FoodProductionDaily.com takes a look at the stories dominating the processing and packaging news headlines this week, with contamination from both bacterial and chemical sources looming large.
Wireless technologies can provide flexibility, easiness of operation and constant tracking of the food and drink production process, claims an industry research firm.
Maple Leaf Foods claims consumer confidence in its products is being restored following the recall of its sliced meat products linked to widespread illness and the deaths of about 20 people.
A new enumeration technique ensures rapid and convenient confirmation of Escherichia coli colonies in food and liquid products, claims the manufacturer.
A new set of standards will underpin the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in food and drink manufacturing, claims the UK food and drink sector skills council, Improve.
Campylobacter infections still topped the list of zoonotic diseases in the European Union while the number of cases of Salmonella infections in humans fell for the fourth year in a row, according to a report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
A new study claims a combination of potassium lactate and sodium diacetate can reduce salt intake from cooked meat products without affecting microbial stability.
A new study claims pulsed electric field (PEF) combined with heat treatment may have an advantage over high-temperature treatment for pasteurisation of liquid whole egg (LWE).
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been criticised for ignoring consumers’ right to choose what they eat after it announced that it will not require labelling on meat or fish from genetically engineered (GE) animals.
Greater speed in pathogen detection within processing plants rather than a reliance on enhanced regulation is the key to reducing product contamination from pathogens such as Salmonella, claims a diagnostic test consultant.
An extruded composite food packaging film containing pectin, polylactic acids (PLAs) and nisin can inhibit Listeria monocytogenes, according to scientists based at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the US Department of Agriculture.
Global food safety and quality analyst firm, Intertek, has continued its recent series of collaborations with the acquisition, announced today, of the North American food facility auditing company, RQA.
Tyson Foods pleaded guilty yesterday to wilfully violating worker safety regulations that led to a worker’s death over five years ago in its River Valley Animal Foods (RVAF) plant in Arkansas, stated the US Justice Department.
A four year €4m European Commission funded project aims to develop multiple toxin detection tests for use by food manufacturers within processing plants.
Canada’s largest food processor, Maple Leaf Foods, has settled consumer lawsuits filed in the wake of an outbreak of listeriosis in August to the tune of CAN$27m (US$22.5m).
New guidelines can assist ready-to-eat (RTE) food producers in identifying the Listeria monocytogenes risk in their products as well as informing decisions on when and which shelf-life studies are needed.
A newly released publication, targeted at the meat production sector, evaluates the latest production and processing strategies to help ensure better meat quality.
A new software programme manages the complete Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) operational cycle to provide a powerful food safety and quality control system, claims its US developer.
The levels of dioxins found in some Irish pork would not necessarily lead to adverse health effects following consumption, claims the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
A new thermal imaging camera enables cost effective measuring of the critical control temperature of food products such as liquids, baked goods and confectionery, claims the developer.
Global food quality and safety analysts, Intertek, has acquired a Poland-based food testing laboratory, EKO-LAB, claiming increased demand for expert food testing in Eastern Europe.
Metal detectable plastic tags for containers and pallets in food processing plants are integrated with an additive to ensure they are detectable in case they inadvertently become mixed up with the product, says the developer.
A technique to detect Clostridium botulinum in food products can deliver results in three hours as opposed to the four day delay associated with traditional methods, claims Leatherhead Food International (LFI).
The not-for-profit US consumer advocacy group, Consumers Union (CU), claims that while the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new report on its current food safety activities shows some progress, it is not enough to adequately protect the American food...
A draft report from a UK food safety committee has recommended that manufacturers consider the impact on microbiological safety when making formulation changes to the key controlling factors such as salt in specific products.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recommended lower Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for several active substances used in pesticides that the European Commission considered could have possible safety concerns for human health.
A process that integrates aroma into plastic packaging enhances taste perception and reduces the need for unhealthy ingredients in food products, claims its US developer.
A new coating technology for food processing plant interiors utilizes titanium dioxide to inhibit odours and reduces the risk of bacterial contamination, claims the Canadian developer.
Food hygiene managers are set to gain a greater insight into good techniques for the cleaning and disinfection of factories, with a conference organised to support guidelines published by Campden BRI earlier this year.
The Irish beef industry’s attempts to reform have been scuppered by an ECJ ruling, which has judged a scheme for some processors to leave the market so as to raise profits for those who remain to be anti-competition.
A simple four-part plan may lead to better early identification of emerging food safety issues, according to researchers involved in a EU-wide project.
The market for food microbiology testing has grown significantly and will be worth $2.4bn by 2013, according to a report from Strategic Consulting Inc (SCI).
Bisphenol A (BPA) could prevent successful in vitro fertilization, or the ability of embryos to attach to the uterus, according to presentations at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's (ASRM) annual meeting.
The British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) is aiming to raise the maximum frozen food storage temperature in an attempt to reduce the industry’s environmental impact.
Extra food safety regulations could be introduced in Canada as pressure increases to tackle the problems associated with tainted food after 20 people died in a listeriosis outbreak.
A tool to rapidly detect and measure E. coli 0157:H7 in meat can be distributed to processors worldwide following the signing of a new licence agreement, claims a Canadian food safety test manufacturer.
A new portable computer designed to operate in challenging food industry conditions is to be launched by noax Technologies at the PackExpo/Process Expo event in Chicago later this month.
Researchers from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in collaboration with a scientist from Farleigh Dickinson University, claim that the hob plant (Humulus lupulus) contains bitters acids which are powerful antimicrobials and can be used to control...
The growth potential for food irradiation technology has contracted dramatically but the value of the sector is forecast to exceed $2.3bn by 2012, claims a new report into the industry.
An all-in-one tray bag can save consumers time and effort when freezing products and allow food companies to boost sales through the use of multipacks with separable portions, claims Coopbox Italia.
A project aimed at designing antimicrobial packing material that is risk free and improves the shelf life of fresh fish, chicken and minimally processed vegetables will begin work on November 1.
