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Multivac said a ‘pioneering’ system that integrates the high pressure treatment of food into a fully automatic packaging line provides the first viable option for the combination of both technologies. (APfoodtechnologies.com) The German-based company said its newly developed “concept”, for which patents have already been filed, could process both vacuum and modified atmosphere packed (MAP) products. Previously, it was necessary to carry... read more →

The UK has confirmed it is to review the way official food safety controls are carried out in a bid to simplify the system, ensure consistency across sectors and centralise responsibility under four national bodies. (Foodproductiondaily.com) The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said at its board meeting this week it is to undertake a far-reaching rethink on the system for charging for inspections at food business operations (FBO). Its recommendations are ... read more →

A host of big names in UK food and drink including Associated British Foods, Coca-Cola Enterprises and Kraft Foods have added their signatures to the second phase of the Courtauld Commitment. (Foodproductiondaily.com) Launched last spring, the voluntary agreement, run by the government-backed Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) attracted 28 companies. New signatories The number of signatories has now risen to 48 with the backing all the major... read more →

The potential heart health benefits of polyphenol-rich cocoa powder may be related to a ‘novel mechanism’ of boosting HDL (good) cholesterol, says a new study from Japan. (Confectionerynews.com) Researchers from the Food and Health R&D Laboratories at Japanese company Meiji Seika Kaisha report that cocoa’s potential ability to boost HDL levels is related to a proteins which boost levels of a compound called apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1), which is... read more →

Leading maker of bulk chocolate, Barry Callebaut, has bought and exported the cocoa beans it needs to fulfill its processing needs, said a company spokesperson in reaction to the suspension of Ivory Coast exports. (Confectionerynews.com) Raphael Wermuth external communications manager at Barry Callebaut told ConfectioneryNews.com that the company’s two factories in Abidjan and San Pedro are still running. “For the time being our stock levels are sufficient,”... read more →

The deficit in the EU sugar supply could put production at risk for confectioners and other food and drink industry users of the commodity if market intervention does not occur, said Irish trade body FDII, who are calling on the EC to keep out-of-quota sugar within the bloc. (Confectionerynews.com) Thomas Burke, a spokesperson for Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII), told ConfectioneryNews.com that the industry group was not aware of any production... read more →

Finsbury Foods is disputing recovery costs after its Memory Lane cakes were recalled from supermarket shelves during the egg dioxin scare. (Bakeryinfo.co.uk) It said the fact that there was no public health risk had led its insurer to challenge recovery of any associated withdrawal costs. “We are currently in discussions with the insurer, retailers and the egg supplier to resolve the issue.” Rebecca Tinham, head of dispute resolution at Vertex... read more →

Implementing lean practices established at Greencore across Northern Foods sites could generate additional cost savings that have “not yet been fully quantified” were the two to merge, Greencore has argued. (foodmanufacturing.co.UK) The firm, which is currently mulling over its options in the wake of Ranjit Boparan’s 73p-a-share cash offer for Northern Foods, is required by law to spell out how getting into bed with Northern could deliver annual... read more →