Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

France, Spain told to end steep discounts on road charges

The cost of transporting foods and other products are set to rise in France and Spain, if the two countries heed an decision against their discounted road tolls, published yesterday by the European Commission.

Hose designed with inner heating element

A new type of heated hose for foods offers a lighter and more versatile option to processors, its manufacturer claims.

EU food safety body forges ahead on developing resources

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) continues to expand its scientific work this year, with an eye on the upcoming implementation of new EU legislation covering a variety of industry segments.

Emmi buys up Italian yoghurt group

Swiss dairy group Emmi said it would expand its reach in Italy's fresh dairy sector by taking over yoghurt maker Trentinalatte, rounding off another week of consolidation on the European dairy market.

Infrared sterilisation provides controlled heat, company claims

New carbon infrared emitters released for the European market provide another means of sterilise products through controlled heating.

Online food law database targets product developers

An online database on food legislation could help processors and retailers in developing new products for the EU market.

EU to review dairy market in 2008

A review of the European Union's dairy strategy will take in place in 2008, with intervention prices, storage subsidies and milk quotas all up for discussion.

Polypropylene packaging machine cuts costs, manufacturer claims

A thermoforming, filling and sealing machine for cups can save food packagers up to 35 per cent in material costs, its manufacturer claims.

Big brands lift Diageo sales

Blockbuster brands helped the world's largest alcoholic drinks firm, Diageo, to a six per cent sales rise over the last year, but trading in Europe remains tough.

Transport policy holds promise of savings and efficiency

The EU Commission yesterday published its outline of a common transport policy for the bloc, promising companies supply chain savings and increased efficiency in cross-border trade.

Turmeric found to curb bad flavours in pickles

Turmeric, normally used as a spice to Asian foods, can be used to curb bad flavors from forming in pickles packaged in plastic containers, according to a study.

Salmonella rates fall slightly in first quarter

The presence of salmonella in samples of most raw meat and poultry products tested by federal inspectors decreased slightly in the first quarter of 2006.

Scientists renew call for listeriosis reporting network

Scientists have renewed calls for a listeriosis reporting network across the EU, pointing to the relatively high rates of the deadly disease throughout the bloc.

Smithfield buys Sara Lee's European meats arm

Following a month of negotiations, Sara Lee has agreed the sale of its European meats business to Smithfield for $575m (€457.6m), as both firms reposition themselves in the marketplace.

Vodka war splits EU

Squabbling over what ingredients can be used to make true vodka threatens to hold up European Commission proposals to tighten the definition of spirit drinks.

Diploma courses to boost skills levels in UK food sector

Specialised diploma courses for various manufacturing segments of the food industry will be created in the UK, part of a bid to increase the skills levels in the industry.

MAP packaging machine runs cheaper, manufacturer claims

A new packaging system provides an extended shelf life for fresh food products without using the more expensive thermoforming process, its Swiss-based manufacturer claims.

Software speeds up plastic bottle design, company claims

A Singapore-based company has created new software it claims will speed up the process of designing plastic bottles.

EU members attempt to cut costs of environmental laws

A survey by the European Commission has produced a list of 11 methods EU member states are using to dramatically ease the costs and administrative burden of following the bloc’s environmental and pollution regulations.

Bromide, florinated chemicals not a health risk yet, panel says

The steady accumulation of brominated and fluorinated chemicals in foods do not pose a health risk at this time a UK scientific panel says.

Progress being made on reducing acrylamide, scientists say

Progress is being made in reducing the levels of the potentially cancer-causing acrylamide from many foods, but reducing its presence in coffee still poses a challenge, scientists say.

Pressure tester gauges quality of packaging material

A new pressure tester compensates for temperature and also predicts shelf life, helping food and beverage packagers to ensure the quality of their products.

Aluminium found effective for treating natural waters

The use of aluminium oxide is an effective and safe method for the removal of fluoride from natural mineral waters, an EU scientific body has concluded.

Dairy firms target growing international opportunities

The top dairy firms have become even larger due to continued acquisition, according to the latest report from Leatherhead International (LFI).

Production stoppage leaves bitter taste for Unilever

A breakdown in the processing method of Unilever's Flora Original Spread brand in the UK has led the company to recall some of the product throughout the country.

Arla signs speciality cheese deal

Arla Foods has bought up speciality cheesemaker Tholstrup in its native Denmark, as the group looks to expand its cheese export business amid rising competition.

Potato slice blancher improves efficiency, company claims

An injection blancher improves processing efficiency in the production of fried potatoes, its manufacturer claims.

Scientists issue caution against mass poultry vaccination

With confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission of the avian influenza virus, scientists are now warning that mass vaccination of domestic poultry may hinder detection of the deadly H5N1 strain of the disease.

Kraft CEO attacks trade barriers on sugar prices

The chairman of Kraft Foods, the world's second biggest food company, Roger Deromedi, has launched an attack on EU and US trade barriers that are driving up the price of commodity ingredients such as sugar and coffee.

Commission calls on states for stricter greenhouse gas controls

More effort is needed to reverse the increase in the EU's production of greenhouse gases says the European Commission, which yesterday released figures showing rising rather than falling CO2 emissions from the EU's original 15 member states.

Meetings target trends in processing, food safety

Two meetings, one in Barcelona on emerging processing technologies, the other in London on food contamination, will focus on hot trends in an industry looking to cut costs, innovate and increase the safety of their products.

UK pesticide testing finds 2pc of samples above legal limit

Pesticide testing in the UK has found that two per cent of foods sampled contained residues above the maximum permitted levels, with organic products from Spain and France topping the mark.

Germany begins risk survey on nanotechnology

Germany's food safety risk assessment agency has commissioned a study on the potential health effects of nanotechnologies used in products.

Packaging industry attempts to pass on high input costs

The global packaging industry has struggled through another quarter of high input costs at the start of this year, according to a report from Standard and Poor's.

Tyson wins 'donning and doffing' case brought by workers

A federal jury this week has ruled in favor of Tyson Foods in a "donning and doffing" wage dispute brought to court by workers.

FDA issues guidance on GMO safety testing

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a voluntary guidance on testing programmes for bioengineered plants.

EU aid channeled to cut poultry and egg production

The European Commission will channel €65m in "bird flu" aid to reduce the glut of poultry meat and eggs on the market.

Food sector lobbies for more labelling self-regulation

The EU's food sector has called on the European Commission to draw back from proposals for additional labelling requirements and allow the industry to regulate the information it provides to consumers.

EU and US step up fight against counterfeiters, importers

EU and US officials will take joint action worldwide against counterfeiting and intellectual property theft, an illegal trade that includes millions of items of fake foodstuffs and drinks.

Superbrand suppliers hold sway over retailers, says analyst

At a time when consumer perceptions of famous brand names are at an all time low - and private label goods are taking an ever increasing market share - retailers must start acting more like brand managers to improve their bargaining power with suppliers, argues analyst.

Air compressor eliminates risk of oil contamination, company claims

Atlas Copco said its line of rotary screw air compressors has been certified to eliminate the risk of product contamination by oil occurring during food and beverage processing.

EU food safety agency to expand role in nutrition, health

The EU's food safety agency said yesterday it would focus on increasing its role in monitoring nutrition and health issues across the bloc.

Retail packaging causes green controversy

Britain's National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) has this week launched a campaign highlighting supermarkets' wasteful packaging policies, but industry experts insist under-packaging causes more waste.

Project would investigate processing, allergens relationship

A UK food research consultancy is looking for a partner to investigate the effects of processing techniques on reducing allergens.

FAO details problems due to lack of agreement on traceability

Problems still exist at the international level in coming to an agreement on global traceability standards for the food and fish trade, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Food alerts report on aflatoxins in nuts, cheese from the UK

A total of about 47 food safety problems were reported across the EU last week, including a cluster of alerts about aflatoxins in nuts and unauthorised cheese from the UK.

New scheme offers cost savings to UK dairy firms

Britain's dairy industry is using government money to launch a new efficiency scheme, which could help processors in their battle against soaring costs.

New hops promise tastier beer

A new generation of hops for beer is being developed by researchers in New Zealand, as the brewing industry looks to science to help it catch up with changing consumer tastes.

Danone and Stonyfield create European organic dairy firm

Leading US organic dairy firm Stonyfield Farm and Danone have joined forces to create a European subsidiary, which the groups hope will duplicate Stonyfield's US success in Europe's organic dairy industry.

Cadbury expands chocolate capacity in Australia

Chocolate and drinks group Cadbury Schweppes will spend A$24.5 million (€14.3m) on an expansion at its chocolate factory in Tasmania, it announced last week, citing growing demand for its chocolate bars in Australia

Billions offered in public aid to fish sector, including processors

The EU has created a new funding tranche of €3.8bn for the bloc's fishing industry, giving primary producers, fisheries, aquaculture businesses, processors and marketers access to financial aid.

Packager sees opportunity in biodegradable products

A Canadian company has introduction of a range of fibre-base biodegradable packaging products targeting the food industry in North America.

Sensor companies create temperature monitoring system

Two sensor industry companies have joined forces to develop new method for monitoring temperature using wireless sensors.

European plastics suppliers responding to change, says report

With increased competition from Asia and high oil prices hitting their margins, European plastic providers are changing the way they operate by improving technical innovation and product branding; adopting new price-management techniques, and increasing integration across their supply chains, according to a new market research report.

Rectangular bottle targeted at hot fill beverages

A rectangular polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container for hot fill beverages offers increased strength and packs at a greater density, claims its manufacturer.

Nestlé enters diet nutrition market

Nestlé is set to purchase US weight management and nutrition company Jenny Craig, as it strives to change focus to a health and wellness provider in the face of rising global obesity levels.

Modular spray controller designed to be portable

A modular spray controller is designed as a portable, self-contained unit for regulating food coating processes.

Weekly comment

Litigation: a necessary cost of doing business?

In the US, the role of court action in defining limits not set by regulators is generating a flood of costly court cases for the food industry: much unnecessary, and all damaging.

World Cup accelerates at-home drinking trend

More than one in three Brits will watch the England match at home today, driving demand for off-trade alcohol as armchair fans reach for a can.

Dairy by-product offers natural preserving alternative to chlorine

Whey permeate, a by-product of cheese production, could be a food preserver, suggests new research, as the industry looks to alternatives to chlorine solutions for preserving fresh-cut vegetables.

Association calls for more help for smaller food processors

The EU's small to medium sized food processors need more skilled workers in the industry and more access to research and development , according to a study released yesterday by the bloc's industry association.

FSA 'disappointed' at junk food ad proposals

The UK's FSA has expressed 'disappointment' at Ofcom's proposals on junk food advertising to kids, arguing that they are an insufficient response to the problem posed to children's health.

Study finds Salmonella in one-third of the EU's egg producers

Luxembourg and Sweden are among the safest places to eat an egg in the EU, with Portugal, Poland and the Czech Republic the riskiest, according to tests for Salmonella at commercial producers across the bloc.

Coffee supplies forecast to recover this year

World coffee production over the next year will rise by nearly ten per cent, or nearly 11 million bags, over the previous year, fuelling a rising demand for the brew, according to a forecast report.

Microwave thermometry used to gauge processing temperatures

A product released on the US market this year uses microwave thermometry technology to gauge the temperatures of foods as they are being processed.

UK regulator considers action against BSE-type disease in sheep

Due to scientific uncertainty over a BSE-type disease affecting sheep and goats, the UK's food regulator is expected to issue today further precautionary advice about eating mutton and to propose EU-wide labelling rules for products containing the meats.

EFSA sets intake limit for ochratoxin A toxin

The EU's food safety agency has set a weekly intake limit for ochratoxin A, calling on processors to make further efforts to reduce the fungal toxin in foods.

Metro's suppliers face deadline on updated RFID standard

Germany's Metro Group, a European retail giant, has started using an updated international standard for radio frequency identification (RFID) in some of its stores, and plans to begin case level tagging with its suppliers later this year.

Organic food could be 'missed opportunity', warns report

Governments and supermarkets should be doing more to stimulate growth in consumer demand for organic products, according to a new report.

Demand for plastic packaging forecast to grow by about 5%

US demand for plastic containers is expected to grow 4.6 per cent annually through 2010 to be worth about $24 billion, held up in part by the current popularity of smaller-sized beverage bottles, according to a forecast report.

More food safety resources available for small plants

The agriculture department will provide resources to small meat, poultry, and egg-product plants in an effort to help improve the safety of their products.

Scots urged to tackle 'food poisoning epidemic'

The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) has urged Scots to improve food hygiene standards to tackle what it calls the 'annual food poisoning epidemic'.

Biometric authenticator controls access

A biometric fingerprint authenticator withstands high volume use, heavy cleaning, and cannot be fooled by gummy fingers or finger castings, claims its manufacturer.

New Tetra Pak cereal packaging could boost product appeal

Ready-to-pour cereal products in packaging that has until now been associated with juice cartons could be the new way to improve the appeal of products and add consumer value, according to Tetra Pak.

Ireland dairy and beef supplies forge into EU markets

After achieving record exports in 2005, the Ireland's dairy and beef industry is expected to remain as an important source of supplies to the EU market, according to a government report.

Wild to develop aseptic pouch filling centre in Italy

Wild has acquired an Italy-based machine manufacturer and plans to leverage the purchase by developing a new plant for the aseptic filling of spouted pouches.

US and others protest EU's draft chemicals law

Mounting overseas pressure on the EU to rework a draft EU law requiring the registration and authorisation of chemicals could foreshadow a battle that seems destined for lengthy arbitration before the World Trade Organisation.

CapVest top choice for Unilever frozen foods

A group of private equity firms including CapVest and Blackstone have been cited as the favourites to buy Unilever's European frozen foods business, according to reports in The Times newspaper today.

Two diet drinks withdrawn in Ireland due to benzene

Manufacturers in Ireland have recalled two diet drinks from the market, after testing by the country's food regulator found high levels of the cancer-causing chemical in their products.

Hungary battles bird flu in domestic flock

Hungary has confirmed it has found the avian influenza virus in a flock of domestic geese, a week after a European Commission report claimed incidents of bird flu are declining in the EU.

Canada finds benzene in 20pc of drinks surveyed

Canada's health regulator has found benzene in about 20 per cent of the soft drinks and other beverages it analyzed in a survey this year, with four found to have exceeded the country's standard for the cancer-causing chemical.

Bakers association says laser marking product passes tests

The American Bakers Association (ABA) has successfully tested laser marking for inscribing variable information on polyethylene bread bags, according to the manufacturer of a coding product.

Delhaize expands biodegradable packaging switch

With Belgium-based supermarket Delhaize opting to adopt biodegradable packaging for prepared salads, retailer mandates are just around the corner.

Synthetic greases meet food contact standards

A line of synthetic lubricating greases can be used on equipment where possible contact with food products may occur, its manufacturer claims.

Weekly comment

Healthy food and the World Cup of missed opportunity

Beer, bakery, confectionery, sweet drinks, pizzas, snacks galore, and even dog food. The list of products with World Cup tie-ins is dominated by junk food, while healthy food makers seem content to pass up the marketing opportunities and let others grow fat on the rewards.

New approach to food risk unveiled

A new approach to risk and crisis management for food and drink companies has been unveiled at the UK's Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA).

France trumps UK in foreign investment food stakes

France held the top spot last year over the UK for foreign investments into the food sector, according to a new Ernst & Young report.

Women drinking at home target of alcoholic beverage market

Women drinking at home make up the biggest growth opportunity in the UK's alcoholic beverages market, according to the latest Datamonitor forecast.

Companies aim to score big at World Cup

If hell freezes over and Australia wins football's World Cup, then Scottish & Newcastle will be on the hook for splashing out a lot of Foster's beer in Germany.

Bird flu incidence in wild birds falling in EU

Cases of avian influenza found in wild birds under a survelliance programme are falling, according to data released by the European Commission.

Price rises as cereal demand outstrips supply

World cereal demand is forecast to surpass supply in the coming 2006/07 marketing year, pushing down stocks to an uncomfortably low level, according to the FAO.

Smoking chamber offers scaled down alternative

A smoking chamber has been designed for small to medium meat processing firms.

Will round salt revolutionise food development?

Two Indian scientists tell FoodNavigator how they managed to achieve round salt granules, and what this breakthrough could mean for the future of food development.

Uniq pins recovery on European sell-offs

Convenience food group Uniq has said it will sell two continental manufacturing units to refocus its business strategy, after admitting yesterday it is struggling to keep abreast of the prepared foods market.

Norway's food safety inspectors strike affects meat supply

Processors in Norway are using up stocks of domestic and imported meat supplies after food safety inspectors began a strike on Tuesday over wages, leading government to step in to order an end to the dispute.

Cost comparision puts Netherlands on top for start up operations

The Netherlands is the best place in Europe for food and drink processors to locate manufacturing plants, according to a cost comparison study by KPMG.

Cargill welcomes new EU sweetener regulations

Cargill Sweetness Solutions has welcomed the change in EU law surrounding the sweetener erythritol, saying it will give food and beverage manufactures across Europe greater flexibility in developing their products.

Portable unit decontaminates area using UVC rays

A portable decontamination machine can rid plant areas of mold, viruses and bacteria using deadly UVC waves, while ensuring worker safety, according to its manufacturer.

Blow molding machines target different production speeds

Two models of plastic blow molding equipment target processors with different production needs.

Industry makes bid to boost sector's competitiveness

Armed with a report measuring the poor state of the industry's competitiveness and innovation, the EU's food and drink industry association hopes to keep the incoming president of the bloc on track with its agenda to lower red tape, boost trade and channel more research funds to the sector.

Oil costs hit Cadbury Schweppes margins

Rising oil prices are likely to make Cadbury Schweppes miss its targets for profit margin growth this year, despite sales rises across most of the business, the group said.

Food industry calls on EU to double R&D funding

The amount of EU research and development funds currently going to the food industry should be doubled, the bloc's manufacturer's association said yesterday, in releasing a study that painted a grim picture of the sector's competitiveness.

Kit speeds up yeasts, moulds testing

A new method for determining the amount of yeasts and moulds in food samples gets the job done within two days, speeding up the time products can be released on the market.

Machine targets growing demand for single serve creamers

A new aseptic packaging machine is designed to target what the manufacturer says is a growing demand for single serve coffee creamers.

UN report: food production under threat

The UN marked World Environment Day by warning that climate change, high water demand and salt contamination could irrevocably damage some of the planet's most fragile regions of food production.

Review examines current state of sealing technology

A review of hot heat and cold sealing methods emphasises the common problems food packagers face when applying technologies.

Campylobacter test speeds up detection process

An internationally-validated test for Campylobacter, can pick up the pathogen within three hours, allowing processors to speed up the time when they can release products to the market.

Coca-Cola cuts greenhouse gas emissions in fridges

Coca-Cola said nearly all of its new refrigeration equipment for sales and marketing will work without puffing out powerful greenhouse gases, as the group jumps aboard the trend for sustainable production.

Arla, Danisco swallow Denmark's EU subsidies

International food giants Arla Foods and Danisco got more subsidies from the EU than anyone else in their native Denmark last year, says a new report, adding yet more controversy to Europe's farm support scheme.

EU food agency opens debate on common risks-benefit analysis

Europe's food safety agency will begin a debate with processors on formulating a common standard for assessing the health risks and benefits posed by their products.

Agency provides access to donated processing patents

A government-funded agency is helping small food firms develop their business by providing them with access to patented processing techniques donated by some of the industry's giants.

Online database tracks container shipments worldwide

A supply chain tracking company has created an online database food firms can use to track their freight containers in real time using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

Law revision lowers permitted nitrite, nitrate levels

Revisions to the EU's food additives and sweeteners legislation includes stricter requirements on the use of nitrites and nitrates in meat, and approvals for seven new ingredients.

Kraft customers to invent new products

US food firm Kraft has launched a customer-led research and development programme, in a bid to re-engage with consumers and tap growing health and wellness trends.

Robot cuts price of automating process

A robot maker is offering processors a cheaper way to automate their production lines in a small space.

RFID system monitors temperature, humidity

A system of active radio frequency identification (RFID) tags could help processors monitor temperature and humidity data as products move through a global supply chain.

Changes to novel foods law aim to simplify application process

Proposed changes to the EU's regulation on novel foods would boost product innovation in the industry, and make cross-border trading easier, the European Commission says in a consultative document.

Software manages suppliers, pricing and payments

A new software package for food and beverage producers incorporates the ability to manage suppliers, pricing and payments along the supply chain.

Test identifies Campylobacter through colour

A company in France has developed a ready-to-use test that changes colour when it detects Campylobacter in food products.

Online system provides supply chain traceability

Two UK companies have teamed up to provide an online system for tracing food ingredients and products throughout the global supply and production chain.

Britvic eyes Europe drinks expansion

Britvic is looking to increase its presence in several markets across Western Europe as part of a push to grow its international soft drinks business, BeverageDaily.com has learnt.

Frozen cod prices forecast to remain stable

Frozen cod fillet prices will remain largely stable in European markets in the second half of this year, perhaps even decline, after an upward trend over the past year, according to a Food and Agriculture Organisation fisheries analyst.

Rexam to build new beverage can plant as supplies tighten

Rexam is putting new beverage can capacity on the market, as it strengthens its relationship with Red Bull by building a new wall-to-wall plant in Austria.

Northern Foods attempts radical surgery to stem losses

Northern Foods will put 40 per cent of its business up for sale, and focusing on pizzas, biscuits, ready meals, sandwiches and Christmas puddings.

CIAA challenges EU to force successful WTO outcome

The CIAA has called on the EU to maintain pressure on negotiating partners in order to ensure a balanced and successful outcome to the current round of WTO talks.

Brewer uses nanotech coating on heat interchanger

Nanotechnology, the science of the very small, has been employed as a microscopic coating on a heat interchanger used by a Corona brewing plant in Mexico.

Daily cleaning not required, as long as safety is maintained

Meat and poultry processors can chose not to have daily cleanups of equipment and plant as long as sanitary standards are maintained, according to a notice from the federal Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).