Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Study identifies optimal conditions for cranberry storage

As demand for cranberries grows around the world, a Canadian scientist has reported the optimal storage conditions to extend the shelf-life of one of nature’s super fruits.

Agrana: Supplies rise for commodity-sourced ingredients

Bakers will welcome fresh figures from Austrian sugar, starch and fruit preparation supplier Agrana that reports a lift in autumn harvest figures for commodity-derived ingredients, an encouraging sign that supplies for formulators may ease into 2009.

Chick cage drive unleashes welfare debate

Consumers and not legislators should choose whether they can purchase either free-range or ‘enriched’ cage produced eggs or products to better help industry adapt to new laws on chicken welfare, a farmers’ group has said.

Weekly comment

What to do when safety studies smell a rat

Using animals, and specifically rats, to build the science behind ingredients is vital, but dismissing conflicting studies just because a rat is not a human is not acceptable.

Plantextrakt hopes to infuse innovative tea demand

A German supplier of natural ingredients hopes to shake its presence in the Irish and UK tea-based beverage markets through a new distribution partnership in both countries.

Dairy team up targets skills scheming

A number of leading UK dairy manufacturers are to join forces as part of a European scheme to improve the training and skills of their employees.

New co-extruded bottom web targets convenience range, says Cryovac

Global packaging brand Sealed Air has introduced a co-extruded barrier bottom web for its Darfresh vacuum skin packaging (VSP) trays and wrap range.

Farmed meat main source of campylobacteriosis: study

A new study has found that nearly all of the campylobacteriosis cases in the patients evaluated were caused by bacteria in animals farmed for meat, in particular chicken and cattle.

New pad for microwave and oven usage is world first, says firm

A new absorbent pad can be used with a variety of tray substrates in both microwaves and conventional ovens, says its developer.

Study finds novel method to test food for contamination

US researchers claim to have developed a new technology to detect illness causing bacteria that could remove the need for product recalls and protect the health of consumers.

Energy usage guage could improve process control

A motor load sensor can ensure accuracy during batch mixing as well as reducing waste, says its manufacturer.

Processors could gain from meat freshness indicator

A sensor that changes colour to indicate meat spoilage could prevent serious illness and food waste, say the US scientists involved in the project.

Dispatches from China: Food Safety

New venture aims to ensure safety of Chinese exports

A new food testing centre in southern China is aiming to smooth the way for Chinese food exports to the US and other markets.

Dispatches from China: Food safety

Booming economy requires better controls, say experts

China must build a climate of responsibility among its food producers to protect consumers around the world from unsafe products, experts said today.

New guide evaluates 'active' and 'intelligent' packaging

Active and intelligent packaging is the focus of a new review produced by the Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA).

New resin targets dairy and confectionery packaging markets

A new polypropylene (PP) injection moulding grade of plastic resin allows food packagers the ability to increase production, while cutting down on the material needed, the manufacturer claims.

New additive improves strength of PLA, says Rohm and Haas

A new plastic additive has been designed to modify polylactic acid (PLA) so as to make it easier to process without diminishing its clarity, says Rohm and Haas.

UK set to get more food grade plastic from recoverable waste

UK-based Alternative Waste Solutions (AWS) said that it is set to become a major producer of food grade plastic, following a £14m upgrade to its plant.

Nano review calls for adequate regulatory controls

A new report aims to ensure consumers’ safety is protected in relation to developments in nanotechnology targeted at food and food packaging.

Weekly comment

Consumers fear the packaging - a BPA alternative is needed now

“I have a bad feeling about this.” Luke Skywalker’s warning in the movie blockbuster Star Wars could equally be applied to consumers’ concerns about Bisphenol A (BPA).

Temperature transmitter allows process control, says Baumer

A new temperature transmitter enables food and drink production facilities to monitor all process variables including temperature points throughout the plant, claims its developer.

Chocolate maker takes HFC refrigerant from Arkema on board

Fluorochemicals player Arkema has speared chocolate processing, announcing that chocolate maker Leonidas has installed the firm's forane 427A refrigerant fluid ahead of virgin HCFC bans.

New imaging tool detects thermal abnormalities in meat, says developer

A thermal imaging camera can provide rapid detection of temperature variations of high volume, fast moving meats products on a conveyor line, says its US manufacturers.

BASF set to scale back its polystyrene output

BASF is set to reduced its current level of polystyrene (PS) production in Europe, citing the economic downturn and oversupply as the primary reasons.

Consumer group critical of FDA guidance on GE animals

The proposed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules on genetically engineered (GE) animals are seriously flawed, claims the US Centre for Food Safety (CFS).

Polypropylene film additive gains EU approval

A resin which enables producers to produce stiffer, thinner and visually clear film with improved moisture resistance has received approval for use in food contact film in Europe, says its manufacturer.

New line could cut pomegranate production overheads

A new production line targeted at food and beverage producers that market pomegranate products automates the separation of the peel from the arils and wraps them in MAP packaging for long-lasting shelf life, says its developer.

E. coli growth may be inhibited by tomato-based edible film

Edible tomato-based, antimicrobial films could prevent bacterial contamination of food, while promoting health as a result of the nutritional and health benefits linked to the consumption of tomatoes, says US study.

New study links BPA to heart disease and diabetes

A new study on Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound used in plastic packaging for food and drinks, has found that higher concentrations of the chemical in urine were linked with heart disease, type 2 diabetes and liver enzyme abnormalities.

Functional straw deal targets probiotic juice boost

A leading packager is spying a global roll-out for a new development in straws that it claims can grant an additional probiotic boost to juices and dairy beverages.

Low listeria levels in smoked fish due to controls, says SPSG

The UK Salmon Processors and Smokers Group (SPSG) said that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) findings showing low levels of Listeria in smoked fish in UK retail outlets is a result of their strict production controls.

Fonterra blames slow Chinese rules for contaminated milk delay

New Zealand dairy group Fonterra is facing criticism over lethal contaminated milk powder supplied through its Chinese joint venture, but says action was delayed as it had to go through the correct procedures in China.

Seminar aims to make processors aware of choking hazards

Food manufacturers, in creating quality products, must be mindful of the potential choking hazards associated with their products, says Intertek.

Boost for UK processors seeking food grade recycled plastic

UK food and drink manufacturers are set to gain from the opening of a new plastic bottle recycling facility in North Wales.

Sustainability less influential than cost on consumer habits: study

A new survey has found cost, quality and healthiness influence consumers’ purchasing choices to a much greater degree than environmental factors.

New lowerator designed for easy maintenance, says Nercon

A new easy-to-clean, two-storey horizontal shelf lowerator with removable stainless steel trays is targeted at manufacturers wary of hygiene considerations, claims its US manufacturer.

DSM claims higher heat, bigger yield cheese advance

The manufacturer of a new peptide-based processing aid for cheese production claims its product can provide improved yields for dairy groups without compromising product texture or quality.

Closure redesigned to lessen blow-off risk, says Bericap

A light weight closure has been redesigned to improve its safety performance, according to the manufacturer.

New pump and suction cups offer efficiency and flexibility, says PIAB

A new vacuum pump can reduce energy consumption, ensure quicker changeover times and enhance product control, while new additions to a suction cups line enable wider applications, says PIAB.

Alliance aims to improve productivity in food and drink sector

A new partnership could help food processors isolate and eliminate the main causes of productivity loss on production lines.

Spider web nano-machine could spin new packaging opportunities

Electrospinning, an emerging technology that forms a mat of fine fibres, could deliver new packaging materials, potentially produced from waste streams, for bakers and snacks makers.

Ink innovation can cut packaging costs, says UK group

Manufacturers can cut costs throughout their brand range by reducing the number of colours used on their printed packaging, says design group.

USDA may allow beef carcass irradiation as 'processing aid'

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said a petition it has received from a meat industry group calling for the use of low-penetration and low-dose electron beam irradiation to kill bacteria such as E. coli on beef carcass surfaces has merit.

Authorities play down Italian cheese scandal fears

As another scandal involving Italian cheese production hit the headlines this week, authorities in the country claim there is no danger to the public from their products and consumer protection has not been compromised.

Cleaning procedures should be customised to meat product: study

Meat factories may need to modify their cleaning and disinfecting procedures according to the type of meat product being processed to prevent food poisoning outbreaks, claims a new UK study.

New 'active' sensor has many food sector uses, claims ITW

New active sensors can help food processors gauge the amount of fluids in containers and are adaptable to each plant’s particular needs, says the developer.

New method of tackling listeria in ready-to-eat foods

A new study has found the combination of natural antimicrobials with in-package pasteurization of ready-to-eat (RTE) turkey bologna is effective in reducing the L. monocytogenes pathogen and preventing outgrowth during refrigerated storage.

Processors look set to gain from Bosch acquisition

Bosch Packaging Technologies has announced its purchase of German end packaging equipment builder, Paal Verpackungsmaschinen, in a move that could have cost benefits for food and confectionery manufacturers.

Weekly comment

Hurricane wake-up call for business and boy scouts

Louisiana was holding its breath when Hurricane Gustav made landfall last week. It promised to be the mother of all storms as it roared towards the Gulf Coast but fortunately the region, along with the food industry it supports, was spared.

EU lifts restrictions on heat-treated Chinese poultry

The European Union has lifted restrictions on poultry products from a particular region in China.

Interactive packaging lends brand appeal, claims US firm

An interactive tag incorporating the use of mobile phones enhances the promotional aspect of packaging while delivering additional information to consumers, claims US developer.

Survey finds food groups pledging to keep out clones

While European and US risk assessors play down safety concerns over using food sourced from cloned animals, the fledgling industry appears set for tougher times in convincing manufacturers, according to a new survey.

News briefs: Diamant additive, dicing equipment enhancement and software acquisition

Diamant evaluates its bottling additive this month, while MPE announces an upgrade of its dicing machinery and APS Technologies announces acquisitions of other food and drink software suppliers.

US scientists express concerns over Bisphenol A exposure

In its final evaluation of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) has expressed concerns for potential exposures to foetus, infants and children.

Pack and functional innovation to drive candy growth

Innovation in the use of functional ingredients and packaging is expected to dominate worldwide growth in the confectionery market, according to a new report.

Integrated printer makes pack analysis easier, says Witt

Witt, the German gas safety, control and analysis equipment supplier, has announced that its PA range of gas analysers is now available with integrated printer functionality to improve data access.

Honey supply strain requires urgent attention - industry

Urgent action is required by the UK government to help prevent drastic declines in bee numbers, amidst global concerns over a possible honey supply shortage for consumers and industry, says a leading supplier of the product.

Huhtamaki may offload its rigid plastics division

Huhtamaki has announced that it may sell its hard plastics operations and focus instead on its paper-based packaging segment, which it claims offers more robust volumes.

New tagging system could enhance supply chain monitoring

StePac, part of DS Smith Plastics, has developed a web-based real time cold chain management system to monitor produce freshness and quality as it travels throughout the supply chain.

Auction includes entire line of processing, packing equipment

Entire lines of packaging and processing machines from conveyors to metal detectors are up for auction this month in the UK.

Industry decries too complex labelling proposal

The proposed regulation on food labelling is too complicated, makes unrealistic demands on font size, and will be burdensome for SMEs, a hearing has heard.

Firm expects FDA approval for new heat exchanger

A German manufacturer of heating and cooling technologies says it has replaced the metal in its spiral plate heat exchangers with a high performance polymer in a bid to improve hygiene efficiency as well as reducing weight and costs.

New hand sanitizer effective against viruses, say researchers

A newly developed ethanol-based sanitizer ensures hand hygiene and minimizes transmission of viruses such as norovirus in food processing environments, according to a new study.

Green challenge to new pesticide residue rules

Green organisations have instigated legal action over the new maximum legal limits on the level of pesticides allowed in food items sold in the European Union.

Twin-screw cooker extruder targets value-added snacks

Snack and cereal product makers delving deeper into value-added products could be drawn to a new twin-screw cooker-extruder from UK equipment firm Baker Perkins.