Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

EU broiler production, consumption forecast to rebound

EU broiler production in 2006 is forecast to be four per cent lower than last year due to the outbreaks of avian influenza (AI), but looks set to rebound in 2007, according to a new report.

Amcor uses oxygen-scavenging PET for wine

Amcor has taken out a license to bottle wine using Constar International's oxygen-scavenging polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Crop contamination risk downgraded

British farmers and bakery firms can breathe a sigh of relief as the risk of crop contamination from mycotoxins is low this year, according to an industry organisation.

Food-grade lubricant designed for difficult to reach areas

A new food-grade lubricant will not stain or cause packages to become greasy and is harmless to most rubbers and plastics, its manufacturer claims.

Stanelco to expand tests of its Greenseal technology

UK-based Stanelco will begin testing the use of its radio frequency technology heat sealing method with a food packaging company within the next two months, according to a company spokesperson.

Produce packaging grows with health trends

The demand for produce packaging is expected to surpass $4.3bn by 2010 fuelled by shifting consumer trends and hikes in material costs, says a new report.

Weyerhaeuser acquires low-cost RFID developer

Weyerhaeuser has acquired a low-cost radio frequency identification (RFID) developer in a bid to capitalize on the technology's growing importance.

Weyerhaeuser acquires low-cost RFID developer

Weyerhaeuser has acquired a low-cost radio frequency identification (RFID) developer in a bid to capitalize on the technology's growing importance.

Leatherhead launches new services for prebiotic ingredients

Leatherhead Food International (LFI) is launching a new service for industry to study in vitro the activity of potential and established prebiotics.

Bluetongue measures restrict meat supply

An outbreak of bluetongue disease has led to an export restriction on all ruminants in a 150 km area covering Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Germany and France.

Texture analysis to standardise product composition

A machine that analyses texture will allow manufacturers to better standardise their mixes for pre-formed products, says its developer.

Colour vision sensor designed for product traceability

A new colour vision detector can help the food industry meet new traceability regulations in place throughout Europe and North America, its manufacturer claims.

Membrane filtration technology getting cheaper, study finds

The growing use of membrane filtration technologies for water purification and recycling is being driven in part by the dramatic reductions in cost, according to study by Frost & Sullivan.

Combination treatment produces ultrapure water

Using a combination of microbubbles and ozone treatments to disinfect water can deliver a chemical-free knockout punch to bacteria, according UK researchers.

Bottled water is safe, say producers

Bottled water firms have refuted the latest contamination scare to hit the soft drinks industry, saying their products are safe from cancer-causing bromate in the US.

Nanocantilevers studied for quick pathogen detection

Nanocantilevers could be crucial in designing a new class of ultra-small sensors for the quick detection of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens, say researchers at Purdue University.

Antimicrobial coating reduces irradiation time, study finds

Plastic coated with a antimicrobial agent used along with irradiation can reduce pathogens in packaged ready-to-eat vegetables, a scientist claims.

Carton loader for your average manufacturer

An automated carton end-loader will bridge the gap between large production lines and small-scale operations, giving quick labour-saving options for medium-sized manufacturers, says its developer.

Soft drinks industry to hold benzene summit

Soft drinks industry officials will meet this September to discuss progress on cutting benzene residues out of their drinks, six months after BeverageDaily.com revealed there was still a problem.

Robotic packer separates the bottles from the jars

A portable, vision-guided robotic packer can orient and pack molded bottles, jars, and caps, allowing smaller processors an affordable means of automating their lines.

Weekly Comment

Some home-eating truths

As food manufacturers inch closer to the holy grail of low-calorie, trans-fat free flavor-fantastic products one has to ask how we veered so far from the common sense of fresh home-cooked meals.

UK publishes plan to expand greenhouse gas trading scheme

The UK plans to expand its greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme to include more plants by next year.

Unilever announces sale of frozen foods business in Europe

As part of a bid to shed low margin operations, Unilever today reached a deal to sell most of its European frozen foods business to a private equity firm for €1.73bn.

Italy hunts for mouldy coffee beans

The discovery of mouldy coffee beans at a port in Italy has put further pressure on an already tight market this month, with prices expected to continue rising.

Schenker tests RFID technology for global shipments

Global logistics company Schenker is testing the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to track containers used for overseas shipments.

RFID tag designed for high heat processes

A Switzerland-based company has developed radio frequency identification (RFID) tags designed to withstand the high heat used in food manufacturing processes.

Rexam to renegotiate beverage can prices in Europe

Global packaging provider Rexam says it will begin renegotiating contracts with its European clients later this year in a bid to recover some of the rising costs of the aluminum used in its beverage cans.

Special report

Soft drinks firms settle in benzene lawsuit

Two soft drink firms accused of using ingredients that could mix to form a cancer-causing chemical in drinks plan to sign a settlement with lawyers today, agreeing to change formulas and offer refunds.

Tetra Pak pushes UK recycling efforts

Tetra Pak is in talks with UK paper mills to increase the reuse of its products as carton recycling rates in the UK fall below EU levels.

Thai poultry sector protests EU chicken quotas

Thai poultry farmers and processors protested outside EU offices in Bangkok this week, after the trading bloc unveiled its plans for a new quota system that will restrict imports of processed chicken.

Thai poultry sector protests EU chicken quotas

Thai poultry farmers and processors protested outside EU offices in Bangkok this week, after the trading bloc unveiled its plans for a new quota system that will restrict imports of processed chicken.

Smithfield profits down as investments are set to mature

Smithfield Foods has taken a major beating in its fiscal first quarter, with profits dropping 50 per cent after acquiring a foothold in Europe.

FDA to recall more bottled water in bromate scare

America's food safety watchdog is expected to announce the recall of several bottled water drinks, thought to contain cancer-causing bromate above the legal limit in the US, BeverageDaily.com has learned.

Crawfish in decline as lobster industry booms

Europe's large crustacean prices remained fairly stable with a large drop in the demand and supply of crawfish being offset by increased lobster consumption, says a new Food and Agriculture Organisation(FAO) report.

A flow meter that doesn't require production line overhaul

A new flow meter has the ability to accurately measure bi-directional flow without processing contact, allowing processors to adapt it to their operations without structural overhauls, say its designers.

New coffee cup lid alerts consumers to temperature

A disposable coffee-cup lid that warns consumers when the beverage is too hot to drink has been launched on the Australian market.

China returns US milk powder with excess nitrite

China has sent back more than 100 metric tons of American milk powder after it was found to contain potentially dangerous levels of nitrite.

House moves to ban carbon monoxide packaging

Policy makers within the US House Committee on Agriculture are mulling over a proposal to ban carbon monoxide from meat packaging in the US, potentially ending the controversy surrounding the process.

House moves to ban carbon monoxide packaging

Policy makers within the US House Committee on Agriculture are mulling over a proposal to ban carbon monoxide from meat packaging in the US, potentially ending the controversy surrounding the process.

Experts and consumers convene on nano risks

The most inclusive assessment of the potential dangers of nanotechnology in the food industry is underway and could impact the technology's wider integration into the common market.

India rejects soft drink pesticides claims

India's Health Ministry has rejected a campaigns group study that found Coca-Cola and PepsiCo soft drinks containing pesticide residues an average 24 times above the proposed maximum limit.

Meat to be destroyed as part of illicit labeling investigation

Yesterday a court ruled to condemn meat from a Northern Ireland coldstore as part of continuing investigation by the UK food standards agency into illegal health labeling.

BASF to field test GM potatoes in Britain

German chemical giant BASF is set to start field testing of its blight-resistant GM potatoes in Britain next year, a move that could open the way to more GM crop tests in the traditionally anti-GM country.

Logoplaste launches Europe's lightest PET bottle

In answer to demands from beverage manufacturers to keep costs down and to meet tough EU waste legislation, Portuguese packaging company Logoplaste is expanding a new line of PET pre-forms claimed to be the lightest packaging in its category.

Experts and consumers convene on nano risks

The most inclusive assessment of the potential dangers of nanotechnology in the food industry is underway and could impact the technology's wider integration into the common market.

Rexam enters India to tap beer growth

Packaging giant Rexam has gained its first foothold in India, signing a local joint venture that plans to supply cans to the country's promising beer market.

Rexam enters India to tap beer growth

Packaging giant Rexam has gained its first foothold in India, signing a local joint venture that plans to supply cans to the country's promising beer market.

Exporters overstating recyclable-waste tonnage

The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has recently published the results of their fact-finding mission, which found 'inappropriate practices' in the exporting of paper packaging waste.

Court battle looms for Coke in India pesticides row

Coca-Cola is to be sued by an Indian state after new tests showed its soft drinks contained pesticide residues above the proposed legal limit, says a report.

Court battle looms for Coke in India pesticides row

Coca-Cola is to be sued by an Indian state after new tests showed its soft drinks contained pesticide residues above the proposed legal limit, says a report.

New Synergy cheese ingredients designed to enhance flavour, mouthfeel

Savoury ingredients supplier Synergy has launched a line of cheese ingredients designed to enhance flavour and mouthfeel while also providing manufacturers with some cost benefits.

Nano-herbicide in the works

Scientists have begun development on a nano-herbicide, which will allow farmers to clear their fields of weeds without using toxic chemicals.

Rice ban, first Japan next the EU?

Further compounding the problems a long-grain rice ban in Japan will have on US producers is the threat that bans could eventually be implemented in the EU.

Hunger state affects flavour preference, suggests obesity-related study

A liking or preference for sweetened beverages may be affected by hunger state, suggests a study from the UK that may have important implications in the fight against obesity.

Weekly comment

Food science for all

Food scientists are becoming a rare species in Britain, and things won't change unless schools and food firms start telling young people there is more to food than a supermarket depot.

Most companies will have to wait years for nanotech's benefits

Most nanotechnology in the food industry is at zero commercial activity and will be limited to high-value products over the next few years, says the first detailed report on the technology's future.

Most companies will have to wait years for nanotech's benefits

Most nanotechnology in the food industry is at zero commercial activity and will be limited to high-value products over the next few years, says the first detailed report on the technology's future.

Most companies will have to wait years for nanotech's benefits

Most nanotechnology in the food industry is at zero commercial activity and will be limited to high-value products over the next few years, says the first detailed report on the technology's future.

Reduce processing waste, make stock

A new enzyme-based system will allow meat and fish-processing companies to turn their food-grade bone-material into stocks - reducing waste by up to 80 per cent, its designers claim.

UK to urge obese to be "personally responsible" for weight

A UK Government forecast is to predict that almost one third of the British population will be dangerously fat, with junk food and lack of exercise to blame, according to reports in The Independent.

Plastics trade fair will launch the latest innovations

Companies from around the world are eyeing the 18th annual Fakuma plastic processing trade fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, which is promising new innovations in packaging.

Plastics trade fair will launch the latest innovations

Companies from around the world are eyeing the 18th annual Fakuma plastic processing trade fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, which is promising new innovations in packaging.

Conveyor belts now easier to clean, claims company

Habasit Rossi says it has designed a new conveyor belt that will be easier to clean in food environments prone to sticking and clogging.

Conveyor belts now easier to clean, claims company

Habasit Rossi says it has designed a new conveyor belt that will be easier to clean in food environments prone to sticking and clogging.

Cow completed

It was announced yesterday that scientists have successfully mapped the most extensive cow genetic sequence - bringing and end to a three year project that is promising to revolutionize the beef and dairy industry.

Cargill focuses on health and consumer trends

Cargill's focus at this year's Health Ingredients Europe exhibition will be on functional ingredient solutions and the identification of emerging market trends.

Cow completed

It was announced yesterday that scientists have successfully mapped the most extensive cow genetic sequence - bringing and end to a three year project that is promising to revolutionize the beef and dairy industry.

US processors embrace membranes

US dairy and beverage manufacturers are continuing to invest in membranes because their value to the food industry is just being realized, says a new report.

FDA recommends ways to cut recycled chemical contaminates

In a bid to limit potentially hazardous chemical contamination the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated their recommendations on safeguarding recycled plastic packaging.

FDA recommends ways to cut recycled chemical contaminates

In a bid to limit potentially hazardous chemical contamination the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated their recommendations on safeguarding recycled plastic packaging.

Instant, portable, simultaneous pathogen inspection

US scientists have developed a miniature portable nanotech device to simultaneously detect numerous toxins, pathogens and chemicals in foodstuffs.

Instant, portable, simultaneous pathogen inspection

US scientists have developed a miniature portable nanotech device to simultaneously detect numerous toxins, pathogens and chemicals in foodstuffs.

Sensitive salmonella detection

A new testing kit for Salmonella promises to give the most sensitive detection results in less than a day, its manufacturers claim.

Grape fibre could boost shelf life of meat products

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

Organic fish farms get green light in UK

Organic fish farms in Britain are to be recognised by the country's organic food body, the Soil Association, for the first time, helping them to tap in to the UK's blossoming organic food market.

European patent laws a 'competitive disadvantage'

The EU has been urged to subsidise patent applications for young innovative companies in order to ensure that Europe's biotech and agricultural sectors remain competitive.

A mushrooming industry

The mushroom industry's future is positive due to changing public perceptions of the fungus, but the industry needs restructuring to keep up with growing demands and declining profits.

High demand for machinery in Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe is spearheading growth in the packaging machinery industry as new EU states attempt to muscle in on the Western market, says a new report.

Small slaughterhouse could crumble under new fees, says group

Proposed increases in veterinarian inspection fees could bring an end to small abattoirs in the UK, The Forum of Private Business (FPB) says.

High demand for machinery in Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe is spearheading growth in the packaging machinery industry as new EU states attempt to muscle in on the Western market, says a new report.

PepsiCo unveils first female chief executive

PepsiCo has appointed Indian-born Indra Nooyi to be its new chief executive, displaying the group's international credentials as it looks to build on recent success.

Report slams plans to cut UK milk supply

Cutting Britain's milk supply to raise farmgate prices will not win the battle to raise earnings across the UK dairy sector, warns a new Milk Development Council report.

Pork quality is a matter pH, says scientist

US scientists are proposing a new way to evaluate pork quality - its pH content.

Instant identification of contaminates in water

A ground-breaking system for monitoring water quality has the ability to instantly detect pathogens and microbial contamination, say its developers.

Instant identification of contaminates in water

A ground-breaking system for monitoring water quality has the ability to instantly detect pathogens and microbial contamination, say its developers.

Latex threat - it's all hype, says group

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is pushing ahead with product testing methods after scientists found new ways to detect latex allergens in food packaging.

The obesity blame game- reader feedback

Last week's comment on the food industry's role in the rising obesity epidemic has generated a flood of responses from readers agreeing with or disputing our position that the industry deserves a break. Some of the comments received are published below.

Pork quality is a matter of pH

Scientists are proposing a new way to evaluate pork quality - its pH content.

Latex threat - it's all hype, says group

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is pushing ahead with product testing methods after scientists found new ways to detect latex allergens in food packaging.

Low-cost scale-filler for liquid packers

T.D. Sawvel has introduced a low-cost scale-filler kit for liquid food packers, bringing fast, accurate liquid measurements to low-budget operations, says the company.

Low-cost scale-filler for liquid packers

T.D. Sawvel has introduced a low-cost scale-filler kit for liquid food packers, bringing fast, accurate liquid measurements to low-budget operations, says the company.

Food industry dooms children to obesity, says scientist

A US paediatrician has said that childhood obesity is due to the high-calorie, low-fibre Western diets that cause hormonal imbalances that encourage children to overeat.

Food industry dooms children to obesity, says scientist

A US paediatrician has said that childhood obesity is due to the high-calorie, low-fibre Western diets that cause hormonal imbalances that encourage children to overeat.

Gene breakthrough could revolutionise rice crop

The discovery of a gene that enables rice to survive complete submergence could help overcome one of agriculture's oldest challenges.

Temperture changes and the threat of E. coli growth

A new report indicates that temperature fluctuations during fresh ground beef production do not increase the presence of E. coli.

GM attitudes depend on food type

A recent study into public attitudes towards genetically modified foods has confirmed that attitudes change significantly depending on the type of food being considered.

New malting system saves water

Dutch brewer Bavaria says its new malthouse in Holland can cut water consumption by up to 30 per cent, highlighting the beer industry's potential as a food industry leader in sustainable production.

Stable squid supply - shrinking costs

The world squid market shows landmark demand for cephalopods, but increased catch-rates have driven the overall cost of squid down, says a report published last month.

Seabass and seabream - markets stable with untapped potential

The European market for seabass and seabream is growing at a steady pace, but is its full potential is being stifled because producers can't offer value added seabass and seabream products at a competitive price, says a new report.

New design promises to optimise storage efficiency

A new layout for processing and factory warehouses could save 20.4 per cent in costs when compared to the traditional warehouse designs, claim researchers.

Pepsi may have to comply with changes in UK recycling legislation

The UK's Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is revising packaging regulations, leading to speculation that the Pepsi corporation will have to comply with UK recycling laws regarding packaging waste.

CIAA bids to push up EU food R&D spend

CIAA has launched an online consultation designed to help pinpoint key challenges facing the European food industry and boost R&D spending.

Government lab criticises pesticides in soft drinks study

Tests in India that found soft drinks contaminated with pesticides are 'doubtful', warns a lab affiliated to the UK government, as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola face more bans and threats of legal action across Indian states.

Government lab criticises pesticides in soft drinks study

Tests in India that found soft drinks contaminated with pesticides are 'doubtful', warns a lab affiliated to the UK government, as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola face more bans and threats of legal action across Indian states.

New design promises to optimise storage efficiency

A new layout for processing and factory warehouses could save 20.4 per cent in costs when compared to the traditional warehouse designs, claim researchers.

Scientists develop compostable heat-resistant packaging

A biodegradable heat-resistant coating has been developed which could replace petroleum-based resins in foodservice packaging, developers say.

Rich world to blame for Doha breakdown, says FAO

The Doha Round of global agriculture negotiations collapsed mainly because of infighting between large and powerful countries, corporations and lobbies, said the FAO this week.

Sumac increases poultry shelf life, reduce pathogens

A water-soluble sumac berry extract has been found to increase shelf life and decrease bacteria contamination of chicken wings.

Sumac increases poultry shelf life, reduce pathogens

A water-soluble sumac berry extract has been found to increase shelf life and decrease bacteria contamination of chicken wings.

Casual dining increase could rub off on packaged goods

A mounting interest in healthy eating, ethnic cuisine and premium ingredients has resulted in consumers increasingly opting for fast casual dining, but continued growth will not necessarily occur at the expense of packaged goods, says Mintel.

Weigh and collect tech a valuable prospect

A computer-integrated weighing system will allow food packagers to weigh products and automatically collect data, its manufacturers claim.

Free-range eggs drive UK industry growth

The British egg market is booming with consumers using more eggs per capita than ever before, according to a Mintel report.

Quest taps research to uncover flavour trends

Quest has carried out extensive market research in order to develop snack flavours that tap the latest consumer lifestyle trends.

RFID industry booming, says market research

The radio frequency identification (RFID) industry is booming as producers and suppliers rush to integrate the technology into their production lines.

Use of natural antimicrobials grows, analyst says

EU manufacturers are using more and more natural antimicrobials instead of the synthetic versions, according to a new report.

India turns up the heat on Coke and Pepsi

Pressure was growing on the soft drink giants early this week after India's Supreme Court ordered them to reveal every ingredient in their drinks, following tests that found they were contaminated with pesticides.

Guest Comment

The challenges of implementing EC food law in Italy

Italy's vigorous application of EC food safety regulation 178/02 could be hampered by the country's legislative framework, according to an Italian lawyer.

Canned avocados could change markets

A new technique has been developed to can avocados, increasing their shelf life and retaining their nutrients.

FDA produces most extensive list of acrylamide content in foods

In July the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its most comprehensive report on acrylamide, posting a database of 2,500 foods and their acrylamide content.

Canned avocados could change markets

A new technique has been developed to can avocadoes increasing their shelf life and retaining their nutrients.

Inspectors to be granted right to enter plants for testing

Under a proposed new law, UK inspectors would have the right to enter any manufacturing premises to check for the presence of animal borne diseases.

Weekly Comment

The obesity blame game

Laying the blame for a fatter world at the feet of the food industry has become a convenient mistake, and until this is recognized there is little chance of controlling the growing obesity epidemic.

Latex used in one-third of food packaging, study finds

About one-third of the UK's food packaging has been found to contain hidden latex, leading to calls for processors to note the presence of the known allergen on their products.

Premier Foods strategy pays off in sales, margin boost

Premier Foods' strategy of acquisitions and price increases helped boost first half operating profits by 12.7 per cent and margins by almost one percentage point.

Steritool launches cleanroom-friendly crowbar

Steritool has launched the world's first crowbar made entirely of stainless steel - designed to serve in zero-particulate environments and eliminate contamination.

Ireland's food sector calls for help on energy hikes

Energy price hikes have led Ireland's food processors to call for some mercy.

BT launches RFID food network for tracking products

A new radio frequency identification (RFID) network launched for the food industry aims to help retailers and manufacturers exchange product data so as to speed up recalls and cut costs.

EU food regs could be hijacked by politics, warns report

New powers that will enable the European Parliament (EP) to block Commission decisions will have serious implications for the food industry, warns a USDA study.

Unilever margins fall as marketing spend increases

Unilever yesterday reported a decline in second-quarter operating margins, as the company continues to spend on marketing in a bid to boost lackluster sales.

Processors increase their use of biocides

The demand for biocides in the food and drink industry is expected to grow due to consumer's heightened awareness of bacteria and pathogens.

Defects caught by pattern, texture

New inspection technology can identify subtle defects in packaging and products based on pattern and texture, its designers claim.

Lower herring price reflects oversupply on market

Europe's herring prices look to remain at their current low levels as a high supply and lower demand continue to affect the industry, according to a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) report.

EC: How to navigate proposed new additive regulations

The European Commission has issued guidance for food companies regarding proposed changes to additive, flavouring and enzyme regulations.

Atria integrates subsidiary's processing, logistics operations

Atria Group, a Finland-based meat processor, is integrating the logistical and processing operations of two subsidiaries in a bid to cut costs and enter new markets.

Logistics providers move toward more integrated services

Europe's third party logistic (3PL) providers are moving to integrate more of their operations with those of their clients as a means of providing a more efficient service, according to a survey.

Danone cashing in on new products, markets

Emerging markets and new 'health products' helped Danone to continue its strong sales growth in the second quarter of 2006, though the group has struggled to turn around losses on its home French market.

Commission sets targets to reduce Salmonella in poultry

The European Commission yesterday set targets for member states to meet in reducing the presence of Salmonella in poultry, and has proposed trade bans on eggs from flocks with persistent high levels of the pathogen.

Krones sales growth points to health of beverage sector

Despite an ongoing price war among beverage filling and packaging manufacturers, Krones managed to increase its sales by 12.1 per cent in the first half of 2006.

Unilever tests new RFID software standard

Unilever is testing a newly developed software standard designed to help retailers and manufacturers share data throughout the supply chain using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

Cadbury contamination proves costly

A UK product recall due to Salmonella contamination could cost £20m (€29.3m) and perhaps more, Cadbury Schweppes said yesterday.

Traders face increased costs under new customs' restrictions

The EU's exporters and importers face paying tens of millions of euros to comply with a new regulation aimed at reducing terrorism, fraud and counterfeit products.

Mvi claims lead in performance management software segment

Mvi technology is claiming success as the top provider of real-time performance management (RPM) software to the food and beverage sector.

Irish dairy to milk multi-million euro funding

A €300m investment package will be handed to Ireland's dairy processing industry over the next three years to help it meet market challenges that lie ahead, the country's government has announced.

Processors turn toward use of more natural antimicrobials

EU manufacturers are using more and more natural antimicrobials compared to the synthetic versions, according to a new report.

Ebro Puleva extends reach into rice segment

Spain-based Ebro Puleva has reached agreement with Kraft Foods to buy its Minute Rice brands in the US and Canada, extending the company's reach into North America.

Contaminants regulation extends limits on metals, mycotoxins

The latest draft of a proposed EU amendment to the bloc's regulation on contaminants widens the scope of limits on heavy metals and mycotoxins in foods, as part of the changes.

Nanotechnology passes first toxicity hurdle

Scientists in Mexico have found a way to reduce the toxicity of carbon nanotubes, paving the way for the use of the technology in food packaging.