Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Northern Foods sells chilled distribution business

In a further restructuring Northern Foods today announced it will sell its chilled distribution business for £51.2 million.

FDA accused of scant monitoring of deceptive food labeling

The nation's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been accused of misleading Congress by ignoring the enforcement of key regulatory provisions intended to provide accurate food labeling.

Plastic recycling boosted by legislative targets

Driven by tougher waste legislation and set EU targets, the recovery of plastics in the bloc is growing steadily, according to a new report by Applied Market Information (AMI).

Avian influenza reflected in market swings for poultry

The avian influenza scare is causing fluctuations in the demand and price for poultry in the EU, according to the latest agricultural forecast by the European Commission.

Weekly Comment

WTO's failure is food industry's loss

The short sighted failure of greedy WTO trading partners to achieve any sort of meaningful agreement on global agricultural tariffs is bad for Europe's food industry.

Snider Schenker adds temperature-controlled section

Snider Schenker has expanded its Benelux distribution centre in Willebroek, Belgium in a bid to capture a bigger chunk of the temperature-controlled foods market.

Software crunches contaminant data, eating habits

New software can help manufacturers gear their formulations to meet safety regulations and consumers' demands for healthier foods.

Biodegradable food packaging launched in UK

A UK company has launched a new range of convenience food packs manufactured from biodegradable plastic.

Kellogg's sales boost offsets rising costs

The world's leading cereal producer Kellogg's has posted a three per cent rise in second quarter net earnings, as strong sales in the Americas help compensate for rising commodity costs.

UK processors face additional costs under proposed law

A proposed law published for consultation yesterday would bring the UK's regulatory system into line with EU regulations -- but could also mean additional costs for processors.

Laser system offers cheaper, faster pathogen detection

A pathogen detecting system that uses scattered laser light can cut costs and speed up safety checks for food processors, researchers developing the technology claim.

Dioxins, PCBs, metals still at "safe" levels, UK regulator says

Metals, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a majority of foods and offals remain at levels considered safe in the EU, according to three scientific surveys published yesterday by the UK's regulator.

Germany among top packaging suppliers to food sector

Germany remains a world giant in the packaging material and machine sector, with a high demand, especially for plastics, about to reach record levels according to a new report.

Simple stirrer takes caffeine out of coffee

A few swirls round the cup could be enough to literally suck the caffeine out of your coffee, thanks to new technology developed by The DeCaf Company.

UK manufacturers face pressure to reduce environmental impact

The UK's food and drink manufacturers and retailers will come under more pressure to recycle more and cut the amount of waste they produce, according to an Environment Agency report.

Sealer boosts line speed up to 200 trays a minute

A new traysealer can achieve production speeds of 200 trays per minute, according to its manufacturer.

Science set to end carbon monoxide packaging debate

Two scientific studies say carbon monoxide is safe to use in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) techniques, countering claims by opponents that use of the gas could harm food safety.

Japan re-opens doors to US beef

Japan has reopened its doors to US beef, providing processors access to what was once their largest export market before bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was first found in North America.

Dairy Crest deal offers hope for the British milkman

The distant clink of milk bottles at 5am may be a thing of the past for several British neighbourhoods, but Dairy Crest's bid to create the UK's largest doorstep delivery business is a sign there may be life yet in the old British milk float.

Watchdog finds increase in food related fraud

Food companies and administrative bureaucrats attempting to dodge the EU's laws better watch out - the bloc's fraud and corruption watchdog is on their trail.

Salmon industry booms despite concerns

Processors are using more and more Norwegian and Chilean farmed salmon, as stocks of the wild version of the fish plunge worldwide.

Chocolate that melts only in the mouth

Gooey chocolate ruined by heat could soon be a thing of the past thanks to researchers at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN).

Dwindling cod supply provokes urgent reaction

The European Commission today proposed drastic measures to safeguard cod stocks in the Baltic Sea, which could lead to a supply problem -- and higher prices -- for processors.

UK CO2 emissions from food transport jumps 6pc

A jump of almost six per cent in the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced from transporting food from factory to the home could lead to more environmental restrictions in the UK.

Thorntons' profits show sales slump

UK confectioner Thorntons has announced poor financial results after struggling with waning sales since the start of the year.

Food firms "missing the value of waste"

British charity FareShare has launched a new recycling scheme offering food manufacturers a cheaper, greener solution to industrial waste disposal, saying they are missing out on the value of waste.

WTO food talks end in suspension and failure

Pascal Lamy will demand a suspension of the Doha round of agriculture talks this week, after WTO members failed to reach a meaningful consensus.

FTC orders Seasilver makers to pay $120mn

The FTC has ordered the makers of 'cure all' Seasilver to pay almost $120mn for failing to comply with an earlier order to reimburse consumers - thereby signaling to infringing companies that it stands by its rulings.

Cadbury apologises for Salmonella outbreak

Cadbury Schweppes has apologised for allowing Salmonella-contaminated chocolates to leave its factories and poison 37 people in the UK.

Packaging infuses product with aromas

A plastic packaging can infuse aromas into food and drink products without changing a their composition, developers claim.

Regulator moves to quell claims it is suppressing evidence

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will beef up its process for disclosing the conflicts of interest of its advisory experts, after a survey suggests it is supressing scientific evidence in favor of industry.

Weekly comment

Vanity fayre: cosmetic foods are not nutraceuticals

Functional foods are generally defined as products imbued with additional nutrients with health-promoting properties. But the industry needs to be wary of foods that present no actual health benefit from piggy-backing on the popularity of the category and watering down its reputation.

Authorities pinpoint Cadbury as source of Salmonella outbreak

Cadbury Schweppes was the most likely source of an outbreak of Salmonella montevideo that poisoned 37 people from February to June this year, according to the UK's health authorities.

Fryer cuts down on oil use

A new fryer requires less oil to get the job done, saving costs for processors, its manufacturer claims.

WTO report calls for balanced food subsidies

Government subsidies can be useful instruments in correcting market failures and working towards social objectives but can also distort trade, warned the WTO.

Asian visitors find British food safe and of good quality

A vast majority of Asian visitors to the UK believe that the food is safe and is great to eat, according to a survey by the country's food manufacturers.

EPCglobal RFID standard accepted by ISO

The EPCglobal UHF Generation 2 protocol for radio frequency identification (RFID) has been endorsed by the International Standards Organisation (ISO), paving the way for its use throughout the global supply chain.

Scientists crack down on global impact of food borne pathogens

Scientists from around the world have been meeting in Germany this week to set research priorities on a broad range of zoonoses - food borne diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans.

Nestlé probe molecular physics of food to protect flavour, nutrition

Nestlé Research Center, in collaboration with the University of Bristol, are pushing back the boundaries of scientific knowledge for the food industry by using molecular physics to explore the properties of carbohydrates in food.

Cereal prices forecast to rise as demand soars

A UN report warning of sharp declines in world cereal stocks, could foreshadow a potential supply problem - and increased costs - for food processors.

Quick-frozen food processors face tougher rules

The UK's food regulator has published a draft law for quick-frozen foodstuffs, amending existing requirements on sampling procedures and official methods of temperatures analysis.

Antimicrobial market boosted by processing trends

The introduction of novel and value-added products and additive free foods is boosting the use of antimicrobials in almost all food processing segments, according to a new report.

New machine to revolutionise ink-only labeling

A new ink labeling machine cuts costs, increases production speeds and is safer to use than traditional methods, its manufacturers claim.

EU funds RFID development for industry

The EU is providing €7.5m toward a three-year project to develop and extend the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in a range of industries, including the food and drink sector.

Copper better than stainless steel for food safety, scientists say

That copper cooking kettle may provide better protection against foodborne bacteria than a stainless steel one, according to scientists.

EU organisations meet to discuss food safety

The EU's industry representatives, consumers, regulators and scientists begin a two-day meeting today to discuss issues in food safety.

UK industry faces increased demand for skilled workers

UK food and drink manufacturers need to find 118,000 skilled workers to replace those who retire from or leave the industry, a government agency says.

Real Good Food Company announces optimistic results

Despite warning of a possible drop in sales, UK bakery and ingredients manufacturer, the Real Good Food Company (RGFC), has said it is on track to meet targets when it announces interim results later in the year.

PET recycling rates increase across EU

European post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) collection recycling rates reached 796,000 tonnes in 2005, a 15.1 per cent increase over the previous year, according to a trade association.

UK decides to keep burger cooking standard

The UK food safety regulator will to stick with its temperature and time guidance for cooking burgers and other minced meat products.

French organic trade booming, says GAIN report

Trade in organic products in France is now valued at almost $2 billion dollars and imports from non-EU countries continue to increase, according to a USDA GAIN report.

EU should consider capping the CAP, says commissioner

Mariann Fischer Boel, EU commissioner for agriculture, said Monday that the commission could consider putting limits on the Single Payment Scheme if it is found that the scheme is not efficient.

Food fraud, corruption rises in EU

Food companies and administrative bureaucrats attempting to dodge the EU's laws better watch out - the bloc's fraud and corruption watchdog is on their trail.

RFID technology achieves high read rates in France

A test in France of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to track products throughout the supply chain achieves almost full read rates, its manufacturer claims.

Wash additive boosts shelf life, reduces pathogens

A wash additive increases the shelf life of fresh-cut apples and reduces pathogen levels, scientists say.

Relative cost of unsaleable goods falls in 2005

Manufacturers managed to reduce the relative cost of reimbursing retailers for unsaleable goods in 2005, indicating they may have turned a corner in combatting a $2bn problem.

Bottle case packer cuts costs, reduces damage

A new case packing machine for bottles can help processors speed up production lines and cut costs, its manufacturer claims.

EU ministers set for wine reform showdown

Plans for radical reform of Europe's ailing wine sector will be debated openly by EU member states for the first time Tuesday, with opposing blocs already emerging.

Sausage emulsifer ups the tempo

A new sausage emulsifer on the market can process ten tonnes of meat an hour, its manufacturer claims.

French GM food on the rise, says report

France is set for an explosion in GM corn planting this year, according to a recent USDA GAIN report.

Figures reveal UK business collapse, says report

Business failure in the UK food retail, plastics and rubber industries has increased dramatically in the first half of 2006, according to a report published by credit checking group Experian.

EFSA consults over animal feed additives risk

Europe's food safety watchdog has launched a public consultation on the risks to the environment posed by various additives in animal feed, as part of a plan to draw up new guidelines.

Oxygen, CO2 mix reduces spoilage

A mix of 60 per cent oxygen and 40 per cent carbon dioxide can efficiently reduce the microbial spoilage of refrigerated beef, researchers say.

Cranberry reduces pathogens in minced beef say researchers

Adding cranberry concentrate to raw minced beef significantly reduces the growth of common food-borne pathogens, according to new research.

Beer industry to profit from new brewing science degree

A new brewing science degree in the UK aims to help beer firms around the world improve their businesses, from sustainable production to the perfect pint.

Alcan to close UK snack packing plant

As part of a plan to cut costs, Alcan said it will close a snack food packaging plant in the UK due to declining demand.

Weekly Comment

Sex, pills and bad information

The Internet is offering a wealth of information to more and more people, but also an avenue for irresponsible businesses to exploit consumer health concerns.

Citric acid, glycine could cut acrylamide

Addition of citric acid and glycine could reduce the formation of acrylamide, but not affect flavour, suggests a model study from the UK.

Bag packer designed for food sector

A new machine for the food sector operates at up to 120 bags per minute in a continuous mode, its manufacturer claims.

Bacon-processing factory designed from scratch

A new bacon-processing factory has started operating in BurySt Edmunds, Suffolk, providing an example of what processors can achieve when given a chance to design from the ground up.

Finsbury profits exceed expectations

UK cake and bread manufacturer, Finsbury Foods, has announced its yearly profits will be in excess of company predictions, cementing its position in the speciality bakery sector.

Romania poultry sector hit hard by avian influenza

The effects of avian influenza on Romania's poultry sectorprovides a high-profile case study for the rest of Europe on how the viruscould affect both the supply of the meat and consumers' demand.

Cargo lashing cuts down on lost loads, manufacturer claims

A new lashing for trailer cargoes cuts down on the risk ofdamaged goods or lost loads, its manufacturer claims.

Organic meat market growth sparks supply shortage

With demand for organic foods continuing to strengthenacross the globe, organic meat supply shortages and price hikes are expected to continue, according to a new report.

Labelling machine targets small processors

A labelling machine designed for cyndrical packaging istargeted at small processors who want to automate their packaging lines.

Self-refrigerating can ready for market, companies claim

A new self-refrigerating can lowers beverage temperature bya minimum of 16.7° C in just three minutes, its developers claim.

Cool packaging

Self-cooling bottles possible with shrink film, scientists say

A shrink technology that binds solar cells and heat pumpsonto surfaces could lead to the development of self-cooling soda bottles,scientists say.

World Bank outlines economic effects of bird flu

A World Bank report outlines the dire economic effects avianinfluenza is having on Europe's poultry flocks and demand for the meat.

Britain's CO2 shortage not a threat to fizzy drinks

Britain's soft drinks industry has played down concerns that the UK is facing a shortage of carbon dioxide, the essential bubble maker in fizzy drinks from Coke to cider.

Cheap fruit supply to end for processors?

The days of a cheap soft fruits could soon end for theprocessing sector, with the European Commission proposing ways to cut down on the oversupply.

Scientists research nanotechnology use for chilled, frozen sectors

Scientists at the University of Kent in the UK have received€800,000 to study ways nanotechnology can improve the safety and quality ofchilled and frozen foods.

Entry-level X-ray inspection system targets food sector

An entry level X-ray inspection system offers processors a cost-effective way of meeting the EU's food safety requirements, its UK-based manufacturer claims.

EU novel foods consultation nears deadline

An online consultation on the revision of novel food regulations, designed to take into account changes to the status of GM food in the EU, is nearing completion.

Cadbury tries to clean up its act

Cadbury Schweppes has been forced to improve cleaning processes at its Herefordshire factory after last month's recall of Salmonella-contaminated products.

Food and drink sectors among top spenders on environment

The UK's food, beverage and tobacco producers spent the mostcompared to other industries on meeting environmental protection requirements,according to new statistics released by the government.

Studies look at lengthening shelf life of fresh cut produce

A combination of specific packaging films, cleaning chemicals and modified atmospheres can lengthen the shelf life of fruit and vegetable varieties, according to studies by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

ISO certification added to traceability service

JustFoodERP adds international certification to itstraceability services, providing food processors with an independent audit of their supply chain.

Laser sorter raises the speed barrier

A new laser sorter has been designed to match the speeds of high volume processing lines.

EU citizens eating less poultry, avian flu survey finds

About 48 per cent of those who reduced their consumption, ornine per cent of those surveyed, said they were aware of a potential risk.

Citric acid, glycine addition could cut acrylamide, keep flavour

Addition of citric acid and glycine could reduce the formation of acrylamide, but not affect flavour, suggests a model study from the UK.

Codex sets new standards for lead, cadium

The Codex Alimentarius Commission has set new internationalstandards on maximum allowed levels of contaminants, including lead, cadmium,and aflatoxins.

Weekly comment

Organic food is selfish

The rise of organic food is a knee-jerk reaction to consumer health fears, and threatens to unhelpfully steer us away from improving the quality of food generally.

Spain becomes 14 EU state to report bird flu

Spain has become the latest EU member to report finding thedeadly strain of the bird flu virus in wild birds.

Fish sector focus

Commission calls for major cuts to EU fish production

With the EU's fish stocks under threat of depletion, the European Commission this week said it will propose reducing catches in a bid to restore supplies to sustainable levels.

Fish sector focus

Regulator probes Pan Fish, Marine Harvest merger

The UK's Competition Commission will investigate the proposed acquisition by Pan Fish of Marine Harvest, due to concerns that the creation of the world's largest producer of farmed salmon may result in increased prices.

UK launches review of nanotechnology policy

The UK government has launched a review of its nanotechnology policy, part of a move to assess the implications of current developments in the emerging science of tiny dimensions.

'Food for Life' driving EU food research forward

'Great progress' has been made on the European Technology Platform's Food for Life programme, according to chairman Peter van Bladeren.

Blue conveyor belt targeted at food processing market

Habasit Rossi is colouring its processing equipment blue in a bid to meet demands for better safety from the food industry.

UK guideline sets out temperature control requirements

The UK's food regulator has published draft guidelines on new temperature control legislation.

Online database collects food hygiene guides across EU

The European Commission has launched an online database and a journal to help regulators and processors share information on the EU's new hygiene regulations as they are applied across the bloc.

Bonduelle buys Unilever's frozen foods unit

Unilever has announced the sale of its remaining Spanish frozen foods brands to French food group Bonduelle.

Scientists to probe food's nano-structure to optimise ingredients

Scientists in Australia are "dragging food science into the 21st century" by using neutrons to probe the molecular structure of food and ingredients, and changes that occur during processing.

UK merger gives company 46pc control of egg market

The planned merger between Deans Foods and Stonegate would give the new company a 46 per cent control of the UK's egg supply.

Top poultry processors faulted for high Salmonella rates

A consumer advocacy group has released the names of poultry processors whose plants failed federal standards for Salmonella, faulting the industry and regulators for not doing enough to reduce the foodborne pathogen.

Agile targets food sector with Prodika buy

Agile Software has acquired Prodika, which provides product management software to the food and beverage sector.

Association calls for further BSE restrictions on Canada

The US cattle association is calling for further restrictions on beef from Canada, after regulators there confirmed a testing program had found the country's eight case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

Sterilisation method sucks life out of bugs

Scientists have developed a new sterilisation method for fruit and vegetables that literally sucks the life out of bugs.

Laser marker "fastest in world", company claims

Keyence is claiming that its new CO2 high resolution laser marker is the world's fastest.

Cadbury blasted for incorrect safety procedures

Cadbury Schweppes has come under renewed criticism following a regulatory finding that it did not adhere to EU safety measures at its Herefordshire plant, where salmonella was discovered earlier this year.

EU food safety notifications rise by 22 per cent

Notifications from EU member states of food safety risks rose by 22 per cent in 2005 compared to the previous year, according to an annual report on the bloc's rapid alert system

Atomizer reduces space needed for particle breakdown

A new atomizer fitting can help plants reduce costs and improve efficiency, its developer claims.

Italy's government to buy poultry in bid to prop up sector

Italy's bid to prop up its ailing poultry sector, hit by a drop in demand due to avian influenza, may have gone too far, the European Commission said yesterday.

UK food regulator publishes scientific research programme

The UK's food safety regulator says it will use more social science studies to determine priorities for reducing foodborne illness, increasing healthy eating and targeting enforcement measures.

Acrylamide issue tackled at IFT

Acrylamide can be reduced or removed before cooking - but the issue remains a major challenge, scientists told last week's IFT conference.

Cooling tunnel chills each product separately

A manufacturer based in Germany has developed a tunnel for chilling a variety of products that need different times to cool down.

CIAA to launch new voluntary labelling scheme

The CIAA is set to launch a common nutrition labelling scheme recommended for use by the food and drink industries across the EU tomorrow.

IFT: new flavour technologies uncovered

Delegates at last week's IFT conference heard why aromas are of such critical importance to consumer decisions - and how new technology could improve sales.

Rosemary may protect flavour in convenience meats

Adding a touch of rosemary to minced meat before high-pressure processing could stop the flavour loss associated with this anti-microbial treatment, say Brazilian and Danish researchers.

New EU-wide effort aims to reduce acrylamide

The food industry is working with European Commission officials on a programme to monitor and reduce acrylamide levels in their products.

Weekly Comment

Cadbury's mistake

Chocolate has a nice feeling to it - tasty, fun, luxurious and slightly sinful. This is comfort food, accessible to all and epitomised in the recent film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Codex meeting to set international standards on lead

About 500 food safety experts from about 100 countries are this week meeting to set international standards on reducing a number of disease-causing organisms and substances, such as lead and cancer-causing toxins.

Gristle removal gets the 'gentle' treatment

An updated model of a gristle removal machine, uses new technology that results in a more gentle treatment of the meat, and a high quality of product, its manufacturer claims.

Arla re-starts cheese production for Middle East

Arla Foods has re-started cheese production for the Middle East dairy market, but warned the move did not represent significant progress in beating the boycott there.

Salmonella cases fall in Germany, risk agency reports

Germany is winning the battle against Salmonella, according to new statistics released by the country's risk assessment agency.