Confectioners demand new technology for healthy foods

Confectionery manufacturers are increasingly looking to new processing and packaging firms for new technology, in order to create products specifically targeted at the health market.

Spiral conveyor saves space, money, manufacturer claims

Habasit Rossi Ltd is to introduce a new upward moving spiral conveyor belt in its KVP range, which it claims will allow food manufacturers to save space and money.

Camera launched for bakery oven inspection

A new cableless video system allows bakery manufacturers to inspect the inside of their oven using only the oven's own conveyor belt and a camera, the manufacturer claims.

Scientists review acrylamide-reduction advances

Increasing demand for preventing the formation of harmful acrylamide in foods has spurred researchers to conduct a review of the various methods available to formulators.

Consultation update on material regulations begins

Consultation on an addition to a draft EU-wide regulation relating to the use of plastic and other food contact materials has started in Northern Ireland.

Online guide presents Danisco cost-cutting solutions

Danisco has launched an online guide for food manufacturers in search of ingredients solutions to limit the impact of soaring raw material prices.

Wrapper revamped for faster water packaging

Packaging firm Standard-Knapp claims that its integrated tray packing and shrink wrapping system for water bottles now operates at speeds of up to 70 trays per minute.

Key Technology launches new sealer for fresh-cut processors

Key Technology is introducing a redesigned AV sealer designed for fresh-cut produce packagers.

Trade show offers specialised food and eco packaging focus

Food and the environment will take particular prominence at this year's UK Processing Equipment & Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA) show to be held in the Birmingham from 30 September.

Enzymes designed to improve berry juice use

A new range of enzymes is designed to improve the juice volume and vitamin yield of blackcurrants for beverage use, in order to maximise the benefits of the superfruits, its...

Sugar companies may face compulsory quota cuts

The European Commission may have to enforce compulsory final sugar quota cuts of 1.16m tones in 2010 with no compensation, as current renunciations fall below targets.

Food firms set to benefit from biogas boom

Food processors can reduce costs and benefit the environment by using their waste to fuel biogas production, according to Ontario-based StormFisher Biogas.

ConAgra builds bulk in potato processing

ConAgra Foods' acquisition of privately-held vegetable processor Watts Brothers will strengthening its existing potato activities under the Lamb Weston potato brand in North America, says the company.

New process reduces allergens in eggs

The US Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry will be publishing a study next month that describes a new process to greatly reduce allergens in eggs.

High management turnover is unsustainable, report warns

Directors of leading UK food companies are staying in their jobs for about a year as the industry shifts from long-term vision management to quick fix solutions, a report has...

New technology launched for delicate product packaging

Packaging firm Bosch has designed a new range of packaging and processing solutions designed specifically for handling delicate products such as tray baked goods, biscuits and chocolate confectionery.

FSA opens contact material deadline talks

The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has begun consultation with food and beverage manufacturers over their progress in bringing plastic packaging contact materials in line with health and safety rules.

New polystyrene milk bottles reduce costs, waste, claims BASF

BASF, a major chemicals and plastics producer, has teamed up with beverage bottle manufacturer ALPLA to create a bottle for milk and yoghurt drinks using impact resistant Polystyrene (PS-I).

France suspects industry of fiddling food prices

French prime minister Francois Fillon has pledged to weed out food companies that are using current high commodity prices as an excuse to boost their own margins, even if they...

US: New food safety tools target small meat firms

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has announced the development of web-based resources to help small meat and poultry processors with HACCP implementation.

Weekly Comment

Supplements - do we ask too much?

Taking a range of supplements from vitamin A to zinc is becoming part of everyday life. But as the latest study is published questioning their efficacy, people could be left...

MEP animal welfare group against animal cloning

A group of MEPs has called on the European Commission to prohibit cloning of animals for food.

Less concern over salt, fat and food safety, says UK survey

The latest consumer survey conducted by the UK's Food Standards Agency points to a drop in concern about salt and fat levels in foods, which the agency says reinforces the...

US: Convenience foods boost packaging demand, report

The increasing popularity of convenience and prepared foods will play a large part in the growth for converted flexible food packing, according to a new report.

Italian maize growers want GM crops, survey says

The majority of maize growers in Italy would start growing genetically modified crops if a ban on their uses was lifted, a survey has found.

UK free of foot and mouth, trade resumes

Food manufactures and packers in the meat sector are breathing a sigh of relief as the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) reinstates the UK's status as free from Foot and...

EFSA publishes EU Salmonella data

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published an Opinion on the contribution of different meat categories to cases of food-borne Salmonella infections in humans.

Meat institute hits back at inspection fears

The American Meat Institute (AMI) has hit out at claims that the meat industry is not regulated heavily enough and branded them "simply outrageous."

UK dairy reveals quota reform concerns

An industry association representing UK dairy groups says that it remains in support of the European Commission's drive to cut production quotas, though claims more must be done to ensure...

Study links salt and soft drinks to childhood obesity

Reducing the salt content of foods would result in drinking fewer sugar-sweetened beverages, and may lower obesity risks, hypertension and possibly heart disease, British researchers report.

FSA examines food fraud initiatives

A recent seminar organised by the UK Food Standards Agency allowed manufacturers throughout the food industry to discover the latest methods being employed to track and prevent food fraud.

EFSA cloning report highlights labelling concerns

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a report on a technical meeting with its Stakeholder Consultative Platform held earlier this month to discuss its Draft Opinion on animal...

PET jar development targets lightweight hot-fill demands

A new development in polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based jar packaging offers a clear, lightweight and sustainable alternative for use with hot-fill products, according to its manufacturer.

Rexam to continue passing on aluminum costs

Leading drinks can maker Rexam has said it is phasing European contracts onto a pass-through system, which will result in customers systematically bearing the brunt of increased aluminium prices.

GM may provide solution to rising food prices

The continuing increases in raw material costs could shine a favourable light on genetic modification as pressure mounts in Europe to boost harvests.

UK snack firms focus on food miles

Snack manufacturers Boots and Walkers are now focusing on locally sourced ingredients for certain product ranges, as scrutiny intensifies over food miles and their effect on the environment.

Amcor reports strong first half profit

Australian packaging company Amcor has announced a profit after tax and before significant items (PAT) of AUS $185 million for the six month period July to December 2007.

The packaging that consumers will give up - survey

Almost half of consumers around the world would trade convenience packaging for the environment, according to a new report by The Nielson Company.

Wimm-Bill-Dann opens mega farm for milk supply boost

Russia-based Wimm-Bill-Dann has announced the opening of what it calls a $12m mega dairy farm outside of St. Petersburg as part of a wider focus on stepping up the supply...

FDF issues guidelines for packaging laminates

The UK Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has published guidelines on the use of isocyanate-based adhesive laminates.

TINE deal boosts Arla's whey protein concentrate supply

Arla Foods is expanding its capacity of whey protein concentrates through an agreement with Norwegian dairy firm TINE, under which it will sell WPC produced as a by-product of TINE's...

Industry concerns follow massive US beef recall

The largest meat recall in US history has reignited fears that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is not taking adequate measures to ensure the safety of the nation's meat...

Omega-3 and herbals triumph in mood food market

Omega-3 and green tea extracts have come out as excellent choices for companies wishing to cash-in on the emerging mood foods section.

Coca-Cola strengthens aluminium recycling initiative

Coca-Cola now plans to recycle 100 per cent of its aluminium cans sold in the US, the company announced last week.

Weekly comment

Making a meal out of saturated fat

The food industry across Europe needs to make a big effort to reduce saturated fat in food regardless of whether national agencies set targets - and it should not wait...

Survey shows business contradiction on climate change

A recent survey of executive opinions on climate change found that the majority regard it as a strategically important issue - but more than a third said it is seldom...

Scientists develop new umami taste enhancers

New derivatives of the compound guanosine 5'-phosphate may enhance the sensorial impact of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and boost the umami taste to savoury-based foods, Italian scientists report.

Lactalis McLelland enters OFT price fix agreement

Dairy group Lactalis McLelland will face a reduced financial penalty from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) after accepting responsibility for its role in the alleged price fixing of cheeses...

FDF calls for full enforcement of EU listeria regulations

The FDF's says it believes the current EU regulation with regard to criteria for ready-to-eat foods able to support the growth of Listeria Monocytogenes (EC regulation 2073 / 2005, as...

France prioritises food quality

The French government has created a new body designed to oversee the quality of its food, and to monitor changes in food quality.

Tetra Pak collaboration benefits customers and company

Tetra Pak's closer collaboration with engineering firm ABB will enable customers to benefit from shorter lead times in the implementation of Tetra PlantMaster plant automation solutions and provide the company...

DSM strengthens position in antibiotic residue testing

DSM Food Specialties has acquired CMT Srl, the company behind the Copan Milk Test for the detection of antibiotic residues in milk, strengthening its position in the market at a...

Morrisons quiet over price fix strike-back

UK-retailer Morrisons has refused to confirm that it is seeking a judicial review of an ongoing investigation by the UK's Office of Fair Trading (OFT) into allegations of milk price...

Green tea extracts could be meat preservatives

Indian scientists are looking into the potential of green tea polyphenols to stop the oxidation of fat in meat products, thereby extending shelf-life and preventing off-flavours.

Cost and innovation drive US packaging dominance

The US will continue to dominate international packaging machinery sales due to the perceived technological benefits of its products and a favorable exchange rate, a new report has said.

Touch screen technology simplifies fill level inspection

Krones has introduced a new system called Checkmat 753 HF that it claims offers simple-to-use fill level inspection for bottles through touch screen technology.

AB Enzymes launch targets improved biscuit baking

Two new proteases, designed specifically for the bakery industry, can help reduce problems such as browning and cracking, the manufacturer claims.

Time to prepare for the less saturated fat storm, says ADM

The food industry has a window to research ways to reduce saturated fat in products before the UK's FSA starts its consumer awareness campaign at the end of this year,...

Convenience to drive demand for US frozen food packaging

A new study by the Freedonia Group has calculated that US demand for frozen food packaging is estimated to increase through 2011, driven largely by greater demand for convenience foods.

Flavoured soy proteins to enhance use as meat alternative

Flavouring textured soy protein (TSP) could lead to greater use of soy as meat alternatives, suggests new research from Iowa State University.

FSA board discusses food safety

Today's meeting of the UK Food Standards Agency's Board will include a progress report on food safety, highlighting achievements but also flagging areas of concern like rising rates of foodbourne...

Palm oil sustainability hampered by few biodiversity studies

More research is urgently needed on the biodiversity impact of palm oil production, says a new report, as food and other consumer goods manufacturers make sustainable sourcing a priority.

Onion by-products to offer functional ingredients

Tapping into the ongoing trend of sourcing novel ingredients from processing by-products, researchers from Spain have reported that onion wastes may be a source of antioxidant and anti-browning bioactive ingredients.

New film lid aimed at reducing waste

UK packaging solutions firm Paragon Flexibles is introducing a new flexible film lid called i-lid, which is designed to reduce the need for packaging materials and ensure food freshness.

Dairy dental benefits played up in industry health drive

A UK-based nutrition group has this week kicked off a new scheme designed to promote the consumption of dairy products like cheeses and milk as a key element of good...

FDA extends oxygen scavenging pack uses

A manufacturer of high barrier oxygen scavenging materials says it plans to extend the products applications in food and beverage packaging after receiving approval from the US Food and Drug...

Commission develops code of conduct on nanotechnology

The European Commission has released a voluntary code of conduct for nanotechnology that places the burden of responsibility for consumer safety on industry.

UK raises packaging waste recovery and recycling targets

DEFRA published new year-on-year packaging waste recovery and recycling targets yesterday, and is aiming at overall recovery of 74 per cent in 2010.

Heat exchange tester steps up leakage sensitivity

A recent development in heat exchanger testing can offer brewers, soft drink makers and dairy manufacturers a practical and sensitive alternative to existing technologies with heightened sensitivity, according to its...

US Safeway prioritises animal welfare

Suppliers of eggs and meat products to Safeway, one of the US's biggest food retailers, will be under pressure to prove their animal welfare credentials.

Weekly Comment

The ethical cocoa confusion

While most consumers agree that ethically-sourced cocoa is no bad thing, an ever increasing number of different schemes risks muddying the issue and puzzling chocolate fans.

Danisco sugar production tops 1m tonnes

Record yields from sugar beet fields in several countries have resulted in a bumper sugar harvest for Denmark's Danisco group.

Packager targets carton convenience for Interpack

Packager Kliklok Woodman will focus on ease and efficiency at this years Interpack trade show, where it will unveil a range of carton packaging innovations it claims can meet these...

Nestle plays down alleged Chavez plant threat

Nestle says it has received no official notice from the Venezuelan Government that its dairy plants in the country may be seized over accusations that both itself and rival European...

Wal-Mart adopts GFSI standards

Wal-Mart last week announced that it now requires suppliers of its private label and other food products to have their factories certified against one of the Global Food Safety Initiative...

Healthy foods hold opportunities for starch, says Frost

High costs and market maturity make food starches a tough proposition, says analyst, but there are some clear opportunities since starch is critical in creating diet products with appealing taste...

Jungbunzlauer cuts bread salt content by up to 35 per cent

Swiss ingredients company Jungbunzlauer has answered industry demands for ways to cut salt content amid growing health concerns with the launch of a salt substitute for bakery products.

Sugar reform cuts back ABF UK production

Associated British Foods (ABF) will renounce permanently 165,000 tonnes of UK sugar production following the changes made to the European sugar reform.

Bakery packing machinery set for trade show roll-out

UK-based packaging firm PFM will exhibit two of its bakery flowrappers at the Bakery Industry Expo (BIE) this April, as part of plans to bring the technology to a wider...

Wal-Mart, ASDA adopt more sustainable packaging schemes

US based Wal-Mart Stores, the world's largest retailer, this week announced it has fully implemented a Packaging Scorecard, which is used to assess suppliers on their progress towards developing sustainable...

EFSA meeting examines draft opinion on animal cloning

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) yesterday held a meeting in Brussels with its Stakeholder Consultative Platform to discuss the Draft Opinion on animal cloning.

Diageo rules out Absolut move after Ketel deal

Diageo will not move for V&S' Absolut brand, after announcing this week that it will buy into a joint venture with a Netherlands-based premium vodka maker instead.

Gas Analyser launched for accurate data readings

A new multifunctional gas analyser can provide food packaging companies with accurate data storage and assure traceability for their products, according to its manufacturer Witt Gas Techniques Limited.

UK food industry must adapt to commodity shortages, report

The independent research organisation Chatham House has launched a project to examine how the UK can best secure its food supply in the face of global food production shortages.

Danone, Yakult grants to advance probiotic science

The field of probiotics research is set to receive a boost by two new grants announced yesterday by the Global Probiotics Council (GPC).

Mars, Nestle promise ethical cocoa supply

Global confectioners Mars and Nestle have joined a sustainable cocoa programme, which aims to establish a traceability system for all farmers in the Ivory Coast.

New acrylamide detection process launched

A new acrylamide detection method, that could help manufacturers identify the potentially harmful chemical in food products, has been launched by a UK research body.

Pallet trucks aimed at long-term corrosion fears

A new development in pallet trucks designed for transporting products in extreme and corrosive food manufacturing environments can offer processors an extended product lifecycle, according to its manufacturer.

Study raises issue with broiler chicken welfare

A new UK study concludes that the huge increase in growth rates of broiler chickens means that more than a quarter of these intensively-reared birds have difficulty walking, raising serious...

Potato is best tolerated food, says tester

The potato is well-tolerated by more than 99 per cent of people, according to a study by YorkTest which has dubbed the humble spud, the 'safest food in Britain'.

Industry concerned over FDA food safety budget

The FDA has requested a budget increase of $42.4m for food safety initiatives in the 2009 fiscal year, but food industry and consumer groups say this will still leave administration...

Protein-rich flours offer potential for gluten-free foods

Adding soybean and pea proteins isolates and transglutaminase to rice flour may find potential in the rapidly growing gluten-free market, suggests new research.

Ecolab buys into wastewater management

Ecolab, a global supplier of hygiene and safety systems, hopes to step up its focus on sustainable water and energy supply for the beverage and food industries with its latest...

Food firms to trial UK carbon footprint standard

The UK-based Carbon Trust has announced that five food and drinks companies will make up a third wave of new partners to trial a new standard for assessing carbon emissions.

Co-op to eliminate caged eggs, reduce packaging

UK supermarket Co-op has announced it will place more emphasis on Fairtrade, free range, and packaging reduction, a move that puts more pressure on food companies to improve their environmental...

Pernod Ricard divests for key-brand drive

Spirit group Pernod Ricard is to sell off 14 sherry and brandy labels, excluding its Domecq brand, as it continues to focus on strong growth in the premium liquors segment.

Weekly comment

Branding Vs label info: who's the enemy?

Product branding and information provided to consumers on food labels are again at loggerheads, and industry doesn't seem likely to accept new EU labelling proposals without a fight.

Confectionery packing technology set for Interpack launch

Packaging manufacturer TNA will launch six new technologies, aimed at improving confectionery and snack packing, at the Interpack trade show in Germany in April.

Cadbury adopts new pathogen testing system

Global confectionery giant Cadbury has stepped up its microbiological surveillance by adopting the Pathatrix pathogen testing system, according to its creator.

Fickle European GM policies stifle competition, say experts

The unstable political situation surrounding the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops is restricting university research and pushing small companies out of the arena, thereby restricting competition, said a GM...

New system targets precision weighing in wet areas

A new weighing system allows manufacturers to ensure that finished food packs can be weighed in wet areas with net filling quantities starting from 5g.

UK prepares new standard on carbon emissions

A new standard for measuring embodied greenhouse gases in products and services could help food manufacturers reduce their carbon footprint, according to Campden Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA).

Cott shows bottle with green water plan

Cott, a leading manufacturer of private label and branded soft drinks, has agreed a deal with packager Sidel over the lease of blow-moulding equipment for expansion into sustainable bottled water...

Proposed US hormone growth-milk law slammed

A new bill on milk labelling standards up for consideration in the Indiana House of Representatives has come under criticism this week by some organisations and producers, which claim it...

Soft drinks linked to rising gout statistics

An increased intake of soft drinks and fructose consumption may increase the risk of gout in men, suggests a new study.

Waste management of bioplastics and biopackaging

Bioplastics and biopackaging offer multiple waste management options, but these will only be developed in full when there is more material on the market, according to the industry.

3mm proposal pits label info versus brand

The stipulation in the new proposal on food labelling that the smallest text for mandatory on-pack information be 3mm is unworkable, says the industry, which maintains other aspects should also...