Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Wiseman milks added value in the UK

Robert Wiseman became the second UK dairy processor to announce in line trading this week, thanks to success from its growing range of added value milk products.

ARS develops steps to retain bioactives in food samples

Scientists in the US have developed a set of procedures for the extraction, preparation and preservation of food samples to be analysed for their nutrient content, in order to reduce the impact of these processes on the bioactives to be measured.

Commission to tax and incentivise for greener Europe

Taxes and incentives could encourage 'green' behaviour if the policies of a recent European Commission green paper are adopted.

Portable gas detector improves plant safety

An upgraded sensor, which can detect up to four gases simultaneously, could reduce waste while improving plant safety, claims its manufacturer.

Humidity during heat processing reduces salmonella

Processing beef at low humidity reduces the effectiveness of killing salmonella through cooking, according to a recent study.

Heat sealing reduces salad packaging and spoilage

A new a way to seal flexible film packaging reduces the amount of material required and extends the shelf life of products, according to results of recent trials.

UK lagging behind in nanotechnology risk research

The 'slow progress' of the UK government to provide funding for research into the potential risks of nanotechnology has been criticised by a high-level advisory group.

New enzymes help distillers cut costs

Alcoholic drinks makers could benefit from a new range of enzymes that claim to increase production at the same times as significantly reducing operating costs.

Chocolate depositor promises efficient, easy moulding

Italian confectionery supplier OPM Chocolate has developed a new chocolate depositor which claims to boost efficiency levels on moulding lines while delivering on accuracy.

Researchers develop new nut allergen test

A research laboratory has developed new tests that enable processors to identify pine nuts and chestnuts in food, which could help protect consumers with allergies.

Filling technology allows UHT milk with real fruit

A leading Chinese dairy firm has used filling technology from European group SIG Combibloc to create UHT milk containing real pieces of fruit.

Thermometer assists tracing in supply chain

A portable refrigerator thermometer allows processors to record temperatures more accurately and easily, improving the traceability of products, its manufacturer claims.

New PET resins improve clarity at lower cost

Eastman Chemical Co. has launched three new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins that it claims offer better bottle clarity along with reduced production costs.

Tetra Pak to expand in China

Tetra Pak plans to tighten its grip on China's growing beverage and dairy markets with a €60m state-of-the-art packaging materials plant in the country, it announced Tuesday.

Ultrasound improves conveyer cleaning, says study

Ultrasonic treatment could provide processors with a new method of cleaning conveyor belts, according to a recent study.

Labellers allow packagers to down tools

Two new shrinkable sleeve labelling systems can handle a variety of container shapes with tool-less changeovers, its manufacturer claims.

Steam cleaning cuts salmonella in meat, says study

Using commercial household steam cleaning can provide smaller processing plants with a low cost method of decontaminating beef and hog carcasses, according to a recent study.

Steamer pouch made out of biodegradable PLA

A new steamer pouch for the microwave is made of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA).

How processors are coping with trans fat changes

A survey of three large food manufacturers have found that they were among those who moved fast to change their processing methods and ingredients to offset the consumer and regulatory backlash against trans-fatty acids.

Weekly Comment

Swallow your tongue

Fluffy language is increasingly clogging up the information air passages, and the food and drink industry must accept blame like everyone else.

Commission plans to raise environmental taxes

New European Commission proposals on 'green taxes' to be made this week could eventually lead to an increase in the cost of doing business in the EU.

Germany's deposit scheme gets all clear

The European Commission has closed the book on Germany's controversial bottle deposit scheme, saying changes to the mandatory return scheme now made it compatible with the EU's trade rules.

Citrus pigment waste could offer cheap sweeteners for industry

Researchers in Italy have developed a process to produce high purity sugars from citrus processing waste that could offer natural and inexpensive sweeteners for the food and beverage industries.

DSM calls for major overhaul of emissions trading scheme

Greenhouse gas emissions rights should be allocated according to product produced, rather than by manufacturing plant, Netherlands-based DSM said yesterday.

Text message sevice could improve recalls

An SMS text message service set up to alert subscribers about food allergy scares in the UK, could provide an example processors could use in preventing contaminated products from reaching the dinner table.

Portable heat sealer raises the speed bar

A new heat sealing machine can output 75 packs per minute, speeding up the process while remaining portable, its manufacturer claims.

Animal welfare concerns highlighted by survey

EU consumers are willing to pay more for foods and other products sourced from producers who adhere to animal welfare standards, according to a survey by the European Commission.

Bradman Lake sells packaging businesses

Packaging company Bradman Lake is selling off recently acquired brands Albro, Dico and Gravfil only months after investing in a new multi-million euro manufacturing facility.

Crown expands easy-open closure range

Crown Closures Europe has put out three new diameters for its Ideal brand, expanding the range for which it can be used for packing foods and beverages.

NEC succeeds in embedding RFID in bottle cap

Two Japanese companies have succeeded in developing a plastic bottle cap embedded with an radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

Modular belt improves washdown efficiency

A new modular belt is designed with less hinges to reduce both the risk of contamination and cleaning time during washdowns, its manufacturer claims.

Absorbent pads help retain packaged meat colour

A new absorbent pad prevents meat discolouration while retaining moisture in packaging, its manufacturer claims.

Pork belly trimmer offers precision with speed, manufacturer claims

A hand-held trimmer can speed up the removal of fat from smoked pork bellies while improving accuracy and meat yield, its manufacturer claims.

Sidel offers new service plans

Three grades of service plans have been launched that enable food processors to plan maintenance in advance for their machinery and equipment.

Gas use increases steadily in food and drink sectors

Processors will continue to use increasing amounts of gases, boosted by an rise in total food consumption, the popularity of frozen foods and a slight gain in carbonated beverage output, according to a study.

Egg fraud could crack consumer confidence

A fraud involving millions of imported caged or barn eggs sold in the UK as free range and organic could cause significant damage to the British industry if not resolved.

Industry calls for clearer regulation on use of recycled PET

The EU should move quickly to introduce clearer regulation on the use of recycled plastic for food packaging, said an industry body.

Fiber-optic light paves way for more accurate inspection

A new light source based on fiber-optic technology could be the next step in improving the accuracy of automated food inspection machines.

Bacteria effective against fresh cut fruit contamination

Harmless bacteria can be used to fight illness-causing pathogens that form on fresh cut fruit, according to the results of scientific tests published this week.

Reducing coffee's acrylamide may also hit flavour, antioxidants

A study by the European Commission and Nestlé Product Technology reports that efforts to reduce the acrylamide content of coffee also negatively affect flavour and nutritional benefits.

CIAA welcomes CAP proposals

Europe's food and drinks industry has welcomed the recent proposed regulatory simplifications made to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Labeller adds tamper safety to containers without changeovers

A new machine that can attach up to 400 tamperproof labels to containers per minute runs continuously without changeovers, its manufacturer claims.

Washing system cleans processing parts in minutes

A washing system can clean detachable food processing machine parts in minutes, allowing quick washdowns during changeovers, its manufacturer claims.

Functional stabilisers nanoengineered for foods

Dairy proteins and polysaccharides can be nanoengineered as new functional stabilisers for foods and packaging, according to scientists working on a project in Finland.

Goat's milk ice cream targets speciality market

Danisco has developed a new ice cream based on goat's milk, plugging the formulation as a means for companies to target the growing demand for speciality products.

Processing lab opens for pre-production testing

A new lab that provides powder processing services allows firms to test small batches before they progress to full production.

Bacteria effective against fresh cut fruit contamination

Harmless bacteria can be used to fight illness-causing pathogens that form on fresh cut fruit, according to the results of scientific tests published this week.

Weekly Comment

Rise and shine: the GM wake-up call

News that a variety of GM corn produced signs of liver and kidney toxicity in rats should be a wake-up call for better testing and more transparency from biotechs, if GMOs are to be accepted by increasingly sceptical consumers.

Nestle cuts water use at manufacturing plants

In a bid to cater to consumers' environmental concerns, Nestlé has pledged to further cut its water use and effluent discharges.

Pallietisers speed up process for PET

A new generation of palletisers for empty PET bottles meet the industry's need to speed up the process, claims its manufacturer.

UK allocates CO2 emission permits, reducing levels

UK food and drink companies face further pressure to reduce their CO2 outputs next year, with more plants in the sector coming under the second phase of the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Polystyrene foam performs then degrades, its manufacturer claims

A new polystyrene foam for food packaging offers accelerated degrading with no loss of performance while in use, its manufacturer claims.

Proposed legislation would limit RFID use

Proposed amendments to EU-wide privacy legislation would limit the ability of companies to collect and use personal data through the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies.

EU aflatoxin peanut project completed

A European project has reported success in controlling aflatoxin contamination in peanuts, a product that has seen its export value fall in recent years.

New EU food testing labs come into operation

Three new EU food laboratories are coming into operation today, providing testing facilities for heavy metals, mycotoxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Hungary to tighten processing sanctions after bird flu plight

Poultry processors in Hungary could face tighter sanctions for breaching health and safety laws as part of new proposals to combat bird flu, says the country's chief veterinarian Miklos Süth.

EFSA publishes opinion on pesticide levels in food

EFSA has issued an opinion on the possible health risks from certain proposed residue levels of pesticides in food and feed.

UK issues consultation on enforcing EU chemicals law

The UK has become one of the first countries in the EU to issue draft proposals on enforcing the bloc's new chemicals controls law, due to add to the regulatory cost burden faced by industry.

Packaging chemical linked to male fat and insulin resistance

Phthalates, a class of chemicals used in some plastic food packaging and linked to reproductive problems, has now been implicated in causing abdominal obesity and insulin resistance in adult males.

Metal detector suits smaller processors

A new entry-level metal detector has been designed to suit the needs of businesses with limited budgets, its manufacturer claims.

EFSA to review Monsanto maize concerns

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has revealed that it will review the new data presented by French scientists that revealed toxicity concerns in rats fed the MON863 variety of GM maize from Monsanto.

Wal-Mart suppliers on track to reduce packaging

Wal-Mart said this week that enough suppliers has signed on to its online "green" rating system, to keep the giant retailer on track toward achieving a five percent reduction in packaging by 2013.

Bisphenol A is safe, claim can manufacturers

A trade association representing US can manufacturers has hit back at a recent scientific study that claims bisphenol A (BPA) - a chemical linked to cancer - was found at 200 times the acceptable level in some canned baby food.

Rule allows processors to use other temperature devices

A proposed rule would allow manufacturers of canned cooked foods such as beans, corn, peas, and potatoes to use a wider range of more accurate temperature indicators.

Hart set to create Tetra Pak rival with SIG takeover

New Zealand billionaire Graeme Hart is now set to take over SIG Holding, creating a rival to Tetra Pak in the beverage packaging market.

Serious concerns raised over Monsanto GM maize variety

Monsanto's genetically modified maize MON863, authorised for human consumption since 2006, showed signs of liver and kidney toxicity in a rat study, raising concerns about its safety.

Krones to unveil new aseptic sterilisation process

Germany-based Krones next week plans to unveil a new sterilisation process for the aseptic filling of sensitive beverages.

Food science recruits on the rise

One of Britain's top universities for food science says interest is growing in the subject, offering the industry hope of beating a severe shortage of recruits.

Superchilling keeps fish fresh longer, claim scientists

Superchilling methods are being developed by Norwegian scientists to extend the shelf life of fish and meat, while reducing storage and transport costs.

TNA displays block bagging options

Integrated processing and packaging manufacturer TNA Solutions will be displaying new additions to its popular lines - offering a variety of different bag styles and block bottom bag capabilities.

Transparent epoxy withstands extremes

A new transparent epoxy approved for food contact is resistant to high temperatures and humidity, its manufacturer claims.

Sustainability policy to affect UK food law, says regulator

The environmental, social and economic impacts of new regulation will formally be taken into account under a new sustainability policy proposed by the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA).

New lubricant line extends durability, claims manufacturer

A new line of food-grade lubricants contains an antimicrobial preservative designed to increase the durability of greases used in plant machinery.

Research to develop organic processing standards

EU researchers will discuss ways to improve the safety and processing of organic and other "low-input" foods at an upcoming meeting in Stuttgart, Germany.

New film designed for high-speed packaging

A new polyester film designed for high-speed packing offers increased tensile strength, its manufacturer claims.

Fresh cut produce advisory calls for safety standards

Fresh-cut produce processors should immediately implement international food safety standards to prevent the contamination of their products, according to a new regulatory guidance.

Weekly comment

GM: A healthy debate

The development of genetically modified crops to improve human health could be the golden ticket for advocates to persuade the wary public that GM is not a wholly nefarious idea after all. But will a new, healthy spin be enough to counter deep-rooted fears that genetic modification, by its very nature, poses an equal and opposite threat to human health?

New transparent polymer film targets reduced costs

Borealis hopes its new transparent polypropylene (PP) film will hit all the right notes, citing its improved clarity, and "cost-effective, environmentally-friendly processing" characteristics.

Statement reveals breakdown in UK food safety

About 900 tonnes of poulty meat passed through a UK farm infected with bird flu and into the food chain during an outbreak of the disease last month, according to the country's public health minister.

Rexam to sell glass business to Ardagh

Ardagh Glass today announced an agreement to buy Rexam's glass container business for €660m.

Pizza flowrapper reduces packaging size and costs

A new modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system for pizzas reduces the need for two machines.

Food packaging to use recycled water bottles

Water bottles will be turned into packaging for food at a proposed €17.6m recycling plant in the UK.

Discovery Center to boost Tyson's innovation

Tyson foods, the world's largest protein processor, is set to boost its new product development with the opening of a new "Discover Center" in Arkansas for R&D.

Managers under pressure due to higher input costs

Input and energy costs for such commodities as wheat, corn, and barley, will remain high on the list of pressures plant managers will face over the course of this year, according to a new forecast report by Standard & Poor's (S&P).

EU considers allowing cloned meat, milk on market

Meat and milk from cloned animals could soon become available in the EU, depending on the outcome of a European Food Safety Authority scientific review.

SIG expands to meet packaging demand

SIG Combibloc, one of the world's largest carton packaging and filling system suppliers, is expanding production to meet rising demand.

Industry calls for rethink on risk-based inspections

The move to a risk-based inspection system could jeopardize consumer confidence in the safety of meat and poultry, according to an industry organisation.

Exclusive

Seven labour providers' licenses revoked

The licenses of seven labour providers to a major UK food processor were revoked last night, including one whose workers felt "in some danger".

Tea wash reduces pathogens in meat, say scientists

Tea could be the wonder ingredient used as surface washes to improve the safety of ready-to-eat meats and vegetable.

International Women's Day

Report highlights continuing workforce gender gap

With the European Commission highlighting the wide gender pay gap across the EU on Women's Day, some countries are taking action to promote more workplace equality between the sexes.

Industry calls for action on biofueled price rises

The EU's food and drink industry yesterday called on the bloc's governments to take action on halting price rises for their supplies, as more crops are diverted for biofuel production.

Pectin, fish skin and flour make a good film

Pectin, fish skin and soybean flour could be used to produce tough and versatile food packaging films that are biodegradable, according to new research.

Cancer chemical found at high levels in baby food

Canned food commonly eaten by pregnant women and infants contained over 200 times the accepted level of a chemical linked to cancer and birth defects, according to claims made in a study.

Breakthrough technology

The evolution of the nanotech revolution

The emerging science of nanotechnology is the next Big Bang in food formulation, processing and packaging.

Breakthrough technology

Baking breakthrough improves product quality

Bakers could soon be benefiting from new technology developed to ensure high standards of product quality and appearance are met while maximising efficiency, cutting costs and reducing waste.

Breakthrough technology

RFID supply chain revolution

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is revolutionising supply chain management.

Industry calls for long-term direction on emissions trading

UK food and drink companies are part of coalition of government, business and environmental groups, who yesterday issued a manifesto calling on the EU for clearer directions on the bloc's carbon emissions trading scheme.

Tstix technology takes on the teabag empire

A new infusion technique that allows one product to do the job of both teabag and teaspoon has grabbed interest from major companies and is looking to usurp the teabag's stranglehold on the hot beverage market.

Human genes in rice spark new GM row

Genetically modified rice containing human genes has received preliminary approval in the US, sparking new concerns and fears on both sides of the Atlantic.

ISO approves pasteurisation test

A test used worldwide to ensure pasteurisation has been completed properly has been officially endorsed by the International Standards Organsiation.

Book review

Meat handbook binds together industry knowledge

A handbook on meat products encapsulates the state of manufacturing knowledge accumulated by the industry to date.

Minimum rate guides against unlicensed labour

UK food processors can use a new pay guide as a tool to determine whether a labour provider is legal, according to the authority overseeing the industry.

Food sector vulnerable to emergencies, says study

Being lean and mean in the food and drink manufacturing sector might pay off in terms of profits, but the practice has left the supply chain vulnerable to a crisis, according to a UK government report.

Fake vodka poses health risk in UK

Thousands of litres of fake vodka seized at an illegal bottling plant in Wales may pose a serious danger to consumers' health, officials have said, warning the drinks trade to be on its guard.

Label printer supports wide RFID range

A new label printer supports the widest range of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in the industry, claims its manufacturer.

Vacuum packager handles range of products

A new vacuum packaging machine is designed to cope with a wide range of different products, its manufacturer claims.

EFSA publishes opinion on aflatoxin danger

Increasing the maximum levels of aflatoxins in certain nuts would have a minor effect on the risk to consumer health, according to EFSA.

Friction feeder targets food sector

A machine manufacturer has designed a stainless steel version of its friction feeder, entering the food market for the first time.

Digital laser sorter designed for frozen vegetables

A new laser sorter system uses digital rather than analogue methods to more accurately remove foreign materials from frozen vegetables, according to its manufacturer.

Weekly Comment

No excuses for illegal labour

There is no legitimate defence as to why some companies continue to use illegal labour. This isn't the vice trade, this is the food industry: no excuses.

Amendments on contaminant levels in force

Three new EU regulations on contaminant levels in food came into force this month, requiring tougher safety controls in manufacturing plants.

New system to allow greater boiler control, says manufacturer

New high tech computer controls would allow processors to modulate their steam and hot water boiler systems more accurately, its manufacturer claims.

Rules would establish 'high risk' list of imported foods

Proposed rules on imported foods and feeds of non-animal origin would establish a list of products deemed to need higher regulatory scrutiny at the EU's borders.

Exclusive

Two UK food processors face illegal labour prosecution

Executives at two food processors face criminal prosecution while many others are under investigation for using unlicensed labour, says the regulator responsible for enforcing the UK's gangmaster law.

Budvar plays down sale speculation

Czech Brewer Budejovicky Budvar has hit out at speculation the country's government is poised to sell the company as soon as possible.

Demand for aluminum foil reaches record high

Despite the continuing high price of aluminum foil, demand for the packaging material continues to rise, Europe's industry association said this week.

UK moves towards environmental food labelling

The UK has outlined its commitment to developing environmental labelling for food.

Dry goods batch system operates remotely

A precision batching system for dry goods can be monitored from abroad, providing diagnostics and performance reports to managers working remotely, its manufacturer claims.

New programme to boost apprenticeships

The UK will create a new programme to boost the number of apprenticeships available in food and drink manufacturing, part of a bid to increase skills levels in the industry.

Workshop to identify emerging food safety risks

Ways to identify emerging food safety risks will be at the heart of an upcoming workshop organised by the UK regulator and the EU food safety agency next week.

No flies on 'natural' pest control device

A new fly trap using a 'natural' attractant could replace chemical pest-controls in food processing plants, developers claim.

Vanillin studied as shelf-life extender

Vanillin mixed with a commercial available post-cut dip solution could help prevent fresh cut produce from becoming contaminated with pathogens, according to new research.