Breaking News on Prepared Food and Meat Processing

Self-assembling proteins offer golden food future

There is a big future for exploiting protein's natural tendency to self-assembly into micelles or nanotubes, says a leading researcher in the field.

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The food industry after Lisbon

In the face of another rejection of a European Union treaty, the bloc's food industry has one glaring path ahead: business as normal.

Sustainable action greening supply chain

Sustainable growth is proving to be a key concern for all players in the food supply chain, with a report this week from Danisco on its waste and energy saving initiatives and a US dairy industry-wide action plan on carbon emissions.

Demand for food enzymes increases amid cost crisis

The enzymes market is experiencing some increased popularity among manufacturers because of their desired functionality and ability to help save costs, says a new report.

First food players sign up to lobbyist register

The European Commission's voluntary register of lobbyists and their interests went live on Monday, and already contains over 60 entries - but will food industry players take a pledge on transparency?

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GM: Breaking the stalemate

Food industry voices are joining those of politicians in the GM debate, hailing the controversial technology as the answer to the food supply crisis. But the hearts and minds of consumers must still be won.

Foodmakers welcome MEPs amendment on by-products

The adoption by MEPs this week of amendments to the European Waste Framework Directive has been welcomed by the Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries in the EU (CIAA).

Ulrick & Short gains organic approval

UK company Ulrick & Short has received new Soil Association accreditation for two of its products, allowing it to market these already clean label ingredients as organic.

GM crops restrain price rises, says economist

The present food supply crisis would be worse if it were not for commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops over the last 12 years, claims a new economic report.

EU ups the ante with competitiveness group

The European Commission is focusing on competitiveness, innovation and safety in the food industry through the formation of a new high level group.

Rosemary extracts to receive antioxidant status

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said rosemary extract is safe for use as an antioxidant in food, expanding application opportunities and increasing its natural appeal.

Automation desire heating up plate freezing - manufacturer

A UK-based refrigeration specialist says it is re-entering the supply market for bulk plate freezing systems with a keen eye on bringing greater automation and energy efficiency to its products.

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The value of hyperactive curiosity

For a little yellow flower, it's ignited a huge debate. Believe the headlines and St John's wort won't help hyperactive kids, but last week's study asks more questions than it answers. It's time to put funding disclosures in the dock.

Vegetable oil prices set to stay high, US warns

Vegetable oil prices are expected to remain high into the coming 2008/09 season as surging demand from the developing world outpaces production, predicts the US agriculture department.

Bacteria strain shows promise as natural meat preservative

The lactic acid bacteria strain Enterococcus faecalis CECT7121 can provide a natural preservative for craft dry-fermented sausages, according to a new study.

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Food crisis: Time to stop the squabbling

Bickering gets you nowhere. It's a lesson to be learned early in life, but which seems easily forgotten when it comes to tough political issues like measures to curb the food crisis.

Chinese MSG exporters to EU to pay stiff anti-dumping tariffs

The European Commission has imposed anti-dumping tariffs of almost 40 per cent on monosodium glutamate (MSG) imported to the EU from China, following an investigation into the effects of lower-priced imports on EU industry.

Current control measures effective against microbes in the plant air: study

The current control measures to limit the levels of microbes in the air of pork processing plants are sufficient and effective, according to Irish scientists.

NutraCea brings meat enhancing rice bran onto the market

NutraCea has today launched its stabilized rice bran (SRB) RiBran Isolate as a cost-effective meat enhancer, and simultaneously announced a new distribution agreement.

FSA issues guidance for clearer labelling

New labelling guidelines were issued this week by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) to help manufacturers in present vital product information in a clearer way.

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Yesterday's food complacency proves hard to swallow

For too long, the developed world has taken food for granted. For years, ample food stocks, a well-supplied export trade and rapidly rising agricultural productivity have confined food fears, in the west at least, to history and the memories of older generations.