All news articles for February 2009

Eye on carbon intensity in supply chain brings cost savings to snack firms

Food firms are increasingly working to reduce their carbon footprint, reaping cost savings in the process and plugging into new business opportunities, says the UK's Carbon Trust.

Line producing rPET aims to meet hike in demand

A new line enables commercial production of a recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) food grade resin that overcomes the typical performance challenges of this type of packaging material, claims Phoenix Technologies.

Boost for UK can recycling scheme

Fifteen additional workplaces in the UK have signed up this week to a can recycling initiative that aims to persuade business sectors to save aluminium and steel drink cans for recycling.

Conveyor systems company eyes up bakery industry

The bakery manufacturing industry is the target of a campaign by a production logistics firm that claims it can automate the entire crate handling process for the sector.

Goldpeg rolls out pilot cooker for R&D needs

Australian food equipment firm Goldpeg spears pilot research and development needs and single shift production with the launch of its Pilot RotaTherm continuous cooking system.

Views sought in novel packaging review

Industry views are sought on guidance relating to ‘active and intelligent substances’ to be used in materials for contact with food.

Packaging minimisation not enough, says DuPont

Rethinking package design as well as the materials used is the key to eliminating packaging waste through either recycling or recovery using methods like incineration, argues DuPont.

Industry must look beyond 'non-green' pack notion - INCPEN

The food and beverage industry must move away from the notion of green and non-green packaging and accept that various materials, be they bio- or oil-based plastics, can have unique pack applications, says one research group.

New filling systems on show

A new rotary stand up pouch filling system is targeted at small to medium sized companies seeking higher yield with minimum capital expenditure, says its UK developer.

China to revamp food system - report

China's State Council will set up a food safety commission to bolster the country's food monitoring system, whose disjointed nature has long been blamed for numerous food scandals, according to the Xinhua news agency.

Further calls for BPA free infant food packaging

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should ban Bisphenol A (BPA) in children’s products and food containers, and has enough scientific data to support such a move, claims the Consumers Union (CU).

Food processors pushing on-site training, says RSSL

Cost conscious food processors are increasingly seeking on-site training, particularly in the areas of hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) and hygiene, claims Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL).

News in brief

Maple Leaf in listeria-linked recall

More than 1,100 cases of hot dogs have been voluntarily recalled by Maple Leaf Foods after the products were shipped in violation of the company’s rigorous food safety protocols in regard to Listeria.

News in brief

Unit could drive food and drink industry sustainability

A new winery, brewery and food processing teaching and research facility will serve as a model for what the industries can achieve in environmental and energy efficiency, claims University of California (UC) Davis.

GMA extols irradiation’s virtues for food safety

The Grocery Manufacturers Association has been at pains to reassure consumers that it does not consider irradiation a replacement for current food safety procedures, but it could be incorporated into the food safety system to minimize risk of food-borne illness.

Nestle cuts plastic packaging for Easter eggs

Confectionery giant Nestle has removed plastic packaging from around 80 per cent of its shell Easter eggs in a move to further its green credentials.

Chemical under review after showing up in food

Migration of a chemical from external cereal cardboard packaging into the food has prompted the European Commission to request a risk assessment on the substance from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Product recall insurance on the up

The popularity of specialist insurance to protect against the effects of product recalls is on the rise in the wake of the current salmonella scandal, says Mikel Fitzgerald of Wortham Insurance. He told FoodNavigator-USA.com how it can help minimize damage, both to company reputation, as well as the bottom line.

New technology boost for food safety, says Chr. Hansen

A new phage based product is designed to reduce contamination of cattle and poultry by bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter, claims a global biotechnology company.

New salmon gutter offers quick payback, says Kroma.

A newly developed fish gutter can handle up to 24 cleaned fish per minute, claims its Danish manufacturer.

Food confidence index to inform safety strategies, say researchers

Researchers at the University of Minnesota are amassing data to develop a food confidence monitor along the same lines as the Consumer Sentiment Index.

US beef acquisition off the cards

Brazil's JBS, the world's largest beef producer, has abandoned its efforts to acquire US meat company National Beef Packing Company.

Consumer unease about pesticides waning – survey

Consumer concern about pesticides, feed for livestock and antibiotics/animal medicines in food have decreased, claims a new survey from the UK food safety agency.

TNA technology adjusts load balance for even flavour delivery

Australia's TNA targets even flavour distribution in food formulations with the roll-out of its intelli-flavR 2 flavouring technology that adjusts load balance to match product demand.

Weekly comment

Turning the key on new food technologies

Consumer concerns about a synthetic growth hormone used in milk production have prompted two leading food producers in the United States – General Mills and Dannon – to reformulate their dairy product lines. It is a decision that will have immediate implications on the dairy market as a whole, but could also mark a turning point in the use of new technologies in food production in general.

Stricter meat labelling urged in US

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is requesting that US meatpackers voluntarily impose a stricter regime of country-of-origin labelling (COOL) for meat than that required under the Bush administration ruling.

Precision machinery reliability boosted, says Key

Improving sanitation and equipment reliability were the primary factors that drove the enhancement of existing precision sizing and grading machinery, claims a US company.

Packaging firm aims to look good and cut waste

Sudpack said that a growing demand from its food manufacturer customer base for the optimal use of raw materials, a reduction in waste and packaging that gives product shelf stand out appeal is driving its current developments.

Agri MEPs on board with some industry labelling concerns

A vote on the proposed food information legislation by the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (Agri) this week found sense in abolishing the 3mm rule and national schemes, but has stirred new industry concerns on country of origin labelling.

Gen Mills listens to consumers on rBST milk hormone

US food giant General Mills has committed to reformulating its category-leading Yoplait yoghurt brand with rBST-free milk – a move it says was prompted by consumer demand.

Waste ‘dating agency’ aims to fast track innovation

A new initiative aims to bring together a range of stakeholders in waste, with a focus on recovering energy from food waste and recycling plastics.

Peanut-gate: Will consumers still trust American food – your views

The salmonella contamination of peanut products has brought American food safety under scrutiny causing some to question the value of the Made In America brand.

Georgia’s state Senate passes food safety bill

Georgia’s state Senate has passed a watered down food safety bill on Wednesday which would require compulsory tests for contamination in some instances.

Controversial BPA study challenged

The findings of a study linking the packaging chemical bisphenol A (BPA) to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and liver enzyme abnormalities could well be the result of chance rather than representing real health concerns, claims two scientists.

MEPs reject inclusion of food in Eco-label amendments

European Commission proposals to include food products in an extended Eco-label scheme have been rejected by MEPs this week.

EC funds energy efficiency programme for dairy

The European Commission has funded a project that provides information to dairy farmers on achieving energy efficiency – which could ultimately also bring down costs for dairy product manufacturers.

Food workers plead guilty in tomato probe

Two food company workers have pleaded guilty in an ongoing US federal investigation into various illicit activities in the tomato processing industry.

News in brief

Leasing good credit crunch option, says equipment supplier

A new lease-purchase programme will enable meat, chicken and food processing sectors to secure material handling plastic containers during periods of budgetary constraint, claims Remcon Plastics.

Magnet-detectable material in pendulum bucket slashes tampering risk

German firm Wiese Förderelemente has rolled out a magnetically detectable polypropylene pendulum bucket for quick detection of unwanted plastics, in response to growing demand for detectable plastic materials in conveyor buckets.

Commission says dairy may gain from sustainable commitments

While no one sector should bare the brunt of European initiatives to drive sustainable energy, the Commission suggests that the dairy industry could be one area to benefit in the medium and long term from green initiatives.

Tainted formula passed tests pre export, says manufacturer

Health and safety officials in South Korea said that they found a meningitis causing bacteria in a French baby formula product but the company in question said the product was deemed safe following tests.

Processor to focus on packaged meat segment

Pork processor Smithfield Foods is closing six plants and transferring production to other facilities in a move it claims will enable it to concentrate on growing its higher-margin packaged meat business.

Sealing system offers better throughput, says UK firm

Convenience and ready meal food manufacturers are set to benefit from the reliability and longevity of a new heat sealing system for aluminium foil trays, claims the manufacturer.

Researchers develop risk-ranking system for food safety

The Institute of Food Technologists has collaborated with the US Food and Drug Administration to create risk assessment software to rank different foods in terms of their relative safety.

More food fraud expected as prices rise

Counterfeiting is a major problem in the global food and drink industry with the level of fraud estimated at around $50bn a year, an audience at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting heard yesterday.

Walkers crisps cut carbon footprint to retain carbon label

Improving its green credentials, Walkers' crisps becomes the first company in the UK to retain a carbon reduction label, after cutting its carbon footprint by 7 per cent in two years.

Quadro-shot tech for premium chocolate grabs consumer eye

Opportunities for eye-catching premium chocolates emerge with quadro-shot technology from swiss confectionery machinery firm Awema.

Excessive packaging hindering war on waste, says LGA

A new survey has found that almost 40 per cent of supermarket food packaging in the UK cannot be easily recycled.

Detection and deboning equipment to showcase at Anuga

S+S Separation and Sorting Technology has announced that it has further developed the design of its GLS tunnel metal detectors to ensure greater compliance with hygiene standards.

Survey shows awareness of peanut recall but misunderstanding

The majority of Americans are aware of the peanut product recall but many are mistaken about which products are involved and few trust food safety controls, according to a Harvard survey.

Weekly comment

Changing the tune on GM

The GM debate at times seems much like the Hokey Cokey (or Pokey, if you’re US-based). There’s been a lot of putting in, some putting out, and quite a lot of shaking things all about, but as of yet, there hasn’t really been a turnaround and definitely no ra, ra, ra!

Product pledges quick biofilm removal from food plants

A new product can remove Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria biofilm coatings found in food processing drains in a fraction of the time of traditional drain cleaning methods, claims its manufacturer.

Jar maker plays up plastic's benefits over glass and tin

New multi-layer plastic food packaging jars are designed to compete with glass and tin equivalents in terms of safety and aesthetics, according to the UK manufacturer.

PCA files for bankruptcy as recall expands to Texas plant

The Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) has filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy, a month after peanut products from its Blakely, Georgia facility were first recalled due to salmonella contamination.

Calls for stricter meat product origin labelling

A bid to change the law for country-of-origin labeling of meat is to be launched in the UK by the Conservative Party which, if successful, would affect processed foods containing as little as 10 per cent meat.

Packaging firm warned on stock price

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has notified a global food and beverage packaging supplier that it has ‘below criteria’ status for continued listing.

News in brief

Nestle seeks packaging design advice

Nestle Confections and Snacks in the US are turning to the consumer for design advice with the firm launching a competition to ask consumers to vote for the latest packaging for its Goobers, Sno-Caps and Oh Henry! brands.

News in brief

Alcoa claims emission levels waning

Alcoa, a supplier of aluminium sheet and foil for food and beverage packaging, has announced that it achieved at 36 per cent cut its total direct greenhouse gas emissions from its aluminium production process last year.

Talking point

Peanut-gate: Will consumers still trust American food?

FoodNavigator-USA.com asks its readers whether PCA’s lethal peanut contamination means Made in America has lost the safe perception it once enjoyed.

Looking at life cycle key to product sustainability - CSIRO

Life cycle analyses for the greenhouse gas emissions and water use impacts of food products have been produced as part of joint research project with Mars, claims Australia’s national science agency.

Sensor designed to sustain frequent cleaning

A new inductive proximity sensor designed for metal object and machine part detection is high temperature, washdown and detergent resistant and is targeted specifically at applications in the food and beverage industry, claims Omron.

Mercury labelling of fish products is needed now, says NGOs

A coalition of different environmental organisations, the Zero Mercury Working Group, claims that there are risks associated with eating fish due to its mercury content, and consumers need to be made aware of these through fish and seafood product labelling.

Bisphenol A-free chocolate moulds enter the market

In tune to the escalating debate on the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging, an innovative German supplier of chocolate moulds has rolled out a new version made from BPA-free material.

Pre-zippered reclosable packaging range extended

A resealable packaging range designed for form-fill-seal applications comes pre-zippered to enable more efficient production runs, says Hudson Sharp.

Firm blames low PE demand for temporary plant closure

LyondellBasell, a supplier of rigid and flexibile food packaging material, has cited a slump in demand for polyethylene as the reason for the temporarily idling of two of its low density polyethylene (LDPE) plants in the UK and France.

BPA levels in soft drinks are low, claim researchers

Consumer exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) from consumption of canned soft drinks is low, claims a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Sidel service to test PET 'sensitive' beverage compatibility

Adopting Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials designed to better protect ‘sensitive beverages’ such as milk, juice and tea products from factors like light and oxygen is the aim of a new package testing service.

Internal emails revealed as PCA president refuses to testify

The president of the Peanut Corporation of America refused to testify at a Congressional hearing on Wednesday, at which he was accused of caring more about profits than food safety.

Confectioners eye small machines bought from cash flow

Demand for products and concepts that through targeted investments can boost efficiency and cut costs for confectioners were particularly in demand, say the organisers of last week's ProSweets trade fair.

Smart label can indicate product freshness, says developers

A ‘smart’ barcode for food packaging can inform consumers and retailers whether refrigerated food products such as chicken, milk and beef are no longer fresh, says the development team.

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Sorter rejects trim at high speeds, claims Marel

A new retraction conveyor can reject and sort meat or fish trim at high speeds to enable food processors to fine tune their packaging lines, claims Marel Food Systems.

Maryland eyes artificial food color ban

Maryland could become the first US state to ban several artificial food colorings which have been linked to hyperactivity and behavioral problems in children, if proposed legislation is approved.

Knowledge forum will make packaging greener, says Asda

ASDA has joined an industry packaging council to make the supply chain more sustainable, claims the retailer’s packaging buyer.

Better use of process equipment key to savings, says UK group

Increasing energy bills are having a considerable impact on the food industry, in particular during the current financial climate, but food processors can cut energy consumption of processes by better use of existing equipment, claims a UK consultancy.

Amcor in talks for Alcan’s packaging unit

Australian packaging company Amcor is in talks with mining giant Rio Tinto about buying part of the latter’s Alcan Packaging Division, confirming speculation that emerged late last year.

US hearing on packaging chemical imminent

The US food safety regulator is set to provide more information to the public later this month about its safety review of Bisphenol A (BPA), the chemical found in packaging.

Brewer says cost key hurdle for biofuel aspirations

Cost will remain the key setback in adopting greener brewing initiatives like using spent yeast, brewing waste and even vegetable fats as alternative fuels, claims one brewer hoping to pioneer such technologies.

New belt design could boost efficiency

A new belt, which has eliminated welded joints from its design, ensures less downtime, enhanced durability as well as cleanability for food manufacturers aiming to cut costs while still maintaining stringent hygiene standards, says the developer.

Consumers choose kosher for safety reasons, says Mintel

Food quality, health and safety are the main reasons people buy kosher foods – not for religious reasons, according to a new study from Mintel.

Nano method may enhance food packaging

US researchers have found a way of keeping food fresher for longer while using less packaging material, claims an article in the journal Science.

More foodborne illnesses on horizon, says risk expert

Is the US food safety system really 'in the soup'? Dr Sandford Miller, with a long standing career focused on risk analysis and food, talks to FoodProductionDaily.com about the recent peanut paste recall, the potential for future foodborne illnesses and the evident weaknesses in federal regulation.

BOPP eco-film with 'excellent twist'

Slovakian firm Moneta's presented an ecologically clean substitute to cellophane 'with excellent twist characteristics' at last week's ProSweets trade fair in Germany.

Weekly comment

No room for functional foods gloom

Last week’s withdrawal of a high-profile functional food in France is disappointing for the company concerned and maybe for the healthy/functional foods industry, but you may be led to think differently if you happen to be a reader of the UK broadsheet, The Financial Times.

Key food and drink processing drivers highlighted

Projects that foster collaboration between industry, funding bodies and science and technology providers will be given impetus by a new publication which outlines the future needs of the food and drink processing industries, claims Campden BRI.

News in brief

PCA knew peanut products contained salmonella, says FDA

The Peanut Corporation of America knew it had distributed peanut products tainted with salmonella as long ago as 2007, the FDA said on Friday.

News in brief

Tests to find elusive pathogens within reach, says DuPont Qualicon

A new technology deal will enhance the diagnostic capabilities of DuPont Qualicon in terms of detecting microorganisms that affect food safety and quality, claims the company.

Tetra Pak says customisation is key in downturn

Investing in custom-designed production equipment will be increasingly important to dairy manufacturers during the current economic downturn, claims a major supplier of aseptic processing technology.

Packaging line monitor could help save costs

Less downtime and faster changeovers are claimed for a new tool that monitors, controls and measures single or multiple food and beverage packaging lines.

Study says nano zinc oxide dots can kill foodborne pathogens

The application of zinc oxide nanoparticles in food systems may be effective at inhibiting certain pathogens, claims a study published in the Journal of Food Science.

Nanotechnology in UK food sector under review

An investigation into the use of nanotechnologies in food and food contact materials will consider their health and safety implications and help ensure the UK plays a key role in the development of this field, claims a House of Lords’ subcommittee.

Use bioplastics with caution, says professor

Green marketing of sustainable packaging materials can be a boomerang that comes back to hit brands in the face, says professor.

Consumers cannot be king in a sustainable world

Depending on the consumers to drive the food system down a more sustainable route is misplaced as government, food manufacturers and other industry players need to take the wheel, according to a new report.

Keep in your suppliers' loop, urges new report

Close monitoring of suppliers will help mitigate supply chain risk for food and drink manufacturers in a volatile trading environment, claims a new report.

New packer from Lareka targets carton-packed premium chocolate

Meeting growing demand for premium chocolate packed in carton, Netherland's Lareka launches a new double stage tablet packer with a price tag in reach of small and medium-sized businesses.

News in brief

PCA claims peanut plant was regularly inspected

The company at the center of the US salmonella outbreak linked to peanut products has said that its Blakely, Georgia facility was inspected regularly by federal and state officials in 2008.

Constar pledges cost savings through faster pack design

Software customized by Constar can accelerate the packaging development process and help avoid costly pitfalls such as packages that do not meet performance, sustainability or cost requirements, claims the global supplier of food and beverage containers.

Ready meal group welcomes waste clarification

The Chilled Food Association (CFA) said that it welcomes the decision by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to alter its definition of food waste so that waste from ‘store bought’ ready meals is kept separate from waste from ‘take-aways’.

Green technology uses radio frequency heating to kill flour pathogens

A new roll-out from US company Radio Frequency seeks to control pathogens in flour through an energy-saving macrowave pasteurisation system that also minimises the heat impact on the bulk food material.

Alternatives and innovation sought with Danisco enzymes move

Danisco says it is will be shifting its UK-based brewing enzymes operations to Denmark as part of a global shake up of the group’s beverage business designed to strengthen innovation in the segment.

Rock paper may offer packaging alternative

Limestone derived paper offers food manufacturers an environmentally responsible packaging material for a range of products, as not being sourced from timber, it helps to preserve the earth’s forests, claims its distributor.

New, tougher sanctions on illegal worker hiring

Employers of clandestine immigrants will be penalised throughout the EU, as a new Directive laying down standard penalties, from fines to prison terms, to combat illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings has received backing by MEPs.

Meat inspection system defended

The Canadian Meat Council said that the recent media coverage of the finding of the bacterium, listeria, in a Canadian meat processing plant is unwarranted and is creating a false impression of both the industry and Canada's meat inspection system.

Packaging using natural antimicrobials may protect pork

An edible Gelidium corneum gelatine (GCG) blend film containing grapefruit seed extract (GFSE) or green tea extract (GTE) could be used to the increase the microbial safety and extend the shelf life of packaged pork loins, according to a study to be published in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Food Science.

FSA lists products free of Southampton colours

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published a list of food products that have been voluntarily reformulated to remove six food colours associated with hyperactivity in young children.

Is water neutrality the new industry green goal?

Water is the new carbon and companies are starting to engage in water strategy planning, measuring and managing of its use for greater efficiency, according to a new report.

Analysts say prospects look good for Crown

Crown Holdings reported a fourth-quarter loss as restructuring charges and other expenses impacted on its results but analysts say it is well positioned for growth.

CFS labeller allows label reel change with machine running

Dutch equipment supplier CFS has designed a new labelling concept that the company claims can mitigate the need for downtime when changing label reels or torn packing material.

Weekly comment

Nut so good - tainted US food system needs revamping

E. coli in ground beef, melamine in infant formula, and salmonella in peanut butter - what is next? Isn’t it about time the slices of the US food safety pie were taken back from the multiple federal agencies involved and surveillance placed under one roof?

Italy not labelling allergens properly, says EC

The European Commission has sent a second warning to Italy that it must step up to new allergen labelling requirements.

FDA joins criminal investigation into Peanut Corporation salmonella

The US Food and Drug Administration joined the Justice Department on Friday in a criminal investigation of the PCA, the manufacturer at the center of a salmonella outbreak which has sickened 529 people and may have caused eight deaths.

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