Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Chr Hansen markets new dairy antibiotic test

Chr Hansen is offering a new test for tetracycline antibiotic residues in milk that can help dairies ensure they are under EU limits and maintain quality in yoghurt and cheese-making.

Commission to be quizzed on cloning safety, ethics

The debate over products from cloned animals entering the European food chain will enter a new phase next week, as MEPs ask the Commission searching questions about the welfare of cloned animals, ethics, and consumer information.

Far East plastics still a problem for formaldehyde: FSA

The migration of formaldehyde into foods from food contact materials manufactured in the Far East may still be a problem, according to a new FSA survey.

New films let produce ‘breathe’, extend shelf life, says Innovia

A new range of ‘breathable’ films can extend the shelf life of fresh produce by allowing the migration of gases through the packaging, according to its developer, UK-based Innovia Films.

Europe not reacting to Californian Teflon concerns

As California moves a step nearer to outlawing the use of the chemical Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in food packaging, European regulators say they are not currently reassessing their own opinions on the chemical.

Aquentium deal boosts ozone sanitation technology

An ozone sanitation technology is receiving a boost in the US market, following an agreement signed between manufacturer Aquentium and Advanced Purification Systems International to market the equipment.

Pack test simulation group targets industry coops

A supplier of simulation technologies for the development of packaging hopes to extend its cooperation with global manufacturers across the food, beverage and personal care markets promising cost efficiency benefits.

Dairy players sought to aid HDPE recycle potential

A new project to improve the recycling potential of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) milk bottles aims to develop more cost effective labels and adhesives that won’t compromise the reuse of the packaging.

DuPont invests in sunflower and corn seed research

DuPont-owned Pioneer Hi-Bred has opened two seed research centres in Europe in an attempt to deliver higher yielding corn and sunflower hybrids to farmers and “meet growing demand for food and fuel”.

New Cryovac packaging targets convenience/health market

US packaging firm Sealed Air has introduced a new microwavable tray package for steaming produce, which it says can be used to market healthy, convenient meals.

Glass and aluminium groups upbeat to meet packaging needs

Production of glass and aluminium packaging within Europe is showing a positive turnaround amidst processor concerns over economic and environmental factors, according to their respective industries associations.

Brewer accused of eco-credential ‘green washing’

The fledgling market for environmentally friendly beer is becoming increasingly susceptible to allegations of false advertising, amidst further claims this week of corporate ‘greenwashing’ within the beverage industry.

Weekly comment

Omega-3 reality check

The market predictions for omega-3 products are endlessly buoyant but a closer look at the state of play reveals very few omega-3 functional foods and beverages have moved beyond niche sales levels.

FSA open food contact compliance talks

A UK industry wide-consultation on meeting European guidelines for using food contact materials will take place on 12 November this year in a bid to outline the best way for stakeholders to adapt to the legal requirements.

Iceberg lettuce and spinach safe to irradiate, says FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of irradiation to kill food-poisoning germs in iceberg lettuce and fresh spinach from today, claiming the technology will not adversely affect the safety of these products.

Labour shortage puts UK food sector at risk - claim

Falling numbers of migrants could have a disastrous effect on the UK food and drink sector, warns a new study from the skills council for the industry, Improve.

PET packaging proving good earner for Amcor

Australian packaging company Amcor has announced a profit after tax and before significant items (PAT) of AUS $369m (€214m) for the year ended June 2008.

ConAgra Foods claims first in rPET tray packaging

US food manufacturer ConAgra Foods says it is leading the way in sustainable packaging, having launched what it claims is the first ever use of post consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in frozen ready meal trays.

New film could inhibit bacterial growth on conveyor belts

A film coated with nanoparticles of silver and calcium phosphate could be used in food processing plants and packaging to inhibit pathogen growth, claim Swiss chemical engineers.

New software extends bakers’ traceability needs

Updated business management software for bakers will boost traceability, and help bakers manage customer relations, says RedBlack Software.

Draft US report reaffirms safety of BPA in food packaging

In a draft risk assessment, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that an adequate margin of safety exists for the chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA) at current levels of exposure from food contact uses.

US beef industry backing research to tackle bug

Despite recent recalls, the US beef industry is investing in research and new technologies to ensure beef safety and prevent E. coli contamination, claim industry representatives.

New cooker can brown meat products on all sides, says Double D

Scottish manufacturer Double D Food Engineering has developed a customised Browning Unit to brown meat and vegetable products on all sides without the need for coatings and additives.

Laser combo improves safety and quality for fresh-cut processors, says firm

A new combination of lasers with colour cameras can achieve superior product quality and food safety, claims Key Technology.

Weekly comment

False starting in the stevia race

The Greeks have a saying that goes something like this: ‘If you’re in too much of a rush, you’ll trip up’. The food and drinks industry could well benefit from the simplistic wisdom of such traditional advice as they race to bring the natural sweetener stevia to market.

Salmonella outbreak leads to product recall

Irish company Dawn Farm Foods has withdrawn some cooked bacon products following concerns over possible salmonella contamination.

Plant and worker safety driving cleaning chemical sales - report

Rising public awareness of the risk of foodborne illnesses due to highly publicized cases concerning ground beef and other products will spur growth in cleaning chemicals, according to a new report from Freedonia.

Wild's increased aseptic ability enables preservative-free drinks

Wild has increased its volume capacity for aseptic cold filling for its beverage flavour systems, saying that it can now meet customer requirements for preservative-free mixes even in peak season.

Wild's increased aseptic ability enables preservative-free drinks

Wild has increased its volume capacity for aseptic cold filling for its beverage flavour systems, saying that it can now meet customer requirements for preservative-free mixes even in peak season.

Farmers over-reliance on antibiotics affects resistance, says UK organic group

UK farmers and veterinary surgeons are giving antibiotics to animals often to prevent rather than treat disease, which is contributing to the problem of antibiotic resistance through food, claims a UK organic group.

New BSE test could help allay meat safety fears

A test to instantly detect beef that has been contaminated with tissue from a cow's brain or spinal cord during slaughter could improve control of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the food supply chain, claims a US study.

Edible sensors may indicate bacterial contamination

Edible nano-sensors made from silk could alert consumers to potential contamination of food produce through a hologram-like indicator embedded in the pack, claim US researchers.

US chicken processors seek relief over high input costs

The US chicken industry has expressed disappointed that the Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA) rejected a waiver on ethanol production and are urging legislators to take action over rising input costs, as a processor freezes operations.

High speed metal detection ensures quality control, claims Mettler Toledo

A new X-ray system will detect foreign bodies, damaged products and low fill levels in metal cans at high speeds, claims Mettler Toledo Safeline.

New tracking system will ensure meat safety, says IT firm

A new tracking system will improve the visibility and traceability of meat and poultry products using RFID technology and thereby improve food safety in Norway, according to an IT company.

Weekly comment

Why food is the new oil

“Food is a weapon – don’t waste it.” This message, which featured on a Second World War poster issued by the US Office of War Information in 1943, is a lesson from history we would do well to heed.

Packaging testing tool can aid quality control, claims Mecmesin

Macmesin said it will be demonstrating how critical it is to test packaging and maintain quality control at the Interplas show in September.

US organics company using tracing system to allay safety concerns

An organics company that links growers and food manufacturers has announced it is to integrate a technology that will enable it to track produce, as calls grow for a faster way of identifying the ‘smoking gun’ in outbreaks of foodborne illness.

Company refused gangmaster licence, claims UK authority

A new business that has not been able to meet standards on workers legality and was a front for a previously banned gangmaster has been refused a licence, said the UK Gangmaster Licensing Authority (GLA).

Oregano could boost antioxidant effect of edible soy-based film

Water soluble extracts from Mexican oregano incorporated into soy protein isolate (SPI) films enhance their radical scavenging capabilities, claims a new study.

Boost for Scottish food and drink processors

Twenty-seven Scottish companies have been awarded a total of nearly £6m in a scheme to help food processors and producers construct new facilities, refurbish existing premises and purchase new equipment.

Regulator urges action on foodborne pathogen resistance

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has adopted a redrafted opinion that maintains the growing use of antimicrobial agents in food could be damaging human resistance to bacteria.

Packaging price hikes adding to food sector pressures

Food manufacturers are facing additional cost pressures due to the recent hikes in packaging materials, with Nampak the latest in a series of packaging firms to raise prices.

Enhanced aseptic capper can handle larger bottles, says Krones

A redesigned aseptic capper enables the handling of larger bottles as well as improving cleanability and accessibility, claims its manufacturer.

Low risk from average level dietary exposure to PAHs, says EFSA

The European regulator has found that there is a low risk to consumers from polycyclic aromatric hydrocarbons (PAHs) in foods based on average dietary exposure but says risk management action may be required for high dietary intake.

Low cost texture analyser can measure food and packaging, says firm

A new easy-to-operate texture tool is a cost effective way for processors to measure the texture of food products as well as their packaging, says developer Brookfield Engineering.

Process may offer biodegradablity in petrochemical plastics

A research group based at University College Dublin claims it can convert plastics such as polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and mixed plastics into a biodegradable polymer.

Special edition: natural colours

Ongoing research in natural colours

In the final part of our series on natural colours, FoodNavigator looks at the science behind potential pigments for food and beverages.

Water levels key to keeping bread crispy

The key to maintaining a bread crust’s crispiness is in the water content, say scientists whose progress in understanding the process could help prolong the crunch.

Aflatoxin detection kit validated by USDA

A tool that provides quick and cost effective analysis of aflatoxin levels in raw materials and their derived products has been rated effective by the USDA, said developer Euro-Diagnostica.

Low returns threaten potato supplies

Food manufacturers will have to start paying more for potatoes in the US to maintain future supplies, according to industry experts.

Listeria growth restricted by coated film, says study.

Films coated with antimicrobial peptides were shown to inhibit the growth of Listeria innocua in the preservation of sliced ham, claims a Brazil-based research group.