Breather helps food plants keep humidity out of lubricating fluids

A dessicant breather helps food companies cut down on the extreme humidity that can occur during in-plant steam cleaning operations.

UK soft drinks in benzene recall

Britain's food safety watchdog has demanded recalls on four soft drinks brands, after it found they were contaminated with benzene at up to 28 times the country's limit for drinking water.

Salmonella kit delivers results in under a day, company claims

A new testing kit for Salmonella promises to deliver results in less than a day.

Wiseman, Arla show UK dairy recovery

Early signs suggest a recovery on Britain's dairy market as both Arla Foods UK and Robert Wiseman halt the margin rot with brand development and price rises.

EU authorities co-ordinate efforts against illegally declared foods

Greater international co-ordination in reducing the amount of illegally declared foods entering and exiting the EU's borders could be the result of a meeting held yesterday by the bloc's anti-fraud...

Proposals made to amend weighing standards for meat, poultry

The federal government's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) wants to amend weighing standards for meat and poultry products.

Food processor hunts for new cooked pasta packing process

A food company is on the hunt for experts to develop equipment that can package cooked pasta more efficiently, according to an anonymous proposal put forward by a consultancy.

Treofan and NatureWorks link up to market biodegradable film

German-based Treofan has entered into a new agreement with US-based NatureWorks to market its biodegradable film to food packagers.

Conveyor provides short transfer system between belts

A new conveyor belt is designed to move food products from a narrow size belt to a wider one or vice versa through a 90 degree angle.

Industry blasts new rules on preferential trade area imports

Stricter rules on imported foods and ingredients would cause a red tape nightmare for processors, says the EU food industry.

French government unveils wine rescue plan

The French government has launched a multi-million euro rescue plan for France's ailing wine industry, including €12m export support and an overhaul of the quality control system.

Cott cleared to buy Macaw, for now

The door is open to the biggest consolidation yet on Britain's private label soft drinks market, after competition authorities provisionally backed Cott Corporation's takeover of rival Macaw.

Virus detecting technique designed for molluscs

A new laboratory technique could dramatically cut the millions of cases of food poisoning caused every year by eating molluscs such as oysters.

Commission steps in to stem price drop in poultry sector

The European Commission stepped in today to help stem the fall in prices for eggs and poultry due to consumer fears over avian influenza.

Melton Mowbray pie fight to be heard by EU court

Northern Foods' battle to keep its lucrative market for Melton Mowbray pork pies will be heard by the EU's top court.

Benzene levels in soft drinks are safe, says FDA

Levels of benzene found in soft drinks so far are not a safety risk for consumers, says the US food safety watchdog, attempting to calm public concern.

Cosun predicts tough times despite solid results

Royal Cosun has put a slight increase in profit down to the contribution from Nedalco, but anticipates challenging times ahead.

Codex committee debates dairy standards

A Codex committee meets this week to hammer out international standards for the dairy industry, including contentious issues such as who can label their cheese as "parmesan".

Swabs pick up tough bacteria that survive cleaning

Biotrace International has released a range of sponges or swabs to help food companies pick up harmful bacteria that have survived the cleaning process.

Sidel to unveil new structure and technologies at Anuga

Sidel and its subsidiary Simonazzi will be joining forces for the forthcoming Anuga expo in Germany, where it will be revealing the group's new structure and introducing a range of...

High sugar price may boost shift to premium products in China

Food and beverage firms making premium products will cope best with the current surge in price of both Chinese and imported sugar, with higher margins to cover the rise in...

Numico sharpens focus by outsourcing milk powder plant

Royal Numico plans to partially outsource its base milk powder production in order to focus its production platform on higher value-added ingredients.

Genencor launches enzyme technology for meat processors

Genencor International is to launch its Prionzyme as a sanetising device for meat processors - equipment that will help ensure optimum hygiene and also prevent the spread of Bovine Spongiform...

Weekly Comment

Salt debate leaves bitter taste

The current debate about the levels at which the UK's food regulator has set its salt reduction targets misses the point about how healthier eating habits can be achieved.

Thermo upgrades monitoring functionality to meet R&D needs

Thermo Electron, provider of analytical instruments and informatics for the food and beverage industry is about to unveil the latest upgrades to its processing monitor equipment in Europe.

Campbells' puts UK and Irish businesses up for sale

As part of efforts to consolidate its production and business portfolio in Europe, US food giant Campbells' says it is considering the sale of certain of its UK and Irish...

DSM to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide

Moves by DSM to reduce pollution emissions at its plants is a sign of the times for food companies, as tougher environmental laws come into force in the EU and...

Blue cheese dodges FSA salt slashing plan

Wrangling between the UK dairy industry and the country's food watchdog is set to continue over salt slashing targets, after both failed to reach an agreement to cut salt in...

Americans more aware of foodborne illness, says study

American consumers are eating safer, according to new findings that reveal the number of 'risky foods' consumed has declined significantly in recent years.

UN report shows dramatic fall in BSE incidents

A UN report on the dramatic drop in cases of Bovine Spongiform Encepalopathy (BSE) or "mad cow disease" worldwide, could help food companies win back former beef eaters.

Morrison outlines plan to cut costs as profit falls dramatically

A fall in profitability by £313m (€452m) has pushed management at Wm Morrison to come up with a three-year recovery plan, placing further pricing pressure on suppliers.

Ireland's noodle survey finds undeclared irradiation use

A survey of dried noodles on the market by Ireland's regulator highlights the problems food companies face in meeting regulations on irradiation in the EU and worldwide.

Can Arla beat the boycott?

As Arla Foods begins on the long road to recovery in its Middle East dairy markets, DairyReporter.com delves into the nature of consumer boycotts and the effects they may have....

Meeting debates microbiological standards

A four-day public consultation could result in newor amended rules food companies will have to applywithin their manufacturing plants.

Solution designed for reducing Salmonella

A new antimicrobial solution can help reduceSalmonella when used as a rinse for the birds andmechanical pickers, according to its manufacturer.

Bacteria elimination program battles food safety fears

A method to eliminate or reduce bacteria inproducts coupled with a certification system couldhelp processors overcome public fears about foodsafety.

Wrinkle-free film launched in European market

A wrinkle-free pack film for confectionary products has been launched into the European market.

EC approves overseas promotion of food products

The EC has approved measures designed to promote food products in countries outside the EU in order to counter growing concern over global competition.

Pernod profits beat predictions

Pernod Ricard's share price rose steadily after the group's net profits beat several predictions, in its first financial check-up since taking over Allied Domecq.

Printer designed for coding dairy products

A printer has been launched on the market specifically designed for coding dairy products.

Food safety watchdog says cooked poultry, eggs "safe"

A report on avian influenza from the EU's food safety watchdog could help to calm consumer fears about eating poultry and eggs, even though the regulator's scientists have also sounded...

Sonic wave technology buys into distribution system

Pursuit Dynamics, the UK-based creators of a novel sonic wave processing technology, today announced the purchase of a specialist food and drink equipment distributor.

New paper label grade designed for high speed breweries

A new paper grade for self-adhesive labels used by breweries has been developed for high-speed production.

Free consultancy service launched in UK's South East

Food and drink companies in the UK's South East can get their operations assessed by an independent consultancy for free, under a government-funded development programme.

Software gives managers a wider picture of the shipping area

Unisto Electronic Seals has launched additions to its software management system for trailers and tractors, using radio frequency identification (RFID) to give managers a wider picture of what is happening...

Dairy Crest fined after mice get its cheese

UK processor Dairy Crest has been fined £17,000 after food hygiene authorities found mouse droppings on bottles of milk and packs of cheese at one of its distribution depots.

Claim: rapid Salmonella test provides cheaper alternative

A test to detect Salmonella in ready-to-eat meats is cheaper than other rapid detection methods, research scientists claim.

US gears up for possible bird flu outbreak

The Bush administration today published plans to prevent an outbreak of avian influenza in the US, a day after the agriculture secretary forecast that the disease would show up in...

FSAI issues regulatory wake-up call to Irish food cos

Food companies are largely unaware of regulatory hurdles to placing a new product on the market, according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), which has this week published...

Ter Beke and Pluma to create processed meats powerhouse

Two food companies in Belgium have announced plans to merge their operations, creating the largest processed meats group in the country and a powerhouse in the Benelux region.

Cereal suppliers cautious over new GM trade rules

The adoption of detailed documentation requirements for genetically modified (GM) food in the international trade of agricultural commodities has been met with caution by grain and cereal importers.

Agency consults UK industry on plan to improve employee skills

The UK's food manufacturers are being consulted on a master plan to develop and boost employee skills.

Packaging trays created out of metal-detectable plastic

A range of trays and depanning suction cups are the latest products to be made out of metal-detectable plastic produced for the food industry by a UK company.

Analysis kits for water soluble vitamins receive certification

A scientific organisation has certified analysis kits for testing water soluble vitamins in foods.

Nanotech database compiles consumer items on the market

A canola oil product, a cocoa drink and a chocolate gum are among the fifteen food and drink items listed in a new online nanotechnology database.

EU opens geographical indications system to foreigners

The EU's Agriculture & Fisheries Council today voted in favour of opening the bloc's geographical indications (GI) system to foreign competition.

Law firm welcomes simplification of food regulations

Owen Warnock, partner and food law expert at law firm Eversheds, believes that UK plans to simplify the regulation and legislation of the food industry are to be welcomed.

Coca-Cola tests soft drinks for benzene

Coca-Cola said it was testing its soft drinks around the world for benzene, as the group sought to reassure consumers that soft drinks were only a very small contributor to...

Round up: Denmark hit by deadly strain of bird flu

Avian influenza was found in a wild bird in Denmark this week, making it the eleventh EU member to report a suspected or confirmed case of the Asian strain of...

Europeans snack and dine through hectic lives, report

European consumers are increasingly skipping meals at home and instead opting to snack or eat in restaurants, a trend that is set to continue on the back of hectic lifestyles,...

Safety regulator finds mollusc allergens not reduced by processing

The EU's food safety authority has found that allergens in molluscs are not reliably reduced by processing techniques, paving the way for the bloc to impose labelling requirements on a...

Graham Packaging moves in with Royal Numico

In a move that brings it closer to a key customer, Graham Packaging has opened a new bottle-making plant in Zoetemeer, the Netherlands, on site with Royal Numico.

Shrink label film provides high clarity barrier

A new shrink-label film provides a high-clarity barrier for displaying food products.

Filtration system designed for oily wastes

A new membrane filtration system is especially useful for the treatment of oily wastes before they leave the plant, according to its manufacturer.

Chirac dismisses French protectionism claims

Europe has no time for national champions if it is to compete in the world, warned the European Commission president Wednesday, as French president Jacques Chirac dismissed claims that France...

Food industry calls for action to boost competitiveness

The EU's food industry yesterday called on political leaders to get behind a proposed economic growth programme for the bloc, especially in relation research, small and medium-sized businesses, energy policy...

EU parliament to vote on changes to geographical indication system

European members of parliament are due to vote today on proposed changes to the bloc's geographical indications (GI) system in a bid to comply with a World Trade Organisation decision.

Industry wants crackdown against anti-competitive packaging laws

The EU's packaging industry association has called on the European Commission to crackdown on members states who break the rules under the bloc's harmonised system of law.

Stacking robot is fastest in world, company claims

A Spanish company claims to have developed what it calls the fastest robot in the world for the personal care industry.

Global fish oil production down in 2005

Global fish oil production declined in 2005, according to figures from the US fisheries department, while demand from the nutraceuticals industry is on the up.

Buhler targets growth in pasta segment

Switzerland-based Buhler is making a renewed bid to capture a bigger share of the growing market for pasta-making machines.

Scientists map out action plan on food industry research

The EU's researchers have received funding to map out a course of action on developing food production in the bloc.

Italy extends labelling law in protectionist stance

Italy has made country-of-origin labelling mandatory on some tomato products, another indication of the country's increasing trend towards making it harder for foreign food products to enter its market.

New fire safety rules puts more responsiblity on plant managers

New fire safety rules affecting all businesses in England and Wales will come into force in October, placing greater responsibilities on plant managers.

Rexam ups capacity for non-standard beverage cans

Rexam is catering to increased demand for different sized beverage cans.

US BSE case further blow against regaining markets

The US has found another case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), a blow against the country's recent success at regaining its international beef markets.

EU, US sign off wine deal

A controversial agreement to protect Europe's traditional wine names like Champagne and Port from use by American winemakers has been officially signed by the US and European Union.

UK introduces licencing law for labour providers

Gangmasters supplying labourers to work in agriculture or food processing and packaging will need licences to operate in the UK.

E. coli outbreak from ground beef suspected in child's death

Following the death of a young boy due to a suspected E. coli outbreak in Norway, discounter Lidl has halted sales of ground beef produced in the country.

Toxic metal found in bottled water

Trace amounts of a little-researched toxic metal have been found in bottled water brands in PET bottles across Europe and Canada, says new research from Germany.

EU-funded sensor network goes a step beyond RFID

An EU-funded project is going a step beyond existing radio frequency identification (RFID) systems by developing a sensor network that will allow items to communicate more information about their surroundings.

Carrefour's results belie shaky strategy, claim analysts

The world's second largest supermarket has announced disappointing year-end results amid restructuring and an ambitious growth strategy - causing the firm's retail ratings to tumble.

Container features snap-off, reclosable cap

A plastic container for potato granules features a snap-off, re-closable cap, eliminating the need for a can opener.

Commission reopens debate on new labelling legislation

The European Commission has reopened debate on harmonising and increasing legislation on food labelling across the bloc, a move that could potentially lead to greater costs for businesses.

Argentina suspends beef exports

Processors who import their beef from Argentina are scrambling for another source of supply as the country's president announced the suspension of trade in the commodity for the next six...

Regulator to begin inspections of meat plants under hygiene law

Like its counterparts across the EU, the UK's food regulator has started inspecting meat plants, threatening to close those that do not comply with the bloc's new hygiene laws.

Nestlé to re-organise bottled water division

Nestlé Waters has confirmed it is examining how to re-organise its 75 bottled water brands into a more coherent unit, as rivals spring up from all sides.

Health conscious consumers drive UK oat sales

Hot cereals such as porridge and oatmeal are benefiting from a revival among Britain's health conscious consumers, according to Mintel.

Dual-lane system inspects two streams of food products

A dual lane x-ray system allows two streams of different food products to be inspected simultaneously on one machine.

UK regulator approves colour-coded nutritional labelling

Over manufacturer's objections the UK's food regulator yesterday approved a colour-coded nutritional labelling scheme for products.

Competition regulator to examine supermarkets' pricing power

In a major move that might help reduce the pricing power of the UK's major supermarkets, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) yesterday said it would refer the issue to...

Safety guide proposed for growing fresh-cut produce market

A draft guidance on the processing of most fresh-cut fruits and vegetables sets out standards producers should follow in reducing food safety hazards.

Regulator to publish grocers' names during recalls

A proposed federal rule would require publishing the names of grocers that sold potentially harmful food during recalls.

Leaders meet to revitalise WTO food trade talks

Trade negotiators from the EU, the US, Brazil, India, Japan and Australia are meeting in London this week for talks intended to move forward the stalling WTO Doha negotiations on...

Spain records high olive oil prices

Olive oil prices in Spain rose by 6.8 per cent between January and February 2006 and increased by 37.2 per cent during the last 12 months, as a result of...

RFID software is 'ready-to-go'

New software is designed to help food companies comply with retailer mandates to identify and track their products with radio frequency identification (RFID).

Defect removal system for potato strips ups production capacity

An automatic defect removal system for potato strips helps processors increase production capacity, its manufacturer claims.

Commission issues proposals on international food safety standards

The European Commission has issued a series of comments on proposed changes to the UN's international food safety standards on such issues as labelling and microbiological risk.

Mintel identifies key food innovations for 2006

Brain-power foods, portion control and products targeting the senior population are likely to be the food sectors to look out for in 2006, according to Mintel.

Sausage cutter speeds up production process, UFM claims

A high-speed sausage cutter launched in the UK meets the increasing demand for quick and efficient production, according to Union Food Machinery and Equipment (UFM).

EU to lift ban on UK beef

The European Commission's veterinary experts voted today to lift the 10-year old embargo on UK exports of live cattle, beef and beef products.

Aluminium foil buyers continue to downgauge

While exports of aluminium foil from Europe rose nine per cent in 2005, internal demand decreased by one per cent as manufacturers continue to downgauge and source material elsewhere.

Microbiologists meet to discuss role in fighting disease

Microbiology experts from across Europe are meeting in Cardiff, Wales today to discuss how to improve the fight against food borne bacteria such as E. coli O157, and diseases such...

Smart label senses quality of packaged meat

New smart label technology holds the promise of reducing the chance of spoilt or contaminated meat reaching retail shelves and of increasing consumer confidence in food safety.

Carbon monoxide use 'safe' says industry body

The issue over the use of carbon monoxide additives in meat continues to simmer in the US, with an industry body claiming that the potential food scare is a myth...

Sweden detects BSE for the first time, along with bird flu

Sweden has been hit with a double blow, becoming the first in the Scandinavian region to detect avian influenza in wild birds, and also finding its first case of bovine...

UK law would halve limit on ESBO used to seal baby foods

A new draft UK regulation that would halve the allowable limit of epoxidised soybean oil (ESBO) in the polyvinyl chloride gaskets used to seal baby food jars.

Coatings reduce fat in battered fish production

Coating fish with alginate, pectin, gellan gum or even water markedly reduces fat absorbtion in the final production of par-fried fish fillets, researchers have discovered.

Premier Foods strengthened by acquisitions and marketing

UK manufacturer Premier Foods has achieved flat sales but a year-end like-for-like grocery profit rise of 5.4 per cent - bolstered by rewarding acquisitions and a huge marketing drive.

EU warned over economic nationalism

A top economic expert has warned against growing economic nationalism in Europe, as reports say the French government will move to protect 20 companies, including Danone and Carrefour, from foreign takeovers.

Weekly Comment

The benzene trail

The gamble by US authorities 15 years ago to let the industry deal with benzene residues in soft drinks has failed, and instead only kept those who needed to know...

Bird flu spreads to France's southern region

Avian influenza continues to spread in the EU's largest poultry producer, with the country's agriculture ministry reporting over the weekend that the highly pathogenic type H5N1 had been detected in...

Western European manufacturers hit low ebb

Fears for Western Europe's food processing industry have been raised following revelations that firms are cutting back on jobs and R&D spending in the face of cheap foreign competitors. ...

Commission consults public on RFID use in Europe

The launch of a public debate on radio frequency identification (RFID) in the EU will pave the way for a unified policy on the wider use of the technology throughout...

Film designed for mixing, batching production

A water soluble film has been designed to meet the demand for the packaging of dry ingredients used in mixing and batching operations within the food processing industry.

Thermo Electron unveils online database for scientists

Thermo Electron Corporation, the market leader in analytical instrumentation, has launched a new catalogue that help scientists analyse food and drink samples faster.

France pledges bird flu aid for poultry industry

The French government has pledged emergency aid for poultry producers in the country affected by the increasing spread of bird flu.

'Leaked' WTO report stirs GM food controversy

A pressure group has alleged that a leaked confidential WTO ruling on the recent GM food trade dispute shows that many pro-GM arguments were lost.

Authorities pressured over benzene in soft drinks

More soft drinks will be tested for cancer-causing chemical benzene in the UK after it was revealed some drinks contain up to eight times the legal limit for drinking water.

Czechs to be fined over EU milk quota

The Czech Republic's dairy industry is facing a €7m (CK 200m) fine as milk output is forecast to exceed the national quota for 2005/6 of 2.682 billion kilos.

Glanbia blames poor results on EU dairy upheaval

Glanbia has blamed EU dairy sector restructuring and upheavals in the Irish market for a disappointing financial performance in 2005.

Waste management rules to boost chemicals market

Europe's water treatment chemicals market is set for steady expansion as regulatory authorities crack down industry's on waste and water management, says a new report.

EU food reforms should not be rushed, warns Boel

Those demanding quicker CAP reform should bear in mind the current speed of change and take into account the successful legacy of the EU's food policy, argues the European agriculture...

Plus Pack launches tamper evident bowl in UK

A new 'tamper evident' bowl with a sealed lid, which can only be removed by breaking the tear flap and 'safety lock' on the packaging, offers food producers a better...

UK food watchdog discovers benzene in soft drinks

Britain's food safety watchdog says initial tests on 230 soft drinks show benzene levels above the UK limit for water, as the industry tells BeverageDaily.com how it controls the issue.

Tetra Pak launches versatile packing line worldwide

Tetra Pak has rolled out it's A3/Flex packaging line worldwide, claiming no other carton packaging line around can offer food producers the same versatility.

Food labelling schemes a recipe for confusion, claims lawyer

Voluntary food labelling schemes could lead to greater confusion among consumers at a time when the EU is debating how best to harmonise regulations across the bloc, argues an industry...

Heinz sales up but profits slump

Leading manufacturer Heinz has reported a 24 per cent drop in third-quarter net income as downsizing, restructuring and increased commodity costs take their toll.

UK food watchdog finds benzene in soft drinks

Britain's food safety watchdog says initial tests on 230 soft drinks show benzene levels above the UK limit for water, as the industry tells BeverageDaily.com how it controls the issue.

Bird flu spreads tension in poultry industry

Tension escalated this week over bird flu, after France criticised other countries for banning its poultry and a new report warned of a "steady erosion" in global consumption and prices...

UK taskforce targets sustainable production

A new business taskforce, assembled by the UK government, will aim to identify ways that companies can move to more sustainable consumption and production practices.