2009 Overview – safety and sustainability

As the old year draws to a close, we review the significant waypoints of 2009 and look ahead to what is likely to dominate next year’s news. Join us...

News in brief

Infant nut risk prompts call for packaging warnings

The danger of suffocation for infants from swallowing nuts is far higher than that from toys, said the German risk body as it called for warnings to be printed on...

Nestlé closes Zimbabwe operations after government pressure

Intimidation by the Zimbabwean government has forced food giant Nestle to suspend its operations in the country.

New salmonella hazard uncovered for egg processors

Wooden shelving on carts typically used for transporting eggs into processing plants can harbour salmonella-causing bacteria, a new study from the US Department of Agriculture has warned.

News in brief

Rio Tinto accepts Amcor offer for Alcan

Rio Tinto today formally accepted the offer by Amcor to buy Alcan Packaging for US$2.025bn.

Irish salmonella strain similar to UK outbreak

Irish food officials have said a spate of salmonella illnesses resulting in one death and ten illnesses is similar to the UK outbreak linked to importation of tainted eggs from...

2009 Round Up – most popular stories

Food safety, sustainability and innovation were the overwhelming themes of the most popular articles with you, the readers of FoodProductionDaily.com in 2009.

News in brief

EU clears Marfrig takeover of Seara

Chicken processors in the UK and Netherlands will not face unfair competition by Marfrig’s takeover Seara, said the European Commission as it cleared the deal.

Electronic nose sniffs out food aroma quality

Reliable electronic noses capable of consistently detecting different food aromas moved a step closer recently with the invention of a new statistical methodology by Spanish researchers.

Sustainability to nurture green-shoots for cartonboard sector

The market for cartonboard and folded boxes is set to improve next year after a “difficult” two years as companies look to expand sustainable packaging options, forecasts a leading...

Higher concentrations of phthalates associated with breast cancer, study

Higher concentrations of certain phthalates are associated with increased breast cancer rates, according to a recent study by researchers in Mexico.

Comment

Time to speed sustainable palm oil supply

Global food giants have vowed to source all their palm oil sustainably by 2015 – but consumer pressure could grease the wheels for more rapid change.

Food safety trend drives record Neogen results

Continuing growth in Neogen’s food safety business spearheaded the company’s second quarter performance as it posted an 18 per cent increase in net income to $4.6m

Plastic pallet company defiant in face of DecaBDE phase-out pact

A company that makes plastic pallets containing toxic chemical DecaBDE said it will not withdraw them despite a pledge from several companies to phase out use of the substance over...

Food processing trends and factors for success in North America

A study of North American food and beverage processors found Canadian players have closed the margin gap compared to their US rivals and there has been significant consolidation within...

Packaging at forefront of Cadbury strategy

Streamlining of its packaging purchasing is one of the ways that confectionery giant Cadbury hopes to tighten margins in its strategy to stave off a take over from Kraft.

Superchilling and MAP give fish shelf life a boost, study

A combination of super-chilling and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) can extend the shelf life of Atlantic salmon fillets by a further 11 days, according to a study from Chilean scientists.

Tetra Pak CPS installs dairy for new processing course

Tetra Pak CPS has supplied a multi-million pound teaching dairy to Reaseheath College in the UK, to support a new project to provide higher level qualifications for those in the...

News in brief

Canadian sausages recalled on Listeria fears

Superior Sausage and Meat Products Ltd has recalled two sausage products suspected of being contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Research project to yield cheaper bioplastic

Petrochemical company Braskem and enzyme producer Novozymes are to launch a research project to develop large-scale production of greener, cheaper polypropylene (PP) from sugarcane.

Nanotech’s potential to boost barrier performance of plastics

Nanotechnology offers significant potential progress in enhancing the barrier properties of polymers used in food and beverage packaging, according to a new scientific review.

Erema rPET gets FDA approval for RTE frozen foods

Erema has said its recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) system has received approval in the United States for use in packaging of frozen ready-to-eat (RTE) foods.

Food safety top food story of 2009: Survey

The issue of food safety was the biggest food story of the year, according to an annual year-end survey commissioned by Hunter Public Relations.

Godfather film director sues wine packaging supplier

A company created by film director Francis Ford Coppola is suing Suberus-owned packaging supplier Vinocor USA over allegations its wine bottles and screwcaps were faulty.

Nestle launches lightweight PET bottle

Nestle Waters has launched a new version of its Eco-Shape PET bottle which the company claims is one of the world’s lightest half-litre bottles.

New UK site to process 2m birds weekly

A joint venture between Banham Poultry and Vion could create the “most advanced” chicken plant in Europe, reports sister publication Food Manufacture.

Breakthrough test for food poisoning bug

A new test to detect a bacteria that is a leading cause of food-poisoning is cheaper, faster and significantly more sensitive than existing assays, said the US body behind the...

News in brief

FDA opens office in Mexico City

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it has opened a new office in Mexico City as part of its change in strategy to improve safety in the...

EU updates recycled plastic process register for packaging

The European Union has updated its register of applications of processes to produce recycled plastic for use in food contact materials.

Baker Perkins looks to new markets with lollipop maker

Developing regions are seeing the greatest growth potential in the global confectionery market and this is driving equipment manufacture in the sector, according to Baker Perkins, which is introducing new...

N.Ireland's £10m boost for food processing and packaging

Plans to invest almost £10m in Northern Ireland’s food processing and packaging sectors have been announced.

EFSA approval for two food contact substances

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has delivered positive opinions on two substances for use in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) food contact materials.

News in brief

San Miguel to buy Australasian packaging company

San Miguel Corp is poised to acquire a majority stake in Australasian packaging company Cospak Group as part of its expansion strategy in the region.

Health and convenience boosting microwave packaging, report

Convenience and healthy eating trends are driving demand for microwave packaging in the US, which is forecast to climb seven per cent annually to $2.4bn in 2013, according to a...

New fears surface over bisphenol A

Opponents of bisphenol A (BPA) have received added ammunition as new research on the chemical raised fresh health concerns, while a leading US federal official told consumers to avoid the...

Multisensoric trend key to confectionery packaging, claims German group

Appealing to consumers’ five senses through innovative packaging techniques can result in increased brand loyalty and greater impact at point of sale, and it is a key driver in confectionery...

Green projects proving earners for cereal and snack makers, report

Cereal, bakery and snack makers are increasingly working to reduce their carbon footprint, reaping cost savings in the process and plugging into new business opportunities, according to a new report...

Heinz recalls baby cereal on mycotoxin contamination fears

Heinz has issued a recall of some of its baby food in Canada on fears it may be contaminated with elevated levels of a mycotoxin.

UK pork industry to draw up labelling code of practice

A new code of practice on country of origin labelling (COOL) of British pork is to be drawn up thanks to an agreement hammered out between the UK government and...

EU clears Amcor takeover of Alcan

Amcor’s takeover of Alcan has been cleared by the European Commission after the Australian company agreed to sell off two pharmaceutical and food packaging plants in Spain.

News in brief

German organisation BfR explains food risk assessment process

The German risk assessor Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR) has released a brochure assessing cadmium intake through foods as an example of how food risks are scientifically reviewed.

Tougher, lighter PP film for modified atmosphere packaging

A new polypropylene (PP) food packaging film offers greater temperature resistance, improved transparency and significant lightweighting opportunities, said manufacturers Borealis.

Eggshell firm wins GMP certification

The supplier of eggshell and eggshell membrane wellness ingredients, ESM Technologies has won Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification from NSF International.

News in brief

EC clears JBS and Bertin acquisition

The European Commission has given the go-ahead to the acquisition of joint control of parts of JBS and Bertin by two Brazilian financial companies.

Comment

Bisphenol A becomes test of leadership for FDA

Each day the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) dithers in delivering its verdict on the safety of bisphenol A (BPA), its authority is diminished and its credibility wanes.

Leatherhead members back food quality study

Leatherhead Food Research has revealed six research projects chosen by its members for 2010-2011, with strongest support for a study into freshness and food quality indicators.

BPA decision soon, says FDA

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it would issue its overdue decision of the safety of bisphenol A (BPA) soon but refused to set a date or say...

FrieslandCampina plans 942 job losses in production shake-up

Dutch dairy co-operative FrieslandCampina has announced six site closures and 942 fresh job losses a year after its formation.

US sets up food import safety hub

A new centre dedicated to ensuring the safety of imported food has been opened in the United States under the authority of the government department that tackles terrorism and crime.

Amcor prepares for life after Alcan takeover

Amcor has unveiled its proposed management shake up in preparation for the $2.025bn takeover of Alcan – three days before the European Commission is due to deliver its verdict on...

China uncovers more melamine-tainted milk powder

Employees from a Chinese dairy company have been taken into police custody on suspicion of selling tonnes of melamine-tainted milk powder.

Alcan packaging plant targets emerging markets

Alcan Packaging has started production trials at a new flexible packaging plant in the Czech Republic as part of its strategy to strengthen its position in the growth markets of...

UK flags new rules to strengthen meat traceability

New supply chain regulations designed to beef up the ‘farm to fork’ traceability of cattle, sheep and goats sent to slaughter will come into force in the UK from the...

Quick-set hygienic flooring to help beat the recession

UK floor specialist Flowcrete claims that its Flowfast flooring, which is ready to use within two hours and will be show-cased at the Foodex event next spring, can help food...

New CartonBag aimed at premium choc differentation

A Cartonbag format for loose or wrapped confectionery is a lighter weight replacement for the plastic bag in carton box, claims its design team, which is seeking out chocolate makers...

Nanoparticle lengthens food shelf-life, sustains health benefits

A modified nanoparticle from corn can be used to extend the shelf-life of food products and preserve their health benefits by delaying oxidation, according to new research.

French supplements industry to act over adverse reporting scheme

Synadiet, the French Dietary and Food Supplements Manufacturers Association, said it is to begin a mainstream media campaign to counter the negative stories that followed the launch of a monitoring...

News in brief

UK FSA sets out safety costs

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) said it needs £151m a year from 2011 if it is to meet its safety and healthy eating strategy for 2011- 2015.

Experts meet to hammer out green packaging standards

The bid to set up international standards on packaging and the environment will begin tomorrow when 70 delegates converge in Sweden for a global summit.

UN agencies to hold bisphenol A safety summit

Two United Nations bodies are to convene an international meeting on the safety of bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging over growing anxiety of the chemical’s possible threat to human...

Naya launches world-first 100 per cent rPET bottle

Naya Spring Water said it is the first bottled water company to use 100 per cent recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in its containers, as it prepares to roll out the...

CSPI proposes nutrition label makeover

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has proposed a makeover for nutrition labeling, including more emphasis on calories, added sugars, saturated and trans fats, and sodium.

USDA launches free advice service for small meat processors

Small meat and poultry processors in the United States can now get free expert advice on regulations thanks to the opening of a new Government advice service.

Nestle UK rail project will make wagons work harder

Nestle UK is close to a breakthrough on a scheme to use rail freight wagons specially designed to fit more food pallets inside them, “dramatically” improving distribution costs over road...

EFSA signs co-operation pact with Japan

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has signed a co-operation agreement with its Japanese counterpart as part of a strategy to boost its knowledge pool and ability to track food...

SPC publishes common green packaging metrics

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) has published a set of metrics and indicators on green packaging to offer companies a common standard for evaluating progress.

News in brief

Can makers hit back at ring pull safety study

The Can Manufacturers Institute says it is mystified by a recent study that questioned the safety of stay tabs on drink cans.

Scientists determine safe acrylamide levels

Tolerable intakes of acrylamide should be set at 2.6 micrograms per kilogram of body weight to avoid the cancer risk, says a new toxicology study from the US.

Acrylamide poised for inclusion on EU hazardous chem list

Acrylamide has been added to the candidate list for inclusion on the European Union’s Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) following a unanimous decision by an expert panel.

News in brief

French considering BPA review

French food safety authorities are scrutinising the latest research on bisphenol A (BPA) to decide whether officials should consider revising their stance on the chemical.

UK salmonella probe names Spanish egg plant

A Spanish egg production facility has been named and linked a steep jump in the number of salmonella cases in the UK in 2009, said food safety officials.

Unilever recalls 10m tainted slimming drinks

Unilever has recalled an estimated 10 million cans of its Slim-Fast ready-to-drink (RTD) products in North America on fears they could be infected with a bug that causes diarrhoea, nausea...

Sonoco reveals composite can ambitions

Sonoco has outlined plans to capture the North American coffee tin market on the back of its Maxwell House success during an investor conference on Friday.

Tyson clashes with FDA over 'serious violations'

Tyson Foods has challenged an FDA-assessment that one of its Texas food processing plants had committed “serious violations” of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulation.

RQA develops DIY food recall plan

Food safety and product recall experts at RQA Europe have developed an online toolkit to help manufacturers plan for food product recalls.

Coldpack brings low weight food insulator to UK

Coldpack has brought its Airliner insulation product to the UK to help protect perishable foods in transit, without the weight and bulk of alternatives.

No restrictions for BPA probe vows budget body

Moves that would have hampered the scope of an urgent US review of six controversial chemicals, including some used in food packing and cosmetics, appear to have been defeated.

News in brief

LyondellBasell closes polypropylene line

LyondellBasell has announced it is to shut down one German polypropylene (PP) line by the end of 2009.

Asian food growth to drive flexible packaging sales recovery

Destocking, and lower volume orders have kept flexible packaging demand static in 2009, but growth is expected to return, as packaged food takes off in India and China, according to...

Plastics industry rejects call for UK bisphenol A ban

A campaign to ban bisphenol A in the UK has been branded “misleading” by the UK plastics industry as it declared the chemical was safe for use in food packaging.

ConAgra faces $135k fine after fatal plant blast

US company ConAgra Foods is facing fines approaching $135,000 after being cited for breaching dozens of safety regulations at a meat processing plant where an explosion last summer resulted in...

Big three drink carton firms improve traceability

Tetra Pak, Elopak, and SIG Combibloc increased sharply their purchase of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified or controlled wood fibres last year, according to a new report.

Senator Feinstein introduces food safety bill with food maker focus

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif) has introduced food safety legislation that would require all food producers to take responsibility for certifying that finished products are pathogen-free.

EFSA evaluates previous cargoes of food transport ships

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued its opinion on the acceptability of a number of substances as previous cargoes for the transport by sea of edible fats and...

Investment group seeks urgent FDA ruling on BPA

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is failing in its job to protect consumers from exposure to chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) by missing the publication deadline on...

News in brief

Neogen buys food safety company

Neogen Corporation has said yesterday’s takeover of food safety business BioKits will boost its penetration in a number of European markets.

UK poultry industry struggles to comprehend EU judgement

UK poultry processors have been plunged into confusion after EU rules were passed banning the sale of defrosted ‘poultrymeat’ and ‘poultrymeat preparations’ sold as chilled product, reports sister title Food...

Covance backs 30,000sqf lab and Kellogg’s partnership

Covance will add a 30,000 square foot lab for nutritional chemistry and food safety by the fourth quarter of 2010, that will, at least to begin with, occupy much of...

Checkweigher guidance can boost OEE for bakers, says Mettler Toledo

A new guide on checkweighers can help improve quality and maximise performance for the baking industry as well as other food production sectors, claims Mettler Toledo.

Eggs linked to UK salmonella hike

UK safety authorities have highlighted a trebling in the number of salmonella cases reported this year– with eggs imported from Spain investigated as one possible source for almost a third...

UK experts call for bisphenol A ban

A raft of experts and charities have today urged the UK Government to ban bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles because of “compelling scientific evidence” linking it to cancer and...

India trade group urges more food processing tax breaks

High taxation is curbing the growth of Indian fruit and vegetable processing sector and must be overhauled, said the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).

News in brief

No bisphenol A decision yet - FDA

The US Government failed yesterday to meet its own deadline for delivering a ruling on the safety of bisphenol A (BPA).

Chicken survey finds two-thirds harbour salmonella, campylobacter

A consumer survey has found salmonella and/or campylobacter in about two-thirds of chickens tested in the US.

EC approves Syngenta’s GM maize for food and feed

The European Commission has approved Syngenta’s genetically modified (GM) maize to be processed for food and feed use in the European Union – which could enable the resumption of...