Breaking News on Prepared Food and Meat Processing

Seasonal Video Greetings From Decision News Media

Welcome to this seasonal holiday video from Decision News Media. As we prepare to celebrate our tenth anniversary next year and first year as part of William Reed Business Media, we present 10 fun number facts about our company. And, later this week, the holidays begin.

Weekly comment

Time to speed sustainable palm oil supply

Global food giants have vowed to source all their palm oil sustainably by 2015 – but consumer pressure could grease the wheels for more rapid change.

FSIS seeks comments on meat nutrition labeling

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has said it is seeking comments on proposed nutrition labeling of single ingredient ground or chopped meat and poultry products.

Breakthrough test for food poisoning bug

A new test to detect a bacteria that is a leading cause of food-poisoning is cheaper, faster and significantly more sensitive than existing assays, said the US body behind the breakthrough.

New UK site to process 2m birds weekly

A joint venture between Banham Poultry and Vion could create the “most advanced” chicken plant in Europe, reports sister publication Food Manufacture.

N.Ireland's £10m boost for food processing and packaging

Plans to invest almost £10m in Northern Ireland’s food processing and packaging sectors have been announced.

N.Ireland's £10m boost for food processing and packaging

Plans to invest almost £10m in Northern Ireland’s food processing and packaging sectors have been announced.

Fast food intake may boost salt preference: Study

A preference for fast food may enhance our preference for salt, says a new study from Korea with important implications for salt reduction targets around the world.

UK pork industry to draw up labelling code of practice

A new code of practice on country of origin labelling (COOL) of British pork is to be drawn up thanks to an agreement hammered out between the UK government and key industry players.

Weekly comment

Bisphenol A becomes test of leadership for FDA

Each day the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) dithers in delivering its verdict on the safety of bisphenol A (BPA), its authority is diminished and its credibility wanes.

Big changes needed to make diets sustainable, report

Reducing meat and dairy consumption, eating fewer fatty and sugary foods, and wasting less food are the three changes to consumption habits that will have the biggest impact on making diets more sustainable, says a new report.

UK flags new rules to strengthen meat traceability

New supply chain regulations designed to beef up the ‘farm to fork’ traceability of cattle, sheep and goats sent to slaughter will come into force in the UK from the beginning of next year.

Wheat emulsifier allows clean labels for cheap sausages

Ulrick and Short developed a new wheat-derived functional binder and emulsifier for use in economy sausages and burgers, enabling clean label claims at a lower price point.

USDA launches free advice service for small meat processors

Small meat and poultry processors in the United States can now get free expert advice on regulations thanks to the opening of a new Government advice service.

Weekly comment

Counting the human cost of recession

Return to profitability. It’s a phrase that businesses have been yearning for, but as more of them are starting to use it, it’s time to ask: At what cost?

ConAgra faces $135k fine after fatal plant blast

US company ConAgra Foods is facing fines approaching $135,000 after being cited for breaching dozens of safety regulations at a meat processing plant where an explosion last summer resulted in four deaths.

Nebraska organic farm to lose certification

A 22,000-head beef and dairy cattle farming operation based in Nebraska and Missouri, Promiseland Livestock, will lose its organic certification for four years, a Washington, DC judge has ruled.

UK poultry industry struggles to comprehend EU judgement

UK poultry processors have been plunged into confusion after EU rules were passed banning the sale of defrosted ‘poultrymeat’ and ‘poultrymeat preparations’ sold as chilled product, reports sister title Food Manufacture.

Sausages ideal carriers for eye health ingredients: Study

Sausages are a suitable carried for lutein, the carotenoid linked to eye health benefits, says a new study which reports higher lutein uptake than from vegetables.

News in brief

China lifts Canadian pork ban

China has reopened its borders to imports of Canadian pork, although its ban on live swine is still in place, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said on Tuesday.

Senator Feinstein introduces food safety bill with food maker focus

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif) has introduced food safety legislation that would require all food producers to take responsibility for certifying that finished products are pathogen-free.

EC approves Syngenta’s GM maize for food and feed

The European Commission has approved Syngenta’s genetically modified (GM) maize to be processed for food and feed use in the European Union – which could enable the resumption of soy imports for animal feed.

Chicken survey finds two-thirds harbour salmonella, campylobacter

A consumer survey has found salmonella and/or campylobacter in about two-thirds of chickens tested in the US.