Practical Guide to Metal Detection-Food Industry
Fortress Technology
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31-Aug-2010
special edition: beverage processing
Siemens expert bores into water treatment considerations
In the first part of a special edition on beverage processing, we explore the different water treatment requirements and options facing soft drink manufacturers.
BPI baffled by Euro price hikes, urges polymer import duty review
British Polythene Industries (BPI) declared itself mystified by recent hikes in raw material prices in Europe as it called for a review of import tariffs for polymers into the region.
‘Unique’ rapid egg cooling system to cut salmonella risk, extend shelf life
A rapid egg cooling system that uses carbon dioxide to create a thin layer of ice on the inside of the shell would cut salmonella illnesses and significantly extend product...
New Sidel cap feeders reject air to reduce energy use
Sidel has launched a new range of cap feeders that it claims cut energy consumption substantially by abandoning the use of air.
FDA reports maggots, mice and manure at egg recall farms
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released reports detailing “significant deviations” from required contamination prevention practices at the two farms central to the ongoing egg recall.
Swedish agencies map out bisphenol A action plan
Sweden's food safety and chemical agencies met last week to begin mapping out an action plan to decide if the country would impose a national ban on bisphenol A (BPA).
30-Aug-2010
Bisphenol A alters male testosterone levels, claims breakthrough study
A breakthrough study claims to have demonstrated for the first time that bisphenol A (BPA) can cause changes in male human sex hormones.
Cinnamon and oregano show antimicrobial prowess in active packaging
Incorporating cinnamon and oregano essential oils (EO) into certain plastics provides antimicrobial properties, new research into active packaging has found.
Comment
Don’t worry about wheat prices: Look at grain stocks
There’s nothing like a shortage of wheat to send some news media searching for superlatives. Talk of “soaring” wheat prices and “rocketing” bread prices were common, in the British press,...
Foreign investment and infrastructure key to growing Indian food processing sector - report
Encouragement of foreign investment, implementation of unified food safety and processing policies, and a chronic lack of infrastructure are some of the bottlenecks stifling the development of the Indian food...
27-Aug-2010
News in brief
UK clarifies basis for backing DS Smith takeover of Otor
UK competition authorities have outlined the reasons behind their backing of DS Smith’s takeover of French company Otor which was approved earlier this month.
New SIG carton cuts CO2 from dairy packaging
SIG Combibloc has launched a new 1-litre aseptic carton pack for long-life milk products that shaves 28 per cent off the carbon footprint of its standard packs.
Rising raw material costs tip CPC Packaging into administration
CPC Packaging UK said yesterday that high raw material prices were partly behind the firm going into administration this week as it confirmed almost two thirds of its workforce...
Cargill greens waste water to cut carbon footprint
Cargill Australia said a new multi-million dollar scheme to overhaul its waste water system at a beef processing plant could slash the facility’s carbon footprint by over 17 per cent.
Bisphenol A exposure from soft drink and beer products ‘extremely low’ - Health Canada
Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) from soft drinks and beer products is “extremely low” said Health Canada after carrying out a survey on levels of the chemical in 38 products.
New strategy identified to fight bacterial cheese contamination
Scientists have identified a way of using a virus to control levels of the Clostridium tyrobutyricum bacteria in cheese to prevent spoilage and minimise product waste.
UK cut-backs set up ‘food poisoning time bomb’: CIEH
Cut-backs in food safety and hygiene training may be setting up a ‘food poisoning time bomb’, suggest results of a survey from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).
26-Aug-2010
Buhler buys stake in Italian firm to strengthen coffee presence
Buhler Technology Group said its move to buy a stake in Italian coffee equipment manufacturer Petroncini Impianti would boost its position in the medium and top-end segments of the market.
Imaging technique cuts Campylobacter detection time
US scientists said they have developed a new high-tech imaging technique that significantly reduces the time to detect the presence of Campylobacter.
Amcor full year profits drop on Alcan takeover costs
Amcor said its full year profits fell by 13.5 per cent to A$182m (US$ 161.4m) as it revealed the cost of taking over rival Alcan was A$226m.
25-Aug-2010
New cheese shredder kits said to boost work rates
Significantly improved work rates are claimed to result from retrofitting new parts kits to the Cheese Shredders produced by US food processing machine manufacturer, Urschel.
Canada to add bisphenol A to toxic register in face of industry protests
Canada has confirmed bisphenol A (BPA) is to be added to its national register of toxic substances after dismissing industry calls to review its stance on the chemical.
Industry (again) urges Senate to schedule vote on food safety bill
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has urged the Senate to vote on the Food Safety Modernization Act that has been awaiting consideration since it passed through committee in November.
Simpler systems could boost UK robotic sales
Relatively simple and inexpensive robots could be the key for robot manufacturers looking to boost UK sales, according to a leading automation industry figure.
China makes arrests after latest melamine scare
Chinese police have arrested six people for allegedly distributing melamine tainted milk powder, following the seizure of more contaminated materials in July.
24-Aug-2010
Siemens claims water management system offers major savings
Siemens is installing a water management system at a new bottling plant that uses a process the company claims can deliver 20 per cent operational savings compared to conventional alternatives.
News in brief
Russia eases Finnish meat processing ban
Russia has lifted temporary restrictions on imports from three meat processing plants in Finland.
Vion eyes veal expansion after EC approves Weyl takeover
Vion said it plans to expand its veal processing operations after being given the go-ahead by the European Commission to acquire Weyl.
Sewtec develops system to pack new Twinings tea bags
Sewtec Automation has designed and installed a pick and place system for Twinings that loads its new flow wrapped tea bags into boxes.
Electicity and ultra sound boost potatoes’ antioxidant content by 60 per cent
Treating potatoes with electricity and ultra-sound could improve their antioxidant activity by up to 60 per cent, according to new research from Obihiro University in Hokkaido, Japan.
Biodegradable and compostable food packaging overview
Shifting opinions on sustainability means that biodegradable and compostable plastics are no longer seen as destined to replace all traditional packaging – but are now viewed as one option among...
23-Aug-2010
Comment
Let’s hear it for the sound of compostable packaging
The world’s first 100 percent biodegradable chip packet attracted a lot of noise last week, but not the buzz that SunChips’ maker FritoLay had been hoping for.
Strong UK demand for recycled food-grade PET and HDPE boosts prices
UK demand for food-grade recycled plastics continues to outstrip supply and drive prices, according to a new report from the UK government-funded Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
News in brief
Number of eggs recalled exceeds half a billion
The number of eggs recalled nationwide due to contamination with salmonella enteriditis has exceeded half a billion, as the recall expanded to a second farm on Friday.
PepsiCo invests $250m in Vietnam
Global food and drink giant PepsiCo has pledged to invest $250m in its food and beverage business in Vietnam over the next three years.
FSA to review strategies to prevent E.coli outbreaks
UK food safety watchdog, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is to review strategies designed to reduce the shedding of E. coli 0157 by ruminant livestock.
20-Aug-2010
Provision Trade Federation sets DEFRA date to discuss COOL
The Provision Trade Federation (PTF) and other trade organisations representing the meat industry, which oppose compulsory EU extensions of country of origin labelling (COOL), will meet DEFRA in mid-September to...
News in brief
Viterra buys 21st Century Grain Processing
Canadian food producer Viterra has acquired US company 21st Century Grain Processing for an undisclosed sum.
Sweden studies BPA ban after EFSA’s delayed safety opinion
Sweden is the latest EU country to consider banning the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) with government scientists due to meet next week to consider the feasibility of introducing a ban...
19-Aug-2010
Electrostatic flavour application technology spurned by ‘unbelievable’ UK firms
A UK firm pioneering the use of electrostatic food flavour application technology is disappointed by the “unbelievable” lack of uptake from large native manufacturers, despite impressive claimed efficiency savings and...
News in brief
Food cans reach two hundredth birthday
The US Can Manufacturers Institute is inviting the world to celebrate the two hundredth birthday of the food can on August 25 2010.
‘Original’ MAP process boosts quality and flexibility
Improved food quality and greater flexibility are claimed for what the manufacturer ARPAC-Hefestus describes as an “original” method of applying Modified Atmosphere (MAP) to a preformed tray or cup.
Napier and Diageo join up to turn whisky waste into fuel
Edinburgh Napier University has filed a patent for a new biofuel made from whisky by-products, at the end of a two year project working with Diageo.
Video to help boost contamination detection in food and beverages
A new video from laboratory equipment specialist Thermo Fisher Scientific is designed to improve food safety by showcasing the benefits of its TraceFinder analytical software.
Kraft looks to packaging to protect chocolate from heat
Kraft Foods is reaching out to industry and academic partners to find a packaging technology that will protect chocolate bars from melting.
18-Aug-2010
News in brief
91 per cent of Canadians test positive for BPA
More than 90 per cent of people, aged between six to 79, tested positive for the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in their urine, reveals the Canadian Health Measures Survey.
Packaging to play key role in boosting poultry demand
Packaging of poultry products could play a key role in helping the meat reach its full growth potential, according to a Packforum seminar organized by global specialty packaging provider, Sealed...
New air-returning lever tap range said to meet industry demand
Worldwide Dispensers Europe (WD Europe) has expanded its range of Aeroflow air-returning lever taps with the introduction of four new bulk sizes, which it claims have been developed to meet...
Big water savings from new fruit & veg peeling system
A new peeling system for fruit and vegetables, based on air not water, under development at California State University, Fresno, could cut significantly processing costs and remove the problem and...
Pactiv packaging group bought by Reynolds for $6bn
Pactiv Corporation, a leader in the food service packaging industry, has been acquired for $6bn by Reynolds Group, the food packaging subsidiary of New Zealand-based Rank Group.
17-Aug-2010
Renewed BPA fears after study finds girls reach puberty earlier
A new US study suggesting that girls may reach puberty earlier than they did 13 years ago has rekindled worries about the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) used in the manufacture...
News in brief
US polystyrene sales for food packaging rise
Sales of polystyrene into the US food packaging sector climbed 55 per cent in the first half of this year, according to a report from the American Chemistry Council.
Foreign investment helps drive Indian food processing sector
Direct foreign investment in the Indian food processing industry rocketed 175 per cent during 2009-10 to reach $279.33m and now plays an important role in developing the sector, according to...
30% increase in printing speed claimed for new printers
The new range of printers, with food industry applications, from global printing and labeling specialist Avery Dennison is claimed to be up to 30 per cent faster that existing models.
16-Aug-2010
Sustainable packaging market predicted to reach $142.42bn by 2015
Greater awareness about environmental disposal hazards and more stringent government regulations are predicted to drive the global market for sustainable packaging to reach $142.42bn by 2015, according to market research...
Capital injection frees APPE and La Seda to pursue new PET strategy
Artenius PET Packaging Europe (APPE) expects to be able to fulfill its plastic packaging ambitions after parent company La Seda de Barcelona received a capital injection of €300m.
Chinese investigation clears Synutra milk powder
The Chinese health ministry has found no link between Synutra International milk powder products and recent cases of premature breast development among infant girls.
Comment
‘MacStatins’ are not the answer to unhealthy food
Do you want a statin with that cheeseburger and milkshake? Touting pharmaceuticals as the neutralisers of fast food is not the answer to unhealthy diets and even the suggestion sends...
10-step route to cut food manufacturing costs
A new 10-step route to help food manufacturers and other organisations offset higher raw material and labour costs has been launched by supply chain organization, TradeCard.
Meat will drive Chinese food processing industry
Rising demand for meat will drive the Chinese food processing industry to record double digit growth, according to market research organization RNCOS.
13-Aug-2010
Senate food safety bill edges toward vote
Lawmakers released a bipartisan agreement on the Senate’s food safety bill on Thursday, signaling that it is likely to be debated in the Senate when it reconvenes in September.
Titanium dioxide could outfox Listeria biofilms
Nanostructured photocatalysts disinfect contaminated surfaces in combination with ultraviolet (UV) light and could be used to enhance food safety within the plant as well as ensuring efficiency and cost gains,...
Synutra defends products in light of hormone scare
Chinese dairy Synutra International has affirmed its belief that its products are safe and in no way linked to recent allegations of premature breast development in infant girls.
Packaged meat COPs no threat to human health: German study
Cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) associated with packaged fresh meat pose no risk to human health, according to an interim report by the Berlin-based, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).
EFSA confirms big portion of shellfish is 400g
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed its earlier opinion that 400g is an appropriate size for a large portion of shellfish, for marine biotoxins not to pose a...
“Unique” single-step cook/pasteurization for shorter, cheaper processing
Significantly shorter processing time and cheaper operating costs are claimed for what developers claim is the world’s first single-step, cook and pasteurization technology for ready meals.
12-Aug-2010
Sending PET bottles to landfill may prove the low-carbon option, report
Countries with adequate space and little recycling infrastructure, such as parts of the US and the UK, could lower their carbon footprint substantially by sending PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles to...
New OPP wrap for figurines claimed to ensure EU compliance
A new thin polypropylene film layer that coats retro gravure inks can provide a barrier coating between the printed material and confectionery products, said its developer, the Slovakian packaging firm...
Belgian food safety authorities not concerned by clones
Meat from the offspring of a cloned cow, raised and slaughtered in the UK has been exported to Belgium, the UK’s Food Standards Agency has confirmed. But Belgian authorities say...
Loma launches extra large x-ray inspection system
Loma has launched a new x-ray inspection system to accommodate large food products, such as meats and unprocessed blocks of cheese.
11-Aug-2010
News in brief
Crown to open new line at Slovakian plant
Crown has announced plans to install a second beverage can production line at its recently opened facility in Kechnec, Slovakia.
Corrugated packaging price hikes to remain priority for Smurfit
Container board and corrugated packaging supplier, Smurfit Kappa Group (SKG), announcing a 20 per cent hike revenue today, said ongoing price increases will remain a priority in 2010 due to...
Fonterra gets embroiled in Chinese dairy scare
Fonterra has insisted that the New Zealand-based dairy is 100 per cent confident in its products as one of its Chinese customers faces an investigation into tainted milk claims.
Graham Packaging targets domestic food with Liquid takeover
Graham Packaging has agreed to acquire Liquid Container for $568m in an effort to build its core food and beverage business in North America.
News in brief
Food Valley Conference to focus in business models
This year’s Food Valley Conference to be held in the Dutch region notorious for food industry research will address whether food firms need to tweak their business models in the...
Big energy savings claimed for Eldorado’s first 100 per cent RPET water bottle
Energy savings of 77 per cent are claimed for the first US bottled spring water company to use 100 per cent recycled plastic in its bottles.
Ethnic Cuisine shuts up shop as Northern Foods shrinks
Swansea-based ready meals manufacturer Ethnic Cuisine has finally closed for business less than three years after parent company Northern Foods acquired it.
10-Aug-2010
First installation imminent of IFT awarded sterilization process
Summer 2011 will see the first commercial installation of an IFT recognised and FDA approved technology which is claimed to improve flavour, nutrient retention and texture of foods as well...
New website to showcase nano packaging and ingredient project
A new website, www.nanolyse.eu, will be launched later this month to showcase the work of the EU’s NanoLyse project dedicated to developing validated methods and reference materials for the analysis...
Skinning and freezing could help reduce Campylobacter spp. levels in processed poultry, study
Two Belgian poultry processing firms with recognised food safety management systems (FSMS) should consider further measures such as skinning carcasses and freezing to reduce high Campylobacter spp. levels in poultry...
DS Smith puts case for French packaging takeover
DS Smith has outlined its reasons for acquiring the French corrugated packaging company Otor ahead of a shareholder vote later in the month.
09-Aug-2010
New test developed to detect melamine in milk products
Chinese scientists claim to have developed a quick and simple colour change test to detect melamine in milk products.
Comment
Is cloned food legal? Europe must decide, and fast
Big oops. Meat and milk from the offspring of cloned animals has entered the UK food chain. Cue scary headlines and scared consumers. But the leviathan of EU-lawmaking means no-one...
Chitosan and MAP system could extend fresh pasta shelf life
New research has shown that a combination of modified atmosphere packaging, chitosan and a high barrier packaging system can act in synergic way to control the quality loss of fresh...
Bunge launches new device to measure shortening consistency
More accurate and reliable measurement of solid food ingredients’ consistency is claimed for the new Consistometer from Bunge Oils.
News in brief
US company recalls 450 tons of beef on E.coli fears
A US meat company has recalled more than 450 tons of ground beef over fears it could be infected with E.coli 0157:H7.
Collaboration to spread electron beam technology down under
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has joined up with the Fraunhofer Institute and Evonta-Service to improve access to electron beam technology in the Australian food industry.
Multiple benefits claimed for ‘unique’ vacuum-packed foil tray
Lightweighting, extended shelf life and enhanced product presentation are benefits claimed by Nicholl Food Packaging for its “unique” vacuum-packed oven-ready foil tray.
New method for bleeding and superchilling cod fillets could cut costs
Fish processors could be set to cut costs, time and packaging thanks to a new technique for bleeding and superchilling cod fillets, said Nofima Mat.
06-Aug-2010
Arsenic in hijiki seaweed prompts FSA advice
Consumers are being advised not to eat the traditional Japanese seaweed hijiki following a European Commission alert over arsenic levels.
Kellogg packaging problem resolved – says FDA
The problem with Kellogg’s tainted packaging has been solved, US federal authorities said yesterday – as the company confirmed the chemical responsible for the huge recall is not used in...
EU food regulators to discuss the role of science
European policy makers and influencers will be examining the role of science in food policy at a round table discussion due to take place in October.
Krones to launch two blow-molding products at K 2010
Krones is planning to launch a new oven and a machine add-on for stretch blow-molding at the upcoming K trade show.
EFSA reports on PCB levels in foods
Fish, raw milk, dairy and egg products are foods containing the highest levels of non dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL PCBs), while fruit and vegetables have the lowest traces, said the...
New processing technologies could enhance probiotic dairy products
An academic review has underlined the promise of high pressure processing (HP) and pulsed electric fields (PEF) to ensure the viability and shelf life of probiotic dairy products.
05-Aug-2010
News in brief
KHS to showcase PET bottles at K 2010
KHS will be showcasing a range of PET bottles at the upcoming K 2010 trade show in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Bakery and poultry fuelling processing kit demand, says JBT
JBT FoodTech said despite growing demand for its freezing and protein processing systems, year-on-year second quarter revenues fell by seven per cent to US$135m.
Bisphenol A debate rages on
The scientific debate over the safety of bisphenol A (BPA) continues with German safety authorities concluding that findings of two major studies do not show the chemical is hazardous....
COOL concerns help drive Vion meat processing investment
Growing demand for meat with a clear provenance was one driver behind a multi-million pound investment programme by Vion to expand its processing operations in Scotland and create 250 new jobs.
Amcor claims Ball acquisition will open new markets
Amcor has hailed its $280m acquisition of Ball Plastics Packaging Americas as another step outside of PET that gives it new material and process capabilities.
04-Aug-2010
Large aperture metal detector ups sensitivity, cuts downtime
Heightened sensitivity of detection, ease of use and reduced downtime thanks to an early warning diagnostic system are benefits claimed by Mettler Toledo Safeline for its new large aperture metal...
Meat from cloned animal was eaten in UK, confirms FSA
The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that meat from a cloned animal has entered the nation’s food chain and has been consumed.
SIG plans to target bulky soup trend
SIG CombiBloc has unveiled plans to roll out new packaging formats to handle soups with bigger pieces.
Congress demands answers from Kellogg after tainted-packaging recall
Kellogg Company has come under pressure from the US Congress to disclose more information about the “hazardous” packaging chemical that led to the recall of million of boxes of...
DuPont and USDA team up to tackle emerging food safety threat
A new joint project between DuPont Qualicon and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) aims to develop testing to detect hard-to-identify strains of E.coli that are not regulated and have...
03-Aug-2010
News in brief
Amcor completes Ball Plastics takeover
Amcor said it has completed its US$280m acquisition of Ball Plastics Packaging Americas yesterday (2 Aug).
Special Edition - Plant Efficiency
EMS offers food processors benefits and challenges
Environmental management systems (EMS) can be a good tool for food processors looking to achieve the twin goals of improved productivity and corporate responsibility.
EFSA needs more data on furan formation in foods
The European Food Safety Authority is urging member states to step up monitoring of the carcinogen furan in food products, in a bid to amass enough data to inform a...
Feds go after repeat offender food processor
US federal authorities are seeking a permanent injunction against a New York food processor for a host of violations over a four-year period.
Blue mozzarella bacteria not harmful to humans, said Germany
The bacteria strain responsible for turning thousands mozzarella cheese blue blue earlier this summer does not pose a human health hazard, said German authorities.
United Biscuits fined after mixing machine accident
Global snack giant United Biscuits was fined £10,000 last week by the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a worker had two fingers sliced off by a mixing machine.
New microwave spectrometer brings in-line excellence to processing
A new in-line guided microwave spectrometer cuts costs and downtime, while boosting the speed and accuracy of measuring a raft of key food product properties, said Thermo Fisher Scientific.
02-Aug-2010
SPECIAL EDITION - PLANT EFFICIENCY
Should anaerobic digestion plants be on the menu for food processors?
The financial and eco-benefits of investing in anaerobic digestion (AD) technology to generate energy from food waste is something that all processors should be considering, said InSource Energy.
Comment
Energy drink makers must do more to protect children
Energy drinks makers risk a regulatory clamp down if they fail to take action on marketing campaigns that irresponsibly target young consumers.
News in brief
New York State bans bisphenol A
New York State has become the latest US state to ban bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials.
GEA predicts China as primary market by 2013
GEA Group has forecast that China will become its leading market within the next few years as it highlighted growing demand from the emerging economic superpower as the driver behind...
Chlorophyll markers to highlight contaminated meat - research
A food safety research project in the UK is to investigate ways of identifying E. coli and salmonella-contaminated meat, poultry and eggs by using fluorescent imaging to spot chlorophyll markers...
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