Risk assessment, early warning for emerging hazards and official controls and inspections are areas where the EU legislative framework needs to be strengthened to deal with future issues, according to a report.
Mondelēz shared the consequences of hygienic design failings and Sealed Air explained how data could be used to achieve cleaning efficiencies at a recent congress.
France has donated €50,000 in 2016 to help the World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) poorest members implement food safety, animal and plant health standards.
University of Massachusetts Amherst has received a two-year grant from the US Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Food Safety Outreach Program.
IDEXX is to introduce its total coliform and E. coli test to the food processing and packaging industries.
Despite widespread distribution of Listeria tainted ice cream not many illnesses were reported due to low contamination levels in a product that does not support growth, according to a study.
Voluntary guidelines and government regulation have a role in protecting the food supply and public health, according to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
A London-based cash and carry that supplied peanut powder labelled as almond to a restaurant has been ordered to pay over £6,000 fines and costs.
Police in Canada have uncovered alcohol and Nutella during an investigation into an organised crime gang.
Turkey prepared in an unpermitted kitchen was behind an outbreak of Clostridium perfringens at a 2015 Thanksgiving lunch, according to a study.
Private equity backed LGC has splashed the cash for the third time in a month to acquire BRC Global Standards.
Process Expo and Food Safety Summit Conference & Expo have partnered to look at areas such as food safety.
Qiagen and CosmosID have launched a plugin to support shotgun metagenomics and microbiome profiling.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is helping companies prevent and identify inadequate temperatures during transportation and storage, according to Monnit.
Amnesty International has uncovered “systemic” cases of child labour and labour rights abuses in Indonesian palm oil plantations operated by Wilmar, tracing the palm oil back to firms including Nestlé, Unilever and Kellogg – companies that all claim to source palm oil sustainably.
Amnesty International’s report is another dent in the reputation of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) as three of the suppliers on Wilmar's operations were RSPO-certified.
Rising prices, fewer nutrients and an overall fall in domestic production are reducing Britain's vegetable intake, says think tank Food Foundation as it launches a campaign to investigate industry's role in improving vegetable intake.
The edible larvae and pupae of honey bees has a ‘nutty’ flavour, high nutritional value and protein quality similar to beef, say researchers.
Risk assessment, early warning for emerging hazards and official controls and inspections are areas where the EU legislative framework needs to be strengthened to deal with future issues, according to a report.
Rising prices, fewer nutrients and an overall fall in domestic production are reducing Britain's vegetable intake, says think tank Food Foundation as it launches a campaign to investigate industry's role in improving vegetable intake.
The edible larvae and pupae of honey bees has a ‘nutty’ flavour, high nutritional value and protein quality similar to beef, say researchers.
A highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza (AI) strain has been detected in a flock of wild ducks in Calais, putting UK authorities on high alert.
Essentia Protein Solutions has expanded its ProBase ingredients range for the second time in two months with the launch of organic chicken ingredients.
An event in the European Parliament, held today (30 November), has warned politicians of the negative impact a trade deal with Latin America could have on domestic EU beef producers.
Brazilian-owned US poultry giant Pilgrim’s Pride has entered into a definitive agreement to take over branded chicken producer GNP Company (GNP) in an all-cash $350m deal.
Abu Dhabi state investment vehicle Mubadala may make two food-supply investments worth up to US$200m to Russia’s food sector.
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has made a rare foray into into the food industry after concluding a deal to buy half of Adeptio Holdings, which recently acquired a 67% stake in Kuwait Food Co., otherwise known as Americana.
Tetra Pak has concluded an AED25m (US$6.8m) deal to construct processing and packaging lines for Binghatti Holding’s new food and beverage production plant in Abu Dhabi.
Risk assessment, early warning for emerging hazards and official controls and inspections are areas where the EU legislative framework needs to be strengthened to deal with future issues, according to a report.
Mondelēz shared the consequences of hygienic design failings and Sealed Air explained how data could be used to achieve cleaning efficiencies at a recent congress.
Essentia Protein Solutions has expanded its ProBase ingredients range for the second time in two months with the launch of organic chicken ingredients.
An event in the European Parliament, held today (30 November), has warned politicians of the negative impact a trade deal with Latin America could have on domestic EU beef producers.
Brazilian-owned US poultry giant Pilgrim’s Pride has entered into a definitive agreement to take over branded chicken producer GNP Company (GNP) in an all-cash $350m deal.
Around 20% of wine storage capacity in New Zealand’s Marlborough wine region was damaged in the Kaikoura earthquake earlier this month, but the industry is planning for the upcoming vintage and believes the sector can still continue its market growth.
A highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza (AI) strain has been detected in a flock of wild ducks in Calais, putting UK authorities on high alert.
The Asia Pacific market currently accounts for 15.25% global sparkling water market, and Technavio projects it will grow at a CAGR of 3.67% through 2020, the fastest rate compared to any other geographical region.
Close to 80% of Australian pig producers have significantly increased the space afforded to sows this year and government-backed Pork CRC has praised the achievement.
An illegal yet sophisticated meat processing ring in greater Auckland has been shut down after a raid orchestrated by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Pancosma has acquired an 80% majority shareholding in a Chinese feed additives firm, Jangsu Keybio Biology Technology Co, to accelerate its development in China.
France has donated €50,000 in 2016 to help the World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) poorest members implement food safety, animal and plant health standards.
University of Massachusetts Amherst has received a two-year grant from the US Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Food Safety Outreach Program.
The Cooperative Research Centre for High Integrity Australian Pork (Pork CRC) has had a year of considerable achievement, as reported at its 2016 AGM and stakeholders’ meeting.
Pork CRC completed its fifth year of an eight-year agreement with the federal government and participants on 30 June 2016. Chairman Dennis Mutton and CEO Roger Campbell agreed that 2015–16 had seen significant outcomes across Pork CRC’s four programs. Positive plans and projects are in place as it transitions towards 2019–20 and the start-up of Australasian Pork Research Institute Ltd (APRIL).
Mutton said Pork CRC’s four program areas, which centred on sow and piglet management, herd health, growing consumption of pork and delivering through a carbon-conscious industry, had continued to generate innovative solutions that delivered sustainability and profitability to Australia’s pork industry from producer to public.
Dr Campbell said in the past year, participants and researchers had made further progress in understanding and enhancing sow and piglet welfare.
“With almost 80% of Australian producers now having transitioned to group housing of gestating sows, sow confinement has been reduced by about 80%.
“We should all be proud of this achievement, which has contributed to the term High Integrity Australian Pork becoming a marketable reality and differentiation of our product continuing to be reflected in improved demand and price.”
Dr Campbell said that while margins in 2015–16 were above the previous year and higher than for most other global pork industries, Pork CRC would continue to further differentiate Australian pork to ensure the industry remains profitable and sustainable.
“Pork CRC research has improved the eating quality of Australian pork, demonstrated how effluent can be successfully converted into useable biogas, shown how grains and other ingredients can be more efficiently used through processing and NIRS technologies, and given industry tools to better understand and control common diseases.
“I am particularly pleased to report that our R&D program has more than been matched by our education and training program, which has markedly increased the capacity and capability of the industry and will certainly help secure its future,” Dr Campbell said.
Eriez Xtreme RE7 Tube Circuit has advanced rare earth permanent magnet technology resulting in a product that is 13 to 40% stronger than other magnets in head-to-head pull tests.
Eriez commissioned The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) to test the ability of commercial tube magnets to remove dangerous ferrous metal and weakly magnetic contaminants from process flows. According to conclusions noted by Penn State, the pull force of the Xtreme RE7 Tube Circuit was substantially stronger than any of the other samples. The magnet was also among the best performers in terms of magnetic flux density.
The magnet circuit is available in all Eriez Tubes, Grates and Liquid Line Traps used in food, plastics, pharmaceutical, mining, foundry, chemical and other applications. The increased power of the magnet improves product purity and plant productivity by providing greater holding force and improved separation efficiency.
Eriez will be attending AUSPACK in Sydney from 7–10 March 2017 at Stand 601.
Atlas Copco’s DZS vacuum dry claw pump range is based on innovative design featuring simplicity, robustness, efficiency and contamination handling capability. Designed and built with the demands of the end user in mind, the dry claw pump provides a trouble-free and cost-effective solution.
Built to last with materials and coatings that will last the life of the pump, the pump features easy maintenance and long-lasting bearings and seals. Separate and isolated pumping elements are designed for quick access to the pumping chamber, allowing for easy cleaning in the event of product carryover.
The versatile product can be ordered as a dry vacuum pump or set up as a 2.5 bar lower pressure blower.
For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2gjSj7A.
The Honeywell PM42 mid-range industrial label printer combines quality industrial printing, reliability and state-of-the-art features into an affordable and easy-to-use device.
The PM42 is small in size, but includes features such as a full-colour interactive LCD display, multi-language support and customisable short cuts for one-key label set-up. These features are user friendly, reducing the need for device support and training. Integrated web interface operators can easily set up, conveniently manage and configure their printing jobs from nearby or afar using their smartphones and tablets.
The printer’s quality and reliability minimises maintenance costs, thanks to its robust aluminium construction, easy-to-replace quick mount magnetic printhead and easy-to-remove print roller. Suitable for organisations printing 5000 up to 15,000 labels per day, the printer offers print speeds of up to 300 mm/s, with high-volume print speeds possible during peak hours.
For more information, click here.
Prevention of cross-contamination in a production or a lab environment can have many benefits. When collecting an in-process sample for testing, the first thing users want to do is to make sure they are not passing contamination to the material they are sampling.
Secondly users want to make sure they have not contaminated the sample, which could end up returning false results. This is especially the case when using environmental swabs and sponges, and to prevent contamination of the sample, a sterile glove is required.
Now available are Nasco Sterile Gloves. These polyethylene gloves are economical and easy to use. They are packaged one pair to a sealed bag that is perforated for easy opening, and come in a box of 100 pairs. Nasco Sterile Gloves are available from AMSL Scientific.
WindJet air knives from Spraying Systems are suitable for processors that require drying of vacuum bags before meat is deposited. The air knives are also suitable for drying the outside of packages before labelling.
The air knives allow for the vacuum bags to retain their shape while eliminating spotting and blotching concerns. Drying the outside of the packages ensures that product labels adhere properly.
WindJet air knives use blower air and feature a design that directs the airflow out of the knife in a straight stream. This results in a high-volume, constant and even stream of air along the entire length of the knife. The design provides a visual guide for positioning the air stream, pointing out the direction of the flow. This allows for easy positioning of the knife to ensure maximum target coverage. The design also improves air entrainment, which ensures the integrity of the air stream.
Using blower air allows for decreased operating noise, savings on energy usage and improved performance. The air knives are easy to set up and feature leak-proof end cap gaskets, corrosion-resistant finish, increased wear life and are available in 316 stainless steel.
The air knives come in a variety of lengths, ranging from 6″ to 36″, and custom lengths are offered. WindJet air knives are also available in a compressed air option.
For more information: http://bit.ly/2g6enQ9.
Greencore’s planned acquisition of American company Peacock Foods has moved a step closer to completion after gaining antitrust clearance from US authorities.
Close to 80% of Australian pig producers have significantly increased the space afforded to sows this year and government-backed Pork CRC has praised the achievement.
German e-commerce outfit Gourmondo, a purveyor of high-end meats priced up to €90, has entered the digital trading space in Austria, the UK and Ireland.
An illegal yet sophisticated meat processing ring in greater Auckland has been shut down after a raid orchestrated by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
To ‘continue neglecting nutrition’ is incompatible with the World Health Organization’s goal of reducing tuberculosis (TB) by 90% by 2035, a leading academic from India has claimed.
A novel combination of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides could significantly improve absorption of certain minerals, according to new research in rats.
Water extracts of a fermented tea, known as Pu-erh tea, could help to reduce oxidative stress and protect the liver against damage caused by a high fat diet, research in rats has found.
Downtime can be reduced and productivity increased when staff have the skills to address hydraulic and pneumatic breakdown and troubleshooting issues.
APT Specialist Hydraulics and Training, a registered training organisation, will travel anywhere with its mobile practical workshop to deliver training ranging from Familiarisation, Statement of Attainment, Certificate IV to Diploma.
All course content and delivery methods can be customised to suit requirements. Documentation can be customised to suit any requirement including audits, maintenance/technical manuals, SWPs, FMEA, FMECA, risk assessments along with modelling and simulation.
Sandvik SGL has launched the SGL MCC 1500 high-capacity production line. The multilayer chocolate chips/drops moulding line offers up to three times the capacity of other systems of the same length. This is achieved by ‘stacking’ three depositors one above the other, with each feeding a separate cooling/solidification line within one overall unit.
Combining three production lines in one delivers a forming capacity of between 4–6 tons per hour, depending on chip size. It also allows the production of different recipes or product shapes/sizes at the same time.
Glatt Ingenieurtechnik’s explosion-proof removable spray nozzles are suitable for granulating, drying, agglomerating or coating food ingredients by fluidised or spouted bed technology.
The nozzles’ ‘key and lock’ solution consists of protected recesses and catch pins that secure the inner tube, even if the operator omits to turn off the compressed air. Only when the air supply is turned off can the tube be released, by lifting and rotating the nozzle. Due to the very small opening in the empty outer tube, it’s not necessary to stop production, even when processing explosive products.
The nozzle device decreases plant downtime, increases personal, operational and occupational safety and reduces possible operating errors. In addition, the empty outer tube can be washed immediately during the cleaning process. The explosion-proof nozzle is a hygienic retrofit-compatible component that is easy to operate and clean.
Amcor Capsules and Selinko have collaborated to launch InTact, a connected overcap to protect wines and spirits against counterfeiting and fraudulent refilling.
Using an NFC (near field communication) smartphone or device to tap the chip embedded in the tag, any industry player or consumer can verify the authenticity of their bottle, verify its status (opened/not opened yet) and get information about the product (vintage, production, history, serving tips, etc) as well as the brand.
The platform also allows brands to better control their distribution network to detect grey markets by involving the end consumer as final controller. The level of security of the NFC tag can be adapted to the brand needs and budget: from no security for marketing engagement for instance up to bank-level security.
The overcap is a ready-to-cap solution that requires no change on the bottling line, while the discreet integration of the tag allows brands to maintain their premium image.
K Skin top and base films from KM Packaging Services are versatile and compatible with all major sealing machines, including thermoformers and those that seal to premade trays. For form fill seal machines, both top web skin film and the thermoforming base webs can be supplied.
The films reduce wastage throughout the supply chain due to their seal integrity, which still provides smooth, easy-peel opening. Films can be supplied that will seal to mono-APET and mono-PP trays without a PE layer, enabling the base webs or trays to be more easily recyclable.
Available in two grades, 100 and 150 µm, the films seal tightly to the product and tray corners to avoid ‘creep’ and also feature high clarity, providing visibility and stability for the contents. A high-oxygen barrier helps to extend shelf life and, for packaging machinery manufacturers, the films have good machining capability, robustness and heat tolerance to a wide range of temperatures.
Nordic Wildfish, located on the island of Valderøya, west of Ålesund, Norway, has been working with the research company SINTEF to find ways to utilise the entire fish in its hauls of cod, pollock and haddock. Currently around 92% of marine whitefish by-product is discarded as waste, with only the fillets processed to become food.
In 2014, SINTEF reported that 340,000 tonnes of whitefish by-product are discarded into the sea annually. The research organisation believes that this by-product has major commercial potential if it can be processed to produce high-quality end products such as ingredients in animal feed and food for human consumption.
Instead of discarding the head, the guts and the rest of the fish, Nordic Wildfish is trialling an hydrolysis process that separates the bones, leaving a kind of ‘soup’ to which enzymes can be added and valuable oils and proteins extracted. The entire process takes place onboard the trawler, with many technologies having been developed and adapted for installation onboard the refurbished trawler.
The company has been nominated for the 2016 Innovation Prize awarded by the technical journal Teknisk ukeblad for this project.
The AIP and the APPMA are currently at the planning stage for the 2017 National Technical Forums, set to be held during Packaging & Processing Week from 6–10 March 2017.
The 2017 National Technical Forums will deliver a three-day educational program covering a broad range of topics relating to the theme ‘Innovation & Design’.
To be held during AUSPACK 2017, the forums will attracting delegates from all facets of the packaging and processing industry from both technologist and management levels, as well as equipment suppliers, raw material providers, users of packaging, retailers and consumers.
If you have a suitable speaker and topic that fits under the topic areas for the three-day forums, you can access the Call for Speakers here. The topic list is not limiting and additional ideas are welcomed. The due date for papers is 9 December.
Some foods have a bigger carbon footprint than others. Cue the need for a carbon label so consumers can choose accordingly? Perhaps not - as Tesco and PepsiCo have found out.
Jaap Korteweg was a ninth generation Dutch meat farmer before becoming a vegetarian unable to banish his cravings for meat. The CEO of The Vegetarian Butcher shares his experience and gives advice for budding 'mock meat' entrepreneurs.
The European Commission has launched a multistakeholder platform to prevent food waste. Rethinking our food systems is a "moral obligation", said commissioner for health and food safety Vytenis Andriukaitis.
British start-up Next Step Foods was at FoodMattersLive showcasing its cricket protein energy bars alongside 11 other insect firms. Is this niche ingredient slowly seeping into the mainstream?
Combining high-intensity ultrasound with the enzymatic treatment of egg whites could produce new ‘added-value’ egg white protein hydrolysates that are attractive to the food and nutrition industry, say researchers.
Ferrero has terminated all relations with subcontractors Prolegis in Romania after allegations children had been working long hours for low pay to produce toys for Kinder Eggs.
Some foods have a bigger carbon footprint than others. Cue the need for a carbon label so consumers can choose accordingly? Perhaps not - as Tesco and PepsiCo have found out.
Jaap Korteweg was a ninth generation Dutch meat farmer before becoming a vegetarian unable to banish his cravings for meat. The CEO of The Vegetarian Butcher shares his experience and gives advice for budding 'mock meat' entrepreneurs.
WASH, the World Action on Salt and Health, has hit out at discrepancies in the sugar and salt levels found in the same cereal brand sold in different countries.
The European Commission has launched a multistakeholder platform to prevent food waste. Rethinking our food systems is a "moral obligation", said commissioner for health and food safety Vytenis Andriukaitis.
British start-up Next Step Foods was at FoodMattersLive showcasing its cricket protein energy bars alongside 11 other insect firms. Is this niche ingredient slowly seeping into the mainstream?
Combining high-intensity ultrasound with the enzymatic treatment of egg whites could produce new ‘added-value’ egg white protein hydrolysates that are attractive to the food and nutrition industry, say researchers.
Greencore’s planned acquisition of American company Peacock Foods has moved a step closer to completion after gaining antitrust clearance from US authorities.
Close to 80% of Australian pig producers have significantly increased the space afforded to sows this year and government-backed Pork CRC has praised the achievement.
German e-commerce outfit Gourmondo, a purveyor of high-end meats priced up to €90, has entered the digital trading space in Austria, the UK and Ireland.
An illegal yet sophisticated meat processing ring in greater Auckland has been shut down after a raid orchestrated by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Despite widespread distribution of Listeria tainted ice cream not many illnesses were reported due to low contamination levels in a product that does not support growth, according to a study.
IDEXX is to introduce its total coliform and E. coli test to the food processing and packaging industries.
Voluntary guidelines and government regulation have a role in protecting the food supply and public health, according to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
A London-based cash and carry that supplied peanut powder labelled as almond to a restaurant has been ordered to pay over £6,000 fines and costs.
Police in Canada have uncovered alcohol and Nutella during an investigation into an organised crime gang.
Midmarket investment firm Windjammer has acquired Massachusetts-based Advanced Instruments (AI), maker of dairy analysis tools, after receiving US regulatory clearance from the Federal Trade Commission.
American trade authorities are investigating a claim brought by an artificial sweetener that Chinese companies are infringing its patented manufacturing methods.
A historical disease caused by a lack of vitamin C and associated with old-world sailors, it appears that scurvy is reappearing in Australia due to poor modern dietary habits.
An OEM specialising in wastewater processing equipment was presented with a challenge: to provide a solution for the treatment of wastewater in a large Victorian abattoir.
The objective of the project was to provide a system with an increased capacity in volume of effluent processed per day by improving the receiving, storing and processing efficiency of the wastewater to accommodate for the plant’s current production schedule and take into consideration future demands due to increased productivity.
The OEM teamed up with SMC to install an electro-pneumatic system which significantly enhanced the functional and operational features of the equipment.
Major challenges
Accommodating the current effluent requirements and allowing for about 35% more capacity for future expansion presented quite a challenge. Safety and hygiene requirements, as well as the refining of the process that deals with extracting the suspended solids more efficiently, was another obstacle that the technical team had to overcome, as well as the measuring and dosing process of the required chemicals. All of these elements had to be incorporated into one throughput. Ultimately, water with the right pH balance had to be returned into the system and this had to be done all in one cycle of the process.
SMC delivered a plug-and-play EtherCAT solution, which was designed, manufactured and delivered in an integrated control panel solution.
The SMC installation highlights that seemingly complex technology, previously only reserved for high-tech environments, can be implemented in most applications.
“This system sets a new benchmark within the Australian process industry by challenging the perceptions that a leading-edge networking system EtherCAT is only suitable for very high-speed, complex and demanding applications within the industrial automation sector and successfully demonstrates the benefits of its application over the traditional system design,” commented Jozef Ceh, business development manager for electronic platforms at SMC Pneumatics Australia New Zealand.
Fieldbus technology
EtherCAT is Industrial Ethernet technology which is not only fast but also synchronises with nanosecond accuracy. This offers benefits for applications in which the target system is controlled or measured via the bus system. The rapid reaction times work to reduce the wait times during the transitions between process steps, which significantly improves application efficiency. The EtherCAT system architecture also typically reduces the load on the CPU by 25–30 % in comparison to other bus systems (given the same cycle time). When optimally applied, EtherCAT’s performance therefore leads to improved accuracy, greater throughput and lowered costs.
The final result
The system was set up to return higher quality water back into the environment, and to reduce the impact on the environment, while exceeding the minimum specifications of the water authorities. The recycling of water back into the plant for repeat usage also reduced the water consumption and running costs of the plant.
The result was a rendering process plant with the capacity to receive 1 ML, with up to 1.5 ML of effluent, on a daily basis.
“This project successfully demonstrates the value in challenging the traditional approach to solving problems and looking outside of the comfort zones of historically specified legacy systems that were significant in their time but may impose limitations when encountered by demands of the modern plants. It went outside of status quo and broke the barrier to look at progressive technologies,” concluded Ceh.
EtherCAT technology from SMC will be on show during AUSPACK 2017, to be held in Sydney from 7–10 March.
JVL Industri Elektronik A/S has updated its NEMA23 integrated stepper motors.
The integrated motors have an RS485, an optional CANopen or an industrial Ethernet interface as well as an easy programmable motion controller. The high step resolution of 409,600 steps per revolution results in smoothness and silent running.
Users can choose between top or rear end-mounted M12 connectors. The MIS23 motors come in three different sizes and two different motor types. Three have standard high-torque stepper motors: the MIS231 with 1.1 Nm, length 102 mm; the MIS232 with 1.6 Nm, length 122 mm; and the MIS234 with 2.5 Nm, length 170 mm.
Two versions have ultrahigh-torque stepper motors with 40% higher motor torque: the MIS231 with 1.6 Nm, length 102 mm; and the MIS232 with 2.5 Nm, length 122 mm.
The motors can be operated as stand-alone units or controlled from a PLC or PC. The eight I/Os can be individually configured as digital input, digital output or analog input.
The series allows connectivity to all industrial Ethernet interfaces such as Profinet, EtherCAT, Powerlink, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and SERCOS III.
The integrated stepper motors in the MIS series are also available with wireless Bluetooth, ZigBee or WLAN.
OFI Weigh & Inspection Solutions’ C80 is a high-precision, high-speed checkweigher built to last in harsh environments.
Operation is performed using a PC-based Windows operating system and the checkweigher is fitted with a large, 15″ multifunction touch-screen display for ease of use and operator flexibility. Designed and manufactured for longevity in hostile environments, the machine is available in either anodised aluminium or high-grade stainless steel.
The weigh platform provides weight stability and repeatability with conveyors driven by virtually maintenance-free brushless DC motors. The weigher offers a range of belt sizes and reject devices to suit various applications, including air blast, pusher, single or double flipper/divert arm, drop flap, etc. Combination systems are also available to include label application, metal detection and vision inspection.
Multiple checkweighers can be connected to InControl management software via Ethernet or Wi-Fi to enable reporting on the efficiency of each production line in real time and to monitor the OEE.
Product changeovers can be carried out remotely and remote access is available to troubleshoot or to monitor production. Statistical data for QA compliance can be transmitted directly to a USB in a range of formats.
The BRC version is supplied with various feedback monitors such as bin full, reject bins open, reject verify, low air-pressure alarm, product jam detection, metal detector offline, key switch acknowledgment and password protection.
Riclan candy company wanted to see more African firms and visitors at Yummex Middle East, part of Gulfood Manufacturing this year (November 7-9).
Brazil's meat industry has welcomed a commercial agreement struck by their country’s government with Malaysia, that will encourage and enable Brazilian beef and chicken exports to the south-east Asian country.
Finnish dairy company Valio has started exporting lactose-free consumer milk powder to China.
Competition is hotting up in the astaxanthin space, as Novel Food authorisation for BGG’s AstaZine line of natural astaxanthin ingredients marks the entry of a new player into the European carotenoid market.
There is an association between intakes of individual saturated fats and the risk of coronary heart disease, according to a new analysis of data that underlines the importance of switching out saturated fats for healthier alternatives.
The battle over plant-based terminology has moved into the meat arena with two Italian MEPs calling for laws to prevent vegetarian alternatives from using names such as prosciutto and mortadella.
French industry group ANIA has published a report with best practice tips for communicating corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and responsible marketing.
A high-fat diet may have consequences on mental health in later life, according to a recent mouse study. "A careful nutritional balance during this sensitive period is pivotal," says the lead researcher.
Meat and Livestock Australia’s (MLA) plan to use AU$150m from its members to install X-ray carcase grading technology is facing pressure from the Australian Beef Association (ABA).
Brazil's meat industry has welcomed a commercial agreement struck by their country’s government with Malaysia, that will encourage and enable Brazilian beef and chicken exports to the south-east Asian country.
African meat giant Zambeef has increased operating profit for the second year in a row, reporting a strong rise in trading figures to 30 September 2016.
Singapore, Japan and South Korea have stopped poultry imports from Denmark after an avian influenza virus (H5N8) outbreak affected the country’s entire poultry sector.
Meat and Livestock Australia’s (MLA) plan to use AU$150m from its members to install X-ray carcase grading technology is facing pressure from the Australian Beef Association (ABA).
Brazil's meat industry has welcomed a commercial agreement struck by their country’s government with Malaysia, that will encourage and enable Brazilian beef and chicken exports to the south-east Asian country.
African meat giant Zambeef has increased operating profit for the second year in a row, reporting a strong rise in trading figures to 30 September 2016.
Singapore, Japan and South Korea have stopped poultry imports from Denmark after an avian influenza virus (H5N8) outbreak affected the country’s entire poultry sector.
VWR Hygiene Mats are ergonomic mats for the food and beverage industry. The design combined with high-quality materials provides durability and true ergonomic relief. The mats assist in eliminating and preventing common problems encountered in standing environments by stimulating the body to increase blood circulation and alertness.
The Softline, Nitro and Endurance Mats are designed with anti-slip properties for work areas with excessive liquid and/or food products. Users can customise the size and shape to suit their needs and workspace.
The mats feature bevelled edges to prevent curling and trip hazards, and are easy to clean, UV resistant, silicon and latex free. The closed-cell and non-porous surface is antistatic and Cleanroom ISO Class 5 (100). The mats are available in bubble and smooth and in various colours.
The Australian Made, Australian Grown logo has marked 30 years of helping businesses promote and consumers easily identify Australian products and produce.
Launched in 1986 by then prime minister Bob Hawke to encourage Australians to buy genuine Australian products and produce, it is now used by more than 2600 business and appears on more than 16,000 products sold in Australia and around the world.
The logo has achieved some significant milestones over the past three decades, including the introduction of the Australian Grown descriptor in 2007 and the incorporation of the logo into the government’s new food labelling scheme in 2016. The logo will feature on the labels of nearly all Australian food products by the time the new scheme becomes compulsory on 1 July 2018.
The logo, which is widely recognised (98%) and trusted (89%), features heavily in export markets, particularly throughout Asia where it helps establish an immediate connection to Australia and invokes a reputation for safety and quality.
National Bulk Equipment’s sanitary-specific bag dump station is designed to be compliance-ready at start-up and to ensure optimal compliance contribution during operation and cleaning in sanitary applications.
The construction of the station meets the FDA, cGMP definition for product safety and cleanability according to 21CFR110.40, with features including a single-sheet, hopper-and-hood design formed of 304-2b stainless steel; the elimination of joint flanges where material build-up can occur; quick disconnects for utilities; tool-less grate and filter removal; and single-step reassembly to speed up inspection and return to service. The 32 Ra finish on all internal and external welds resists material accumulation and improves product release, while a food-grade, MERV 11 efficiency (ASHRAE 52.2) filtration system protects personnel and facilities from migrant dust release. A large, 42″ operator access area promotes proper operator interaction posture.
The sanitary-specific design of the bag dump station provides a higher OCC than repurposed, general-industry bag dump station designs by reducing the process material’s exposure to contaminants, meeting or reducing cleaning time targets, facilitating validation and inspection and ensuring compatibility with sanitary facility design principles.
The fight against childhood obesity could begin in the womb, with research finding that mothers who eat a diet that is relatively rich in protein and low in carbohydrates and fat during pregnancy have babies with less abdominal fat.
The research is part of a large-scale ongoing study of mothers and infants called Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO), a collaboration between Singapore’s National University Health System (NUHS), KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) and the A*STAR Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences.
The dietary choices of 320 pregnant women were recorded around the 27th week of pregnancy; this was followed by MRI scans to detect the abdominal fat levels of their babies two weeks after birth. The women consuming the most protein were still within the normal range recommended by dietary guidelines. The effect on their babies’ abdominal fat levels was particularly noticeable in boys and was only linked to high consumption of animal protein, not plant protein.
“Childhood obesity and metabolic diseases have reached epidemic levels globally,” said Ling-Wei Chen, joint first author of the research paper together with Mya-Thway Tint, both at Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. He adds that Asians are at higher risk of metabolic diseases than Caucasians of similar BMI levels, so the study’s focus on mothers of Asian origin makes it especially relevant for the region.
One strength of the GUSTO study is that it can tease out differences related to different cultural backgrounds. The beneficial influence of high-protein diets, for example, was stronger in Chinese and Indians than in Malays. “This may be due to inherent differences in body composition, or dietary pattern, among these groups,” said Yung Seng Lee, from the A*STAR group.
The researchers are continuing to monitor the children throughout their early years to detect longer-term effects. New MRI scans have been performed in the children’s fifth year, with more planned between the ages of 12 and 14. “Our early results may provide invaluable information for offering better nutritional guidance to pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy, but we need to continue to track the growth of these children to confirm this,” said Lee.
2017 will see AUSPACK expand to be the largest Sydney show in its history. The original allocation of exhibition space has now been sold and, due to continuing demand, the show will expand into the adjoining Hall 3B.
Event Director Luke Kasprzak said the expansion will make the show the biggest show in its Sydney history, with the largest offering ever, lots of new event features, an all-inclusive educational program, awards, networking and more. “A number of new stands have been added and we are confident this highly sought-after space will sell out very quickly,” he added.
AUSPACK 2017 will see the launch of a dedicated Processing Day to highlight the latest and best the industry has to offer. “Each show, we grow the processing side of AUSPACK and this will continue in 2017 with more exhibitors providing more processing machinery and solutions than ever before,” said Kasprzak.
AUSPACK 2017 will run from 7–10 March 2017 at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.
A study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting found most US colleges don't have integrated systems in place to support food-allergic students.
While many colleges offer support for students with food allergy in the dining hall, the same support doesn't carry over to organised sports, dormitories or social events, leaving students scrambling to inform all the various departments of their needs, according to food allergy researcher Ruchi Gupta, MD, ACAAI member and lead author on the study.
The study found that while students don't want to be defined by their allergies, they value feeling safe, and are willing to work with school officials in education about allergies. Peers of food allergic students believe the stress caused by food allergies could be significantly reduced by creating and engaging a community of support through peer training, awareness and increased epinephrine access.
Also at the ACAAI meeting, allergist David Stukus, MD, and ACAAI Fellow, presented on how allergists can help safely transition a student with food allergies to college.
"Teenagers with food allergy are the age group at highest risk for life-threatening food allergy reactions. This is mostly due to not having their epinephrine with them at all times, but they also face social pressures that cause them to not speak up when dining with peers," he said.
"Effective self-management of food allergies requires an understanding of the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction," said Dr Stukus. "College students with food allergies must know how and when to use epinephrine auto-injectors, how to read labels and what to communicate to food handlers. They must also have epinephrine available at all times in case of accidental ingestion leading to a severe allergic reaction."
"Parents tell us they need to educate everyone, literally everyone — professors, other students, the librarian and the person putting food on your kid's plate," said Dr Gupta. "Giving a student support from peers, staff and the college itself is critical in providing a safe and positive environment."
Best Sanitizers has added to its line of professional hand soaps.
An illegal meat processing operation has been discovered by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in New Zealand.
Nestlé emphasised the importance of hygienic design while co-operation between EHEDG and GFSI was mooted during an industry conference.
Food recalls for this week have been notified by the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, USA, Iceland, Sweden, Croatia and Denmark.
Novel foodborne pathogen techniques and geographic origin determination methods as well as work from EU projects were presented at Rapid Methods Europe in Amsterdam.
WITec has opened an office in Beijing which will host customer events.
Nine out of 10 adults are concerned about food safety, according to a survey by Emerson.
An olive oil expert has warned the 2016/17 harvest will be ‘much worse’ compared to last year.
Avian flu virus poses a ‘very low’ risk to humans but given its evolving nature there is the potential of infection, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Juices from damaged leaves in bagged salad can increase Salmonella growth 2,400-fold over a control group, according to research.
Most consumers do not wash their hands after using handheld phones or tablets in the kitchen, according to a survey.
There is an association between intakes of individual saturated fats and the risk of coronary heart disease, according to a new analysis of data that underlines the importance of switching out saturated fats for healthier alternatives.
In an effort for products to appear as close to natural as possible, beverage producers are turning more and more to ingredients complete with skin, seeds and fruit flesh.
The battle over plant-based terminology has moved into the meat arena with two Italian MEPs calling for laws to prevent vegetarian alternatives from using names such as prosciutto and mortadella.
French industry group ANIA has published a report with best practice tips for communicating corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and responsible marketing.
The Court of Appeal in Singapore has reaffirmed Nestlé’s KitKat shape trademark is invalid and ruled Petra Foods’ Delfi Take-It bar cannot therefore infringe the mark.
A high-fat diet may have consequences on mental health in later life, according to a recent mouse study. "A careful nutritional balance during this sensitive period is pivotal," says the lead researcher.
Far East business is now getting “hot” for Belgian vegetable protein supplier Cosucra after five years of expanding in China.
Though its baked goods market is 125 times smaller than its counterpart in Europe, China still holds enormous potential for businesses exactly because of this low per-capita consumption.
Turkey prepared in an unpermitted kitchen was behind an outbreak of Clostridium perfringens at a 2015 Thanksgiving lunch, according to a study.
Private equity backed LGC has splashed the cash for the third time in a month to acquire BRC Global Standards.
tna has launched a vertical form fill and seal (VFFS) system with full washdown functionality. Featuring a hygienic design, the tna arctic 3 is able to run in hostile wet and cold processing environments while maintaining high levels of sanitation and flexibility.
The system represents the latest generation of Sabalpack’s arctic range of full washdown VFFS systems, after tna acquired the Italian manufacturer in 2016.
Central to the design is the system’s A2 (AISI 304) stainless steel, corrosion-resistant cubicle, which ensures that key components like motors, vacuum pumps and sealing jaws are fully protected from any dirt or water ingress. A separate electrical cabinet and user-friendly external, side-swinging touch screen further aid ease of operation, facilitate sanitation and simplify cleaning operations.
With an IP65 (NEMA 4x) rating, the system is able to withstand intensive washdown procedures.
Capable of both constant and impulse sealing, the system is suitable for a wide range of packaging films, including laminated polypropylene and polyethylene films such as LLDPE. It supports multiple bag options, including pillow, gusseted and square bottom bags, plus multipacks.
For high transparency on contoured and semisqueezable containers, UPM Raflatac has introduced Raflex PRO — a flexible film for applications where polypropylene (PP) would be too rigid.
Films retain their functionality, stability and visual appeal even when exposed to humidity, water, chemicals, grease, oil or UV light, giving them an advantage over paper label faces. The traditional choices have been PP for transparency or polyethylene (PE) for flexibility, with a compromise needed to choose between their different strengths.
The film combines the best properties of PP and PE in a single material — offering both conformability and high transparency for a wide variety of containers.
For applications where PP would be too rigid, the film gives a high-quality, no-label look for contoured and semisqueezable containers, combining an ultraclear, high-gloss finish with good conformability. It is suitable for home, personal care, food and beverage applications, offering chemical resistance and stability even in challenging conditions. The film is as thin and light as PP and supports good print results even without a topcoat.
Turck’s TX500 HMI PLCs are suitable for use in small to medium-size machines whose processes have to be controlled, displayed and operated locally. Each HMI is equipped with a Profinet master and EtherNet/IP scanner, as well as a Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU master. The HMIs can also be run as field devices for both Modbus protocols.
CODESYS 3 allows the lean and simple programming of the PLC and visualisation functions. The processor technology of the units provides smooth handling of computing-intensive processes such as moving image visualisations. The high-resolution TFT display with 64,000 colours enables attractive and high=performance display of graphics and animations. The front panel is protected to IP66.
Two RJ45 Ethernet ports, a serial interface for RS232 or RS485 and two USB ports are provided on the terminal side. An additional SD card slot makes it possible to expand the 128 MB internal data memory. The series is available in three variants with different display sizes and resolutions: two 16:9 displays with 7″ or 13″ (TX507 and TX513) diagonals and one 10″ device in 4:3 format (TX510). The two smaller displays offer 800 x 400 pixels, while the large TX513 comes with 1280 x 800 pixels.
Qimarox has added a standard stretch hood machine to its range of material handling components. The Qimarox Highrunner mk7 is a modular, serially produced palletising module which can swiftly stack final packages of various shapes and sizes on pallets.
The compact stretch hood machine has four tensioning arms that can stretch a stretch wrap taut and pull it over the loaded pallet. When the tensioning arms release the stretch hood, the boxes, bags or other products on the pallet can no longer move due to the elasticity of the film. Because the four tensioning arms can move horizontally in two directions, the stretch wrapper can wrap any size of pallet.
What makes the machine different is its lack of power-hungry technologies such as pneumatics and hydraulics to power the tensioning arms. Energy consumption is therefore minimised, allowing users to save on energy costs. In addition, the machine is easy to maintain. Inspection of the machine or replacement of wearing parts can take place at ground level, so moving machine parts are not required for service and maintenance work.
The stretch hood machine is supplied to system partners without a control system, offering the opportunity to combine the control system of the machine with that of the other end-of-line packaging system components. This provides better integration, as well as simpler control and lower investment and maintenance costs.
Farmers impacted by the earthquake earlier this month in New Zealand have been warned that recovery is going to be a long-term process.
Vinamilk’s Da Lat Organic dairy farm, located in Lam Dong, is the first organic dairy farm in Vietnam to be certified to a European standard.
Process Expo and Food Safety Summit Conference & Expo have partnered to look at areas such as food safety.
Qiagen and CosmosID have launched a plugin to support shotgun metagenomics and microbiome profiling.
If you are in the dairy business, you know the threats posed by mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 and M1.
The sports nutrition market picking up the pace in Asia Pacific and can look forward to long-term growth, writes Allied Market Research analyst Ravi Chawat.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors including obesity and hypertension are highly prevalent among low income urban Pakistani adults – with those people following a traditional diet most at risk, a new study has found.
Three bacterial strains isolated from traditional Korean soy sauce show commercial potential as probiotics and starter cultures, say researchers.
The type of fat used as a carrier for phytosterol in fortified foods and drinks could have a major impact on the ability of the ingredient to lower cholesterol, according to a new meta-analysis of trials.
The foundation for a Weng Fat Poultry site in Skenderaj, Kosovo has been laid.
Historically high Chinese pig prices and ongoing crackdowns on farmyard pollution appear to have driven a wave of pig smuggling from Vietnam into China.
Farmers impacted by the earthquake earlier this month in New Zealand have been warned that recovery is going to be a long-term process.
Pork producer Vion, agricultural association ZLTO and retailer Albert Heijn have teamed up with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs to increase consumer awareness about where pork comes from.
The Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) has signalled its intent to move into the high-quality beef market, with aspirations for global exports.
The World Butchers’ Challenge is to be hosted by Northern Ireland.
‘Clean meat’ producer Memphis Meats has launched a community-building campaign to help extend awareness about its mission to “build a better meat”.
UK poultry processor Kelly Turkeys has been given the green light by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to market its premium Kelly Bronze offering throughout the United States.
Neogen has received approval from the AOAC Research Institute for its AccuPoint Advanced ATP Sanitation Monitoring System.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) sanitation monitoring systems are used in the food industry to instantly assess the effectiveness of sanitation programs. The system is the first of its type to receive an AOAC approval, according to the company, and the approval follows a study by NSF International that showed AccuPoint Advanced exceeded the performance of competitive systems.
The results in the AOAC validation report (Performance Tested Method 091601) provided evidence that the system produces consistent and reliable data for evaluating sanitation program effectiveness in food processing and foodservice facilities.
The system is an enhanced version of the earlier AccuPoint test system. Improvements include: improved sampler chemistry to produce more consistent results with greater sensitivity; an enhanced instrument to produce faster results (less than 20 s); and advanced Data Manager software to streamline the testing process by creating test plans and syncing important data, while keeping a permanent record of sanitation test results.
A report in The American Journal of Medicine has found that a glass or two of red wine before lighting up a cigarette can counteract some of the short-term negative effects of smoking on blood vessels.
Lead researcher Viktoria Schwarz, MD, of the University of Saarland in Germany said the aim of the study was to investigate the acute vascular effects of red wine consumption prior to ‘occasional lifestyle smoking’ in healthy individuals. Dr Schwarz said the study found evidence that preconsumption of red wine prevented most of the vascular injury caused by smoking.
The study examined the effects of smoking on various biochemical processes in the blood and vessels of 20 healthy non-smokers who volunteered to smoke three cigarettes. Half of the subjects drank red wine one hour before smoking, in an amount calculated to result in 0.075% blood alcohol content. Blood and urine were collected before and after drinking and smoking and continued until 18 hours after smoking.
Smoking is known to cause microparticles to be released into the bloodstream. These particles come from endothelial cells, platelets and monocytes, and indicate that cells in the blood vessels are being damaged. Researchers found that in subjects who consumed red wine before smoking, these cellular changes did not occur.
Another biochemical process affected by smoking is telomerase activity. Telomeres can be thought of as ‘protective caps’ on chromosomes. During ageing, these caps can shorten and lose their protective ability. By measuring telomerase activity, investigators determined that the group that smoked without drinking red wine showed a 56% decrease in telomerase activity, while the drinking group showed only a 20% decrease.
Since the study was limited to young, healthy nonsmokers, it is not clear whether these findings apply to the elderly, the ill or chronic smokers. There was no comparison to different alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages or whether the results would apply to more than just occasional smokers and drinkers.
Aldi sells over half a million British beef steaks every week. When launching a new range of beef in its British stores, the retailer sought a labelling solution that would enhance the premium look and feel of its packaging.
Global packaging manufacturer Coveris used a pioneering printing process in the launch of the new linerless labels for Aldi’s Specially Selected Aberdeen Angus steaks, which comprise four lines of British beef steak. Combining multiple decorative effects inline, the printing system adds a fourth, tactile dimension to the labels to reflect the quality of the product and its high-profile launch.
Producing a premium finish for shelf presence, the label production process blends a complex mix of inks, varnishes and foil inline using a newly developed method of application. The use of high-build silkscreen varnish creates a glossy, tactile stamped effect, while the use of further varnishes and cold foil combine to produce a multisensory, luxury appearance.
Coveris says the evolution of printing capabilities on linerless labels during this project creates opportunities for the production of more complex designs and premiumisation techniques.
The Australian and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation has met in Brisbane to discuss issues such as the legalisation of hemp as food and labelling reform. Comprised of Ministers from Australia and New Zealand and the Australian Local Government Association, the forum is responsible for maintaining a strong food regulation system based on scientific evidence.
The Ministers identified synthetic foods as an emerging area of interest and asked Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to prepare a report on potential safety, nutritional and labelling issues. Regarding allergen labelling, it was agreed that further work should be undertaken by FSANZ through the Allergen Collaboration to promote the uptake of voluntary labelling initiatives.
Technical evaluation on added sugars and vegetable oils
The 2011 Labelling Logic: Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy (2011) made 61 recommendations, including a proposal that, where sugars, fats or vegetable oils are added as separate ingredients in food, the terms ‘added sugars’ and ‘added fats’ and/or ‘added vegetable oils’ be used in the ingredient list as the generic term, followed by a bracketed list — eg, added sugars (fructose, glucose syrup, honey), added fats (palm oil, milk fat) or added vegetable oils (sunflower oil, palm oil).
A technical evaluation by FSANZ has identified a number of developments in food labelling and dietary advice since the initial review was undertaken. The report will be made available on the FSANZ website shortly.
Low-THC hemp as a food
A research project is underway to evaluate the impact of the consumption of low-THC hemp as a food in regards to police roadside drug tests.
Health Star Rating (HSR) system
At least 115 companies have adopted the Health Star Rating (HSR) system, with more than 5500 products displaying the HSR system graphic in Australia at the end of September 2016 and more than 2100 in New Zealand.
Evaluation in September 2016 found that consumer awareness of the HSR system has increased to around 59%, with 33% of those aware of the system purchasing a new product because it had a higher HSR than their usual product.
Food regulation website
A new standalone website, http://bit.ly/2fCFhho, has been launched to better explain the collaborative joint food regulation system.
The next meeting of the forum is scheduled for April 2017 in Adelaide.
The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and the Australian Packaging & Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) have established the Packaging & Processing Innovation and Design Awards for Australia.
The awards will recognise companies and individuals designing innovative packaging and processing materials and solutions, packaging and machinery/equipment within the food, beverage, health, beauty and wellness and domestic and household markets.
In addition there will be two special company awards (Sustainable Packaging & Processing and Save Food Packaging & Processing) and three individual awards (Young Packaging & Processing Professional of the Year, Industry Packaging & Processing Professional of the Year and The APPMA Scholarship).
The PIDA Awards are the only award program in Australia to provide a pathway into the prestigious WorldStar Packaging Awards.
Applications close on 20 January 2017, with winners announced at the inaugural gala awards night to be held on 8 March at the Novotel, Sydney Olympic Park. To access the submission forms, click here.
The foundation for a Weng Fat Poultry site in Skenderaj, Kosovo has been laid.
Historically high Chinese pig prices and ongoing crackdowns on farmyard pollution appear to have driven a wave of pig smuggling from Vietnam into China.
Farmers impacted by the earthquake earlier this month in New Zealand have been warned that recovery is going to be a long-term process.
Pork producer Vion, agricultural association ZLTO and retailer Albert Heijn have teamed up with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs to increase consumer awareness about where pork comes from.
Dutch consumer association, Consumentenbond, is fighting for tougher regulations on products claiming to be whole-grain as it says manufacturers are deliberately misleading consumers in their labelling.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is helping companies prevent and identify inadequate temperatures during transportation and storage, according to Monnit.
Best Sanitizers has added to its line of professional hand soaps.
An illegal meat processing operation has been discovered by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in New Zealand.
A mechanism found to explain why aspartame prevents weight loss in humans is "not plausible" according to the International Sweeteners Association (ISA).
In 2013, the Finnish government set itself the target of converting one fifth of its arable cultivated land to organic, but it is lagging behind where other EU countries are making strides. Why is this and what needs to be done?
Putting the consumer’s need at the heart of innovation will pay big dividends for food manufacturers.
A mechanism found to explain why aspartame prevents weight loss in humans is "not plausible" according to the International Sweeteners Association (ISA).
Dutch consumer association, Consumentenbond, is fighting for tougher regulations on products claiming to be whole-grain as it says manufacturers are deliberately misleading consumers in their labelling.
Irish microbiome scientists have helped curate an Irish art exhibition exploring the influence of food on mood, informed by mounting science around the gut-brain axis.
In 2013, the Finnish government set itself the target of converting one fifth of its arable cultivated land to organic, but it is lagging behind where other EU countries are making strides. Why is this and what needs to be done?
Denmark unveiled its voluntary logo for animal welfare last month and Germany looks set to launch its own. But should a high standard of welfare not be the legal minimum rather than a premium product for high-end shoppers?
Dutch consumer association, Consumentenbond, is fighting for tougher regulations on products claiming to be whole-grain as it says manufacturers are deliberately misleading consumers in their labelling.
Denmark unveiled its voluntary logo for animal welfare last month and Germany looks set to launch its own. But should a high standard of welfare not be the legal minimum rather than a premium product for high-end shoppers?
FoodConnects, a consortium of 50 industry and academic institutions from 13 different countries, has been selected by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) to tackle global food challenges through a €400m innovation partnership.
Food based start-ups in Europe will soon have access to venture capital funds, simplified tax filings and liberalised insolvency laws as part of the EU commission’s new ‘Start-up Scale–up’ initiative
From soft drinks to yoghurts, snack bars to jams, the low sugar and sugar-free drive is spreading across categories in Europe. We take a look at some of the stand-out successes in new product development (NPD), picked by Mintel's market analysts.
FoodNavigator is at FoodMattersLive in London reporting on the latest taste trends, food science innovations and food policy debates. We've also compiled the best of the social media conversation in case you can't be there.
A biological process to explain why aspartame does not promote weight loss has been proposed by US researchers, who found the sugar substitute promoted weight gain in mice.
Acrylamide levels in Europe are still dangerously high and relying on industry goodwill to lower them is destined to fail, says an NGO following analysis of previously unseen data released by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
KraftHeinz has been forced to withdraw a television advert for baked beans by the UK's advertising authority as it encouraged "behaviour that is prejudicial to health".
Scotland may not be able to rival Asia for seaweed production in volume - but it's the cleanest, safest and most sustainable seaweed in the world, says Sottish producer Mara
One size does not fit all when marketing meat alternatives, say researchers. Manufacturers need to decide whether they should target price conscious consumers, healthy eaters, taste driven individuals, eco-friendly greens, organic shoppers or vegetarians.
Teenagers in the UK consume around 77 litres of sugary drinks every year – enough to fill a bathtub, according to "shocking" results of a survey.
After a decade of growth, private label in Europe is declining and according to Euromonitor this signals a "New scenario for packaged food in Europe". We look at some strategies for boosting sales of private labels.
Microalgae is often held up as the most promising sustainable protein that can feed a growing world population - but first production needs to be scaled up on industrial levels. "The costs of inaction are too steep to even contemplate,” writes the author of a new paper.
Film maker Michael Dorgan went to the forests of Latin America and Africa to investigate palm oil production while observing a palm oil-rich diet and returned convinced only multi-stakeholder action can provoke real progress.
The UK's action plan to increase post-Brexit exports over the next five years sets its sights on China, India, the US and Latin America - but it wants to see the biggest growth coming from exports to neighbouring Germany.
The world’s biggest flavour and fragrance company has invested S$7m (US$5m) to expand its flavour innovation centre in Singapore.
Malaysia has offered to advise the Japanese halal industry, which its prime minister says holds great potential for Islamic products.
Regional distribution major Jebsen & Jessen has launched a new ingredient innovation centre to adapt international products for the Southeast Asian market.
Singapore’s policymakers have once again turned their attention to the food industry, and in light of recent previous sorties in this direction, it can only be a good thing.
An illegal meat processing operation has been discovered by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in New Zealand.
The Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) has signalled its intent to move into the high-quality beef market, with aspirations for global exports.
The World Butchers’ Challenge is to be hosted by Northern Ireland.
‘Clean meat’ producer Memphis Meats has launched a community-building campaign to help extend awareness about its mission to “build a better meat”.
UK poultry processor Kelly Turkeys has been given the green light by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to market its premium Kelly Bronze offering throughout the United States.
Portuguese supplier Allmicroalgae has taken calls to scale up production of microalgae to heart, with a project to combine big-volume fermentation with high-value photosynthesis methods now in swing.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a public consultation on gluten-free labeling in England.
FoodConnects, a consortium of 50 industry and academic institutions from 13 different countries, has been selected by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) to tackle global food challenges through a €400m innovation partnership.
