Factory auditor highlights major hygiene and cleaning issues

Frequent line changeovers, confusion over chemical detergent use and cleaning schedules that aren't thought through properly are major causes of hygiene and cleaning failures in food factories.

Multivac launches machine for packaging long food products

Processing equipment supplier Multivac is launching a vacuum chamber machine for packaging long food products, such as cylindrical sausages and certain types of whole fish.

Experts share scientific EDC issues in report

Scientific experts have outlined the focus on the level of evidence needed to characterise endocrine activity, according to a report from the Joint Research Centre (JRC).

Scientists engineer E.coli caffeine ‘addiction’ in beverages, say bacteria could clean wastewater

Scientists in the US have genetically modified an E.coli strain so that it is ‘addicted’ to caffeine, where it feeds on the stimulant and serves as a  biosensor to measure...

People on the move March 2013

FPD looks at people on the move March 2013

FoodProductionDaily.com takes a look at the key moves that have taken place in the industry this past month. Michelman, Dow Chemical Company and Adept are some of the firms involved...

News in brief

Exopack and Kobusch take up fresh produce tech

Exopack and Kobusch have entered into an agreement with PerfoTec for a technology that can advance the shelf life of packaged fresh produce.

EFSA: high pressure production risks contamination for some mechanically separated meats

High pressure production of mechanically separated meat (MSM) from pigs and poultry increases the risk of it becoming contaminated with germs, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)....

Culina plans chilled UK warehouse

Culina plans to open a multi-million pound chilled food distribution centre at Cabot Park, Bristol in the UK later this year.

Seda UK reveals investment due to growing demand

Seda UK is investing £18m (€21.3m) over the next five years in its Welsh site after year-on-year growth in the country.

Special Newsletter: hygiene, sanitation and cleaning

Institute showcases anti-fouling coatings

 A range of anti-fouling 'tuned' films has been developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films (IST).

Special Newsletter: Hygiene, Cleaning and Sanitation

Triclosan under microscope in EU and US

Triclosan, an antimicrobial ingredient used in some hand soaps in the food processing industry, is under the microscope again after a US Court of Appeal decision.   

Special Newsletter: Hygiene, cleaning and sanitation

Management approach crucial to sanitation and cleaning success, says US firm

Plant management must ensure hygiene, cleaning and sanitation is a top priority to minimise the chance of recalls, according to the founder of a US company that provides products and...

Special Newsletter: Hygiene, Cleaning and Sanitation

Campden BRI expert outlines cleaning trends

Lawrence Staniforth, contracts manager for UK institiute Campden BRI's Heat Resistance and Decontamination unit, talks to FoodProductionDaily.com about its latest projects, and the current talking points, in the field of hygiene and...

Easter with analysts

Easter packaging trends 2013

Confectioners are changing the structure of Easter chocolate egg packaging to cut the amount of materials needed while improving consumer appeal, according to a packaging expert.

BfR has one substance – one assessment view on EDCs

A one substance – one assessment principle around endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) has been muted by Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

EU glass recycling rate tops 70% for first time, says FEVE

The average glass recycling rate in the European Union has broken the 70% barrier for the first time, according to the latest data from the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE).

Survey highlights food safety concerns

Consumers were most uneasy about animal cloning, genetic modification, irradiation, and nanotechnology among the new technologies used by the food industry, according to UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) survey results.

Velcro seal pouches ensure ease of use for seniors and kids, says Infinium Printing

Flexible packaging converter Infinium Printing has partnered with Velcro to create easy to use and seal pouches for the US market that can be used for a broad range of...

Man loses fingers in grain milling accident

A Northamptonshire grain firm has been fined after an employee lost three fingers and a thumb on the blades of a running mixer in another accident involving inadequately guarded machinery.

News in brief

EFSA delays BPA opinion

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has delayed the final adoption of its opinion on bisphenol A (BPA) from May until November this year.

Self-sorting chocolates just one future packaging trend

Self-sorting chocolates and ketchup that regulates how much you dispense for you are just some of the future packaging trends flagged up by UK firm Benson Group.

New technology supports heat-sensitive nutrients in snacks and biscuits

Biosciences firm Carritech Research has developed a processing and formulation technology to manufacture snacks and biscuits with heat-sensitive nutrients and vitamins.

News in brief

Five samples disputed in latest horse meat tests

Five samples that tested positive for horse or pig DNA above the Food Standards Agency (FSA)’s threshold have been challenged, according to the latest survey results.

Seafood safety on agenda for EU project

An EU project is aiming to assess the contamination risks for seafood from the marine environment and potential affects on human health.

News in brief

Walki to open plant in Poland

Walki Group is to open its third production site in Poland in response to a growing customer base in Central and Eastern Europe.

Poultry texture analyser delivers speed and accuracy

A tool for measuring poultry tenderness has been launched by Stable Micro Systems, which the texture analysis expert claimed breaks new ground in terms of speed, accuracy and simplicity.

Reports of foodborne illness outbreaks decline by 40%, says CSPI

Foodborne illness outbreaks have decreased by 40% in a decade, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).

Foreign firms investing over US$1bn in Indian food processing industry

According to a dispatch to parliament, in just under three years since foreign direct investment (FDI) was opened up for the food processing industry, investors have pumped almost Rs6,200 crore...

Horse meat - The latest developments

Horse meat mislabelled as diced beef sold in UK

Forty kilograms of horse meat labelled as diced beef has been sold in Preston and Liverpool, according to the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Study hails eco-friendly synthetic colour test

Scientists have outlined an eco-friendly test for certain synthetic food colours commonly used in soft drinks and sugar and gelatin-based confectionery.

News in brief

Ahlstrom and Munksjö review extended by European Commission

The European Commission has extended its review period for the combination of Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business and Munksjö.

Henkel grows flexible packaging offerings

Henkel has expanded its portfolio of adhesives and sealants aimed at flexible packaging.

Porn industry ‘more responsible’ than food industry

The porn industry is ‘more responsible’ than the food industry when it comes to safety and recall issues, according to Dr Doug Powell, professor at Kansas State University in the...

Krones posts strong 2012 figures

Krones has revealed strong growth in pretax profit and income for 2012, despite legal settlements and tax repayments taking a bite out of its figures.

Exclusive interview

Spanish group campaigns for BPA ban in food contact materials

A Spanish non-profit health organisation has called for the country to draft legislation that bans bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials.

Packaging industry responds on food waste issue

Packaging optimisation and preventative role key in food waste battle

Packaging stakeholders have highlighted their key focusses in response to news that food waste amounts to 89 million tonnes a year in the EU, according to the EESC.

ConAgra nails $22m-worth of sustainability savings

ConAgra Foods saved $22m in 2012 through sustainability initiatives, such as cutting landfill waste and carbon emissions and optimising packaging.

SPECIAL EDITION - FLEXIBLE AND HIGH-SPEED CANDY MAKING

Kraft files patent for multi-purpose gum rollers

Kraft Foods (now Mondelez) has filed a patent for a chewing gum manufacturing process that can form the gum mass while cooling or heating at the same time.

Special Edition - Flexible and high-speed candy making

Confectionery packaging ‘pushing speed limits’, says NCA supplier chair

Confectionery packaging speeds are nearing their peak with better in-feed and downstream equipment, combined with advances in printing technology, according to the chairman of the NCA’s Supplier Advisory Committee.

Special Edition - Flexible and high-speed candy making

SMEs, Nestlé and Valor in ultrasound chocolate tempering project

A group of small-to-medium-sized enterprises along with multinationals Nestlé and Valor have embarked on a project to improve chocolate tempering using ultrasound.

100% light-proof fresh milk bottle a ‘game-changer’ - Fonterra

Fonterra has unveiled a new triple-layer 100% light-proof bottle – an innovation its claims will lock in the organoleptic and nutritional properties of fresh milk that can be damaged and...

NEW END IS EASIER TO INTEGRATE WITH FILLING PROCESSES: can2close

Award-winning resealable beverage can end beats rivals: German startup

German startup can2close tells BeverageDaily.com that its award-winning new resealable beverage can end trumps existing rival solutions and is not ‘light years’ away from market readiness.

Construction firm: avoiding green factory design could cost food processors big savings

UK food processors could save £120,000 (€141,000) through eco-friendly factory design, according to Chalcroft Construction, which specialises in food industry projects.

Process shatters preconceived notion on ultrasonic seals – Rinco

Rinco Ultrasonics has been awarded a patent for its technology for ultrasonic film sealing of flexible packaging, claiming it will deliver improvements over competing ultrasonics and heat sealing processes.

EFSA: new EDC tests will help assess risk

Internationally agreed testing methods for endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDCs) will become available shortly and will help with the risk assessment of them, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)....

SNAXPO 2013: AUDIO FROM THE FLOOR

Healthy ancient grains cause extrusion challenges in snacks, says Bühler

There are processing challenges for extruded snack manufacturers when developing healthier products with ancient grains, whole grains and fruit, says Bühler.

Novel hybrid material shows antibacterial potential, says US scientist

A US scientist has created a novel mineral-metal hybrid material which shows antimicrobial activity against a range of pathogens.

Cryptosporidium outbreak that sickened hundreds linked to bagged salads

The UK Health Protection Agency (HPA) said an outbreak of Cryptosporidium that affected around 300 people in England and Scotland in May last year showed "strong evidence" of being linked to...

News in brief

EU lowers chemical registration fees for SMEs

The European Commission has lowered the fees and charges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) when registering chemicals.

News in brief

Tetra Pak makes ‘a good start’ to 2020 environmental goals

Tetra Pak has reported further progress towards its 2020 environmental goals, following “a good start” in 2012.

IT-aided plans for safe food packaging proposed

Researchers have developed a methodology based on software to help with the safety of packaging throughout the supply chain.  

Eagle swoops on meat quality analysis

Eagle Product Inspection is poised to launch meat quality analysis tools it hopes will help food processors crack down on contamination and lack of traceability in the supply chain.

CFIA suspends licence of firm linked to Clostridium botulinum recall

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has suspended the licence of a company linked to an outbreak of Clostridium botulinum in bar clams.

UK firm defends traditional freezing equipment

UK firm Starfrost has defended traditional freezing methods against claims by cryogenic freezing proponents that they have greater environmental impact and are less efficient.

News in brief

Symphony tackles threat of antibiotic-resistant bugs

Symphony Environmental Technologies has developed anti-bacterial and anti-fungal formulations which can be put into plastic products during manufacturing, claiming it will help prevent the spread of infection.

Tetra Pak director outlines ‘holistic’ approach to sustainable packaging

Mario Abreu, global environment director, recycling and base materials, at Tetra Pak’s Global Environment team, tells BeverageDaily.com that while closed-loop recycling is important, the firm favors a more holistic approach...

Poultry antimicrobials developed from oils, whey

Food scientists have developed natural antimicrobials for poultry meat from whey protein isolate edible films and oregano or clove essential oils (EOs).

Self-heating packaging for infant formula emerges

Dutch start-up Aestech has developed self-heating packaging for semi-liquid food, particularly baby food.

Migration levels of antimicrobial packaging material found to be safe

The migration properties of an LAE–based antimicrobial food packaging material have been shown to be safe, according to research.  

Global Food Safety Conference 2013 in Barcelona

Co-ordination is vital in food safety, says CDC expert

Co-ordinating food safety between the different agencies and states is “the big challenge”, according to the chief of outbreak response and prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)....

News in brief

SunOpta boosts US aseptic capabilities

SunOpta is boosting its aseptic packaging capabilities at two US sites with production slated to start during Q3 this year.

Campden BRI forecasts promise of cold plasma

Food industry advisory body Campden BRI is exploring the effects of cold plasma technology on specific surfaces and microorganisms to help food manufacturers wage war on pathogens.

Dow boosts Performance Plastics segment to target Americas growth

The Dow Chemical Company will build several specialty material production units aligned to its Performance Plastics franchise to target growth in North and South America.

Emerging markets draw meat processing machinery exports

German meat processing machinery exports are shifting to developing markets such as South America and Asia, according to German food processing and packaging machinery association VDMA.

FlexLink updates conveyor to meet industry demands

FlexLink has launched a conveyor platform aimed at tackling product flexibility, capacity issues and lower operating costs.

News in brief

Quadrant updates products in line with EU regulation

Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products (EPP) has updated its thermoplastic stock shapes in line with EU regulation.

Australian standards

Watchdog taking a quack at claims with action against duck meat co.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has indicated it will be focusing on the veracity of label and marketing claims after it instituted court proceedings against a duck meat producer.

QK Meats knew last year about horse meat contamination, finds report

QK Meats knew last summer that some products it sourced from Poland contained horse DNA, according to an Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine report.

Seattle tofu firm loses food processing licence over sanitation violations

Seattle tofu and soy processor Chu Minh Corps has suffered the loss of its food manufacturing licence and a fine of $17,800 after repeated sanitation problems.

Dow seeks buyers for two units as part of $1.5bn asset sales plan

The Dow Chemical Company is to sell two units that play a role in packaging as part of a divesture plan targeting $1.5bn in 18 months.

European Parliament backs stronger EDC regulation

The European Parliament has backed a proposal to list endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) as “substances of very high concern” under the REACH legislation.

Experts address ‘catastrophic threat’ of antibiotic resistance

Scientists and food packaging firms are tackling growing concerns over the threat posed by anti-microbial resistance in the food supply chain.

Nestlé and Bosch woo food processing recruits

Nestlé has teamed up with Bosch Packaging Technology and trade body the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) to recruit young talent for the UK food and drink manufacturing industry.

Berry Plastics placed in severe violator enforcement program by OSHA

Berry Plastics has been cited for six safety violations and placed in a severe violator enforcement program after a US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspection.

Japan’s ethoxyquin regulation change starting to hit shrimp exporters

Last year, FoodNavigator-Asia reported that new Japanese regulations governing “acceptable” levels of the antioxidant ethoxyquin in fishmeal was destined to become a grave issue for shrimp exporters. Exactly six months...

Reynolds Group sets out 2013 goals

Reynolds Group recorded a much improved 2012, despite still posting an overall loss, and outlined existing expansion and cost reduction initiatives as aims for this year.

News in brief

SKF claims lubrication cost savings

SKF has launched an airless oil projection system which it claims can cut lubrication costs by as much as much 85%.

Apple cider waste to snacks: UK NPD specialist develops process

UK new product development (NPD) specialist Omniceutica has developed a process that transforms apple pulp and surplus fruit waste from cider making into nutrient-dense, bite-sized snacks.

Kemin hails ‘game-changing’ approval by USDA for new antimicrobial for the meat and poultry industry

Manufacturers of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products have a new weapon in their arsenal against Listeria monocytogenes as the USDA adds liquid sodium propionate to its list of approved antimicrobials.

Gold nanoparticles help detect Listeria cheaply

Scientists have developed a Listeria biosensor using gold nanoparticles, which they claim achieves rapid, cost-effective results and proves highly sensitive.

Partnership aims to re-use plastic recovered from sea

Closed Loop Recycling and Ecover have joined to take plastic collected from the seas around the UK and re-use as part of new packaging.

Cereplast wins patent for biodegradable nanopolymers

Cereplast can expand its eco-friendly packaging activities for customers including food processors, having secured a US patent for biodegradable nanopolymer compositions.

News in brief

Package Testing deal boosts Mocon results

MOCON has reported increased sales driven by an acquisition in its Package Testing segment.

global food safety conference 2013 in barcelona

Gap analysis and training audits first step in building food safety program

Gap analysis or training audits are the best methods to start building a food safety program, according to AIB International.

Marel brings gravity to fish processing

Fish processors have access to a weigh scale launched by equipment manufacturer and supplier Marel that sets a new benchmark for throughput rates, according to the firm.

Emerging markets heat up for Bosch Packaging

Bosch Packaging Technology invested in rapid growth in emerging markets in 2012, according to the firm.

FoodTech results boost JBT performance

JBT Corporation has reported record high revenue and operating profit in its FoodTech division as part of its Q4 and full year results.

FSA issues calls for poultry, shellfish and E.coli research

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has called for research and tenders for poultry assessment, shellfish and E.coli shedding in the last week.

Report: Alabama poultry processing ‘poses unacceptable dangers’

A US report claims high rates of injury and a “climate of fear” confront Alabama’s poultry processing workers and argues US Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposals will make things worse....

News in brief

O-I forms JV to boost recycled glass quality

O-I has formed a joint venture to make more high-quality recycled glass available for use in their plants.

global food safety conference 2013 in barcelona

Sealed Air highlights main issues at GFSC

Sealed Air and Diversey highlighted minimising food waste, sustainability and verifying safety systems as focus areas for the firm relevant to food safety.

Meta-study debunks BPA fears

A new meta-study on Bisphenol A (BPA) aims to debunk health fears surrounding the food contact material, claiming risks associated with it are too low to present realistic concerns.

Pie manufacturer told to pay £375,000 over fatality

A former west Yorkshire food manufacturer — Andrew Jones Pies, of Huddersfield, which is now in administration —  has been ordered to pay £375,000, after a gas explosion ripped through...

SABIC expands MD LDPE product range

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) has expanded its products range to include specialized medium-density (MD) low density polyethylene (LDPE) film grades used in applications requiring high clarity and stiffness.

News in brief

Total claims strongest and thinnest film innovation

Total has launched a metallocene polyethylene (mPE) film material that it claims enables flexible packaging converters to achieve films that are up to 25% thinner than existing films.

PFM delivers bespoke machine for Irish tortilla maker

Ireland’s The Flat Bread Company has diversified into the retail market thanks to an extra-wide flow wrapper designed specifically for the firm by Italian supplier PFM Packaging Machinery.

‘Horsegate’: EU agencies to advise on bute risks

European agencies will report on the risks posed by horse drug phenylbutazone (bute) in the human food chain by April 15.

‘Individualization megatrend’ inspires new Ball Packaging can print tech

Ball Packaging tells BeverageDaily.com that its new proprietary Dynamark printing technology will allow brand owners to tap the individualization ‘megatrend’ by personalizing cans, while cutting out the need for time-consuming...

Coriolis: food processors waste millions on badly planned automation projects

Food manufacturers risk wasting millions in capital investment by failing to plan how new machinery will integrate with existing operations according to international food consultancy Coriolis.

DS Smith reaps millions from SCA Packaging integration

DS Smith Packaging will reap €100m of annual cost savings and €130m in cash savings expected from its integration of SCA Packaging, which it acquired last year, ahead of schedule....

Food spray guns slash time and wastage for bakers, says KREBS Switzerland

Food spray guns for coating and glazing can reduce time and wastage for bakers, says developer KREBS Switzerland.

Global Food Safety Conference 2013 in Barcelona

Neogen: economic adulteration will proliferate

Instances of economically-motivated adulteration will grow globally as the economic slowdown continues to bite, with the EU horse meat scandal just one high profile example, according to Neogen Corporation.

DPS COULD EXTEND USE OF NEW WASTEWATER PRE-TRETMENT SYSTEM

Dr Pepper could unleash Bioviper...beyond Houston

Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) tells BeverageDaily.com that it is considering introducing a novel wastewater pre-treatment system elsewhere across its bottling network on the basis of local needs, after it...

Ikea cake recalled due to faecal contamination

Ikea has stopped the sale of two affected batches of chocolate and butterscotch almond cake over fears it might be  contaminated with fecal matter.

UK's first on demand digital print packaging plant

Belmont Packaging claims to have established the UK's first on-demand digital sheet packaging plant, responding to demand for more eye-catching packs to help brands stand out from retailers' labels on shelf....

KCC develops eco-friendly ready meal packaging

KCC Packaging has developed a biodegradable barrier tray for ready meals that offers retailers an alternative to carbon-hungry crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (CPET) and aluminium.

FSA reveals BSE breaches but stresses low risk

A series of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) breaches has been announced by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), who described the risk to human health as “very low”.

Crown patent to improve canned food processing

Crown has filed a patent involving induction heating in a bid to improve food processing in metal cans.

By-product of red meat industry to be used in bioplastics

A New Zealand-based biopolymers company is using by-products from the red meat and poultry industry to create bioplastics.

GEA targets fish processors with new equipment

A brine injection system and a customisable thermoforming machine capable of handling 100 packs a minute will be showcased by food processing equipment supplier GEA Food Solutions at trade show...

News in brief

ULMA launches flow pack wrapper with rotary jaws

ULMA Packaging has unveiled a horizontal flow pack wrapper (HFFS) for the bakery, confectionery and produce industry.

Norway institute forges research partnership

Nofima, the Norwegian Institute of Food, Fishery and Aquaculture, has clinched a three-year collaborative agreement with the University of Nordland to strengthen research and education undertaken by both parties.

Rene Christiansen from Linpac speaks to FPD

Linpac plans Belarus site to boost EPS production

Linpac Packaging is to open a manufacturing site in Belarus by the end of the year creating almost 100 jobs.

Firm fined after worker fractures skull

UK food manufacturer Cranswick Country Foods paid £10,000 in fines after one of its workers fractured his skull and was left partially deaf following a three-metre fall.

ACC files lawsuit to block BPA listing

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has filed a lawsuit to stop California listing bisphenol A (BPA) on its Proposition 65 of reproductive toxicants.

Temper chocolate masses with inclusions in one machine, says Rasch

German equipment supplier Rasch says that chocolate makers can keep inclusions such as whole nuts and raisins in the chocolate mix during tempering without having to separate them.

Breakthrough in ADC convertors targets food waste reduction

Researchers have invented cost-effective plastic analog-to-digital converters (ADC) for use in packaging to measure food freshness.

EnWave, partner to use drying technique to launch line of crunchy cheese snacks

EnWave Corp. the developer of a microwave/vacuum drying technique, has formed a 70/30 partnership with Lucid Capital Management to use the technology to manufacture and market a line of dried...

Consumer preference drove Elopak gable top carton move – Arla Sweden

Arla Sverige - Arla Foods’ Swedish dairy business - has cited consumer demand as the driving force behind its recent switch to screw cap gable top cartons.

News in brief

Merger creates “unmatched” proposition, says CEO

Key Technology and Visys NV have entered into a merger agreement and said the entity will be at the “forefront of vision inspection technology”.      

Linpac launches target shelf appeal demand

Linpac Packaging has unveiled its first product under the Freshware range to stand vertically for maximum shelf appeal and shelf space efficiency.