Breaking News on Prepared Food and Meat Processing

Grape-seed extract gives natural meat preservative

An extract from grape seeds could offer a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives for processed meat, according to research from the US.

Quarter of adults at risk of malnutrition, survey finds

The shocking state of malnutrition in Europe has been brought to the forefront by a UK report which says one in four adults are in danger of being undernourished.

Process recycles PET into food-contact plastic, claims company

A US-based company yesterday claimed to have developed a process to turn recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into plastic that can be used to package foods.

Soaring food prices set to persist, says report

Food price hikes will continue and spread in 2008, remaining a key issue for European retailers as they will find it hard to pass on prices, according to a new report by Standard & Poor's.

Handheld device launched for contaminant detection

Microbiology company Hygiena has launched a new palm-sized rapid detection instrument, designed to help manufacturers spot contaminants in no more than 15 seconds.

Weekly comment

Why all the fuss about stevia?

Over the past half year, stevia has been the focus of attention as the search for a perfect natural sweetener continues. But why are the birds circling when the ingredient has not been approved in the two major Western markets - the United States and Europe?

Code of practice revised on fire risk reduction

A revised code of practice has been issued on how to reduce fire risk in the UK food and drink industry.

Link Snacks invests in logistics system

US meat manufacturer Link Snacks has implemented an automated information software system as part of a drive to streamline and simplify logistics operations.

Zapped water marketed as alternative to chemical cleaners

A new technology on the market electrically activates plain tap water, making it behave like a powerful detergent without any added chemicals, according to its manufacturer.

UK to boost fees for meat inspections

Slaughterhouses in the UK could soon face an 8 per cent increase in hygiene inspection charges, under proposals made by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Weekly comment

Are trade shows relevant?

The new crop of business cards yielded by another trade show season have been duly filed away. But the big question remains. Were the three days at FIE followed, for many, by another three at SupplySide West, really worth the blisters, the jet lag, and the not inconsiderable expense?

Micro processing and increased productivity to boost industry

Boosting innovation, improved processing techniques and productivity, better access to foreign markets and raw materials, and reducing the impact of safety legislation and retailer power, are some of the issues the EU needs to address according to a major report into the food sector.

Communication is vital in managing food risk, BfR

Public perception of food risk is the important factor in determining need for state intervention even if the scientific point of view says the risk is low, according to the BfR, a view that has a strong bearing on current issues like additives and ingredient sourcing.

Scientists develop prebiotic, low-fat sausages

Inulin, the prebiotic fibre associated with improved gut and bone health, can be used as a fat replacer in sausages to cut energy by over 20 per cent without affecting the flavour profile, suggests new research from Germany.

Gas oven designed to achieve flame-broiled flavour

A gas oven is designed to give high-temperature processed red meats a flame-broiled flavour.

China and India see rise in demand for kosher certs

Given that Judaism is far from prevalent in either China or India, it may come as a surprise that these are the largest growth areas for kosher certifiers.

UK grappling again with bird flu outbreak

Bird flu, in the form of the H5 virus, has hit the UK again, serving as further warning that the poultry supply chain is still vulnerable to the disease.

Cereal prices set to stay high, says FAO

Production problems and low world stocks will keep global cereal prices high this year, according to a new report, suggesting that the food industry's struggle to maintain margins will not end any time soon.

Speed of recall a challenge in product withdrawal

Speed of recall when withdrawing products from the market is cited as the top challenge confronting US-based food processors, with 39 per cent of executives saying the biggest communication gap occurs at the store-level.

Vitiva extends meat life with natural preservative

Natural extracts company Vitiva has announced its global launch of a clean label preservative for processed fresh meat that protects it from rancidity and undesirable organoleptic changes.

Waterjet portioning system trims meat into shape

A new waterjet portioning system for meat allows processors to achieve specific fat coverage, shape, weight or size specifications to meet current market trends, claims its manufacturer.

UK rolls out revamped apprenticeships

The UK has rolled out revamped apprenticeships for food and drink processors, a bid to increase the skills level in an industry undergoing automation.

Weekly comment

Meat, cancer and credibility

The big 'Cs' got the meat industry in trouble last week - cancer and credibility.