Scientists at the University of Idaho have produced a genetically
modified potato variety of Ranger Russet with enhanced French fry
aroma, and reduced amounts of processing-induced acrylamide.
A new module supplies power to scanning equipment used in packaging
lines and quality control without causing interference, known as
ripples, its manufacturer claims.
A new range of inks and lacquers adds texture to the surface of
packaging, giving processors an additional means of reaching out
and grabbing consumers.
Scientists have devised a means of preventing contamination of
commercially baked bread - helping manufacturers to minimise the
loss caused by spoilage and halt the common problem of 'ropey
bread'.
Women looking to break through the glass barrier in the UK's food
manufacturing sector will haveaccess to management training under a
£500,000 public grant.
US firm Metabolix is constructing a new $200m bioplastics factory
in Iowa, with commercial production of the packaging material
expected to begin in 2008.
Reducol could have a big impact on heart disease rates in France,
say Forbes Medi-Tech and Carrefour, the supermarket giant that
recently launched a range of yoghurt products containing the
cholesterol-lowering ingredient.
Microwave and radio frequency industrial equipment developed by
Sairem allows deep frozen foods such as meat, poultry, fish, fruit,
butter or cheese to be tempered or defrosted quickly, the
manufacturer claims.
Increased investment in core bakery brands appears to have paid off
for food group RHM which has reported climbing profits despite poor
wheat supplies and high commodity prices denting trading
conditions.
European plants using Sidel packaging equipment can now get
round-the-clock day technical assistance over the phone, helping to
reduce production delays in the event of problems, the manufacturer
claims.
A matrix of sucrose, gelatin and gum Arabic can successfully
encapsulate citrus flavours, and offer potential as a cheaper
alternative to pure gum Arabic for the process.
Sweet manufacturers could find themselves tapping into the sporty
potential of confectionery following research into the effects of
functional jelly beans on athletes' performance.
The UK's Food Standards Agency has launched a final consultation
into mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid - an action
that coincides with publication of the SACN recommendation to press
ahead with the measure.
A new report from market analyst group Plimsoll has forecast a
difficult year ahead for the UK bakery sector which has already
felt the effects of a testing 2006.
About 2.3m tonnes of steel packaging were recycled in Europe last
year, representing an average recycling rate of 63 per cent in the
25 EU member states, and an increase of 6 per cent in recycled
tonnage compared to 2004.
The US food and beverage sector used $37bn worth of sustainable or
"green" packaging in 2005,with demand forecast to reach $42bn in
2010, according to a new study.
Orafti has announced the introduction of Beneo LGI, a virtually
sugar-free inulin with multiple applications for healthier food
formulation - including products with a low glycaemic index.
An increased consumption of whole grains and fish could reduce the
risk of developing asthma by about 50 per cent, suggests a new
study from The Netherlands.
A major trial into the prevention of peanut allergies among
children has begun in the UK as part of a study that could result
in a new, younger generation of nut product consumers.
About €4.4m (£3m) in additional government funds was released
yesterday to help UK processors develop new methods of reducing the
amount of food waste going into landfills.
EU parliamentarians are expected to vote tomorrow in favour of
compromise legislationregulating the use of chemicals throughout
the bloc, despite opposition from consumer groups over the watering
down of the measures.
There's no way but out for heart-damaging trans fatty acids, and
procrastinators in the food industry will achieve nothing by
delaying reformulation other than lagging behind in the game as the
rest of the world waves goodbye.
The US based Chocolate Manufacturers Association (CMA) has released
a guide to cacao content labels in order to demystify confused
chocolate consumers.
EU plans to reduce tariffs on imports of aluminum into the bloc are
likely to have little affect on the regions metallic packagers,
says an industry expert.
Central and Eastern European sugar processors are bearing the brunt
of new EU reforms due to dominant Western European companies within
the industry acting in a political and not economic manner, claims
an agricultural expert.
Time is running out for producers of specialist, cloth-bound cheese
in the UK as efforts stall in their bid to continue using a
chemical that is banned across the EU.
A new type of liquid crystal polymer (LCP) for industrial and
consumer cooking and baking is more efficient than metal,
increasing productivity, its manufacturer claims.
Boise Paper launched its first fluorochemical-free oil and grease
resistant (OGR) paper this week, following growing consumer
concerns over the health risks associated with the group of
chemicals.
Danish ingredients group Danisco has launched a new stabilizer
ingredient designed to allow ice cream manufacturers to cut the fat
content of their products while still maintaining a creamy
mouthfeel.
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibre, beta-carotene
and vitamin E appear to offer significant protection against
non-Hodgkin lymphoma, says a Swedish-Danish-American study.
A Finnish company is poised to take advantage of the emerging trend
towards healthier snacking with a range of soy-based crisps, nuts
and crunchy bites.
Sugar replacer firm Palatinit are set to highlight the trend
towards health and convenience in the growing sugarfree
confectionery sector at the ISM trade fair next year.
Crown and QinetiQ are jointly developing radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tracking that willturn metal packaging into
an antenna and help reduce the costs of using the technology.
German confectionery group Alfred L Wolff has developed a new range
of glazing agents, building on its existing line of ingredients
designed for sweet manufacturers.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to implement new
rules on the definition of the term 'natural', after receiving a
petition stating that the claim on meat and poultry products is
misleading to consumers.
An entry level horizontal flowrapper, developed as an affordable
and practical solution for small and medium size bakeries, has been
launched by Ulma Packaging.