A plastic container that uses silver nanoparticles to keep foods
fresher longer, points the way forward for processors looking to
incorporate the technology into their packaging.
Poultry processors have been put on notice about their labour
practices after one of their members agreed to a $1.24 million
settlement for not compensating workers for time spent getting into
and out of work clothes.
An alternative to the traditional microbiological tests for ultra
heat treated (UHT) and extended shelf life (ESL) dairy products
speeds up assessments by over two days, according to its
manufacturer.
Yesterday American-owned Sara Lee reported a massive 77 per cent
drop in third quarter operating profit from $189m last year to $42m
in 2006, impacted by a vast portfolio cull.
In a move emphasising the flight of many food manufacturers out of
the UK, Heinz has decided to move production of the HP Sauce brand
to Holland from its plant in Birmingham.
A report published this month confirms that television is effective
in getting children to eat the foods advertised, driving up the
association between television viewing and childhood obesity.
The food industry must take responsibility for the continued
excessive consumption of salt, according to professor Graham
McGregor of St Georges University of London.
US food and consumer goods producer Sara Lee announced Friday it
has entered discussions with Smithfield to sell its European meats
arm, following a drop in the division's anticipated selling price.
The EU's food safety agency today said aspartame is safe for
consumption, contradicting a scientific study by the Ramazzini
Foundation that claimed the artificial sweetener caused cancer.
The opinion of an advocate-general of the European Court of Justice
on UK anti-tax avoidance rules could benefit multinationals such as
confectioner Cadbury Schweppes.
A new review could help food developers and technical managers
appreciate how dietary fibre influences the glycaemic index of
foods, especially cereal products.
The European Commission is funding to strengthen innovation in
functional and health foods in the food industry, with
opportunities to join still open.
Operating profit was flat while sales rose only two per cent in
real terms for Unilever, which said yesterday its profit rose six
per cent in the first quarter of this year.
Recent scientific research does not support the common assumption
that women should lower their salt intake during pregnancy to
reduce the risks for developing pre-eclampsia or oedema, according
to a recent forum.
The commonly used spice cinnamon could lower blood pressure in
hypertensive people, researchers report for the first time, results
that have been heralded by industry.
Closing the door, buying a household steamer, or using a slide rule
may be all that small meat processors need to do to save on the
costs of meeting hygiene requirements.
M&M's brand confectionery plans to unveil a white chocolate
variety in order to tie in with the upcoming US release of the
movie 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest'.
The Polish parliament's proposed ban on the sale and registration,
but apparently not planting, of biotech seeds, will likely violate
EU regulations, according to a USDA foreign agricultural service
GAIN report.
Dry aging beef in a vacuum-packaging bag can provide savings
without affecting the quality of the product compared to
traditional methods, according to a research study.
Two of Australia's leading health bodies say the government should
introduce stronger regulation to restrict junk food advertising and
improve education about proper nutrition to fight the alarming rise
in childhood obesity.
The European Commission has raised export subsidies available for
butter for the second month running, bowing to pressure from member
states concerned at volatile markets.
State governor Jodi Rell has pledged to sign a bill that would make
Connecticut the fourth US state to ban sales of sodas and other
sugary beverages in state elementary, middle and high schools.
Icelandic manufacturer Bakkavor has purchased two British food
producers in as many days, securing its position as the UK's
largest chilled foods supplier.
A newly developed vending machine in the US makes ice cream from
scratch while you wait, shows how dairy firms are finding new ways
to target consumer demand for convenience.
Poland has confirmed a new case of BSE in one of its cows, as
figures suggest the disease has crept forward in the country amid a
rapid fall in outbreaks elsewhere in the world.
NatureWorks has produced a handling guide to help those along the
supply chain handle biodegradable plastic packaging made from its
polylactic acid (PLA).
British consumer watchdog Which? has branded the new junk food
advertising ban a "sham", saying broadcasting regulator Ofcom
wasted its opportunity to veto food industry commercials that
target young children.
Food processors are waiting with bated breath for the release next
week of an EU regulatory review either confirming or rejecting the
results of a scientific study claiming that aspartame poses a
cancer risk.
Food companies face a growing chance of litigation from employees
over concerns about the industry's use of diacetyl and butter
flavorings, which have been linked to lung disease in workers.
