Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Software upgrade enhances plant safety, says developer

An upgraded version of a health and safety management software application allows food and drink processors to track incidents and hazards and also aids inspections and corrective action, says TRA.

Down gauging to drive innovation in 2009, says AMI

Trends including material reduction, production line efficiency, and enhanced recyclability will continue to inform plastic packaging for food and drink developments in 2009 more so than a switch to biodegradable polymers, according to a UK research group.

2008 round up: most popular food safety stories

FoodProductionDaily’s review of the articles that sparked most interest in you the readers continues today with the most viewed pieces in the food safety area.

News in brief

Viscosity probe is functional and low maintenance, says Hydramotion

New on-line viscosity measuring equipment is more flexible to position than similar tools on the market, and also eliminates maintenance costs, said the UK based manufacturer.

Video season's greetings from Decision News Media

The Decision News Media team would like to bring you its seasonal greetings in person and show you around the offices.

2008 round up: This year’s most read articles about packaging

As 2008 draws to a close, FoodProductionDaily.com has been reviewing which articles generated the most interest amongst you, the readers. Interest in active packaging and biodegradability components has been huge, informed by food safety and environmental concerns.

Food companies warned about fake payment demand

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned the food sector to be on alert regarding a bogus letter which falsely identifies the sender as an agency official demanding payment for alleged breaches of food safety regulations.

External team to review EFSA opinions

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said it is to further strengthen the quality of its scientific work by means of an independent review of its opinions and outputs.

Chinese food safety concerns intensify

Chinese consumers are even more concerned about food safety than their UK or US counterparts, according to a new report from The IBM Institute for Business Value.

Peelable can end follows lightweighting trend, says Impress

The design of a new easy to open food can is informed by the trend for lightweighting and more sustainable packaging materials, claims a metal packaging supplier.

Beef analysis results show high dioxin levels

Four beef samples from Irish farms using contaminated feed have higher levels of dioxins than those found in the pork which led to the recent Irish pork product recall, said Ireland’s food safety agency.

Meat processor pays out in listeriosis lawsuit

Canada’s largest food processor, Maple Leaf Foods, has settled consumer lawsuits filed in the wake of an outbreak of listeriosis in August to the tune of CAN$27m (US$22.5m).

Analyser aims for automation ease in dairy development

Ensuring cost effective processing of dairy ingredients is the aim of new developments in automating and analysing production line control, says the equipment’s manufacturer.

News in brief

EU ban remains on US chicken - report

European Union agriculture ministers have rejected attempts to lift a ban on US poultry which is washed in chlorine, according to media reports.

Guide aims to help RTE foodmakers reduce listeria risk

New guidelines can assist ready-to-eat (RTE) food producers in identifying the Listeria monocytogenes risk in their products as well as informing decisions on when and which shelf-life studies are needed.

Study raises fruit juice pesticide-concerns

Manufacturers of juice and other fruit-based beverages may need to rethink how they make their products amidst fears over the level of pesticides that may reside on their ingredients, suggests a new study.

Use of TiN nanoparticles in PET bottles not toxic, says EFSA

The specific use of titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles in a material used to make polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic drinks bottles did not give rise to toxicological concern, claims a scientific panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Food safety driving 2009 research, says LFI

Projects evaluating the spoilage patterns of foods, the use of natural antimicrobials, and the effect of processing treatments on allergen detection methods constitute a significant part of new research at LFI, says the group

News in brief

Smithfield and Spanish meat processor merge

US pork processor Smithfield Foods has announced the merger of its European subsidiary with the largest processed meats company in Spain.

Laminating inks ensure high quality printing, says developer

Laminating inks for the flexible packaging market improve process performance and maintain consistent quality, says INX International Ink.

New computer program aids food safety certification

Complying with Global Food Safety Initiative standards will become much easier for food suppliers with the launch of a new computer program, claims its manufacturer Integrated Management Information.

US report urges better foodborne disease monitoring

A new US report concludes that major gaps remain in many critical areas of preparedness for health emergencies, including foodborne disease reporting.

Move to end working hours opt-out mistake, says FDF

The UK food and drink sector claims the vote today by the European Parliament in favour of ending the opt-out clause in the EU Working Time Directive (WTD) will not serve industry well during the current economic slump.

Sudpack aims to meet trend for thinner films

Thinner flexible thermoforming films with no loss in functionality is the expected outcome from Sudpack’s investment in a new extrusion line at its plant in Ochsenhausen in Germany, says the food and beverage packaging supplier.

News in brief

China compiles list of chemicals banned from food

China has issued a list of 17 substances not to be used in foodstuffs as part of its post-melamine scandal effort to clean up the food supply chain.

FDA to undertake further research on BPA

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said yesterday it has no plans to review its stance on bisphenol A (BPA), but will continue to research the chemical found in food packaging.

New publication outlines techniques to optimise meat quality

A newly released publication, targeted at the meat production sector, evaluates the latest production and processing strategies to help ensure better meat quality.

Nitrogen blasting designed for beer shelf life boost

A supplier of liquid nitrogen fobbing devices to improve the shelf life of carbonated beverages claims recent developments to its technology can ensure more cost and hygiene-efficient capping.

Meat and poultry product checks for melamine

US officials are to begin sample checks on processed meat and poultry products that are already on shop shelves for traces of melamine contamination.

New coating can prevent bread spoilage, says Repsol

An antimicrobial wax paraffin coating for paper or cardboard packaging has been given a commercial release, says Spanish developer Repsol YPF.

Clarity needed for eco labelling consumer buy in

Alan Campbell from Campden BRI told FoodProductionDaily.com about the new UK carbon footprinting specification, the PAS 2050, which the UK-based research group has been evaluating.

Weekly comment

Why is food science the ‘baddie' for consumers?

It sometimes seems as if life is a pantomime, and food science is the baddie, complete with boos and hisses from the audience.

Euro ‘cow tax’ talk is all hot air – says EDA

Ongoing talks in the US over a potential tax on methane emissions from dairy cows and other livestock farming is unlikely to be rolled-out globally and would not be welcomed within European dairy, according to one industry expert.

SIG Combibloc eyes added-value pack potential

A supplier of carton packaging for global dairy manufacturers is targeting increasing interests in added-value products as part of a new cooperation agreement in Russia.

New dome seals claimed to cut costs

New dome seal valves for use in food processing can significantly cut costs compared with existing models, according to manufacturers James Walker Keaflex.

News in brief

GMA appoints new president and CEO

Pamela Bailey, president and CEO of the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), has been named the Grocery Manufacturers Association’s (GMA) new president and CEO.

New packer handles RSC and wraparound blanks

A combined side-loading system for case packing, labelling and palletizing of food products and cosmetics in cartons has a small footprint and enables greater efficiency in terms of multipack handling, says Cermex.

HACCP software enables complete cycle control, says NWA

A new software programme manages the complete Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) operational cycle to provide a powerful food safety and quality control system, claims its US developer.

Packaging and processing trends for 2009

The growing popularity of ventable plastic bags for steaming food and more concentrated cleaning fluids are two trends to emerge from Datamonitor’s latest survey of product launches in the consumer packaged good sector.

News in brief

Rexam aims to tackle overcapacity in US market

Rexam said that it is to make further reductions in its 12oz beverage can making operations in the US to address overcapacity in that market.

Growth for Chinese food and drink sectors post scandal

China’s food and beverage industries are poised for big growth in domestic and overseas markets, according to a new report from Research and Markets.

Biodegradable baking trays span production process

Biosphere Industries and Sealed Air have developed a completely biodegradable range of trays and pans specifically for bakery use, designed to be used throughout product manufacture from freezer to oven to table.

Firms need to act now on refrigerant fluid, says Arkema

Very few installations have been retrofitted with HFC or topped up with recycled R22, a HCFC refrigerant fluid, with the deadline of 2009 phase-out fast approaching, claims a HFC/CHIC refrigerant manufacturer.

End of life: a new dawn for pack-ad focus

Packagers and manufacturers may find opportunity in looking beyond promoting renewability in bio plastics and looking at how the end of life may be sellable to consumers, according to one leading supplier of alternative plastic materials.

Looking to the future for biomaterial supply

Stefano Cavallo looks to the future for biomaterial supply.

FDA revokes ban on antimicrobial

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it has revoked the order prohibiting the extralabel use of cephalosporin antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals.

Fund enables pork producers to get back to work

A contingency fund of €180m to cover losses by processors and farmers arising out of Irish pork dioxin crisis will enable companies to recommence slaughtering and processing.

Device could provide temperature detection at low cost

A new thermal imaging camera enables cost effective measuring of the critical control temperature of food products such as liquids, baked goods and confectionery, claims the developer.

Special comment

Irish pork: Bringing home the bacon on food safety

The Irish pork crisis has consumers staring at the prospect of an empty table at Christmas, and industry doing sums on how much the so-called ‘biggest meat crisis since BSE’ is going to cost. It’s no wonder new questions are being asked of food safety procedures.

Search tool serves R&D packaging development, says Elsevier

An efficiency tool aimed at helping the food production industry with packaging research can increase revenues by reducing product time-to-market, says Elsevier.

WHO sets new tolerable daily intake for melamine

International experts have established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for melamine, the chemical found recently in contaminated milk products.

News in brief

Irish pork safe to eat, says EFSA

The levels of dioxins found in some Irish pork would not necessarily lead to adverse health effects following consumption, claims the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

FDA aims to improve safety of food imports

Improving the safety of imported food is one of the aims behind a new initiative from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Chinese target small producers' food safety standards

A four-month campaign to restore the tarnished image of Chinese food products and ingredients in the wake of the melamine scandal will begin this week, according to the government in Beijing.

News in brief

Walkers crisps contaminated with rubber - again

Walkers Snack Foods has recalled batches of its crisps for the second time this year due to possible contamination with rubber pieces.

New recycled PET thermoform range is low cost, says PPI

Thermoformed packaging targeted at the chilled foods sector is produced using 100 per cent post consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) bottles, claims PPI.

News in brief

Cutting out over-packaging key to future viability, claims Envirowise

Businesses can find out how to tackle the issue of over-packaging and save on costs from an online ‘webinar’ in February 2009, says Envirowise.

Meat processors should review insurance terms, says law firm

Meat processors and suppliers should check the terms of supply arrangements and review their insurance policies in light of the Irish pig meat recall, claims a product liability expert from international law firm Eversheds.

Naturex earns organic certification

Herbal extracts supplier, Naturex, has had its French plant certified organic as it seeks to build its global organics presence to meet rising demand.

Air cycle system targets frozen food sector

A combined air cycle system for food heating and cooling has been developed to meet the rapid and continuing expansion of the chilled and frozen food industry, claims a UK research team.

New bio paperboard coating caters to demand, says Iggesund

A newly developed coating for Invercote paperboard is biodegradable and meets the European standard for compostability, claims paperboard manufacturer Iggesund.

New Glass Recycling Targets

Members of the North American Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) have pledged to use at least 50 per cent recycled glass in the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars by 2013.

Can steel meet the sustainability challenge?

Philippe Wolper, managing director, APEAL, outlines the green properties of steel for food and drink packaging.

Weekly comment

Coping with health claim hurt

One of the most fiercely debated and amended pieces of European Union food law history is playing out before our eyes, and its effects are beginning to be felt.

Transformer oils linked to tainted pork meat, says FSAI

The profile of dioxins found in the tainted Irish pork meat is similar to those found in electronic transformer oils, claims the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

A new belt can help recycle product waste, claims Habasit Rossi

The belt manufacturer said its new Habasit LINK M0870 Micropitch Flat Top 0.3” pitch system is most applicable to the conveying of delicate small footprint food products such as baked goods or confectionery between conveyor systems as the extremely tight transfer, enhanced tracking and product stability of the belt reduces gaps in nose bar transfers.

New extrusion unit for Ampac Flexibles

Increased output and greater packaging flexibility will result from the installation of a new Windmoeller & Hoelscher extrusion system at Ampac Flexibles’ Auburn, Washington site, claims the company.

News in brief

Bioplastics award for Amcor

Multi-national packaging company Amcor Flexibles has won the 2008 Bioplastics Award in the category Best Bioplastics Application – Packaging for its NaturePlus compostable film used to pack Sainsbury's SO Organic Wild Rocket salad.

Cranberry can inhibit E. coli growth in ground beef, says US study

The addition of cranberry concentrate to ground beef may serve as an supplementary hurdle to control potential E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks associated with ground beef, claims a new US study.

Monoblock system cuts operating costs, claims KHS

Beverage processors can optimise total operating costs by using a combined stretch blow moulding machine, filler and capper in a monoblock, claims KHS.

Savings could accrue from electron beam decontamination

Electron beam emitters are being used by researchers to find ways of replacing thermal and chemical processes for cleaner, more efficient, lower-cost manufacturing and greener packaging.

Abattoir efficiency report welcomed

The UK meat industry and taxpayers will both benefit when ways of improving efficiency in abattoirs suggested by a new report are implemented, according to the British Meat Processors Association.

News in brief

New Campbell bottle for US vending machines

Campbell Soup Company has launched a new 12-ounce bottle to allow the firm to sell its V8 juices in 15,000 vending machines across the US.

Future for green pack design may lie in the past

With a seemingly endless number of halls pushing greener solutions at this year’s Emballage trade show, one possible future for packaging could be in looking to the past and getting back to design basics.

Integrated drying system can boost plant efficiency, claims Kason

A new drying system integrates a centrifugal screener, a spheroidizer, a circular fluid bed dryer and a circular vibratory screener to provide a cost effective way of converting non-flowing moist solids into uniform, compact, dry, de-dusted, free-flowing granules, claims its US manufacturer.

Harmonization urged to improve food supply chain

A US conference looked at ways to improve food safety through harmonization of global third party food safety audit criteria.

New features reduce waste for high-speed biscuit sandwiching

Baker Perkins has added new features to the largest of its biscuit sandwiching machines, designed to reduce downtime and wastage.

Identification tags designed to be detectable

Metal detectable plastic tags for containers and pallets in food processing plants are integrated with an additive to ensure they are detectable in case they inadvertently become mixed up with the product, says the developer.

Packagers should go green to keep profits in the black

Food packaging companies must implement sustainable environmental strategies or risk income falls of more than 30 per cent by 2013 and nearly 50 per cent by 2018, warns a new study from the environmental think-tank World Resources Institute and management consulting firm AT Kearney.

Study shows antimicrobial effective against listeria in soft cheese

Enterococcus faecium WHE 81, a multi-bacteriocin producer, is effective as an antimicrobial against Listeria monocytogenes in Munster cheese, a red smear soft cheese, according to a French study.

Acquistion extends global reach, says Intertek

Global food quality and safety analysts, Intertek, has acquired a Poland-based food testing laboratory, EKO-LAB, claiming increased demand for expert food testing in Eastern Europe.

FDA plan does not go far enough, says consumer group

The not-for-profit US consumer advocacy group, Consumers Union (CU), claims that while the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new report on its current food safety activities shows some progress, it is not enough to adequately protect the American food supply.

News in brief

Event to showcase robotic technology

A seminar on robotics will show processors how automation can improve productivity, increase product yield and bring greater flexibility to the production line, claims ABB UK.

EU policy change could double crop prices, study

New pest management legislation in Europe could result in crop production shifting to other countries and prices for commodities shooting up, a study has warned.

Rapid technique to detect C. botulinum in trial phase, says LFI

A technique to detect Clostridium botulinum in food products can deliver results in three hours as opposed to the four day delay associated with traditional methods, claims Leatherhead Food International (LFI).

China steps up melamine containment efforts

The Chinese government and two leading food manufacturers are implementing mass spectrometry-based technologies for food analysis as part of efforts to identify and contain the spread of melamine in the food supply following the milk contamination scandal earlier this year, claims Applied Biosystems.

Weekly comment

Why farm support puts food on plates

“Four legs good, two legs bad.” When the pigs take over the land in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, they have no hesitation; any creature with four legs is beyond reproach and any human is bad, mad and dangerous to know.

Gauge reduces downtime and boosts product yield, claims NDC

A new food gauge can reduce downtime and improve process control through continuous online measurement, claims the manufacturer.

New weighing and mixing equipment test centre opens in UK

Try before you buy is the aim of a new product testing laboratory opened in the UK by Armfield, manufacturers of miniature research and development equipment for the food and beverage processing industry.

News in brief

Packaged food outlook cloudy

Duller prospects for the packaged food industry were predicted recently by a Barclays capital analyst.

Salt reduction could impact on food safety, says UK group

A draft report from a UK food safety committee has recommended that manufacturers consider the impact on microbiological safety when making formulation changes to the key controlling factors such as salt in specific products.

Exclusive interview

New BOPP film will biodegrade after disposal, says Super Film

David Haskins, marketing manager at Super Film Europe, talks to FoodProductionDaily.com about the company's latest packaging developments, which, he claims, are aimed at helping food processors enhance their green profile.