Practical Guide to Metal Detection-Food Industry
Fortress Technology
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30-Nov-2009
Tetra Pak launches aseptic unit for viscous, particulate foods
Reduction in product losses reaching 50 per cent and increased production flexibility are claims made by Tetra Pak for its new aseptic continuous processing unit for high viscous and particulate foods.
Comment
Krill conflict could threaten omega-3 potential
The krill category and the science backing it are still emerging, but there are many who believe krill extracts have the potential to 'go big' in the healthy foods arena....
FDA could delay decision on bisphenol A
The US government ruling on the safety of bisphenol A (BPA), due to be delivered later today, could be delayed as officials plead for more time to review the wealth...
Hilton poised for more growth after Danish deal
Hilton Food’s multi-million pound investment in a new meat plant to supply a major Danish supermarket could trigger an expansion push throughout Scandinavia, said analysts.
France defines GMO-free labelling threshold
The French government’s advisory council on biotechnology has outlined rules for a voluntary GMO-free labelling system in a new report.
Drink can ring pulls may still be unsafe, says study
New research has questioned the safety of beverage can stay-tabs suggesting that they may not be a significant improvement on old-fashioned pull-tabs.
RPC cuts costs to post profit
RPC Group said strict cost cutting measures were responsible for it posting a half-year profit of £8m - despite the continued economic gloom and hints of polymer price rises.
27-Nov-2009
UK dairies accelerate towards recycled plastic targets
Production of recycled HDPE is accelerating fast as milk processors race to meet the 2010 Milk Roadmap targets.
US food waste impacts climate, say scientists
Americans waste about 1,400 calories-worth of food per person a day – or 40 percent of total food supply – with implications for climate change and obesity, claim US researchers.
News in brief
Reduce meat and dairy production to cut emissions, says study
Eating less meat and dairy products could reduce the effects of climate change and have great benefits for cardiovascular health, according to a study published in The Lancet.
Digitally printed packing, labelling market set for growth
The global market for digitally printed packaging and labels will climb from $2.4bn by the end of this year to reach almost $6.8bn by 2014, according to a new study...
Australian food processors to get cash for eco scheme
Australia’s food processing sector has hailed a government move to grant a A$150m aid package to help it implement a national carbon footprint reduction scheme.
26-Nov-2009
Amcor ready to sell to safeguard Alcan deal
Amcor has indicated it would be prepared to sell a flexible packaging business to address European Union anti-trust fears over its proposed takeover of Alcan.
Obama pledges support for Indian food processing sector
US President Barack Obama has vowed to help India boost its food processing industry as part of a strategy to promote global food security.
Energy efficient multipacker cuts costs and packaging
Greater precision, versatility and energy efficiency are benefits claimed by manufacturers Standard Knapp for its new multi-packer for the food, beverage and personal care industries.
Consumers want better GM labelling: Report
Consumers think that current labelling regulation for genetically modified (GM) foods is inadequate, according to a new report from the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA).
News in brief
Kraft closes Romanian confectionery plant
Kraft Foods has moved confectionery production from Brasov, Romania to Svoge, Bulgaria with the loss of more than 220 jobs, the company has said.
25-Nov-2009
Salt reduction requires regulation, say researchers
Millions of deaths could be prevented each year if individuals consumed 5g less salt per day, concludes a new meta-analysis that calls for top-down regulations in addition to self-regulation by...
Tetra Pak to trial green plastic for carton closures
Tetra Pak has agreed to carry out a limited trial to source green plastic from Brazil for use in its carton packaging in what the company said is a first...
Size matters! Green potential of more milk pack sizes
Providing a variety of milk packaging sizes could be more fruitful environmentally than switching to “greener” materials.
ConAgra explosion kills fourth person
A fourth person has died from injuries sustained from the explosion at a ConAgra food processing plant last summer.
News in brief
China, Japan, South Korea sign food safety pact
China, Japan and South Korea have signed a food safety pact in the wake of concern over Chinese-made food exports.
Nampak head delivers warning as profits slump
Nampak announced a 60 per cent fall in profits in 2009 as its chief warned that 20 per cent of its operations must either turnaround or face being closed or sold off.
24-Nov-2009
China executes two over melamine milk scandal
China executed two people today for their part in the melamine-tainted milk powder scandal that killed six and sickened around 300,000.
New rules offer protection for Scotch Whisky
New UK legislation protecting Scotch whisky makers, including a requirement to only bottle Single Malts in Scotland, has come into force.
Hot-fill PET container sets new standards, says company
Enhanced heat resistance leading to less shrinkage, improved barrier performance and superior clarity are claims made for a new hot-fill PET container soon to hit the market.
News in brief
McCain to close vegetable processing plant
McCain’s decision to close its vegetable processing plant in Tasmania with the loss of 115 jobs has been greeted with dismay.
Award for nano solution to bottle leaching
Scientists at Nottingham Trent University have picked up an innovation award for a nano-based packaging solution to leaching.
Superfos to test oxo-biodegradable additive in packaging
Superfos Industries said it is considering using oxo-biodegradable (OB) additives in its plastic packaging but that a decision to employ it in future products would be made once it had...
23-Nov-2009
Comment
Food prices face a welcome perfect storm
There’s a perfect storm building for food prices. You don’t have to scan the horizon to see the signs; the clouds are developing all around us - at a faster...
Irish company fined for serious safety breaches
An Irish seafood company has be ordered to almost €55,000 after admitting flouting 10 safety standards that led to 219 reported food poisoning cases in France and contaminated product being shipped worldwide.
News in brief
UK FSA announces post-merger reshuffle
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced a reshuffle of personnel following its merger with the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS), creating two senior job opportunities.
LyondellBasell takeover bid, Huhtamaki revamp continues
Reliance Industries has made an offer for LyondellBasell, and Finish company Huhtamaki announced it will turn its attentions to Europe after completing the overhaul of its Australian packing operations.
Louisiana sugar refinery deal finalized
A three-way joint venture to build a $145m sugar refinery in Gramercy, Louisiana has been finalized by Cargill, the Imperial Sugar Company and Sugar Growers and Refiners (SUGAR).
Microwave meter boosts peanut testing
Quicker and easier analysis of the moisture content and density of in-shell peanuts are benefits claimed for a new microwave meter developed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
News in brief
Meat control research bids wanted
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has invited bids from contractors to carry out research into the future of meat controls.
20-Nov-2009
Sidel claims world’s lightest hot-fill PET bottle
Sidel has announced the development of what it says are the world’s lightest hot-fill PET bottles.
WTO to investigate EU ban on US poultry
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is to investigate the European Union’s decade-long ban on poultry from the United States that is treated with chlorides during processing.
India reveals new food processing blueprint
The Indian Government has unveiled proposals to double the size of its food processing industry within the next five years by increasing funding and improving technology and infrastructure in...
WTO to rule on origin labeling row
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has agreed to rule on the ongoing dispute over whether US country of origin labeling (COOL) violates international trade agreements, as Canada and Mexico have...
19-Nov-2009
US food safety bill enters final lap
A US Senate committee unanimously approved the food safety bill yesterday in a move that will send the landmark legislation to the full floor for a final vote.
Scientist defends study linking phthalates to feminising boys
The leading scientist of research that suggests boys exposed to phthalates during pregnancy have more feminine play habits has defended the report after a chemical industry body disputed its reliability.
News in brief
India to establish food standards authority
The Indian Government has confirmed it has no plans to replace its existing foods safety law but is going to set up a new body to scrutinise food standards.
18-Nov-2009
Bill to ban bisphenol A introduced in US
New legislation that would impose a nationwide ban on bisphenol A (BPA) in all food packaging products used by children has been proposed by US Senator Charles Schumer.
Coca-Cola packaging redesign spearheads global strategy
Coca-Cola is to create a single global packaging design for its key juice brands as part of a bid to cement its market leadership in the sector, the company has...
US dairy industry plea to boost raw milk regulation
Raw milk products pose a “significant food safety hazard” and facilities that make them should be covered by the new food safety bill, said the two largest US dairy...
News in brief
FSA announces GM steering group members
The FSA has named the group members of a steering group that will shape and manage forthcoming consumer dialogue work on genetic modification (GM) in food.
Exposure to nano titanium dioxide could up cancer risk, says study
There may be a potential risk of cancer and genetic disorders for individuals working with high concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, according to US scientists.
17-Nov-2009
Comment
Alleviation of hunger should top CSR agenda
Climate change dominates the CSR agenda but new USDA figures on food insecurity are a sharp reminder that alleviating poverty and hunger should always be the top priority.
Coca-Cola begins global launch of plant-based PET bottle
Coca-Cola Co yesterday announced the selective global roll-out of its new PET bottle made from up to 30 per cent plant materials such as sugar and molasses.
News in brief
Berry Plastics buys Danish packaging company
Berry Plastics Corp announced its takeover of Danish company Superfos Packaging for around $82m (€55m).
Bisphenol A link to male sexual dysfunction challenged
A new study linking high-level workplace exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) to male sexual dysfunction has limited relevance to consumers, said the American Chemistry Council (ACC).
No health threat from radiation in UK food chain
The amount of radiation absorbed by the UK population through the food chain remains low and poses no health concerns, said the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
KHS unveils expansion plans for PET barrier system
KHS will soon be introducing a larger version of its PET barrier system Plasmax to bring the technology to large bottling lines.
16-Nov-2009
News in brief
Indiana dry milk processor gets grade A certification
PacMoore, an Indiana-based manufacturer of dry milk products, has received grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) certification.
IFT reviews food traceability
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has released a report examining food traceability, with the aim of reducing foodborne illness by making it easier to trace food along the entire...
High energy prices prompt fourfold rise in bioplastics demand
Global demand for bioplastics will rise more than fourfold to 900,000t by 2013 with a value of $2.6bn fuelled by high crude oil and natural gas prices, according to the...
News in brief
TCP Partners acquires confectionery packager Tray-Pak
Pennsylvania-based TPC Partners has acquired a majority shareholding in packaging manufacturer, Tray-Pak Corporation.
FDA postpones raw oyster ban
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has back-tracked on its plans to ban the sale of raw oysters from the Gulf of Mexico during warm months amid mounting industry...
Risk of infant, foetal mortality from Listeria higher than believed
Listeria monocytogenes could present a high risk to unborn babies and infants at significantly lower levels than previously believed, new research has suggested.
13-Nov-2009
Packaging innovation aimed at low scale confectionery makers
A new digital press can provide cost effective customised decoration of metal containers for eco-conscious confectionery makers involved in small volume applications, claims a US speciality packaging firm.
Can volumes stagnant, closures decline but profit on target, says Rexam
Rexam said demand for beverage cans continues to fall in Europe and North America but was confident of meeting market expectations for the full-year as cost reductions and currency...
Male impotence risk from bisphenol A exposure - Study
High-level exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in the workplace could increase the risk of male sexual dysfunction, including erectile and ejaculation problems, new research has said.
Silver-coated poultry crates help cut bacteria contamination
Crates coated with a new silver antimicrobial protection system can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination of Campylobacter among poultry during transportation, said manufacturers BioCote Ltd.
12-Nov-2009
Plastic additive firms face €173m price fixing fine
Dozens of companies that produce plastic additives for food, beverage and cosmetic packaging have been fined more than €173m for their part in price fixing and market sharing cartels over...
Improved monitoring of two zoonotic diseases, EFSA
Two new reports aimed at harmonising the scrutiny and reporting of a pair of bacteria responsible for zoonotic diseases have been published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Oven may cut costs for diverse product bakers
A new continuous oven can cut costs for large scale baked good manufacturers aiming to develop products to satisfy the growing demand for diversity and convenience, claims a leading bakery...
Study reconfirms bisphenol A safety, says industry
Trade bodies on both sides of the Atlantic have welcomed a recent study sponsored by a US Government agency that bisphenol A (BPA) has no adverse effect on the reproductive...
Rexam sells its Petainer business
UK private equity companies Next Wave Ventures and WHEB Ventures have acquired global packaging company Rexam’s Petainer PET container business for £16m.
10-Nov-2009
Meat processors anxious on FSA bid to cut inspection funding
Proposals by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) to cut its funding of meat control inspections could be a “significant blow” to the processing sector, said a leading industry body.
Functional water sales grow strongly across Europe
Sales of functional waters are growing strongly in Europe aided by health concerns, clearer marketing, and advances in formulation, according to a new report from Zenith.
Maple Leaf dismisses hygiene breaches at Listeria plant
The discovery of mould, meat debris and slime in the Maple Leaf plant at the centre of the 2008 Listeria outbreak just weeks after it re-opened did not pose food...
Kraft’s bid is ‘contemptuous’, says analyst
Even if Kraft intends to increase its bid for Cadbury, its latest offer has probably managed to upset both the board and shareholders, says Andrew Wood, senior research analyst at...
09-Nov-2009
Comment
Life in a European health claims wasteland
Ka-CHING! Hear that? No it’s not the sound of overflowing cash registers as consumers throw endless wads of euros at scientifically-backed, healthy foods in greater numbers than ever before.
News in brief
Eagle granted SQF accreditation
Eagle Food Registrations has added SQF (Safe Quality Food) accreditation to the portfolio of food safety certification it is able to offer.
‘Unauthorised' drinks to be reformulated on health fears
The range of “unauthorised” Chaotic Beverages pulled from Canadian shelves recently on health fears will be reformulated to meet the country’s ingredient regulations, said importers of the product.
News in brief
Australia warns of tomatoes and hepatitis A link
Health authorities in Victoria, Australia have renewed their advice warning against eating uncooked semi-dried tomatoes following 23 new reported cases of hepatitis A.
Challenges and opportunities for bio-based plastics
Bio-based plastics have the potential to substitute almost all oil-based plastics but will not do so in the near future because of higher production costs and restricted output capacity,...
Netherlands seeks Indian food processing partners
Joint ventures in food processing and food retailing are planned by the Netherlands in India’s eastern and north-eastern states - providing it can find partners able to comply with international...
Food processor cited after worker killed in ice machine
US fish processing company Northern Wind Inc has been cited for flouting nearly two dozen safety regulations after one of its workers was killed in an ice machine at its...
06-Nov-2009
Canada tightens front-of-pack nutrition labeling rules
Canada is updating its front-of-pack nutrition labeling scheme, disqualifying whole food categories, changing the rules for fiber, salt and fat, and introducing criteria for trans fat and sugar.
Danisco says UHT fouling fixed with new enzyme
A new ingredient has been developed to resolve UHT milk processing fouling naturally and thereby lead to increased production capacity for processors, claims the manufacturer.
FDA calls meeting to improve food traceability systems
Federal agencies in the United States need to increase the speed and accuracy of traceability systems to combat outbreaks of food-borne illnesses, said the FDA as it called a public...
Pesticide-tainted pears spark EU emergency measures
The European Commission has imposed emergency measures on pear imports from Turkey after some shipments were found to contain pesticide residues over 1,400 times above acceptable levels.
Canadians warned off Chaotic Beverages over possible health risks
Health Canada has told consumers not to drink four “unauthorised” drinks made by Chaotic Beverages on fears they contain ingredients that could pose a health hazard to children.
05-Nov-2009
Cadbury cites eco concerns for tin swap
Confectionery giant Cadbury is playing up its sustainability initiatives in its seasonal packaging to appeal to consumer demand for a 'green' Christmas.
Call for ‘pink revolution’ in India’s meat and poultry sectors
Modernisation of India’s food industry to enhance the quality of the country’s meat and poultry products is urgently needed, according to the Minister of Food Processing Industries, Subodh Kant Sahai....
Marel sees slow recovery across processing sectors
The market for food processing machinery is improving but more slowly than expected with most growth seen in the poultry and fish sectors, said Marel Food Systems.
Lawsuits filed over E.coli-contaminated beef
Two lawsuits have been filed in the US after a multi-state outbreak of E.coli 0157:H7 that has so far been linked to two deaths and 28 illnesses.
News in brief
Mocon to open 'strategic' Indian lab
Mocon has said it will be opening a new testing laboratory in India at the beginning of next year as part of a strategy to expand into global packaging hotspots.
04-Nov-2009
Milk and meat drive N Ireland food processing growth
Increasing sales of milk, meats and baked goods fuelled a six per cent growth in Northern Ireland’s food and drinks processing industry last year as sales reached almost £3bn, said...
Industry backs bisphenol A safety in can linings
The use of bisphenol A (BPA) in can linings is both safe and vital for food protection, a host of industry bodies and companies have said in rejecting the conclusions...
Global food safety group meets with Chinese envoys
Chinese food safety delegates met with international food safety experts in Minnesota this week to conclude a two-week program discussing individual nations’ role in the development of global standards.
Supply chain waste map for meat and fish
A resource map outlining where and how much meat and fish – as well as it associated packaging – is wasted in the supply chain is to be developed...
03-Nov-2009
Boston Globe slams DSHEA and 'powerless' FDA
The Boston Globe has called for a repeal of DSHEA, stating that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is “virtually powerless” in regulating the industry.
US targets Bangladesh over aquaculture safety fears
US food officials have sent a team to Bangladesh in a bid to boost the safety and quality of its aquaculture - much of which is exported to the west.
New valve delivers quicker filling and dispensing
Improved performance during filling and dispensing is the main benefit claimed for the new DN50 Integral valve from the UK-based, bag-in-box specialist, Rapak.
Significant bisphenol A levels in canned food - Study
Significant levels of bisphenol A (BPA) have been found in a wide variety of canned food that, for some, could approach levels shown to cause harm in animal studies, according...
Three speedy GM maize approvals ease soy imports
The European Commission last week approved three varieties of genetically modified maize for import and processing for food and feed uses, as soy imports into the EU were held up...
02-Nov-2009
Comment
Clinical trials are EFSA’s fool’s gold
There’s gold to be found in them health claims mountains, but prospectors from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) must be happy with the little chunks that add up to...
Call for more education on Canadian nutrition labeling
Most Canadians use on-pack nutrition labeling as their primary source of nutritional information but many need to interpret it better, according to a study from the Canadian Council of Food...
New method to inhibit E. coli in sprouts
A treatment method using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) can help ensure the safety of fresh produce such as alfalfa seeds in terms of Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli contamination, claims...
News in brief
Big gaps in US food-borne illness response
Delays in the public health response to food-borne illness in the US occur because some state health departments cannot efficiently track produce-related illnesses, according to a survey commissioned by the...
US spells out wish list for investing in Indian food processing
Greater US investment in the Indian food processing and agricultural sectors depends upon the government harmonizing food safety laws and introducing farm reforms and stronger intellectual property protection, according to...
Speed record smashed by “world’s fastest robot”
Claimed to be globe’s fastest robot, the Adept Quattro recently broke the industry’s standard speed benchmark of 300 cycles per minute.
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