Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Automated dosing simplifies recipe formulation, says Mettler Toledo

Mettler Toledo says that it has combined its existing recipe formulation technology, FormWeigh.Net with its IND560 weighing terminal to enable automatic dosing for food processors, in a bid to increase process reliability and quality control.

Yeast suppliers to benefit bakers through 'application profiling'

The global shortage of molasses and competition from biofuels continue to put upward pressure on prices for yeast, but opportunities for yeast players lie squarely with the emerging market for speciality yeast products, and specifically clean label demands, predict market researchers Frost and Sullivan.

Codex discusses labelling and safety standards

The 31st session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in Geneva this week will discuss over 30 texts concerning international food standards for subjects including the use of flavourings and product labelling.

One-piece closures dominating beverage market, says AMI

One-piece closures are dominating the European food and beverage closure production market fuelled by cost reduction and light weighting initiatives, according to plastic market analysts, AMI.

Weekly comment

The food industry after Lisbon

In the face of another rejection of a European Union treaty, the bloc's food industry has one glaring path ahead: business as normal.

Sustainable action greening supply chain

Sustainable growth is proving to be a key concern for all players in the food supply chain, with a report this week from Danisco on its waste and energy saving initiatives and a US dairy industry-wide action plan on carbon emissions.

Demand for food enzymes increases amid cost crisis

The enzymes market is experiencing some increased popularity among manufacturers because of their desired functionality and ability to help save costs, says a new report.

New UK recycling centre can cut food and drink packaging waste

A new UK recycling centre will be able to convert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics back into food grade raw materials for use in new plastic packaging, says Closed Loop.

EU dairy outlook defies supply and nutrition challenges

Prices on the EU dairy market are expected to stabilise during the remainder of 2008 despite wider-global supply concerns, says the president of the European Dairy Association (EDA).

CSM opens the doors to its new innovation centre

Bakery ingredients company CSM opened a new innovation centre in Germany yesterday to focus on developing bakery ingredients for the international market.

Cassava flour alternative relieves costs for bakers

Beating the high costs linked to the price of wheat flour on today's market, bakers in the African country of Ghana can now access a cheaper alternative produced with cassava and maize.

Dried plums offer natural antioxidant alternatives for sausages

Antioxidant-rich dried plums may be a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives for processed meats, suggests research from the Americas.

Nanotechnology-enabled packaging regulation roadmap offered:study

A new study provides a roadmap for consumers, food manufacturers and government through potential US regulatory issues for nanotechnology-enabled food packaging, claims the report's author.

Green scheming offers profit sustainability - Tetra Pak

Manufacturers seeking long-term cost efficiency should consider forsaking immediate profitability by making wide reaching environmental commitments in their operations, says the vice president of development for Tetra Pak.

3D vision-based robotics enhance quality and process control, claims firm

3D vision-guided robotic automation enables quality monitoring, yield improvement as well as decorative applications for baked goods manufacturers, according to RTS Flexible Systems.

Fortified cheese as good as supplements for vitamin D: study

Eating cheese fortified with vitamin D results in the same blood rises in the vitamin as from supplements, reports new research from Canada.

Value of sustainability to be studied as emissions cuts rewarded

As the UK's Carbon Trust initiates a scheme to reward companies for genuine carbon emission reduction, a new study will determine how influential a company's sustainability image is in terms of consumers' purchasing decisions.

Easy-to-clean dryer optimizes output for fresh-cut processors, says firm

A dryer that removes water from fresh-cut produce has been redesigned to improve sanitation and maximise productivity, claims Key Technology.

Kids more clued up on five-a-day than parents, survey

A new survey commissioned by the UK's Department of Health found that three in five parents believe their children know more about the need to eat five portions of fruit and veg a day than they do.

Solutions abound for polyphenol-fortified milk: study

Adding fruit flavours and cyclodextrin to milk may boost consumer acceptance of polyphenol-enriched dairy, without the need for added sugar, report New Zealand scientists.

New bread aromas enhance taste in salt reduced products

Ingredients and flavours supplier Synergy has developed a range of natural bread aromas designed to capture artisan bakery qualities in products with a reduced salt content.

Gluten-free bakery gets boost from enzyme: study

Baking gluten-free breads for the ever-growing coeliac population may be possible using brown rice and buckwheat flours and adding the transglutaminase enzyme, according to results of a European project.

Wine maker eyes pack innovation amidst industry complacency

As winemakers come under greater pressure to ensure they are offsetting the environmental impacts of their operations, one global vintner believes that the humble carton may offer a productive new solution.

Belt washer offers chemical free bacteria elimination, says Vulganus.

Finnish manufacturer Vulganus said that its Steriline Utrasonic belt washer provides processors with a new method of cleaning conveyor belts.

Lightweight foam tray offers high sealability and strength, says firm

A new C-PET foam tray targeted at the chilled and frozen ready meals sector weighs 30 per cent less than standard rigid trays but still provides heat resistance, hermeticity and shelf life, claims its manufacturers.

Firms hiring illegal workers named online

UK employers who hire illegal workers are being named and shamed on the website of the UK Border Agency (UKBA), which is responsible for controlling migration into the UK.

Taurine time for the French as Red Bull reformulates

French resistance to selling the Red Bull energy drink appears to be waning with the beverage soon to be reformulated in the country to include the controversial amino acid taurine for the first time.

Food safety guidelines can overwhelm processors, says group

Maintaining up-to-date knowledge on industry guidelines and developing a strong quality processing system add to the pressures faced by food processors in the current climate of high input costs, claim US food safety consultants.

New group to boost Welsh food sector skills

The Welsh food sector received a boost last week with the launch of the Food Industry Skills Strategy Group dedicated to strengthening workforce skills and experience.

Weekly comment

GM: Breaking the stalemate

Food industry voices are joining those of politicians in the GM debate, hailing the controversial technology as the answer to the food supply crisis. But the hearts and minds of consumers must still be won.

Debate ignites over GM's role in aiding food crisis

Genetically modified (GM) crops could help address spiralling prices, said UK ministers, sparking yet another European debate on their role in the global food arena.

Automated product sorting designed to cut baker rejects

A supplier of automated conveyer devices has extended the applications of a belt system originally used in carton distribution for cost effective alignment of flat-baked goods on the production line.

Packager claims rapid zip flow-wrapping now in the bag

A new development in zip-pack packaging for cheese and other perishable products can offer processors high-speed resealable flow-wrap production, according to its manufacturer.

UK food processors and hauliers urge fuel duty measures

Stabilisation of fuel prices through tax measures can help ease the pressure on the food supply chain more than energy efficiency moves, claim the UK haulage and food manufacturer associations.

Forecast model can predict bacterial progeny, claim researchers

A mathematical forecast model will enable all parties throughout the supply chain to estimate the numerical level of microbial contamination of poultry, according to the developers.

Foodmakers welcome MEPs amendment on by-products

The adoption by MEPs this week of amendments to the European Waste Framework Directive has been welcomed by the Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries in the EU (CIAA).

Equipment washing service capacity doubled, says UK firm

Increased equipment capacity enables faster crate washing and drying service for returnable transit packaging (RTP) users, claims PHS Teacrate.

Study shines light on photosensitive drink shelf life

The significance of lighting on shelf-life in photo-sensitive drinks and food products should not be underestimated by processors when considering how to store their products, says a new study.

Conquering egg allergenicity without compromising functionality: review

The continuing prevalence of egg allergies, and its implications for food manufacturing and labelling practices, has led to a scientific review on methods to reduce product allergenicity.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Providing solutions for healthy foods

Health and wellness is creeping in to every aspect of the food industry. In the third in an in-depth special series, FoodNavigator examines the potential for pectin offer formulation solutions when targeting the health and wellness trend.

Bagged-milk highlighting green dairy development

A new milk packaging initiative by a leading UK retailer designed to cut package waste is just one of many green container innovations being carried out by dairy processors, according to the industry.

Food processors cut food miles by sharing transport

A collaboration between leading food manufacturers and retailers aims to reduce the environmental impact of transporting food and groceries in the UK, claims scheme pioneer IGD.

Innovation required to milk sheep and camel dairy potential

Milk derived from sheep, buffalo and even camels could open up promising new avenues for dairy processors, providing that innovation and investment is made to squeeze their potential.

High fibre barley provides bakers with health spin

Bakers designing muffin and bread formulations for the health conscious consumer can soon access a high-fibre barley grain as Australia's national science laboratory (CSIRO) signs a deal to bring large scale commercial crops of its Barleymax grain to food makers.

Habasit Rossi offers free belt audits to UK processors

Habasit Rossi, the conveyor belt supplier, is targeting the fruit and vegetable handling industry in the UK with a free audit and belt chart campaign.

Consumer group calls for global safety rethink

The consolidation of food safety systems into a form of "one-size-fits-all" regulation may undermine hygienic manufacturing, warns consumer rights group Food and Water Watch.

Cost hikes from BASF to impact packaging suppliers

BASF, a major supplier of polymers and other chemicals for use in a variety of industries like consumer packaging, said that it is raising the prices for its paper and card board dispersions by up to 20 per cent with immediate effect.

EU ups the ante with competitiveness group

The European Commission is focusing on competitiveness, innovation and safety in the food industry through the formation of a new high level group.

New guide to help food processors clean up

Food factory cleaning and disinfection is the subject of new guidelines produced by the Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA).

Scientists aim to cut risk posed by Ug99 to wheat supplies

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have developed wheat lines resistance to a stem rust fungus, which is threatening crop and adding to existing problems of rising costs and a 30-year low for stockpiles.

French retailer in green labelling initiative

French retailer, Casino, has launched a carbon labelling initiative on a selection of its private label products.

Automation desire heating up plate freezing - manufacturer

A UK-based refrigeration specialist says it is re-entering the supply market for bulk plate freezing systems with a keen eye on bringing greater automation and energy efficiency to its products.

Costs to food business to rise if GM zero-tolerance prevails, warns CIAA

Europe's vast food industry calls for an end to 'uncertainty' over non EU-approved GM traces in foodstuffs, warning that new risks on the horizon could bring massive costs to the European supply chain.

Chr Hansen to launch next generation cheese coagulant

Denmark's Chr Hansen is set to launch a second-generation Fermentation Produced Chymosin (FPC) for the cheese market, promising cost-efficiency and better process control.

Weekly comment

The value of hyperactive curiosity

For a little yellow flower, it's ignited a huge debate. Believe the headlines and St John's wort won't help hyperactive kids, but last week's study asks more questions than it answers. It's time to put funding disclosures in the dock.

Filler designed to sate beverage diversity needs

A new plastic bottle packaging system can allow processors to perform both pressurised and pressure-less hot and cold filling to meet demand for broader product output, according to its manufacturer.

ICCO clarifies EC pesticide residues regulations

The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) is reminding those in the cocoa and related industries that the EU Legislation on Pesticide Residues will apply to all beans entering the European Union from 1 September 2008.

New aseptic technology delivers high outputs, says Cryovac

Sealed Air Cryovac said they have designed, in partnership with Catelli Food Technology (CFT), a film for aseptic packs that allows high machine outputs and is robust enough to sustain handling and distribution despite reduced material.

No risk to consumers from Bisphenol A, says ECB

The European Chemicals Bureau (ECB) said that there is no risk to consumers from using packaging containing Bisphenol A (BPA), which follows similar findings from TNO last month.

Rising costs could cook up opportunity for UK organic bakers

The rising costs of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs could boost the output of organic foods and provide more locally sourced grain for organic bakers.

Rice future dependent on science here and now: IRRI

As food prices and demand continue to dominate global politics, Dr. Achim Dobermann, newly appointed deputy director general for research at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), talked to FoodNavigator about the science and future of rice.

Vegetable oil prices set to stay high, US warns

Vegetable oil prices are expected to remain high into the coming 2008/09 season as surging demand from the developing world outpaces production, predicts the US agriculture department.

New checkweigher software improves factory efficiency, claims Ishida

A new software programme designed for Ishida checkweighers can improve plant efficiency by offering food processors a range of reporting opportunities, says the company.

Forum to tackle global drink maker concerns

A two-day conference to allow the alcoholic beverage industry to discuss the latest regulatory and sustainable challenges kicks off today, says organisers, the International Federation of Wines and Spirits (FIVS).

Sidel initiative to help processor sustainability, says firm

French equipment and packaging supplier, Sidel, said it has created the new post of sustainable development officer within the company to help its customers reach their individual sustainability targets.

Supply uncertainty drives ingredient firm expansion

Dairy ingredients group Meadow Foods says it is aiming for further expansion within its operations as part of moves to offset spiralling energy and distribution costs.

New cost cutting, sustainable technology for dairy processors, claims Tetra Pak

A new processing line can provide dairy processors with lower operating costs and energy savings, claims manufacturer Tetra Pak.

Commercial emulsifier may hold key to whipped cream mimicry

Use of the commercial emulsifier lactam may help food scientists crack how to produce emulsions that mimic traditional whipped cream, says new research.

McCain Foods invests in biogas project at UK plant

A new anaerobic lagoon will provide ten per cent of UK plant's electrical needs, claims McCain Foods.

Bacteria strain shows promise as natural meat preservative

The lactic acid bacteria strain Enterococcus faecalis CECT7121 can provide a natural preservative for craft dry-fermented sausages, according to a new study.

WRAP sets target for mixed plastics recycling

The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) aims to have the UK's first mixed plastics reprocessing plant up and running by 2011.

News briefs: Kraft, bread price crunch, and bakery closures

US food giant Kraft has set up a new Spanish and Portuguese Kraft subsidiary following the purchase of Groupe Danone's global biscuit business, including LU Iberia, in November 2007.

UK packager invests to meet degradability demand

A UK-based packager has announced the latest part of a major investment in its operations to step up production of its degradable packaging products.

Aes Chemunex offers time-saving meat analysis tool

A tool to measure the microbiological quality of raw meat can dramatically reduce analysis time, claims its manufacturer.

Honed cheese flavours point the way to low-fat options

The trend towards low and reduced-fat food is creating opportunities for enzyme-modified cheese flavours to create intense cheese-tasting food without the calories.

Weekly comment

Food crisis: Time to stop the squabbling

Bickering gets you nowhere. It's a lesson to be learned early in life, but which seems easily forgotten when it comes to tough political issues like measures to curb the food crisis.

Coca-Cola calls on peers for cooler commitment

Coca-Cola is calling on rival food and rink manufacturers to join it in investing in carbon dioxide (CO2) refrigeration as part of its commitment to improving energy efficiency within its operations.

A datalogger provides effective temperature monitoring, claims study

The University of Bristol's Food Refrigeration and Processing Engineering Research Centre (FRPERC) said a commercially available datalogger can effectively aid the monitoring of rotary oven cooking temperatures.

Confectionery machine roll-out boasts 400 products per minute

As ever shorter product life cycles continue to dominate the packaging landscape for confectioners, two Bosch Packaging Technology firms have extended their range of horizontal pillow-pack machines.

New method could end lettuce contamination, say researchers

A method being developed to stop microbes attaching to tissues could prevent bacterial contamination of fruit and vegetables, claims a UK food research agency.

Microbubbles could extend shelf-life on food foams

Microscale bubbles could whip up a range of long-lived, stable foam products whilst giving formulations interesting sensory properties, according to research published in Science.

Farmers claim milk-battle victory

Dairy farmers across Europe say they are temporarily calling for an end to ongoing strikes that have threatened milk supply in the bloc, after industry players agreed to enter talks over the pricing for their products.

No risk from nitrates in vegetables, says EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) Contaminants Panel (CONTAM) has found that the beneficial effects of eating vegetables and fruit outweigh potential risk to human health from exposure to nitrate through vegetables.

New tool offers rapid method of acrylamide detection, say developers

A new tool aimed at monitoring acrylamide formation during food processing can offer rapid detection of the chemical, claims a research group in France.

Raw milk camembert rule approved

French authorities have approved revisions for the production of camembert cheese, which only allows products derived from raw milk to carry the sought after AOC Appellation Contrôlée (AOC) Camembert de Normandie.

UK public voices concern over cloned food

Consumers in the UK believe risk analysis on animal cloning and products from cloned animals and their offspring entering the food chain should be as thorough as drug research, according to a survey published today by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Confectioners worry about EU biofuel targets

Talks on the European Union's draft Renewable Energy Directive should be postponed until after independent research into the effects of biofuels production, argues the confectionery and biscuit industry.

Big private equity deals a thing of the past for food

Private equity backed, billion-euro deals in the food sector are gone as the credit crunch impacts the landscape, but smaller transactions will remain and today's difficult climate will throw up acquisition opportunities for trade players with strong balance sheets.

Forced sheep tagging not viable, says meat industry

UK meat processors have backed the country's farmers over concerns at the cost of implementing European directives requiring compulsory electronic tagging on sheep in the next few years.

Energy drinks safety questioned by German agency

Energy drinks have the potential to cause liver damage, heart failure and even death and should carry warnings for certain population groups, according to a German body.

Rome Food Security Summit

Boost production to ease the food crisis, says UN chief

Stepping up food production and ending trade restrictions could lift millions out of poverty while helping bring down soaring prices, said UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon.

Globalisation raises food safety fears, says microbiologist

The trend towards importing more food from developing countries is opening up Western countries to greater food safety risks, says a US microbiologist, and food processors have a duty to conduct the necessary checks.

Current control measures effective against microbes in the plant air: study

The current control measures to limit the levels of microbes in the air of pork processing plants are sufficient and effective, according to Irish scientists.

Milk Link invests to target packaging innovations

Milk Link, a UK-based dairy cooperative, has announced it has completed a major investment at its Oswestry cheese-packaging plant, which its claims will become one of the most advanced sites of its kind in the country.

Study shows low levels of BPA migration into baby bottles, say researchers

A new study has found low levels of Bisphenol A (BPA) migration into polycarbonate baby bottles when heated in a microwave, claim the researchers.

Mars highlights cocoa biodiversity at UN conference

Protecting cocoa's biodiversity and sustainability are critical, said Mars at the recent United Nations Biodiversity conference held in Bonn, Germany.

Tyson label withdrawal shows need for labeling protocol

More consistency and clarity is needed on the USDA's labeling and advertising rules on meat and livestock-raising claims, Tyson Foods has said as it announced the withdrawal of its 'raised without antibiotics' chicken label.

Integrated packaging line cuts operating costs, says Tetra Pak

A new integrated, aseptic carton packaging line offers processors reduced costs, as well as increased equipment reliability and capacity, claims manufacturer Tetra Pak.

Big brewers searching for a brand old time, says analyst

As speculation mounts over the future of US brewer Anheuser-Busch amidst rumours of a possible takeover bid from rival InBev, it is not the brewer, but the brands that are expected to drive consolidation and growth in the market.

Ryvita and Jordans merger creates leader in healthy snacks and cereals

Faster new product development is likely after Associated British Foods (ABF) announced yesterday the merger of its Ryvita business with natural food company Jordans to create one of the biggest player in the healthy snacks and cereals sectors.

Weekly comment

Yesterday's food complacency proves hard to swallow

For too long, the developed world has taken food for granted. For years, ample food stocks, a well-supplied export trade and rapidly rising agricultural productivity have confined food fears, in the west at least, to history and the memories of older generations.

Acrylamide risk opinion remains unchanged, says EFSA

Efforts to reduce acrylamide remain a priority as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concludes risk assessments regarding the carcinogen will stay the same.

New light-weight, aesthetic tubs aimed at premium dairy sector

A light-weight polypropylene container with in-mold graphics for point-of-sale differentiation has been developed for the premium end of the North American dairy packaging market, claims its manufacturer.

Fairtrade Foundation aims to boost bakery market share

The Fairtrade Foundation wants the UK market for Fairtrade products to reach £2bn a year, four times the current level, by 2012, according to its recent report Tipping the Balance.

New food equipment sanitizing range cuts down-time, says Radical

A new advanced oxidation sanitization process provides an alternative to using chlorine, while reducing down-time for food processors, claims its manufacturer.