Interest is growing in the use of antimicrobials as a replacement for standard food preservatives such as sorbate, benzoate and sulphites, but much confusion exists about what is permitted, according to research organisation Campden BRI. (foodmanufacture.co.uk) There have been rapid technological developments with different antimicrobial systems in recent years, covering product washing, incorporation into packaging and food contact surfaces, nanotechnology... read more →
Equipment that separates liquid chocolate from solid rework components by centrifugal force helps eliminate food waste by enabling the chocolate to be reused in product manufacturer, claims its German developer. (nutraingredients.com) Wastage due to breakage or defects are common occurrences in chocolate manufacturer, according to Steimel, with the resulting residual amounts of chocolate and other ingredients such as cookies, nuts, raisins or cereals traditionally... read more →
Acute foodborne illnesses cost the United States a staggering $152bn a year, with almost a quarter of this burden attributed to fresh, canned and processed produce, said a report from Produce Safety Project (PSP). (foodnavigator-usa.com) The study, Health-Related Costs from Foodborne Illness in the United States, examined healthcare, workplace and other economic losses in reaching the multi-billion dollar figure. The latest estimate dwarfs a previous widely... read more →
The Heinz Global Performance System (HGPS) has now been rolled out to 25 factories around the world in a bid to standardise continuous improvement (CI) activities. (foodmanufacture.co.uk) In recent months, Heinz has broadened its approach to CI in an attempt to move beyond operations to encompass the whole supply chain, said John de Poot, leader, continuous improvement, supply chain Europe. De Poot, who was speaking at a webinar organised by the World Trade... read more →
Kellogg has been warned over a raft of food hygiene violations after the discovery of widespread Listeria contamination at a waffle plant, said US food regulators in a document released yesterday. (foodnavigator-usa.com) Kellogg was guilty of “significant deviations from the current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations” at its Eggo Buttermilk Waffle plant in Georgia, said the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in it warning letter sent to the... read more →
Muslim scholars have rejected calls for mechanical slaughtering in the UK halal meat industry, a survey commissioned by the Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC) has revealed. (meatinfo.co.uk) UK scholars were asked a series of questions regarding the acceptance of mechanical slaughtering where, according to the HMC, 95% of the Ulama (Muslim legal scholars) did not accept “mechanical slaughtering” as an accepted method of halal slaughtering in Islam while... read more →
Poultry and food processing company Moy Park has been fined tens of thousands of pounds after a maintenance engineer’s arm was crushed in an industrial conveyor. (foodmanufacture.co.uk) After the incident, which happened in April 2009, Michael May sustained severe injuries and his arm was broken in several places. Grantham Magistrates’ Court fined the company £35,000 and ordered it to pay £3,115 in costs. “This incident could have so easily been avoided... read more →
Nocton Dairies has submitted a planning application for what it says will be “the UK’s largest dairy farm”, capable of producing up to 250,000l of milk per day. (foodmanufacture.co.uk) Nocton Dairies is owned by a group of farmers. They want to build a multi-million pound dairy located on Nocton and Dunston Heath, south of Lincoln. The dairy will initially employ between 80 and 100 staff. Plans also include building a visitors centre, training facilities,... read more →
