Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

House passes landmark food safety bill

The US House of Representatives passed a food safety bill on Thursday that promises far-reaching reform of how food is processed and grown, intended to boost food safety and consumer confidence.

SIG relishes aseptic supply chain challenges

SIG Combibloc has outlined the challenges in attaining full supply chain sustainability of the major raw material for its Europe-made aseptic cartons and hailed the environmental and commercial benefits secured.

Imported ready meals a worry for many Irish

Over 50 per cent of Irish consumers are concerned about the safety of food imported from outside the EU – and 43 per cent about food from other EU member states – a new survey has indicated.

Bisphenol A detected in ‘BPA-free’ baby bottles

Baby bottles labelled as being free of bisphenol A (BPA) have been found to contain small amounts of the chemical, research from Canadian health authorities has revealed.

Krones posts H1 loss as year-on-year profits plummet €107m

Krones posted a €16m loss in the first half of 2009 as the continued global economic downturn triggered a slump in sales – compared to a €91m profit for the same period last year.

News in brief

Clondalkin acquires Cleveland Plastic Films

Clondalkin Group has announced the acquisition Cleveland Plastic Films as part of its ongoing expansion plans.

Manufacturers urged to detail potassium and phosphates on labels

Researchers have urged food manufacturers to label additives in enhanced meat products if they include potassium or phosphates due to their potential risk to dialysis patients.

US food safety bill defeated - or just delayed?

The sweeping bill to overhaul the US food safety system was rejected yesterday over fears of imposing excessive burdens on farmers and that its hurried legislative passage had prevented proper scrutiny.

Red Bull hit with record fine for breaching packing regulations

Red Bull UK has been ordered to pay a record £271,800 for flouting regulations on the recovery and recycling of packaging waste over a period of eight years.

Self cleaning barcode system cuts costs and downtime, says company

A unique self-cleaning method that ensures low cost of ownership, minimal downtime and high quality printing of barcodes onto outer case packaging are the benefits claimed by the manufacturers of the system.

Baby ingredients' source more important than organic, say firms

Parents are more interested in the source of ingredients in baby foods than in whether or not they are organic, according to manufacturers questioned for a new report.

Oxo-bio claims challenged again as bioplastics row rumbles on

The oxo-biodegradable industry “likes to suggest seriousness where there is none", is the latest attack launched by a rival trade body as the battle between bioplastic factions shows no sign of easing.

Dehumidifying system cuts meat processor’s costs by a cool 43 per cent

A meat processing company has slashed part of its energy costs by almost half after the installation of a new cooling system, said the US manufacturers.

US giving too much food safety control to foreign countries

The United States is giving away too much control to some foreign countries over food safety as trade concerns over-ride health issues, a leading US politician has said.

Functional foods and ingredients booming in India

Despite low levels of public awareness compared to western markets, functional foods and ingredients are finding growth in areas of India, as consumers switch on to the promise of healthier foods, beverages and supplements.

FDA warns consumers against steroid-containing supplements

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public health advisory warning against the use of body building products marketed as supplements but found to contain steroids.

New enzyme makes melamine detection easier and cheaper, say researchers

A simple and cheap method of testing for melamine contamination of milk and other foods has been developed thanks to the discovery of a new enzyme, said US researchers.

NAPCOR rejects joint recycling of PET and PLA

Combining recycling streams of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA) containers could place the future of both in jeopardy, a leading trade body has cautioned.

Companies look to sell food packaging operations

US-based Appleton and Philippine company San Miguel Corp have separately announced proposals to sell off part of their food packaging operations.

Rexam considers rights issue, market remains weak

Coca-Cola can maker Rexam is considering issuing new equity to service its burdensome debt pile, after market conditions failed to improve in the last quarter.

News in brief

Coca-Cola China picks Bericap closure for sparkling PET packs

Coca-Cola China has chosen Bericap’s SuperShorty closure for its sparkling PET packages.

UK’s largest food waste processing plant given green light

Proposals to build the UK’s largest food waste processing plant have been given the go-ahead.

Packing innovations protect aseptic cartons with screw caps

As the number of aseptic cartons employing screw caps increases, one company has developed new packing features to protect products during palletization and maintain security throughout the supply chain.

News in brief

China tightens food processing laws

Food producers in China must record all food processing procedures and keep records for least two years under a new food safety regulation that came into force today.

Weekly comment

Imagining a world where we eat less meat

Cutting back meat consumption is the new darling cause of pop stars. But if necessary environmental and health goals are to be achieved, the whole supply chain needs to be strumming along in tune.

Cadbury settles out of court with Amcor over price fixing allegations

Cadbury has settled out of court with Amcor on the eve of a AUS$236m (€135m) lawsuit in which the packaging supplier stood accused of price fixing.

Baking case firm installs high speed machine

Chevler has installed a new reel-fed machine that will allow it to produce over 250,000 muffin and cupcake cases an hour.

Deal promises to bring intelligent barcodes to snacks

Scanbuy has signed a deal with Du Pont and Printpack that could see people using their mobile phones to scan their snacks in order to learn about new offers and obtain product information.

Strong growth in nano-packing forecast, but Europe still cautious

Nanotechnology in food packaging is set experience strong growth over the next five years as the move towards globalisation of the food supply boosts demand for shelf-life enhancing packing.

Unclear communication hurting US food agency credibility - study

The credibility of the US food inspection watchdog is being undermined by flaws in the way it communicates – by creating unrealistic expectations among consumers which it cannot fulfill, experts have said.

Bottled water association files lawsuit against Eco Canteen TV ads

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is taking Eco Canteen, a manufacturer of stainless steel beverage containers, to court in the US, after its TV advertising campaign allegedly made “false and misleading” claims about bottled water.

Commission raises alarm over dairy supply chain imbalances

The EU Commission has raised the alarm over the failure of dairy prices at the check-out to follow commodity prices downwards as competition authorities in the UK extend a dairy price-fixing probe.

Organics not embraced by Canadian processed food makers: Report

Food manufacturers are resistant to using organic ingredients because they perceive investment to be high and returns to be low, says a new report from the USDA on the state of the Canadian organics market.

New oxygen scavenging technology boosts PET packing performance

New oxygen scavenging technology for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers that allows for lightweighting and prolongs shelf life has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, said manufacturers Constar.

Bioplastic bodies trade blows as row breaks out

A war of words has broken out within the bioplastics packaging industry with two trade bodies levelling a series of negative allegations about the different sectors.

News in brief

GM maize decision bounced to Council

The decision on whether to authorise three genetically modified maize in Europe will now pass to the Council of Ministers, as member states have failed to reach a qualified majority.

New markets set to benefit from gentler MAP system

Bakery products and delicate perishables are just two markets set to benefit from the US launch of new modified atmosphere packing equipment that is gentler on fresh produce and extends shelf life, said Cougar Packaging Designers.

Huge differences in salt levels found in global food brands

New research on salt levels in global products from some of the biggest food manufacturers has revealed wide and random variations.

Huge differences in salt levels found in global food brands

New research on salt levels in global products from some of the biggest food manufacturers has revealed wide and random variations.

Meat Institute urges court to dismiss ‘nuisance’ hotdog lawsuit

The American Meat Institute has urged a New Jersey court to dismiss a lawsuit from vegan advocacy group Cancer Project that claims hotdogs should carry a cancer warning label.

Metallic pine nut taste: Industry hypotheses

Since we reported on the UK’s Food Standard Agency’s investigation of reports of a mysterious metallic taste after eating pine nuts last week we have received a number of hypotheses on the cause from the food industry.

Canada listeria report lays bare food safety flaws

A void in leadership, a raft of systemic flaws and a shortage of inspectors were just some of the criticisms levelled at Canada’s food safety system in a damning report on last year’s listeria outbreak released yesterday.

UK authorities in the dark over aflatoxin-contaminated peanut butter

Food safety authorities in the UK have confirmed they know neither the exact quantity nor precise location of peanut butter and paste contaminated with aflatoxins up to 190 times above the legal limit.

Rock maker fined for too much colouring

A UK manufacturer of traditional seaside rock has been fined for using too high levels of Ponceau 4R, one of the ‘Southampton Six’ colours implicated a study of hyperactivity in children.

Plastic companies hit by credit insurance woes - survey

Almost 80 per cent of UK plastic companies are struggling to get credit insurance as any green shoots of recovery fail to appear, according to a survey by the British Plastics Federation (BPF).

News in brief

Evian signs rPET deal with French recyclers

Evian Volvic has signed an agreement to source recycled PET material from a newly opened plant owned by France Plastique Recyclage (FPR) in a bid to boost it green credentials.

FDA raps probiotic swine flu supplements for false claims

The Food and Drug Administration has sent a warning letter to a Minnesota-based supplements manufacturer for making misleading claims that its probiotic supplements could prevent or treat human swine flu (H1N1).

Talk more to food industry, committee tells policy makers

More dialogue is needed between the food industry and policy makes to ensure future food security in the UK, with an increase in sustainable domestic production, says a new government report.

Business conditions improve in Q2, says Packaging Corp

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) said business conditions had “improved significantly” during Q2 as it posted results yesterday showing net income had more than trebled to $109m.

Plastic pallet company rejects decabromodiphenyl ether leaching claims

A leading plastic pallet company has labelled allegations that a toxic chemical contained in its products can leach into food as “misleading, inaccurate and highly suspect”.

News in brief

Asian beer and spirits market still bubbling: Euromonitor

Despite the global economic downturn, the Asian beverage market remains strong, and will continue its impressive growth, according to Reuters.

Canadian government vows not to doctor listeria report

The Canadian food processing industry is eagerly awaiting the publication today of an independent report into last year’s listeria crisis that killed 22 and sickened hundreds.

Clinton backs Indian food processing industry expansion

The upsurge in the Indian food processing industry continues as US secretary of state Hillary Clinton backed government expansion plans and the groundwork was laid to bring overseas expertise to the sector.

UK carrier bag use halves in three years

The number of single-use carrier bags used by UK supermarkets and their customers has plummeted by almost half in three years, new Government figures have revealed.

New scheme for Northern food firms tap technology

A new network is aiming to boost the R&D and innovation potential of food firms in the North of England, by providing links to experts in product development, manufacturing and packaging technologies.

Weekly comment

Mainstream press ‘exposed’ for health claim sensationalism

Not again! As if industry is not struggling enough with the severity of the European Food Safety Authority’s nutrition and health claims rulings so far, the situation has not been helped by the kind of articles that appeared in the UK press today and yesterday.

UK FSA criticised over Irish pork dioxin crisis

The UK Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) handling the Irish pork dioxin incident last year has come under fire with a majority of industry players levelling stinging criticism at the agency.

New confectionery factory opened at Nestle site

Nestle marked the consolidation of its packaging supply chain in the UK last week with the official opening of a new co-packing factory at its distribution centre in York.

Walmart sustainability index to put suppliers under spotlight

More than 100,000 suppliers to Walmart will be asked to prove their green credentials after the company unveiled plans yesterday to develop a world-wide sustainable product index.

Ice-cream testing made simple with near infrared analyser

A new, easy and quick way to test ice-cream mix has been made possible thanks to the calibration for a near infrared analyser, said manufacturers Foss.

Views canvassed on GM in Europe

The spectrum of opinions on genetically modified organisms is to come under new scrutiny in a European consultation project to assess EU legislation governing the controversial crops.

Performance monitoring system cuts downtime for vibratory conveyors

A reduction in downtime and labour, as well as improvements in processing efficiency, are claims made by the manufacturer for a new wireless performance monitoring system for vibratory conveyors.

Krones declares ultra-light PET bottle ready for supermarkets

Krones has conducted tests and declared its new ultra-light PET bottle ready for supermarkets.

US market for meat, poultry and seafood packing to top $9bn by 2013

An expansion in US meat, poultry and seafood production and a continuing shift to case-ready packaging by retailers will be the main drivers in packing for the sectors topping $9bn by 2013, according to a new study.

US scientific panel refuses to list bisphenol A as hazardous

The ongoing battle over bisphenol A (BPA) took another twist yesterday when a scientific regulatory board in California rejected calls to put the packing chemical on a list of harmful substances.

Anaerobic digestion scheme key to cutting food and packing in landfill

A UK Government initiative on anaerobic digestion that includes using food and bioplastic packaging waste to create energy could play a key role in helping cut landfill volumes, said an industry body.

RPC develops packaging for Sherbet Fountain revamp

RPC Containers Market Rasen has created a plastic tube and lid for the re-launch of the Sherbet Fountain brand from Tangerine Confectionery.

Michigan firms launch food safety program for future leaders

NSF International and Paragon Leadership International have teamed up over a new series of food safety forums for promising food industry executives in Michigan to boost food safety and economic growth in the state.

Ukrainian sunflower oil controls to ease this year, JRC

Imports of Ukraine sunflower oil to the EU look likely to resume unhampered by restrictions imposed due to mineral oil contamination; 80 per cent of laboratories can now measure levels of the contaminant.

EFSA launches project to assess threat of climate change on aflatoxin B1 in cereals

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a project to predict how climate change could increase the amount of aflatoxin B1 in cereals.

Latvian bid to adopt EU bioplastics standards, growth potential for Eastern Europe

An industry body has hailed plans by Latvia to adopt EU standards on bioplastics as a way to boost the national industry and set an example to pave the way for greater investment in the Eastern European sector.

BPA fears and green concerns trigger launch of carton water

Safety fears over controversial chemical bisphenol A (BPA) and environmental concerns have prompted one US beverage company to start selling water in cartons.

PWP unveils plans for second rPET plant on soaring demand

A projected surge in demand for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) materials in food and beverage packing has triggered a US company to announce plans for a second recycling plan, just a month after its first opened.

News in brief

Lord Rooker to lead Food Standards Agency

Former Defra minister Lord Rooker has been appointed as the next chair of the UK’s Food Standards Agency, taking over from Dame Deirdre Hutton later this month.

FDA gets tough on GMP failures

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has clamped down on a number of dietary supplement firms that have repeatedly failed to meet new Good Manufacturing Practices.

US food and beverage firms convert to rPET packaging

Two US food and beverage producers have claimed to be the first in their respective sectors to switch to 100 per cent rPET packaging on environmental grounds.

Calls for supermarkets to publish packing stats rubbished as publicity stunt

Calls by town hall chiefs to force UK supermarkets to publish packaging statistics have been dismissed as a publicity stunt by an industry body, which said retailers already use the minimum of packing material.

Food and drink companies clean up from saving water

A raft of UK-based companies have made a total cost saving running into hundreds of thousands of pounds during the first year of an initiative to boost water efficiency.

News in brief

Indian government launches food processing industry magazine

The Indian Government has launched a food processing magazine as part of its push to fast-track the development of the sector.

Weekly comment

Safety is no accident in food factories

Industrial accidents are not funny. Does anyone need a reminder? Apparently yes; judging by how some headline writers and bloggers made light of the plight of Vincent Smith who died last week after falling into a vat of liquid chocolate at a New Jersey processing plant.

Dow polypropylene products gain expanded food contact status

Dow has announced two of its polypropylene (PP) resins for use in injection moulded applications in the food industry have been granted expanded food contact status by the US Food and Drug Administration.

E. coli remains a mystery as cookie dough production restarts

Nestle USA has said that it is gradually restarting production of its Toll House chocolate chip cookie dough after FDA inspections failed to find E. coli at its Danville, Virginia plant.

Bottled water producers under scrutiny as regulatory gaps revealed

Neither the public nor federal regulators in the United States know enough about where bottled water comes from or how it is made safe, the chairman of a congressional oversight committee has said.

EFSA publishes report on pesticide residues in food

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said that a study on pesticide residues in food found 96 per cent of samples complied with legal maximum levels for the chemicals.

News in brief

Health Canada clears BPA levels found in packaging as safe

Canadian health authorities have said that levels of bisphenol A (BPA) recently discovered in food packaging pose no risk to consumers.

Codex confirms “alternative approach” for listeria monocytogenes in ready to eat food

The Codex Alimentarius Commission has moved quickly to clarify a newly ratified standard on permitted levels of listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in ready-to-eat (RTE) food after being challenged by the UK’s Chilled Food Association (CFA).

Recession drives low-cost food packaging: New report

The trend towards low-cost food packaging over the past two years, driven by global recession and volatile energy prices, is the main finding of a new study conducted by UK-based analysts Canadean.

Hormone released by stressed chickens could be key to combating Campylobacter - study

The release of a hormone at times of stress could be key to understanding why some food poisoning bacterium become more invasive in animals after transportation, a new study has said.

Egg production prices to rise following new regulations

Egg prices may rise as producers are hit by new costs as a result of food safety measures.

Recession buffets flexible packing sector, says industry body

One year after delivering a stark warning of the pressures facing the flexible packing sector, an industry body has said while the current challenges have changed, the situation remains as difficult.

Phthalates may be linked to premature births - study

New research has said phthalates could be contributing to an “alarming rise” in premature births in the United States.

News in brief

Tetra Pak inaugurates green Chinese plant

Tetra Pak has announced the inauguration of its €60m packaging plant in China that operates entirely on green electricity.

NZ unpasteurised milk proposal moves closer to reality

New Zealand’s Food Safety Authority has received a dozen responses supporting a proposal to allow the manufacture, sale and import and export of unpasteurised dairy products, and which would open up a new global market.

Aging population could boost sales of healthy foods

Foods that are perceived to bring added health benefits are forecast to be among the fastest growing market trends over the next decade, according to a new report from the NPD Group.

News in brief

CRN condemns ‘fear-mongering’ selenium allegations

The dietary supplement trade group Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has said that recent allegations of increased health risks associated with selenium are “fear-mongering”.

Weekly comment

Defining nano: Size does matter

The Atlantic Ocean separates continents; it also separates schools of thought on the definition of nanotechnology. In order to educate manufacturers and consumers on nanotechnology a definition is critical.

All eyes on sustainable food under Swedish presidency

The CIAA has invited the Swedish presidency to take part in the recently launched Round Table on Sustainable Production and Consumption (SPC); while Sweden has made food and the climate one of its priorities for agriculture over the next six months.

Codex issues new standards on bacteria and chemicals for food manufacturers

New guidelines and codes of practice on acrylamides, follow-on baby formula and listeria testing in ready–to-eat foods were just some of the 30 standards adopted by Codex this week.

Sustainable packing an emerging consumer trend - study

The increasing importance of sustainable packaging as a consumer issue means companies need to constantly reassess the amount of packing they use, according to a new report.

EFSA clears raising permitted aflatoxin levels in tree nuts by 150 per cent

Public health would not be harmed if the maximum level of aflatoxins permitted in all tree nuts was increased by 150 per cent, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said.

Energy recovery system to save energy and cut costs

The Kaak Group has released a new Daub Energy Recovery System for bakers, allowing them to cut energy costs while boosting their green credentials, according to the company.

Cargill’s NatureWorks take sugar-derived plastics to Brazil

Cargill is to introduce its Ingeo bioplastics to Brazil, offering the food, cosmetics and other industries a new packaging material derived from sugar instead of petroleum.

Government outlines stricter food safety measures

The Obama administration has said it will propose new regulations to strengthen the US food safety system and create a position for a deputy food commissioner on Tuesday, according to newswire reports.

EU funding vital to cushion extra animal welfare costs, say meat processors

Europe’s meat processors will suffer unless the European Commission meets extra costs resulting from a new regulation on improving animal welfare at slaughter, said an industry body.

New cleaner for flexographic printer promises cost cuts

The new CI Drum Cleaner from RG Egan Equipment delivers less down time, improved operator safety and uses fewer cleaning solvents, according to its manufacturer.

Recycling RFID tags cuts food waste, traceability costs: Study

Reduced food waste and lower traceability costs could result from a new independent study which confirms that RFID tags can be used effectively more than once.

NZ company eyes European markets for venom-spiked honey

A New Zealand company has applied to the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) for novel foods approval to market its honeybee venom to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.

EFSA says ‘no’ to probiotic health claims guidance

The European Food Safety Authority is unlikely to consider setting guidance for probiotic health claims, despite mounting pressure from industry and the scientific community stressing the need for a clear regulatory framework.

US active and intelligent packing markets to grow on food safety fears and falling prices

Increasing concerns over food safety and quality are projected to drive US demand for active and intelligent packaging to $1.9bn by 2013, according to a new report.

International Paper launches commercially compostable cold cup with Coke

International Paper (IP) has expanded its beverage container range with the launch of a commercially compostable cold cup in conjunction with Coca-Cola.

India to create up to 350 food processing units in next 100 days, sector seen as key to economic growth

The Indian Government has unveiled ambitious plans to help set up as many as 350 food processing units over the next 100 days as part of what it calls the country’s Evergreen Revolution.

News in brief

Crown expands Asia Pacific can capacity after takeover

Crown Holdings has boosted its beverage can production capacity in South East Asia by around 600m a year following an acquisition in Vietnam, while signaling further output expansion in future.

Supermarkets still using too much packaging, says survey

UK supermarkets are using too much plastic packaging for food products and both retailers and packing manufacturers could do more, a new survey has concluded.

Meat processors hail decision to shelve inspection charge increases

UK meat processors have applauded a Food Standards Agency (FSA) U-turn on its recent decision to hike annual inspection charges by four per cent in a bid to cut government subsidies to the industry.

News in brief

Huhtamaki sells Australian polystyrene packing firm

Huhtamaki Oyj has announced the sale of its expanded polystyrene packaging business in Australia as part of its ongoing strategy to move out of rigid plastics.

Recirculating bulk bag filler moves free and non-free flowing material

Full mobility and even distribution of powder and bulk coatings onto food products are claims made for a bulk bag filler by manufacturers Flexicon.

Study backs diabetes benefits of Indian plant extract

A patented extract of the Gymnema sylvestre plant has been found to stimulate insulin secretion in lab tests, opening the way for further research into its diabetes benefits.

New Zealand backs A1 milk safety

Regular milk has won a vote of support for its general safety after the New Zealand government backed a European assessment that found no concerns about the A1 casein forms it contains and reversed an earlier commitment to conduct a review of its own.