Cook-in film set to grow from fresh fish to meat and barrier
A clear film cook-in bag for prepared fresh fish is just the first of many applications to include meat, poultry and vegetables, packaging supplier Sirane has promised.
Archives for November 1, 2010
Tighter controls ‘will not stop’ ingredients’ price hikes
Calls from some EU Member States to tighten controls to reduce the effects of commodity speculation will not prevent price fluctuations in essential ingredients, experts have claimed.
Virus on the attack
Malware infecting food production lines? It’s not something to be taken lightly, says John Dunn
In-mould sets sights on new label markets
From 3D differentiation to metallised finishes, thermoforming and – potentially – oxygen barrier, in-mould labelling (IML) for plastics is opening up new options for food manufacturers.
In search of balance
Dominique Patton reports from Hong Kong where chefs seek inspiration for tomorrow’s umami
Robot tongue can’t lick the real thing
An artificial tongue has been invented by professor Toko of Kyushu University, Japan. He aims to identify all tastes automatically using a special polymer membrane, electronics and some fancy maths. He warns no secret food or drink recipe will be safe. I...
Brakes pops up pasta promise
In a bid to offer a ‘pop up’ solution for the foodservice industry, Brakes has launched a range of instant portioned pasta meals for school, college, university and workplace canteens, hospitals and independents.
Processing equipment sales rise with efficiency measures
Equipment suppliers have reported a surge in sales as confidence returns to the food and drink manufacturing sector.
Focus on enzymes: Economy drive
Lean manufacturing methods are fine, but enzymes are equally being used to boost efficiency and cut costs, says Michelle Knott
Companies collaborating for public good risk breaking law
Food business operators have been warned they risk infringing competition law by collaborating on some government initiatives designed to improve the nutritional profile of foods. Companies found guilty could face hefty fines.
Safety risks rise with global sourcing and EU’s over-65s
Moves to persuade consumers to reduce food waste could make them more susceptible to incidents of foodborne diseases if they eat foods that are beyond their use-by dates, according to Sainsbury’s chief microbiologist.
Focus on fruits and nuts: The kernel of truth
Europe may have turned its nose up at peanuts and almonds in the past, but times are changing, as Freddie Dawson finds out
Plant baking focus: Bakers wipe the slate green
As energy costs rise and green initiatives move up the agenda, the baking sector has become a target for change, reports Anne Bruce
A run for your honey
I left school with O- and A-levels and got a job in a microbiology lab at a bakery, which funded a Higher National Certificate in food technology at South Bank Polytechnic.
Heinz management 'baffled' by workers' strike ballot
Heinz management say that Unite union members at the firm’s Wigan plant are getting a “great deal” on pay and are puzzled by a decision to ballot for strike action.
Premier Foods recruitment email dubbed a 'disgrace'
An email from Premier Foods inviting recruitment agencies to stump up £10,000 to participate in its 2011 Preferred Supplier Programme (PSP) has been branded a “disgrace” by suppliers.
I am part of the trend – or is it my age?
When working on a product brief it is no longer enough to put one’s personal ideas down on a sheet of blank paper. A more in-depth, rounded approach is required.
Nestlé makes microwave meals to eat from the tub
Packaging firm Rexam recently collaborated with Nestlé’s German culinary unit, Maggi, to develop a new range of microwaveable ready meals under the Maggi Topfinito brand.
Life preservers: Focus on preservatives
Natural alternatives to artificially derived preservatives are multiplying, says Chloe Ryan
Bosses challenge union power
Recently it has seemed as if it were impossible to turn the page in a newspaper without reading about more potential industrial action in the food manufacturing industry. Companies such as Nestlé UK, Coca-Cola, Tunnock’s, Bakkavör and Maple Leaf Bakery...
Industry bodies join forces to resolve sector’s skills crisis
Britain’s food supply chain is gearing up to raise its profile in the corridors of power, emphasising its wealth and job creation importance to the country’s economy.
Pizza firm fine sees HSE label falls a serious food industry problem
Hounslow frozen pizza manufacturer Capri Foods has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for ignoring calls to secure a dangerous first-floor doorway.
Qadex simplifies traceability with new ingredient specification system
Qadex is launching a product specification system that will enable manufacturers to provide a full description and history of food and drink ingredients and packaging in retailer-friendly formats.
Workers 'dismay' as Twinings pockets €12m EU fund for new Polish site
Twinings workers are “genuinely dismayed” by news that the firm has signed a contract to recieve €12m of EU funding for a new Polish site that will see UK jobs slashed.
READY, SET, GO! Health Ingredients Europe show preview 2010
As Madrid prepares to host Health ingredients Europe from November 16-18, Rod Addy takes you on a race around some of the show highlights
Salary survey: Going up!
It’s a good time to be employed in the food industry but, as Freddie Dawson finds out, it’s even better at the top
The Big Interview: Jim Moore, Frutarom
If you have an idea for a new drink, Jim Moore, Frutarom’s beverage flavours chief, can make it happen. Rod Addy reports