Breaking News on Food and Beverage Processing and Packaging

EU conference aims to challenge food crime ‘phenomenon’

Food control authorities, police forces and regulatory bodies have gathered in Brussels in the hope of boosting their efforts against food crime in the European Union (EU).

News in brief

Three-quarters of carbendazim-tested OJ shipments enter the US - FDA

Almost three-quarters of all orange juice and concentrate shipments attempting to enter the US have tested negative for carbendazim, US food safety officials have confirmed.

New migration tests prompt EFSA to approve plastic additive

The availability of data from new migration tests meant that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has for the first time given approval to an additive in plastics for use in food contact materials.

Primopost takeover will spur strong European flexible packaging growth: Americk N.I

Americk N.I has announced the takeover of Primopost, a UK supplier of printed and plain flexible packaging solutions for the food and non-food industries.

Price increase will continue into 2012 after ‘challenging’ fourth quarter – Maple Leaf Foods

Food processor Maple Leaf Foods intends to further increase prices across all segments to offset the raw materials price hike that affected earnings in final quarter of 2011.

Marketplace ‘difficult’ for masterbatch producers, according to research firm

Economic downturn and a drop in demand have led to masterbatch producers ‘cutting back activity’ and seeking ‘wider markets’ such as Russia and Ukraine, a plastics market research consultancy has found.

News in brief

International Paper to build new Spanish Factory

International Paper is to open a new factory next year with the aim to strengthen its position in the Spanish food and beverage industry.

Continuous monitoring needed for aflatoxins in chocolate – study

Researchers in Brazil have found high levels of the potentially lethal contaminant aflatoxin in chocolate and say constant monitoring is required.

Four steps to achieve zero waste to landfill – United Biscuits

United Biscuits (UB) recently became the first major UK food manufacturer to achieve zero waste to landfill at its UK sites. Its sustainability head shares ways other manufacturers can do the same.

News in brief

UK retailer recalls chocolate over metal contamination fears

UK retailer Morrisons has initiated a recall of its own-brand Whole Nut Milk Chocolate over fears that it may be contaminated with small pieces of metal.

Meat processor fined after wind hurls worker from shipping crate

Vion Foods has been ordered to pay more than £16,000 (€18,900) for flouting health and safety regulations following an accident in which a worker was blown from the top of a shipping container in high winds.

Funding boost for technologies to rapidly detect food pathogens

Two US-based companies aiming to use technology to improve the speed of food pathogen detection have received a funding boost from a food protection organisation.

News in brief

Leading aluminium supplier appoints new chairman

Food and Beverage aluminium can supplier, Constellium, will appoint Pierre Vareille as chairman from 1 March.

Schmallenberg virus meat processing sector impact: ‘Only time will tell’

The true impact of the livestock-related Schmallenberg virus on the meat processing industry will not be known for a few more months, according to the British Meat Processing Association (BMPA).

Clever packaging can help consumers grasp prebiotic health benefits – SIG Combibloc

Packaging concepts that meet key ‘information delivery’ demands are important to drive consumer awareness of the little-known benefits of categories such as prebiotics and probiotics, according to carton packaging and filling firm SIG Combibloc.

Grolsch unveils new global beer packaging design

Beer brand Grolsch is set to launch redesigned packaging across its whole range, with the roll-out set to start from March 5, with one claimed benefit consistency of appearance across world markets.

Auto biscuit machine cuts stacking systems to reduce staff costs, claims EPP

An in-line biscuit sandwiching machine can produce cost-savings by eliminating the need for stacking systems thus requiring no manual operation, according to the European Process Plant (EPP).

Tech breakthrough brings printed RFID tags much closer - researcher

The development of commercially viable thin-film radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that can be integrated into flexible packaging has taken a major leap forward after scientists made a significant technological breakthrough.

Expanded record access will cut exposure to tainted food - FDA

US food safety authorities will be given expanded access to food firm records under a new interim ruling – a move it hopes will prevent potentially harmful food entering the food supply and reaching consumers.

News in brief

Crown Holdings to expand beverage can production in Vietnam

Crown Holdings will increase beverage can production in Vietnam with a new facility by mid-2013.

EU-funded prediction software will optimise RTE food safety and shelf-life - developer

Work has begun on an EU-funded project to develop computer software that predicts the safety, quality and shelf-life of food – potentially preventing contamination.

News in brief

FDA to hear comments on bisphenol A baby bottle reg

The US Food and Drink Administration (FDA) has started a 60-day public consultation period to revise regulations on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles and sippy cups.

Call for drug-style tests on bisphenol A after research finds heart disease link

Scientists in the UK have called on the government to carry out drug-style safety trials of bisphenol A (BPA) in humans after research suggested exposure to the chemical was linked to increased levels of heart disease.

Bio-based food packaging rolled out for cheese producer

Clear Lam Packaging said it has developed a 50% plant-based plastic food package that will reduce greenhouse gases and energy during manufacturing.

Graphic Packaging ‘well-positioned’ for 2012 after strong 2011 finish

Global packaging provider Graphic Packaging believes it is “well-positioned” for growth in 2012 after a series of strategic acquisitions and partnerships in 2011 and strong Q4 results.

Concerns grow over Amcor's proposed takeover of packaging rival

Amcor’s proposed takeover of Australian packaging company Aperio is motivated primarily by the firm’s desire to eliminate its main rival, could lead to hundreds of job losses and would hit competition in the national market, a leading trade union has warned.

Fonterra butter recall vital to protect brand synonymous with New Zealand dairy, expert

Fonterra’s recall decision concerning 410,000 packs of butter was the right thing to do, and action to this front to protect its brand image was crucial, according to a top UK-based food safety expert.

Coca-Cola Enterprises tight-lipped on pending 375ml PET bottle launch

Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) has given a guarded reaction to a media enquiries regarding the planned launch a new 375ml bottle onto the UK market, despite its GB managing director informing journalists at a press conference that the firm intended to make this move.

Back to basics to tackle coming shortage of food safety auditors

There could be an impending shortage of food safety auditors in the United States, rooted in a lack of food safety emphasis in the US education system, says director of food safety solutions at DNV Business Assurance Kathleen Wybourn.

Infrared, hot-air almond pasteurisation combo kills Salmonella - USDA

US food safety researchers are exploring the combined use of infrared and hot air as a tool in the pasteurisation of almonds – a method to prevent potential Salmonella contamination.

FDA increases rice-related inorganic arsenic scrutiny after calls for regulatory limits

A US food safety authority has “expanded” its surveillance of inorganic arsenic levels in organic brown rice syrup (OBRS) in response to calls for regulatory limits.

MeadWestvaco paperboard approved for chocolate and confectionery packaging

Packaging firm MeadWestvaco (MWV) has gained sensory analysis approval for its Crescendo paperboard meaning it can now be used to package chocolate and confectionery products.

Canadian E.coli O157:H7 beef contamination origin unknown - CFIA

Canadian food safety authorities are yet to establish the source of a frozen meat-related E.coli O157:H7 contamination that has sickened one person in the country to-date.

Mondi posts record 2011 returns, sees recent demand uptick after H2 slump

Mondi said firm cost control and strong demand in the first six months of 2011 were key in helping it post a 36% leap in full year operating profits.

News in brief

New USB socket will make data collection easier for food industry – Mettler-Toledo

Mettler-Toledo Safeline has launched a Universal Serial Bus (USB) socket built into its product inspection system to make it easier for the food industry to record quality control.

Hershey packer fails to record worker injuries for four years

The US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited a packer of Hershey chocolates for multiple health and safety violations.

Processing is a dirty word – but we’ll need more of it to feed the world

Processing has become a dirty word, but we are going to need more processing, not less, in order to feed a growing population, according to professor and head of food science at Penn State University John Floros.

Thirst for beverage cans drives Rexam profit growth

Strong performance in beverage cans, particularly specialty containers, combined with a raft of coast cutting measures fuelled a jump in 2011 underlying profits of over £50m (€59m), said Rexam.

Mondi tables €280m bid to acquire remaining stake in Polish subsidiary

Mondi Group has made a €280m cash bid to buy out the remaining stake in its Polish subsidiary in order to streamline its corporate structure and continue growth in Eastern Europe.

Latin American ‘strength’ spurs Saint-Gobain glass packaging growth

Glass packaging provider Saint-Gobain will continue to focus on emerging market development after strong Latin American sales “spurred” organic growth of more than 25%.

News in brief

134 arrested in China in continued ‘gutter oil’ crackdown

A total of 134 people in the Chinese province of Shandong were arrested in 2011 for producing and selling ‘gutter oil’, according to China state media agency Xinhua.

China food safety collaboration will ensure health through best practices - USDA

Officials from the US and China have signed an agreement that will see the nations collaborate on issues including food safety over the next five years.

Acrylamide limit ‘red tape’ premature, says FDF

The added bureaucracy of legal limits for acrylamide in foods is preventable as industry efforts to reduce levels have been sufficient, says the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

First lab-grown meat moves one step closer, say researchers

The World’s first burger made entirely from laboratory grown test-tube meat could be ready 'by fall' say the team of Dutch researchers behind the project.

News in brief

China FDA appoints new director

China’s State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) has announced the appointment of a new director, according to reports from Chinese news agency Xinhua.

Research hails chlorine dioxide gas potential to combat Listeria threat on RTE meat processing kit

Chlorine dioxide (CIO2) gas has the capacity to completely inactivate Listeria monocytogenes (LM) on ready-to-eat (RTE) meat processing equipment, according to new research.

‘Talking’ packaging is the future – researchers

Food packaging could “talk” to consumers in the next few years courtesy of a mobile phone application, according to a Finnish research centre.

$80m plant investment will boost beverage can production – Anheuser-Busch

Leading US brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABInBev) has announced plans to boost beverage can production at its Missouri-based Metal Container Corporation (MCC) plant through an investment of around $80m.

Food safety perception: The disconnect between consumers and manufacturers

A new global survey of food manufacturers found that most (98%) are confident about their food safety performance - but 70% of consumers aren't convinced. FoodNavigator-USA spoke to Hank Lambert, general manager of food and water at UL, which commissioned the survey.

News in brief

IFS Management agreement will boost food safety standard recognition – Packaging Association

The US Packaging Association (PAC) has joined forces with global standard owner IFS Management GmbH in order to achieve international recognition for its PACsecure food safety standard.

Tray sealing producer fined after worker loses fingers, overhauls safety procedures

Packaging producer Proseal has been ordered to pay more than £7,000 (€8,350) by UK authorities after one of its workers had two fingers severed in an accident at its plant.

Larger bakery lines possible with new Dutch site, says Capway

Bakery equipment manufacturer Capway Systems has opened a €9.5m factory in the Netherlands that it says will allow it to produce some of the largest equipment on the market.

Packaging People on the Move

FoodProductionDaily.com highlights some of the recent appointments of movers and shakers in the packaging sector.

Amcor profits rise on steady demand and cost cuts

Amcor said strong performance across the board in its flexible and rigid packaging divisions fuelled a 14% profit increase in the first half of the year as recent acquisitions of Ball and Alcan continued to reap rewards.

FDA carbendazim measures reassessment refusal meets industry backlash

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has refused to move on allowable levels of carbendazim in orange juice product imports – meeting disapproval from the US industry.

New lightweight packaging for fresh meat industry will reduce carbon footprint, says creator

LINPAC Packaging claims their two new lightweight packaging films will help boost sustainability in the fresh meat sector.

News in brief

Brenntag strengthens Indian market foothold

Leading chemical distributor Brenntag has strengthened its foothold in the emerging Indian market through the opening of a new head office in Mumbai.

Thermo Fisher puts ‘global’ carbendazim orange juice issue to the test

Thermo Fisher Scientific says it has internally validated a faster and more accurate new method for detecting residue levels of carbendazim in oranges and orange juice than one technique now being used by the US FDA to test Brazilian imports.

Bosch claims first airtight single material packaging technology

Bosch Packaging Technology has launched what it says is the first machine capable of hermetically sealed single-wrap die fold packaging for small to medium sized chocolate bars.

Continuous motion flow pack machine can drive efficiency – Cavanna

An integrated system for flow packaging featuring robotics can boost efficiency, according to packaging group Cavanna.

News in brief

New production line will save time and cut costs - Nampak

Nampak claims that newly installed printing technology will reduce food packaging production costs and shorten delivery times by up to eight weeks.

Arsenic fears sparks call for ORBS limits in organic foods

There is an urgent need to set regulatory limits for organic brown rice syrup (ORBS) found in organic food products over links to inorganic arsenic exposure, according to a study.

Edible food packaging is the future, Harvard developer claims

US scientists have developed a food packaging technology that could eliminate the need for plastic containers, and the lead developer told FoodProductionDaily.com that it could hit the market inside 12 months.

Top SPX exec 'encouraged' by multinational and local dairy demand in China

Leading food processing machinery manufacturer SPX says it is 'encouraged' by recent successes within the dairy sector, and the firm's president, Food and Beverage Systems, Kenneth Rodi, told DairyReporter.com that the company anticipated strong product demand from emerging regions such as China and the Middle East.

FSIS reiterates foodborne outbreak reduction promise despite funding cuts

Federal food safety and inspection funding is set to be cut by nearly $10m, in a second wave of money saving measures by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Diversey acquisition drives Sealed Air record Q4 sales results

The acquisition of cleaning and hygiene services provider Diversey helped boost record Q4 2011 sales, packaging giant Sealed Air has announced.

Cantaloupe listeria scare still affecting US recalls - ExpertRECALL

The 2011 cantaloupe-related Listeria outbreak has continued to effect food recalls across the US, with a 50% increase in the number of recalls in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared with Q3.

Emerging Asian beverage can demand driving plant investment – Crown Holdings

Crown Holdings will boost its annual beverage can production capacity in China and Malaysia by nearly 1.5bn in order to meet growing demand in the countries.

News in brief

FSA chief executive Smith extends stay as head of agency

UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) chief executive Tim Smith has agreed to extend his stay as head of the organisation until the end of October 2012.

EU bioplastic strategy a good start but more 'specific actions are needed' – European Bioplastics

A new EU strategy targeting a sustainable bioeconomy has been welcomed with caution by a leading bio plastics association representing the industry.

Emerging market flexible packaging demand drives sales - Huhtamäki Oyj

“Robust” emerging market flexible packaging demand has helped drive net sales growth for 2011, packaging provider Huhtamäki Oyj has announced.

News in brief

UK meat processor found guilty of cold chain violation

A UK meat processing company has been found guilty of failing to keep meat chilled throughout the food chain at the Old Bailey, after being taken to court by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA).

New technology brings new opportunities for NZ avocados

A new post-harvest technology could soon result in New Zealand grown avocados being exported to markets around the world, which are currently off-limits due to problems around rapid maturation and ripening of the fruit during shipping.

Weetabix invests £20m in UK and North American sites

UK-based cereal firm Weetabix has announced plans to invest £20m (€23.9m) across its manufacturing facilities in the UK and North America.

UV and hydrogen peroxide combo most effective listeria reducing treatment, claims study

A combination of ultraviolet-light (UV) and hydrogen peroxide (HP) is the best treatment to reduce listeria during brining, according to a study.

SPX signs bumper deal to kit out Shanghai dairy factory

Food processing machinery specialist SPX has won a multi-million dollar contract to kit out Bright Dairy & Food Co’s new processing plant in Shanghai, China.

Proposed budget increase will 'strengthen' China food safety - FDA

The US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has requested a budget increase of more than $250m for 2013 – including $10m to strengthen the safety of Chinese produced food.

Eco-friendly food processing techniques could replace 'time-consuming' practices – EU project

An EU project is aiming to put in place new sustainable food processing measures for the industry after the current life cycle analysis (LCA) system was labeled “time-consuming”.

Sonoco achieve record sales despite 'challenging year'

A food packaging segment sales boost of more than 100% has helped drive record sales for 2011, despite it proving to be a “challenging year”, packaging giant Sonoco has announced.

News in brief

Food packaging giant’s UK-based arm faces disruption over strikes

Workers from Mayr-Melnhof Packaging (MMP) UK have walked out over the handling of compulsory job redundancies.

‘No reports of injury’ says Fonterra after massive butter recall

Fonterra has recalled 410,000 packs of butter after consumer complaints about the presence of ‘fine metal objects’, and has moved quickly to limit fallout from the incident.

New gas detection sensors to identify waste issues and bugs during food processing - study

Researchers in the US have improved the performance of sensors that detect chemical and biological agents such as pathogens, potentially benefiting the food processing industry.

US OJ carbendazim measures may violate international trade pacts – import law firm

US imposed carbendazim-related orange juice import measures could be in violation of international trade agreements, according to a US imports legal consultancy.

French BPA ban will ‘jeopardise’ US exports – USDA

A French ban on food packaging chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) will “jeopardise” US exports to the European country, according to a US government report.

Industry experts line up for Sustainable Packaging Virtual Conference

A host of leading industry voices will be taking part in FoodProductionDaily.com’s virtual conference on Sustainable Packaging which takes place on 8 March, 2012.

News in brief

Packaging firm enters into agreement with USDOJ over acquisition

Global paper and packaging manufacturing International Paper Company has come to an agreement with the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice (USDOJ) in relation to its acquisition of Temple Inland Inc.

One step microcapsules will provide new opportunities and benefits for industry, say researchers

An innovative new technology platform could provide manufacturers and food formulators with greater control and speed when producing encapsulated ingredients such as flavours and bioactive ingredients, say its developers.

Industry fury over unfair and unachievable UK plastic packaging recycling targets

The leading UK plastics trade body has launched a withering attack on what it says are unrealistic and unfair Government recycling targets for plastic packaging.

News in brief

Harsh sentences handed down for Chinese food safety violations in 2011

Almost 300 people who violated Chinese food safety laws were handed sentences including life imprisonment and the death penalty in 2011, according to a Chinese news agency.

Mettler Toledo targets emerging market expansion as demand holds up in 2011

Mettler Toledo posted buoyant full year and fourth quarter results as demand held up throughout the 12 months but forecast that growth would slow in 2012 as the worldwide recession bit deeper.

Carbendazim in OJ shipments of no “particular concern” to EU

The presence of carbendazim in imported orange juice and concentrate is of no “particular concern” to health officials in Europe, despite continued measures in the US.

Automation necessary to meet 'critical' food safety requirements: Tetra Pak

Tetra Pak has told DairyReporter.com that it believes plant automation systems are necessary to meet critical food safety requirements worldwide, and reduce the risk of human error.

Smurfit Kappa voices Venezuelan seizure fears as it posts strong 2011 results

Smurfit Kappa Group (SKG) announced a big jump in its 2011 profits and two new acquisitions, as it flagged up falling demand at the end of the year and the future risk that its Venezuelan operations may be seized by the Hugo Chavez-led government.

GEA food sector acquisitions focus after 2011 results boost

GEA has vowed to continue its focus on food sector acquisitions after the company’s newly acquired Convenience Food Technologies segment helped drive 2011 sales and revenue.

News in brief

Tesco adopts shelf-life extending ethylene-absorbing packaging

Tesco has become the latest supermarket to trial a new food packaging that claims to prolong the freshness of produce and ultimately reduce waste.

China Olympians banned from eating pork over clenbuterol fears

Chinese athletes preparing for the 2012 London Olympics have been banned from eating pork over fears they may consume clenbuterol – the prohibited performance enhancing substance that led to Tour de France winner Alberto Contador's recent sports ban.

Recycling facility will fill a critical void in the marketplace – company

A new US recycling facility dedicated to producing food grade post-consumer recycled PET (rPET) flake will fill a “critical void in the marketplace”, according to recycling specialists Perpetual Recycling Solutions.

Bio-degradable packaging material ‘perishes’ within six months - developer

Israeli researchers are developing a biodegradable packaging material that automatically “perishes” within 180 days – providing a ‘green’ solution for the food and drink industry.

Hermetic double twist wraps can enhance lollipop shelf life up to a year, claims GEA

Food tech firm GEA claims hermetically sealing lollipops can increase shelf life up to a year compared to standard double twist wrapping.

Alfa Laval says fourth quarter dip can’t spoil successful 2011

Alfa Laval hailed 2011 as “successful” as orders and operating income grew year-on-year but the company noted slowing in demand in the final quarter.

News in brief

US packaging provider expands end of line portfolio

Packaging machinery provider Pro Mach has expanded its end of line business unit with the acquisition of Edson Packaging Machinery.

E-beam tech effective leafy green safety tool but industry unwilling to adopt – study

Use of electron beam irradiation on spinach and lettuce can significantly cut virus-related foodborne illnesses, said scientists as they questioned why take up of the technology was not greater by fresh produce industry players.

Refillable bottles are the future, says Petainer, unveiling ‘greenest ever’ bottle

Plastic packaging technology business Petainer has launched its ‘greenest ever’ refillable plastic bottle using 25% post-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and claims it is a significant environmental improvement.

Glass packaging firms must be 'nimble, innovative and consumer-centric': O-I chair

US glass packaging company Owens-Illinois (OI) says it has made important changes to its supply chain setup and engineering teams to increase its customer focus.

Dispatches from ProSweets

Cama aims for machine that never stops

Automatic changeovers that reduce down-time will be the trend informing confectionery packaging machinery in 2012, according to Renato Dell’Oro of packaging technology firm Cama.

Hard-boiled eggs recalled across 34 US states over Listeria fears

More than one million hard-boiled eggs are being recalled across the US over fears the products could be contaminated with potentially-deadly Listeria monocytogenes.

Food irradiation standard addresses processing and packaging issues

A series of packaging and processing requirements, designed to manage food irradiation processes, have been outlined in a new international standard - with the aim of ensuring food quality and safety.

Cheer in Vietnamese beer for O-I after Aussie doldrums

Only weeks after it scaled-back production in Australian due to a flat market for glass caused by slow beer sales, glass packaging giant Owens-Illinois (O-I) has opened a new production plant in Vietnam.

General Mills plans Quick Response on cereal boxes, despite commentator's scepticism

General Mills is the latest company to experiment with QR (quick response) codes and plans to add them to its cereal boxes, but one well-known technology commentator is sceptical about their benefits.

Shifting economic landscape prompts Elopak European ops overhaul

Elopak announced that an overhaul of its European organisation has been fuelled by the need to adapt to the current economic crisis and an industry landscape transformed by consolidation and M&A activity.

Brazil trade body questions carbendazim double standards after US OJ breaches import limit

A Brazilian orange juice trade body has called for a stop to ‘double standard’ carbendazim measures after US officials declined to take action against US-manufactured orange juice containing the banned fungicide.

News in brief

Multi-million pound food processor opens new factory in bid to boost food exports

Food processor Willowbrook Foods has more than doubled production capacity with a new factory in Northern Ireland.

News in brief

DS Smith shareholders approve SCA packaging buyout bid

DS Smith shareholders have backed the company’s £1.4bn takeover of SCA Packaging.

Canadian tech firm partners Irish poultry giant in campylobacter fight

Canadian firm AbCelex Technologies has announced a strategic collaboration with major Irish poultry processor the Carton Group to develop products effective against Campylobacter jejeuni.

East African lawmakers consider ban on plastic packaging

An East African regional government organisation has passed a Bill that would make the manufacture, sale, importation and use of polythene materials, including food packaging, illegal.

Demand and earnings hold steady for International Paper

International Paper (IP) has posted strong full year results - despite a weaker fourth quarter – as demand across its packaging operations held up in 2011.

Self-chilling beverage cans will take market by storm: Joseph Company CEO

US firm Joseph Company International is launching the world’s first ‘self-chilling beverage can’ using licensed technology, even tested by NASA, that cuts out the need for refrigeration, and says it has already had interest from two of the world’s largest retailers.

Japanese dairy firms address consumer radiation concerns

Top Japanese dairy companies have announced that they are set to begin screening products for radiation at around 180 factories, in response to growing consumer concerns about radioactivity levels in food.

FSA publishes priorities on science and evidence

Microbiological food safety, allergen risk, and novel technologies are among the top areas of priority for the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the forthcoming year.

Packaging material factory opening will boost milk carton output – Tetra Pak

Global packaging supplier Tetra Pak hopes to boost its output capacity of material used for chilled beverages cartons such as milk by around half a billion packages through its latest factory opening.

'Chicken and egg' dilemma stunts food irradiation takes up

Use of irradiation among European food processors remains relatively scarce with less than 10,000 tonnes (t) of produce treated across the region in 2010, a new report from Brussels has revealed.

Packaging acquisitions boost Silgan 2011 results

A series of “significant investments” including the acquisition of a string of packaging firms have helped drive record sales, packaging supplier Silgan Holdings has announced.

Dispatches from ProSweets 2012

Combined technology can cut changeover times, claims Franz Haas

BakeryAndSnacks.com spoke to Anders Filt of Franz Haas on the show floor at ProSweets 2012 about a bakery processing machine that combines three technologies that he claims can cut changeover times to 15 minutes.

China food safety inspection results are ‘alarming’ - AsiaInspection

Over half of food processing and packaging firms on the Chinese mainland failed safety inspections in 2011 – a figure food quality control company AsiaInspection has called “alarming.”

The People’s Republic of Beverage Cans: Ball Packaging plans to shift US lines to China

Ball Packaging says it is selling every beverage can it makes for the Chinese market, with huge opportunities in sectors such as beer, and wants to relocate equipment there from ‘mature markets’ such as the US.

US beverage seal trounces flavouring agent transfer: company

Freudenberg Process Seals is launching its new Fluoroprene XP 40 sealing material onto the US market, and said it overcome the limitations of existing products offered to beverage processors.

News in brief

Watermelons linked to death in UK Salmonella Newport outbreak

Watermelons have been linked to an outbreak of Salmonella Newport that has sickened more than 30 people and killed one.

Salmonella cases halved under 10 years of EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recognised a decade of research by highlighting a reduction of human Salmonella cases by almost a half since 2004.

Krones warns of profit plunge over possible fraud case payout

Krones has warned that damages it may be forced to pay over its alleged involvement in a US fraud and racketeering scam could cut its profits by tens of millions of dollars. The company denies any wrongdoing.

News in brief

US food processor fined over ammonia leak

An ammonia leak at a US plant that sickened over a dozen people has cost a salami processor nearly $7m in penalties and investment promises.

Billerud makes Finnish paper packaging acquisition, sees tough end to 2011

Billerud has reached a deal to buy the paper packaging operations of Finnish company UPM-Kymmene for €130m (SEK 1.2bn).

Crown Holdings CEO shrugs off full-year profit slump

Despite a slump in 2011 net profits, Crown Holdings chairman and CEO John Conway said new beverage can lines in “promising emerging markets” such as Brazil, Vietnam and China boosted the company’s fourth quarter (Q4) and full-year trading performance.

Dispatches from ProSweets 2012

Day Two: Pro Sweets 2012 in pictures

The trade fair ProSweets 2012 got into full swing in its second day in Cologne, Germany and here are some images to give those who can’t be there a taste of the event.

DNA-nanotech development will move pathogen testing from lab to field - developer

A breakthrough handheld nanotechnology-based bio-sensor can detect a range of threats including Listeria, Salmonella and E.coli in as little as an hour, its developer has claimed.

‘ScentSational’ packaging coating delivers food or drink aroma

An “invisible technology” that allows food and beverage processors to add the product aroma to its packaging has been developed.

Plastic packaging GMP guideline released

A leading US trade association yesterday published its good manufacturing practice (GMP) guidelines for players operating throughout the plastic packaging supply chain.