Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Website offers insight into RFID innovations

In a bid to extend the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) beyond the pallet level, EPCglobal has launched a internet information centre on the technology.

Wild plays its ACE with new fruit, veg for vitamin drinks

Wild is extending offering of fruit and vegetable juice compounds by using new kinds of produce, like pumpkins and bell peppers, in a bid to halt shrinking sales in the orange-carrot drinks category in Germany.

Steam tunnel meets rapid changeover demand

A new steam tunnel is designed to be adjusted to line speed, container shape and label material, providing flexibility in plants that have to deal with a changing variety of products, its manufacturer says.

Conference set to tackle Canadian export obstacles

The federal Canadian agricultural agency is organizing a conference in an effort to favor trade in functional foods and nutraceuticals between the US and Canada.

EU reveals acrylamide recommendations

A three-year EU study of acrylamide has resulted in additional recommendations on how companies can change their processes to lower the formation of the chemical by up to 80 per cent when manufacturing susceptible foods.

Oxygen sensor offers maintenance benefits

A new electro-chemical oxygen sensor allows beverage manufacturers to accurately measure gas levels during production, while reducing downtime needed for maintenance, its manufacturer claims.

Brewer uses solar power to cut oil use

A brewer in Germany is in the process of installing solar panels that could cut its oil consumption by 60 per cent.

Study uncovers 50 other acrylamide-like chemicals

Acrylamide and 50 other heat-induced compounds in foods may cause cancer, scientists have concluded in a report released yesterday of a major three-year EU study into the chemical.

Fonterra tracks carbon footprint across supply chain

Fonterra, one of the world's largest dairy companies, has become the latest processor to announce it would measure carbon emissions across its entire supply chain.

Process recycles PET into food-contact plastic, claims company

A US-based company yesterday claimed to have developed a process to turn recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into plastic that can be used to package foods.

First Milk mulls cheese and whey plan

First Milk, a leading UK dairy cooperative, announced that the company is considering developing its production facilities for higher value dairy goods.

Capper targets larger packaging needs

A new capping technology can accommodate food and beverage industry demand for larger bottle and cartons, whilst preventing damage to the containers during repeated torque applications, its manufacturer claims.

Choices makes progress as global healthy foods mark

A food industry initiative launched this year is promoting one standard, easily recognisable symbol to aid identification of healthy foods across the world and encourage manufacturers to reformulate products along healthier lines.

Sensor detects transparent PET bottles

A new sensor can detect all types of transparent PET bottles, including those with thin walls and complex shapes, its manufacturer claims.

New production facility ensures supreme food safety for Hahn

GC Hahn has opened the doors to its modernised production site in Lubeck, which aims to cater to the increasing demand for the very highest standards in food safety and traceability.

Chemicals vital for optimum cleaning, says study

New research suggests that while chemical detergents are the most effective way of removing micro-organisms, they are also the most expensive, highlighting the problems food processors face in balancing food safety with cost issues.

Handheld device launched for contaminant detection

Microbiology company Hygiena has launched a new palm-sized rapid detection instrument, designed to help manufacturers spot contaminants in no more than 15 seconds.

Heat exchanger designed to handle powders, bulk solids

A new heat exchanger can prevent contamination of foods while indirectly heating or cooling free-flowing powder and bulk solids, its manufacturer claims.

Spirits group calls for Chinese counterfeit crackdown

A quarter of all spirits brands claiming to be of European origin now sold in China are counterfeit, according to an EU liquor association.

Combined heat and power systems cut CO2 output, tests show

The use of micro- combined heat and power (CHP) systems can help small businesses cut CO2 emissions by up to 20 per cent if used in the right applications, according to a study by the Carbon Trust.

Modular cart designed for returnable distribution

A modular plastic rolling cart is designed as a returnable distribution container for the food processing, food service and beverage industries, among others.

Grain prices could rise by another 40 per cent says ING

Food and beverage processors will be fighting it out for an increasingly dwindling supply of grains sourced at ever higher prices, ING Group warned in a new forecast report for the sector.

Coatings designed to extend shelf life of returnable bottles

Two European companies have reached agreement to commercialise coatings that extends the life of returnable glass bottles.

Nanotech projects for food sector outlined at conference

Nanoengineered products for the food sector -- including a smart RFID nano sensor -- took centre stage at a two day conference held 20-21 November in Braga, Portugal to discuss the science of the miniscule.

Sensor detects transparent PET bottles

A new sensor can detect all types of transparent PET bottles, including those with thin walls and complex shapes, its manufacturer claims.

Sustain supply or lose profit, food industry warned

The food industry must support EU farmers during the current commodity squeeze, as a sustainable supply of agricultural materials is vital for healthy profits, experts warned yesterday.

Weekly comment

Why all the fuss about stevia?

Over the past half year, stevia has been the focus of attention as the search for a perfect natural sweetener continues. But why are the birds circling when the ingredient has not been approved in the two major Western markets - the United States and Europe?

Simpler food legislation needed says EU report

While the harmonisation of the EU's food laws is supported by industry, legislation should be simplified to make it easier for small businesses to compete, according to a European Commission report.

Water purification group consider greener ambitions

A manufacturer of hydro-optic disinfection (HOD) technologies designed for water purification says it may soon move to extend its operations towards more sustainable use of waste liquids.

Study focuses on pathogens in unpasteurised cheese

A three-year project designed to test the safety of producing cheese from unpasteurised milk has been announced by the Campden Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA).

Study finds the environment low on the consumer agenda

Consumers do not seem to consider environmental and sustainability issues when purchasing food and drink, according to a UK government study released today.

Funding offered for carbon dioxide reduction

The UK's Carbon Trust today offered up to £140,000 to trade organisations willing to promote CO2 reduction programmes, at a time when both consumers and regulators are pushing the food sector to be more environmentally friendly.

Code of practice revised on fire risk reduction

A revised code of practice has been issued on how to reduce fire risk in the UK food and drink industry.

Nestle invests in research for beverages boost

Nestle intends to step up its focus on beverage production with the opening yesterday of its first research and development centre dedicated solely to drink brands destined for the food service industry.

Agency sets migration limits on di-isobutylphthalate

Di-isobutylphthalate, a packaging chemical with potentially toxic health effects, is showing up at alarmingly high rates in foods such as rice and baking mixtures, according to a report issued today by Germany's risk assessment agency.

New 500-ml PET weighs in at 8.8g

Krones yesterday announced the release of what it is calling the world's lightest of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container in its class.

Grain news: crops, labelling and websites

The UK wheat crop declined this year; a research organisation calls for minimum whole grain requirements; and Cargill launches a website for the grain industry.

Nestle, Bunge, Danisco join sustainability reporting group

Nestlé, Bunge, Danisco, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Tyson Foods are the first food processors to join a programme to develop global reporting standards on sustainability projects in the sector.

Culina merges to offer wider supply chain services

Culina Logistics will merge with Baylis Logistics, allowing the company to offer a wider range of chilled and ambient supply chain services to food and drink processors.

Commission sets ball rolling for CAP reforms

The European Commission yesterday outlined reforms the bloc's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), proposing further measures aimed at weaning farmers off handouts and boosting commodity supplies.

New fees to be imposed for breaches of food safety rules

The UK regulator this week released industry guidance on a regulation due to come into force 14 December, which impose higher fees on companies that fail to follow food safety rules.

Zapped water marketed as alternative to chemical cleaners

A new technology on the market electrically activates plain tap water, making it behave like a powerful detergent without any added chemicals, according to its manufacturer.

Organic air ban raises fears for flavours

The proposed restrictions on air freighting of organic produce into the UK could have implications for the flavour industry, as some valuable raw materials are grown far way and would not survive lengthy sea freighting times.

Condiment, snacks processor pledges 20pc carbon reduction

Mustard maker Reckitt Benckiser pledged this month to reduce its carbon footprint by 20 per cent by 2020, outlining what it calls a complete supply chain analysis of its CO2 emissions throughout a product's lifecycle.

FDA funds anti food terrorism efforts

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday announced it is pumping more funds into securing the safety of the nation's food supply.

Briefs: FSA executive, food fraud and the Stilton shake

In this week's briefs, a former executive of Arla Foods is appointed to the UK's Food Standards Agency, the industry prepares to gather to discuss food fraud, and Stilton cheese gets a shake up.

Sensor designed to inspect cylindrical containers

A new sensor device is designed for the high-speed, non-stop inspection of randomly oriented cylindrical containers, providing an automated way for a company to check if its packaged products meet quality standards.

Oregano, rosemary extracts promise omega-3 preservation

Extracts from oregano and rosemary could extend the shelf-life of omega-3-rich fish oil, suggests new research from the US.

Dome-style pack developed to seal in liquids

A new dome-style pack that prevents liquids from escaping has been developed for the whole chicken market.

GM feed warning could spark additional consumer resistance

Nearly all the milk, dairy products and pork in the UK are produced from animals fed on genetically modified (GM) crops, and none are labelled, according to a study by an organic lobby group.

UK to boost fees for meat inspections

Slaughterhouses in the UK could soon face an 8 per cent increase in hygiene inspection charges, under proposals made by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

FDA appoints leaders for product innovation, safety group

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has created the board of its new Reagan-Udall Foundation, taking the agency one step closer to its goal of enhancing the development and safety of food and food ingredients.

UK cereals regulator outlines future challenges

UK processors must continue to work with grain farmers to ensure supply remains sustainable amidst growing demand from the feed and biofuels sector, according to the Home-Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA).

Weekly comment

Are trade shows relevant?

The new crop of business cards yielded by another trade show season have been duly filed away. But the big question remains. Were the three days at FIE followed, for many, by another three at SupplySide West, really worth the blisters, the jet lag, and the not inconsiderable expense?

Micro processing and increased productivity to boost industry

Boosting innovation, improved processing techniques and productivity, better access to foreign markets and raw materials, and reducing the impact of safety legislation and retailer power, are some of the issues the EU needs to address according to a major report into the food sector.

Wal-Mart sustainability programme faces criticism

Wal-Mart's sustainability programme, which is forcing manufacturers worldwide to reduce their environmental impact, has come under heavy criticism from a coalition of international labour and civic organisations for being "unsustainable".

Online calculator determines carbon footprint

An online calculator launched yesterday allows businesses to determine their total CO2 output, and provides advice on the steps managers can take to reduce their companies' carbon footprints.

Costs, staffing and sustainability top concerns for industry

The high cost of ingredients, innovation, staff retention, and sustainability issues are the major business challenges facing the UK food and beverage sector, according to a survey of industry executives.

Bagger designed for convenience salads, produce

A new bagging machine is designed to package fresh produce, such as single-serve salads and kits.

Brewers turn to software in move to cut energy costs

About 50 brewers have installed energy-saving software to automate their pasteurizers' consumption of water and steam, Sidel reported this week.

Communication is vital in managing food risk, BfR

Public perception of food risk is the important factor in determining need for state intervention even if the scientific point of view says the risk is low, according to the BfR, a view that has a strong bearing on current issues like additives and ingredient sourcing.

Live in Nuremberg

Brewers not braced for biogas, says expert

Brewers and dairy processors are failing to capitalise on the potential long-term cost and energy benefits of using biogas, according to a major supplier of the technology.

EFSA begins assessment on nanotechnology

The growth and complexity of nanotechnology in food applications poses new challenges for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which will meet next week to begin discussions on its regulation and risk assessment.

Extrusion method developed for tasty lentil snacks

Researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service (ARS) claim to have stabilised a process of using extrusion technology to make healthy and tasty snacks out of legumes.

Kit cuts pathogen detection time down to hours

Scientists who claim to have developed what they say is the fastest food detector of its kind have received funding to mass produce their discovery.

Gas oven designed to achieve flame-broiled flavour

A gas oven is designed to give high-temperature processed red meats a flame-broiled flavour.

Process innovation brewing at Brau Beviale

This year's Brau Beviale show kicks off in Nuremberg, Germany today, with players throughout all aspects of brewing and beverage manufacturing gathering to unveil and discuss the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

Bemis to develop corn-based flexible films

Bemis will team up with Plantic, an Australia-based company specialising in corn-starch based plastic resins, to develop flexible films for the food sector, among others.

Self-correcting RFID reader improves accuracy, claims manufacturer

A new radio frequency identification (RFID) reader is the "first" self-diagnostic and correcting long range high frequency device on the market, the manufacturer claims.

Briefs: heat exchanger and gas analyser

A new heat exchange acts as an pollution controler; while a flameproof gas analyser allows efficiency measurements in hazardous areas.

UK grappling again with bird flu outbreak

Bird flu, in the form of the H5 virus, has hit the UK again, serving as further warning that the poultry supply chain is still vulnerable to the disease.

Friesland ups capacity for healthy whey

Friesland Foods Domo has invested €6M in its whey protein plant in Workum, The Netherlands, allowing it to increase production of infant formula ingredients and produce its new low-fat ingredient for dairy applications.

Metro Group completes Europe's largest RFID rollout

The Metro Group has upped the ante in Europe's move toward using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, completing the roll out of its use to 180 additional stores and warehouses in Germany.

Ball Packaging announces Indian drinks can plan

Ball Packaging Europe is to build a new production plant in India to tap growing demand in the country for its two-piece beverage cans.

New food-grade polypropylene designed for downgauging

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

Codex debates Listeria standards for ready-to-eat foods

EU and US positions at a Codex meeting to set international standards on food safety foreshadow future legislation that would affect control measures in plants, and the manufacture of powdered formulae, ready-to-eat foods, and pasteurised liquid eggs.

Kraft takes larger slice of snack pie with Danone buy

Kraft Foods is set to take an even larger share of the global snack market after receiving conditional approval by the European Commission to purchase the biscuit, cereals and snack division of Danone.

Danisco consolidates Lithuanian sugar production

Danisco has announced that it will close its sugar production plant in Panevezys, Lithuania, as part of a plan to give up a slice of its quota.

Agreement forged to bring no-spill closure to market

Two European companies have signed an agreement they say will allow them to bring a new 'no-spill' closure for beverages to the market.

Shelf life of food extended to 21 weeks, claims manufacturer

France-based Rosas claims it has patented technology that can extend the shelf life of food from 21 days to 21 weeks whilst saving on packaging materials.

Europe must stick with recycling focus, says Europen

European industry is generally succeeding in meeting EU requirements for recycling, though must not lose focus on the commitment, according to packaging association Europen.

Food on agenda for US-EU trade talks

The first meeting of the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC) takes place in Washington this week, with the freeing up of the food trade on the cards.

All-in-one cleaner boasts mobility benefits

A new water-based pressure pump system could allow plant owners a more mobile and ergonomic alternative to existing cleaning technologies, its manufacturer claims.

PLA plastic nanoengineered for high temperature thermoforming

A compostable plastic made from nanoengineered polylactic acid (PLA) is designed to meet the demands of high-temperature thermoforming packaging.

RFID tag a cold chain management tool

A new radio frequency identification (RFID) logger combines tracking and tracing with temperature readings, giving processors a way to identify when food safety may have been compromised.

Palm oil production may trigger climate bomb

Major food companies are contributing to increased carbon emissions through the destruction of Indonesia's peat swamp forests to produce palm oil, claims a report released today.

Speed of recall a challenge in product withdrawal

Speed of recall when withdrawing products from the market is cited as the top challenge confronting US-based food processors, with 39 per cent of executives saying the biggest communication gap occurs at the store-level.

Unilever sells Boursin to Le Groupe Bel

Unilever has sold the soft cheese brand Boursin to Le Groupe Bel for €400m as part of its plan to shed peripheral brands and re-ignite its top line growth.

FSA plans review of unauthorised GM rice

The Food Standards Agency is to review the handling of last year's GM rice incident, when unauthorised grain was found in samples of commercial batches on the UK market.

New Ice to begin compostable packaging production

New Ice yesterday announced that it would begin manufacturing a new class potato-starch based compostable containers for dry, damp or wet foods.

Aseptic packaging dispenses with need for refrigeration

New flexible aseptic packaging is designed to dispense shelf-stable beverages and liquid foods repeatedly over extended time without the need for refrigeration, preservatives, or power.

Company develops biodegradable packaging from CO2

Novomer today announced it has raised $6.6m (€4.5m) in seed funding to develop a range of biodegradable plastics made from carbon dioxide

Vitiva extends meat life with natural preservative

Natural extracts company Vitiva has announced its global launch of a clean label preservative for processed fresh meat that protects it from rancidity and undesirable organoleptic changes.

New tool predicts sweet corn quality

Researchers in the US have developed what claims to be the first tool that can predict the timing, quality and weight of sweet corn crops, a move that is expected to help the industry meet consumer demand for the vegetable.

Waterjet portioning system trims meat into shape

A new waterjet portioning system for meat allows processors to achieve specific fat coverage, shape, weight or size specifications to meet current market trends, claims its manufacturer.

PP film combines clarity with toughness, claims manufacturer

A new polypropylene (PP) transparent film combines high clarity with the tough, non-brittle performance of heterophasic copolymers, its manufacturer claims.

Industry outlines policy on environmental, production sustainability

In a policy document released yesterday, the EU's food and drink sector called on the European Commission to take account of economic conditions when setting environmental and production sustainability targets for industry.

UK rolls out revamped apprenticeships

The UK has rolled out revamped apprenticeships for food and drink processors, a bid to increase the skills level in an industry undergoing automation.

Food contaminants hit snack world

Pieces of metal may have fallen into sweet treats in the UK and E. coli is suspected in pizza and beef patties in the US, reminding snack manufacturers that both physical and pathogen contaminants can lead to costly recalls.

Weekly comment

Meat, cancer and credibility

The big 'Cs' got the meat industry in trouble last week - cancer and credibility.

Deadline looms for decision on Austrian maize ban

The decision on whether to force Austria to lift its national ban on genetically modified maize now lies in the hands of the European Commission, after EU environment ministers failed to agree at last week's Council meeting.

Danish green-light gives Preventase the run of EU

DSM Food Specialities has received approval for Danish food safety authorities for the use of its Preventase, meaning that the acrylamide-reducing enzyme can now be used in food products throughout the EU and the US.

Redesigned packager offers MAP benefits

A vertical packaging machine originally created for confectionery packaging has been redesigned for use with a wider selection of foods requiring modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) applications, its manufacturer claims.

Less leeway in product development, says guide

A UK guide is designed to help food manufacturers develop new products, in an industry nowadays under more and more pressure from legislation, consumer demands and rising costs.

UK launches programme to reduce food waste

Processors are backing a UK government consumer campaign to reduce the amount of food waste ending up in landfills, part of a programme to also get manufacturers to ensure portion sizes match eating habits.

EU pollution directive sets controls for processing plants

All food and drink processers must now be in compliance with the EU-wide Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) directive, which aims to ensure plants reduce their environmental impact.

Live from FiE

Texture analyses designed to maintain consumer appeal

A manufacturer of texture analysing systems used this week's Food Ingredients Show (FiE) to launch its latest range of products designed to measure the quality and characteristics of bakery and dairy products.

Live from FiE

Microthermics targets heat process innovation

Microthermics, a US-based manufacturer of heat processing technology for dairy and beverage products, has unveiled two new machines for the European market.

Unilever results show sharp recovery

Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever has reported a steep increase in its third quarter profits on lower charges and improved sales, thanks to company cost cutting as well as an increase in consumer prices.