All news articles for January 2009

Wire free could boost process monitoring

Wireless technologies can provide flexibility, easiness of operation and constant tracking of the food and drink production process, claims an industry research firm.

New service can help extend shelf life, says LFI

Reliable accelerated tests are proving invaluable in enabling food processors to have a confident assessment of shelf life before a product launch, says Leatherhead Food International (LFI).

Food safety takes centre stage

FoodProductionDaily.com takes a look at the stories dominating the processing and packaging news headlines this week, with contamination from both bacterial and chemical sources looming large.

Views sought on food irradiation regulation

Views and comments on new regulations governing the irradiation of food in England are being sought by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Study finds packaging chemical may hinder fertility

A US study has found that perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which are used in areas such as food packaging, pesticides, clothing, carpets and personal care products, may be linked to infertility in women.

Bottles forecast to fuel plastic packaging growth

Plastic packaging growth, in particular bottles, will outpace the paper equivalent through to 2012 in selected markets, claims a US based industry research firm.

FSA calls for more research on certain metals in food

A newly-released study indicates that levels of most metals in UK foods are falling or remain stable; but the FSA says there is a need for more research on aluminium, barium and manganese, which bucked the trend.

Raw milk artisans disappearing in Quebec cheese dilemma

While pushing to meet growing potential interest in North America for unpasteurised cheeses, producers from Quebec are increasingly questioning using raw milk in their goods amidst wider safety fears, says one industry expert.

News in brief

PCA expands peanut product recall

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that the Peanut Corporation of America is expanding its recall to include all peanut products manufactured at the plant since January 1 2007.

US bill would boost FDA powers, increase food and drug inspections

Legislation unveiled in the House of Representatives this week would increase Food and Drug Administration powers and the frequency of safety inspections – but would require industry to cover the cost.

News in brief

UK bakery fined after crushed hand incident

A bakery in the UK has been fined £3,500 (€3,758) after a young woman crushed her hand feeding dough into a biscuit-making machine, the BBC reports.

Mercury tainted HFCS in produce, say researchers

A policy group is calling on the US food safety regulator and industry to make changes to practices as two studies claim the food supply is being contaminated by mercury tainted high fructose corn syrup.

News in brief

Convicted Chinese dairy boss to appeal

The former head of Sanlu, the Chinese dairy at the heart of last year’s melamine scandal, has said she will appeal the lifetime of imprisonment, according to reports.

Global health fears challenge unpasteurised cheeses

From petite fromageries in France to artisan sellers in Quebec and Kansas, the sale of unpasteurised milk in cheese continues to divide opinion, with recent health scares endangering the entire sector.

Research into sealing methods could cut packaging waste

A project led by UK research group, Campden BRI, and the University of Bath, aims to tackle the amount of packaging waste by designing a more efficient way of sealing packs.

US study says packaging chemical may linger in body

A University of Rochester Medical Center study challenges the assumption that Bisphenol A, the chemical found in food packaging, is rapidly metabolized in the human body and claims that exposure may come from non-food sources.

PCA knew peanut butter could have been contaminated, says FDA

The Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) knew that its peanut products were potentially contaminated with salmonella before distributing them, US health officials said yesterday.

New test to detect fake Basmati rice

UK based laboratory, Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), claims it has developed a reliable DNA screening method for identifying adulteration of Basmati rice.

Key claims equipment upgrade provides better sealing

An upgraded packaging sealer provides consistent sealing temperature to eliminate ‘burn through’ and seals that do not hold, according to the manufacturer.

Kellogg tests compact cereal box

Cereal giant Kellogg is testing a space-saving cereal box that the firm says could “redefine” the cereal aisle.

Coca-Cola puts money on study in university green push

Coca-Cola has provided $400,000 to one US-based university to encourage development of new sustainable forms of packaging through a scheme that could see other beverage and food manufacturers following suit.

Cost cutting shores up Sealed Air, claims CEO

Global packaging supplier, Sealed Air, reported a 41 per cent fall in fourth-quarter profit but its results were higher than Wall St expectations.

News in brief

Impress set to buy seafood can maker

Impress is set to acquire one of Spain’s leading manufacturers of steel cans for seafood in a move which the can maker said will broaden its coverage of the industry in Europe, as well as reinforcing its position as a leading global producer of seafood cans.

Clamshell labeller for bakers brings flexibility to ingredients listings

Canadian labelling equipment firm Nita targets bakers with its clamshell labeller that claims to add “more flexibility to change ingredient listings on the fly”.

Sanitary overhaul enhances cryogenic freezer: Linde

A cryogenic freezer can help processors achieve greater economies of scale and get high quality, safe product out the door through an upgraded hygienic design, says Linde.

Food and drink sector critical of green road charging

The industry body for the UK food and drink manufacturing sector claims the proposed new European Commission transport directive would result in food and drink companies having to pass on the resulting costs to consumers.

Weekly comment

Time to quieten the nutrition label noise

Everyone from government to grocers seems to have their own idea of how best to inform consumers about foods’ nutritional content, but a labeling free-for-all has resulted in a clamor of nutrition labels which are actually getting in the way of comprehension.

Listeria shows up in Maple Leaf plant

A subsidiary of Canadian meat processor, Maple Leaf Foods, has been inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), after routine testing showed positive results for the bacterium, listeria.

News in brief

Packaging company files for Chapter 11

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation claims weak demand for packaging has resulted in its filing for bankruptcy protection in the US.

New gluten-free labelling could mean extra costs for bakers

New rules from Brussels implemented this week on the labelling and formulation of gluten-free foods could signal a rise in costs for the bakery industry.

Label printer makes brands stand out, says Primera

Food and drink makers can attain branding differential through the application of gold and silver graphics to their labels, claims Primera Technology.

Test for melamine in milk claimed as fastest yet

A detection method to determine levels of melamine in whole milk and milk powder is highly sensitive and the fastest technique yet, claims researchers based at Purdue University.

Legislation urged for nano based materials

Switzerland’s Centre for Technology Assessment (TA-Swiss) has called for the existing legislation on foods and chemicals to be adapted to meet the demands of nanotechnology.

Tesco heads to university for dairy innovation drive

One of the UK’s leading retailers is teaming up with a veterinary university to target developments in both animal welfare and product innovation that it says may benefit the country’s dairy sector.

FDA’s recall response ‘inadequate’ and ‘ineffective’, says CSPI

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has criticized US officials’ response to the peanut butter salmonella outbreak, calling it ‘woefully inadequate’.

Greener package design could cut costs

An updated guide on the recyclability of plastic packaging can ensure savings for companies and includes chapters on recent developments in bioplastics and mixed plastics, say the publishers.

Chinese melamine defendants face death

The Chinese melamine scandal is expected to claim more lives after the country’s courts sentenced two people with alleged involvement in last year’s contamination to death and imprisoned an industry executive, say news reports.

Oxoid claims method is speedy way of recording E. coli

A new enumeration technique ensures rapid and convenient confirmation of Escherichia coli colonies in food and liquid products, claims the manufacturer.

Safety measures boosting consumer confidence, says Maple Leaf

Maple Leaf Foods claims consumer confidence in its products is being restored following the recall of its sliced meat products linked to widespread illness and the deaths of about 20 people.

ProSweets gauges consumer attraction to confectionery packages

Amid a testing climate that sees economies across Europe and North America contracting, participants in the confectionery industry will gather next month to observe new opportunities for their industry.

News in brief

Range in ceramic floor tiles expands for food processors

Argelith Bodenkeramik, an industrial tile firm that supplies enduring ceramic tiles for the food and beverage industry, introduced its latest product range at the BAU trade fair in Munich, Germany last week.

Chinese milk safety targeted in multinational team-up

DSM has announced its intentions to work with players from throughout the Chinese dairy industry in attempts to ensure improved safety throughout the country’s milk supply chain.

US packaging group blames weak demand for profit dip

A sharp cut in production due to less demand for packaged goods in a soft economy coupled with higher input costs resulted in reduced fourth quarter earnings, claims Packaging Corporation of America (PCA).

New standards for food sector sustainability

A new set of standards will underpin the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in food and drink manufacturing, claims the UK food and drink sector skills council, Improve.

Robotics group aims to boost industry productivity

A new advisory group aims to help UK food and beverage companies maximise their productivity and profits, through impartial, quality advice on automation, claims CenFRA.

Bill would ban BPA in packaging for infants

A Washington State bill aims to ban chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in food or drink containers for children three and younger, including plastic baby bottles and cans of infant formula.

Campylobacter cases in humans on the rise, EFSA

Campylobacter infections still topped the list of zoonotic diseases in the European Union while the number of cases of Salmonella infections in humans fell for the fourth year in a row, according to a report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Big brewers suffer post-Christmas hangover

SABMiller, Diageo and Magners cider maker C&C group have all announced hits to their operations amidst fears of weakening consumer demand for beer and alcohol in the current global economic downturn.

Japanese experts say food from clones safe

An advisory committee for Japan's food safety regulator has said that food made from cloned animals is safe to eat.

News in brief

Salmonella confirmed in recalled Kellogg's crackers

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that it has found salmonella in a package of crackers which was one of several Kellogg’s products recalled as a precautionary measure until the scale of the peanut salmonella outbreak could be determined.

US contests EU chicken restrictions

EU restrictions on US chicken imports have been challenged by Washington, which is demanding that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) intervene in the dispute.

Weekly comment

In praise of pesticides

Who likes pesticides? Misunderstood by consumers and misrepresented by pressure groups, pesticides are a soft target for legislators. The latest blow to that soft target could have hard consequences for the European food industry and for developing countries.

Inox instantiser machine helps bakers to dissolve and disperse

Australian firm Inox Fabrications Australia has designed a machine to aid bakery players rapidly dissolve and disperse viscous solids, semi solids and powders.

Method could cut salt in meat without hindering safety

A new study claims a combination of potassium lactate and sodium diacetate can reduce salt intake from cooked meat products without affecting microbial stability.

Packaging innovation surgeries target food and drink sector

UK food and drink companies can avail of packaging surgeries to develop strategies aimed at boosting sales and meeting environmental demands, claims a packaging development consortium.

Metering technology targets flexibility advances

Greater flexibility in the number of cans, bottles and cartons for separating and loading into case or tray packs is the key aim of an expanded pin metering product, according to the supplier behind the technology.

New test for yeast, moulds is sensitive and fast, says firm

A new testing method for the enumeration of yeast and mould counts in food products provides extremely accurate results within a quick turnaround time, claims bioMérieux.

Labelling of GE animals sought

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been criticised for ignoring consumers’ right to choose what they eat after it announced that it will not require labelling on meat or fish from genetically engineered (GE) animals.

Bakery equipment goes under the virtual hammer

The entire complement of bakery machinery from St Helens-based Pimblett’s bakery in the UK is due to be auctioned online after the company went out of business last month – a tool that the auctioneers say is becoming increasingly common.

Pulsed light could inactivate Salmonella in liquid eggs

A new study claims pulsed electric field (PEF) combined with heat treatment may have an advantage over high-temperature treatment for pasteurisation of liquid whole egg (LWE).

Manure a costly option for dairy’s uncertain green future

Manure and other waste products like leftover whey are heralding a new era for powering cheese production at one US dairy, however the jury is out on the cost and practical feasibility for wider rollouts across Europe.

News in brief

Five deaths recorded in US salmonella outbreak

US health officials have reported two more deaths linked to a nationwide salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 400 people in 43 states.

Russia lifts ban on Scottish fish imports

Russia’s ban on fish imports from Scotland has been removed, bringing relief to fish processing companies in the region.

Waste efficient packing equipment could offset used machinery gains

New, better performing packaging equipment that is energy and waste efficient will help deter competition from used and rebuilt machinery suppliers over the next few years, claims a new report.

Coke aiming to close loop with recycling initiative

A new recycling plant in the US will produce about 100 million pounds of food-grade recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic for reuse per year, the equivalent of nearly two billion 20-ounce bottles of Coca-Cola, it is claimed.

Innocent and industry prepared for pesticide-law pains

European soft drink makers say they are not expecting significant upheaval in their operations amidst European Parliament support for stricter regulations on the use of pesticides for fruit and other crops sourced in their goods.

Defective crisps eliminated with high volume sorter, says Key

A new high volume sorter ensures effective screening of defective product for potato chip processors, claims Key Technology.

Baked goods, ready meal firms targeted with basic coder

An entry-level version of the Wolke m600 thermal ink jet printer is solvent-free has been designed for users who require fast, quality coding on cartons, labels and cases without some of the more sophisticated features of the advanced model, says is UK manufacturer.

Food safety consultation launched by FSA

The UK’s Food Standards Agency is inviting responses to draft proposals designed to guarantee that only safe food contact materials and articles are marketed in the UK and the EU.

Faster pathogen testing could purge food contaminants

Greater speed in pathogen detection within processing plants rather than a reliance on enhanced regulation is the key to reducing product contamination from pathogens such as Salmonella, claims a diagnostic test consultant.

PWP's easy-to-open cake domes 'reduce product damage'

PWP Industries has released an easy-to-open airtight packaging for cakes, which the company describes as “a category buster” that reduces product damage while cutting down on plastic.

Dairy players look beyond ‘short-term’ private label pressures

As European consumers reportedly flock to own brand products in a bid to offset fears over the global economic downturn, dairy processors are bracing to adapt their operations to meet short-term demand challenge at the very least.

RSSL extends allergen testing capability

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) has announced that it has validated new methods to test for the presence of fish and molluscs in food products.

News in brief

New Reusable Packaging Association team

The US-based Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) has announced a new leadership team tasked with growing membership growth.

PLA based film may be effective antimicrobial

An extruded composite food packaging film containing pectin, polylactic acids (PLAs) and nisin can inhibit Listeria monocytogenes, according to scientists based at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the US Department of Agriculture.

Scientists call for more sensitive BPA testing

A new study calls for more sensitive analytical methods to better incorporate differences in susceptibility between children and adults when determining exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), the chemical found in food packaging.

Publication outlines nutraceutical challenges

Amidst a shifting industry focus away making from carbonated beverages, the authors of a new publication outline the challenges facing drink manufacturers in tackling a new age of functional products.

PC enclosure designed to meet food plant hygiene standards

A new PC enclosure has been designed to protect equipment in food processing environments, and is resistant to strict hygiene processes, says its UK developer.

Alfa Laval seeks to adjust to weaker market

Swedish engineering group Alfa Laval is set to cut jobs due to what it describes as a decline in market demand, with order bookings reduced by six per cent in the fourth quarter.

More regulation urged following salmonella outbreak

A leading US food lawyer claims that the second major US Salmonella outbreak in less than 24 months involving peanut butter suggests an industry wide problem and shows the need for more intense regulation, as well as faster detection methods.

News in brief

New sustainability director at UK industry body

The UK industry trade body, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), has appointed Andrew Kuyk to the post of Director of Sustainability and Competitiveness.

New laser system to speed up bakers’ volume tests

A new system to analyse the volume of baked goods has been developed by Stable Micro Systems which claims it can speed up the testing process to help ensure consistency of production.

Data capture unit helps food processors in credit crunch, says firm

Mobile data capture using hand held computers improves efficiency and helps reduce waste on a production run, thus providing significant savings in a time of economic uncertainty, says its UK developer.

Robotics enable leaner, more efficient processing, claims CenFRA

Philip Brunger, audit engineer at the Centre for Food Robotics and Automation (CENFRA) in Doncaster in the North of England, outlines some of the key benefits that can be accrued for the food and drink sector from investment in automation.

Solar power could offer food plants green remedy

Solar powered renewable energy systems could help food manufacturers become more sustainable, says Perpetual Energy Systems (PES).

News in brief

FDA finds melamine in more infant formula

Continuing investigations into the contamination of US-produced infant formula with melamine have uncovered more products containing low levels of the chemical.

New oxygen analyzer aimed at smaller companies

A new oxygen analyzer for package headspace is targeted at entry level and small businesses due to its ease of use and affordability, says Mocon.

Food and the Czech presidency

The Czech presidency of the EU Council has published its work programme for the next six months, pledging progress on the food labelling regulation proposal, debate on food quality issues, simplification of the CAP and discussions on the policy’s future.

New cardboard crush tester

More reliable testing of corrugated cardboard for the food industry and easier operation are claimed for TMI Group’s new Model 17-76 crush tester.

Bio tray awarded food contact certification

A tray derived from sugar cane waste with frozen ready meal and chilled food applications has received PIRA food contact certification, claims its UK manufacturer.

New collaboration enhances one-stop-shop approach, says Intertek

Global food safety and quality analyst firm, Intertek, has continued its recent series of collaborations with the acquisition, announced today, of the North American food facility auditing company, RQA.

InBev mulls closures and prices amidst brewer woes

Recently formed brewing powerhouse Anheuser-Busch InBev is already having to take difficult decisions in its European operations as it mulls price increases and brewery closures to offset industry-wide financial concerns.

New mini pilot system for lab-based bag-in-box filling

Aseptic bag-in-box filling of product samples via a new laboratory-scale HTST/UHT pilot system is now available thanks to a joint venture between Armfield and Rapak.

Study shows cost and efficiency driving clamshell demand

Demand for high visibility packaging in the US is expected to expand four per cent yearly to $8.5bn in 2012 reflecting the influence of mass market retailers and the performance efficiency of this type of food container, claims US analysts, Freedonia.

News in brief

Packaging helps to beat the snack crunch

Packaging specialist Amcor Flexibles’ SerialCoding system has helped Russian snack food manufacturer Sibirsky Bereg buck the trend towards falling snack consumption, claims the company.

Food and drink transport logistics under review

A new survey of UK food and drink transport operations will give food companies a benchmark of their efficiency in this area, according to Scala Logistics Consulting.

Ready meal ingredient origin labelling unworkable, FDF

Creating different labels to reflect the changing origin of the ingredients used to cook ready meal products would be a logistical nightmare and would not be cost effective, claims the UK trade industry body, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

News in brief

Tyson pays fine in violation leading to worker death

Tyson Foods pleaded guilty yesterday to wilfully violating worker safety regulations that led to a worker’s death over five years ago in its River Valley Animal Foods (RVAF) plant in Arkansas, stated the US Justice Department.

Nano sensors offer rapid detection of Salmonella, claims ARS

A nano sensor to detect Salmonella bacteria has been developed which could enhance food safety and security, claims a team of scientists.

Operations on schedule despite Chapter 11 filing, says Constar

Packaging supplier, Constar International, said that it has filed for Chapter 11 protection as part of a move to reduce its debt by $175m.

Multiple toxin detection tests may be on the horizon

A four year €4m European Commission funded project aims to develop multiple toxin detection tests for use by food manufacturers within processing plants.

News in brief

Melamine found in Topaz wafer rolls

National Brands Inc. has issued a nationwide recall of Topaz Wafer Rolls in the US after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said its tests showed that the product contained melamine.

News in brief

Tyson Foods CEO resigns as sector faces weak demand

Tyson Foods has announced the departure of its chief executive, Dick Bond, a move which reflects the difficulties facing the US meat industry.

Coca-Cola defends soft drink pesticides presence

Coca-Cola has played down concerns over pesticide levels within some of its fruit-based drinks following the aftermath of a recent study, claiming there is no need to change its products, according to press reports.

US Congress told use of BPA in formula cans safe

New York based company Bristol-Myers Squibb spent $840,000 (€614,040) in the third quarter on lobbying the US Congress on safety and pricing issues including a bill that would ban the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in infant formula food packaging, according to media reports.

Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

News Headlines

On your radar