Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Companies able to “test drive” packing test instruments at new labs

Mocon has established three in-house packaging testing laboratories across the globe to allow companies to put its machines through their paces before purchasing them.

China to launch new food safety standards

China is drafting a detailed new system of food safety standards in a bid to bring them line with international regulations and restore the country’s battered reputation on the issue.

FDA considering industry guidelines for acrylamide

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering issuing guidelines on acrylamide content in food and has published a notice in the Federal Register seeking comments from industry on the issue.

Review of European food hygiene regs

Leading players in the UK food sector are being asked for their views on an overhaul of European food hygiene legislation three years after the rules came into force.

BASF ups price of food preservative

Chemical giant BASF is increasing the price of its propionic acid by €100 per tonne, citing market conditions as the cause.

Wirecut machine uses nest shape to increase cookie output

Baker Perkins has launched a new wirecut machine for cookie production that increases output by laying down biscuits in a nest-like pattern.

FAO's concern for Asia after H1N1 virus hits Chilean turkeys

The detection of a H1N1 virus in turkeys in Chile poses no threat to the food supply chain but does raise concerns that poultry farms elsewhere in the world could become infected with the pandemic, said the FAO.

Union controversy at food processing plant sparks debate

Food processing plants with unionised workforces are more efficient and productive, one US union with more than 1.3 million members in the food sector has said.

News in brief

DuPont Listeria tests receive AOAC certification

DuPont Qualicon has received AOAC Research Institute certification for two detection systems for Listeria in food and environmental samples.

Sleeve and seal system has bottling wrapped up

An up-graded ‘sleeve and seal’ range cuts production time and costs for the sauce and drinks sectors, said manufacturers Chadwicks.

New light barrier claims high protection for dairy at low usage levels

ColorMatrix is launching new light barrier colourants at Drinktec for PET dairy packaging that promises effective light protection and good visual appearance at low addition levels.

New yeast strains promise to protect wine from hydrogen sulfide

California-based Phyterra Yeast has launched three yeast strains to prevent sensory and spoilage problems in wine caused by the formation of hydrogen sulfide during fermentation.

Researchers warn of toxin increase in heated HFCS

The formation of a toxic substance when high fructose corn syrup is heated raises concerns for bee keepers, say researchers, and will help inform advice on safe storage of the ingredient for use in human food.

Canada adds acrylamide to list of toxic substances

Acrylamide, a chemical that that appears in both food packaging and processed foods, has been added to a list of toxic substances by Canadian health authorities.

Processing under spotlight as flaws revealed in shellfish toxin testing

Industrial processing could double the level of certain marine biotoxins in shellfish a new report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has revealed, as it called for further research on the issue.

New torque tester for caps and closures boosts accuracy, cuts downtime

A new torque testing device simplifies testing on closures and caps as well as improving accuracy and minimisation of downtime, said manufacturers Plastic Technologies Inc (PTI).

Low carb diet may increase heart risk: Mouse study

A new study has concluded that low carb-high protein diet leads to more atherosclerosis in mice, findings that could have implications for diet strategies if they also hold true for humans.

Work needed for China fish processing to meet new EU rules, report

China’s fish processing industry has made considerable progress in boosting its traceability procedures but must improve further if it wants to meet new EU regulations due to come into force next year.

New aseptic cap boosts efficiency and security

A triple seal function and new pull up controls that help maximise production efficiency and security are benefits claimed by the manufacturer of a new closure cap designed for cold and aseptic fill applications.

News in brief

Sonoco to raise Euro recycled paperboard prices

Sonoco has announced it is to increase prices on all recycled paperboard grades in Europe.

Demand drop signals tough year for Euro flexible packing sector - Report

Demand for flexible packing in Europe will fall by between 4-5 per cent in value in 2009 as result of declining raw material prices and a drop in volumes as recession hits consumer spending on packaged foods.

SIGG removes bisphenol A on consumer anxiety

Aluminum bottle producer SIGG has removed bisphenol A (BPA) from its containers in the face of mounting consumer concern – despite no evidence of the substance leaching from the lining, said the company.

Meat in moderation is good nutrient source, says FSA

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said the potential link between red meat and bowel cancer should not discourage consumption, highlighting that meat “in moderation” can also be a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Maple Leaf apologises again for listeria outbreak

Maple Leaf Foods Inc placed full page advertisements in a number of Canadian newspapers yesterday to mark the one-year anniversary of the fatal listeriosis outbreak.

New scavenger promises to keep bubbles in and oxygen out

ColorMatrix is preparing to launch a new barrier product at DrinkTec that promises to not only block oxygen from entering bottles but also prevent carbon dioxide from escaping.

Food label habits to improve nutrition: Survey

Making healthy food choices and adding specific nutrients into their diet are the two main reasons why US consumers read food labels, according to a recent survey.

New weigher claimed to boost accuracy

The new Cut-Gate Weigher offers precision weighing of granular products and gentle handling which preserves particle size and structure, claims its manufacturer Ishida Europe.

Weekly comment

Folic acid: Old women and children first!

Look at the globe and you’d be hard pressed to find two countries further apart than Ireland and New Zealand. But they stand side-by-side on the folic acid fortification issue – it is not needed.

Australian listeria source identified

The listeria outbreak that hit five Virgin Blue airline passengers in Australia has been traced to a poultry supplier in New South Wales (NSW).

US poultry processor facing heavy fine over serious safety breaches

A poultry processing company from the US state of Georgia is facing almost $380,000 in fines for a series of “wilful and serious” health and safety violations committed over a five-year period.

News in brief

Indian food processors to help double agri exports

The Indian food processing industry will play a key role in helping the nation double its agricultural exports to $18bn within five years, according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.

Nestle steps up green packaging drive for seasonal confectionery

Nestle UK is making its Christmas selection boxes entirely recyclable as part of a campaign to improve the green credentials of seasonal confectionery.

New study exposes high levels of mercury in freshwater fish

US consumers who eat average amounts of fish could be exposed to levels of mercury that exceed the EPA criterion for the protection of people, according to a new study.

Food industry execs optimistic about business in 2010, says KPMG

Employment prospects and revenues in the US food and beverage industry are likely to improve next year, predict most executives in the sector, according to a national survey from tax advisory firm KPMG.

New packages deliver longer shelf life for seafood

New packaging for fresh fish and other seafood extends its life by up to 21 days, improves safety while retaining its flavour, shape and product appearance, claims the manufacturer Hefestus, Israel.

French packaging law could wreck EU food marketing and logistics

A new French law threatens supply chain efficiencies in the packaged goods sector and could create new trade barriers in the EU internal market, warns the European Organisation for Packaging and the Environment (Europen).

News in brief

BPA leaches into oceans as plastics decompose

Plastics decompose relatively quickly in oceans to release contaminants such as bisphenol A (BPA), according to research presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Washington DC.

Alcan buy lands Bemis with risky debt burden, says union

A trade union representing Bemis workers has questioned the viability of its proposed acquisition of Alcan Food Packaging Americas claiming the deal would leave the company with an excessive debt burden.

Food sector should prepare now for cap-and-trade, says report

Cap-and-trade carbon pricing could be particularly damaging to the food industry unless manufacturers start developing more efficient supply chains now, according to new analysis.

New papers hold out grease from oily food

Idaho-based flexible packaging firm Boise has launched new treated papers to offer added resistance to oily and greasy foods.

Nestle launches its first rPET bottled water product

Food giant Nestle is to launch its first range of mineral water in the US packaged in bottles containing 25 per cent recycled PET (rPET) and is supporting the launch with a recycling scheme.

China launches new food safety reporting system

China’s State Food and Drug Administration has launched a new food safety reporting system which it has offered for public consultation.

Food safety survey finds low pesticide residues

New research from New Zealand has found minimal pesticide residues in the local food supply casting further doubt on the value of organic products.

News in brief

FSA warns manufacturers against fraud emails

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) is warning food business operators about a potential financial scam to extort money from potential rice exporters to the UK.

India’s food industry held back by cold storage shortfall

A shortfall of 10m tons of cold storage facilities for agriculture produce is holding back the nation’s food industry including its rapidly developing food processing sector, according to a new report from financial specialists KPMG and Assocham; the country’s chambers of commerce.

News in brief

Vietnam to build its largest food complex

Vietnamese food company Vissan has unveiled plans to build the nation’s largest food processing complex worth $39m (700bn VND) in the southern province of Long An, according to the company’s website.

FDA promises BPA decision by end of November

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has re-affirmed its pledge to review the latest studies on bisphenol A (BPA) and to issue a statement by the end of November about whether the chemical is safe for use in food and beverage containers.

EPA registration approves sanitiser for food processing plants

Pure Bioscience has gained US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval for its new sanitiser, opening the door to use in food processing and production.

'Electronic tongue' could aid sweetened formulations

Scientists have developed an ‘electronic tongue on a chip’ to quickly and accurately identifies sweetness, giving manufacturers an inexpensive quality control tool.

Amcor offers over $2bn for Alcan packaging businesses

Australian packaging giant Amcor has offered to buy the European and Asian arms of Alcan Food Packaging along with its pharmaceutical and tobacco businesses for $2025m (€1434m).

Water savings could boost food industry profits, says Siemens

Cutting water use could help food and beverage companies save hundreds of thousands of dollars and make businesses more sustainable, says Siemens Water Technologies which is promoting a six point water-saving strategy.

New York court approves expanded green bottle bill

A federal judge has unblocked the passage of the expanded New York State bottle bill following a legal challenge from beverage companies.

New lubricant for food machinery claims to cut costs

A new lubricant for food and beverage machines helps to cut maintenance costs, claims its manufacturer Lubrication Engineers.

News in brief

Sainsbury’s adopts heat-sealed flexible lidding for soft fruit

UK retail giant Sainsbury’s has dropped rigid clip-on lids in favour of heat-sealed flexible lidding for its soft fruit packaging

Animal fats not linked to breast cancer risk

Intakes of fats from meat, eggs, and dairy products do not increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer, according to findings from a big European study.

Weekly comment

Free farmers to farm and bank UK food security

How best should Britain plan to secure reliable supplies of reasonably-priced food? Should the nation put its trust in home production or food imports from the world market?

Salmonella in ground beef less resistant to heat than whole cuts, says study

New research indicates that Salmonella in whole cuts of beef is more resistant to heat treatment than it is in ground beef.

EFSA issues new rules for food contact materials applications

New guidelines on how to submit applications for the safety assessment of active and intelligent substances in materials which come into contact with food have been released by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

News in brief

Monsanto CFO to retire after 32 years

Monsanto’s executive vice president and chief financial officer Terry Crews has announced his retirement at the age of 53, after 32 years with what is now the world’s largest seed company.

Martek teams with BP to develop fermented biofuels

Martek Biosciences is joining forces with petrochemicals giant BP to develop microbial biofuels derived from sugar feedstocks, and employing Martek’s lipid-based technologies.

Kraft reaps rewards from sustainable processing strategy

The need to maximise profit combined with a desire to help the environment have been major drivers in Kraft slashing water use in its food processing operations by more than 20 per cent in three years, the company said.

Multi-lane checkweigher delivers space and cost savings

Significant cost and space savings are two benefits claimed for a new multi-lane checkweigher by manufacturers Ishida Europe.

More difficulty ahead for food sector as European recession eases

France and Germany have emerged from recession but the global nature of the food industry may mean it takes longer to recover than other sectors, according to a senior economist at Wageningen University.

Nampak reviews UK blowmoulding capacity, cuts 80 jobs

Nampak Plastics Europe has announced it is to cut 80 jobs in the UK following the collapse of the huge co-operative Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFB) – one of the company’s major customers.

EFSA provides guidance on food enzymes safety evaluation

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a guidance document outlining what information industry needs to provide for the safety of food enzymes to be assessed.

News in brief

Food marketing deals threatened by waste reduction efforts

Supermarkets in the UK could be offering half-price deals on perishable food items instead of buy one, get one free offers in an effort to reduce food waste, according to a report in Advertising Age.

Court rejects carcinogen tag for food packing chemical

A California judge has blocked a move by state environment officials to add styrene to a list of hazardous chemical, citing its vital role in food packaging as one factor.

Disagreement over why food packing additive application withdrawn

Moves to include the chemical triclosan on a European list of additives that could be authorised for use in food contact materials have been abandoned by the Swiss-based manufacturer of the substance.

Listeria risks from high pressure cleaning

Food plant managers have been cautioned that washing down floor drains with high-pressure equipment could make it easier for Listeria monocytogenes to transfer from the outlet back onto the processing line.

Artificial sweeteners not linked to cancer: Study

Regular intakes of artificial sweeteners like saccharin and aspartame do not increase the risk of certain cancers, like stomach and pancreatic, suggests a new study from Italy.

Pallet rivals clash as both call for FDA safety probe

A simmering row between pallet industry competitors escalated yesterday when a plastic pallet producer called on US authorities to launch a food safety probe into its wood-based rivals.

Food processing workers prioritised in new pesticide risk assessment

Workers in food processing plants have been included in a new assessment of acute risks posed by exposure to the most hazardous pesticides, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said.

Meat processor linked to salmonella recall warned over animal handling practices

A US meat processor at the centre of last week's huge recall of beef linked to antibiotic-resistant salmonella was rebuked over animal handling practices last year, it has emerged.

Labour MPs disagree on dairy industry commitment to sustainability

The UK farming minister has tipped the dairy industry to smash environmental targets just a week after a fellow Labour MP questioned its green credentials.

News in brief

Michigan State University offers international food law courses

Michigan State University has said that it is accepting applications for its international food law distance education courses.

Defra calls for more UK foods to apply for protected status

The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has called for more food manufacturers and producers to apply for protected status for their products.

New system halves cost of extruder barrel replacement, says company

Cost savings, a reduction in downtime and ease of fitting are the benefits claimed by a manufacturer for its new food extruder barrel liner replacement system.

Smokies' £3m cash potential for meat processors - Report

New research has shown that abattoirs and processors could be major beneficiaries from a move to legalise production of skin-on sheep meat, estimated to be worth more than ₤3m annually in Wales alone.

Wooden packing industry welcomes EC deadline extension

A leading wooden pallet and packaging industry body has welcomed a decision by the EC to give its members more time to meet new regulations to curb the possible spread of pests through its products.

FDA publishes details of warning letter overhaul

A notice detailing the new process for issuing warning letters to food companies that violate safety regulations has been published in the Federal Register, with the program due to begin on September 15.

UK’s £2.3m carrot to boost biogas and mixed plastic recycling

Recycling companies in one part of the UK have been urged to bid for a share of grants totalling £2.3m to fund any initiative to divert mixed plastic and food waste away from landfill.

Bisphenol A ban tabled in French parliament

France could become the first European country to ban bisphenol A (BPA) in food containers if a bill tabled by group of senators passes into law.

Weekly comment

FDA’s Commissioner Hamburg: Beefing up US food safety

It looks like the FDA has finally got some muscle. Never mind new legislation – if anything can prevent America acquiring a weedy reputation for food safety, it’s the might of Dr Margaret Hamburg.

US marshals raid filthy food plant in wake of FDA clampdown pledge

US marshals have raided a rodent-infested food processing plant in Louisiana and seized goods worth $72,000 – just 24 hours after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) vowed to get tough on companies that flout safety laws.

Government urges radical rethink to ensure stable food supply

The UK government has called for a radical rethink of food production to secure sustainable food supplies at reasonable prices.

National Organic Program to undergo independent audit

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has ordered an independent audit of its National Organic Program (NOP) to boost transparency and integrity, and bring it in line with international standards.

Supermarkets quizzed on plastic food racks over decabromodiphenyl ether health fears

An environmental group has urged dozens of major US supermarket chains to stop using plastic storage racks on concerns they may contain a toxic chemical that could leach into food.

Hamburg details FDA food safety crackdown measures

FDA chief Margaret Hamburg outlined new measures on Thursday to act “swiftly and aggressively” to crack down on firms that violate safety regulations.

Cash boost helps electron beam company make waves in aseptic packing

A US company that uses electron beams to sterilise aseptic packaging plans to use a $14m-cash-injection to develop new technology, increase sales and boost its finances.

News in brief

Fonterra Australia pulls custard on listeria fears

Fonterra Brands Australia has pulled tubs of its vanilla custard off supermarket shelves after a product sample tested positive for listeria monocytogenes.

New shortening machine promises greater control and savings

Tanis Food Tec (TFT) is launching two processing machines for biscuit and cake makers including a shortening machine for manufacturers seeking greater quality control without sacrificing space and time.

Food waste depackaging companies highlighted

Detailed information outlining the technology available to remove packaging from food waste prior to anaerobic processing has been published by the UK’s Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP).

Four-colour printing system meets high-tech packing demands

An adaptable system that delivers high-quality four-colour printing onto various substrates for even the shortest label or packaging runs is now available, said manufacturers Linoprint.

Processors under spotlight as food ingredient suspected in listeria outbreak

An investigation has been launched after tainted airline food was linked to a dramatic jump in listeria cases in one Australian state.

Calls for supplier relations watchdog; retailers disagree

The UK’s Competition Commission is asking government to establish an ombudsman to arbitrate in disputes between retailers and suppliers, as retailers have declined to act and the Commission does not have the power to do so itself.

Senate approves $125bn FDA, USDA budget

The US Senate has approved a $125bn budget for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which includes extra funding for food safety as well as farming subsidies.

Massive beef recall linked to antibiotic-resistant salmonella outbreak

California firm Beef Packers Inc has recalled over 800,000 pounds of ground beef linked to an outbreak of antibiotic-resistant salmonella that has sickened people across nine states.

Trade body dismisses attack on milk packaging industry

Dairy UK has hit out against claims from a UK politician that the milk packaging industry is ‘way behind’ in its use of recycled materials.

PepsiCo buys bottlers for $7.8bn

PepsiCo Inc has agreed the takeover of two of its bottle makers in a deal worth $7.8bn that will see the consolidation of 80 per cent of its North American beverage volume.

UK specialty meats given clean bill of health

Almost 99 per cent of ready to eat (RTE) specialty meats sold in the UK are safe to eat, according to a new report published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

News in brief

Maple Leaf recalls hotdogs on listeria concerns

Maple Leaf has issued a voluntary recall of nine wiener products on fears they may be tainted with traces of listeria monocytogenes.

Food gas sensor could show when fruit is ripe and meat fresh

A new sensor that analyses gases given off by foods could be used to check their safety, quality and reliability quickly and economically, said the German research team behind the device.

News in brief

Coca-Cola Amatil stays silent on bottling acquisition rumours

Coca-Cola Amatil is remaining tight-lipped over reports that it plans to re-acquire plastic bottling facilities - but declined to rule out the possibility.

Weekly comment

Downsize me! FSA right to push for smaller snacks

Chocolate bar makers should embrace the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) proposals on snack portions and adapt their supersizing skills to downsizing.

Rexam closes beverage can plant in Russia

Rexam has shut down a beverage can factory in Russia because of continued weakness in the country’s drinks market.

Oxo-bio industry says product claims valid

An oxo-biodegradable industry body has refuted charges made by a rival association that its products fail to meet valid or recognised standards, and that the sector has yet to present sound scientific evidence to support its claims.

US state warns parents off bisphenol A

The US state of Massachusetts has issued a public health warning to parents of young children advising them to avoid exposure to bisphenol A (BPA).

Economically motivated adulteration remains rife: CRN

Economically motivated adulteration (EMA) of dietary supplements is a “serious and growing concern” in a climate of inadequate testing methods and substandard raw materials, according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

Bioplastics must be more than green to deliver long-term growth: Report

Bioplastics are set to see double-digit growth but they must become effective and economical, not just ecologically sound, if they want to be widely adopted, said a new report by Lux Research.

EFSA to meet stakeholders following GM corn decision

The European Food Safety Authority will meet with stakeholders in September to discuss its recent opinion on Monsanto’s GM corn, MON810.

Separate policy and R&D boost for Indian food processing sector

Formulation of a separate policy for food processing and a targeted R&D programme to boost processing and packaging technologies are two of the latest proposals unveiled by the Indian government for the sector.

New proposals represent shift in food safety strategy, FDA

The US Government has announced further measures to curb the spread of food-borne diseases such as E.coli just days after lawmakers approved the bill overhauling the country’s food safety system.

News in brief

Huhtamaki sells South African operation

Huhtamaki Oyj has sold its South African subsidiary as its global strategy to off-load its rigid packing operations continues.

Industry body welcomes US and Asia-Pacific food safety measures

At the APEC meeting in Singapore, Robert Brackett of the GMA has applauded the founding of a food safety training network, just days after the organization praised the House for passing a landmark food safety bill.