Amcor to start producing biodegradable bottles

If you can't beat them then you have to join them. One of the world's largest providers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has announced it is investigating the potential for a...

Single-serve PET ready for Italy's regulatory change

Proposed regulatory changes in the Italian market has led a Canadian machine maker to team up with two other companies in developing what they say is a cheaper way of...

Italian gourmet sector targets US consumers

An ambitious Italian gourmet food promotion programme could transform the fortunes of a revitalised sector - as long as EU bureaucracy doesn't ruin everything.

eBay of used equipment takes on global market

Call them the eBay of the food processing and packaging machine sector.

Slow Food movement gathers momentum

Good food may stimulate our senses, but it also reflects centuries of culinary culture, customs and unique aspects of life, as highlighted in a recent Slow Food exhibition in Montpellier.

Polymer price hikes set to push packing costs even higher

Amcor, the world's largest producer of PET, is pushing for a third round of price increases this year, while a report forecasts polymer prices are set to hit new highs...

Processing system outputs case-ready meat products

A range of machines, including a meat batching and tray packing system, brings together a complete processing line specifically developed for producing automatic case-ready products for shipping.

UK fish study backs up health claims

A UK survey of contaminant levels in fish and fish oils should help back up health claims and ease fears over the safety of consuming fish-based products.

Fill, seal machine targets small companies, seasonal production

Packaging Automation has launched a filling and sealing machine aimed at smaller companies.

Price becomes tops in outsourcing logistics, supply-chain

A global study of logistics and supply chain executives finds that for the first time in 10 years price has overtaken value-added services as the most important attribute in selecting...

RFID applicator speeds up tagging process

A high speed radio frequency identification (RFID) applicator can tag up to 100 cases a minute, helping processors to speed up their production lines.

Wal-Mart signals move to natural packaging

In much the same way it has been at the forefront in driving RFID technology up through the supply chain, the world's largest retailer is leading the way in switching...

Tornado breaks into food processing sector

A cyclonic generator using supersonic wind power to crush waste products into tiny bits has been transformed for use in processing food products.

Fine chopping cutters suitable for baby food

Two speedy cutting machines equipped with a contactless rotors can chop products into sizes as small as 0.05 mm, an important requirement for those in the baby food sector.

EU red tape threatens food promotion initiative

A European Commission programme designed to promote EU food products outside the bloc has been welcomed by the food industry, though criticism over European bureaucracy remains a recurrent theme.

Leak proof zipper seal expands options for liquids

Zip-Pak has introduced a leak proof design to it line of reclosable seals for plastic packaging.

Arla Foods upbeat on EU feta ruling

The European Court of Justice's feta ruling may give sole rights to Greece, yet one of Europe's leading dairy producers has been preparing for years to find a way round...

Regulator gives favourable ruling on chemical coating

Processors will not have to change any of their large scale holding tanks or pipe fittings covered with novolac glycidyl ethers (NOGE) after the EU's food safety regulator ruled that...

Butter revival batters margarine sales in UK

Butter is making a comeback on lower fat margarine as UK consumers trade up to treat themselves, but the overall fats market is shrinking and imported brands are taking the...

Changes proposed to animal by-products law

A new report on animal by-products (ABPs) outlines additional proposed regulations governing how processors may dispose of or sell the left over materials produced by their plants.

Feta ruling emphasises danger of branding local foods

A European Court of Justice ruling yesterday prohibiting cheese makers outside of designated areas in Greece from calling their products "feta" emphasises the danger to food processors of making branded...

Biotech industry slams EU Council GMO ruling

EuropaBio has slammed the EU Agricultural Council's decision to uphold a Greek ban on genetically modified (GM) corn, claiming that the judgement flies in the face of EFSA advice on...

Advice on raw eggs could hit food products

Processors making products like mayonnaise, mousse and icing will be looking for a consumer reaction to the latest bird flu advice from the EU's food safety regulator, which yesterday called...

Food safety demand pushes refrigerated truckers to upgrade

With processors demanding better food safety along the supply chain, the refrigerated truck industry is rising to meet the challenge. However the industry's growth may lead to problems in finding...

Table-top homogeniser built for test runs

A table-top homogeniser allows food and dairy processing companies to test products in the laboratory or at pilot plants to achieve optimal efficiency before ramping up to full scale production.

Injury and fatalities fall in high risk industry

The battle to bring down the high rate of injury and fatalities in the UK's food and drink industry is succeeding, according to the latest figures.

EU ministers fail to clear GM food ingredient

EU farm ministers clash yet again on the contentious issue of GM food ingredients, failing to clear a new GMO corn from US biotech firm for import into the EU...

Radar reader spots RFID tag location at a distance

A South African company claims it has invented a scanner that can read multiple radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and pick them out from a crowd, allowing users to accurately...

UK food scientists analyse acrylamide tools for food industry

Advances in acrylamide research as UK food scientists take a look at analytical methods currently used by the food industry to monitor the formation of acrylamide during the heat treatment...

Weekly Comment

Putting a premium on substance over style

Food producers are flogging the term 'premium' for all it's worth, threatening to flood a market that relies on exclusivity for its success with well-packaged tat.

Software tracks grain processing along supply chain

Buhler has expanded its software control system for mills and bakeries dealing with large amounts of grain to give managers more control over the whole supply chain process.

Food industry demands quicker pathogen testing

Growing demand from food companies for quicker pathogen testing to free up both time and inventory should benefit microbiology firms, according to a business consultant.

Food sector falling behind in competitiveness, Commission warns

The EU's food industry is falling behind in comparison to its main competitors, such as the US, and is especially weak on the use of information communications technology, investment in...

Motion control system targets three types of budget

Software modified for three sizes of budgets offers real-time motion control from six up to forty axes for food and beverage packaging operations.

RFID tag tracks temperature for food processors

A new temperature logging radio frequency identification (RFID) tag targets food processors and handlers who need to comply with the latest EU requirements and pending US traceability legislation.

As oil price rise, company launches lower-cost polymer

In the face of steep increases in the price of oil-based packaging continuing to rise, Ticona says it has developed a lower-cost grade of polymer for food products.

Food safety sensor research aimed at small companies

Mice and rats may get a break in being used as testers for toxins at shellfish processing plants under an EU-wide project.

Acrylamide risk less with EU almonds than US version, new study

European almonds pose less of an acrylamide risk than their US counterparts, finds a new study to interest confectioners.

Brussels calls for maximum level comments on chemical contaminant in soy sauce

European Commission calls for comments ahead of April Codex meeting on proposed maximum levels of the potentially carcinogenic chemical contaminant 3-MCPD in hydrolysed vegetable protein and soy sauces.

Plastic container growth set to continue, despite oil price hike

Consumer demand for more convenient prepared foods, trends toward value-added packaging and the growing use of plastic, cups and pouches, are driving the steady growth in the use of food...

Poultry processor association takes action on avian flu

With the US public starting to be aware of the impact avian influenza could have, poultry processors have started taking action now to ward of a potential drop in demand.

Finding a new angle on waterjet cutting

New software can help processors using waterjet technology adjust the angle of their high pressure streams to make cuts in products not possible before, according to the developer.

Processors take rearguard action as avian flu fear mounts

How times change for the EU's poultry processing industry, which is now looking on in horror as their markets melt away in the face of an onslaught of publicity about...

Nestlé targets brands at hard discounters

Nestlé says it will embrace moves by hard discounters to sell more branded products as part of its plan to recover from difficult times on Europe's food and drink market.

Companies fund EU packaging and consumer study

In a bid that could help food processors pick the best marketable package for their products, European associations have launched a consumer study to find out their concerns.

Frutarom targets frozen bakery with first move into meat and fish systems

Cashing in on the soaring mega-trend for convenience food, extracts and flavours, Frutarom moves into meat and fish preparations for the first time.

Scientists alarm over Atlantic fish stocks could hurt supply

A call by an EU scientific body for cutbacks on allowable fish catches or for a complete halt for some key species in the northeast Atlantic could eventually pose a...

Portable analyser measures gas in meat packages

A hand-held headspace analyser is the first in the field to measure carbon monoxide levels in modified and controlled-atmosphere packaging (MAP) for case-ready meat, its manufacturerclaims.

Food makers hurt by packaging, energy costs

Announcements by Danone, Kraft and Cadbury indicate how much the rise of oil prices is affecting packaging and energy costs for food processors.

US acquisition beefs up Stork's push into meat machine market

The acquisition of a US machine maker is part of Dutch-based Stork Food Systems' bid to become a provider of complete processing systems to the meat industry.

Plastic insert provides fresh mix for vitamin drinks

A new type of plastic container insert has been developed to dissolve dry ingredients in a liquid after the tab has been pulled.

Equity firm to combine Heinz, Premier Foods acquisitions

Another shuffle is about to occur in the EU's food processing marketplace as a Netherlands-based equity firm announces plans to buy local operations belonging to Heinz and Premier Foods, thencombine...

Bird flu hits Greece, spectre of losses looms

With the human-pathogenic form of bird flu hitting Greece, EU poultry processors are facing immense potential to damage to their industry due to losses from plunging consumer demand and exports.

Retailer RFID use sends signal along supply chain

Retailers around the world are stepping up plans to use RFID according to a new report by Frost & Sullivan, which sends another signal to food processors they might soon...

Europe's food agency investigates harmful PAHs in food

Europe's food agency calls on scientists across the food industry to contribute data on the potentially carcinogenic compounds Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) identified in foods.

UK dairy closes in consolidation trend

Britain's Longslow Food Group is to shut its dairy factory near Colwyn Bay as growing competition on the UK dairy market takes its toll.

Digester tester listens to gaseous bacteria

Two acoustical engineers have demonstrated how their scientific approach to sound can help the food industry determine if their digesters are working properly.

Tester measures carbonated beverage shelf-life

The fast and accurate verification of carbonated beverage shelf-life is now possible via what Mocon is calling the first machine tester able to do the job.

WTO debate leaves food industry guessing

Both the US and the EU have made moves to slash agricultural subsidies amid tough negotiations, but the two trading blocs have stayed pretty quiet on the main details the...

Palletiser speeds up line, stacks fragile beverages

To meet the demand for faster processing lines, Columbia Machine's has developed a speedier palletiser that can stack even the most fragile beverage products, the company claims.

Proposal will put "beef on the bone" back on table

Beef on the bone could soon be back on the list of products processors can use under a European Commission proposal on relaxing bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) control measures.

Stanelco's starch-based packaging approved in EU

The use of polylactic acid (PLA), a natural, biodegradable food packaging alternative, took another step forward this week, as UK-based Stanelco said its application of the plastic has been approved...

Thermoforming polymer provides cheap, sterile alternative

A thermoformable bottom web provides an economical option for filling and sealing packaging in the frozen foods markets, its manufacturer claims.

Sources of poultry reduced as avian flu advances

Food processors now face the prospect of rising prices for poultry with the confirmation of avian influenza H5 virus in Romania and Turkey.

Packaging company makes push at radio frequency identification

Could radio frequency identification (RFID) be incorporated directly into bottles and other packaging materials rather than being slapped on by processors at the shipping stage?

Fast take-down conveyer speeds up cleaning time

A new conveyor frame can be completely disassembled, without tools, in only three minutes, allowing processors to clean their machines and get production underway again faster.

UK skills and employee shortage widens

Finding skilled employees and enough bodies to do the job is becoming more difficult for UK's food and drink manufacturers, according to a new report outlining the problem.

Fake food, drinks seizures in EU rise by 200%

The amount of fake food and drinks entering the EU grew by 200 per cent last year, with the higher quality of counterfeits making detection more difficult, the bloc's administrative...

Label dispenser targets sector with stainless steel design

LabelMate believes its automatic label dispenser is the first unit of its kind made from stainless-steel specifically for food packaging.

Reducing risk, food allergen testing on the up

As countdown to new rules on allergen labelling begins, UK food laboratories gear up for growth in testing procedures.

Thin electronic labels could help brand positioning

Food packaging with eye-catching videos or changing information right on the label could soon be on the shelves with technology being developed by Siemens for commercial release.

Nanotechnology targets new food packaging products

Exciting new nanotechnology products for food packaging are in the development pipeline or, as in the case of anti-microbial films, have already entered the market, according to a report publishedthis...

Batching software aims at speedier production switching

Getting the mix right cheaper and faster for a variety of food products is the aim of new batching software.

Food makers can do more to avert food allergy risk, says UK group

With a European crackdown on food labels for nuts and other allergens imminent, food makers have their work cut out, says UK consumer group.

Hot pour technology takes the next step

With butters, balms and rubs becoming a rapidly expanding high-end category, advanced hot pour technology is increasingly important. Coughlan Products believes it has a solution to make products more appealing...

EU food risk tool highlights carcinogenic toxins in food chain

Harmful toxins dominate the EU's food risk alert system this week, detected in a range of different nut foods imported across the globe.

EU research head calls for more food R&D

A series of five EU-funded projects announced today in the UK are a sign that the bloc is moving to rebuild public confidence in its food industry and is willing...

Emulsion forms grease proof barrier for packaging

A food-contact safe emulsion developed by a joint US and German company keeps oil, grease and water from penetrating paperboard packages and helps maintain product freshness.

Cheeseburgers are good for the gut

Cheeseburgers are good for the gut, say scientists this week, in sharp contrast to widespread belief that high fat foods can clog up the arteries.

Hero grows babyfood business with Beech-Nut deal

Swiss food group Hero has bought the US babyfood maker Beech-Nut Nutrition, making it the number two player in American baby food.

EU, processors await possible bird flu outbreak

With bird flu creeping up on the EU, the bloc's members have been jolted into a more active response to the danger, which not only threatens human health, but also...

Weekly Comment

A hungry world needs a fit FAO

The crusade to end world hunger has been a bitter failure. But with the world set to sweep away a crooked food trading system, there is a chance to get...

Corn-based polymer packaging targets natural foods

BRUSSELS, Belgium: "We milk the cow and grow the bottle" according to the marketing for organic milk packaged in biodegradable bottles made using a corn-derived polymer.

Jungbunzlauer raises prices for citric acid

Energy costs and European supply issues herald price increases for the popular beverage ingredient citric acid, with major manufacturer Jungbunzlauer announcing a price hike for citric acid and trisodium citrate.

World's smallest nozzle targets precision cooling needs

A precision air nozzle, the smallest in the world according to its manufacturer, can make the cooling of foods more efficient.

Protein binding to be used in pathogen detecting chip

Scientists in the Netherlands have joined forces with a private company to develop a nano-level chip to detect mycotoxins in food.

Ishida Europe involved in better food training initiative

Ishida Europe has donated a state-of-the-art packing machinery line for a new technical food training centre at the University of Lincoln's Holbeach campus in the UK.

Tetra Pak launches low temperature ice cream innovation

Tetra Pak's new low temperature ice cream solution, utilising the firm's patented microform technology, could revolutionise the sector.

FMC raises gum prices on spiralling energy costs

Major food grade carrageenan supplier FMC BioPolymer passes spiralling energy prices onto the market, announcing a price hike for its pharmaceutical and food brand products by 5 to 10 per cent.

New test tackles E.coli contamination

US firm Nymox Pharmaceutical rolls out a new treatment to tackle contamination of the potentially fatal E.coli food pathogen.

RFID: Ready for takeoff?

New global standards, better data tracking and cuts in prices for radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and inlays has put the magic takeoff level for the technology within reach for...

UK beef farmers call for end to price falls

Beef is not about to become cheaper than it already is for the UK's food processors if buyers heed the advice of the National Beef Association (NBA).

Anheuser Busch backs seasonal beer

Seasonal beer is Anheuser Busch's latest attempt to reinvigorate itself on America's stagnate beer market as the firm attempts to get closer to the craft beers that are out-performing the...

Air cargo data boosts industry's performance

A decision by Cargo 2000 members to publish more data on their individual performances will help food processors better determine how good of a service they are getting in exporting...

Sunset yellow food colour holds sudan 1 risk

UK food agency alerts both food colour manufacturers and the European Commission after local authority detects the banned food dye Sudan 1 in a batch of legal Sunset Yellow food colour.

Smart security sensor system sends out the alert

Getting the right warning message to the right person just became easier with a smart sensor system to monitor plant environment and security.

Texture analysis gets legs

Food Technology Corp. has introduced the TMS-Pro, which it bills as an affordable and portable food texture analyser.

Vision machine looks, detects and sorts

Cognex has introduced a food grade sight machine that can be used to sort objects, detect proper fill levels, inspect labels, caps and safety seals, verify label text, date and...

Oxygen-scavenging PET brings clarity to market

The development of a clear monolayer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with an oxygen-scavenging barrier could be the impetus companies need in deciding whether to make the conversion to plastic containers from...

Weekly Comment

Junk Food Babes

If education is meant to deliver knowledge and wise choices, why are we doing so little to educate our children about food?

Bacteriophages: Viral hit squads target food pathogens

You can drink them and eat them safely, but to food pathogens like Listeria, bacteriophages are the viral hit squads of the microscopic world.

Germany's Metro pushes food suppliers toward RFID

By creating a new online supply chain system for its suppliers, Germany's Metro Group hopes to push them toward using radio frequency identification (RFID) in tracking products.

Uniq hit by falling European sales for its chilled foods

UK-based Uniq has become the latest processor to fall afoul of Europe's stagnant food market, issuing another profit warning and blaming poor sales of its chilled convenience foods in its...

Illegal food colour still poses risk to food chain

Efforts to detect carcinogenic colours in foodstuffs still a priority for the food industry as Europe's risk system flags up illegal red colours in spices from India.

Palsgaard new emulsifier-stabiliser system targets low fat foods

Targeting growing demand for fat-reduced food formulations, Danish emulsifier firm Palsgaard launches a new emulsifier-stabiliser system for chilled, quark based aerated desserts.