Packaging law introduction 'unworkable', says industry group

New packaging rules due to be implemented next year as part of an EU-wide update of food and feed hygiene laws are too restrictive in their timing says the bloc's...

Cereal price squeeze likely as global stocks fall

Pressure on prices for cereal ingredients will continue as revised figures show a draw down in global cereal stocks in 2005.

New Parmesan cure process threatens Italy's producers

The US is on its way to lowering processing times for Parmesan cheese - a move bound to inflame producers in Italy, threaten their sales and encourage further battles over...

Food industry shares tips on acrylamide reduction

In issuing a set of successful procedures on reducing acrylamide formation during manufacturing processes, the EU's food industry association is attempting to help its smaller members get on the right...

Mini-pilot dairy test equipment scales up

UK-based Armfield has launched a larger version of the company's miniature-scale dairy research equipment, allowing bigger batches of test products to be made.

Biodegradable film offers alternative to plastics

Innovia has become the latest company to offer biodegradable packaging film as more and more companies look for alternatives to plastics, which are increasing in price.

UK beef supply set to resume after EU report

The European Commission yesterday endorsed the UK's control measures on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), opening the door for the resumption of supplies of beef to the rest of the EU...

EU's anti-GM stance is unsustainable, says study

Europe's opposition to genetically modified ingredients will significantly increase producers' costs over the next three years as it becomes ever harder to secure GM-free supplies, says a new report.

Sliding seal opens up packaging choice for overwraps

Zip-Pak and Hayssen have developed an overwrap machine using a new sliding seal, allowing processors a greater choice in the type of packaging they can use for sliced and blocked...

EU sets new rules in overhaul of hygiene law

The EU moved a step closer toward tougher but more unified food and feed hygiene safety standards with the endorsement of two rules implementing the new proposals.

Private labels growth cut into manufacturers' market

Private label food products, especially refrigerated foods, continue to steadily increase their share of the global marketplace, eating into processors' brands according to ACNielsen.

Flowmeters meet demand for high speed, accurate filling

The launch of a two new flowmeters meets the demand from the food and beverage processors using high speed filling lines, according to its manufacturer.

Risk assessment method developed for food botulism

UK scientists are offering food processors risk assessments to help them determine how to keep their products from becoming botulism producing factories.

Brand loyalty dented by damaged packaging

A new study indicates that processors must chose the toughest packaging they can find for their frozen food products if they hope to retain brand loyalty.

Campina outlines CAP reform survival plan

Coping with reforms to the EU's Common Agricultural Policy has taken centre-stage for dairy firms across the bloc as Dutch group Campina outlines a plan to swallow more than €80m...

Oxygen absorber preserver contained if cut accidentally

Multisorb says its self-adhesive oxygen absorber now sticks better to packages, helping food processors to eliminate downtime on the production line.

Ultraviolet ink process boosts label printing speed

A new ultraviolet (UV) ink technology dramatically improves production speeds in label printing, saving time and money during the packaging process, according to Sun Chemical.

Company battles pork pie brand protectionism

Will the real Melton Mowbray pork pie please stand up? A court battle over the use of the name for a pork pie has evolved as a ground breaking case...

Intelligent label protects foods against counterfeiting and tampering

A new intelligent label is designed to protect foods against counterfeiting and tampering, a growing problem for high value products.

Weekly comment

McDonald's: facing fat

There is nothing so redolent of a corporate mid-life crisis as the strategic equivalent of a new car, new girl and new image, set firmly on the shoulders of the...

Software standard certified for EPCglobal companies

EPCglobal has certified a new software standard for companies using Electronic Product Code (EPC) to track their products throughout their global supply chains.

Nestlé fund targets foods, processing techniques

Nestlé is on the hunt for start-up companies developing new foods and processing techniques targeting the health and nutrition market.

Infrared used to instantly detect bacteria

Scientists from Manchester University have developed a new technique that uses infrared light to spot bacterial contamination in food within seconds rather than hours, while products are on the processing...

GMA urges rejection of 'trade distorting tariffs'

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has called for substantial reductions in 'trade distorting tariffs and subsidies' and a rejection of the EU's proposals regarding geographical indications.

New APV dough divider to cut costs, improve product quality

The UK's APV Baker has introduced a new dough divider that claims to improve product quality and process control while lowering production costs.

Three new plastics target frozen, chilled food markets

Nova Chemicals has launched three new plastics for food packaging, aimed at products targeting the growing consumer demand for fresh, healthy and convenient products.

Supersonic brewing brings big savings, say researchers

UK brewing scientists have adapted Pursuit Dynamics' award-winning processing technology for the drinks industry with early results revealing substantial cost and energy savings for producers.

A cool crate targets market for fresh, chilled products

An insulated polystyrene crate for shipping beverages, meat, cheese, and vegetables can be adapted for a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

A troubled Canterbury sees hope in BSE rule change

Canterbury Foods' management is hoping the relaxation of the UK's bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) rules will ease the troubles its meat processing division is facing in a declining market with...

New range of food grade lubricating greases released

ExxonMobil has developed tougher upgrades to its line of lubricating greases for food and beverage processing equipment.

UK meat processor linked to E. coli outbreak

The forcing of a UK cooked meat processor to withdraw its products from the market serves as warning to industry that a company's future lies in the hands of its...

Danone chair supports takeover transparency law

Danone's chairman appeared to defend French government proposals for more transparency from firms during takeover rumours, in an internal interview concerning the recent PepsiCo gossip.

Software links to multiple temperature, humidity sensors

New wireless software helps food managers link up to the latest environmental data emitted by temperature and humidity sensors located throughout their plant operations, whether local or inother locations.

Frozen food carton packaging put through thawing tests

Freezing and thawing tests indicate that coated unbleached kraft paperboard packaging for the food industry stands up better than other products, Graphic Packaging claims.

Greater vigilance needed to prevent avian flu outbreak

Food processors, especially those pasturising egg whites and importing poultry ingredients from abroad, should remain vigilant, according to advice on avian influenza from the EU's food safety regulator.

Timestrip develops smart shelf-life label with Nestlé

A method of using smart labels to indicate remaining shelf life on food products is about to be launched commercially by UK-based Timestrip and Nestlé.

Detecting microbes using the glow worm effect

A quick method to determine whether meat, milk or other food products are contaminated with microbes uses the "glow-worm" effect.

Company launches rapid shake method for canned foods

"Shake your money maker" might be the new refrain food processors are singing in the future if a UK company's quick sterilisation technology becomes the new standard for treating cannedproducts....

Heinz to dump European frozen foods, focus on R&D

Heinz is pulling out of its frozen food business in Europe, will boost its presence in China and Russia, and spend more on developing new processing and packaging methods targeted...

Food allergies: a problem and an opportunity

A study analyzing food allergies and intolerance in the United States suggests that the "free-from" market has far from peaked.

Biosense develops new shellfish toxin tester

A Norwegian university spinoff has developed a cheaper, rapid test for shellfish that can help processors check that their food products confirm to the EU's safety standards.

Food regulator re-evaluates phthalate packaging

In a re-evaluation of five phthalate chemical compounds used in plastic packaging, the EU's food safety regulator has either raised, lowered or maintained acceptable daily intake limits.

Demand rises for Sealed Air's packaging despite price hikes

Sealed Air is still finding a growth market for its Cryovac food packaging products, despite the price increases the company made to offset higher input costs.

Food risk and public trust, industry must be more proactive

Consumer confidence in food additives takes a blow after the Sudan 1 scare in the UK with one in four shoppers claiming food is more risky today than twelve months...

Vegetable processing method extends shelf life

A new method of processing cooked vegetables maintains colour, flavour and natural sweetness and can increase shelf life, according to Viands Concerted.

Weekly Comment

Food law: friend or foe?

The food industry is in danger of harming itself with its recent lobbying against the further harmonisation and deepening of EU food regulation.

Sorter uses laser to check nuts

A new machine to sort and inspect shelled nuts uses colour cameras and laser technology to get the job done.

IBM pinpoints Electronic Product Code drivers

A transformation of plant work practice, the acceptance of common communications standards using Electronic Product Code (EPC) and lower prices for radio frequency identification(RFID) technology will be needed to drive...

Unilever explores options for European frozen foods

In the wake of Unilever's announcement that it has decided to look into "strategic options" for its frozen food operations in Europe, many analysts are speculating about who might have...

Tetra Pak unveils new juice processing technology

A new rapid pasteurisation technology developed by Tetra Pak claims it can slash production costs and time by combining pasteurisation and mixing, as well as retain more nutrients in the...

Plant extracts vital for functional dairy future

Plant extracts and a more imaginative use of whey are two major factors with the potential to take the functional dairy drinks sector forward, according to one eminent scientist at...

Food and drink moves toward more automation and control systems

A combination of technological innovation, legislation as well as sprawling production facilities and complex supply chains are driving the European food and drink industry toward investments inautomation and control solutions,...

Food industry fails to save on energy, researcher says

A study showing that the European food industry failure to make significant improvements in energy efficiency over the past thirty years, has led to the researcher calling for governments and...

New method simultaneously detects toxins in food

A new method for the rapid simultaneous detection of staphylococcal and botulinum toxins in food could help processors improve the speed at which they remove potentially harmful products beforethey leave...

UK BSE rule change opens door to more supplies

The UK government's decision to relax its rules on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) will make more beef available to the UK processing market, and potentially the rest of Europe.

Chr Hansen, Tetra Pak project removes obstacles to probiotic beverages

Probiotics supplier Chr. Hansen has developed a new, flexible formulation system for adding probiotics directly to finished products.

Temperature sensor uses Internet to send alarm

A new sensor alerts plant monitors, either by sound or through the Internet, when unplanned changes in temperature could compromise the safety of their products.

Supply chain system certifies first products, test centres

Signalling the beginning of the commercial rollout of a global system for tracking products, EPCglobal has certified the first hardware and testing facilities, including one in Germany, that will be...

UK regulator debates shelf life of MAP packaged foods

New shelf-life guidelines for vacuum-packaging and modified atmosphere products are on the agenda of the UK's food regulator.

Rexam to switch to aluminium cans in Germany

UK-based Rexam will switch to using aluminium instead of steel at its beverage can plant in Berlin in response to new recycling requirements.

Bottle filler features modular design

A new PET bottle filler from Krones features a modularised construction with no front table, a redesigned filling system and a new valve.

Market pressures force Arla Food Ingredients shake-up

Fighting a challenging market climate, Arla Foods shakes up its structure in step with changing consumer needs, the dairy ingredients firm said today.

Syncronised data network signs up big food processors

Food makers and other industry sectors are at a three meeting ending tomorrow in Atlanta, attempting to further iron out wrinkles in a global system to allow all parts of...

Networked software eases RFID implementation, Cisco claims

New networked software will help companies introduce radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies into their supply chains, helping increase the visibility of product information andresulting in lower operating costs, Cisco Systems...

Bangers go upmarket with an ethnic twist

Pork remains the mainstay of the UK sausage, but processors are using other combinations of meat and flavours such as duck, orange, lemongrass to tweak the humble banger for more...

Frenzel packing line built for microwaved foods

A new packaging line at German frozen food manufacturer Frenzel will allow the company to produce a new range of trays that allow meals to be steamed cooked in the...

Northern Foods wins Asda contract, Ferndale cries foul

Asda's decision to switch to Northern Foods as its primary ready made meal supplier has Ferndale Foods fuming in the sidelines.

Monitor measures surface levels under pressure

A new microwave level transmitter can monitor liquid levels in situations where measurements are difficult due to vapors, dust, or pressure.

European food agency stresses red colour risk

European food scientists warn that a host of illegal dyes pinpointed in foods on the supermarket shelves may pose a genotoxic and carcinogenic risk, a conclusion reached despite insufficient data...

Friesland Foods focuses on brands as consumers shift spending

Price increases for raw materials, packaging and transport led to a fall in operating profit of seven per cent in the first half of 2005 for Dutch dairy producer Royal...

Weekly comment

The science behind food

The words clinical trial or scientifically proven on a label carry huge cachet. But behind the claims of scientific evidence, consumers expect a base level of rigour in ensuring thatfood...

EU sugar regime bites away at ABF profits

Oversupply of sugar in the EU and higher energy costs combine to knock profits for the year at British Sugar, its owner Associated British Foods warned today.

Health agency fingers food in E coli outbreak

The UK's health protection regulator has pointed the finger at imported food as the potential source of a deadly E. coli superbug, which has already killed 83 people in the country.

Tough keyboard, mouse resistant to chemical cleaners

A tough keyboard and mouse combination is built for the kinds of chemical wear and tear for those working in laboratories or who are checking food safety on site.

Hormone meat trade dispute goes before WTO

A World Trade Organisation hearing beginning today on the use of growth-boosting hormones could determine whether the EU's processors will have better access to North American meat supplies.

Global ISO food safety standard published

A new global standard on managing food safety in plants has been published by the International Organisation for Standardardisation (ISO).

Tester provides optimal hot tack temperature

A new hot tack tester is aimed at food manufacturers who want to shorten form-fill-seal equipment cycle times.

Cargill swallows Degussa unit

Ending months of speculation, hungry US ingredients firm Cargill strengthens pectin, lecithin and flavour positions, agreeing today to buy the food ingredients unit of German chemical giant Degussa.

Temperature probe provides safety record

A new temperature measuring instrument can transmit data by radio, allowing processors, suppliers and clients to hold identical records of food they ship and receive.

Caps and closures use rises despite price hikes

The global increase in demand for caps and closures will be partially driven by their increased use in traditionally closureless food and drink packaging, research group Freedonia says in its...

Machine pummels crisp bags

A new machine pummels bags made for potato crisps to determine whether they stand up the the pressures of packing machines, transport and time.

Condensing machine targeted at food industry

Alfa Laval has designed a scaled-down model of its vapour condensing machine, offering the food industry a cheaper method of doing evaporation and condensation processes, the company claims.

Food firms agree salt aims in Ireland

Food makers in Ireland agree to reduce salt from food formulations by 2010, the country's food agency announces this week.

Lab developing food authentication test methods

A UK-funded testing lab is developing a variety of gene-based, chemical and biological tests to determine food authenticity, a means for plants to determine whether they received the right ingredients.

Packing industry warns of price hikes

As a further sign that packing companies are about to hike prices in a big way, two of the industry's associations have told customers they should expect to pay more...

Companies search for alternates as polymer prices rise

Biodegradable and recycled packaging may soon become viable alternatives for more food companies as the increasing price of plastics begins to be passed on by suppliers, KPMG states in a...

Spreads company speeds up production with investment

A £500,000 investment in new filling and packing equipment has increased the speed of production at UK spreads specialist Matthews Foods.

IFF fined €12m in popcorn flavour case

As a warning of safety procedures at flavour firms, a former popcorn-plant worker in the US has been awarded $15 million (€12m) after a jury found exposure to butter-flavouring fumes...

Refrigerated trucker expands European network

UK supply chain company Gist has expanded its refrigerated trucking network to continental Europe by purchasing Netherlands-based G Van Dongen Holdings.

Latvian Cheddar maker ramps up production

The competition in the European cheese market just increased as a Latvian producer has ramped up production with the installation of a modern processing line.

"RFID in action" database focuses on food sector

As many food company executives are still figuring out how to implement radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, a data collector has put 500 cases studies online to help them learn...

Impress buys into UK food can market

Dutch company Impress Holdings said its acquisition of Alcan's can making and decorative tinplate container facility will give it a strategic foothold in the UK food can market.

Allergenic ingredients focus for UK food agency

Preparing the ground for new labelling rules on allergenic ingredients, the UK's food agency calls for views on best practice guidance for food and beverage makers.

Rexam expands plastic packaging business

Rexam is expanding its plastics packaging business in a tough market, announcing today it has agreed to purchase a US maker of injection-moulded jars and closures for £83m (€123m).

Working time fix boosts productivity at spreads plant

Allowing employees to keep more flexible working times has resulted in better relationships between employer and staff and in some cases increased operational efficiency according to a new report.

Weekly comment

Private equity hot on food

Cash, cash, cash. Castigated as simple asset-strippers out to make a quick buck, the entrance of private equity onto the food industry stage has participants chattering in the wings.

Company addresses meat waste disposal problem

With the EU due to crackdown on the disposal of food waste, one UK company says it has developed a cheaper solution to getting rid of the problem.

Organic foods taste better, claims new poll

Consumers opt to buy organic food because it tastes better, so claims a recent survey from the UK's organic body the Soil Association, putting increasing pressure on the food makers...

Canadian seafood muscle enters UK market

FPI, Canada's largest seafood company, has bought a UK-based private importer and processor of chilled and frozen shellfish products.

Submersible carton developed for hydrocooling

A company says it has developed a submersible carton that allows fruit and vegetables to remain fresher for a longer period.

Russia brings strong export gains to EU food and drink makers

Fresh figures confirm Russia as a profitable target for food and beverage makers with exports to the region rising by 34 per cent since 2000.

Spanish company fined for salmonella outbreak

The heavy fine levied against a Spanish cooked chicken processor for poisoning 2,700 people with salmonella serves as a warning to plant managers they are on the line for their...

More pressure for processors, Carrefour promises price cuts

France's Carrefour, the world's second largest retailer after Wal-Mart, has upped the stakes in the supermarket battle for market share by announcing further price cuts and overseas expansion arein the...

Ahold divestment part of 'Road to Recovery'

Royal Ahold's sale of Deli XL to South Africa-based Bidvest of South Africa was cleared yesterday by the European Commission, serving as a sign another investment company sees opportunity in...

RFID takeup driven by mandates from customers

Most of the North American food and drink companies adopting radio frequency identification (RFID) technology are being driven to do so by mandates from key organisations, including Wal-Mart, the US's...

Leak tester allows package contents to be reclaimed

A flexible, repeatable leak test system allows the contents of damaged packaging to be reused and for the return of seal-tight products to the processing line.

EU to develop new grain varieties to combat metabolic syndrome

Health-promoting cereal foods and ingredients aimed at fighting metabolic syndrome are to be developed in a five-year project involving 43 partners from 15 European countries.

MIT launches RFID, Internet project

As part of its programme to develop a seamless system for tracking goods through the supply chain, MIT's Auto-ID Laboratory is in the process of building a software simulation to...

Pan Fish bounces back with salmon market

An international salmon producer has become optimistic about the future of the market, making three acquisitions in the space of a week.

GM rape approved for import into EU

The European Commission yesterday authorised the import of genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape for use in animal feed, the third such product to be approved after current regulations came into...