Practical Guide to Metal Detection-Food Industry
Fortress Technology
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30-Jul-2004
Report exposes potential RFID weaknesses
A leading consultancy firm has warned that the widespread adoption of RFID could open up the door to a range of potential scams, resulting in huge losses for retailers and...
QEPP launches food compliant materials range
Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products (QEPP) has launched a new line of food compliant materials (FCM) that will allow food manufacturers to meet the European Union's Directive 2002/72/EC on food-contact materials.
Buhler develops automatic sorter checking software
Buhler has developed software capable of performing an automatic check on a production line's sorting capabilities, enabling trouble to be prevented before it can cause downtime.
Moulin adpots Cadcam software for packaging design
French glass mould manufacturer Moulin is using Delcam Power Solution Cadcam software to develop new bottle designs and increase production capacity.
Ultrasonic Scientific unveils new pressurising system
Ultrasonic Scientific has launched a high-resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy (HR-US) pressurising system that is able to analyse liquids with low boiling points, making it possible to monitor microstructural and molecular transformations...
EU extends ban on Asian poultry
Following further reported outbreaks of avian flu in China, Vietnam and Indonesia, the European Union has said that it will extend its ban on importing poultry products from Asian countries...
29-Jul-2004
Growth for ready meals in eastern Europe
A lack of time and increasing incomes levels are the main reasons for the huge increase in the ready meals and chilled food sectors in eastern Europe. This week's product...
Toray Plastics develops cutting edge packaging films
Toray Plastics has developed what it describes as a new line of technologically advanced, value-added OPP and PET packaging films, designed to achieve longer shelf life and easier handling.
Zebra launches first XML-enabled RFID solution
Zebra Technologies has launched what it claims is the first Extensible Markup Language (XML)-enabled bar code and RFID smart label printing solution.
Unnamed food firm to trial SIRA cold chain barcode
A global retailer is planning to trial a barcode capable of monitoring food quality in the cold chain.
CCL creates Europe's largest contract packaging manufacturer
Global packaging and labelling firm CCL Industries has finalised the agreement that will create the largest contract packaging manufacturer in Europe.
28-Jul-2004
New E. coli research offers safer meat processing
Meat production could become a whole lot safer and more hygienic if the findings of a current research project into a dangerous strain of E. coli prove conclusive.
Suppliers implicated in Ahold investigation
Prosecutors in the US have indicated that the Ahold insider trading investigation, which has seen four former executives of the retail group's North American subsidiary US Foodservice charged with fraud,...
UK manufacturers told to clean up or face fines
UK businesses that attempt to increase profits at the expense of the environment have been told that they face tougher fines. As in previous years, a significant number of high...
Baby Chef installs PA sealing plant
UK baby food manufacturer Baby Chef has installed Packaging Automation sealing equipment at its Portsmouth plant to ensure that the lids on its new baby food pots are strong and...
Flying Null develops world's smallest smart tag
UK-based technology firm Flying Null says it can offer wine and spirit manufacturers complete traceability with what it claims is the world's thinnest chipless smart tag.
27-Jul-2004
RedPrairie updates global supply chain software
Supply chain solutions provider RedPrairie has announced sweeping changes to its integrated supply chain execution and optimisation suite in order to help customers comply with increasing trade, security and retail...
AlphaZeta develops e-marketing for food suppliers
Software specialist AlphaZeta has created software for food developer Griffith laboratories that it claims will allow the firm to discover exactly what their customers want.
Pilgrim's Pride pays price for poultry plant scandal
Poultry producer Pilgrim's Pride, the supplier at the centre of animal abuse allegations, has seen its shares fall by 10.4 per cent since a video depicting horrific cruelty was released...
Multisorb launches oxygen absorber for better shelf life
Active packaging solutions specialist Multisorb Technologies has launched the FreshMax, an oxygen absorber that reduces the need for additives and preservatives in food products.
InduSoft & Protia unveil IT processing breakthrough
InduSoft is integrating its Web Studio (IWS) industrial automation software with Protia's Strategic Line of Sight software to provide customers with improved manufacturing performance visibility.
26-Jul-2004
ABP expands frozen food production capabilities
Anglo Beef Processors (ABP) aims to expand its foothold in frozen manufacturing through the acquisition a major Scottish sausage manufacturer.
Rockwood UK subsidiary acquires pigment business
Rockwood Pigments, the UK subsidiary of printing technology group Rockwood, is set to acquire the pigments and dispersions business of chemicals group Johnson Matthey.
Grimsby to host fish processing forum
A European conference on fish processing aims to highlight the latest scientific developments that could transform the industry.
EU Commissioner outlines benefits and challenges of enlargement
EU Commissioner Sandra Kalniete believes that EU enlargement promises huge benefits for the food production sector, but changes must still be made to a number of current trade regimes.
Ebro expands into US market
Leading Spanish food group Ebro Puleva, whose revenues broke the billion euro barrier last week, has agreed to buy Riviana Foods, the largest rice processor in the US.
23-Jul-2004
KFC responds to chicken supplier scandal
KFC has labelled the investigation by animal rights activists, which revealed horrific cruelty at a major US chicken supplier awarded 'Supplier of the Year' in 1997, as a "mischaracterisation" of...
K-TEK develops wave guide for steam appliances
A new wave guide probe that allows a guided wave radar transmitter to measure levels in saturated steam appliances without concern for fluctuations in specific gravity has been developed.
Rexam completes energy efficient glass packaging plant
Rexam Glass' recent €15 million investment in its glassworks at Dongen, the Netherlands, means that energy consumption (per tonne of glass) from the improved furnace will be within 10 per...
Sherwood printing concept wins food processing award
Sherwood Technology new DataLase has been voted as one of the best products in the Technological Development of the Year category at the Food Processing Awards 2004.
22-Jul-2004
Krones to unveil latest innovations
Integrated bottling and packaging systems manufacturer Krones is launching a number of new products including a PET-Asept system featuring Isolator technology and a new VO-DM-PET volumetric filling system for water.
KFC scandal focuses attention on supplier standards
A leading UK newspaper has dubbed Kentucky Fried Chicken 'Kentucky Fried Carnage' following the release of a shocking video taken secretly by an animal rights activist, writes Anthony Fletcher.
Kraft Foods aims for energy and environmental efficiency
Kraft Foods has commissioned an innovative food wastewater treatment facility at a US cheese plant, which it claims will reduce waste by more than 90 per cent, writes Anthony Fletcher.
Earthshell licences green packaging technology
US-based environmental packaging developer EarthShell has licensed out its technology to Meridian Business Solutions (MBS), in a move that further underlines the growing importance of green packaging.
Frozen food playing the health and safety card
Frozen food may not have the sexiest of images, but growing consumer demand for convenient, healthy and, above all, safe food has led to something of a revival in the...
Ready meals from the US military - just add urine
Food scientists working for the US military have come up with a dried food ration that can be rehydrated by adding dirty water - or even urine.
21-Jul-2004
Nestlé adopts Alcoa shrink labels for Canadian market
Nestlé has launched a range of milk products in Canada, packaged in Alcoa Flexible Packaging shrink labels.
Cargill Dow corn packaging achieves Japanese approval
A plastic made from corn has been given food contact approval in Japan, suggesting that environmentally responsive packaging now has global reach.
VBS develops new pressure testing for drinks containers
VBS International has developed a new means of pressure testing non-carbonated liquid containers, which it claims is ideal for processors who need to carry out high volumes of pressure testing.
Food allergen labels tighten in US
Food makers operating in Europe shortly face new labelling rules for food allergens on food labels, and as the US cleared its own new rules yesterday, manufacturers present in the...
Wal-Mart supplier installs RedPrairie RFID technology
A leading Wal-Mart supplier is installing RedPrairie RFID transportation and warehouse management software in order to comply with looming RFID shipping mandates. The retail giant expects that by January 2005,...
20-Jul-2004
EU sugar reforms bring mixed blessings
The European Union last week announced plans for a radical overhaul of the EU sugar regime, a resolution that is likely to bring about both applause and criticism from its...
Cheese launches reflect growth and diversity
Accession has sparked significant growth for the accession states of Central Europe, a fact that is reflected by a rash of product launches for the sector highlighted by this week's...
CCFRA launches food pathogen study
The risks posed by pathogens on fresh produce are the subject of an extensive new review from UK-based food research group CCFRA, reports Anthony Fletcher.
UCB films division to be sold
The films business of the Belgium-based UCB Group is to be bought for €320 million by a consortium led by the former managing director of Hays Chemical Distribution and Candover Partners.
FAO: poultry producers to blame for bird flu outbreak
The FAO has cited poultry producers as the primary cause for the spread of the disease, undermining industry's assertions that it is mainly wild birds that spread the disease.
Kraft Foods 'on target' despite poor results
Kraft Foods claims to be making significant progress towards its goal of achieving sustainable growth, but figures suggest that the company is still reeling from changing consumer consumption trends and...
Alfa Laval and Sartorius extend filtration alliance
The extended alliance between Alfa Laval and the Sartorius Group underlines the growing popularity of the crossflow filtration concept in brewing, with processors moving away from traditional methods of filtration.
19-Jul-2004
PPE seals pass the 3-A Sanitary Standards test
UK-based Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE) has reported that its custom seals and gaskets meet the latest 3-A specification for dairy processing equipment.
Ishida develops weigher for high-speed production
Weighing and packing line supplier Ishida Europe has launched what it claims is its fastest and most accurate checkweigher.
Water-injected meat: the UK's latest food scandal?
Raw meat injected with water and additives to retain moisture is being sold alongside ordinary fresh meat by leading UK supermarkets, a disclosure that represents yet another blow to the...
GMA urges no new regulations for RFID
The GMA has said that while there are legitimate privacy implications concerning RFID and EPC, the technology stills offers manufacturers and industry significant benefits.
16-Jul-2004
UK egg production: sunny side up or still scrambled?
After years of bad publicity, UK eggs appear to be regaining popularity. Are producers witnessing the dawning of a golden age, or is the current trend just a flash in...
Fish freshness project offers processors new tools
A six-month research project into the monitoring techniques available to the fish processing industry in the UK promises to improve the quality of fish available in shops.
Crown Holdings produces 25 billionth SuperEnd
Crown Holdings' shipment of the 25 billionth SuperEnd beverage end in North America underlines the current key concerns of beverage packagers and manufacturers - cost effectiveness, waste reduction and processing efficiency.
Sun Microsystems delays RFID test centre opening
Sun Microsystems has delayed the opening of a centre in Scotland that will allow European companies interested in exploring the use of radiofrequency identification technology a base for pilot projects.
Coca-Cola moves to settle EC anti-trust allegations
Coca-Cola has moved to settle long-standing anti-trust allegations brought against the company by the European Commission.
Alcoa opens second China plant
US-based Alcoa has completed construction of a new plant in Hangzhou, China, for its Closure Systems International (CSI) business, feeding growing demand for closures in both the domestic and Japanese...
15-Jul-2004
Tetra Pak goes large with new aseptic packaging
Tetra Pak has released Tetra Brik Aseptic 1890 ml Slim and Tetra Brik Aseptic 2000 ml Slim packages, the largest packages to be launched in the Tetra Brik Aseptic range.
European process valve industry consolidates
Strahman Valves of the US has expanded its product line and increased its presence in Europe with the acquisition of MG Process Valves. Both companies market a range of valves...
UK raises investment in drive for energy efficiency
The drive towards achieving better energy efficiency in UK manufacturing was given fresh impetus this week following the latest government spending review, writes Anthony Fletcher.
Supreme Plastics invests in gearless packaging technology
Demand for ever-more sophisticated process printing, and the flexibility to handle a multitude of short-run jobs quickly has led to the installation of a new Bielloni 10-colour flexographic printing press...
ADT helps manufacturers meet RFID deadlines
ADT Security Services has developed an RFID concept aimed at providing manufacturers with an upgradeable solution for meeting the January 2005 implementation goals set by Wal-Mart and other leading retailers.
14-Jul-2004
Salted snacks grow in diversity
Growing income levels and less time for eating are contributing to the growth of the snacking industry in central and eastern Europe. And savoury snacks have played a major part...
13-Jul-2004
Polish agro-food gets €1.8 billion
The European Commission has agreed to a programme which will see a total investment of €1.8 billion in Poland's food processing and agricultural sectors over the next two years, in...
Tetra Pak releases updated environmental performance
Tetra Pak has issued an update of its environmental performance, in which it claims that the group has made good progress in several areas. But there is still work to...
Ocean Spray installs 3M packaging system
US canned and bottled juice manufacturer Ocean Spray has installed integrated packaging software to streamline its packaging system across all operations.
Graham Packaging makes plastic more flexible
Graham Packaging has developed a new technology that could herald a significant move away from glass packaging and towards plastic.
EC clears sale of Linde Kältetechnik
The European Commission has approved, under the Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Linde's refrigeration business (Linde Kältetechnik) by United Technologies Corporation.
Arla close to developing intelligent milk cartons
Swedish dairy giant Arla Foods is close to starting work on the development of new sensory dairy packaging that can monitor its own shelf life.
12-Jul-2004
Scientists uncover behaviour of aluminium
Scientists at Risø National Laboratory in Denmark and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in France have made an important discovery that could change the way aluminium is manufactured.
APV Baker installs Portuguese cereal production line
A new, multi-product breakfast cereal plant has been installed by APV Baker for Nacional, a leading Portuguese company, which will enable it to make a wide variety of extruded products.
European claims packaging assessments inadequate
Life cycle assessments (LCAs) cannot adequately determine which packaging system is environmentally preferable, according to a leading industry body.
McCain achieves global production synchronisation
McCain Foods, one of the world's largest producers of quality frozen foods, has installed FullTilt's I-Accel collaborative product information management (CPIM) software in order to achieve data synchonisation and standardised...
Schneider unveils end-of-line packing solution
Schneider Packaging Equipment has unveiled its new robotic case packer-palletiser. The company believes that this all-in-one concept, which combines a case packer and a palletiser, offers manufacturers a cost-effective end-of-line...
09-Jul-2004
Odin technologies releases RFID reader benchmark
With deadlines for compliance looming, RFID specialist Odin technologies has released a report analysing the top four EPC (electronic product code) compliant RFID readers.
Tetra Recart packaging system makes US debut
US-based food manufacturer Hormel Foods is about to launch two chilli brands in new easy-to-open carton packaging from Tetra Pak, marking a significant change in packaging preference.
Iggesunds Paperboard installs digital video analysis
Swedish packaging manufacturer Iggesunds Paperboard claims that the recently introduction of video analysis equipment at its production facility has significantly improved efficiency.
Northern Foods concerned over M&S price cuts
UK-based Northern Foods, one of the biggest suppliers to UK retail giant Marks & Spencer, wants to establish new conditions before agreeing to proposed price cuts and margin improvements, writes...
EC clears factories for emissions trading
The European Commission's decision to accept eight national allocation plans for CO2 emission allowances clears over 5,000 plants to enter the emissions market next January, with food processors among the...
08-Jul-2004
Ishida loses patent case
Packaging equipment giant Ishida has lost a patent case against Australian firm TNA over a dispute concerning Ishida's Apex and CBM2 bagmaker machines.
Tetra Laval challenges European Commission fine
Swiss-Swedish carton packaging company Tetra Laval says it will appeal yesterday's decision by the European Commission to impose a fine of €90,000 for an alleged failure to provide information in...
Metro Group chooses Intermec for RFID innovation
German-based wholesaler and retailer Metro Group has selected Intermec Technologies to provide a range of RFID (radio frequency identification) inventory tracking systems for its Metro Group Innovation Centre, which opened...
MPs slam English BSE tracking system
Urgent improvements in livestock tracking systems are needed if public health and the well-being of food production are to be protected, according to a UK House of Commons Public Accounts...
Scientist calls for risk test to protect chocolate crops
Hanging as a persistent threat to the chocolate industry witches' broom disease is capable of wiping out entire cacao crops and sending the price of chocolate rocketing. Despite ongoing research...
07-Jul-2004
Heinz mulls transferring production to Poland
Heinz of Poland has confirmed that its production facility in Pudliszki in the west of Poland is undergoing production trials for Heinz products that are currently manufactured in western Europe,...
Deadly bird flu returns to Thailand
Thailand has confirmed a new bout of bird flu, sparking fears of a return of the winter outbreak that left over 20 people dead and devastated the region's poultry industry,...
Heat-resistant resin from GE Advanced Materials
GE Advanced Materials has developed Noryl PKN, a resin capable of extreme temperature resistance. This, says the company, makes it ideal for food packaging that goes direct from the deep...
Allergen test for new food labels
Scientists have developed new tests to detect nut allergens in processed foods that could help food makers adhere to the tough new European rules on food allergens to be enforced...
KSW Microtec launches counterfeit-proof RFID label
German radio frequency identification technology company KSW Microtec is gearing up to launch a new RFID label for tracking supply chain integrity for perishable foods.
Eckes Granini installs PET processing technology
The installation of new ACF (Aseptic Cold Filling) line equipment at Eckes Granini's factory in Bad Fallingbostel, Germany, will radically change the way in which the firm operates.
Food processors work towards energy reduction
Food giants such as Unilever, Kraft and Campina have put in place measures to achieve significant reductions in energy consumption, underlining the trend towards growing corporate environmental responsibility.
06-Jul-2004
Waste managment regs imminent, warns agency
The UK's Environment Agency has warned manufacturers that they must be prepared for imminent changes affecting the management of hazardous waste, while the Environmental Services Association (ESA) is concerned that...
Lag in EU steel production
Results from the first few months of this year indicate that stainless steel production in 2004 will reach another peak level, according to steel market analyst MEPS. But EU production...
Oxoid develops database
A new MicroLog Filamentous Fungi database that enhances the identification capabilities of food microbiology laboratories has been developed.
Bird's Eye additive decision shakes up ready meals sector
Bird's Eye is removing additives from all its products in the UK, a move that could send shockwaves through the lucrative but under-fire ready meals sector.
05-Jul-2004
Scanvaegt facilitates Namibian fish processing
Danish equipment supplier Scanvaegt has installed a production control system for Merlus, a Namibian seafood processor.
Risks diagnosis and prediction for wine makers
Consultant engineer Inkoa Systems is currently developing a prediction and diagnosis system for disease detection in wine production.
Arla under pressure from cheap German milk imports
From this month, German milk will be available at Danish retailer Dansk Supermarked's stores, a move that could affect milk prices and production across Europe.
UK business attacks 'sloppy' environmental laws
UK business has attacked the government for handing out what it claims is a £4 billion annual bill as a result of 'sloppy' environmental laws, writes Anthony Fletcher.
Organic producers discuss future of the seed industry
Organic producers are meeting for the first time to discuss the importance of organic seeds for international organic markets, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said today.
02-Jul-2004
Is the RFID revolution here?
The retail-driven drive towards universal usage of RFID technology throughout the supply chain looks unstoppable, but are we getting a bit carried away too soon? Anthony Fletcher reports.
BASF resumes Heliogen Blue pigment production
Chemical giant BASF has resumed production of the metal-free phthalocyanine pigment Heliogen Blue. The new material, used in packaging, conforms to the existing specification and its quality corresponds to that...
New packaging uncovered
A new report from BCC emphasises the importance of innovative packaging concepts such as oxygen scavengers, MAP and RFID to the future of food production.
Salt content slashed in soups
In the wake of a row that broke out earlier this month over the most common food ingredient in the world, manufacturers in the UK have laid out further plans...
Campina outlines plant environmental performance
Campina, one of Europe's largest dairy companies, has produced a statement that outlines the measures taken to improve the group's environmental performance.
01-Jul-2004
Help for manufacturers from the Supply-Chain Council
The US-based Supply-Chain Council (SCC) has published Version 6.1 of the Supply-Chain Operations Reference-model (SCOR), a business process model used to describe and measure the business activities associated with all...
Tough market conditions drive down milk prices
Arla Foods has blamed declining volumes in the Danish and Swedish markets and lower world market prices for its failure to meet its forecast result.
Energy reduction: Are manufacturers doing enough?
Global warming is a real threat and needs to be addressed now, argues BP group chief executive John Browne. He says that manufacturers need to start taking steps immediately to...
How to achieve long life
A new report examining the range of techniques and technology that manufacturers and processors can adopt to deliver product freshness has just been published.
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