Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Velvety PETG film protects drinks from light damage

Printpack has developed a new PETG film with a matte finish and light protection barrier to help fruit juice and dairy product makers replace expensive containers.

New $30m study into the safety of BPA

Opening yet another chapter in the long running saga about the safety of Bisphenol A (BPA), the US National Institutes of Health is to launch a new $30m study into the safety of the chemical used in metal cans linings, many plastics bottles and sipper cups.

Animal welfare labelling schemes up for discussion in Europe

The European Commission is mulling labelling to help consumers’ identify animal welfare-friendly products and incentivise producers to improve welfare. But campaigners say voluntary measures are not enough.

Canada’s first organic preservative and disinfectant

Efficiency and environmental protection are the twin benefits claimed for what is said to be Canada’s first organic preservative and disinfectant for use with food products from food to table.

Package meat recovery fuels Maple Leaf Q3 profits

The continuing recovery of its packaged meat division following the listeria outbreak in 2008 was a major factor in Maple Leaf posting a C$22.5m profit for the third quarter ending 30 September.

News in brief

Sonoco internal flexible packing merger

Sonoco has announced the merger of two of its subsidiaries within the company’s flexible packaging division.

Listeria biofilm under attack from new disinfectant

Sterilix Corporation and an ARS researcher claim to have developed a 100 per cent effective disinfectant for removing biofilms containing Listeria monocytognes from meat processing facilities.

New easy-to-operate weigh price labeler

Easier operation and greater versatility are claimed for the new series of weigh price labelers from UK-based food processing equipment supplier, Marel.

Climate change to strike UK food prices, claims report

The price of staple foods in the UK could soar to four and a half times above inflation by 2030 unless developed countries slash their greenhouse gas emissions, warns a new report from Friends of the Earth.

French help for Indian food processing sector

France has offered expertise and technology to help India develop its food processing sector and improve its food safety infrastructure.

US federal cash for ‘estrogenic activity free’ plastics

As concern over bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles mounts, US company PlastiPure announced it has received more than $1m in federal funding to develop plastics free of chemicals that may mimic estrogenic activity (EA).

SIG gives combiSmart screw cap wings

SIG has added wings to its combiSmart screw cap to make small cartons of products like condensed milk and cream easier to open.

US government slammed on wood packaging plans

The US government should find out more about how serious a problem plant pests pose in wooden packaging before making potentially costly and damaging rule changes, said the American Meat Institute (AMI).

Alcan costs and flexible packaging sales under pin Bemis results

The $16m costs of acquiring Alcan Packaging Food Americas and strong performance in its flexible packaging sector underpinned Bemis Company’s 2009 third quarter results.

Seminar bids to tackle industry skills shortage

Tackling shortfalls in engineering, maintenance and equipment training within the UK baked goods and wider food and drink sector is critical to maintaining plant uptime and is the focus of a one day seminar next month.

Water coated bio tray could keep buns fresher

A tray combining biodegradability and moisture resistance attributes can extend the shelf life of baked goods and other food products, while reducing the eco footprint of the pack, claims a Hong Kong based packaging developer.

Asda green packaging scorecard to launch next year

A leading UK packaging figure has welcomed a move by Asda confirming it will be rolling out its own version of Wal-Mart’s packaging scorecard next year.

Food waste driving confidence in UK composting sector

Increased collection of food waste is underpinning confidence in the UK’s composting sector, the Waste and Resource Action Programme (WRAP) and Association for Organic Recycling (AFOR) have said.

New packaging 'triples' food shelf life

New food packaging can double or, in some cases, even triple the shelf life of certain foods for up to 24 months compared with conventional packaging, claims its manufacturer Superfos.

Diageo to close bottling plant in Quebec

Diageo plans to close its Dorval bottling plant in Quebec in February 2010 as workers in the UK ballot on strike action.

News in brief

Beef recall on E.coli fears after 20 sickened

US company Crocetti's Oakdale Packing Co has recalled more than 1,000 lbs of beef patties after reports that more than 20 children were suffering from E.coli.

Australia, NZ to review burden of food labelling laws

Australia and New Zealand are to undertake a review of food labelling laws and policy to reduce the regulatory burden on food companies without compromising health and safety.

Meat substitutes could combat climate change: Report

Meat and dairy substitutes could play a major role in cutting global emissions and present opportunities to food companies – but they need marketing investment to attract consumers, says a World Watch report.

Weekly comment

Tackling E.coli – legislation or self-regulation?

Everybody wants food to be safe - but the recent slugging match over how best to protect US consumers from E.coli-tainted meat highlights whether legislation or self-regulation is the answer to mending the country's flawed safety system.

US government and trade body clash on E-beam debate

A four-year campaign by the American Meat Institute (AMI) to have electron beam technology approved as a processing aid appears no nearer resolution after the government and the group disagreed over progress on the issue.

Metabolix’ field trials investigate bioplastic-producing crops

Field research on tobacco takes Metabolix one step further in its quest to design non-food crops that produce plastic resins for use in cosmetic and food packaging.

Amcor's global vision after Alcan merger

Plant closures, overhead reductions and improved procurement will be the major platforms for up to A$250m (€154.2m) of savings Amcor forecasts it will realise in the three years following its takeover of Alcan.

Investment in US rPET industry critical to avert ‘demise’

The US recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) industry could go into decline unless vital investment is made in collection and reclamation capacity, leading trade bodies have warned.

FDA chief calls for stronger food safety bill

A bill to overhaul the food safety system needs to be stronger and incorporate more funding, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Margaret Hamburg told a Senate committee hearing on Thursday.

Listeria in salmon killed by smoke treatment: Study

Smoking salmon at sufficiently high temperatures reduces the risk of Listeria monocytogenes, according to a new study from the Journal of Food Science, published by the Institute of Food Technologists.

News in brief

Chemists add soy sauce to ‘perfect’ gravy

The Royal Society of Chemistry in the UK has unveiled its recipe for the perfect gravy, which bears a striking resemblance to that of a 19th century cookbook writer.

Project bids to eliminate risk of botulinum in baked goods

A project aimed at quantifying and eliminating the risk associated with the growth of Clostridium botulinum in baked goods is being initiated by a UK research group.

Tetra Pak's 1.5 billion eco-cartons in UK & Ireland

Tetra Pak has given a boost to its green credentials after announcing that more than 1.5 billion of its cartons on sale in the UK and Ireland in the next year will carry the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label.

News in brief

India to hold first national meat and poultry processing forum

India is to hold its first national conference on meat and poultry processing next month.

Clip could offer snack makers sustainability boost

A new slider system for resealable snack and dry goods pouches can boost a manufacturer’s eco profile due to its lighter weight, claims Zip Pak.

Linpac restructures debt and product names

Day-to-day operations of UK-based packaging giant Linpac will not be affected by the decision of a private equity firm to sell its stake in a debt-restructuring deal, FoodProductionDaily.com understands.

'World-first' high-tech printer set to make its mark

An innovative way to promote products and to differentiate primary packaging are the claims made for the new Laserprint technology from Van Der Windt UK.

Meat test rule change would prevent most E.coli, Listeria recalls

More than 80 per cent of this year’s meat recalls for E.coli and listeria could have been avoided if US authorities made companies keep hold of tested products until safety officials had given them the all clear.

Beef import rule change threat to Australian meat industry

Australia has announced it is to reopen its borders to beef imports from countries that have previously reported incidents of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

Sidel to pursue green initiatives with NAPCOR

Sidel says its decision to join the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) is motivated by the need to advance and promote the environmental credentials of PET.

US meat industry failing on E.coli testing - Senator

The lack of corporate responsibility shown by the US meat industry in failing to follow its own guidelines over E.coli testing of ground beef has forced Congress to act, according to one senator.

EFSA approval for food contact materials

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has given food contact approval for two new substances, both from Japanese companies, to be used in plastic packaging.

Food processing added to Australia’s carbon cutting scheme

Plans to include food processors in Australia’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) but with special support have been welcomed by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC).

News in brief

Gallani appointed FDF director, food science and safety

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has promoted Barbara Gallani to the post of director, Food Science and Safety.

New polyethylene resin sets flexible packing benchmarks

LyondellBasell has today announced the global launch of a new polyethylene (PE) resin for use in flexible packaging that it said is tougher, lighter and easier to process.

News in brief

Pack Expo success hints at econ recovery

Near-record attendance at the recent Pack Expo trade show heralds the consumer goods sector’s growing confidence in the economic recovery, said organisers PMMI.

News in brief

SIG owner plans to buy Reynolds Group

Beverage Packaging Holdings, owner of SIG Combibloc, has announced plans to buy the Reynolds Group in a deal worth $3bn.

SIG's FSC certified drink cartons go on sale

SIG Combibloc claims to have launched the first Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified range of drink cartons for fruit juice drinks and ice teas in Europe.

China packaging firm reaps rewards from food safety law

A specialist packaging company in China has said the newly implemented food safety law has boosted business as it announced it had secured a lucrative contract with the leading domestic meat processor.

Baby food recalled on botulism fears

Plum Organics has recalled a batch of baby food over fears it may be tainted with botulism.

No concern over fluorinated chemical levels in food - FSA

There are no human health concerns over current dietary exposure to a range of fluorinated chemicals, such as PFOS and PFOA, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said

New dairy partnership improves dairy product safety and shelf-life

Improved safety standards and longer shelf life are claimed to stem from a new marketing collaboration between Danisco and DuPont Qualicon. The venture matches Danisco’s patented protective cultures with DuPont’s Qualicon detection system for the early prediction of shelf life in naturally protected dairy products.

Coca-Cola shrinks cans to fight obesity

Coca-Cola has introduced a 90-calorie mini can - billed as a better way to help consumers manage their calories.

Aflatoxin sorter tool now goes beyond peanuts

An aflatoxin laser sorter which has been proven in a trial phase over 12 months with a global ready-to-eat snacks company has been modified to allow for the detection of all tree nuts as well as peanuts and is now being rolled out globally, claims Visys.

Consumers mindful of best before dates

A high level of concern about best before dates in the latest survey from the Food Standards Agency could indicate that politicians’ talk on food issues influences those that remain top of mind for UK consumers.

Meat processors performing worst in sustainability stakes

Meat processors are lagging behind other industry sectors when it comes to sustainability, according to a report by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC).

Berry Plastics bids to take over Pliant Corp

Berry Plastics Corp has said its proposed takeover of flexible packaging firm Pliant Corporation would bring it wider market appeal and access to greater innovation.

Tetra Pak launches 'unique' hermetic direct driven dairy separator

The world’s first hermetic direct driven dairy separator cuts energy consumption by more than a third and doubles production time said manufacturers Tetra Pak as it launched the system today.

Indian processed foods should be tax free, says Assocham

Processed foods and primary agricultural products, such as rice, atta and dal, should be classified as tax free when the government introduces its Goods and Service Tax (GST) next year, urges the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).

Weekly comment

Branded Corn Flakes are great for branding

Will we all be waking up bleary-eyed to bowls of tattooed Corn Flakes any time soon? Probably not, but by suggesting that we could, Kellogg’s has hit on a winning marketing ploy.

News in brief

Beef tongues recalled on BSE risk

A US company has recalled around 33,000 pounds of beef tongues that may still contain specified risk material (SRM) that could cause mad cow disease.

Sen. Gillibrand proposes food safety overhaul

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has put forward a proposal for new federal food safety legislation to address ‘gaps’ in the inspection process and concentrate on contamination and disease prevention.

Rexam facing price fixing charges in Russia

Rexam PLC has been accused of illegally fixing the price of aluminium cans and lid ends in the Russian Federation by the country’s competition authorities.

Coca-Cola opens new $88m bottling plant in China

Coca-Cola has announced its single largest drinks investment in China with the opening of a RMB 600m ($88m) bottling plant.

New eco-friendly product kills Salmonella, E.coli and, Campylobacter

A new eco-friendly technique to clean and disinfect food, particularly poultry, and food contact surfaces is effective against Salmonella, E.coli and, Campylobacter and a range other pathogens, according to EAU Technologies.

Mandatory E.coli tests no magic bullet, says US meat body

Education not legislation is the answer to tackling thousands of illnesses caused annually by E.coli-tainted beef, said the US meat industry as it resisted plans for mandatory testing for the bug.

UK considers landfill ban on packaging and food waste

A ban on dumping packaging and food waste in landfill will form the heart of a consultation exercise by the UK Government in 2010 as part of plans to slash waste.

US meat industry says beef safer than ever

US companies have made significant progress over the past decade in making meat safer but should not be obliged to publish inspection test results, said the head of a leading trade body this week.

News in brief

JBS takeover of Pilgrim’s Pride approved

US authorities have given the go-ahead for JBS’ takeover of Pilgrim’s Pride, statements from both companies have confirmed.

China to invest US$1bn in Thai food processing plant

A $1bn food processing investment is being planned for Thailand by the Chinese venture management firm China Science and Merchants Investment Management Company.

BPA review waste of money and delaying tactic - Scientists

The US Government’s review of bisphenol A (BPA) is waste of money and perhaps even a ploy to delay making a decision on the chemical, a group of 33 scientific experts have said.

FDA and USDA should cooperate for import safety: Report

The federal government needs to take action to close gaps in the US food safety network, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Danisco programme to make food for lowest earners

Danisco has launched a new programme to help manufacturers develop processed foods that are affordable by people on very low incomes, in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Arla lays claim to lightest milk bottle crown

Arla Foods, through its partnership with Logoplaste, claims to have developed the lightest two pint polybottle for milk in the UK.

Chinese funding to cut specialist food packaging imports

A Chinese packaging company said it is to receive multi-million dollar government funding to expand its operations and reduce domestic reliance on specialist packing imports.

New PETG packaging products launched at Pack Expo 2009

Two new polyethylene terepthalate glycol (PETG) packaging materials, which are claimed to more environmentally friendly than PVC, have been launched by packaging specialist Spartech Corporation at the Pack Expo 2009 trade event in Las Vegas.

Induction blow-moulding advances key, says green body

Funding of up to £250,000 has been offered to plastic bottle producers in the UK to develop more energy efficient manufacturing processes.

New protein for clear drinks in clear bottles

Creating a clear functional drink suitable for transparent bottles is the key advantage of a new hydrolyzed whey protein from Milk Specialties.

Improved controls unveiled for Baker Perkins mixers

Baker Perkins has developed a new control system for its Tweedy mixing systems to help high volume bakers improve process efficiency and product quality.

Industry efforts help contain UK packaging use

The amount of packaging used per capita in the UK has remained almost frozen over the past decade while recycling rates have more than doubled, said an industry body quoting new EU figures.

News in brief

RSSL offers GM linseed test

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) says it can now offer testing for GM linseed to companies in the UK, following the discovery of an unapproved variety in products in Germany.

Industrial head machine to slash bakery downtime

A reduction in downtime of almost a third thanks to a host of easy-to-clean design features are claims made for a revamped industrial head machine launched at the 2009 IBA Show by manufacturers Konig.

FDA launches a $17.5m boost to food and feed safety

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a $17.5m investment in food and feed safety standards encompassing federal, state, and local partners.

IBA 2009

IBA success reflects resilient baking industry

IBA show organisers have hailed the success of last week’s event in Düsseldorf, Germany, as a “clear vote of confidence” in the baking sector and its resilience to the global downturn.

US demand for converted flexible packaging to top $18bn

The strengthening US economy will drive demand for converted flexible packaging to top $18bn within four years, according to the latest study by market research organization, Reportlinker.com.

Poultry safety boosted by new hyperspectral imaging system

New technology developed by the US Government that automatically scans poultry carcasses for contamination has been successfully tested in a commercial plant.

Lightweight PET lidding is greener, cuts costs, says company

A new polyester lidding material for food and pharmaceutical products offers significant improvements in terms of lightweighting, costs savings and recycling potential, said its US manufacturers.

Weekly comment

Soda tax: A lot of froth over freedom

Is taxing soda really an evil plan to curb your individual freedom? Conspiracy theories aside, perhaps it’s simply a sensible scheme to tackle obesity when personal choice has failed.

News in brief

Munich to stage IBA until 2024

The IBA bakery and confectionery show is to be staged exclusively in Munich, Germany, until 2024.

Scoular goes to China for cheaper, GM-free soy

Scoular has signed a distribution agreement with a Chinese manufacturer to secure a lower cost, non-GM supply of soy protein isolate for nutritional products and meats.

Heat foreign berries to kill norovirus, urges Finland

As an outbreak of norovirus in southern Finland has been linked to frozen raspberries from Poland, the Finnish food safety authority, Evira, says raspberries must be heated before use.

News in brief

IDC gains European patent for aseptic dispensing tap

International Dispensing (IDC) has been issued with a European patent for The Answer - an aseptic dispensing tap designed to keep perishable drinks like milk fresh for longer.

Vegetable oil mix may substitute for pork fat in meats

Polyunsaturated-rich oils may replace pork fat in sausages, suggests a new Spanish-Colombian study with implications for healthier meat products.

Germany backs bisphenol A in baby bottles

Germany’s risk watchdog has become the latest official body to declare that bisphenol A (BPA) is safe for “normal” use in baby bottles and should not be banned.

Dispatches from IBA

Cost and eco benefits from ‘revolutionary’ absorption system

A “revolutionary” non toxic, water-based refrigerant is at the heart of a new absorption system that uses lost heat from baking ovens to power freezing units to temperatures as low as -10C.

More flexibility from new stand up pouch

The new FlexiBowl stand-up pouch delivers improved versatility and user convenience, claims its manufacturer, flexible packaging specialist, Ampac Flexibles.

Dispatches from IBA

New dough laminator brings industrial scale benefits at lower price

Increased productivity, a high level of automation and affordability are claims made for a new entry-level dough laminator by manufacturers Fritsch.

New multilayer food contact approved films claimed to be a breakthrough

More sustainable food packaging which delivers longer shelf life are the benefits claimed for the new multilayer films from resins supplier Cardia Bioplastics.

Indian PM calls for national food processing strategy

India urgently needs a national food processing policy which incorporates tax breaks for the sector, the nation’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told a conference of state food processing ministers this week.

News in brief

Meat partnership forged after E. coli testing agreement

Costco Wholesale Corporation has forged a partnership with food giant Tyson to buy its beef trimmings, after testing to confirm that they are free E. coli infection.

Dispatches from IBA

Sustainability and energy reduction rewarded at IBA

The IBA show is widely regarded as one of the most important bakery expos in the world – and so unsurprisingly the 12 awards handed out in the IBA Trophy give a strong indication of the direction of innovation in the industry.

Latest BPA study “flawed” says American Chemistry Council

“Many limitations but no clear conclusions,” is the verdict of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) on the latest study claiming to link exposure to the chemical bisphenol A with risks to human health.

Zero waste a target for all, says Envirowise

Every company should be aiming at zero waste from their factory or production process, said speakers at the Sustainability Round Table – and better resource use can bring cost savings.

New E.coli test gets AOAC-RI validation amid renewed safety warnings

Idaho Technology’s E.coli O157:H7 test used with the RAPID LT Food Security System (FSS), which delivers results within one hour, has been validated by the independent AOAC Research Institute.

News in brief

New boost for recycled PET

Plastic food packaging provider, Par-Pak plans to invest in a process that will decontaminate and purify recycled PET so that it can be re-used for food packaging.

DeLaval admits selling equipment to Mugabe farm

Tetra Pak subsidiary DeLaval has admitted selling dairy equipment to a farm run by the wife of the Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe in a breach of European sanctions.

USDA unites with FDA on new food safety rules

The US Department of Agriculture’s fresh produce chief has joined the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop new food safety rules, the departments announced in a statement on Monday.

New bagging system delivers fast work rates

The new bagging system from Automated Packaging Systems packs bags at the rate of 150 per minute, claims the company.

Government support for UK food sector is 'a strategic priority': FDF

The next UK government must recognize that the food sector is “a strategic priority” by delivering greater “cohesion, clarity and consistency,” in policy-making, said the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

Bpi.consumer VMB trumps Amcor to Allied Bakeries contract

Amcor Flexibles has lost out to Bpi.consumer VMB in bidding to secure a bread bag contract with Allied Bakeries in the UK.

BPA could make girls more aggressive: Study

Two-year old girls whose mothers were exposed to Bisphenol A while pregnant are more likely to show aggressive and hyperactive behaviour, according to a new study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

Evolution to revolutionise roll production, says company

Extreme flexibility combined with high capacity and energy efficiency are claims made by manufacturers WP Kemper Bakery Group for its latest roll producing machine.

Weekly comment

Bad day at the EU health claims office

October 1 was not a good day for many in the functional foods and food supplements business in the European Union as the meaning of life under a highly restrictive health claims regime came more into focus.

Protect food quality by preventing gas leaks from MAP packages

Producers and processors who use Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) should guard against packaging leaks to protect food quality and shelf-life and avoid costly returns, warns gas equipment supplier, Witt based in Witten, Germany.

Microwave processing improves quality of low-acid foods

Improving the quality of low-acid foods is the main benefit claimed for the new processing technology developed by microwave specialist, Industrial Microwave Systems.

News in brief

Acquisition boosts Balls’ can capacity by 10bn

Ball Corporation, one of the world's leading suppliers of rigid metal and plastic packaging products and services, has acquired three can manufacturing plants in the United States with associated contracts for $577m, from AB InBev.

Six axis robot performs tricky pick and place jobs

Toshiba Machine Europe has launched its first ever six axis robot to help manufacturers perform complex pick and place tasks.

PepsiCo merges newly acquired bottlers

PepsiCo has created a new bottling company called PepsiCo Bottling North America (PBNA) following the acquisition of its two biggest bottlers.

News in brief

Coca-Cola adopts front-of-pack energy labeling

Coca-Cola has said that it will add calorie counts to the front of drinks packaging in the US and Mexico, with energy information on “nearly all” its products by the end of 2011.

USDA report examines organic sector’s ‘revamped marketing’

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has compiled a report on the marketing of organic food, which it says aims to respond to a dearth of information on the fast-changing sector.

Defence plans needed to combat food terrorism, processors told

US food processors and manufacturers are being urged to implement defence plans to protect products from deliberate contamination by terrorists or disgruntled employees.

Spectrometers detect toxic trace metals in rice products

Highly accurate trace metal detection in rice products is possible thanks to Thermo Fisher Scientific’s iCE 3000 Series range of atomic absorption (AA) spectrometers, claims the company.

Longer shelf life for some RTE foods contributes to Listeria rise, expert

An industry expert has raised concerns about the lengthy shelf-life of some listeria-prone ready-to-eat foods (RTE) in come countries as the EU said it would help fund a pan-regional study on the issue.

Food pasteurization boosts safety and cuts energy use

Healthier and safer food products produced with 10 per cent lower energy consumption are claimed for a new pasteurization technology produced by Raytheon Company.

Cash injection to help Indian food processors compete abroad

The Indian Government has backed a scheme to boost research and a promote a slew of internationally recognised food safety practices in a bid to help the processing sector compete abroad.

Nanotech research launched by US and EU

The US Government and the European Union have announced separate plans to launch studies into the possible health effects and business implications for nanotechnology.

'Unique' water-based printing ink improves durability

A series of “unique” water-based, flexographic lamination inks for conventional and retort pouch packaging is more durable and flexible than existing makes, claims its manufacturer the Toyo Ink Group.

News in brief

Lead in bran probe launched by New Zealand

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) is to launch an investigation after tests revealed higher than expected levels of lead in samples of bran flakes