Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

More bottlers to sue Coca-Cola in distribution dispute

More than 50 bottlers have now lined up to sue Coca-Cola in the US in a move to stop the soft drinks group distributing its Powerade sports drink directly to Wal-Mart supermarkets around the country.

ABF feels tough trading environment

Associated British Foods has become the latest manufacturer to show concern over rising energy prices and the competitive retail environment - but insists half-year profits will be in line with expectations, boosted by its clothing division.

Bird flu spreading faster, says WHO

The deadly bird fu strain H5N1 has spread to 17 new countries in February alone, says the World Health Organisation, re-iterating to consumers that poultry is still safe to eat.

Novel oxygen test for foods in plastic packaging

A new test that realistically determines how much oxygen will pass through food and beverage packaging during a product's lifetime will enable producers to speed up and improve new product trials.

EC acts against GM food contamination

The EC has published a guidebook to help farmers reduce the adventitious - unintended and unavoidable - presence of GM material in non-GM food.

Soft drinks industry pledges to tackle benzene in drinks

America's soft drinks association said it would have to look again at benzene in drinks, after new tests revealed to BeverageDaily.com suggest it and food safety authorities failed to stamp out a problem.

Lack of good graduates crippling food industry

Declining numbers of graduates entering the food industry is seriously threatening the sectors ability to meet the needs for further growth, warns the IFST.

Weekly Comment

The bad research debate

The dust is settling on the WHI trial. First came the news that low-fat diets didn't reduce the risk of breast or colorectal cancer or cardiovascular disease, then came news that vitamin D and calcium supplements don't protect against fractures.

Public underestimates risks posed by common pathogens

The public's understanding of food risk issues is skewed towards under estimating the danger from common pathogen contamination, according to a research survey.

RFID label tracks product temperature

A newly developed label from KSW Microtec will enable food firms to more closely monitor the temperature of their products on the journey from production line to consumer, its inventor says.

EU's poultry industry disagrees with bloc's vaccination plan

The EU's poultry association has joined in the criticism of the European Commission for approving the vaccination of poultry flocks in the Netherlands and France.

Numico sales propped up by new market growth

Dutch infant food and nutrition company Royal Numico has achieved full-year double-digit growth for the first time, as strong sales in Eastern European and Asian markets deflect rising costs.

Scientists designing the perfect dairy cow

Scientists in Australia have made a breakthrough in the quest to genetically engineer the perfect dairy herd by discovering how to multiply and isolate stem cells found in cow embryos.

Research indicates aluminium safe for microwave

Aluminium foil packaging can be used safely in microwave ovens according to an industry study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV.

Avian influenza spreads to turkey flock in France

In an ominous sign for processors and the public, France has slaughtered turkeys at a farm suspected of being infected with the deadly form of avian influenza, possibly marking the first time the disease has spread to domestic stock in the EU's largest poultry producer.

EU approves bird flu vaccination in France, Netherlands

The EU's controversal approval of decisions by France and the Netherlands' to start vaccinating their poultry highlights the fault lines in the bloc's response to avian influenza.

Researchers study chemicals in food and effect on fetus

A study on maternal exposure to chemicals found in foods, could potentially do damage to manufacturers' attempts to assure the public that processed products are safe to eat.

Nestlé: Americas offset slow times in Europe

Nestlé's Americas division has established itself as the food firm's most important business region for the first time following difficult conditions and subdued sales growth in Europe.

Milk analyser helps standardise production process

A new milk analyser allows dairy processors to push standardisation of the key parameters even closer to production targets, its manufacturer claims.

UK survey finds pollutant levels in most fish continue to fall

Surveys of fish eaten in the UK show that levels of pollutants such as dioxins and PCBs in most fish are continuing to fall.

Plant bacteria tough out lab-based irradiation dosages

Setting dosage levels for irradiating bacteria based on lab tests may be incorrect when used on the tougher pathogens found in plant conditions, leading to a food safety issue, according to a scientist researching the problem.

Portable nano and micro sensors developed for food safety

An EU-funded research project has developed micro and nanotechnology portable devices to detect toxins, pathogens and chemicals in foodstuffs on the spot.

Steam fusion cooker designed for developing new foods

An Australian company has developed a steam fusion test cooker companies can use for developing new food products.

Norway takes salmon dispute to the WTO

Norway has taken its dispute with the European Union over salmon to the World Trade Organisation.

Biodegradable zipper hits centre stage

Zip-Pak will feature a new line of degradable zippers at the upcoming Anuga Food Tec exhibition this April in Cologne.

Kellogg advertising campaign turns sour

Advertisements for Kellogg's Coco Pops Straws have been referred to the UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after a consumer watchdog claimed they were misleading to children and adults.

Northern Foods faces another battle front in pie market

Faced with the prospect of losing its lucrative market for Melton Mowbray pies, Northern Foods might get hit again as Cornish pasties attempt to get the same protection under the EU's geographical indications system.

Protozoa helps Salmonella survive chemical cleaning

Aided by a common protozoa, Salmonella cells are three times likely to survive the treatments used by food processors to clean equipment, according to a scientific study.

Entry level automation software geared for smaller businesses

UK-based Sanderson is offering automation software it claims will allow smaller food companies to upgrade their systems without having to fork out big bucks.

Eastern Europe leads global sports drink growth

The global sports drinks market grew by 10 per cent in 2005 to 9,700 million litres, with the fastest growth recorded in Eastern Europe.

Researchers hunt for method to prevent Campylobacter contamination

New methods need to be develop to prevent Campylobacter in transport coopsand during carcass defeathering, critical points at which contamination ofbroilers and broiler carcasses occurs, according to new research.

Rapid shake method for canned foods poised for take-off

With the licensing of three equipment manufacturers in the US and Europe, a company's quick sterilization technology for canned foods has gone from prototype to market launch.

Mediterranean wine event shows shift toward quality

ViniSud, a showcase of the up-and-coming wines from the Languedoc region of France, begins in Montpellier today, occurring in a region that epitomises the current problems affecting the industry.

Bird flu advances to Europe's largest poultry producer

The deadly form of avian influenza has hit Europe's largest poultry producer, with France's government confirming over the weekend that the H5N1 form of the virus was found in a dead duck and possibly some swans.

EU to formalise new sugar regime today

The Agriculture & Fisheries Council will formally adopt new sugar reform regulations today after months of fine-tuning the final wording.

UK, Germany checking soft drinks for benzene

Food safety authorities in Britain and Germany are checking soft drinks for benzene after tests suggest a private deal with soft drinks firms in the US, 15 years ago, failed to fix the problem.

Wheat supply shifting as markets get tighter

The forecast near record wheat production this year is being outstripped by unprecedented consumption levels, leaving export markets tight, according to the latest outlook report from the US Department ofAgriculture (USDA).

Treofan steps up development of biodegradable film

The Treofan Group has transferred the production and development of its biodegradable packaging film to Germany from a plant in France.

Torque tester gets the right fit

A new series of torque testers offers a cheaper method of testing seals at bottling plants, food and beverage companies and testing laboratories, the manufacturer claims.

Regulators debate standardised labelling system for EU

Regulators and industry representatives from across the EU yesterday wrapped up a meeting in Rotterdam debating standardised system for food labelling across the bloc.

Regulator outlines foot-and-mouth prevention plan for bloc

The EU's food safety regulator has published an action plan to prevent foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease from entering the bloc again, calling for more controls on the import of animals, meat and meat products.

Company develops ozone disinfectant process for produce

Produce Safety & Security International (PSSI) plans to produce prototype units for its ozone gas disinfectant process.`

EFSA approves food supplement coating agent

The use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a coating agent for food supplements poses no health risks, according to a recent EFSA investigation.

Food research centre installs drum dryer for testing products

Nizo food research and GMF-Gouda have teamed up to provide drum drying machinery for a food-grade trial production line at a centre in Ede, the Netherlands.

Fear "psychosis" hits Italy, poultry consumption plummets

The fear "psychosis" caused by avian flu is devastating Italy's poultry sector, with consumption falling by 70 per cent in the country, the Confederazione Italiana Agricoltori reported yesterday.

Beef supply to increase, easing pressure in a tight market

More supplies of beef and pork are expected to come on the market as the EU's as the reform to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) takes hold and export restrictions on the UK are eased, according to a forecast report on the bloc's livestock sector.

Food body urges caution in brave new nanotech world

The Institute of Food Science & Technology has identified possible deficiencies in current regulations concerning the impact of nanotechology on food and packaging.

US confectionery jobs threatened by high sugar prices

Thousands of confectionery industry jobs have been lost as a result of manufacturers relocating due to high sugar prices, according to the US Department of Commerce.

BASF develops tougher version of Styrolux packaging

A tougher version of BASF's Styrolux Styrene-Butadiene Copolymer (SBC) will help manufacturers of food service and packaging products make more durable packging while reducing costs, the company claims.

Bird flu creeps further into the EU

Germany yesterday became the fifth EU member country to report finding the deadly form of bird flu in wild birds, while Hungary is also testing 12 others found dead within its borders.

Irradiation regulation remains inconsistent worldwide

Regulation of the use of irradiation in the food sector is inconsistent around the world and within the EU's borders, according to a legislative overview of the technology, published yesterday.

Special report

FDA re-opens probe into benzene contamination of soft drinks

US food safety authorities have re-opened an investigation closed 15 years ago into soft drinks contaminated with cancer-causing chemical benzene, following evidence the industry has failed to sort out the problem, BeverageDaily.com can reveal.

Danone: strong results despite testing market conditions

Danone has ridden out difficult market conditions to report strong full-year earnings and improved margins.

Pouch paper alternative to aluminum-based materials

A new pouch barrier paper provides food companies with an aluminium-free packaging alternative to films and foil.

ADM jumps into biodegradable plastic market

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has jumped into the growing market for biodegradable plastic, saying yesterday it will start production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in a joint venture with a biotechnology company.

Fastest aseptic filling machine goes global

Tetra Pak yesterday announced the global availability of what it claims is the fastest aseptic filling machine for family packages available worldwide.

More food processors embracing automation and control systems

Regulations on traceability and food safety are driving Europe's food companies towards automation and control networked systems, a new study says.

Barrier coating for plastic bottles extends shelf life say inventors

A new barrier coating for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) offers a better method of extending the shelf life of beverages than is currently available according to the inventors of the technology.

First soft drinks obesity lawsuit set for Massachusetts

A lawsuit aimed at getting soft drinks out of US schools on obesity grounds will be filed in Massachusetts, just as lawmakers there prepare to vote on a school junk food ban.

New emulsifier blend for confectionery

A new emulsifier blend for confectionery, called Sucrosilk, replaces lecithin and partly replaces gelatine.

Weekly Comment

The cost of bad research

The science has spoken. Low-fat diets don't work: Forget the carrots and broccoli sprouts, I can now have my cake and eat it, and put extra cream on top.

New packaging products boost processors' markets

The impact innovative packaging can have on a food processors' market is demonstrated through this roundup of recent products, which features Amcor's antimist system and RPC's squeezable bottle.

Scientists develop lactic acid as mycotoxin fighters

Common grade lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from grain, malting, brewing and cereal processing could be a cheap and natural means of reducing deadly mycotoxins in grains, according to scientists in Ireland.

Wrigley installs texture analyser

Wrigley UK has installed a texture analyser for quality control and new product development.

Avian influenza establishes foothold in EU

Get ready for the impact of avian influenza, as the disease has been conclusively found in wild birds in Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Azerbaijan over the weekend.

Report highlights evolving nature of EU's agricultural supplies

Cereal stocks will continue to be high in some parts of the EU, dairy will shift towards high-value products, while meat production will decline, the European Commission says in a forecast report on agricultural production in the bloc.

Industry backs WTO's GM ruling against EU

A US industry body has commended the WTO's ruling that the EU and six member states broke trade rules by barring entry to GM crops and foods, something that has had a significant impact on the nation's food industry.

Biodegradable packaging moving into the mainstream

Corn is the operative word in packaging today, with more and more processors turning to biodegradable materials made from the crop and other plants for packing their food products.

Batch sifter designed to meet food safety standards

A dust-tight batch sifter, constructed with stainless steel housing, is designed to meet the most stringent food, dairy and pharmaceutical standards, according to its manufacturer.

System automates pallet de-stacking process

A "pioneering" pallet de-stacking system automates the process, making it quicker, simpler and safer according to Sealed Air.

Consumer groups slam food industry labelling initiative

The UK food industry has been slammed by consumer groups for its rejection of an industry-wide colour-coded labelling scheme, just as consultation on a voluntary front of pack labelling scheme ended yesterday.

China joins ban of pork from three countries due to dioxin scare

China has joined Taiwan and South Korea in suspending pork imports from Belgium and the Netherlands as the two countries attempt to minimise the damage to their meat industries due to the presence of dioxin contaminated feed.

Still drinks market growing faster than carbonates

The global still drinks market has lost its cheap image and is booming because beverage companies are concentrating on the premium end.

Unilever to exit European frozen foods, while sales stagnate

In a bid to return its European operations back to an acceptable level of growth, Unilever today put up for sale most of its underperforming frozen foods businesses, which includes four manufacturing plants.

New polypropylene expands packaging options

A new polypropylene released on the market this week offers a combination of low temperature resistance, stiffness and heat resistance packaging for an expanded range of foods, its manufacturer claims.

Teamsters join protest against Coca-Cola over workers rights

Coca-Cola is now facing a labour relations problem in the US, after the Teamsters Union joined protesters calling for boycotts against the company over alleged human rights violations in Colombia.

Valio taps growing dairy demand in Russia

Finnish dairy company, Valio is working with Russian company Galaktika to build a new dairy facility in Russia to meet growing consumption of dairy products.

Germicidal cleaner approved for sale in US

A new germicidal cleaning product has been registered for use in food plants by the Envirionmental Protection Agency (EPA), according to its manufacturer.

System uses Internet and satellites to track food

A prototype EU-funded project uses the Internet and satellites to trace the geographic origin of food throughout the supply chain.

Guidelines update requirements for chilled food processors

The UK's chilled food association has issued new "best practice" guidelines, reflecting the increased EU requirements on food safety.

WTO rules against EU in pivotal GM case

The EU and six member states broke trade rules by barring entry to GM crops and foods, according to the WTO but will the ruling change anything?

Consumers concerned about food safety

Although food safety is low on the list of European consumer concerns, about 40 per cent of them believe that their health could be at risk from the food they eat.

Unilever offloads frozen foods

Global food giant Unilever is rumoured to have found a buyer for key brand Captain Bird's Eye, halting speculation of a venture capital takeover bid for the whole company.

Viscosity monitor provides a measure of the mix

An automated system for measuring viscosity allows plant workers to operate a control system for in-line or in-tank processes.

UK retailers issue food supplier guidelines

The UK's main retailer association has issued guidelines to help suppliers meet the organisation's certification standards on food safety.

Nestlé moves to dodge Middle East boycotts

Nestlé, the world's biggest food firm, has taken out adverts in Saudi Arabia to refute rumours that two of its dairy products are Danish, as unlucky Arla Foods continues to suffer from 'those cartoons'.

UK regulator publishes draft law on plastic packaging

Draft regulations to implement the EU's new law on food contact materials, relaxing limits on the migration from packaging into food of some epoxies.

Sorter and compact spiral freezer automate poultry processing

An automated visual system for sorting parts and a spiral freezer that saves on space are two of the latest products on the market for the poultry processors.

Hygienic paperboard designed to meet food safety demands

A clay-coated, bleached white paperboard designed to meet food safety requirements offers companies another option when choosing packaging material for their products.

ConAgra to sell meat business as part of reorganization

ConAgra Foods has announced that it is to sell most of its refrigerated meats businesses, in a deal worth almost $2 billion, as it attempts to streamline its operations.

Weekly Comment

Marketing the risky way

Nationality is a dangerous brand.

Powdered cappuccino quality test launched

A foam test for cappuccino milk powder will give food companies the goods on whether they have a quality product for a competitive market.

EU sets dioxin and PCB levels for food and feed

The European Commission has set maximum levels for dioxins and PCBs in food as fears grow in three EU countries, where pig and poultry feed was found to be contaminated with the family of cancer-causing chemicals.

Blow-moulding process makes lighter PET bottles

A new blow-moulding technology allows beverage makers to downgauge their PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, thus saving on packaging costs.

Parliament adopts legislation deregulating packaging sizes

The European Parliament yesterday approved legislation deregulating package sizes for most pre-packed products, but excluding staple beverages and foods.

Processors sourcing more seafood from outside EU

With less seafood being reaped from the EU's rapidly depleting stocks, processors are sourcing more imports from outside the bloc for their supplies.

Potato blanching method saves on water and energy costs

Netherlands-based Aviko has received EU funding to develop an environmentally-friendly blanching system for the potato processing industry that will save on water and energy costs.

Heinz continues reform with seafood sale

US food manufacturer Heinz has finally found a buyer for its European seafood business, after announcing plans last August to sell less profitable divisions and refocus on key brands.

Food industry engaged in obesity battle, claims FAU

The UK's Food Advertising Unit has responded to calls for the government to intervene in the current marketing of foods high in salt, sugar and fat to children.

APV Baker intends to add value to lollipops

APV Baker has extended the capability of its ServoForm lollipop depositing systems so they can produce flat lollipops.

Handheld sensor detects pathogens within 10 minutes

A handheld sensor could help food companies quickly detect within 10 minutes whether their products are laden with Escherichia coli or listeria -- before they are shipped out of the plant.

UK food regulator issues update on food and feed law

The UK's food regulator has clarified that suppliers of non-meat products from the EU's ten new member states should be treated as coming from within the bloc.

Dioxin crisis widens in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany

Europe's dioxin crisis has widened, with food regulators in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany placing quarantines on hundreds more pig and poultry producers that received contaminated feed.

German confectionery market stagnant

Growth in the German confectionery market was stagnant in 2005, and in some segments sales income declined.

Tetra Pak to use stronger, thinner polymer pack

Tetra Pak has started the worldwide rollout of a stronger but thinner polymer packaging for liquid products, promising companies it will help them cut costs and meet recycling standards.

New RFID classes combat knowledge drought

IT training body CompTIA has launched a new entry-level qualification for staff working with radio frequency classification (RFID), as looming shortfalls in trained staff look likely to hold back food industry RFID application.

Kellogg Q4 results strong but European sales slow

The world's leading cereal manufacturer Kellogg has announced a 3.2 per cent rise in quarterly net profit as cost-cutting techniques continue to keep rising fuel and ingredients expenses at bay.

Industrial steamer zaps bacteria dead

An industrial steamer uses superheated water instead of chemicals to zap bacteria dead.

Regulator publishes plan to simplify UK's food laws

Reducing paperwork and consolidating laws could save industry about £200m (€293) in the first year, the UK's food regulator said in publishing a plan to simplify legislation.