All news articles for October 2007

Europe takes 'wait-and-see' stance on diacetyl flavouring

EU regulators and processors say they are examining the use of diacetyl for foods, following reports of hundreds of US workers falling ill from a deadly lung disease linked to the inhalation of the popcorn flavouring chemical.

Some processors fail in calculating meat content, survey finds

About six per cent of meat products sold in the UK either did not contain, or failed to list, the amount on the label, according to a survey by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Canadian food industry calls for food safety measures

A Canadian food industry body has urged the nation's ministers of agriculture to consider a number of food safety recommendations, including a greater harmonization of food safety policies and regulations across jurisdictions in Canada.

Consultation launched on food contact material regulations

The UK yesterday launched a consultation on implementing EU-wide regulations amending rules relating to the use of plastic and other food contact materials.

P&G to make products and operations greener

Proctor and Gamble (P&G) has become the latest processor to announce it would reduce the impact of its manufacturing operations on the environment, promising reduce CO2 emissions by a further 10 per cent by 2012.

Self-cooling packs and cabbage aid drink innovation

Self-cooling packaging and unusual juices derived from vegetables and salad are just some of the latest innovations being adopted by the beverage industry to bolster sales of their goods, according to Datamonitor.

Optical switches automate liquid detection

A new range of optical switches are designed to turn off after detecting when the correct liquid level is reached.

UK moves one step closer to ban on trans fats

The UK government has taken a significant step towards the possible banning of trans fatty acids by asking the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for its urgent advice.

Governments form coalition on CO2 trading

The UK, Germany, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, some US states and Canadian provinces, New Zealand and Norway yesterday agreed to form a coalition that lead to a global emissions trading system.

Metal packager Crown boosts prices by 5.5pc

European processors will have to pay about 5.5 per cent more for closures and metal packaging from Crown Holdings.

Thermoformers designed for quick cleaning

A range of new thermoform packaging machines for the food and drink sectors is designed to simplify and speed up the cleaning process, claims the manufacturer.

Fake foods, drinks on the increase, says OECD

The amount of fake foods, drinks and agricultural products being traded worldwide is on the increase according to a new report on counterfeiting released today by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Trade show focuses on natural trend

Trade show Food Ingredients Europe (FiE) will kick off tomorrow in London, attracting 23,000 representatives from across the industry and the latest innovations in ingredients, formulation and processing techniques.

EU cuts CO2 allocations by 10 per cent

The European Commission sets total CO2 allowances at 2.08bn tonnes for the 2008 to 2012 trading period, a 10 per cent cut from the amounts requested by the bloc's governments.

Study measures impact of food transport on environment

A UK study of the impact on the environment of the food supply chain attempts to broaden the concept of measuring 'kilometres' travelled, to include sourcing, production methods, processing and packaging.

Packaging tray made from virgin wood fibres

A new packaging tray for ready meals is made of pulp derived from virgin wood fibres.

UK manufacturers commit to wide ranging environmental plan

The UK's food and drink manufacturers yesterday committed to ambitious new targets for reducing packaging, carbon emissions, water waste and transport distances.

Company claims UV technology eliminates ink migration

New ultraviolet (UV) labelling technology can reduce or eliminate odours and ink migration in food packaging, its manufacturer claims.

Industry launches plan to reduce environmental impact

The EU's food and drink industry yesterday launched an action plan to help the bloc's 280,000 manufacturers reduce their manufacturing impact on the environment.

Prepare for new bar code, says standards organisation

Manufacturers and retailers should start planning for the 2010 deadline for adopting a new smaller, international bar code that can help improve logistics, says the organisation that created the standard.

Applying service-oriented architecture to the supply chain

To meet the challenges of globalisation many companies are shifting from a 'push' supply chain model to a flexible, demand-driven one by applying service-oriented architecture (SOA) technology, according to an IBM study.

Cheese waste offers whey for energy cost cutting

Food waste left over from cheese processing could soon be as much of a money-spinner as the finished product itself under a new scheme being trialled in the US.

Europen hits back at recycling claims

Under-packaging is "ten times worse" than over-packaging a product claims the EU's industry association, in response to claims made earlier this week that manufacturers need to use more recyclable materials.

Mid-level oxygen-barrier film adds to range of options

A new mid-level oxygen-barrier film released on the market adds to the choices processors have for packaging foods and liquids.

EU extends review of Kraft Danone deal

The European Commission announced it has extended the time limit on its inquiry into Kraft's proposal to purchase Danone's biscuit division, after both parties submitted new information relevant to the deal.

RFID project launched to test electronic product code

UK processors and others are being asked to participate in a pilot project to test the use of the international electronic product code standard in conjunction with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

Foreign worker proposals target easing EU's skills shortage

The European Commission yesterday proposed a new an EU-wide work permit for foreign workers, a move to address the skills shortage in the bloc.

Mars switches to lighterweight jar

Mars will switch to a new lightweight jar for its Uncle Ben's sauce brand produced at its factory in the Netherlands, after a successful trial of the container.

Danisco offers to Care4U with food protectants

Danisco is taking its natural food protection services to a new level with the launch of a new label called Care4U, which combines ingredients with advice and analytical support.

Bosch deal targets bag-in-box boon

Bosch hopes to expand its presence in the emerging market for bag-in-box cartons through a new strategic partnership with Paal Verpackungsmaschinen.

EU steps in with aid for pork market

With prices falling for pork on the market, the European Commission has stepped in with financial help for those who are forced to store the meat.

Russian Standard attacks global market

Russia's largest premium vodka maker, Russian Standard, is making a multi-million euro bid to conquer the rest of the world

Survey to establish environmental standard for drinks logistics

UK food and drink processors are being asked to take part in a survey to help set a standard for measuring the environmental impact of their logistical operations.

Investigate retailers price hikes, says EPP-ED

The European Parliament will today debate whether measures should be introduced to ensure retailers do not take advantage of the continuing rise in food prices.

Recycling survey adds to pressure on food sector

A government survey showing that 40 per cent of UK food packaging cannot be recycled will add to the pressure on manufacturers to make the switch

Can opening designed for aging population

A new can opening is designed to meet the needs of an aging population.

WTO food safety database serves as handy reference

Finding out about the food safety requirements and alerts in other countries just got easier, with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) launching a searchable database of member governments' measures.

Proposed regulation would set rules on recycled plastics

EU member governments are debating a proposed European Commission regulation governing what recycled plastics processors may use for packaging foods.

New digital decoration technology launched

A new decorating machine prints can print graphics and patterns on cookies, crackers and chocolate while they are still on the production line, the manufacturers claim.

Weekly Comment

The weather excuse

With all the threats facing food and beverage production -- from contamination in the food chain, to rising input prices -- there appears to be one menace that towers above the rest, namely 'The Weather'.

Bradman Lake taken over by Langley

Langley Holdings has acquired the business and assets of Bradman Lake, a UK-based packaging machine provider.

Nestle weathers commodities storm, sales rise 7%

Nestle yesterday reported organic sales rose by seven per cent in the first nine months of this year, with the company successfully managing to offset rising raw material costs by hiking prices.

Commission unveils logistics proposals

A series of proposed measures unveiled yesterday by the European Commission could help make freight transportion cheaper and simpler for manufacturers.

Rexam to add new can plant in Denmark

Rexam said yesterday it would build a new beverage can plant in Denmark to meet increasing demand in Europe.

Luxury packaging trade show tackles green issue

This year' luxury packaging show, LuxePack, promises a record number of exhibitors and conferences tackling the issue of eco-luxury packaging.

Wild promotes diacetyl-free flavors on industry concerns

Flavor firm Wild reports seeing a surge in interest for its diacetyl-free butter flavors, following rekindled concerns in recent months surrounding the safety of the ingredient.

Kevlar-reinforced belt designed to convey heavy loads

A conveyor belt designed for the food industry is reinforced with Kevlar cord, allowing it to carry heavy loads without slipping, its manufacturer claims.

Nanoscale particles designed to block UV light

Nanoscale titanium dioxide particles could be the next breakthrough in food and beverage plastic packaging, having the ability to prevent ultraviolet light from reducing shelf life.

Food Valley stirs Japanese soy sauce business in Europe

A second Japanese company has set-up operations in The Netherlands' renowned Food Valley this year, underscoring the region's strategic importance, both in R&D and in proximity to the high-potential European market.

UK food industry faces job cuts due to slowdown

Of the UK's top 483 food and drink companies, up to 217 will need to reduce staff in some form or other, according to new analysis by Plimsoll Publishing.

Ireland's regulator issues warning on recalls

With 22 food recalls made in Ireland since January, the country's regulator has warned managers to follow safety regulation or face the consequences.

Smart label monitors food shelf life

A new smart label allows food processors to monitor the shelf life of products packed with modified atmosphere gases.

UK to beef up checks on food imports

Bringing ingredients and foods into the UK will get harder for processors, with the regulator calling on inspectors to step up sampling to a minimum of 10 per cent of such imports.

Union tackles Cadbury over factory closure

UK union Unite yesterday announced it would ballot its members for strike action, as Cadbury's plans to close one UK factory and reorganise another will result in job losses.

Medium distinguishes between Campylobacter species

A newly developed culture medium provides a simpler way to distinguish between Campylobacter species, according to scientists.

Gauge uses laser light to measure levels

A new gauge uses a laser beam to measure the level, distance and position of dry bulk solids, opaque liquids, and slurries in complex containers.

Fermented tea eyed as natural preservative source

Tea, seemingly always in the headlines for its potential health benefits, could also offer an interesting source of food preservatives, Chinese researchers report.

Food workers debate certification for temporary labour

EU trade union associations are debating whether an independent certification scheme for temporary work agencies supplying meat processors could help stamp out the use of illegal labour.

Vat creates curd with less hassle, says maker

The manufacturer of a curd-making vat for cheese claims its latest innovation can improve output, while reducing the maintenance required during production.

Sidel service leverages internet to deliver assistance

A new online virtual assistance service from Sidel is designed to provide instant help to bottlers with production problems on their hands.

Cocoa companies pledge sustainability

World Food Day is galvanising global food companies to help support cocoa labourers, some of the poorest workers in the world, as more and more businesses are signing up to sustainability programmes.

Nine food contact materials get EFSA nod

Nine more food contact materials have received a positive scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which also set migration limits for the chemicals.

EFSA calls for legislation on PAHs

About 2.2 per cent of foods sampled in the EU had levels of carcenogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) above the legal limits, with cocoa butter and food supplements topping the list.

Device embeds RFID tags into packaging

A new way of embedding radio frequency identification (RFID) tags into pack cases could reduce the cost of using the tracking technology, according to the companies involved in the project.

New colour shades put the gloss on PET

Ampacet has added seven shades to its colour line, which give polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle packaging the look of highly reflective metal.

Weekly Comment

Time to get serious on health claims criteria

The European Food Safety Authority's task to assess thousands of health claims is a headache in anyone's book - and one made worse through vague instructions to industry.

UK regulator to survey hygiene compliance

The UK's Food Standards Agency has launched a survey to determine whether processors and others are complying with the EU's hygiene regulations.

EFSA assessing nanoparticles and cloned meat

Developing a methodology for assessing the risk of nanoparticles and the meat of cloned animals are part of the ongoing work of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the organisation's head told EU parliamentarians this week.

Floor topping withstands chemical cleaning

A new floor topping is designed to remain tough under the harsh washdowns required in food plants, its manufacturer claims.

UK to toughen packaging waste targets

Tougher packaging waste targets in the UK are due to come into effect in January, according to proposals unveiled today by the country's environmental minister.

Smart container couples GPS with RFID

A new smart container developed by Schenker couples satellite location technology with radio frequency identification (RFID) to track the condition of goods along the supply chain.

Global nanotech code up for consultation

A global consultation is underway to create a code that would guide companies developing, manufacturing and selling nanotechnology-engineered products.

Tesco joins food processors in piloting carbon mapping

UK-based Tesco said today it would map out the carbon dioxide output involved in getting 30 products to the shelves, a bid to develop international labelling standards rating products according to their impact on climate change.

Northern Foods feels commodity squeeze

Global food manufacturer Northern Foods this week warned that it faces price rises of up to ten per cent because of steep commodity price increases in the UK.

Thermal system lowers energy bill claims manufacturer

A new air movement system can helps cut energy consumption at processing plants and warehouses, its manufacturer claims.

Sara Lee steps up sustainable coffee sourcing

Sara Lee is to double the amount of sustainable coffee used in its brands to 20,000 tonnes, a move the company says will make it the market leader in the category.

Company to produce compostable food packaging

The Instone Group has joined the race to grab a slice of the biodegradable food packaging market by launching a subsidiary that will target the produce and meat segments.

FDA steps up spinach safety efforts

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the California Department of Public Health last week announced they will extend their produce safety efforts with a broader focus on leafy greens, including spinach.

Company to produce PHA biodegradable plastic

A new player has entered the biodegradable plastic packaging market, with Procter & Gamble selling off the rights to its polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) technology to a private company.

Blowmoulder regulator provides automated quality control

A new automated regulator for blowmoulders can improve polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottling line efficiency, its manufacturer claims.

Metro to penalise suppliers who don't use RFID

Suppliers to Germany-based Metro Group will pay a financial penalty if they decide not to ship pallets that are tagged with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

New resins cut material use, ups productivity, claims manufacturer

Three new polypropylene (PP) resins can help food processors cut down on costs by reducing the weight of their packaging, according to the manufacturer.

Cadbury goes green across supply chain

Cadbury Schweppes today announced it will publish data on greenhouse gas emissions from across its global supply chain, as part of plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 50 per cent.

Weekly comment: Food prices

Will value-added lose out to the basics?

Food companies have been focussing on value-added products in a bid to reduce their reliance on commodities, which can fluctuate wildly and deliver slim margins. But now that prices of basic foods are at an all-time high, can value-added foods still compete for their share of the consumer buck?

DSM saves sausages with anti-mould innovation

DSM Food Specialities has developed a new mould and yeast inhibitor for meat products, said to ensure an even coating of natamycin on products like sausages and give stronger protection against health risks.

System monitors spray nozzle performance

A system developed in Denmark helps plant managers monitor the performance of spray nozzles used in dryers.

UK regulator issues milk testing proposals

The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued proposals to adopt EU-wide measures designed to prevent antibiotic residues entering the food chain via raw milk and other dairy products.

Companies face investor pressure to reduce CO2

Investors are stepping up the pressure on companies to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases produced by their manufacturing operations.

E coli meeting to refine food safety efforts

Governing bodies in the US are to hold a public meeting to examine the prevalence of E coli, as well as the best ways to detect and monitor it.

New scale handles tough washdowns, company claims

A new scale is designed to handle the tougher washdown requirements now in place at processing plants, its manufacturer claims.

Filler is faster and more hygienic, says maker

A new filling machine technology specifically designed for chilled products like milk can allow processors to step up productivity during packaging, its manufacturer claims.

Special edition: Food prices

Dairy groups look to organic in commodities panic

While conventional dairy processors continue to fret over increasing prices for milk powder and other ingredients, a leading US organic group believes that current conditions in the commodities market will continue to boost industry profitability.

Nanotech biosensor developed for multipathogen detection

A prototype nanotechnology-engineered biosensor could help processors detect multiple pathogens faster and more accurately than current devices.

Study to contribute to legalisation of blowtorched sheep

In a move to further the cause of those who want to legally make smokies - blowtorched 'skin on' sheep - the UK regulator has commissioned research into medicines used to control external parasites and flies on the animal.

FSA calls for views on fusarium shakeup

The UK's Food Standards Agency Scottish arm has given the country's food manufacturers until 16 October to comment on latest amendments on regulations concerning the presence of fusarium toxins in their products.

Probiotic soymilk makes calcium more bioavailable

Fermenting calcium-fortified soymilk with probiotics could enhance solubility of the mineral up to 90 per cent, thereby boosting bioavailability, new research reports.

Pea starch may boost biodegradable packaging

The use of pea starch in the production of both edible and bio-packaging could allow food processors to further cut down on waste generated by their products, whilst also protecting against bacteria, according to new research.

Ending organic by air will hurt developing world, report

Banning air freighting of organic fruit and veg would seriously compromise the livelihoods of farmers in the developing world, says a new report from the ITC.

Oxoids culture method to counter Salmonella faster

Microbiology firm Oxoid is launching a new culture method that it says can improve the isolation, differentiation and identification of Salmonella species from foods some 24 to 48 hours earlier than other methods.

US prepares food import safety action plan

Federal agencies and trade bodies met this week in Washington to develop an action plan designed to address the safety of imported goods into the United States.

Morinaga Milk probiotic meets US safety demands

Morinaga Milk Industry announced this week that it has obtained self-affirmed generally recognized as safe (GRAS) certification for one of its probiotic ingredients to tap growing demand in the US for functional benefits in products.

DSM launches enzyme for cloudy citrus drinks

DSM has developed a new enzyme for citrus fruit processing, which retains a cloudy appearance in juice drinks and makes them more visually appealing to consumers.

Shopper marketing to increase brand competitiveness, GMA report

Manufacturers of food and beverage products are expected to start investing more in shopper marketing strategies, which are widely thought to increase sales and competitiveness, and build brand loyalty, according to a GMA report.

RFID system ensures happier harvests

The development of a new RFID software system offers the fresh food industry an unprecedented level of monitoring and traceability, to ensure safety is retained from the farm to the fork, its manufacturer claims.

Meat ban lifted in UK

The European Union will allow meat products from selected parts of the UK to be exported to other member states, and lift the ban imposed last month after Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was found on a farm.

Metals safe and efficient for microwave, says report

The attractiveness of metal packaging to food manufacturers has received a boost with a study suggesting that the material is perfectly safe to use in microwave ovens.

Dairy difficulties hamper Dean Foods' profits

US group Dean Foods yesterday announced plans for an immediate cut in its workforce, after higher costs for ingredients like milk forced it to lower its full year earnings expectations.

UK seeks minced meat amendments

A UK consultation on amendments to the country's hygiene laws affecting meat processors foreshadows changes to be implemented across the EU by the end of this year.

Gateless conveyor designed to handle delicate foods

A new conveyor system is designed to handle delicate foods, such as chocolates or confectionery, helping to reduce product damage and flavour loss, the manufacturer claims.

Networking the key to cut food-packaging interactions

Effective communication between materials scientists, packaging manufacturers, food processors and consumers is key to understanding package-product interactions, researchers say.

Soup sales slow, innovation needed, says Mintel

Soup sales in the US have slowed over the past year, prompting Mintel to suggest that manufacturers and marketers need to rethink their level of innovation and their market strategies if they want to grow sales over the next five years.

When an inspector calls

The UK regulator yesterday published its audits of four of the country's largest meat processing plants, exposing them to increased public scrutiny over their food safety practices.

New test spots the toxins, researchers claim

A brand new test for food processors can spot within five minutes the presence of biogenic amines, naturally occurring toxins that cause headaches, researchers claim.

Biodegradable packaging giants extend market reach

Alliances formed between Cargill and a Japan-based company, and between DuPont and Plantic, indicate that a new strategy is underway to expand the biodegradable packaging market.

Wal-Mart rating system not a standard says industry

The Wal-Mart environmental scorecard rating system for packaging does not work and should not be allowed to become the standard for suppliers, according to an industry organisation.

New line and two carton sizes make global debut

Tetra Pak today said it is expanding the release of a new packaging line and two carton sizes to its global customers.

Netherlands to launch carbon-based packaging tax

A decision by the Netherlands to put a carbon-based tax on packaging could have far reaching consequences across the EU for processors.

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