Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Consumer can help themselves in food safety fight

A Chinese food quality inspector has warned consumers in China they need to take more personal responsibility when it comes to protecting themselves from harmful foods by paying attention to labels.

FSA shapes healthy consumers of the future

The UK Food Standards Agency has published a framework of core skills and knowledge to teach children and young people to make healthy food choices.

Innovate to stay competitive, Frost tells Chinese enzyme-makers

Chinese enzyme manufacturers need to innovate in order to stay ahead in the competitive but high potential market place, according to a new report from Frost and Sullivan.

Baxters launches new convenient packaging for soup

UK soup company Baxters is set to roll out new microwaveable pots for its soup brands across the country, hoping to ride the trend for snack foods that are both convenient and healthy.

New Canadian BSE case reignites US import battle

A new case of BSE detected in Canada has sparked renewed calls in the US for tighter import regulations on Canadian beef.

Active packaging devised for clean label alternative

A recent development in active packaging can ensure that meats and bakery products retain colour and flavour without the need for additional additive use or foreign objects in with the product, according to its manufacturer.

Group calls for tighter salt regulations on bread

A UK campaign group has called for stricter regulations on the formulation and labelling of supermarket bakery bread, after consumer group Which? found that some fresh loaves contain twice as much salt as others.

Farm to fork approach vital against persisting food poisoning

The European Food Standards Authority (EFSA) emphasised the importance of the farm to fork approach in combating the continuing high prevalence of infectious diseases transmissible from animals to humans.

Consumers against nanotech in food, says BfR

The majority of consumers do not think that nanotechnology should be used in food applications, according to a survey from German risk assessor BfR, and they are more likely to trust information from consumer groups than politicians and businesses.

Canada plans tough food safety laws

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has outlined radical plans to improve the safety of imported and exported foods - after admitting the country had fallen behind when it came to regulation.

Heinz uses Sealed Air vertical packaging in Russia

Vertical packaging technology from Sealed Air has helped Heinz's Russian operation meet increasing demand for packaged goods, the firm has said.

Whey encapsulation highlights 2007

Whey protein is increasingly hitting the mainstream. This year saw numerous studies published exploring the potential of the ingredient to encapsulate value-added ingredients. Here, FoodNavigator reviews the progress from 2007.

EFSA names botanicals to be assessed

A draft document on how to assess the safety of botanicals for use in food and food supplements has been released by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Aluminium recycling levels defended by industry

The Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) hit back against criticisms on recycling issues by UK environment secretary Hilary Benn, saying that while it agreed improvements must be made, some remarks were incorrect.

Youngs focuses on carbon footprint reduction

UK seafood producer Young's has begun a programme of initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of its business, and is emphasising that it is acutely aware of environmental concerns besides sustainable sourcing of fish.

Kosher tops list of 2007 product launches, Mintel

'Kosher' was the most frequently used claim on new products launched in the US during 2007, while 'All Natural' and 'No Additives or Preservatives' were amongst the other most popular claims used on new products, reveals data from Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD).

Think big, think nano

In an exclusive interview, Professor Niels Christian Nielsen, winner of this year's Danisco Award, shared his thoughts with Stephen Daniells on the rise of nanotechnology and gave insight on this fascinating new area of the food industry.

CO2 levels may affect fish supplies

The impact of climate change on food supply could be felt even in the depths of the ocean, warns a UK academic who is assessing the impact of rising carbon dioxide on the marine environment.

Market will recover from bird flu, report says

The poultry sector is expecting to recover from market disruption from bird flu and grow by more than three percent over the next seven years, a report has said.

Sara Lee faces lawsuit on whole grain claims

Leading US bakery manufacturer Sara Lee could face a lawsuit over the "misleading" marketing of its 'whole grain' white bread products.

European parliament passes spirits regulations

European Commission amendments designed to shake up and protect spirit production within the bloc were yesterday adopted by the European parliament, outlining new requirements for manufacturers in the bloc.

Illegal labourer conditions uncovered at food packing firm

The UK Gangmaster Licensing Authority (GLA) last week uncovered inadequate safety standards and worker exploitation by three gangmasters operating in Worcestershire, highlighting the importance of food processors to remain vigilant and aware of their employees situations.

Poultry supply fears after Polish outbreak

More than 100,000 birds have been culled in Poland after an outbreak of bird flu was detected on a hen farm.

EFSA budget swells amid increasing industry innovation

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) agreed at last week's management board meeting that next year's budget, set by the European Union, is sufficient to align to the growing legislative demands without losing focus elsewhere.

Weekly comment

Time for antioxidants v2.0

'Antioxidants' crop up every where, from beverage cans to cereal packets. But industry must wake up to over use of the antioxidant tag before the term loses meaning for consumers.

Frozen foods industry to focus on risk, sustainability

Significant lessons have been learned from recent food scares like foot and mouth this year, but more works needs to be done on communication, says the British Frozen Foods Federation (BFFF).

Frozen culture cuts costs in soft cheese production

Danisco's new range adapts frozen cultures for the production of soft cheeses in a bid to increase efficiency in regards to cost and production while achieving creaminess and high calcium content.

Cloned food postponed

Food from cloned animals looks likely to take longer than expected to enter the American food supply, following the passage of a provision in the Senate's Farm Bill that requires more testing.

FSA supports voluntary action in limiting trans fats

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) will recommend to health ministers a continuation of a voluntary approach in reducing trans fatty acids in food, following its board meeting yesterday.

Germany proposes GM approval overhaul

The German agriculture minister has suggested that the EU make decisions to approve genetically-modified plants in Europe purely on the basis of science and do away with political voting on the matter.

Defra failed to contain foot and mouth, say scientists

UK environment department Defra has defended itself against claims that it failed to contain the first foot-and-mouth outbreak this summer, saying the industry needs to exercise vigilance to help in disease control.

'New Indulgence': opportunities in food

A new report examines novel approaches to indulgent foods and beverages, revealing how the category has adapted to appeal to a wider range of consumers.

Health checks to improve CAP reforms

The European Commission has this week said the EU health check on the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) reforms is about improving the system not a fundamental rethink on the policy.

Apple pesticide residues cause concern in UK

The latest report from the UK's Pesticide Residues Committee (PRC) has raised fresh concerns about residues being found in apples sold at retail, and in fruit supplied to schools under the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.

African swine fever found in Russia

An outbreak of two deadly diseases - including African swine fever - has been confirmed by the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (VPSS).

New enzymes improve old wheat, says Cognis

The developer of two new enzymes claims the products can ensure a better baking performance from flour to compensate for poor wheat quality.

EFSA group formed to evaluate Southampton study

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has put together a working group to provide the European Commission and EU member states with scientific advice on the effects of food additives on behaviour by the end of February.

Benson Group expands with third acquisition

UK independent packaging firm Benson Group said its acquisition of printed cartons producer Integrated Packaging is set to aid expansion, with future investments envisaged.

USDA predicts more commodity price rises

US wheat stocks will fall to their lowest level in 60 years, which will contribute to a sharp rise in prices, according to US Department of Agriculture projections.

EU mulls milk quota hike to please cheese needs

The European Commission has proposed a two per cent rise in milk quotas from April next year in a bid to drive down the price of the commodity.

Manufacturer caps convenience with carton opening

A new one-step-opening cap for both dairy and beverage cartons can offer greater convenience benefits for processors and consumers alike, according to the manufacturer.

Washing turkey increases risk, warns FSA

Food safety is a priority for processors and suppliers, but the majority of UK consumers are unaware of ways in which they can reduce the risk of food poisoning from their Christmas dinner, according to the Food Standards Agency.

News brief: Packaging acquisitions and developments

The European packaging industry has seen a string of acquisitions, sales and developments of late - the latest coming from Suez, M-real, and the United Company Rusal.

FSANZ invites comments on new ingredient proposals

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand is mulling a new slate of changes to its food code, including several proposals for several new ingredients and processing aids to be allowed in the countries.

New software audits food quality and safety

A new software solution claims to control the safety and quality of food in storage, allowing for auditable records and updates of the products' condition.

New machine claims to eliminate bottle line jams

A new bottle packaging machine claims to allow for efficient and consistent packaging lines that remain jam-free, according to its manufacturer Standard-Knapp.

The carbon cost of Christmas

As Christmas draws closer, spare a thought for… the environment. Researchers from the UK have calculated that the carbon footprint of all the Christmas dinners eaten in the UK this year will be the same as driving around the world 6000 times!

Bodine targets space needs with expanded Pacesetter range

Bodine Electric Company's claims its new additions to the Pacesetter selection of inverter duty gearmotors aid food and beverage processing where space is limited, or high torque required.

Danisco expansion boosts xylose production

Danisco has opened the doors to its expanded xylose factory in Austria, which will increase production by 50 per cent while increasing sustainability.

Weekly Comment

Infant nutrition: Too close for comfort?

Industry has to walk a tightrope between lending a benevolent hand to support infant nutrition for the good of public health, and cynical marketing that seems to cash in on sensitivities.

Ishida salad weigher ups accuracy and profits

A trial conducted by German salad producer Gartenfrisch pitted a new mode Ishida R-series weigher and a 10-year-old model by the same manufacturer, and found a considerable increase in accuracy and speed.

FoodProductionDaily.com seeks senior reporter

We are looking for a senior reporter to join our Food, Beverage, Nutrition and Cosmetics News Group based in Montpellier, Southern France.

Alcoa to increase can recycling capacity

Leading aluminium manufacturer Alcoa has made a major investment in recycling, which the company claims will increase its scrap processing capacity by almost 50 percent.

Made in Transit: The end of the factory?

'Made in Transit' is a supply chain concept in which the production of fresh perishable food happens on the way to the supermarket, shifting the paradigm of packaging from preserving freshness to enabling growth, a shift from 'best before' to 'ready by'.

RFID test on reusable containers launched

One of the world's largest field tests to combine radio frequency identification technology (RFID) with returnable packaging has been launched by an industry group.

Support service designed to handle recall queries

A UK company has launched a service to help companies handle customer queries when products are being withdrawn from the market.

UK dairy groups admit price fixing role

A number of UK-based retailers and dairy processors have admitted involvement in alleged dairy price fixing for powdered milk, butter and cheese, resulting in combined fines of about £116m (€161m).

Heating bloc reduces testing costs claims manufacturer

A special heating bloc can reduce the handling time and costs of testing foods for pathogens, claims its France-based manufacturer.

Spiral oven reduces operating costs, claims manufacturer

A new spiral oven can reduce the operating costs of producing cooked bacon, claims its manufacturer.

Bisphenol A in infant formula at 'dangerous' levels, says group

Bisphenol A (BPA), known as the 'gender bender' chemical, leaches into liquid baby formula from the linings of cans at levels dangerous to infant health, according to new research published yesterday by a US environmental group

Secure cake packaging launched

A new packaging box for muffins and cupcakes features a unique insert tray to hold the cakes in a secure position, and help reduce the risk of damage during transportation, the manufacturer claims.

New flow machine designed for zipper packaging

A new flow machine is designed for re-closure zipper packages used for products such as cheese, cold meats, breads and wraps.

Revised Carlsberg offer may sway S&N shareholders - survey

Up to 20 per cent of Scottish & Newcastle's (S&N) shareholders may be ready to support Carlberg and Heinekin's bid to buy the UK-based brewer, according to an independent survey.

New meat safety techniques compiled by regulator

About 35 new techniques for reducing pathogen contamination in meat and poultry were added yesterday to a list of such methods being compiled by the US Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

New techniques added to acrylamide reduction handbook

The food and drink industry has added more techniques to its handbook advising processors on how to reduce acrylamide formation, a bid to help smaller companies voluntarily reduce the potential carcinogen in their products.

Drink banned for using alcohol reduction technique

An attempt to introduce a new technique for producing a low-alcohol sparkling wine has backfired for one UK processor, which received a decision yesterday confirming the ban of the product as it is now marketed.

Codex will look again at health claims science

Codex has agreed its draft rules on health claims needs further work following concerns over what evidence should be required for scientific substantiation.

Long term fears over New Zealand dairy costs

New Zealand farmers continue to step up milk production following a bumper year for their exports, though the country's long-term status as a low cost dairy producer could be under threat, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Bacteria in fermented foods can give flavour helping hand

The interactions between flavour compounds and bacteria in fermented foods could enable formulators to maximise the taste of their products, suggests new research.

Software offers visual pipe maintenance testing

Software designed to analyse piping for the beverage, food and pharmaceutical industries has been upgraded to make it easier for processors to visually test flows through their systems.

Environmental adjustments changing logistics strategies

Environmental supply chain logistics, once seen as a "necessary" evil is becoming de rigueur for industry, according to a survey by Eye on Transport.

Biodegradable PHB with nanoparticles resolves brittle problem

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) modified with clay nanoparticles could be the next wave in the biodegradable plastics market.

Sidel modifies efficiency software for optimal packaging

Sidel has modified its efficiency software to help processors analyse and adjust their packaging operations to achieve optimal output.

Packaging comes with sustainable forest certification

Tetra Pak has released its first package with a label of certification attesting that the materials were sourced from forests managed in a sustainable manner.

Pork trimmer automates manual task

A pork trimmer automates a task usually done manually by skilled workers.

Expert Comment

Claiming your share of R&D tax incentives

KPMG'sDavid O'Keeffe, Dharmini Dharmabalan, and Naro Roxane Markarian describe how companies can access some of the R&D tax incentives they may be missing out on.

Industry calls for new UN climate change agreement

Major food and drink companies such as Nestle are part of an industry group calling on the world's leaders to forge a binding UN agreement to tackle climate change.

Weekly comment

Industry's role against HIV/AIDS

Following World AIDS Day, the food industry should reflect on its own potential to advance the fight against a disease that continues to sweep a devastating toll.