Krones looks to seal deal at Anuga with new aseptic valves

German food machinery giant Krones has confirmed to BeverageDaily.com that it will launch new aseptic valves as the latest additions to its EvoGuard series at the Anuga FoodTec trade show...

News in brief

Coke takes Turkish delight in potential for 'built-in' sustainability

The Coca-Cola Company says that it has opportunities to build sustainability in to its plants in the emerging markets such as Turkey, through integration of best practice and the latest,...

Social media could enhance foodborne outbreak detection - report

“Rich data sources” like Twitter and Facebook could be utilised as a tool in the surveillance of foodborne disease outbreaks, according to a US study.

Cost-saving shrink wrappers taps into retail-ready trend – developer

A series of shrink wrapping developments, designed to complement a variety of tray packing machines, will provide the food and drink industry with cost-effective retail-ready packaging, its developer has claimed.

Urgent overhaul of bisphenol A regs needed to protect public - report

US federal authorities must show more urgency in dealing with bisphenol A (BPA) and begin protecting the public from hazards posed by the chemical, according to a new report from...

Eco-resin with 50% rPET matches virgin material - company

Quality equivalent to virgin material, high strength and a lower carbon footprint are claims made by Artenius for its new PET resin that contains up to 50% recycled content.

Ball Packaging bids to ‘centralise administration’ with European HQ switch

Ball Packaging has revealed plans to relocate its European headquarters from Germany to Switzerland in 2012 to centralise administration and align operations more closely with customers.

Brazilian orange juice detained after positive carbendazim results

US food safety officials have denied entry to 11 shipments of orange juice products, including five from Brazil, after carbendazim was found in import samples.

Nestlé wages war with Mead Johnson over nutritional drinks bottles design

Nestlé and Mead Johnson - two of the biggest guns in infant nutrition - have become embroiled in a row over the design of bottles used by both firms to...

Sealed Air hopes JV will see eco-packaging mushroom

Sealed Air has announced the creation of a joint venture with the manufacturer of mushroom-based eco-packaging in a bid to boost its global production and market penetration.

Food fraud – a greater public health risk than traditional safety threats?

Criminality, the global supply chain and the unpredictable nature of food adulteration for financial gain mean it can pose a greater public health risk than traditional safety threats such as...

Silver-ion silicone boosts dairy processing safety – developer

A silver ion-laced silicone material that absorbs and destroys pathogens such as E.coli and Salmonella will ensure safety standards are met in the dairy sector, its developer has claimed.

France faces court action over packaging waste law delays

The French Government faces being hauled into court unless it can convince Brussels that it has adopted European legislation designed to cut packaging waste.

Groupe Guillin slams fruit packaging cartel fine

French packaging company Groupe Guillin has challenged the legitimacy of the decision by Spanish competition authorities to fine it almost €3m for its alleged role in a fruit packaging price...

Pathogen testing acquisition will cut result time by hours – Life Technologies

The acquisition of Matrix MicroScience will significantly reduce testing time and costs through the combination of complementary foodborne pathogen testing equipment, Life Technologies has claimed.

Revising food packaging standards will reflect industry practices - USDA

The revision of US food container inspection law has been proposed, with the aim of bringing the regulation up to speed with 21st century food packaging technology.

Californian ‘downer’ euthanasia law overturned – Supreme Court

A Californian state law that would require euthanising “downer” livestock at federally inspected slaughterhouses has been ‘reversed and remanded’ by the US Supreme Court.

MWV highlights packaging positives as it posts Q4 loss and forecasts tough 2012

Tough economic conditions in the fourth quarter of 2011 will spill over into this year, said MeadWestvaco (MWV) as it posted a fourth quarter loss of US$9m (€6.8m).

Souped-up packaging to extend ease of use can’t reach all brands at once, says Nestlé

Nestlé says it is investing in further training for its industrial designers in the Cambridge University ‘Inclusive Design’ approach, to accelerate packaging modifications across its brand portfolio to ensure ease...

Empac denounces greenwashing after legal victory over Superfos

Empac has condemned the practice of greenwashing after a Danish court ruled that Superfos had breached advertising guidelines in claims that plastic packaging was more eco-friendly than metal.

Company fined after worker fingers severed in packaging machine

An international packaging company has been ordered to pay almost £10,000 after a breach in health and safety regulations led to one of its workers losing the majority of their...

Chevler accesses ‘unique’ greaseproof paper method with Lovely acquisition

UK bakery packaging firm Chevler has acquired Welsh-based greaseproof paper printer Lovely Packaging for an undisclosed sum.

Belgian baby formula-linked Salmonella outbreak sickens 16 in Russia

Tainted powdered milk formula from Belgium has been recalled in Russia after more than a dozen babies were struck down with Salmonellosis.

Spain fines companies after breaking fruit packaging price fixing ring

The Spanish competition authority has handed out multi-million Euro fines to Linpac, Groupe Guillin and ILPA for their part in a fruit and vegetable packaging price-fixing cartel spanning eight years.

Surimi ‘waste water’ could provide source of additional fish protein ingredients

Recycling protein from that is usually discarded in surimi processing water could provide an additional source of fish protein ingredients for the food industry, say researchers.

‘Cause for concern’ meat plants will be named and shamed - FSA

UK meat plants considered a ‘cause for concern’ based on audit reports will be named and shamed as part of a new Food Standards Agency (FSA) scheme, it has revealed.

‘Critical’ food safety focus in poultry inspection will save $90m - USDA

A proposal to modernise poultry inspection in the US will focus resources on areas critical to ensuring food safety while reducing the burden on the taxpayer, the US government has...

We helped create new Chinese beverage category that's going global: SIG Combibloc

SIG Combibloc says the runaway Chinese success of its drinksplus technology is ‘going global’, with top food firms impressed by its premium beverage applications.

Pan-European project aims to revolutionise sustainable paper packaging

Experts from 10 countries will bid to “change the face of paper packaging” by creating innovative sustainable packing with enhanced properties as part of a new European Union funded scheme.

FDA yet to find any trace of carbendazim in orange juice

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is yet to find any trace of carbendazim in imports of orange juice since promising to block entry to shipments containing the fungicide.

Packaging liner ‘tailor-made’ for corrugated industry – Stora Enso

A newly lightweight, tear resistant liner “tailor-made” for the corrugated packaging sector has been developed after collaboration between Stora Enso and industry.

US packaging giants warn of Q4 earnings dip on falling demand

Leading US packaging players Sonoco and MeadWestvaco have both cautioned that earnings for the end of 2011 are likely to fall short of expectations on weakening demand from Europe and...

Sprouted seeds pose an unacceptable risk to health

Evidence is emerging that sprouted seeds could present an unacceptable risk to human health unless effective control measures such as irradiation can be used to make them safer.

World-first pouch recycling tech takes leap toward commercialisation

Ground-breaking technology backed by food giants Kraft and Nestle that paves the way for the recovery of aluminium from flexible pouches has taken a major step towards commericalistion after securing...

Something is rotten in the state of Indian gelatine controls, FVO audit suggests

The European Commission (EC) has released a scathing audit report on the Indian gelatine industry, and said its visit late last year revealed“very little progress" since the last mission in...

News in brief

Cheese fungus-coated skyscrapers loom?

Swiss researchers have created a sort of artificial 'rind' using cheese fungus, producing a material that eats organic material and replicates the protection that a Camembert rind gives to the...

More consolidation likely as DS Smith takeover of SCA changes packing landscape - analyst

DS Smith’s €1.7bn (£1.4bn) takeover of SCA Packaging is a game changer both for the company and the European packaging sector, said an industry analyst as the fallout from this...

Ambitious Ardagh lines up borrowing to fund two more takeovers

Ardagh said it is looking to borrow more than US$400m to finance two new acquisitions and pay for a third announced earlier this month.

Split MAP pack cuts food waste and taps smaller household trend - company

A new range of split packs for fresh and cooked meats can help reduce food waste and tap into the growing trend for smaller packaging to cater for one and...

Australasia follows US lead on carbendazim in orange juice

Food safety authorities in Australia and New Zealand have taken steps to ban the sale of orange juice containing carbendazim – mirroring measures taken in the US.

Vacuum system offers improved food quality for meat products - developer

A new high speed vacuum packaging system, designed specifically for meat and poultry, will offer reduced downtime as well as improved food quality, its developer has claimed.

Consortium aims for Singapore slingshot with ‘next generation’ food plastics

A Singapore consortium launched yesterday says it is aiming to develop high-tech plastics for food and medicinal applications, as well as ‘durable’ paints and varnishes.

‘King’ can maker Rexam has high hopes for Russian 75cl move

Rexam has revealed that it will produce Europe’s first 75cl can, first launched onto the Russian and Eastern European markets at the end of 2011, and says the product also...

ADM loses faith in bioplastic JV on cost and demand anxieties

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) said it is considering the future of its bioplastics operations as it terminated its joint venture with Metabolix and prepared to halt production of the PHA...

EU project bids to boost sustainability in packaging and processing SMEs

A free online course that aims to increase environmental awareness in the food and drink sectors could help processing and packaging SMEs save money and boost their green credentials, said...

FSA backs lactic acid in meat processing despite concerns

UK food safety authorities have backed a European Commission (EC) proposal to authorise the use of lactic acid as a decontamination treatment in beef production.

Processors could reap benefits from new UK anaerobic digestion plant

Food producers can cut costs and boost environmental credentials by recycling food waste at a new anaerobic digestion plant in Wiltshire, UK, according to the firm behind the facility.

New ‘Fruit Pop’ pouch promises extended fresh fruit shelf life

An economical new pouch that it is claimed extends the shelf life of single-serve fresh fruit products has just been launched onto the European market by UK firm Baltimore Innovations.

EU orange juice industry on notice after carbendazim test warning

The European orange juice industry has been put on notice by Brussels – with a warning that Brazilian juice imports could face carbendazim testing if US officials find high levels...

DS Smith to buy SCA’s packaging ops for €1.7bn

DS Smith said its deal to acquire the vast majority of SCA’s packaging operations for €1.7bn (£1.4bn) will “transform” the company and make it a pan-European giant.

Fish industry ISO will improve traceability and recalls - developer

Unique identification measures being promoted by new fish industry traceability standards will simplify contamination trace backs and recalls, the standards’ developer has claimed.

Eco concerns clear in recent Chinese, Indian customer visits: Tetra Pak

Tetra Pak says that during recent client visits in both India and China, customers have shown an increased interest in environmental issues such as energy use, water consumption and product...

‘Leased’ takeover makes ILPA self-sufficient in rPET

Food packaging firm ILPA said its ‘leased’ takeover of fellow Italian company AMP Film and Packaging would allow it to become self-sufficient in the production of rPET with an annual...

E.coli shocked into submission on beef

Using short bursts of low voltage current on beef carcasses is an effective tool to combat E.coli contamination, according to new research.

Europe isn’t ‘squeaky clean’ warns expert, after new claims of Chinese infant formula death

A leading food safety expert has urged people to remember that Europe is not squeaky clean when it comes to scare stories, following the reported death of another Chinese baby...

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Ameripen to come of age in 2012

US packaging body Ameripen plans to hammer out a raft of policy initiatives this year in a bid to establish itself as a leading voice on packaging and the environment,...

Cantaloupe trade bodies to develop food safety guidance

US produce industry associations intend to develop cantaloupe-specific food safety guidelines to combat the fruit’s association with a listeria outbreak that killed dozens of people in 2011.

Fraunhofer looks beyond Wheylayer film coatings to ‘encouraging’ thermoformable composite work

Gemany’s Fraunhofer Institute says that after the success of research on replacing petrochemical-based polymers in food packaging film barriers with sustainable whey-based alternatives, scientists are now striving to replace EVOH...

Orange juice price spikes after carbendazim scare

The price of orange juice futures hit a 34-year high, after news that US food safety authorities would block imports of the fruit containing even low-levels of carbendazim – a...

Food safety inspection presence unaffected by office closures - FSIS

US food safety and inspection efforts will not be hit, despite plans to close a third of Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) district offices, according to the US government.

JBT FoodTech cuts back as recession bites

JBT Corp has blamed a drop in demand for its decision is to cut 115 jobs in its food processing division and shift some operations out of Europe in a...

US global flexible packaging share to shrink on Asian growth

The US share of the global flexible packaging market will decrease as emerging markets such as India and China continue to grow at a “staggering” rate, according to an industry...

Microwaves effective in zapping Salmonella on fresh vegetables - study

Exposing fresh vegetables to short bursts of microwave energy can significantly reduce the presence of Salmonella Typhimurium, according to new research.

Volatile dioxin debate rages as congressman attacks EPA radio silence

A senior congressman has hit back at what he claims is industry pressure on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and also attacked it for two decades of perceived food-dragging over...

Thorntons fined over broken finger

UK chocolatier Thorntons has been fined £20,000 after a worker broke her finger while operating a wrapping machine that was improperly guarded.

Mars France expands M&M production capacity with €40m investment

Mars Chocolat France has announced plans for a multimillion investment in its Haguenau plant that will boost the site’s production capacity by 20%.

Miracle metal could usher in food safety revolution, scientist

Copper could usher in a food safety revolution within processing plants, according to the author of a new study that revealed the metal’s impressive ability to kill deadly E.coli pathogens....

Campden BRI identifies food and drink industry challenges

Vigilance in supply chain management, risk assessment, efficiency and sustainability are the key challenges facing the food and drinks industry over the next three to five years, according to a...

Jensen Farms auditor did not follow FDA processing guidance

Auditors who gave Jensen Farms a “superior” rating, only months before a lethal Listeria outbreak, largely ignored FDA antimicrobial guidance, a US government report has found.

News in brief

Rotational Moulders Group announces new Chair

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has announced JSC Rotational Ltd director Karen Drinkwater as its new chair of the Rotational Moulders Group.

FDA to increase testing after carbendazim found in orange juice

US food safety authorities have promised to take “necessary action” against levels of fungicide carbendazim in orange juice after being alerted to its presence in the beverage.

SuperCleanQ funding victory to boost SMEs rPET prospects

An industry consortium has secured almost €2m of EU funding to develop processes and quality procedures to recycle for food contact applications, with the aim of helping small to medium-sized...

Russian food processing recovery offers ‘ample’ foreign investment opps – US report

Increasing disposable income and growing food expenditure are helping to creating an opening for foreign investment in the Russian food processing sector, according to a US government report.

Listeria-busting discovery could be adapted for processing plants

Research that may lead to a human drug to combat Listeria monocytogenes could also be adapted to fight the deadly bug in food processing plants, said the team leader behind...

Linpac to sell off reusable transit packaging ops

Linpac has confirmed it has reached an agreement to sell its plastic returnable transit packaging (RTP) subsidiary to a private equity outfit owned by JP Morgan Chase.

Can you Jugit? PFM spies rosy UK milk bag future with new machine

Multinational food packaging company PFM has launched a new entry level milk bagging machine onto the UK market that it hopes will benefit from a perceived trend towards bagged milk...

International row brews over Codex draft melamine limit

Costa Rica has suggested that a note attached to a proposed Codex draft seeking to set maximum limits (MLs) on melamine in liquid formula risks undermining the ‘spirit of international...

Revolutionary ethylene absorber is ‘berry’ good - Marks and Spencer

Marks & Spencer (M&S) said it has become the first retailer to use a “revolutionary” ethylene strip in strawberry punnets at the point of sale that will extend the shelf...

Wood fibre bioplastic packaging can challenge despite ‘limitations’ - researcher

Biodegradable plastic food packaging – made using up to 25% wood fibres – could soon be available, according to an EU project researcher.

Wet and dry food metal detection system a ‘breakthrough’ – Mettler-Toledo

A new metal contaminant detection system will offer food processors maximum sensitivity, production line efficiency and an overall cost saving, according to its developer.

Consumers need advice update on potential killer toxoplasmosis, ACMSF

The UK Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) Advisory Committee of the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) is seeking stakeholder views on its draft report relating to toxoplasma in the food chain....

Canned whisky would be shot in dark on UK market, Alcohol Concern

Alcohol Concern has warned about the ‘absurd’ effects of marketing canned Scotch whisky in the UK, following a controversial launch of such a product in the US.

News in brief

Canned mouse would have turned to jelly: PepsiCo

PepsiCo is fighting claims by a consumer that he found a dead mouse in a Mountain Dew can, with a scientist testifying that there is no way the creature could...

William Saurin defends safety after box cutting blade contamination claim

French food manufacturering firm William Saurin has been forced to defend its food processing safety measures after a man claimed to have found a box cutting blade in a food...

Canadian listeria cheese warnings reiterated in US

US health authorities have issued a warning in relation to a variety of cheese and dairy products potentially contaminated with listeria monocytogenes – weeks after Canadian officials recalled the same products.

New self-sealing 'ring pull tube' has huge potential, Visican

UK packaging company Visican has invented a novel self-sealing ‘ring pull tube’ in both cardboard and plastic formats that it says provides a 'ground-breaking' alternative to metal cans.

Convenience trend boosts Japanese processed food investment opportunities

Changing demographics and a shift in demand has opened up new opportunities for foreign investment in the once difficult to enter Japanese processed food market, says a US Government report.

Canned meats gets easy-opening makeover

One UK canned ham producer has revamped its packaging to make it easier to open as it seeks to tap into growing consumer demand for convenience.

Cadbury invests £6m on shelf ready and resealable packaging

Cadbury UK has announced that it will introduce shelf ready packaging to make its chocolate bars stand upright in stores to better attract customers’ attention in a £6m (€7.2m) scheme.

Tainted milk and website prompt Mengniu share slide

Shares in China's largest dairy producer Mengniu Dairy Co.slumped at the end of last year, following a new scandal over milk tainted with a cancer-causing chemical and a violation of...

EU ‘outpaced’ in Indian food and drink market - FoodDrinkEurope

The European share of the Indian food and drink market has decreased, despite rising demand for processed food in the emerging market, an industry report has announced.

Draft dioxin guidance could ‘cripple’ food sector, warns US industry

The US food industry is lobbying the Obama administration to ease pending federal guidance recommending that consumers severely limit their daily dioxin intake.

FDA sued over lack of nanotech petition response

A coalition of consumer advocacy groups has filed a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), demanding that it respond to a 2006 petition to require labeling of nanotech...

India extends Chinese milk ban

China will have to wait another six months before it can export its milk products across the Himalayas after India extended the ban on these food items.

Revised estimate puts foodborne illness cost at about $78bn a year

The cost of foodborne illness in the United States is about $77.7bn per year, according to Dr. Robert Scharff, an Ohio State University assistant professor and former Food and Drug...

US egg Salmonella prevention guidance issued

New US guidance on the prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in eggs through improved bio-security measures has been published, with the intention of preventing cross contamination.

Altered food safety measures may hinder listeria assessments - FSIS

US food safety authorities have urged producers of ready-to-eat meats not to change listeria-related food safety practices in the run up to inspections.