Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Reports criticise Italy, Greece for poor food safety regs

Italy is in the bad books, while Slovenia is the teacher's pet, according to European Commission's latest reports on the state of EU member states food safety regulations.

Unipektin issues recall over additive concerns

Manufacturers across Europe, Japan and Australia who used a thickening agent from Unipektin might be on the hook for recalls, after a Swiss company said the additive contained high levels of the cancer-causing chemical dioxin.

Rexam to hike beverage can prices - again

Rexam expects to further raise the price of its beverage cans in the coming year, the packaging giant said yesterday in its second quarter financial report.

Membrane closure designed for convenience

A new peelable membrane closure for heat-and-eat food is designed for convenience and to withstand thermal processing.

Dual beam x-ray improves detection accuracy

A new x-ray system uses two beams to achieve dual detection for increased accuracy and improved product quality, its manufacturer claims.

Precautionary principle left out by Codex

Codex has agreed to exclude the controversial precautionary principle in its risk analysis standards, marking the end of a long battle between the EU and trade groups.

Colour sensor's flexibility allows wider use

A new vision sensor detects colour differences, allowing it to be used for a wide variety of quality controls in food and drink manufacturing.

Biopackaging push needed from government says report

A lack of government policies and slow industry takeup of biopackaging represents a missed branding opportunity for drinks manufacturers, according to a new report.

Tetra Pak expects profit in green focus

Packaging group Tetra Pak had today revealed it remains on track with its aim of a 10 per cent cut in CO2 emissions by 2010, in a bid to reduce the environmental impact and costs of its operations.

Diversification drive benefits Coca-Cola Enterpises

Coca-Cola Enterprises posted a four per cent increase in sales to $5.6bn (€4bn) for its second quarter as it continues to restructure its operations amidst changing consumer demand in the soft drinks market.

Spray on wax replaces silicone

A new spray on wax is designed to be used on conveyors and slide ways in food processing plants.

Tiny devices developed for pathogen detection

Scientists in Denmark have created two tiny devices, which they have leveraged to detect a range of contaminants, from molecules to whole bacteria, in food and water.

Expert comment

Nitrite free: Where does the truth end?

Cured meat products are appearing on the market as 'naturally cured', 'no nitrite added', 'without added nitrite' or even 'nitrite free' to promote a health image to consumers. Industry expert Gerhard Feiner believes such statements can be misleading.

European dairy concerned over WTO reforms

Europe's dairy processors are calling for a renegotiation of World Trade Organisation (WTO) proposals to cut subsidies, claiming these would put industry into a "straitjacket".

Spray coater protects against contamination

A new spray coater can protect foods from becoming contaminated by pathogens, according to its manufacturer.

Bovine gelatin spray used to extend meat shelf life

Bovine gelatin sprayed on meat extends shelf life, according to a new study.

UK food and drink sector meets greenhouse gas targets

The UK government today published agreements it has made with industry organisations - including those in the food and drink sector -- on targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Coca-Cola reports progress in reducing environmental impact

Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) has cut down on the amount of water it uses by six per cent and has put measures in place that will reduce the energy used for lighting by half.

New rates for meat inspections set to take effect

Increased charges in the UK for inspecting meat slaugherhouses and processing plants are set to come into effect next year.

ISO standard set for food traceability

A new international standard has been set for traceability along the food chain, setting out a complete system under which processors can get certification.

Scientists look to salt to reduce acrylamide

Salt may act as a catalyst in the polymerisation, and therefore reduction, of acrylamide in foods, suggests a new study from the Slovak Republic.

Diageo pledges green future for the black stuff

Diageo's Guinness brand received a boost yesterday as its attempt to go green paid off amidst growing uncertainty over the future of the beverage and its famous Dublin-based production plant.

More calls for carbon monoxide-treated meat labeling

As consumer concerns grow, prompting some supermarkets to abandon the sale of meat treated with carbon monoxide (CO), a bill has been introduced into Congress that would require such products to be labeled.

FDA recommends nanotechnology research, but not labeling

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday released a report that recommends the agency takes steps to assess the benefits and risks of nanotechnology.

One audit, multiple certifications

One audit can achieve multiple food safety certifications under a new global service offered by a Switzerland-based company.

Companies need to regain public trust, survey shows

Public apathy has set in over the safety of the food supply due to the soaring number of scares and recalls, according to a UK survey.

Strong sales across board for Pepsi

PepsiCo yesterday reported revenue growth of 10 per cent for the quarter ending 16 June, thanks to strong performances across most business segments.

UK skills academy establishes employee training resource

An online resource set up by a UK government agency claims to offer processors a cheaper way of training their employees - and finding the subsidies to do so.

Food companies flock to data software

CDC Software yesterday reported a 76 per cent rise in sales during the second quarter for its Factory software, a product that targets food and beverage manufacturers with an eye on process data.

Polymer opal films shed light on spoiled foods

New polymer opal films use nanotechnology to change colour, a quality that can be used to indicate when foods have become spoiled, say scientists.

Sorter weeds out the rejects in coffee processing

A new machine is the first to sort reject materials from coffee beans by colour and shape, its manufacturer claims.

Water vending machine uses RFID to track bottles

Healthy, environmentally friendly and delivered in a minimum time period - a new water vending machine uses radio frequency identification (RFID) to hit all the market trends.

Pie factory moves in bid to keep Melton Mowbray name

Pending EU recognition of the Melton Mowbray pie as a protected food has led to a relocation of a major UK manufacturing plant to the designated region.

Food safety panel created, but labs could close

While the Bush administration has established a cabinet-level panel to recommend food safety improvement for products shipped into the US, half of the country's import inspection laboratories are facing closure.

Weekly Comment

Could the E-number be up?

The European Food Safety Authority's review of additive safety could have a bigger effect on the ingredients industry than the ejection of certain colours and flavours with a suspect safety record. It could give the natural ingredients trend an extra push, and possibly prove the death-knell for the ne'er loved E number system.

UK revises food safety regulatory guidance

The UK has revised its regulatory guidance on food safety, traceability, and recalls in a bid to help processors lower the cost of complying with EU regulations.

Laser marking system eliminates need for solvents

A new laser marking chemical and application system eliminates the need for ink and solvents on the packaging line, its developer claims.

Commission demands Italy drop law on poultry labelling

Italy's compulsory law requiring poultry meat and related products to carry country-of-origin labelling has been deemed illegal by the European Commission.

UN bodies call for tougher food safety legislation

Tougher legislation and more inspections are needed to prevent the up to 200 food safety incidents reported internationally, according to two UN bodies.

FDA to receive more food safety funding

The FDA is set to receive substantial funding increases for its food safety program, which will allow for additional research to prevent food contamination, as well as the creation of rapid response teams in the case of an outbreak.

EU launches consultation on nanotech code

The EU yesterday launched a consultation on a voluntary code of conduct researchers and companies can use when developing nanotechnolgy products.

UK regulator to charge fees for meat inspections

The UK will begin charging meat processors fees for inspections and assessing plants based on the potential risk manufactured products pose to public health.

Coca-Cola battles UK unions over pay

Planned 48-hour strikes at two UK distribution centres will not disrupt the supply of its beverages, Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) said yesterday.

Oil curtains for nuts fry cleaner, claims company

Curtains of oil provide a cleaner frying of product than submersion systems, says Heat and Control about its new HeatWave, released this week.

Report criticises UK managers for poor performance

UK food processors are so badly managed that three-quarters of the companies in the market are prime takeover targets, according to a research report.

Closure puts blend in consumers' hands

A new closure on the market allows processers to provide consumers a means to create their own blended drinks on demand.

Nanotechnology used in additive to keep PLA clear

A new nanotechnology additive on the market is designed to add strength to polylactic acid (PLA) without diminishing clarity, its manufacturer claims.

Cheese makers face raft of legal changes

Proposed changes to international food safety standards could affect the way cheese makers sell their products worldwide.

Japanese x-ray system tops Danish meat tests

A Japanese manufactured food x-ray system has been rated number one in performance tests by the Danish Meat Association.

Survey reveals RFID benefits beyond supply chain

More companies are realising that radio frequency identification (RFID) can be used to streamline operations beyond supply chain management, according to a new survey by ABI research.

Scientific panel advises keeping ban on growth hormones

New scientific studies do not provide enough evidence for the EU to amend its ban on the use of growth promoting hormones in cattle, the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) has concluded.

UK outlines salmonella reduction programme

The UK is about to launch a programme to lower the high levels of salmonella contamination in poultry.

Palladium insert developed as oxygen scavenger

A UK company has developed a palladium insert, which it claims is a more efficient method of scavenging oxygen in filled bottles or packages, helping to extend shelf life.

Cereal supply shortage puts crunch on processors

A European Commission statement yesterday that the bloc's cereal stocks are at a low point, emphasises the food industry's warning that commodity prices are hurting manufacturers.

EU milk cheapest in Poland

Milk and cheese products are more than twice as expensive in the rest of the 27 European countries than in Eastern Europe, according to a Eurostat report.

Court fines Cadbury 1.5m over salmonella contamination

A UK court yesterday fined Cadbury-Schweppes £1m (€1.5m) for knowingly allowing salmonella-contaminated chocolates to be sold to the public last year.

No need to choose between box and bottle

New packaging for wine encases up to six wine bottles in a carton that uses advantages from bag-in-box packaging, its manufacturers claim.

Aluminum form breaks the mold for hot-filling

A new aluminium mold has been created to more efficiently form polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles for hot-filling or pasteurisation, the manufacturer claims.

Cap allows more design flexibility, says manufacturer

A new polypropylene (PP) cap for beverages allows more design possibilities not previously available with existing products on the market, its manufacturer claims.

Thermoplastics approved for food contact

A line of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food contact.

Risk-based inspections for commodity imports announced

A new risk-based system of approving importation of some fruits and vegetables will streamline the process, while leaving stringent protection in place, the US Department of Agriculture said.

CSM streamlines US bakery ingredients operation

Dutch company CSM will continue to concentrate its manufacturing in the US by transferring the production of a subsidiary to other CSM North America plants.

Unilever consolidates UK operations

In a bid to get more competitive in the UK market, Unilever is consolidating its food and consumer goods businesses under fewer managers.

UK regulator considers charging inspection fees

UK meat processors could soon be paying fees for plant inspections, if the food regulator's board this week approves proposals to do so.

EU examines tougher biosecurity measures for food

The EU is moving closer to implementing measures to protect the food chain from a terrorist attack, by publishing a discussion paper on stepped up security measures that would affect manufacturers.

Organic farming supply can meet demand - study

Organic farming can yield up to three times as much food on individual farms in developing countries, as low-intensive methods on the same land, says a new study from the University of Michigan.

Danisco emulsifiers to counter commodity prices

Danisco is developing a range of emulsifiers aimed at reducing the need to use commodity products such as wheat, gluten, and vegetable oils in food formulations, as manufacturers feel the pinch of soaring prices.

Cadbury's Sheffield factory washed out by floods

Cadbury is being forced to source alternative supplies after floods suspended production at its Sheffield factory, the company announced today.

Qualification offered for food hygiene managers

A new certification for hygiene managers targets those responsible for managing and assessing food safety at manufacturing operations.

Pepsi and others settle benzene lawsuit

PepsiCo and several other soft drink manufacturers have agreed to a settlement in a lawsuit brought against the companies alleging their products contained cancer-causing benzene.

Graphic Packaging and Altivity merge

Graphic Packaging Co. and Altivity Packaging this week agreed to merge, combining operations to become a paperboard packaging supplier with $4.4bn in sales worldwide.

Gas detection unit eliminates need for multiple detectors

A new monitoring system for toxic and flammable gases eliminates the need for processors to install multiple fixed detectors, its manufacturer claims.

EU should not relax safety standards, say food technologists

The European Commission should not relax international food safety standards for small food businesses, food technologists said in a statement this week.

Nestle invests in low-fat noodle technology

New technology to produce noodles with lower fat and salt content will form part of Nestle's Malaysian RM100m ($29.1m) investment plans to upgrade some its manufacturing facilities.

Pathogen resistance to drugs rising, according to UK study

Up to 29 per cent of the Campylobacter pathogen are now resistant to a commonly used antimicrobial, according to a UK survey.

EU policies handicapping sector, says industry report

High commodity costs compared to other markets, regulatory burdens, and a relatively small amount of investment in research are handicapping the EU's food and drink sector, according to a report released yesterday.

Biodegradable packaging patents indicate growing interest

Food packaging is beginning to move away from plastics such as petroleum-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and toward biodegradable materials, according to a new report.

Workers lose 'donning and doffing' payout case

An appeal court decision last month that held a processor does not have to pay union member employees for the time taken to put on and remove protective clothing, could save the food industry millions.

Sustainability study provides risk assessment

A new study by Deloitte Consulting has been developed to help manufacturers assess the impact that the drive towards sustainability could have on their business and operations.

Commission takes action against Hungary's packaging tax

The European Commission demand that Hungary remove taxes on packaging designed to penalise foreign companies could be the start of the dismantling of such barriers to trade.

Researchers developing phage weapons against biofilms

Bacteriophage viruses can be engineered to attack and destroy biofilms -- hard to remove pathogens stuck on machinery and other surfaces in manufacturing plants -- according to new research.

Traceability could be the recipe for trust

To regain credibility with consumers over food safety, processors need to turn to full traceability throughout the supply chain, according to a study by IBM.

Dryer uses less energy and compressed air

A new dryer has been designed to use less energy and compressed air than existing products on the market, its manufacturer claims.

Australian RFID pilot achieves 100 per cent read rate

The results of a two-month Australian pilot testing radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to pallets prove the technology can raise productivity and efficiency in the supply chain, the study consortium claims.

Processors call for action on biofuelled price hikes

Europe's food and drink industry has called on world leaders to ensure that prices remain stable for agricultural supplies when they consider the impact of biofuels on the world market.

Pamphlets target acrylamide reduction in bakery and snack sector

New pamphlets aim to help EU bakery and snacks processors reduce acrylamide levels in their products.

CHS expands European grains presence

US grains company CHS has taken a step towards expanding its presence in Europe, announcing this week the opening of a new grain marketing office in Geneva.

EFSA condemns Red 2G colour as carcinogen

EFSA has issued a damning opinion on the safety of food colour Red 2G (E128), the first under its reassessment programme and a strong indication of a sea-change in the use of additives in processed foods.

USDA barters surplus commodities for processed goods

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is to donate $50m worth of commodities to food processors in exchange for processed agricultural products that will be distributed through the agency's domestic and international food assistance programs.

Codex adopts standards, sets risk analysis principles

The adoption of 44 new and amended food safety standards by the Codex Alimentarius Commission signals the coming changes that member countries will make to their legislation over the next year.

Citric acid sensor is faster and cheaper

A new fluorescent chemical sensor can detect citric acid at low concentrations more rapidly and cheaply than current optical sensors, its developer claims.

Weekly comment

The aspartame science kerfuffle

The publication of a new animal study on aspartame last month has - as expected -sparked yet another bout of head butting from the two opposing sides of the debate. But it also highlights a bigger issue: one of transparency.

Handbook outlines energy strategy for small companies

A new handbook aims to help the EU's small and medium sized processors cut down on their energy requirements.

Nano wheels developed for improved food packaging

Wagon wheels developed using nanotechnology techniques could be used to make improved food packaging materials, according to a study published by German scientists.

CEOs of top processors pledge to cut water use

In a sign that environment issues have risen high on the list of boardroom priorities, the chief executives of Nestlé, Coca-Cola and SABMiller have signed a UN commitment to manage water use at manufacturing plants more efficiently.

New meat packaging for both convenience and safety

The new multi-layer packaging tub from RPC Bebo Plastik provides easy product access without scrimping on health and safety issues, the manufacturer claims.

Coca-Cola makes juicy Russian acquisition

Coca-Cola Hellenic bottling company yesterday announced it has agreed to acquire Russian beverage group Aquavision as it aims to tap the full potential for soft drink sales in the country.

New technology to prevent vegetables from browning

New food wrappings for vegetables will reduce browning and increase shelf-life, the manufacturers claim.

Quality and quantity drive Stora Enso expansion

Packaging group Stora Enso will invest €15m into liquid packaging board production in Finland in a drive to boost competitiveness within its operations.

Guide helps processors avoid allergen risks

An allergen management and labelling guide, revised for 2007, has been published to help Australian and New Zealand processors recognise potential risks and avoid contamination.

FSA consults on labelling principles

The UK's Food Standards Agency has launched a consultation on key principles governing labelling requirements of pre-packaged foods, which it intends to help the European Commission in its review.

Invest in automation, says study

Suppliers and manufacturers alike should investigate and invest in automation production lines, according to a new report.

Mini closures target fizzy and malt beverages

New mini closures released on the global market target carbonated and malt beverage processors using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging.

Oxygen restriction feeds Listeria bacteria

When Listeria pathogen are starved of oxygen, they become 100 times more powerful, according to a scientific study.

New research facility opens to tackle zoonoses

A new multi-million pound research center has opened, which brings together three government science units to tackle zoonoses.

Meat grinder maintains low temperatures

A new frozen meat and poultry grinder produces mince with low levels of temperature rise, its manufacturer claims.

Gas flow meter designed for crowded plants

A new mass flow meter is designed to measure gases in crowded installations.

Law sets out chemical migration limits for gaskets

New UK legislation lays down transitional migration limits for plasticisers in lid gaskets.

Cadbury pleads guilty to all salmonella charges

Cadbury yesterday is to plead guilty to six additional salmonella charges over an outbreak in the Herefordshire factory last year.

Food safety requirements add value, says meat association

International food safety requirements can help make processors more efficient, according to a report by the UK's Red Meat Industry Forum (RMIF).

Rexam to buy Russian beverage can maker

As part of its bid to expand operations into emerging markets Rexam today said it has agreed to buy a Russian beverage can maker for US$297m (€218m).

Cadbury to cut CO2 emissions by 50 per cent

In a bid to boost its green credentials, Cadbury Schweppes yesterday unveiled a programme to cut down on its use of energy, packaging and water in response to climate change.

Lightweight PET bottle targets water market

A new lighter weight polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle for water targets beverage companies that want to cut down on packaging.

Sampler tests air for pathogens

A new automatic air sampler is designed to monitor pathogens at food manufacturing sites.

Premier Foods to close six factories

Premier Foods, the UK's largest food company, said yesterday it will close six of its 11 factories in a bid to cut manufacturing costs.

High-speed conveyer handles heavy loads

A new plastic chain belt, designed for heavier loads, can transport goods at over 375 feet (100 meters) per minute, claims its manufacturer.

Machine automates ice stick production

A moulding machine for automating the production of ice cream, sherbet, or fruit-juice sticks is designed to help companies rapidly meet the changing demands in the market.

Weekly comment

M&A: Urge to merge

Mergers and acquisition activity is always ongoing in every segment of industry, but this summer looks to be a particularly hot one for food and beverage manufacturers.

Final stages of Bradman Lake's new packaging machinery facility

The finishing touches are being added to the new Bradman Lake Group's packaging machinery facility in Norwich, Norfolk, as the company continues on its global expansion plan.

Amcor agrees to sell PET business

Amcor will sell its polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging business in a deal worth €425m.

UK dairy sector remains competitive, says report

UK dairy companies must continue to strive for innovative production techniques to retain their lead over international rivals, according to a new industry report.