Breaking News on Food and Beverage Processing and Packaging

Mead Johnson confident in baby formula safety despite share plunge

Mead Johnson shares plunged by nearly 20% at one point yesterday on news that one of its baby formula products was removed from the shelves of the biggest US retailer after being linked to the death of an infant.

Annual Review

FoodProductionDaily.com looks back at 2011

As 2011 draws to a close FoodProductionDaily.com brings you the stories that have grabbed the headlines over the past 12 months. As our picture gallery shows, 2011 has been an eventful year with its fair share of innovations, food contamination scares, lawsuits and more heated debate over bisphenol A.

Paper-based packaging players bag €250m upgrade loans for Eastern Europe ops

Two leading paper and board manufacturers have sealed loan agreements worth €250m from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to upgrade facilities and productions at plants in Eastern Europe.

Bumper WRAP fund to boost food waste collections

A half-million pound fund (€600,000) has been launched in the UK to support demonstration projects that encourage the collection of food waste from businesses and public sector buildings.

Government agencies tout food safety efforts – but experts warn over budget cuts

President Obama’s Food Safety Working Group (FSWG) has made significant progress, reporters were told in a conference call on Wednesday – while a separate study suggested budget cuts were having an impact on food safety.

Ground beef recalled after multi-state Salmonella outbreak - FSIS

An unknown quantity of ground beef products potentially contaminated with a multi-drug resistant strain of Salmonella Typhimurium has been recalled in the US, food safety authorities have announced.

News in brief

Brazilian can demand prompts $50m Novelis investment

The world's largest producer of rolled aluminium, Novelis, has announced plans to invest around $50m to install a coating line for beverage can end stock at its site in Pindamonhangaba, Brazil.

Baby death sees Mead Johnson infant formula stripped off shelves

Wal-Mart says it had withdrawn a batch of powdered infant formula produced by Mead Johnson Nutrition after a Missouri baby fed the formula died of a suspected bacterial infection, according to the Associated Press.

Cargill extends HPP in food contamination prevention efforts

Cargill has adopted high-pressure processing (HPP) at its ground turkey production facilities in an attempt to prevent future contaminations, the company announced.

Buyer’s market again for BOPET as prices drop - analyst

BOPET film prices continue to fall on increased supply and weaker demand from one major market, said industry researchers PCI Films, as it forecast that tariffs may not yet have bottomed out.

Pile on those truckin' pounds, say Kraft and peers, as opponents cite safety fears

US food giant Kraft says it hopes that more states are allowed to follow the lead of Maine and Vermont and allow heavier 97,000-pound trucks on interstate roads, although opponents fear safety issues.

News in brief

AMERIPEN appoints new president

ConAgra Foods’ Gail Tavill has been announced as president of the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment (AMERIPEN).

JV partners tout packaging potential of bio-based succinic acid

A proprietary new form of bio-based succinic acid has 'enormous potential' as a building block in plastic food packaging, said DSM and Roquette as the European Commission gave the green light for their joint venture to produce the material.

Eco-plastic joint venture eyes success despite technical 'shortfalls'

A joint bioplastics venture is confident of European market success despite the minor technical property "shortfalls" of the product.

BPA-based reactive flame retardant is safe, says EFSA, despite limited data

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) says that it believes the bisphenol A (BPA) brominate Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is safe, and does not hinder processes such as human reproduction or embryo development.

Carton manufacturer announces management buyout deal

UK packaging firm, Benson Group, has changed ownership following the completion of a management buyout deal.

France unmoved by EFSA safety stance over bisphenol A

French concerns over bisphenol A (BPA) have not been dispelled in the wake of the opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) that the chemical poses no health risk through dietary exposure, said France’s food safety agency.

News in brief

Listeria-linked dairy recall extended again - CFIA

A voluntary recall of dairy products has been extended for the fifth time since the original recall of products potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, Canadian food safety authorities have said.

Apple juice safe but arsenic guidance still being considered - FDA

US food safety authorities are still considering setting guidance levels for inorganic arsenic in apple juice, despite reiterating its confidence in the overall safety of the beverage.

Killer listeriosis: Canadian govt draws ‘final’ line in sand as union attacks

The Canadian government yesterday sought to draw a line under the deadly listeriosis outbreak that killed 23 people in summer 2008, after publishing a final report into action taken since the incident.

News in brief

Kim Jong Il in processing plant visit as part of final duties

Recently deceased dictator Kim Jong Il took time to visit a North Korean food processing and packaging facility in one of his final public appearances.

Multivac buys Finnish palletizing specialist to meet ‘full line’ demand

Multivac said the desire to boost its palletizing operations to meet growing demand for full line solutions was a major driver behind its acquisition of Finnish company Trimaster Oy.

Campylobacter found in over 10% of raw poultry packaging - study

Over 10% of raw poultry packaging is contaminated with Campylobacter, a Scottish study on poultry contamination has found.

State-of-the-art serrated plastic pipe cleaning tech unveiled by Arla

The UK arm of Scandinavian based dairy giant Arla has installed a new ‘state of the art’ pipe cleaning technology at its creamery in Stourton that it says will help it reduce product waste and save water.

News in brief

‘High levels’ of Listeria trigger UK salmon recall

A UK supermarket is recalling two batches of its own-label Scottish salmon after “high levels of Listeria monocytogenes” were found in some packs.

Plastic packaging recycling target proposal “ambitious” – industry

A UK packaging recycling proposal has been met with industry scepticism after suggesting almost doubling plastic recycling targets by 2017.

Hotmelt applicators offer increased sustainability, claims Robatech

Packaging firm Robatech has launched a line of hotmelt applicators designed for confectionery packaging that it has said can enhance efficiency by using less energy.

X-ray irradiation of asparagus promises shelf life and safety boosts

Use of low dose x-ray irradiation on vacuum packed asparagus can increase both shelf life and microbiological safety of the product, according to new US research.

Glass could strike gold riding Chinese beverage bandwagon, analyst

Opportunities abound for glass as a premium beverage container in China, the world’s fastest growing packaging market, according to business research specialist the Freedonia Group.

Shelf-life, sustainability and substitution to drive aseptic packaging growth – report

Extended shelf-life and sustainability properties of aseptic packaging will drive demand for food and beverage applications to nearly $2.5bn by 2020, an industry report has predicted.

Coca-Cola targets 100% plant-based bottle by 2017

Coca-Cola said it has signed three joint ventures that could see its eco-PET bottle made from 100% plant-based material and brought to market within five or six years.

China pork industry takes ‘first step’ towards western food safety standards

China’s pork industry has taken its first steps towards meeting Western food safety regulations through the installation of a system to track pigs from farm to fork, technology giant IBM has claimed.

SunOpta targets US pouch explosion

Organic and specialty food firm SunOpta is targeting the refillable pouch market after installing two new flexible pouch filling lines in California and a second east coast facility in Pennsylvania.

EC abandons PET anti-dumping probe after trade body withdraws complaint

The European Commission has lifted its threat of imposing tariffs against PET producer in Saudi Arabia and Oman after closing an anti-dumping probe.

Kraft’s carbon emissions from plants ‘negligible’

The vast majority of Kraft Foods’ carbon emissions come from outside its manufacturing facilities, according to a survey mapping its environmental footprint, but the full picture may look quite different as full results are withheld.

News in brief

O-I announces senior vice president appointment

US glass packaging manufacturer O-I has named Tony Gardner its new senior vice president and chief commercial officer.

‘Uncertainties’ but no specific health risk over mineral oil migration from packaging - UK

There are no specific food safety concerns regarding leaching of mineral oils and ink chemicals from carton board packaging into food and consumers do not need to change their eating habits, according to research by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Hotmelt applicator heads provide ‘speed, durability, precision’ says Robatech

Packaging firm Robatech has launched new gluing applicator heads which “virtually eliminate” nozzle blockage and last much longer than conventional ones.

Admin error led to Canadian listeria recall delay - CFIA

Several dairy products, potentially contaminated with listeria, remained on the market over a month after an initial manufacturer recall because of an administration blunder, Canadian food safety authorities have revealed.

Report damns ‘significant weaknesses’ in FDA food safety oversight

An influential US government office has criticised the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for failings in overseeing state food facility inspections, stressing that it paid for inspections that didn’t take place and failed to ensure that ‘systemic problems’ were addressed.

UK food packaging firm hit with health and safety fines

A UK-based food packaging company has been ordered to pay nearly £80,000 in fines and charges after a worker broke his back in a fall from a roof, health and safety authorities have announced.

News in brief

Smurfit Kappa extends corrugated board range

Packaging firm Smurfit Kappa has extended its corrugated board flute range through the development of a new, lighter product.

‘Revolutionary’ 15-minute pathogen test will reduce time and cost – 3M

A food pathogen test, which can provide positive results in as little as 15 minutes, will revolutionise the food safety sector, its developer has claimed.

Inventor accuses PepsiCo/Gatorade of patent infringement

An Oregon-based inventor has filed a complaint in a federal court in Illinois accusing PepsiCo of patent infringement by using his patented packaging designs in its Gatorade G Series pouches.

Huhtamaki targets growth as rigid ops review finalised

Huhtamaki announced the completion its three-year strategic review of its rigid plastics operations and declared the company is in better financial shape and primed for growth as a result.

India reveals slump in foreign funds for food processing

The Indian government has released figures showing that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the food processing sector fell significantly during 2010-2011.

Exclusive

Japan baby formula radiation fears raised as early as mid-November

Following the discovery of radioactive substances in its baby milk formula, it has now emerged that Meiji Holdings Co. was contacted about possible contamination three weeks before it decided to recall the products.

Amcor and Visy pay out after price fixing allegations

Amcor and Visy paid out more than A$97m (€74m) last week to more than 1,000 companies in settlement payments over an alleged cardboard packaging price fixing cartel in the Australian market.

High fibre containerboard offers light weight heavy duty packaging option

A new light weight, heavy duty containerboard made entirely from recycled fibre can offer the food packaging sector significant cost savings, its developer has claimed.

Product labelling key to consumer acceptance of HPP and PEF

Providing information on food labels about the processing method used in their manufacture can heighten consumer acceptance of high pressure processing (HPP) and pulsed electric field processing (PEF), according to new research.

Scientists urge manufacturers to make raw cookie dough ready-to-eat amid e-coli fears

Cookie dough manufacturers should reformulate ready-to-bake products to make them as safe as a ready-to-eat product, according to a study that has linked raw dough to an e-coli outbreak in 2009.

News in brief

Irish recall after rubber pieces feared in bread loaves - FSAI

A batch of sliced bread is being recalled from stores in Ireland due to the possible presence of small pieces of rubber in the product.

Romaine lettuce ‘likely’ source of E.coli outbreak - CDC

Romaine lettuce has been identified as the likely source of a US E.coli outbreak that sickened scores of people, US disease control authorities have announced.

News in brief

Newly-appointed CEPI chairman urges continued renewable status

Jussi Pesonen has been appointed as the next chairman of the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI), the organisation has announced.

EU lags behind US in food testing integration - report

Integrated European systems for reporting and tracking foodborne outbreaks are not as advanced as those in the United States, according to a US report on the EU testing market.

Cargill facing hefty fine for safety ‘failures’

A US meat processor could be hit with a fine of nearly $150,000 for breaching health and safety regulations including those surrounding potentially hazardous chemicals, a statement from workplace safety authorities has revealed.

‘Curbside exclusion’ is major challenge facing US carton recycling: Carton Council

Despite improvements to curbside carton recycling, lack of access for consumers is the major problem that the industry faces in upping recycling rates, according to the US Carton Council.

Deadly revenge for Chinese nitrite poisoning pair

A Chinese dairy farmer has been sentenced to death after a court in the country convicted her for intentionally poisoning milk that killed three infants and sickened 36 people.

Heated industry outcry over EU proposals for chilled foods

The UK food industry is up in arms about an EU suggestion that food hygiene regulations be changed to require that all chilled food be kept at a constant temperature of 2C during storage and transportation.

Premier botulism scare ‘a complete mystery’

Nearly a month after Premier Foods’ Loyd Grossman botulism scare, which left three children in hospital, scientists are no closer to locating the source of the contamination.

GEA eyes next generation freezer products with US acquisition

GEA Refrigeration Technologies said the takeover of a US conveyor belt specialist will be key in expanding its product portfolio and the development of its next generation products.

Alfa Laval seals Indonesian processing deal

Alfa Laval announced it has won a €9.4m (SEK 85m) contract to supply equipment to an Indonesian edible oil company in a move to develop one of the world’s largest plants.

Ferrero France targets 30% emissions savings with barge transport

Italian confectioner Ferrero’s French subsidiary has announced plans to use barge transport in a move that it has said will eventually cut 30% in CO2 emissions and take 260 truckloads off the road.

Machine prevents marshmallow shape loss, claims Tanis

Dutch food equipment maker, Tanis Food Tec (TFT), has launched a machine that seeks to address the problem of overheating during the aeration process, which causes the mallows to lose shape and results in inconsistent production.

German firm kick-starts rainbow revolution for PET

Inotech Kunststofftechnik has filed patents concerning technology to blow multi-coloured or multi-component PET bottles using a special ‘two tone’ technique that it claims will allow impressive optical effects and the incorporation of active properties.

News in brief

Deadly US cantaloupe listeria outbreak over - CDC

The worst foodborne contamination is modern US history has ended, leaving 30 dead and over 100 infected, health officials have announced.

Paper and board packing pledge on mineral oil phase out

Consumer health concern over exposure to mineral oils from paper and board packaging has triggered a voluntary commitment from European industry bodies to phase out their use over the next two years.

‘Lighter means less valuable’: Diageo tackles sustainability misconceptions

Diageo says that realising its new vision for sustainable premium packaging is a challenge, especially given “the perception among consumers that lighter means less valuable”.

News in brief

Plastic biodegradation additive receives Brazilian food contact approval

A plastic biodegradation additive has received the go-ahead for use in food contact applications in Brazil, after achieving health resolution compliance.

Over $10m awarded to meet US food safety concerns

US authorities have awarded over $10m in food safety grants to universities across the country with the aim of boosting research and education and reducing concern.

Billerud announces total incorporation of subsidiary

Billerud is to “entirely integrate” its Swedish subsidiary in order to combine “the development of bio-based barriers for fibre-based packaging.”

'Worrying’ amount of fake food recovered during European crackdown

Police, customs and food safety bodies seized a “worrying” amount of counterfeit and substandard food and drink during a Europe-wide fake-food crackdown, authorities have revealed.

New granular weigher beats multi-head rivals for accuracy, Ishida

Ishida Europe has launched a new version of its Cut-Gate Weigher targeted at more finely granulated dried food and beverage products that it claims is three times more accurate than multi-head rivals.

Nampak claims license to thrill with ‘007’ closures line

Nampak Closures has opened a new wine closure production line at its Cape Town facility nicknamed ‘007’ that it claims is the fastest of its type in the world.

News in brief

Radiation-tainted milk formula not in Hong Kong - CFS

Batches of radiation-contaminated Meiji milk powder have not entered the food supply chain in Hong Kong, the region’s food safety authority has confirmed.

US reluctantly sets deadline for final decision on bisphenol A safety

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must reach a final decision before 31 March 2012 on whether to ban bisphenol A (BPA) in food and drink packaging following the outcome of a lawsuit.

Danfoss hit with huge fine over price fixing cartel

Food processing and refrigeration component producer Danfoss has been fined €90m for its part in a European price fixing cartel that operated between 2004 and 2007.

Food safety whistle blower discriminators ‘on notice’ - OSHA

US companies that discriminate against food safety whistle blowers will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, an occupational safety body has promised.

News in brief

Microbial contamination detector available in Europe after 12 month verification process

An innovative method for the detection of foodborne aerobic bacteria will soon be available in Europe after a certification process of over a year.

Pricing discipline and strategy revamp boost profits, says DS Smith

DS Smith said efforts to refocus its business towards recycled packaging and efficiency gains were major factors in the leap in profits in the first half of the year across its European operations.

EFSA approves copolymers for PET and PLA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved three new copolymers for use in plastic food contact materials.

Radiation detected in Japanese baby formula

Meiji Holdings Co. has announced that traces of the radioactive substance Cesium have been found in its baby milk powder amid suspicions that contamination occurred during the drying process.

RFID could push Norwegian super-chilled meat movement: research consultancy

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology could allow for more widespread uptake of super-chilling meat for transport within Norway, according to a technology firm active in the country.

Moisture-absorbing microwave packaging will boost industry standard - developer

A grease and moisture absorbing flexible packaging will give new food applications access to the microwave market and ‘extend’ the industry standard, said its developer.

US rice arsenic level regulations ‘imperative’ - report

Researchers have called on US food safety authorities to regulate arsenic levels in rice, following a report on the risk associated with the contaminant.

Industry and governments blast US plans to ban non-0157 E.coli

US plans to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to six new strains of E.coli have come under fire from industry bodies at home and governments abroad.

Food contact nanomaterial regulations inadequate – report

US food contact nanomaterial regulations are inadequate to ensure human health, said a report on the technology.

European glass sector toasts rising packaging demand

An upswing in glass packaging production announced today has been fuelled by growing demand from consumers and brand owners as sustainability and quality benefits of the material continue to gain traction, said leading industry figure Niall Wall.

News in brief

Elevated cadmium levels found in Nestle baby food

A Nestle-brand baby food is being withdrawn from stores after elevated levels of potentially harmful heavy metal cadmium was found after tests.

WRAP progress report reveals only 'marginal' decrease in supply chain waste

Despite progress towards achieving some waste reduction and recycling targets under the UK's Courtauld Commitment, a 2012 supply chain waste reduction target is proving a challenge for industry, with only a “marginal decrease” thus far, said WRAP CEO Liz Goodwin.

New project aims to develop ‘senior-friendly’ packaging

A Finnish-based research institute hopes to introduce food packaging that is easier to use for elderly consumers.

News in brief

SGS strengthens Malaysian market position through acquisitions

Inspection and testing service provider SGS aims to strengthen its position in the growing Malaysian food testing market through the acquisition of a leading regional testing business.

Whole botulism-linked brand recalled in Ireland

Irish food safety authorities have ordered the complete botulism related recall of Bio Gaudiano brand items - over a month after an initial recall was made on olives made by the company.

Acquisition round up: Bemis, Huhtamaki and D&W Fine Pack boost US portfolios

A flurry of acquisition activity has seen Bemis, Huhtamaki and D&W Fine Pack all boost their US market positions.

China ISO food safety certifications double in 12 months

Chinese international food safety certifications increased to over 5,500 in 2010 - more than doubling the 2,233 recorded in 2009.

News in brief

Avery Dennison unveils new adhesive R&D hub

Avery Dennison has opened a new adhesives research and testing centre in the US.

EC audit raps Ireland for seed safety shortcomings

The European Commission (EC) has released the results of an Irish food safety audit conducted in June that identified shortcomings in the nation’s approach to policing the safety of sprouted seeds.

Competition body pores over Australian packaging takeover bid

Australia’s watchdog has called on industry to comment on a host of issues as it considers whether the takeover of Viscount Plastics by Pact Group would damage competition.

Food safety law gets $39m funding for 2012

The majority of a $50m increase in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) funding for fiscal 2012 will go toward implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act, after a lobbying group backed by several food industry trade associations played a key role in influencing negotiations.

Safety and operational efficiency mega-trends spur Nalco takeover, says Ecolab

Ecolab said it has completed the US$8.3bn (€6.4bn) takeover of Nalco as part of a strategy to tap into global mega-trends such as food safety and the need for industry players to maximize operational efficiencies such as energy and water reductions.

Distribution agreement will meet Green PE packaging demand - FKuR

A distribution agreement has been signed to provide renewably resourced polyethylene (Green PE) packaging to an “increasingly interested” European food packaging market.

Consumers see red over Coke’s white can campaign

Coca-Cola is switching back to iconic red for its Classic Coke cans just one month after introducing white cans as part of a holiday season campaign, following consumer complaints that they had confused the sugar-containing version with Diet Coke.

EFSA reconfirms safety of bisphenol A as it rejects ‘limited’ French fears

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has repeated its view that bisphenol A (BPA) poses no human health risk through dietary exposure as it dismissed concerns raised by scientists in France.

News in brief

Multivac software puts packaging line printers on single network

Faster changeover times and a reduction in input errors are benefits claimed by Multivac for its new software that connects printers from different packaging lines to a single network.

Online US meat inspection publications could boost food safety - report

The online publication of meat, poultry and eggs product testing data could improve food safety and public health, said a report by the US National Research Council (NRC).

Phone app checks food sustainability and health label claims

A mobile phone app which informs the consumer which product labels are truly meaningful and which aren’t has been developed.

RPC profits surge on glass replacement trend and Superfos performance

RPC has credited increasing sales and the Superfos takeover as major factors in doubling year-on-year profits as it posted its six month results to the end of September yesterday.

Fraunhofer develops x-ray alternative for food inspection

Researchers have developed technology using millimeter waves that could allow food manufacturers to examine finished products through packaging and give advantages over x-ray detection, the current preferred method.

‘Paradigm shift’ in mixing industry sees SPX commercialise cavitation technology

US machinery firm SPX Corp is commercialising patented cavitation mixing and dispersing technology for beverage and food sector use, and says it believes the equipment is unique within the marketplace.