Breaking News on Prepared Food and Meat Processing

All news articles > October 2006

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31-Oct-2006

Vitiva launches rosemary-based antioxidant range

Vitiva has launched what it describes as a powerful rosemary extract-based antioxidant that can be used in processed chicken and poultry products.

E-beam eliminates E. coli in ground beef, researchers say

Low levels of irradiation can reduce pathogen levels, including the potentially deadly E. coli, in carcasses used for ground beef, claim researchers.

Meta-analysis of cutting salt in kids to pile pressure on food industry

A new meta-analysis of clinical trials of the effect of salt reduction in children reports that a modest reduction in intake does have a significant effect on blood pressure.

30-Oct-2006

KFC cuts trans fats as heart health battle wages on

A nationwide campaign to remove artery-clogging trans fatty acids from the US food chain received another significant boost today, after popular fast food franchise Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) announced it is to switch to non-trans cooking oil.

Weekly comment

A fair trade future

The world needs an independent trade watchdog to properly regulate the international food supply chain if we as a society are to truly create a more sustainable and ethical food market.

26-Oct-2006

'Paralysis' of food trade talks bad for EU business

The European Commission has once again expressed regret that the failure of the WTO Doha Round of trade talks will negatively impact EU business.

25-Oct-2006

ONC takes Meg-3 to Mexico

Ocean Nutrition Canada has announced the creation of an exclusive distribution partnership in Mexico through FX Morales y Asociados, allowing the fish oil supplier to enter the Mexican market.

Netherlands company bacteriophage cleaner approved in US

A naturally-occurring bacteriophage that kills Listeria on foods has been approved for use oncheese products in the US.

PackExpo highlights trends in sector

One of the world's biggest food packaging and processing exhibitions begins in the US city ofChicago next week, bringing together new technologies and techniques under one roof.

UK survey detects Listeria in mixed raw veg salads

About 5 per cent of mixed raw vegetable salads in the UK are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to a national survey that uncovered two products with levels above the EU's regulatory limit.

24-Oct-2006

Tighter junk food ad regulations vital, claims report

A two-year UK study has called for improved food labelling and tighter restrictions on advertising junk foods in order to properly tackle obesity.

Consumer groups attack move to milk cloned cows

Consumer groups in the US have united against government plans to allow milk and meat from cloned animals into the food chain, highlighting a potential dilemma for dairy firms interested in the technology.

23-Oct-2006

Cargill to focus on heart health in Frankfurt

Cargill plans to use next month's Health Ingredients Europe event to unveil a number of products that food and beverage manufacturers can use in future product launches.

FDA moves towards cloned meat, milk

An FDA risk assessment that is expected to declare meat and milk derived from cloned animals safe for the food supply is currently being reviewed by the government, and is due to be released by the end of the year.

Irish food sector targets lucrative French market

Irish food and drinks exports to France have now exceeded half a billion euros, delegates at an Irish Food Board trade reception at SIAL heard.

19-Oct-2006

Biodegradable peelable lidding film available

A biodegradable peelable lidding film made from corn starch is now available on the European market.

Phage product found effective against Listeria

A dose of bacteriophages can help ready-to-eat meat producing companies meet food safetystandards for Listeria, according to a university study.

Packaging traceability law comes into force

Processors will be required to have a traceability system in place for packaging materials on 27 October 2006.

Alternatives to heat processing viable say scientists

Techniques such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, radio-frequency electric fields, ultraviolet light, and irradiation have been shown to be faster and less disruptive to quality than traditional thermal processing techniques, say researchers.

18-Oct-2006

Trans fats survey reveals consumer confusion

Trans fats remain a vague health risk for most American consumers, who will often not choose to avoid these at the expense of convenience, price and taste, according to new research.

EU pledges more bird flu aid

Concerns that bird flu may return to ravage the poultry industry and humans have prompted the EU to invest €28m in new research to better spot and control outbreaks.

Fish benefits outweigh risks, conclude two studies

Two new studies published in the US this week seek to blow out of the water fears that people who regularly consumer seafood are putting themselves at risk due to methylmercury, PCB and dioxin contamination. Rather, the benefits of regular fish consumption on heart disease risk and neurodevelopment were seen to outweigh the risks.

17-Oct-2006

New methodology promises 'rational' flavour prediction

Making flavour prediction more rational could lead to even greater food creativity, says Quest.

16-Oct-2006

Industry issues guidance document on food safety training

A guidance document released today by the UK's industry is designed to help plant managers ensure their food safety professionals are up-to-date with the latest proceedures.

Organics to see "aggressive increases", says Mintel

The US organic market remains on track for strong growth over the next five years, according to a new report by Mintel, which claims that the increased availability of organic foods through mainstream channels is set to change the playing field.

13-Oct-2006

X-ray system detects tiny contaminants

An X-ray inspection system introduced into Europe this month, can detect foreign bodies in packed and unpacked fresh foods.

12-Oct-2006

Philippines to import chicken after typhoon destroys farms

The Philippines will import 3,000 tons of chicken from the US after the recent typhoon destroyed numerous poultry farms.

Stork shareholders bid to sell off food division

Stork's shareholders today consider a proposal to sell off parts of the company, including itsfood processing division.

Processors lobby against inclusion under anti-terrorism law

Food processing facilities are lobbying against being included in an anti-terrorism law thatwould require them to secure their ammonia storage areas.

Salmonella test approved for poultry plants

A new rapid test for Salmonella has been approved for use in poultry plants by a department ofagriculture committee.

11-Oct-2006

Proposals aim to beef up plant inspection system

The UK's food regulator wants to beef up its plant inspection system by focusing on problemprocessors.

10-Oct-2006

UK foodborne disease cases fall by 19 per cent

Regulation, training and public information campaigns are having a dramatic effect on thereduction of foodborne diseases in the UK, with the number of cases of people getting sick fallingby 1.5 million over the five years to the end of 2005.

Essential oils offer natural antioxidant alternatives for meats

Essential oils of sage and rosemary could offer a natural alternative for processed meats, slowing oxidative spoilage as well as imparting flavour and aroma, suggests a new study from Spain.

Galactic j-v doubles lactic acid capacity in China

Belgian lactic acid producer Galactic will double capacity at its joint venture plant in China to meet rising demand for the additive in food production.

Meat inspectors to install satellite dishes at key plants

About 2,000 meat and poultry processing plants have been given notice they must make space available for satellite dishes that will be used by federal food safety inspectors.

09-Oct-2006

DNA technique developed for meat traceability

A DNA technique developed by researchers for use with meats could be used by processors as a certification method for their supplies.

04-Oct-2006

WASH piles pressure on food makers to cut out salt

A global campaign against salt has been launched today with the stated aim of preventing over 2.5 million deaths a year.

Herb-infused oils enter US market as functional flavors

A new line of fresh herb-infused oils has been introduced into the North American market, designed to add flavor and functionality to a number of processed foods, including dressings, snacks and meat products.

New Gum Technology fat replacer targets dairy, baked goods

A new fat replacer from stabilizer firm Gum Technology Corporation claims to offer texture and moisture binding benefits to manufacturers of low- or no-fat products.

03-Oct-2006

McDonalds New Zealand adopts new nutritional labelling

McDonalds New Zealand announced last week its intention to increase nutritional labeling with percentage daily intake (%DI), following a similar announcement by McDonalds Australia.

Agency tackles problem of food waste

In a bid to help UK companies meet food waste disposal targets, the Yorkshire regional government has launched a project to band smaller manufacturers together to make collection less costly and more efficient.

02-Oct-2006

EC comments on Codex food additive standards

The EC has commented on Codex's proposed new food additive standards.

Weekly Comment

China: a victim of trade wars?

If the Chinese government gives in to mounting international pressure to revalue its currency, it could spell the end of cheap exports, a move that many anticipate would have a knock-on effect on raw materials costs for the food industry. But China may prove to be a less ready victim of western bullying than some expect.

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