Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Bud maker busied with eco-energy drive

One in seven beers sold by Anheuser-Busch in the US will have been made with renewable energy come the end of 2009, as part of a environmental shake up of its operations in the country, the brewer says.

UK firm meeting growing demand for rPET packaging

Linpac Packaging has invested £3m in new equipment to enable it to manufacture recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) packaging at its UK facility in West Yorkshire.

Dairy farmers commit to greenhouse gas studies

The global dairy industry is continuing to focus on reducing its perceived impact on climate change through new UK-based research initiatives into how exactly it affects the environment.

New bag designed for smaller formulation processing

A new 1,000 litre bag designed for the filling of smaller formulations of bag-in-box applications will provide cost savings for processors of high value food products, says Arena Products.

Study plays up skimmed milk sports hydration boost

Skimmed milk may become an unlikely new secret weapon within an athlete's kit bag, with new research linking the product to a beneficial effect on preventing dehydration after a workout.

Food additive could inhibit C. perfringens growth in poultry

Inorganic polyphosphates (polyP) can be effective as antimicrobial agents against Clostridium perfringens in meat products, claims a new US study.

Wild works on wastewater for cost and green benefits

Ingredients supplier and beverage manufacturer Wild says it has inaugurated a new water processing plant at its German headquarters site to ensure effective use of the resource in its operations.

Packaging machine enhanced to take all size ranges, claims firm

An enhanced case erector can accommodate more size ranges while remaining compact, according to supplier Endoline.

New phage offers rapid E. coli detection in meat, says BioMerieux

A new detection system for E. coli 0157: H7 is faster and more precise than molecular methods, claim the French licence holders.

Energy savings could arise from pack pasteurisation study

The level of pasteurisation required for the packaging of hot-fill products is being evaluated by UK group CCFRA as part of its food packaging research programme.

Coagulant designed to meet clean label dairy demand

A new coagulant product can ensure a preservative-free, cost effective enzyme for use in cheese production, according to its manufacturer.

Study links fruit drinks to sweet beverage diabetes risk

Sugar sweetened beverages like fruit-flavoured drinks may increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new US study.

Weekly comment

Can we believe the Danisco – Apax rumours?

Rumour, according to the Romans, is a feathered beast with a myriad eyes and tongues. Last week she went bristling through the Danish business pages, spreading the news that Danisco could be bought by a private equity firm.

New taste technology to drive flavor innovation

Cargill has patented new taste technology which it claims will lead to flavor ingredient discoveries by allowing it to look at the interaction between different taste sensations.

Light-weighting is key sustainability driver for Sonoco

Light-weight packaging is one of a number of initiatives global packager Sonoco is employing to cut its environmental footprint and production costs, claims the company in its first annual sustainability report.

Ready meal technology offers processors range flexibility, says developer

A ready-meal tray sealer packs a wide variety of products using a modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology that eliminates the need for vacuum, said packaging equipment manufacturer Hefestus.

UK cake-eaters prefer smaller treats

Good things come in small packages. That seems to be the belief of time-pressed consumers in the UK, who are buying more cakes that come in individual packages than five years ago.

Consumers more likely to accept nanoparticles in packaging over food - study

Consumers have fewer concerns over packaging using nanoparticles than food utilizing the same technology, according to new study.

New guide advises short shelf-life for vacuum and MAP foods

A new UK food regulator guide recommends a restricted shelf-life for vacuum packed (VP) and modified atmosphere packed (MAP) food products to avoid C. Botulinum growth.

Xylitol bears show dental health potential - study

Gummy bear candies, not traditionally seen as a first line of defence in battling tooth decay, may play some role in providing oral health care to children when containing some sugar alcohols, according to a new clinical trial in the US.

Regulator confirms safety of BPA for use in food packaging

International food safety experts have concluded that the human body rapidly metabolises and eliminates Biphensol A (BPA) and thus the substance presents no risk to adults, children or infants.

EFSA reaffirms safety view of cloned meat and dairy products

Meat and dairy products from cloned pigs and cattle are probably safe for human consumption, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in its scientific opinion on animal cloning released today.

Government must back rPET revolution, say drink makers

Green aspiring beverage manufacturers need greater support from governments in turning to materials like recycled Polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in their packaging, says the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA).

Dip in wheat prices offers brief relief for bakers

Bakers and snack makers can enjoy some relief in price for wheat as bearish fundamentals for this valuable commodity provide a rosier, albeit hesitant, outlook for supplies.

Flexible packaging suppliers under threat - claim

The flexible packaging sector is under threat from spiralling polymer price hikes with supply chain optimisation required to lessen the impact of future increases, claims Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE).

Intertek acquires honey testing expertise with Applica - claim

Intertek has acquired the German-based food analysis centre, Applica, to expand its range of quality and safety services targeted at the food sector, according to the company.

Aluminium recycling rates up amidst pack industry drive

US aluminium recycle rates for beverage cans have continued to increase in 2007, making the product the most recycled beverage container material in the country, according to an industry association.

Organic nutritional advantages questioned again

A debate has ignited over the nutritional benefits of organic produce compared to conventional, with recent analysis disputing claims of its nutritional superiority.

Wild taps potential for fruit and blossom combos

Wild is extending its use of blossoms in flavour blends for use in beverages and other products, and is working with more companies to use the likes of lavender, rose and elderberry in combination with fruit flavours.

Packaging machine purchasing forecast revised amid high costs

The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI ) said that it has updated its 2008 US Packaging Machinery Purchasing Plans Study as a result of the current economic climate.

Lightweight, wide-mouth PET jars protect hot fill foods, says Constar

New polyethylene terephthalate (PET) jars have been designed to give hot fill foods long shelf life, aesthetic appeal and rigidity while cutting material requirements, according to Constar International.

Guest article

Fresh, natural guidance gives clarity to industry

FSA guidance on terms like 'fresh', 'natural' and 'pure' helps protect responsible businesses against unscrupulous competition. But labelling that does not meet guidance in full would still be legal if it does not mislead consumers.

Oyster-friendly microalgae may colour food blue-green

The blue-green pigment from microalgae responsible for the greening of oyster gills may also provide a natural blue-green colouring for food, says new research.

Weekly comment

Budweiser to be Belgian? Big deal

The news that all-American brewer Anheuser-Busch is to be sold to Belgium’s InBev for $52bn has made sports bar patrons across the US weep into their Budweisers. But the idea that an American firm must remain American for all time runs counter to the world of global commerce.

New shrink-wrap infeed system automates changeovers

Ever-increasing production constraints are requiring constant redevelopment of shrink-wrappers, leading to the development of the new SFR system that can automate format changeover, claims equipment supplier Cermex.

Down-sizing trend driving US rigid food packaging

The trend towards smaller, more portable beverage and prepared food containers will play a large part in the increased use of plastics in rigid food packaging in the US market, according to a new report.

Postponed tax the right path for industry, says food group

The UK Food industry has welcomed a UK government decision not to implement an autumn hike in fuel duty as a vital measure to ensure financial stability for its members.

Coffee aroma may have stress-busting qualities

Just the smell of freshly brewed coffee can help relieve stress, say researchers who studied the effects of coffee aroma on sleep-deprived rats.

Grape fibre boosts shelf-life and taste for fish: study

Antioxidant and fibre-rich waste from wine making could offer a cheap and healthy alternative to synthetic antioxidants to prolong the shelf life of fish meat, suggests a study from Spain.

Food and the French presidency: Part two

In the second of two articles on food legislation under the new French presidency, FoodNavigator looks at the wish-list drawn up by the food and beverage industry.

Cinnamon-based packaging could prevent food spoilage

Active paper packaging containing a cinnamon-based coating inhibits black bread mould on white bread, claims a new study.

Eco-label scheme extended to food and drink products

An environmental labelling scheme has been extended to food and drink products, under new proposals announced this week by the European Commission.

New carton coder allows fast, tool-free changeover for flexibility

An easy-to-use carton coder with quick, tool-free changeovers offers food processors more printing flexibility, according to manufacturer Norwood/Allen.

Yeast the key for low-acrylamide bakery: study

The role of yeast in reducing acrylamide in bread, biscuit, and cracker doughs may be underappreciated, suggests a new study from the UK.

Saturated fat solutions for bakers speared at new ADM baking facility

Fats and oils supplier ADM Pura steps up solutions for bakers, opening a new R&D test bakery at its production site in Purfleet, Essex to look into reformulation and novel fats.

Food sector welcomes DEFRA biogas initiative

The food sector has welcomed the initiative by the UK's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to drive anaerobic digestion projects that reduce food or other organic waste from industrial, municipal or household sources.

DMV launches topping for cold milk applications

DMV has launched its new base for toppings, Aerion DP 59, billed it as a healthy alternative for dairy cream toppings that does not come with a compromise on taste and texture compromise.

News briefs: Heinz Beanz, ABF acquisition and saturated fats

This week, Heinz renames its iconic baked beans brand, Associated British Foods meets another hurdle for its acquisition, and the UK Food Standards Agency updates its work on reducing consumption of saturated fats.

EFSA sets new intake level for aluminium in food

Scientists at EFSA have assessed the safety of aluminium in food and established a Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) of one milligram of aluminium per kilogram of body weight.

New developments in anti-acrylamide enzymes

DSM is introducing application-specific versions of its Preventase enzyme; meanwhile, Novozymes is launching Acrylaway in Australia and New Zealand after having received regulatory approval.

Oxygen barrier system wins IFT Science Award

Active Oxygen Barrier Enhancement technology netted packaging specialists Multisorb Technologies a 2008 IFT Food Expo Innovation Award.

UK milk production slide expected to flow into 2009

Declining milk production in the UK will continue into next year, according to reports.

Weekly comment

Diet better than statins in kids' cholesterol control

The prescribing of statins for eight years-olds is tantamount to saying that food and diet have failed, and that children are incapable of changing their eating habits and lifestyle.

Sifter offers quality assurance for high volume processing, claims firm

A new pneumatic in-line sifter provides baked good and cereal grain processors a quality assurance tool for moderate to high production volumes, claims Great Western Manufacturing.

CSM signs agreement for gluconates plant sale

CSM has announced plans to sell its Purac gluconates production plant in The Netherlands to Avebe, as part of a broader restructuring of manufacturing and focus on core competencies.

High pressure processing kit wins IFT science award

High pressure processing equipment, which uses a working pressure of 87,000 psi (6116.7 Kgf/cm2) was one of three food packaging and processing systems honoured with a 2008 IFT Food Expo Innovation Award.

Pressure for chocolate industry as cocoa breaks $3000 barrier

Strategies for confectionery makers to absorb rocketing price rises are essential as cocoa prices crash through the $3000 barrier, with demand outstripping supplies and pulling the stocks-to-grindings ratio to a 22-year low.

Two separate drinks in one aluminium can adds value, says developer

A beverage can with a dividing wall enables the packing of two drinks within the one container and keeps them separate on the inside, thus adding value for the consumer and manufacturer, claims its developer.

Resistant starch product gets second novel foods consultation, FSA

The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) is to hold a second consultation on an application to approve National Starch Food Innovation's phosphated distarch phosphate as a novel food ingredient.

New low gassing cheese bag increases output, says Sealed Air

A coextruded shrink bag targeted at the low gassing hard and semi-hard cheese sectors is abuse resistant and offers higher outputs, claims the manufacturer.

Mini snack portions make you munch more, study

Weight-conscious consumers often opt for mini-versions of snacks and treats to stay trim, but it might actually have the opposite effect, say scientists.

Mini batch processors target small-scale testing

Two miniature-scale batch processors for high viscosity products, including toffees, jellies and jams, were launched at last week's IFT food trade fair in New Orleans.

Novel food draft report released

The European Parliament has published its draft report on amendments to the novel foods regulation, having made revisions to ensure better clarity.

USDA looks at ways to decontaminate leafy produce

Combining sanitizers with ultrasound, optimizing oxygen conditions and not reusing washing water can reduce bacterial contamination of lettuce and leafy greens, according to a summary of recent USDA laboratory research.

Best practice for chocolate industry urgent, voices child labour watchdog

Herculean efforts are required by the global chocolate industry to ensure that sourced cocoa supplies are not linked to exploited or trafficked child labour, underlines labour watchdog International Labor Rights Forum.

Dairy supply and nutrition battles must rage on, says MP

The Dairy Industry last year outlined a 'huge fight' to promote the potential nutrition and lifestyle benefits of its products and must continue the battle in the year ahead, according to the chairman of Dairy UK.

Microwaveable biodegradable trays meet green demand, claims firm

A durable tray made from renewable agricultural biomass fibre composite, AgroResin, offers environmentally conscious processors a biodegradable packaging option, according to PWP Industries.

Health boom sets sales soaring for dark chocolate

The wave of health and wellness comes ashore for chocolate makers, with latest figures from Mintel showing the fresh healthier image for dark chocolate has brought a much-need, and strident, upward shift in sales for 2007.

FDA unlikely to trace 'smoking gun' in salmonella outbreak

It is highly likely that the source of the recent salmonella outbreak linked to raw tomatoes will not be traceable, claims the US Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

UK firms join forces to retrofit leak detection onto conveyors

UK-based Witt Gas Techniques said that it has teamed up with a conveyor supplier to retrofit its leak detection system into existing and new food modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) lines.

Colourings to come with a warning

The European Parliament has adopted a legislative package that will see products containing any of six artificial colours labelled with a health warning for children.

New wireless hand-held data logger

T and D Corporation, manufacturer of data loggers, launched a Wireless Core Temperature Data Logger at last week's IFT 08 Annual Meeting and Food Expo in New Orleans, United States.

Leveraging innovation awards

The 2008 IFT Food Expo Innovation Awards honour the best of the bunch, with companies able to leverage the prestige to boost their profile.

Codex adopts 35 international food standards

Thirty-five new international food standards were adopted during last week's 31st session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, including guidelines on the use of flavourings and gluten-free products.

European brewers turn to lightweight PET standards

A manufacturer of bottle closures says its latest cooperation with a leading German brewer reflects the growing demands within the industry to adapt to a new lightweight standard.

New funding scheme for food packaging innovation

Food manufacturers are invited to take part in a project aimed at waste reduction through innovation in food packaging technology, claims the UK's Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP).

CSM researches egg replacers amid rising costs for bakers

Amid rising prices for egg-based ingredients, Dutch bakery ingredients firm CSM examines opportunities for bakers to cut costs in their formulations.

Tree-free, waterproof wine label made from stone

A wine label made from calcium carbonate is a natural fit for an industry already keen on going green, claims US supplier Label Impressions

Protein analyzer wins IFT food science award

The Sprint Rapid Protein Analyzer from CEM Corp, North Carolina, USA, has won a 2008 IFT Food Expo Innovation Award at the IFT trade food show in New Orleans.

UK food and drink processors urged over water wastage

UK food and drink manufacturers are some of the worst industrial culprits when it comes to water wastage, according to a sector-by-sector survey undertaken by a government-funded environmental programme.

Soy products may raise dementia risk: study

Consumption of soy products like tofu may raise the risk of dementia, according to a new study from Britain and Indonesia.

New film provides cost-effective low-temperature sealing, says Wipak

A new low-temperature sealing biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) grade film can increase output for bakery and chocolate manufacturers, while reducing their environmental impact, claims Wipak.

Weekly comment

A half measure of alcohol reforms

Knife crime, obesity and skiffle music. Out of all the evils currently threatening the welfare of Western teenagers, recent US headlines finger the main culprit as the caffeinated alcoholic beverage.

Starbucks concerns not stimulating Euro coffee fears

With global café chain Starbucks this week announcing a major restructuring of it US operations to boost profitability, similar concerns are not being shared by European coffee manufacturers and retailers.

CIAA questions need for labelling law

The need for new European legislation on nutrition labelling has been called into question by the CIAA (Confederation of Food and Drink Industries in Europe), as a survey indicates that uptake of its voluntary scheme has been significant.

Radio frequency heating could remove food pathogens

New disinfection and disinfestant food technology using radio frequency (RF) heating can eliminate microbes and insects without the use of chemicals, claims US investment firm Allied Minds.

Unicorn Ingredients: new seed supplier targets bakers

Bakers can access a new supply source for their seeds needs as UK ingredients firm Unicorn Ingredients hits the market.

Upgraded packaging equipment maximises uptime, says firm

The improved functionality of a packaging system following a customer led redesign improves machine uptime, reduces maintenance requirements and simplifies operations, claims Standard-Knapp.

Green factors driving US pouch market - report

Demand for pouches in the US is expected to grow 6.1 per cent annually to $7.9bn in 2012, according to a new study by the industry research firm, the Freedonia Group.

EFSA issues guide on food grade plastic recycling

New guidelines concerning the recycling of plastics intended for use in the packaging of foods have been published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Fonterra eyeing further global growth

After a busy period of expansion for Fonterra, the New Zealand-based dairy cooperative says it remains far from finished with its global consolidation plans as it looks to key markets such as Asia to target growth.

Longer shelf life in a can

Improved barrier protection against water and oxygen, through the ultra-sonic application of nano materials to bio degradeable films, is the focus of a $140,000 research project due for completion this September.

New crisp and crunch snack textures for value added products

National Starch has identified a range of different crispy and crunchy textures for crackers and snacks to help food manufacturers meet consumer demand for gourmet, indulgent and healthy products.

EFSA in good shape after productive 2007

The European Food Safety Authority is bigger, better, more accountable to stakeholders and in touch with the 450 million citizenry it serves, according to its 2007 annual report.

Snacks players must embrace health and wellness to beat obesity

Only a true health and wellness vision can enable global snack players to tap into the booming market for obesity solutions, claim experts.

Low energy X-ray system offers unrivalled imagery, say developers

New low energy X-ray technology allows for on-line inspection of defects and impurities in food packaging seals and baked goods, its developer claims.

Ball gets rolling on pack sustainability

Global packager Ball has outlined a number of initiatives designed to slash the environmental impacts and production costs of its operations as part of its first annual sustainability report.

EPA approved antimicrobial could control listeria in food plants

A phage-based decontaminant has been sanctioned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US for use as antimicrobial against Listeria monocytogenes in food processing plants, says its developers.