Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Guide published on handling biodegradable packaging

NatureWorks has produced a handling guide to help those along the supply chain handle biodegradable plastic packaging made from its polylactic acid (PLA).

Industry awaits regulator's review of aspartame

Food processors are waiting with bated breath for the release next week of an EU regulatory review either confirming or rejecting the results of a scientific study claiming that aspartame poses a cancer risk.

Buhler releases pilot extruder for test production runs

Swiss-based Buhler has released a new extruder to help food companies test their processes before ramping up to full production output.

UK beef prices set to rise

As the EU's ban on UK beef exports comes to an end, continental demand for Britain's cheaper meat is expected to raise prices by up to a quarter.

BSE on the rise in Poland

Poland has confirmed a new case of BSE in one of its cows, as figures suggest the disease has crept forward in the country amid a rapid fall in outbreaks elsewhere in the world.

New releases: spiral freezer, flattener, paddle mixer and breader

A spiral freezer, a flattening machine, paddle mixers and a breading machine are the latest releases from Alco-Food-Machines in Germany.

Cartoning machines boasts modular design

Two new horizontal cartoning machines are designed in a modular construction, allowing food processors to rapidly change over to different formats.

Foss offers pay-per-test scheme to food labs

A pay-per-sample scheme introduced for a milk-testing laboratory in Germany could be offered to other customers across Europe, said Foss Analytical.

UK culls chickens as precaution against avian influenza

About 35,000 chickens are being culled at a farm in Norfolk, UK as a precaution against an outbreak of avian influenza.

Start small and early on RFID, report advises Wal-Mart suppliers

Start small, start early and anticipate changing technology in using radio frequency identification (RFID) is the advice from Zebra Technologies.

Concerns raised about use of butter flavorings by processors

Food companies face a growing chance of litigation from employees over concerns about the industry's use of diacetyl and butter flavorings, which have been linked to lung disease in workers.

Lactic acid mix found to eliminate food pathogens

A mixture of harmless bacteria helps food companies eliminate almost all of the common pathogens found in ground beef and other meat products, according to scientists.

Can plant targets Vietnam drinks growth

Asia Packaging Industries has broken ground on a US$39 million can factory in southern Vietnam, which is designed to meet rising demand for packaged beverages in the market.

EU ministers back more bird flu aid

European agriculture ministers have approved a plan for the EU to offer more compensation to poultry farmers affected by a falling sales in the wake of bird flu.

S&N hands distribution arm to joint venture

Britain's biggest brewer, Scottish & Newcastle, has spun off its distribution arm into a new joint venture firm, as it looks to lose rising costs and focus on building brands.

EFSA refuses support for new pathogen fighter

Holes in the test data for new anti-microbial agent SAN-PEL mean it is impossible to tell how effective it will be when used on animal carcasses, says Europe's food safety watchdog, withholding its support.

UK food sector welcomes new health approach

The UK food industry has welcomed a new government campaign designed to encourage healthy changes in lifestyle.

Cadbury confirms US bottler buyout

Cadbury Schweppes confirmed it has bought out its Dr Pepper/Seven Up bottling partner in the US, predicting cost savings and better bargaining power with supermarkets.

Sidel says local services will help growth in China

The leading liquid food packager Sidel says recently opened facilities in Shanghai will make its machines more accessible for Chinese customers.

Weekly comment

Strategic philanthropy: exploitation or key for emerging markets?

When a company 'gives back' to the world through charitable donations, should we wholeheartedly commend it for being a good egg or sniff cynically at the profit potential that underlies every business decision?

Arla head adds to UK milk debate

The UK dairy industry could profit from a drop in milk production, said the chief executive of Arla UK on Tuesday, enabling the industry to add value and raise earnings through the supply chain.

RHM boosts restructuring spend

British food manufacturer RHM has announced a steady year-end performance, even though it splashed out more than expected on a reform package for the ailing cakes division.

Microwaveable metal foil developed for foods

A new metal wrapping can be used for microwave cooking without sparking and damaging the machine, according to a patent filed in the US.

Ready-to-serve in tamper proof plastic

A new range of ready-to-serve plastic packaging comes with a tamper-evident closure aimed at foods for the growing convenience market.

Poultry stockpiled as consumption plummets

Consumption of poultry meat has dropped by more than half in some EU states, with 300,000 tonnes now in storage across the bloc, according to EU estimates.

Wanted: nanotech packaging and widget

A drinks company has put out a call for a nanotechnology company to help it create functional packaging and a new gas release "widget" using the technology.

Free trade focus

Global food trade liberalisation vital for EU food sector

The EU's share of the global food market is shrinking - reducing raw material prices and loosening up regulations are fundamental priorities.

Megatrends drive sales growth for Hügli

Hügli's sales growth indicates an increasing appetite for organic foods, cheaper non-branded products, private label brands and outsourcing services.

UK manufacturers boost exports to private label market

UK manufacturers boosted food and drink exports by three per cent last year, with industry finding new overseas markets and opportunities in supplying the private label segment.

Biodegradable bag quadruples mushroom's shelf life

Biodegradable packaging material made up of paper impregnated with wheat gluten boosts the shelf life of cultivated mushrooms, according to research conducted by scientists in Montpellier, France.

Food heater combines ohmic and radio frequency methods

Combining two technologies has resulted in a more efficient method for heating foodstuffs, its manufacturer claims.

Free trade focus

EU blasts US as free trade progress slips out of sight

The EU trade commissioner has today attacked the US as the 'biggest single block' to the successful completion of the Doha round of trade negotiations, casting doubts that a successful conclusion can ever be achieved.

Certification boost for ethical food makers

New third-party verification that food has been produced sustainably could help food markers tap the growing trend towards ethical consumerism.

Machine firm targets confectionery product innovation

A range of special decorating heads has been re-launched to help confectionery manufacturers keep up with the impressive number of new products hitting the market.

Lactalis lured by Czech cheese growth

French dairy giant Lactalis has enhanced its position in the growing cheese market of the Czech Republic by signing a deal to buy local firm Promil.

Poultry immunity test serves as early warning system

A new immune system test could help poultry producers improve the resistance of their flocks to disease.

Mobile fridge keeps cool during transport

A mobile fridge allows companies to ensure an unbroken cold chain along the supply chain to a product's final delivery point.

Codex meeting to debate standards on food additives

Representatives from around the world will meet next week in the Hague, the Netherlands to hash out a common agreement on international standards on food additives and contaminants.

Tough computer designed for food plant use

A new industrial computer has been designed to withstand the frequent cleanings that need to be done in food and beverage plants.

Probiotic culture tested against poultry pathogens

Some commercial processors are testing a probiotic bacterial culture that can sharply reduce pathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter says the University of Arkansas.

Meat sector faces mixed outlook, USDA reports

By all accounts the US meat sector faces a mixed outlook, with prices falling for domestic supplies of beef, the encroachment of cheaper imports, a new case of mad cow disease in Canada and worries about avian influenza.

Legal focus

Italian chocolate sector stuck in political deadlock

Chocolate lovers are probably blissfully unaware of the intrigue and intricacies currently afflicting the Italian chocolate sector, writes BIN Avvocati Associati advocate Daniele Pisanello.

UK food companies slow on RFID uptake survey shows

UK food manufacturers are slow to take up the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) due to a lack of knowledge of the technology, according to new research.

Slicer cuts portion sizes into motif shapes

A new slicer can stack, offset stack, fan, shave and portion foods while allowing manufacturers to select a range of special shapes as a means of marketing their products.

Tester uses extrusion method to measure viscosity

An extrusion-style tester provides an economical alternative when measuring the dynamic viscosity of foods, its manufacturer claims.

Safety alerts include reports on Sudan 1, arsenic, benzene and ITX

A total of 60 incidents of food safety breaches were reported EU-wide last week, with incidents of unauthorised Sudan 1 colours, arsenic, benzene and isopropyl thioxanthone continuing to crop up in the latest alert advisory.

Carbon infrared sterilisers designed for bakery equipment

A new series of carbon infrared emitters can help bakeries speed up the sterilisation of tins, trays and equipment, according to the manufacturer.

Reclosable device used for film packaging

UK supermarket retailer Tesco has become the first to company to use Amcor Flexibles' reclosable package for fresh produce.

Foss upgrades milk scanner for more accuracy

The launch of a new milk scanner by analytical specialists Foss has already bagged the group some major deals with its claim to be a fifth more accurate than its predecessor.

Study: Antibiotic ban reduces incidence of drug resistance

Australia 's policy of restricting antibiotic use in food-producing animals may be linked with dramatically lower levels of drug-resistant bacteria found in patients, according to scientists.

Nanotech food conference targets future opportunities

The opportunities that nanotechnology could bring to the food industry will be highlighted at a key event later this year.

Dry separation machine built for one worker operation

A dry separation machine is built for one operator use while allowing quick screen changeovers.

Battle against foodborne diseases gaining ground, study shows

Incidents of many foodborne illness have declined since statistical collection began in 1996, with rates for some of the most common pathogens falling by up to 32 per cent.

Investors buy APV Baker

A pair of British investors has bought APV Baker from a plant software firm.

Health warnings set for alcoholic drinks in UK

Alcoholic drinks on sale in Britain may have to carry health warnings within two years, said the government's public health minister, testing the water as a consultation period with the drinks industry draws to a close.

Software links RFID hardware to business process

New software aims to integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) systems into a plant's current business processes.

Hike in tuna price forecast to continue in Europe

Consumer resistance against the jump in prices for canned tuna will have a big impact on the market, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

GM Focus

Future of GM food at the crossroads

Events over the past few months might have shaped the future of GM food in Europe for decades to come. FoodNavigator looks at the decisions that have influenced the proliferation of this controversial technology.

UK regulator defends bird flu test methods

The UK regulator responsible for testing for bird flu defended its methods today after scientific experts raised the possibility that they may be flawed.

Export prices for food stagnate, indicating tough times ahead

Weak and stagnating prices for food, agricultural raw materials and manufactured goods in 2005 could mean further bad news for exporters this year, according to a World Trade Organisation report.

Shrink wrap machine speeds up line, manufacturer claims

A new shrink wrap machine designed for frozen fish and other products can process up to 120 packs a minute in small spaces, its manufacturer claims.

Analysis software aids in pipe network design, developer claims

An Australian company has developed software it says can help food and drink processors to predict the flow of fluids and gasses throughout their operations.

Campylobacter in poultry subject of two studies

The high presence Campylobacter in poultry and methods to defeat the pathogen are the subject of two scientific studies published in the April issue of the Journal of Food Protection.

First lawsuits filed over benzene in soft drinks

Lawyers in the US announced yesterday they were taking two soft drinks firms to court, alleging lab tests showed drinks contaminated with benzene above America's safety limit for tap water.

Roller mill cuts egg yolks down to size

A new roller mill on the market can reduce frozen egg yolks or other friable foods to a uniform diced particle size.

Anhydro dairy dryer targets whey trend

The new Triple-A spray dryer from Anhydro will target growing demand for whey in added value product development, as dairy firms move away from traditional commodities.

First lawsuits filed over benzene in soft drinks

Lawyers in the US announced Tuesday evening (GMT) they were taking two soft drinks firms to court, alleging lab tests showed drinks contaminated with benzene above America's safety limit for tap water.

Quality schemes should remain voluntary, EU food industry says

Various quality assurance schemes used in the food industry should remain voluntary, the bloc's food industry association says in attempting to forestall planned EU legislation on the subject.

UK sheep above radioactive safety limits due to Chernobyl

The radioactive fallout from the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident means sheep at 374 farms in the UK are still restricted from entering the food chain.

Processors demand more from packaging suppliers

UK processors are demanding more innovation from their packaging suppliers to support the launch of new products for expanded markets, according to a survey.

Heat tests key for benzene in soft drinks

Testing soft drinks to reflect the effects of storage and transport conditions will be crucial to realistically monitor benzene formation in different drinks, a former industry scientist told BeverageDaily.com.

Exports rise, but global market share shrinks

Despite boosting exports last year, the EU's food and drink sector share of the global market continues to shrink in the face of overseas competition, according to the industry association's annual report.

Companies offer cup filling and packing service for convenience market

Two companies have teamed up to provide a cup filling and packing service for processors looking to quickly cash in on the public's growing appetite for convenience foods.

Two formulations target reduced-calorie fruit dessert market

Two new formulations will allow European food processors to meet the demand for reduced-calorie fruit desserts, according to their manufacturer.

Listeria test speeds up detection process, company claims

A new Listeria assay allows processors to simultaneous detect and differentiate between two species in a single test for food products.

Charred meat could cause prostate cancer, scientists say

Just in time for the start of the barbeque season, scientists have published a report indicating that charred meat may lead to prostate cancer.

Revised labelling required for poultry products

By next month food companies will be required to have more explicit instructions that uncooked, breaded or boneless poultry products need to be cooked.

Compass sells major foodservice arm

The world's largest catering company Compass Group today announced the sale of its core contract foodservice business to an investment consortium headed by Macquarie Bank.

EU Parliament approves aid for poultry producers

In a bid to hold up falling prices for poultry in the EU, the bloc's parliament has voted in favour of additional aid for chicken producers.

Electronic switch bypasses Tetra Pak patent

Tetra Pak's own packaging machines could soon be used against it, after rival group Alternapak claimed it had found a way to run its own packaging reels on Tetra Pak production lines.

Pot filler speeds up changeover time, claims manufacturer

A high speed filling, pot sealing and over capping machine allows processors to make quick changeovers to different food products, its UK manufacturer claims.

UK task force studies measures against food fraud

The UK has set up a fraud task force to study how to beef up measures against the trade in illegal food.

Round Up: Suppliers battle for attention at Anuga FoodTech

COLOGNE, Germany: Some of the largest suppliers to Europe's food industry were at the Anuga FoodTec exhibition this week, but buyers also needed to check out some of the smaller providers in the less frequented corners of the complex of buildings where the exhibition is being held.

New labelling guidance taps growing vegetarian demand

New UK guidance on food labelling for vegans and vegetarians builds on growing consumer demand for non-meat ingredients.

New Cargill wheat gluten plant increases Russian presence

Cargill is to open a major wheat gluten production facility in Russia as part of a previously announced $60 million investment in wheat processing.

GCS launches brand identity

Global Closure Systems (GCS), one of the largest closure system suppliers to in the world, has unveiled its new brand identity.

Danisco targets leaner meat production

The global trend towards leaner meat has increased the pressure on pig and poultry producers, according to Danisco Animal Nutrition.

Aseptic bottle combines advantages of carton and plastic

COLOGNE, Germany: Tetra Pak yesterday launched what it claims is the world's first aseptic carton bottle, a container with a plastic transparent top.

UK launches microbiology safety programme

The UK's FSA is holding a two-day review of its domestic sector hygiene research programme as part of its wider evaluation of microbiological safety research programmes.

Chr Hansen focuses on dairy ingredient sector

Chr Hansen will get a chance to underline its increasing involvement in the dairy sector at the upcoming 2006 International Cheese Technology Exposition.

IGLO building cold storage hub for south Asia

Malaysian logistics group Haisan Resources is seeking to create a regional hub for shipping temperature-controlled foods and ingredients at an expanded facility in the Philippines.

Carton allows sterilisation of chunky products after packaging

COLOGNE, Germany: A new carton for chunky products allows foods to be sterilised in an autoclave, thus extending shelf life.

Bird flu infects poultry in Germany, wild swan in UK

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has infected poultry at a farm in Germany, while the UK has announced the discovery of the disease in a wild swan.

Coca Cola switches to high speed filling machines in US

Coca Cola will replace and update several of its filling lines at US-based plants with Tetra Pak's new high speed machines.

Robotics: the future of food processing?

COLOGNE, Germany: The future of food processing can be seen in a working sausage processing and packing line set up by robot manufacturers at Anuga FoodTech.

EC food industry urges multi-factor approach to obesity

The current obesity crisis can only be tackled through a greater understanding of all the related factors and an acceptance that a lack of physical activity could be a major contributor.

Forum seeks to tap Indian labelling potential

Self-adhesive label trade association FINAT is to create a forum between European and Indian labelling industries in order to give companies in both regions a better chance of doing business with each other.

ESFA panel assesses salmonella risk from pigs

An EFSA panel on risk assessment and mitigation options of Salmonella in pig production has concluded that all salmonella serovars from pork are to be regarded as public health hazards, and that actions to prevent human food-borne infection should be implemented throughout the food-chain.

New research could facilitate low-linolenic soybean production

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have discovered a way to speed up the identification of low-linolenic soybean varieties, findings that could contribute to increased production of low-trans fat soy oil.

Petition filed with FDA to withdraw Splenda from US market

A petition has been filed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) calling on the agency to revoke its approval of the sweetener Splenda, a move branded by manufacturer Tate & Lyle as a commercial conspiracy to damage its product's image.

New decanter, milk processing machines enter market

GEA Group, one of the largest machine companies at the Anuga FoodTech exhibition, has released a number of liquid filling and processing machines through its subsidiaries.

Smart sensor determines spoilage rate en route

A prototype "smart" sensor can record and wirelessly transmit information to receivers about when and where glitches occur as a food product is being shipped.

Soft drinks firms pledge routine benzene tests

Soft drinks makers have been hauled before the European Commission to explain the presence of benzene traces in drinks, putting the industry under pressure after recalls in the UK.

Innovia targets confectionery with green packaging

A metallised biodegradable film targeting the confectionery business has been launched by Innovia Films.

Delta dairy analyser focuses on ease of use

Delta Instruments has launched new state-of-the-art dairy analysis equipment designed to enable processors to make more money out of milk and milk derivatives.

Aseptic cold filling seen as next wave in processing

COLOGNE, Germany: Aseptic cold filling is being promoted here at a four-day conference on food technology as another solution to meeting the demand for minimally processed foods and drinks.

Machine makers target convenience foods, aseptic trends

COLOGNE, Germany: The food industry's latest technology and machinery are on display beginning today in this city straddling the Rhine, with equipment suppliers targeting convenience foods and aseptic packaging as growth areas.

Scientists explore pathogen killing methods without heat

Scientists are studying the effectiveness of new methods -- such as ozone and electrolyzed oxidizing water -- to kill pathogens in the plant without using thermal processes.

Healthy soft drinks drive global beverage growth

Soft drink consumption is the principal factor behind the growth in global drinks, with health playing an increasingly important role in consumer choice.

Logistics networks push eastward as firms follow customers

Belgium and France remain top places for locating distribution or logistics centres, while Eastern European companies are moving up in rank as retailers expand in the region, according to a consultancy report.

Food must focus on opportunities, not crises

Food has become too much a matter of crisis and not of opportunity, according to Michel Vieillefosse, head of the Eureka Secretariat.

Scientists call for more debate over EU chemicals legislation

Scientists studying chemicals in food have called for more public discussions with consumers and industry on proposed EU legislation.