Practical Guide to Metal Detection-Food Industry
Fortress Technology
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29-Jul-2011
Researchers to explore the causes of cheese spoilage
Researchers are developing a cost efficient method for the identification of microbial communities present in food, in the hope they can identify changes that lead go spoilage.
News in brief
Irn-Bru owner held back by upgrade delays
Irn-Bru and Rubicon soft drinks maker A.G. Barr has been hit with delays in upgrading its Cumbernauld site.
28-Jul-2011
O-I and Nestlé extend their bottling relationship with Perrier deal
Owens-Illinois (O-I) is extending its relationship with Nestlé Waters’ after striking a deal to become the leading glass bottle supplier for the firm’s Perrier brand; the news comes hot on...
Food safety firm Neogen reports net income up 30%
Food and animal safety company Neogen reported a 30 percent boost to its net income to reach $22,839,000 for its 2011 fiscal year, which ended May 3. Net income climbed...
News in brief
Uncertainties remain on safety of smoke flavour: EFSA
Following the evaluation of new data, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has updated its opinion on the safety of two smoke flavourings used in the EU.
US EPA invites comments on environmental BPA testing
The US Environmental Protection Agency has issued a request for public comment on possible toxicity testing and environmental sampling to study the potential environmental impacts of bisphenol-A (BPA).
Raw material price hikes hit Q2 profits in flexible packaging, says Bemis
Raw material costs are stabilising, but inflation looks set to squeeze the flexible packaging business, according to packaging giant Bemis Company.
Engineers flag up processing, traceability methods to lower chocolate recalls
Recalls of chocolate products could be significantly lower if there was more rigorous traceability in the chocolate supply chain and if brand owners adopted processing techniques that relied on reduced...
27-Jul-2011
Nestlé and Kraft get behind game-changing recycling technology
Food giants Kraft and Nestlé have given their backing to a ‘game-changing’ technology that will allow the recovery of aluminum from flexible laminates such as beverage and coffee pouches.
Mettler develops system to minimise errors in moisture control
Mettler-Toledo’s said its One Click loss-on-drying system minimises the chance of errors creeping in when measuring and recording the moisture content of food as part of quality control checks.
News in brief
Coca-Cola to launch plant bottle in UK
Coca-Cola has confirmed plans to launch its 100 per cent recyclable plant bottle in the UK.
New ISO standard scrutinizes GHG emissions auditors
The latest international standard relating to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions aims to boost confidence in emissions claims and carbon trading by ensuring that the teams in charge of validating and...
News in brief
Nottingham pasta firm builds £1.2m expansion
Nottingham-based Italian and continental food supplier, Giorgio’s Continental, is building a £1.2 million extension to its Newthorpe factory and creating 30 new jobs.
26-Jul-2011
UK collaboration to develop renewable energy for food industry
Two renewable energy technology companies are working together with an aim of developing their scope for anaerobic digestion in the UK food sector.
Sprinklers ‘could have saved’ Burger King supplier’s factory
A sprinkler system could have prevented the destruction of the UK’s largest frozen food processing unit, which supplied meat to Burger King restaurants, according to a new report.
EU nanotechnology group: Nano can beat microemulsion bioavailability “threefold”
A position paper published this month by the EU-funded European Nanotechnology Gateway backs the role of nanotechnology to improve nutrient bioavailability for a range of lipiphilic nutrients like omega-3s and...
EFSA spells out criteria for PET recycling
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has spelled out how it will evaluate different technologies used by recyclers to turn polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from post-consumer waste into food contact materials.
“Green” plastics promise optimised performance in food packaging
A new range of polylactic acid (PLA) plastics has overcome a major trade-off in properties that has prevented previous PLA formulations from providing eco-friendly alternatives to polystyrene and polypropylene in...
25-Jul-2011
Irradiation could have stopped E.coli crisis: CPA ceo
The deadly Escherichia coli crisis that killed 47 people in Germany alone and left thousands seriously ill could almost certainly have been averted by irradiating the fenugreek seeds blamed for...
Stick to Lion mark eggs given salmonella outbreak, BEIC roars
The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) is advising food manufacturers and caterers to stick to British eggs bearing the Lion mark, after a new salmonella scare linked to Spanish eggs.
Packaging supplier Sonoco lowers outlook after flat sales
Sonoco has lowered its outlook after the firm delivered weaker-than-expected second quarter results.
Colour-chain metals could support supply chain safety
Colour-changing metals could promote greater food safety by warning if certain gases are present, claims a team of Canadian research chemists.
Bringing home the bacon, ‘with added water’
Bacon producers have warned that a last-minute change to the Food Information Regulation (FIR) could prove expensive for both manufacturers and consumers.
High-capacity extruder responds to growth in cereals and snacks
Cereal and snack manufacturers can benefit from the flexibility of twin-screw extrusion at higher throughputs, thanks to addition of the SBX Master to the range of extruders from Baker Perkins.
22-Jul-2011
UK tells consumers to follow label instructions as E.coli advice revised
Raw sprouted seeds of the type linked to the outbreaks of E.coli 0104:H4 can now be eaten raw as long as the label indicates they are ‘ready to eat’ or...
Chilled prepared foods are not ‘incredibly wasteful’, says CFA
The Chilled Foods Association (CFA) has rebuffed criticism from a food firm md who described the manufacture and sale of chilled prepared foods as “incredibly wasteful" compared with ambient and...
Industrial partners sought to scale up process for low-fat donuts
Dutch research group TNO is seeking commercial interest in a steam-based system for the production of doughnuts with reduced fat content; the process is said to boost product quality as...
Flexibles and emerging market growth prop up Huhtamaki
Huhtamaki suffered mixed fortunes in the first half of 2011 as strong performance in its flexible ops and emerging markets were countered by high raw material costs, negative currency effects...
EFSA experts publish review on non-plastic food contact materials
A large number of substances used in non-plastic food contact materials have never been evaluated, said a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) working group tasked with developing a regulatory framework...
Nestlé confectionery plant hits zero waste goal four years ahead of target
Nestlé’s UK confectionery factory has achieved its zero waste goal nearly four years ahead of its 2015 target, according to the firm.
21-Jul-2011
Overseas funds to boost local Indian food processing industry
The food processing industry in India will be forced to adopt new technologies and improve their productivity if the foreign direct investment into multi-brand retail is allowed.
Indian government institute gets funding for food testing lab
Food testing in India got a boost last week when a key government-owned research institute received a grant to set up a new state-of-the-art food laboratory.
EFSA gives green light to food contact materials
The European Food Safety Authority has said it has no safety concerns about the use of two substances in food contact materials following requests from the UK.
Why packaging machines need to talk to each other - PMMI
The growth in machine-to-machine communication systems in the packaging sector is an opportunity industry players should take full advantage of, says North American trade association PMMI.
Two US processors fined for safety violations
Two US food firms are facing fines of between $71,500 (€50,500) and $85,800 (€60,600) for safety violations by the Department of Labour's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Dow and Mitsui JV to turn sugarcane into bioplastics at world’s largest plant
Dow Chemical Co and Mitsui have announced a joint venture to set up what they claim would be the world’s largest integrated plant to manufacture bioplastics from sugar cane-derived ethanol...
20-Jul-2011
News in brief
ECO plastics raise £24m to aid Coca-Cola recycling venture
ECO plastics has successfully raised £24m to drive expansion plans at its UK recycling facility and aid its joint venture with Coca-Cola Enterprises.
Crown profits hit by $74m in charges over last six months
Crown Holdings’ reported a 13 per cent profit growth over the past six months, however the manufacturer also revealed a hit of $74m (€52m) in gross charges.
Drink-size guidelines in schools present market opportunity for mini-can, says Ball
Ball Corp said its 8oz ‘Trim’ can will help brand owners tap into a potential growth market likely to emerge in the wake of a new anti-obesity drive for children...
UK packaging merger is blueprint for worldwide roll-out says firm
The merger of two packaging automation suppliers G. Mondini and Ulma Packaging in the UK will act as a blueprint for future unification of the companies' global operations, said the...
Alfa Laval posts strong results, predicts better to come
Strong demand from the Latin American brewing processing industry was one factor in Alfa Laval posting buoyant second quarter results as operating profit, sales and orders all soared.
19-Jul-2011
Software switch gives drinks firm flexibility from afar
A UK carbonated drinks firm can now efficiently run its business remotely through the use of cloud computer software, claims the technology supplier.
E.coli crisis
EC backs fruit and vegetables with media campaign in wake of 'E-Coli Crisis'
The European Commission is today launching a multimedia campaign as part of its €210m compensation package to support beleaguered European fruit and vegetables growers, processors and retailers still reeling from...
Polish takeover highlights country’s pivotal position in Euro packaging
German firm Thimm Verpackung and Spanish outfit Saica have reached an agreement to jointly take over the corrugated packaging operations of a Polish company.
Innovia Films fined after fireball accident at UK plant
Innovia Films has been ordered to pay ₤116,726 (€132,706) after two workers at its UK plant suffered life-threatening injuries when they were “engulfed by a fireball” while repairing a damaged fuse box.
60 Second Interview: Albert Schipper, President AIBI
Acrylamide, labelling regs and skills gap: AIBI steps up its game
Albert Schipper, chair of Dutch bakeries association NVB, was recently elected president of the International Association of Plant Bakers (AIBI). We caught up with him to hear about his vision...
18-Jul-2011
Food companies’ supply chains “at risk” from new GMO feed rules
Food manufacturers face extra costs and the potential risk of GMOs entering the food chain as new GMO rules for imported feed come into force on Friday, warns Cert ID...
FSA Board rejects meat inspection proposal
Proposals to examine a move to a privatised system of third-party inspection of primary meat premises were rejected by the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA’s) Board early last week.
Prevention not inactivation key to tackling foodborne viruses - EFSA
The battle against foodborne viruses should focus on prevention of contamination during production rather than measures to eliminate them from tainted food, said the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Tetra Pak acquires Chaswill Process Technology
Global packaging and processing giant Tetra Pak has acquired Cape Town-based Chaswill Process Technology; a process engineering company active in the food and beverage sectors.
RLC highlights premium confectionery potential with Limmatdruck buy
In a move said to be aimed at bolstering its premium confectionery packaging unit and allowing wider European expansion, RLC packaging has acquired Swiss folding box manufacturer Limmatdruck/Zeiler.
Austrian packaging waste company denies antitrust allegations
The European Commission has launched an antitrust investigation into Austrian company ARA over concerns that it has abused its dominant market position in packaging waste management.
Price and performance benefits promised from new biopolymer resins - company
NatureWorks said major investment plans now underway to expand and develop its manufacturing process will lead to high performing bioplastics and give it the economies of scale to compete with...
13-Jul-2011
Biofuel maker claims new technology can create PET bottles from waste
Making PET bottles from agricultural waste may be harder than using conventional cane sugars but it is possible, claims biofuel manufacturer Virent.
Ishida launches high-speed mix weigher for confectionery sector
Precise, ultra-high speed weighing of confectionery products, plus nuts and convenience meals, without the need for overfilling are the benefits claimed for a new 36-head, multi-head weigher from Ishida Europe.
Consortium expects confectioners to snap up its eco-pack
Huge sweet manufacture interest in a consortium-backed 'compostable' pack using bio polymers and adhesives and heavy metal-free inks could trigger its rapid take-up within the confectionery sector, reports Innovia, one...
Stora Enso flags second quarter profit warning on €32m charges
Stora Enso has warn that one-off restructuring and closure costs racked up over the last few months will dent its second quarter operating profits by €32m.
News in brief
North American plastics trade bodies join forces
A trio of leading trade bodies across the US and Canada and teamed up to form a ‘virtual’ association called the North American Plastics Alliance (NAPA).
Middleby accelerates acquisition strategy with second Euro takeover in six weeks
Middleby Corp has ramped up its acquisition of food processing firms after announcing last week it had taken over Danfotech Inc – its third buyout in recent months.
12-Jul-2011
Coca-Cola rolls out recyclable plant bottle in South Africa
Coca-Cola is launching its plant-based bottle in South Africa, the 10th global market to be introduced to the 100 per cent recyclable packaging.
GEA targets Asian growth with New Zealand acquisition
GEA Group has reached an agreement to acquire a New Zealand-based powder specialist as part of its ongoing strategy to expand in the emerging Asian markets and compete with rivals...
European PET collection rates rise but challenges remain
The collection of PET bottles in Europe last year rose by more than six per cent to reach almost 1.5m tonnes, according a report commissioned by two industry bodies.
Finland vows to step up arsenic risk analysis as it unveils new method
A new method to separate various arsenic compounds in rice marks a step forward in the quest to develop more sophisticated risk analysis techniques and help set limits on inorganic...
New food belt guarantees hygiene, says supplier
A new food conveyor belt increases hygiene during production with a flat, compact design that prevents cracking, according to the supplier.
11-Jul-2011
News in brief
Turkish drinks firm's €1.4m loan for processing kit
Turkish frozen drinks company Meykar is to get a €1.4m loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to buy new processing equipment.
Bio-partnerships boosting ‘compatible layers’ in flexible packaging - Innovia
While flexible packaging has always scored highly on lightweighting in terms of green metrics, its use of incompatible laminate layers has presented problems in terms of end of life disposability,...
Good news for converters and brand owners as BOPET supply crisis eases
The global shortage of BOPET film has eased to the extent that converters and food brand owners can expect an increasingly secure pricing regime for the material, which is used...
UK packaging firms look to move overseas, warns industry body
UK packaging companies are considering a move overseas as current government policy fails to help the industry strengthen its competitive position, according to a leading industry body.
News in brief
FSIS to expand meat and poultry salmonella program
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has said it will expand its Salmonella Initiative Program (SIP) to support industry in reducing pathogens in raw meat and poultry....
08-Jul-2011
New SIG factory in Brazil starts at full capacity
SIG Combibloc is operating its first factory in Brazil at full capacity having completed construction in a year at a cost of €90m.
News in brief
Strong exhibitor interest in Ipack-Ima 2012
Some 700 exhibitors have already signed up for Italian trade show Ipack-Ima due to take place next year, said the event organisers today.
INCPEN slams Irish packaging tax proposal
Proposals by the Irish Government to introduce a packaging tax would harm businesses and hit low-income consumers, said the UK’s Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN).
New antibacterial fruit and veg film targets E. Coli
Spanish polypropylene film company Derprosa has launched a new antibacterial film designed to combat E. coli in the packaging of fresh fruit, salads and vegetables.
Concerns raised over aflatoxin controls on Indian spices
The Indian spice sector has been given a wake up call after EU inspectors uncovered a raft of weaknesses in the country's safety procedures to prevent aflatoxin contamination that means...
07-Jul-2011
Special Newsletter
Irradiation: Can regulators and experts overcome consumer scepticism?
The fall out from the outbreaks of E.coli 104:H4 in Germany and France has seen renewed interest in the potential of irradiation techniques to combat foodborne pathogens. In this special...
Final verdict reached on new EU labelling rules
Food manufacturers need to start preparing to change their packaging after MEPs voted in favour of new labelling rules yesterday in the European Parliament.
06-Jul-2011
News in brief
Unilever workers protest against pension plans
Unilever workers from across the food giant’s UK sites protested against the closure of its final salary pension scheme at a company sponsored event on Tuesday.
EU bans "deadly" Egyptian seeds after E.coli report
The EU has banned the import of seeds from Egypt, including fenugreek seeds, after they were identified as the probable cause of recent E.coli 104 H4 outbreaks which killed 48...
DS Smith hones in on recycled packaging after selling paper business
The sale of DS Smith paper packaging business represents a “key strategic step” in the firm’s bid to be the leading recycled packaging supplier for consumer goods.
Innovation and communication key to glass resurgence, says O-I
While industry experts have been predicting a further erosion of the market share of glass packaging at the hands of PET and flexibles, the material is set for growth, says...
Sainsbury’s suppliers given lesson in allergen management
UK retailer Sainsbury’s is putting the emphasis on allergens in the production of own-brand foods supplied to its stores, as part of its academy training.
05-Jul-2011
Beverage sector target of Sacmi, Oystar technology tie-up
A new deal sees packaging machinery suppliers Oystar and Sacmi combining their technical know-how for beverage applications.
Lighter bottle top could save SABMiller US$12.6m per year
SABMiller’s new lighter beer cap could cut its costs by US$12.6m per year if it is rolled out globally, says the firm.
Rexam looks for can openings in the wine industry
Rexam is taking aim at opportunities in the wine sector as it works with its partner DIS to upgrade filling equipment for packaging wine in cans.
3D printer promises personalised chocolate
A newly developed printing technology could produce personalised, three dimensional chocolate products, according to researchers.
Dannon to pump almost $90m into Ohio yogurt plant
Almost $89m will be pumped into Dannon’s Minster yogurt plant in Ohio over the next three years as parent company Danone attempts to step up a gear and drive US...
Marine biotoxin detection comes into the 21st century
Testing for marine biotoxins in shellfish has come into the 21st century after the European Commission decided to ditch the unreliable mouse bioassay in favour of a chemical method, said...
04-Jul-2011
Comment
EU researchers revolted as EFSA clears health claims vault
The European Food Safety Authority last week delivered the fifth batch of article 13, general function health claim opinions bringing the total issued to 2723. There are just 35 to...
Dairy to shrink energy bills with anaerobic digestion investment
A UK dairy company is to cut processing costs after investing £3.4m in an anaerobic digestion (AD) technology to turn food waste into renewable energy.
Sonoco snaps up Robinson paperboard ops to boost Euro foot-print
Sonoco has the completed the takeover of UK-based Robinson Paperboard Packaging for ₤2.6m in a bid to expand its paperboard container presence in Europe.
Egyptian fenugreek sprouts linked in German and French E.coli outbreaks
Fenugreek sprouts imported from Egypt have been singled out as the possible cause of outbreaks of E.coli 104 H4 in Germany and France.
01-Jul-2011
News in brief
Nordson Corp completes Verbruggen acquisition
Nordson Corp said today it had completed its takeover of Belgian flexible equipment manufacturer Verbruggen.
News in brief
Zip Pak to build first Chinese packaging plant
Zip Pak has announced it is to build its first plant in Guangzhou, China
New standard for packaging suppliers will boost food safety, says BSI
New guidelines launched today set out streamlined safety systems between food manufacturers and the packaging used for their products, said the British Standards Institute (BSI).
Swiss takeover will aid growth and innovation, says Ampac
Furthering global growth and product developments are two benefits Swiss buy Elag will bring to Ampac, said the packaging giant.
Lawmakers expose China’s ongoing food safety flaws
Unscrupulous food processors, corrupt officials, incomplete regulations and ignorance of the laws are some of the ongoing defects in China’s food safety system, said a report by the country’s legislators...
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