a youngster I was brought up on a healthy diet of tuna fish sandwiches and Disney - making my new year's resolution for 2007 the toughest yet. That's right, I'm giving up tuna and who knows, even cod.

Benchmarking essential to improving supply chain, report states

Companies that benchmark the performance of their supply chains against other peers in theindustr performance typically cut nearly $80m (€62m) within the first year, according to anew report.

Preservation system bears fruit for processors

Agrofresh have unveiled improved sales results and new research to back-up the success of its SmartFresh fruit and vegetable preservations system.

DNA pathogen test will produce results within hours

A DNA-based pathogen detection system, that will provide test results within hours, is being developed through funding from Tate & Lyle.

RFID system tested on stretch wrapped shipments

IBM and packaging giant Pliant are testing a radio frequency identification system (RFID) thatwould allow processors to track products and detect tampering on stretch wrapped shipments.

EFSA approves QPS approach to microorganisms in food

EFSA has recommended a Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) approach in order to assess the safety of microorganisms used in food.

Proposed anti-terrorist law would boost security costs

A proposed anti-terrorist law on chemicals would require food companies, among others, toimplement potentially costly security measures to protect their sites from theft or attack.

Closure fits short neck bottles

A new closure targeting the single serve market is one of the first designed to meet new international standards set for short neck bottles.

FSA publishes 'metals in food' findings

A UK survey of the concentrations of metals elements in a variety of ingredients suggests that estimated intakes do not pose a health threat.

Developer targets injectable RFID ink at meat market

A biocompatible radio-frequency identification (RFID) ink would allowprocessors to track individual cuts of meat or vegetables, allowing them to make speedy recalls during food contamination outbreaks.

EU to debate UK cloned cow case

EU food safety officials will hold urgent talks to thrash out a strategy on food from cloned animals, after it emerged the calf of a cloned cow was being raised on a UK farm.

Plastic packager Autobar sold to US investment firm

UK-based Autobar Packaging, one of Europe's largest suppliers of plastic packaging, hasbeen sold to US-based Sun Capital Partners.

Regulator proposes re-opening border to Mexican pork

US food companies may soon be able to restart sending their pork supplies to Mexico for processing, if US Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposals are given the go-ahead.

Meat processors fall afoul of environmental laws

Tyson Foods and Michael Foods will pay out about $1m each for falling afoul of environmentallaws.

EU to review food hygiene laws

The European Commission plans to review the EU's new hygiene laws to determine whether further amendments are needed to strengthen provisions related to meat inspection, gelatine, good food safety practices and cold stores.

Robot picker sets new speed bar

A new robot picker for the food industry is the fastest in its class, its manufacturer claims.

Cloned cow offspring on UK farm

Dairy and farming groups were holding urgent meetings Wednesday after claims the offspring of a cloned cow was growing up on a UK farm, sparking fears its produce may enter the food chain.

EFSA gives the nod to 10 more packaging chemicals

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued positive scientific opinions on another batch of 10 packaging substances, part of an EU-wide effort to prevent the chemicals from contaminating foods.

Synthetic food labels withstand extreme conditions

A synthetic paper, approved for use as labels in direct contact with food, offers producers and packagers quality printing while withstanding extreme conditions, its manufacturer claims.

Labeller can handle two products at once

A new machine that can label with two different products simultaneously increases productivity because downtime through changeovers is eliminated, its manufacturer claims.

Fonterra appoints European dairy distributor

Univar food ingredient brand Fiske has been appointed the European distributor for international dairy giant Fonterra.

Compromise vital if EU nutrition labelling to survive

Food industry and consumer groups are poles apart over the question of mandatory nutrition labelling with government opinion somewhere between the two.

EU, New Zealand agree food safety deal

Officials in the EU and New Zealand have agreed on a common strategy for maintaining meat and dairy exports in the event of a serious animal disease outbreak.

Poultry workers to get flu jabs

Poultry workers in England are to be offered free seasonal human flu vaccinations by the Department of Health in a measure to combat a potential outbreak of bird flu HN51.

Food safety risks stick with consumers long-term, survey

Food safety scares could result in a long lasting impact on purchasing decisions, with new research revealing that 15 percent of consumers stop eating a product entirely after a food safety incident.

Lycopene protects vitamins in milk, study

Lycopene, microencapsulated in gum arabic-sucrose capsules, slowed the degradation of vitamins A and D3 in skimmed milk by 45 per cent, says new research.

Antimicrobial paper extends shelf life, claims manufacturer

MicrobeGuard today announced the launch of a lining paper liner that will feature AgION antimicrobial technology.

German project to create meat analysis RFID

Researchers in Germany are developing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology that will measure and transmit the quality and condition of meat as well as enable processors to identify products throughout the supply chain.

Weekly comment

FSA rules ok? The labelling rebellion

The battle of wills between the UK food watchdog and industry heavyweights over nutrition labelling threatens to destabilise the balance of power between industry and government.

Vacuum helps coding machine clean-up process times

A portable coding system can process up to 160 cartons per minute using a vacuum transport system, removing the need for a belt drive, its manufacturer claims.

EC outlines future of globalised food ingredients market

European agriculture commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel has outlined how a future globalised food ingredients market might look.

Animal welfare rules to increase cost of transport

New EU animal welfare rules that came into effect today will increase the cost of transportingsupplies to slaughtering and processing plants.

EU food and drink industry trends review

The CIAA end of year review of the European food and drink industry's performance underlines again how significant the industry is to the EU economy.

Gnocchi processor hunts for US partner

Ettore Accenti, international director for Italy-based Essedue System, is on the hunt in the USfor a partner interested in producing all-natural gnocchi using the company's processing method.

Labeler speeds-up productivity and changeovers

A new range of glue labelers can process up to 400 containers per minute and cuts changeover times, reducing downtime, its manufacturer claims.

Book review

Pasteurisation guide provides practical advice on standards

An updated guide on pasteurisation aims to help processors set manufacturing standards that allow for the consistent production of safe foods.

EFSA calls for data on furan food contamination

EFSA has invited the food industry to submit data on furan contamination in food and beverages from 1 January.

Bamboo leaf extract to stop acrylamide formation?

Using an antioxidant-rich bamboo leaf extract could reduce the formation of acrylamide in potato chips and French fries by about 75 per cent, according to a new study.

Boil in bag lid creates microwave steamer

A new lid for convenience foods, which allows consumers to steam cook products in a microwave, provides processors with an alternative to the traditional boil-in-the-bag packaging.

Scientists speed up pathogen detection system

A new technique developed by scientists improves on mass spectrometry detection methods to speed up the identification of foodborne pathogens.

Public should fight cloned food, says consumer group

An influential consumer group has urged the public to complain against plans by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow meat and dairy products from cloned animals to enter supply chain.

Plastic packaging growth to benefit from innovation

Plastic is expected to outpace paper as the packaging material of choice in the US food sector asindustry leverages the advantages of the petroleum-based material, according to a new report.

Bacteriophage approved for hide washing

A natural cleaning fluid made of live bacteria could help meat processors get rid of pathogensfrom animal hides, a key source of cross-contamination in the plant.

UK company to produce plastic electronic displays

A UK-based company said today it has received funding to set up a plant for the commercialproduction of plastic electronics, potentially providing processors with a new way of attractingcustomers through the use of an active display label.

Allied Bakeries hit by new round of malicious tampering

Allied Bakeries' Kingsmill sliced bread brand has been hit with a new round of sabotage,with the company reporting the new incidents to the UK's food regulator over the holidays.

Takeover battle for SIG reaches new high

A billion dollar takeover battle to gain control of beverage packaging giant SIG Holding is beingwaged between a New Zealand investor and two European companies.

Codex sets agenda for oils and fats

The 20th session of the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils an international meeting that establishes guidelines on fats and oils kicks off next month.

Food-standard pressure transmitter launched with 10-year warranty

A new range of pressure transmitters with food standard clean-in-place (CIP) capability has been launched with the longest warranty in the industry, its manufacturer claims.