Brain cells that have a central role in controlling appetite and feeding behaviour have been identified in a study that pinpoints this area as a target for treating appetite-related conditions such as binge eating and anorexia nervosa.
Norway could become the next big producer of nori, researchers say, after growing red algae ‘feather film’ in a local lab for the first time.
The demand for ‘no compromise’ gluten-free products that exhibit the same qualities as their wheat-containing equivalents shows no signs of abating.
Researchers say a review and meta-analysis suggests, but cannot establish, that industry-sponsored nutrition studies may be more likely to have favourable conclusions compared to independent studies.
Brain cells that have a central role in controlling appetite and feeding behaviour have been identified in a study that pinpoints this area as a target for treating appetite-related conditions such as binge eating and anorexia nervosa.
'Natural fast food' restaurant chain Leon has been ordered to remove the term ‘Original Superfood Salad’ from its menu after the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found it did not qualify as a brand name exemption under the EU nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR). Legal experts examine the ruling.
Norway could become the next big producer of nori, researchers say, after growing red algae ‘feather film’ in a local lab for the first time.
While trick or treaters this Halloween might be anticipating bags full of the traditional chocolate, gum and candy, according to the latest research from Euromonitor International, these ‘treats’ have seen a global decline in consumption as yogurt becomes the new global growth engine.
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has been agreed between the European Union and Canada.
The demand for ‘no compromise’ gluten-free products that exhibit the same qualities as their wheat-containing equivalents shows no signs of abating.
Dry-type pumps have become the preferred option in a diverse range of high and medium vacuum applications. Due to their frictionless design and lubricant-free pumping chamber, dry pumps provide higher energy efficiency with minimal maintenance expense. Gases being pumped are discharged free of contamination. Degradation of vacuum pump lubricant is eliminated along with routine service expense. Energy savings of >30% can be achieved with dry technology.
The Dynavac VCX Series Dry Running Claw Vacuum Pump has a simple, modular design and low maintenance requirements. Air cooled and direct driven, it offers high efficiency and continuous duty. Relief valves are included.
For more information, click here.
Italy is a country renowned for its food exports – something its people are incredibly passionate and proud about – and nowhere is that more prominent than in the region of Parma.
The amount of sugar in a small bowl of sweet soup in Hong Kong should not be under-estimated, according to tests conducted by the region’s Consumer Council and the Centre for Food Safety.
A leading Australian winemaker will soon open a cellar door that promises to thrill all the senses to improve his bottom line.
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has been agreed between the European Union and Canada.
How data can be used for prevention, consumer perception of risk and early warning systems were highlighted in summary remarks by the president of the BVL.
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program has partnered with Park City Group’s subsidiary, ReposiTrak.
Italy is a country renowned for its food exports – something its people are incredibly passionate and proud about – and nowhere is that more prominent than in the region of Parma.
Intervention from senior politicians is needed to address the “ridiculous” increase in antibiotic use in countries like Spain, according to the Danish Agriculture and Food Council (DAFC).
The European Union (EU) and Canada have signed a long-awaited free trade deal in Brussels, following weeks of increased opposition from Belgium’s French-speaking Wallonia region.
ABP Food Group aims to back Irish breeds in a project it flagged up at the Sial Paris trade show.
Coca-Cola hopes its new ginger flavor will attract occasional and lapsed Coca-Cola drinkers back to the category.
The price of palm oil has increased by 12% since August due to a decline in production coupled with high demand.
Cargill has begun construction of a new premix feed facility in the Philippines which has been designed to expand the company’s animal nutrition capabilities and meet increasing local demand.
Malaysian-Australian collagen-based ingredients specialist Holista CollTech will conduct joint research with Wing’s Food Products, a major Canadian noodle manufacturer, to develop the world’s first low-GI noodles.
La Niña will be the key driver of grain markets in the coming months, says a leading agri-commodity analyst.
Intervention from senior politicians is needed to address the “ridiculous” increase in antibiotic use in countries like Spain, according to the Danish Agriculture and Food Council (DAFC).
The European Union (EU) and Canada have signed a long-awaited free trade deal in Brussels, following weeks of increased opposition from Belgium’s French-speaking Wallonia region.
ABP Food Group aims to back Irish breeds in a project it flagged up at the Sial Paris trade show.
Australia’s largest Kosher meat supplier, Continental Kosher Butchers, provides meats, smallgoods, antipasto, specialty delicatessen items, dried spices and pantry staples to larger supermarkets, smaller retailers, the food-service industry and is now exporting to customers in Asia–Pacific. The company produces over 150 meat SKUs and 50 smallgoods items and prints in excess of 5 million labels each year.
Continental Kosher Butchers has unique labelling requirements due to its rapidly growing product range, ingredients lists, nutritional values and varying weights.
With traditional labels and packaging, Continental Kosher would be faced with having to hold label stock for each individual product. Finding space to store the all the different label stocks would be difficult, not to mention the risk of getting stuck with expensive, unusable labels if packaging or labelling regulations were to change.
Continental Kosher uses a pre-printed template label and overprints the variable information for each product type, in-house, as each batch is produced. The labelling solution includes:
The overprint labels are printed for both Continental Kosher Butchers’ range of meats and smallgoods, as well as its new brand, Lewis & Son, which produces smallgoods, fermented vegetables, deli lines and dry goods. An industrial thermal printer is then used to overprint the variable information (product name, ingredients, and nutritional panel) into the remaining space provided.
The labelling solution allows for brand consistency, improved efficiency, and cost-savings. Cash is not tied up in holding stock of hundreds of different labels, as Continental Kosher keeps only the template labels which are used across its product ranges.
In-house printing of variable information provides flexibility. Product information can simply be changed as needed and it is easy to delete a product line. This also means there is no label waste; should a product or labelling regulations change, it is just a matter of updating the software label template.
Continental Kosher recognises the role this flexibility and agility has had in helping it remain responsive to its customers and the market in general. Being able to quickly make changes and respond to new product requests has helped facilitate its business growth.
When the meat industry felt the impact of the drought and the high dollar, Continental Kosher expanded into new markets with new products, introducing its Lewis and Son range.
Recently Lewis & Son became the first FODMAP Friendly certified smallgoods crafter and has also obtained endorsement from Coeliac Australia with its Gluten Free products. These lines have seen excellent growth in line with customers’ needs.
With its in-house QA department and the ability to put together new product samples easily with its labelling solution, Continental Kosher has the ability to launch a new product line within days, not weeks or months.
The in-house, overprint label solution allows Continental Kosher Butcher to focus on what it does best — its extensive range of kosher meats, smallgoods and health foods — rather than wasting time on packaging and labelling inventory management.
“The strength of the current set-up is flexibility and adaptability of printing in-house. No delay time means no hindrance on creativity or speed to market; enabling a small business to do what small businesses do best,” explained Daniel Lewis, General Manager, Continental Kosher Butchers.
“Using an attractive base label printed by insignia, with templates set up on Bartender software by insignia technicians means we’ve simplified our label inventory with no sacrifice to the visual appeal of the label.”
Until now, energy consumption for vacuum pumps in the meat processing industry was never considered that seriously.
The usual practice is to start the vacuum pumps in the morning and turn them off at the end of the shift. They run for the full duration of the shift unless the operator is conscientious and shuts them down during breaks. However, this is about to change as Atlas Copco’s GHS VSD+ rotary screw vacuum pump offers savings for these particular scenarios.
The trials, held recently at two of Australia’s leading meat processing plants in Queensland, clearly showed that Atlas Copco’s rotary screw technology is far superior to the rotary vane technology presently used in the industry, in both energy efficiency and maintenance costs.
Atlas Copco Regional Business Line Manager – Utility Vacuum Pierre Matschke explained that the first trial involved replacing a 22 kW rotary vane vacuum pump with a 15 kW rotary screw vacuum pump on the second stage of one of the meat processor’s vacuum packaging machines.
“The trial showed that our rotary screw vacuum pump, which has now been running reliably for six months, is far superior in life cycle costs to the traditional rotary vane vacuum pump.
“While the customer was very pleased with the +17% energy saving the machine was achieving, it was when we looked at the customer’s maintenance costs we realised our machine was able to make even larger savings by reducing their maintenance costs drastically.”
The most recent trial achieved even better results, which involved replacing two 22 kW rotary vane vacuum pumps with just one 37 kW rotary screw vacuum pump, and one for one 15 kW on the second stage.
Matschke said the customer was very impressed with the GHSVSD+’s reaction time and the major savings he is achieving on both energy and maintenance costs.
“As well, the performance of the packaging machine has improved. With the rotary vane vacuum pumps, the packaging machine used to run at only 2 mbar, as that was the lowest vacuum they could achieve on most days, but with our rotary screw vacuum pumps the vacuum is consistently down to ‘0’ mbar.
“And with less air in the pack, the meat stays fresher with a longer shelf life; a major benefit for the meat processor, supermarkets and consumers.”
Matschke admits it was a struggle at first to convince companies of the exceptional benefits of investing in rotary screw machines but following the outstanding results from the trial sites, he said companies are now preparing to make the switch.
“And not just energy savings, due to the rotary screw machine’s proven technology, customers’ maintenance costs are drastically reduced.”
Atlas Copco has been successfully using the same screw technology worldwide in its air compressors since the late 1960s, with just minor machining differences to accommodate oil flow in vacuum applications.
Unlike rotary vane pumps, where the vanes are in constant contact with the stator and wear over time, the rotary screw pumps have no surface contact or wearing parts in the compression chamber.
This constant contact, and extra load at start-up, means the vanes need replacing every 16,000 running hours (three to four years on average) and, depending on the machining required, overhauls can cost anywhere between $12,000 to $20,000, which often leads to a complete pump replacement after just three to four overhauls.
Matschke pointed out that extending the overhaul intervals is not a viable option as it only causes more extensive damage to the pump, with overhauls costing even more, plus pump energy consumption increases by around 16% per year due to wear, adding an average of $5300 over five years in energy costs alone. Customers also start to see pack quality reducing.
However, with the rotary screw vacuum pumps, overhaul intervals are only after 48,000 running hours (11–12 years) and cost less than half that of rotary vane. And with the extended intervals of the GHSVSD+, users can experience a reduction in overhaul costs of ±89% over 10 years.
Also, no machining is required (re-bearing only) plus the pumps’ efficiencies remain constant throughout the life of the units and are not affected by start-up, with the VSD (variable speed drive) offering unlimited starts.
Investing in rotary screw pump technology also offers major savings on expensive exhaust filters (around $200 each). Due to a multifunction inlet valve, which reduces the mass flow onto the filters, the rotary screw vacuum pump set only requires 18 filters as opposed to 48 on the vane pump set.
Matschke said all these savings mean the ROI on a rotary screw vacuum pump can be as low as 1.3 years, depending on the number of overhauls due on existing vane pumps, and lead to total cost of ownership savings of over $170,000 over five years on just one packaging machine alone.
“We are also working closely with our customers to generate even more savings such as optimising piping and integrating the controls so that when the packaging machine slows or stops so do our machines, saving even more energy.”
Exair’s ¼″ No Drip Internal Mix Deflected Flat Fan Atomizing Spray Nozzle atomises fluid and sprays at a right angle to the nozzle orientation. This allows spray to be placed precisely where it is needed when the mounting and work areas are limited. The nozzle works in the same way as the company’s standard atomising nozzles, but with the added feature of positively stopping liquid flow when compressed air is shut off.
When spraying any type of liquid, post-spray liquid flow can cause problems. Unwanted drips can ruin product function on sealing or mating surfaces. Drips can also impact the appearance of painted or coated finishes. In addition, excess liquid flow wastes resources such as coatings, chemicals or water. The no drip nozzles are suitable for situations where no post-spray drip is permissible.
The nozzles are available in five patterns: narrow-angle round pattern, wide-angle round pattern, flat fan pattern, deflected flat fan pattern and 360° hollow circular pattern. They are suitable for pressure-fed applications that don’t require independent air and liquid control. Internal mix, external mix, no drip external mix, siphon fed and no drip siphon fed are also available in ¼″ or ½″.
Applications include painting, coating, rinsing, cooling, quenching, wetting (moistening), humidification and dust control. The compact atomising nozzles are fully adjustable to minimise air and liquid consumption and have interchangeable liquid and air caps. All nozzles are CE compliant and conflict mineral free.
For more details, click here.
Traditional methods for testing Coliforms in water often require filtering the sample, which adds to the time, complexity and cost of performing a test. Nissui Pharmaceuticals’ EC Blue, available from AMSL Scientific, is a rapid Coliform and E. coli test for water samples. Results are available in 18–24 h and a simple colour change from clear to blue will indicate the presence of total Coliforms. If E. coli is present, then the sample will also fluoresce under UV light.
The test is ready to use, shelf stable and available in several different formats, such as jars, sachets and tubes. The jars are convenient as they are sterile and ready to use, all the user needs to do is add 100 mL of sample to the container and incubate. The sachets are versatile as users can add the media to any sample in a suitable container such as a bottle or Whirl-Pak bag.
Quantitative results with test are also available via the use of the tubes or the MPN Tray.
For more information, click here.
Tecpro Australia’s Air/Water Cleaning Gun combines low pressure water with compressed air, enabling efficient cleaning when water pressure is low or clean water supplies are limited.
The hose gun allows users to run two supply hoses into it — one for air and one for water. The air propels the water inside the gun so that, when the trigger is pulled, a powerful jet of water is released. This has the effect of increasing the impact force of the water stream so that cleaning teams can work more efficiently. At the same time, it decreases the amount of water required.
According to the company, the gun uses 50% less water than a water-only hose gun when used in the same cleaning applications. The gun can also reduce costs as air is cheaper than water in most locations. Lower water usage contributes to greater worker safety due to reduced water pooling and floors drying faster, resulting in fewer potential slip hazards.
The gun is made from heavy-duty aluminium with a heat- and chemical-resistant EPDM cover. The cleaning gun is suitable for hot water usage up to 50°C, and the air and water inlets both handle a maximum inlet pressure of 5 bar.
The cleaning gun is suitable for heavy-duty cleaning applications as required by, for example, food manufacturers and abattoirs.
Polaris has developed a European algal oil that is pure, natural, sustainable and vegetarian, and is also highly stable.
Omegavie DHA algae Qualitysilver 5 is produced from sustainable sources of microalgae, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Algal oils rich in DHA Omega-3 are highly sensitive to oxidation, but the Polaris oil has been treated with the Qualitysilver process, making it ultrastable. This technology, specially designed for algal DHA, guards against oxidation and combats the degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The oil is derived from microalgae cultivated in a controlled environment and is extracted using a natural enzymatic process with no solvents. It is then subjected to a purification process that eliminates potential traces of residual contaminants to the extent that they are undetectable. The oil is non-GMO and free from allergens and toxins.
The oil is suitable for use in the dietary supplement and food markets. Applications for food include dairy products such as milk and butter, as well as bread and cereals.
The serieF-Fanbake from Moretti Forni is a family of electric convection ovens suitable for bakeries and patisseries.
All models are equipped with double-tempered glass door, stainless steel interior, control panel without protrusions for easy cleaning and sophisticated electronics with whitebrite display.
The F80E is a versatile electric convection oven with five trays, suitable for small bakeries and patisseries. The alternating ventilation system provides cooking consistency with the possibility of adjusting the quantity of steam.
Freedom Foods brand Australia’s Own has launched a range of infant formulas and toddler milk drinks.
The Gold and Diamond Infant Formulas use only Australian cow’s milk and contain both a pre- and probiotic.
The Gold range includes Omega 3 and 6 in all stages plus GOS prebiotic in stage 1 at 118 mg/100 mL. The Diamond products have higher levels of Omega 3 and 6, a Bb12 Probiotic in all stages and GOS prebiotic in all stages from 400–500 mg/100 mL.
The products are manufactured at a nutritional plant in the Gippsland region of Victoria.
The Australian Packaging & Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) is accepting submissions for its ninth annual scholarship program, which will provide one packaging technologist, designer or engineer the opportunity to complete a Diploma in Packaging Technology to the value of $9000.
Diploma in Packaging Technology students are from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines and are typically experienced practitioners or managers in technical, sales/marketing, QA, purchasing, engineering or design fields.
2014 APPMA scholarship winner Aleah Back is a quality specialist at Woolworths. Back recently graduated with her Diploma in Packaging Technology and highly recommends the course to other packaging professionals.
“When I started my diploma I had a basic knowledge learned from university days and industry, and I can say that the structure of the course not only helped me learn the core competencies of packaging technology, but also gave me a thorough understanding of the packaging properties, structures, conversions methods, printing techniques, adhesives, testing techniques, uses in modern society, environmental issues, regulatory compliance and so much more,” said Back. “At the end of this diploma I can now say that I am ready to tackle any task required for a packaging technologist role in industry with confidence.
“The structure of the diploma worked for me as a full-time employee, as it gave me the flexibility I required to work full time and study outside normal work commitments. I was blessed with an amazing AIP tutor who was at my disposal for support, questions, concerns, exam preparation and advice on my dissertation as well as being my mentor now and in the future.”
To access the criteria and submission form, please click here.
A US University has reported the results from its test of a new food freshness technology.
Nature’s Frequencies’ Food Freshness Card is a 15 cm2 laminated card programmed with electromagnetic waves and frequencies that are designed to delay the growth of mould (fungi) and bacteria that can feed on and decompose food.
Suitable to use in a refrigerator, in a bread box or under a fruit bowl, the Food Freshness Card lasts as long as the laminated hologram remains intact — approximately one year — and assists in keeping many foods fresher provided they are within 1.2 m of the card. The Food Freshness Card is also suitable for shipping containers, walk-in commercial refrigerators, produce markets and anywhere food is stored.
Bridgewater State University tested the Food Freshness Card throughout its food services department, with 36 cards placed in storage areas, walk-in refrigerators and serving areas.
According to the university’s executive chef: “Since the 36 Food Freshness Cards have been installed throughout our facility, we have not seen any mould on our bread, allowing us to not dispose of any bread. The first month’s savings of bread waste alone ($274) represents about a 6% savings on our bread purchases.”
In addition, the university chef reported that overall waste has been reduced, creating a 2.5% saving on produce purchases. Enhanced longevity and freshness were observed in:
Cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce were also observed to last at least twice as long.
The Food Freshness Card was awarded the Grand Prix award first runner-up for Best Invention International and Domestic at invention show Inpex.
A joint project by OAL Group and the University of Lincoln has found that cooking with steam infusion can reduce the fat in dairy-based sauces by up to 20%, while still enhancing the qualities consumers enjoy such as flavour and mouthfeel.
Funded by the government agency Innovate UK, testing and development of OAL’s Steam Infusion technology was conducted at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing to discover if the technology can reduce fat without impeding taste, sight, texture or quality.
OAL has published a white paper on Steam Infusion technology, which can be downloaded here.
An Indian not-for-profit organization has inaugurated its second Food Safety and Quality Control Lab (FSQC Lab) in Lucknow.
At least one person has died from a multi-country outbreak of Salmonella with investigations pointing to eggs as the source.
Issues with fish and wine in Italy dominate the first monthly report on food fraud and authenticity by the Joint Research Centre (JRC).
R-Biopharm is to create a food allergen management centre with Université Laval’s Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF).
Mérieux NutriSciences is to move its food testing facility to close to the University of Florida campus.
Zebra Technologies is to work with Bosch Connected Devices and Solutions and ARM on food safety.
Every day food processors are forced to make the high-risk decision to begin production and one key factor is effectiveness of the most recent cleaning and sanitation of their manufacturing environment.
Managing risk and communicating that to consumers are issues the food industry is going to be facing more in the future, according to Ecolab.
Neogen Corporation has received approval from the AOAC Research Institute for its AccuPoint Advanced ATP Sanitation Monitoring System.
Ozo Innovations has moved to larger premises and plans to double in size in the next six months.
Three sanitation tunnels from RGF Environmental Group are going to the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.
Seven countries have reported 112 confirmed and 148 probable cases of Salmonella Enteritidis linked to eggs since May.
The Center for Produce Safety (CPS) has requested proposals on food safety research with $3m available to fund projects.
Agilent Technologies has launched an application kit to screen for 189 veterinary drugs regulated by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture.
The success of UV disinfection depends on the applied dose being sufficient to inactivate the target microorganisms, according to atg UV Technology.
Brazilian meat firms will net roughly $840m in contracts from trade show Sial Paris 2016, according to the Brazilian Trade & Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil).
US meat processor Smithfield Foods saw a strong third quarter of 2016, with a $60 million (m) year-on-year jump in net income.
Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, has appointed Tara McCarthy as its new chief executive.
US poultry processor Pilgrim’s Pride has posted a 3.8% loss in net sales for the third quarter of the year.
A paper released to a global symposium on preventing antibiotic resistance has signalled that international action should include restricting the prophylactic treatment of livestock with such medicines.
Denmark may hit a record 13 million (m) piglet exports when 2016 draws to an end, according to Frank Oland, chief economist at the Danish Agriculture & Food Council, who spoke at the Herning Congress in Denmark on 25 October.
Over the next decade Russia’s halal meat market will grow at an average rate of 15-20% per year, opening up global opportunities for the country’s food industry and reaching a value of RUB600-RUB700 billion (US$1–1.1bn) by 2026, according to a study by the Moscow-based International Independent Institute of Agrarian Policy.
The winner of the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA)-Zoetis Young Poultry Veterinarian award has been unveiled at the recent WVPA Asia meeting.
A senior scientist has warned an international trade conference on antimicrobial resistance that rich countries will increasingly ban imports of meat from livestock fed with antibiotic growth promoters.
Another negotiation round on the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur took place earlier this month in Brussels.
A consortium featuring four of Australia’s largest cattle families have put forward an AU$386m bid for the Kidman estate.
Irish processor ABP Food Group has expanded its operations in Poland with the acquisition of a third production facility in Tykocin, Eastern Poland.
The Australian government is committing a AU$700 million investment to improving roads in Northern Australia, AU$100m of which is being invested under the Northern Australia Beef Roads Programme.
Polish meat processor QFG has opened a new plant in Pionki, in the country’s central region. The facility is the company’s third meat processing plant in the Polish market.
A severe shortage of wagyu calves in Japan is putting pressure on producers of this special native beef livestock, as calf prices soar and breeders risk a fall in turnover.
As the UK’s relationship with the EU evolves, the Institute of Physics (IOP) has called on the UK government to make the food industry a priority to remain economically competitive.
The World Medical Association has lent its weight in support of tough new policies to curb obesity, including taxes on junk food and sugary drinks as well as bans on advertising to children.
Brazilian meat firms will net roughly $840m in contracts from trade show Sial Paris 2016, according to the Brazilian Trade & Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil).
An Indian not-for-profit organization has inaugurated its second Food Safety and Quality Control Lab (FSQC Lab) in Lucknow.
The World Medical Association has lent its weight in support of tough new policies to curb obesity, including taxes on junk food and sugary drinks as well as bans on advertising to children.
An Indian not-for-profit organization has inaugurated its second Food Safety and Quality Control Lab (FSQC Lab) in Lucknow.
As the UK’s relationship with the EU evolves, the Institute of Physics (IOP) has called on the UK government to make the food industry a priority to remain economically competitive.
Cargill has partnered with a French start-up to turn waste water and CO2 from one of its malt production plants into spirulina production ‘fuel’.
US meat processor Smithfield Foods saw a strong third quarter of 2016, with a $60 million (m) year-on-year jump in net income.
Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, has appointed Tara McCarthy as its new chief executive.
US poultry processor Pilgrim’s Pride has posted a 3.8% loss in net sales for the third quarter of the year.
At least one person has died from a multi-country outbreak of Salmonella with investigations pointing to eggs as the source.
At least one person has died from a multi-country outbreak of Salmonella with investigations pointing to eggs as the source.
The Italian food packaging & processing machinery industry rose to €6.2bn turnover in 2015, according to Antonio Cellie, MD, Fiere di Parma.
Juicy Fuel Cola – a sparkling cola made from fruit juice without added sugar or sweeteners – believes the drink can appeal to anyone who has become disillusioned with the traditional cola offerings.
Symrise has been nominated as Germany’s “most sustainable large corporation”, but can this be taken as proof that the flavours and fragrances firm is not just paying lip service to green issues?
Scotland's biggest aquaculture players have come together to launch an ambitious growth strategy that aims to double the economic power of the industry to £3.6 billion (€4.02bn) by 2030.
Sugar alcohols could be used to store solar and wind energy as researchers look to alternatives that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
97% of food samples tested in the EU are free of pesticide residues or contain traces that are within legal limits, according to 2014 data published this week by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
What are the latest free-from trends sweeping Europe? How is the mature gluten-free market staying innovative? And how much on-pack prominence should you give to free-from claims? FoodNavigator hit the expo floor at SIAL in Paris to find out.
Symrise has been nominated as Germany’s “most sustainable large corporation”, but can this be taken as proof that the flavours and fragrances firm is not just paying lip service to green issues?
Scotland's biggest aquaculture players have come together to launch an ambitious growth strategy that aims to double the economic power of the industry to £3.6 billion (€4.02bn) by 2030.
New research from Macau suggests that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could improve the function of the glymphatic system, which facilitates the clearance of waste from the brain.
In a big news week for Mars, the company revealed its new M&M product — a caramel-centred confection that will be made exclusively in its upgraded Topeka facility. In the last year or so Mars has invested around $30 million into the facility expansion plus another $55 million in new equipment to produce the candy. As a local bonus, 70 new jobs have been created.
Not satisfied with this, Mars has also reiterated its commitment to remove harmful and potentially poisonous nanoparticles of titanium dioxide from its food products.
One of the most common engineered nanomaterials, TiO2 is used as a whitener in lollies, an anti-caking agent, a ‘shine’ agent and to impart texture.
However, the safety of nanoparticles in food has never been entirely established and replacing TiO2 with a non-toxic alternative is being hailed as a very positive step.
Minute nanoscale materials are highly reactive and can pass through the blood/brain barrier. Some studies have shown that TiO2 can cause pathological lesions of the liver, spleen, kidneys and brain; lung tumours; and inflammation, cell necrosis and dysfunction in the kidney.
Sugar alcohols could be used to store solar and wind energy as researchers look to alternatives that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
The quality of protein and its leucine content has a significant influence on muscle building with resistance training, a review has found.
PepsiCo and TB Alliance are partnering to improve the bitter and unpleasant taste of today’s tuberculosis (TB) treatments - important in the treatment of children.
97% of food samples tested in the EU are free of pesticide residues or contain traces that are within legal limits, according to 2014 data published this week by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
What are the latest free-from trends sweeping Europe? How is the mature gluten-free market staying innovative? And how much on-pack prominence should you give to free-from claims? FoodNavigator hit the expo floor at SIAL in Paris to find out.
Florigo (from tna) has launched the conti-pro PC 3 fryer, a continuous potato chip fryer that features opti-flow technology which optimises the oil flow through the kettle, ensuring that each potato slice is evenly fried, limiting the formation of acrylamides and reducing the amount of rejects by up to 10%.
The technology is based on an oil inlet section that changes the fluid dynamics within the kettle to increase oil flow speed and produce a more streamlined laminar flow over the full width and length of the fryer pan.
The fryer technology minimises the occurrence of turbulence by removing 99% of cyclone dead spots, maintaining a nominal flow speed throughout the fryer, preventing debris from settling and ensuring that potato slices don’t absorb or carry any excess oil.
Other features include a product transport system with spring steel sealing, a touchscreen operating system and an insulated hood with condensation collecting pan that can be automatically lifted. The fryer comes with a durable frying kettle with rounded corners and sloped bottom, and it is fitted with an internal CIP system with hidden pipes in the hood to aid cleaning and maintenance. The fryer can also be equipped with a double heat exchanger that enables the injection of cooler oil towards the end of the frying process and an integrated defatting belt to prevent potato slices from absorbing or carrying excess oil.
The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation has celebrated the company’s 60th anniversary by announcing a US$60 million donation aimed at fighting hunger.
Over the next six years, the Fill Your Tank program will distribute US$10 million per year as follows:
Beyond donations, the brand is supporting the initiative with a hunger awareness campaign featuring stories of what is possible when people are running on a ‘full tank’ — that is, when they have enough to eat.
Globally, one in nine people don’t get enough food to be healthy and lead an active life, according to the World Food Programme. In the United States, seniors are the fastest growing food-insecure population, with one in 11 seniors at risk of hunger, often finding themselves choosing between food and other basic needs. But children are at even greater risk. According to the US Department of Agriculture, one in six American children is food insecure. Today, more than a third of households served by Feeding America include at least one child.
The founder of Enterprise, Jack Taylor, established the company in 1957 with a fleet of seven cars. Today, Enterprise operates in more than 85 countries and territories and is the largest car rental company in the world. Taylor started the Foundation in 1982.
Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development is to blacklist a Vietnamese supplier as an inspection process reveals melamine tainted feed in an imported shipment, according to the Bangkok Post.
AquaBotanical – a water sourced entirely from fruit and vegetables – is currently sold as a premium brand in Australia. But the brand’s potential is much greater, according to its founder: the technology could be used to unlock drinking water from sugar cane production in water-stressed India.
A paper released to a global symposium on preventing antibiotic resistance has signalled that international action should include restricting the prophylactic treatment of livestock with such medicines.
Denmark may hit a record 13 million (m) piglet exports when 2016 draws to an end, according to Frank Oland, chief economist at the Danish Agriculture & Food Council, who spoke at the Herning Congress in Denmark on 25 October.
Over the next decade Russia’s halal meat market will grow at an average rate of 15-20% per year, opening up global opportunities for the country’s food industry and reaching a value of RUB600-RUB700 billion (US$1–1.1bn) by 2026, according to a study by the Moscow-based International Independent Institute of Agrarian Policy.
The winner of the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA)-Zoetis Young Poultry Veterinarian award has been unveiled at the recent WVPA Asia meeting.
Australian companies are being offered the opportunity to collaborate with the University of Tasmania to scale-up and commercialise its rock lobster aquaculture systems and related technologies.
Rumblings in Jakarta suggest that Indonesia is prepared to abolish its import licensing system for some food commodities, and replace it with a tariff system to ease pressure on the economy.
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries has called on food businesses, academics and the public to have their say on changes to the country’s rules governing food safety.
Australian grocery buyers have spent almost A$1bn less at Woolworths over the past year, and took the savings to Coles and Aldi, market research has found.
High protein intake during infancy may contribute to obesity later in life in infants who are not exclusively breastfed, according to a Nestlé Nutrition-funded study.
JBT has partnered with the University of Parma, in Italy, to trial a coil heat exchanger in aseptic systems, to sterilize fruit and vegetable puree and concentrate.
Hugo Beck has released a robot-assisted automation system for horizontal film packaging.
The fully automated feeder system can be integrated across sectors into the packaging line of companies from the post-print processing, pharmaceutical, medical device, cosmetic and food industries. With a load-bearing capacity of up to 8 kg, the robot locates, sorts and dispenses a diverse range of 3D products and packaging in large or small quantities. Its washdown design, IP65 rating and corrosion protection provide maximum hygiene standards.
Issues with fish and wine in Italy dominate the first monthly report on food fraud and authenticity by the Joint Research Council (JRC).
Feed manufacturers in the Netherlands will have to cover their domestic palm oil footprint individually from next year.
Issues with fish and wine in Italy dominate the first monthly report on food fraud and authenticity by the Joint Research Council (JRC).
Nutrition professionals, scientists and other public interest bodies are staying on the sidelines and allowing the food industry to dominate Australia’s nutrition policy-making, according to research analysis.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said a herbal root mix is safe for use in menopause food supplements.
Heineken highlights Q3 volume growth in Asia Pacific in an update this morning, with particularly strong growth in Vietnam thanks to Tiger beer.
Three sanitation tunnels from RGF Environmental Group are going to the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.
A consortium featuring four of Australia’s largest cattle families have put forward an AU$386m bid for the Kidman estate.
R-Biopharm is to create a food allergen management centre with Université Laval’s Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF).
Mérieux NutriSciences is to move its food testing facility to close to the University of Florida campus.
Zebra Technologies is to work with Bosch Connected Devices and Solutions and ARM on food safety.
Electronic cigarettes with flavoured liquids could help with weight control, according to a commentary co-authored by New Zealand researchers.
HepcoMotion’s SL2 stainless-steel-based slide system includes a range of stainless steel slides and bearings, together with specially treated aluminium components.
Suitable for applications requiring high precision under cleanroom conditions with no lubrication, or corrosion resistance in washdown and harsh environments, the system offers long service life with virtually zero maintenance, according to the company.
The linear range consists of stainless steel bearing assemblies, flat slides and spacer slides produced from AISI 400 series stainless steel. A complementary range of lightweight aluminium carriage plates and flange clamps are also available with special surface treatment providing corrosion resistance. The treatment process for the aluminium is approved by the US Department of Agriculture for use in food processing machinery.
The V-shaped slide surface provides the system with smooth-running and low-friction characteristics which allow it to be operated dry, without lubrication, for sensitive applications.
In most circumstances, the system can also be equipped with cap seals that prevent the ingress of dirt, provide positive lubrication and extend service life. Grease used can be temperature-resistant, food-compatible or suited to a nuclear engineering application specification.
There are seven sizes of flat-slide sections and four sizes of spacer-slide sections in the range. All slides are available in lengths up to 4 m, except for the smallest size. There are three lengths of carriage plates available for each slide, with the option of either double-row or twin-bearing assemblies.
Electronic cigarettes with flavoured liquids could help with weight control, according to a commentary co-authored by New Zealand researchers.
The European Commission is moving towards the elimination of rodenticide use by funding a project to develop a laser fence to protect crops against unwanted animals.
Every year, European farmers lose billions of euros as a result of birds and other animals that eat and destroy crops. Chemical poisons are often used to control these pests; however, chemicals can accumulate in the food chain, with health implications for humans and animals.
With a time span of three years and a budget just over €3 million, the developers of the LIFE Laser Fence aim to eliminate rodenticide use, decrease crop losses by half and create awareness for the negative effects of chemicals and their impacts on the environment in Europe. The project will be developed and tested as part of the LIFE EU program.
The project is a collaboration between six partners: Liverpool John Moores University; Bird Control Group; global olive, rice and food industry company Angel Camacho and its farming companies Cuarterola, Cucanoche and Eoloarroz; UK charity Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust; Spanish company IRIS UAV Services, known for its animal detection capabilities via drones; and Volterra Ecosystems, a Spain-based company that restores degraded areas into healthy soils.
Dr Alex Mason, who specialises in the development and characterisation of sensor technologies at Liverpool John Moores University is the project leader of LIFE Laser Fence, has created a laser laboratory for the project. “Here we can experiment with new techniques and test on a larger scale for even more potential,” said Mason.
Bird Control Group manufactures the laser technology for the LIFE Laser Fence.
Every day food processors are forced to make the high-risk decision to begin production and one key factor is effectiveness of the most recent cleaning and sanitation of their manufacturing environment.
New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra has launched an internal investigation following the arrest of 19 people for selling approximately 330.7 tons (300 tonnes) of the company’s expired milk powder in Shanghai and other Chinese provinces.
Electronic cigarettes with flavoured liquids could help with weight control, according to a commentary co-authored by New Zealand researchers.
China may have opened up its economy even more in the last several years but it's not as if the floodgates are wide apart. Much of this "openness" is actually born out of necessity rather than a love of equity. It's foreign trade policies are still protectionist to the core and still very much about maintaining favourable trade balances.
An initiative to employ autistic adults in animal care positions in the Australian pork industry has been backed by Pork CRC and the South Australian government, who have contributed $150,000 towards the project.
Pilot projects in SA and Queensland — conducted by Autism CRC and SunPork Farms — will employ a minimum of four autistic adults in animal care positions within SunPork Farms operations in each state.
Collectively, development and assessment of the program represents a financial commitment by SunPork Farms, Autism CRC and Specialisterne exceeding $800,000.
Goals for the program include:
The projects offers life-changing opportunities for people on the autism spectrum and further improvement in the welfare of livestock.
Pork CRC CEO Roger Campbell said research had clearly demonstrated the link between good stockmanship and good productivity. “With this in mind, I believe we can continue to improve welfare and productivity outcomes by embracing a new group of enthusiastic, incentivised piggery workers.”
SunPork Farms is seeking eight motivated individuals to fill pig care positions, with four to be based in the Wasleys and Sheaoak Log regions of South Australia and four based one hour outside Dalby on the Queensland Darling Downs. Queensland applications close at 5 pm, 30 October and SA applications at 5 pm, 18 December.
Potential applicants and interested parties should click here.
Clipsal by Schneider Electric has developed the 56 Series Industrial Switchgear in different materials to suit the environment it is installed in.
The Grey (GY) range is the original switchgear for 56 Series Industrial plugs and sockets for general commercial and industrial applications. It is suitable for resisting the effects of high impact and long exposure to UV, both indoors and outdoors. It can be used in areas subjected to low and high temperatures and in dusty/damp environments.
The Chemical Resistant Grey (CG) range has been designed for indoor food environments where aggressive alkali/caustic cleaners are used and washdown procedures are the norm. This includes dairies, abattoirs and food processing plants. It is suitable for indoor applications and resisting cooking oils such as canola.
The Chemical Resistant Orange (RO) and Chemical Resistant White (RW) material offers resistance to a wide range of chemicals. They are suitable for butcher shops, delicatessens and automotive workshops, and in environments where high visibility is important (RO) or where aesthetics are important (RW). They resist corrosive and industrial chemicals, general chemicals such as detergents, oils/grease found in automotive and workshop environments, petroleum-based products and UV damage.
For more information, click here.
MEPs have overwhelmingly voted to adopt a resolution pushing for a European limit on industrially produced trans fats, something industry has said it supports at 2%.
An amendment to the EU food additives regulation has removed the requirement for stevia blends to contain at least 75% stevioside or reb A, giving food and beverage manufacturers scope to formulate better tasting stevia-sweetened products.
Pork hock, beef brisket and chicken legs used to be valued cuts of meat in Europe but now often end up as pet food. Swiss meat group Proviande has launched a 'nose-to-tail' project and is helping industry to promote lesser preferred cuts.
Food and drink companies need to turn their words on marketing to children into action, says European consumer rights group BEUC, as it calls 'game over' on marketing unhealthy food to kids.
It’s a case of quality over quantity as research suggests people will pay more for smaller portions if the food can successfully appeal to their sense of taste, smell and texture.
A senior scientist has warned an international trade conference on antimicrobial resistance that rich countries will increasingly ban imports of meat from livestock fed with antibiotic growth promoters.
Another negotiation round on the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur took place earlier this month in Brussels.
A consortium featuring four of Australia’s largest cattle families have put forward an AU$386m bid for the Kidman estate.
Irish processor ABP Food Group has expanded its operations in Poland with the acquisition of a third production facility in Tykocin, Eastern Poland.
MEPs have overwhelmingly voted to adopt a resolution pushing for a European limit on industrially produced trans fats, something industry has said it supports at 2%.
An amendment to the EU food additives regulation has removed the requirement for stevia blends to contain at least 75% stevioside or reb A, giving food and beverage manufacturers scope to formulate better tasting stevia-sweetened products.
It’s a case of quality over quantity as research suggests people will pay more for smaller portions if the food can successfully appeal to their sense of taste, smell and texture.
Food and drink companies need to turn their words on marketing to children into action, says European consumer rights group BEUC, as it calls 'game over' on marketing unhealthy food to kids.
Pork hock, beef brisket and chicken legs used to be valued cuts of meat in Europe but now often end up as pet food. Swiss meat group Proviande has launched a 'nose-to-tail' project and is helping industry to promote lesser preferred cuts.
Every day food processors are forced to make the high-risk decision to begin production and one key factor is effectiveness of the most recent cleaning and sanitation of their manufacturing environment.
Electronic cigarettes with flavoured liquids could help with weight control, according to a commentary co-authored by New Zealand researchers.
Emerson Automation Solutions has introduced the AMS Trex Device Communicator, a handheld communicator suitable for harsh industrial environments.
Protected against moisture and extreme temperatures, the communicator incorporates a rugged design to withstand bumps and drops. The full-colour touch-screen display adjusts to lighting conditions to aid troubleshooting in areas with too much or too little light.
Using the built-in Foundation Fieldbus and HART device diagnostic software, technicians can isolate and repair problems while devices continue to run, avoiding unnecessary interruption to production. Segment and loop diagnostic tools allow users to validate loop and fieldbus segment characteristics for troubleshooting. With the ValveLink Mobile app, technicians can analyse valve diagnostics results on the communicator’s large screen.
Retsch has released a line of instruments for applications with large feed sizes and high throughput rates.
Integrated into the existing product line, the XL models of ball mills, vibratory disc mills and sample dividers provide a higher throughput than the laboratory-scale models. The portfolio also includes testing equipment to determine the Bond grinding indices.
The products range from ball mills for nano grinding to jaw crushers with a throughput of 3500 kg/h.
The range includes: Jaw Crushers for batch or continuous operations, used for rapid, effective crushing and precrushing of medium-hard, hard, brittle and tough materials; the Vibratory Disc Mill RS 300 XL, for the grinding of medium-hard, brittle and fibrous materials to analytical fineness; the Bond Index Tester BT 100 XL, to calculate crushing/abrasion behaviour of mineral samples; the Flotation Tester FT 100 XL, used to determine the percentages of the reagents required in a production flotation cell and for metallurgical sampling; and the Abrasion Tester AT 100 XL (Bond Index), to calculate metal wear rates in crushers and ball consumption rates in ball mills.
Flexco has added the FGP Food Grade Primary Cleaner to its line of light-duty belt conveyor products.
The easy-to-install, easy-to-maintain food-grade cleaner can be disassembled in less than a minute for regular cleaning and sanitation.
The simple design of the cleaner features stainless steel components and FDA-approved, food-grade materials that limit negative spaces and crevices, which can encourage bacteria growth. There is no need to remove the cleaner from the structure for cleaning, sanitising and blade changes, due to the snap-in-place design of the blade.
Suitable for the food processing industry, the cleaner can be used from the time the food is harvested to the finished product. The product is designed to meet strict sanitary guidelines and has been certified by the USDA for use in meat, poultry and dairy operations. Blades are available in white, blue or metal-detectable grey.
Each cleaner comes with stand-offs so that it can be bolt-mounted and still meet USDA requirements. The stand-offs enable cleaning between the end plates and the conveyor without any disassembly of the cleaner. The cleaner is also easily tensioned in order to minimise blade wear and belt damage and maximise cleanability.
The cleaner is suitable for light-duty belts from 102 to 1500 mm.
CEM Corporation has introduced the ORACLE Fat Analyzer. Based on NMR technology, the analyser requires no method development and can analyse fat in any unknown food sample with high repeatability in 30 s.
Existing NMR techniques have partially reduced method development through the ability to directly analyse an entire sample and not be affected by surface properties; however, those technologies still require some form of method development and correlation to reference chemistry. The fat analyser is based on an NMR technique that completely isolates the fat response signal in any sample type or matrix.
The instrument comes in two configurations: rapid and high throughput. The rapid system is paired with the SMART 6 Moisture/Solids Analyzer, allowing for moisture and fat analysis in less than 5 min. The high-throughput option incorporates a robotic system, allowing for the unattended processing of up to 100 samples.
Managing risk and communicating that to consumers are issues the food industry is going to be facing more in the future, according to Ecolab.
Neogen Corporation has received approval from the AOAC Research Institute for its AccuPoint Advanced ATP Sanitation Monitoring System.
Ozo Innovations has moved to larger premises and plans to double in size in the next six months.
Three sanitation tunnels from RGF Environmental Group are going to the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.
Work has got underway on a Cargill premix plant in the Philippines.
Canadian company POS Bio-Sciences is partnering with Apeiron Lanka Limited in Sri Lanka to develop a manufacturing facility to extract essential oils.
A severe shortage of wagyu calves in Japan is putting pressure on producers of this special native beef livestock, as calf prices soar and breeders risk a fall in turnover.
Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co. Limited (MG) has provided an update on the impact of very wet climatic conditions on milk intake as well as a revision of its full year forecast farmgate milk pricing.
A joint venture between Blackmores and Bega Cheese to supply infant formula across APAC - and in particular China - has missed its sales targets, hitting Bega’s financial performance.
Following a number of serious incidents which have resulted in workers being severely burnt when a mixture of refrigerant and compressor oil was expelled and ignited while servicing air-conditioning refrigerant systems, SafeWork NSW has released a Safety Alert.
Using oxy-acetylene torches to unsweat copper fittings can expose workers to the risk of flash fire if residual pressure in the system causes R22 refrigerant and oil to be released from the pipe joint and act as an ignition source.
The Safety Alert recommends:
Review your current procedures and ensure safe working practices include:
The use of an oxy-acetylene torch or similar to unsweat pipe joints should only be carried out as a last resort and under very strict and controlled conditions.
If an oxy-acetylene torch or similar is used, it is recommended that:
Twelve edible herbs from Assam, India, are “alluring candidates” for nutraceutical and functional food developments, according to study which highlights their antioxidant capacity.
The Center for Produce Safety (CPS) has requested proposals on food safety research with $3m available to fund projects.
Agilent Technologies has launched an application kit to screen for 189 veterinary drugs regulated by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture.
ERC Packaging has released a range of weigher/fillers that are suitable for products including powders, grains, granules and mixed products such as nuts and dried fruit.
The 60 L hopper feeds a 3-stage vibration flow tray that in turn feeds a weigh station hopper. The HMI screen can be programmed with predetermined weight parameters, simplifying changeovers to different products and/or weights. The standard machine will accommodate weights from 100 g to 2 kg, subject to product type and density. Other weight ranges can be made to suit.
All food contact parts are made from stainless steel. The machines have a small footprint of less than 1 m2 and stand just under 2 m in height. The hoppers can be hand filled, or bucket or auger feeders can be fitted and supplied. The units can include a built-in bag sealer so that bags can be sealed immediately after filling. Other fillers such as auger and liquid are also available.
Qimarox has released a shrink wrapper for OEMs and system integrators. The ring wrapper can wrap up to 100 pallets in foil/h and can be integrated in combination with the company’s palletising modules.
The wrapper is supplied without a control system, which allows system integrators to combine the control system of both the palletiser and the ring wrapper (and any other system components) in a single control unit, allowing for the simplification of control and integration of various components.
The ring wrapper is of steel construction resting on four columns, resulting in a machine which is stable and robust, and capable of operating at high speeds. The machine is provided with a pre-stretch system, which can stretch the film by 300%. Partly because the foil is applied under constant tension and batched, relatively little film is needed for stabilisation of the load. The film rotates, rather than the pallet, so even unstable stacked pallets can be wrapped in foil.
The wrapper can start and stop wrapping at any height, so that stacked pallets can also be stabilised separately. The film welding and cutting system applies a double welded seam at a controlled temperature and welding time, eliminating loose bits of foil and making the pallets suitable for automated storage systems. The wrapper can automatically apply a cover sheet so the pallets can be made dustproof or waterproof, depending on the wrapping program.
The modular design simplifies repair or replacement of parts.
Woolworths has commenced the rollout of new country of origin labelling on a variety of its own brand products in stores across Australia.
25 Fresh Cut branded products will carry the new label by the end of next month, ahead of the Australian Government’s mandatory deadline of July 2018.
The labelling is part of the government’s country of origin labelling scheme and includes products that are 100% Australian through to products that include a percentage of Australian sourced ingredients.
Woolworths Head of Sustainability Adrian Cullen said Woolworths was working closely with its suppliers in Australia and overseas to ensure its products will carry the new labelling ahead of the deadline. He said that 100% of Woolworths’ fresh meat and 96% of fruit and vegetables are sourced from Australia.
The new labels will make it clearer to determine where an item has been produced, grown, made or packed, and will include the addition of an Australian Made kangaroo logo.
The first Woolworths own brand fresh produce to include country of origin labelling includes 120 g and 280 g Spinach and 120 g Red Leaf mix.
The Maltese and Latvians are the fattest Europeans in a continent where 1 in 6 are now rated obese, according to a survey that found age and education were key factors.
"Soy is good, but lactofermented soy is better," says French firm Sojami which predicts its patented process for creating plant-based cheese will lead to a vegan cheese industry as rich and diverse as dairy. (Just don't call it cheese.)
Sales of organic food will grow almost three times faster than non-organic, according to forecasts by Rabobank.
The Dutch government has ordered the industry-led healthy eating logo to be phased out and replaced with an app that allows consumers to scan products for nutrition information.
Enmin Vibratory Equipment has released a bag discharge station that utilises vibratory conveying and screening.
Full bags are manually or automatically loaded onto a simple flat belt conveyor that sends them onto a vibratory conveying system which presents them to a special cutting head. Bags are effectively slit during the vibratory conveying process and the released product is conveyed to the discharge chute at the end of the system.
The discharged product goes through the screening platform ensuring any unwanted material is retained and unwanted lumps broken down in the process.
The bag is subject to continuous vibration during the process ensuring complete discharge of the bag’s contents onto the screening platform. The empty bag can be either manually removed or, where automation is required, via a simple pick-and-place robotic arm.
The cutting head is safely protected by an enclosed cage which is locked to prevent unauthorised entry.
The equipment offers a safer and more cost-effective process that is suitable for use within food and pharmaceutical industries where strict hygiene standards are required as all contact surfaces are stainless steel, making them easy to clean.
Canada-based gourmet chip manufacturer Naturally Homegrown Foods supplies leading retail locations in Canada, the US and Asia. To meet growing demand, the company needed to replace its out-of-date steel coating drum and dry-powder applicator with an efficient automated system.
For its high-end brand Hardbite Chips, the company needed a flexible seasoning solution that ensured consistent and efficient application of eight different dry seasonings, with minimum machine downtime between flavour changes. The new system had to integrate and work seamlessly alongside other processing machinery in the facility.
Improved flavour consistency
With an objective to improve overall product consistency, Naturally Homegrown Foods installed the tna intelli-flav OMS 5 seasoning system, a responsive variable-mass seasoning system with a dynamic vibratory weigher to directly control powder application from the drum. This enables an accurate, proportional amount of seasoning to be consistently applied to the product for improved coverage and flavour dispersion — even for products with irregular surfaces such as batch-fried chips.
“We’ve seen a vast improvement in seasoning consistency as a result of installing the tna intelli-flav OMS 5 — most notably, we’ve been able to reduce our seasoning application rate from 8–9% down to 5–6%,” said Kirk Homenick, president of Naturally Homegrown Foods.
The positioning of the scarf plate on the system’s infeed realises further performance benefits. Positioned closer to the top of the tumbling product, the scarf adds dry powder into the flavouring area more accurately, providing high-quality, consistent seasoning. “The addition of this equipment has made such a difference for our facility compared to the older screw auger feature in our previous system,” noted Homenick.
The scallop-designed infeed conveyor curves to match the shape of the drum, which reduces product drop, helps control product direction and reduces product waste.
Flexible processing
With the Hardbite Chips range including eight different flavour profiles, Naturally Homegrown Foods required a seasoning system that offered rapid cleaning time for flavour changes and minimum downtime. The tna intelli-flav OMS 5 has a simple modular design that is fully enclosed to help prevent seasoning, dirt and other materials from building up, allowing for increased levels of hygiene and ease of cleaning. The system’s pivoting drum provides accessibility for hard-to-reach areas, simplifying day-to-day operations.
“As a small plant that is experiencing growing demand, it’s imperative that seasoning changeovers and cleaning downtime is kept to a minimum to ensure optimum production levels. Since the tna intelli-flav OMS 5 was installed, changeover times have been reduced by 15–20%. Now we are able carry out a seasoning changeover in less than 20 minutes thanks to the system’s simple design,” said Homenick.
The Maltese and Latvians are the fattest Europeans in a continent where 1 in 6 are now rated obese, according to a survey that found age and education were key factors.
"Soy is good, but lactofermented soy is better," says French firm Sojami which predicts its patented process for creating plant-based cheese will lead to a vegan cheese industry as rich and diverse as dairy. (Just don't call it cheese.)
Sales of organic food will grow almost three times faster than non-organic, according to forecasts by Rabobank.
Technology is set to enrich the travel retail segment, where confectionery is already the most purchased category, says retail marketing agency HRG.
The artisan food boom continues to fuel profitability of SME (small and medium size enterprise) food and drink manufacturers, evidenced by the success of craft brewers and gin distillers, says commercial law firm EMW.
The Dutch government has ordered the industry-led healthy eating logo to be phased out and replaced with an app that allows consumers to scan products for nutrition information.
Eating seven vitamin D-fortified eggs a week could be enough to keep winter vitamin D status in adults in check, say EU-funded researchers.
Chinese officials have published a draft revision to food safety laws that stipulate stricter online food sale rules and stiffer punishments.
Starbucks China has promoted Belinda Wong to chief executive as the company prepares to double its store count by 2021.
In conversation with an Uber driver in Kuala Lumpur, it will never be long before he mentions hot dogs. They are a subject on everyone’s lips now, after Malaysian religious authorities denied halal certification to an American fast-food chain partly because, they said, the name “hot dog” would confuse Muslims.
With more than 30,000 businesses generating sales of over A$4bn (US$3.1bn), the Australian complementary medicines industry has created a highly competitive landscape.
The Australian government is committing a AU$700 million investment to improving roads in Northern Australia, AU$100m of which is being invested under the Northern Australia Beef Roads Programme.
Polish meat processor QFG has opened a new plant in Pionki, in the country’s central region. The facility is the company’s third meat processing plant in the Polish market.
