Breaking News on Prepared Food and Meat Processing

Researchers study more efficient refrigeration techniques

In a bid to cut energy use in the UK's food processing plants, researchers at the University ofBristol have launched a government-funded project to come up with more efficient refrigerationtechniques.

Wrapping system boosts Ulma's share of UK poultry market

Spain-based Ulma Packaging says its wrapping system for whole fresh birds has given it a 75 per cent share of the UK market.

Multi-lane aseptic machine packs low-acid foods

A new machine for the aseptic packaging low acid food products can handle a range of products atthe same time.

Europe needs a strong CAP

Europe needs a strong Common Agricultural Policy but this must reflect current realities, argues EC minister Mariann Fischer Boel.

European countries top list for business location

Switzerland, Finland and Sweden are the world's most competitive economies according to this year's assessment by the World Economic Forum (WEF) of the best places to do business.

EFSA to evaluate meat cleaning substances

Cleaning substances used on meat products will be assessed for safety by theEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) under a new programme announced yesterday.

New nutrition labelling for McDonalds Australia

McDonalds Australia is setting new standards for fast food producers by increasing nutritional labeling on products with Percentage Daily Intake (%DI).

Carbon monoxide in meat products 'deceptive', say consumers

Most consumers are concerned about the use of carbon monoxide to meats, according to a new survey, which rekindles an ongoing debate between industry and consumer groups.

EU to remove restrictions on packaging sizes

Companies will soon have the freedom to choose the size of packaging they use for most oftheir products, after a set of restrictive rules were abolished yesterday by EU ministers.

Veal definition to restrict use of term

In a bid to prevent the traditional definition of veal from being expanded to include olderanimals, the European Commission wants to lay down the law on what meats can use the description.

UK regulator plans to reduce compliance costs

The UK's food regulator plans to slice millions of euros off the administration costs faced bybusinesses in complying with safety regulations, leaving operators with more money in their pockets.

Cargill launches new textured soy protein

Cargill is launching a new soy protein in order to consolidate its position in the growing soy and meat-free market.

Rosemary packaging extends meat shelf life

Spanish researchers have found a way to keep meat looking pink and fresh on the shelf, withoutthe use of carbon monoxide.

Organic milk is not healthier, says UK food watchdog

Organic milk producers took a blow Tuesday after UK food authorities said their milk was not healthier than conventional varieties just because it contained more omega-3.

Rousselot solidifies position in Chinese gelatin market

Rousselot has acquired a fourth gelatin plant in China in order to satisfy increasing demand within the Asian food market.

UK regulator to increase inspection charges

As part of its policy to recover the costs of regulatory supervision from industry, the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) plans to increase its charges to the meat sector by 3.5 per cent next year.

Nano napkin detects pathogens with a swipe

A new biodegradable napkin under development uses nanotechnology to detect contamination in food products.

Plight of bluefin tuna highlights EU's fish crisis

Bluefin tuna has almost been fished out of some of the Mediterranean’s oldest fishing grounds, according to new data released by the World Wildlife Fund (WWW), a global conservation organization.

Industry interested in unsaturated fatty acid use

A conference presenting the health benefits of dietary unsaturated fatty acids was widely attended by food technologists, indicating that manufacturers are seeking to arm themselves with the latest research as they strive to make healthier products.

China trade summit opens up opportunities

The third EU-China Business Summit in Helsinki was designed to strengthen economic cooperation between the two blocs, a move that will have a significant impact on Europe's food industry.

Food allergens still threaten US foods

Some food manufacturers are not doing enough to prevent the cross contamination of their products by allergens, according to a survey by the US food regulator.

Ter Beke hit by margin fall due to higher costs, retailer pressure

Rising raw material prices, considerably higher energy costs and continuing retailer pressure have cut margins at Ter Beke, a Belgium-based processed meats and fresh ready meals manufacturer.

Barbeque pouch targets convenience market

Processors now have a means of putting a barbeque in a bag.

Stork to acquire meat equipment maker

Stork Food Systems plans to acquire a processing machine maker in France, part of the company's bid to become a bigger supplier to the meat industry.

SoyLink powder tech patent sparks new applications

Soy-powder maker SoyLink has a new US patent for its proprietary technology - a manufacturing process the Iowa-based company says will expand current uses for soy in functional foods and beverages.

South Korea lifts ban on US beef

South Korea has lifted a ban on US beef in place since 2003 because of an outbreak of mad cow disease.

Nitrites in cured meat linked to lung disease

People who regularly eat cured meats are 71 per cent more likely to have symptoms of lung disease than people who never eat this type of meat, says a new study from the US.

Plant extracts beat synthetics as meat preservatives, says study

Grape seed and pine bark extracts as additives in cooked meats performed better than the synthetic preservatives in oxidation and microbial effects, results that could be readily acceptable to consumers seeking ready-to-eat meat products with natural preservatives.

Weekly Comment

Sweet nothing for global trade

The transition to the new EU sugar regime is a reminder of what was lost when the Doha round of WTO trade talks collapsed.

Overproduction linked to obesity, claims scientist

The recent failure of the WTO trade talks could have serious implications for our culture of obesity, and is an issue that must be dealt with urgently, claims a scientist.

Cuts to Baltic cod quota puts squeeze on domestic supply

The European Commission this week proposed cutting quotas on cod, salmon and other Baltic Sea species, in some cases by up to 20 per cent.

Scientists find 'proof' for high protein diets

A key hormone in the human gut could be the reason why high protein diets enhance satiety and promote weight loss, British scientists have reported.

USDA proposal could redefine grass-fed meat

Plans by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand the definition of grass-fed animals, has caused concern in the industry that the growing market for organic pastured meats could be undermined by commercial operations.

USDA proposal could redefine grass-fed meat

Plans by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand the definition of grass-fed animals, has caused concern in the industry that the growing market for organic pastured meats could be undermined by commercial operations.

Edible packaging seen as next wave of innovation

Edible coatings based on various mixes of milk serum proteins, starch, and mesquite gum could be the basis for the next innovative wave in food packaging, says a researcher in Spain.

InnoSweet enters US sweeteners market

European sweetener supplier InnoSweet GmbH is to enter the US market, after opening its first sales office in the nation early this week.

Obesity initiative targets English school food

A multi-million pound project designed to secure the future of healthy school food and tackle childhood obesity has been launched in England.

Restrictions on poultry lifted in EU

With no currently outbreaks of avian influenza being found in the EU's borders, all restrictions on the movement of farmed birds have been lifted within the bloc, the European Commission reported yesterday.

Sale of Bulgarian pork could be prohibited with EU accession

The sale of Bulgarian pig meat could soon be prohibited unless the government can prove it is successfully tackling increased outbreaks of Classical Swine fever (CSF) in the country, according to a new USDA report.

Food safety experts launch battle against E. coli bacteria

Food safety experts are meeting in Dublin, Ireland this week to discuss international standards they hope will cut back on the rising number of infections caused by the deadly enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) bacteria.

Tasting robot could be next generation quality and safety tool

A "tasting" robot that can identify foods, drinks and their ingredients through the packaging provides a glimpse into the future direction of safety and quality control in manufacturing plants.

Vitiva growth stems from new rosemary markets

Slovenia's Vitiva has reported sales growth in excess of 200 per cent for the first half the year, as it continues to implement its rapid growth strategy and reach out into new business sectors.