PepsiCo UK is researching the feasibility of converting potato peel waste into crisp packaging and estimates a two year timeframe before market introduction. (Bakeryandsnacks.com) Speaking on a BBC Radio 4 programme, PepsiCo UK & Ireland president, Richard Evans, said the company is investigating whether starch waste from recycled potato peelings could be manufactured into eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging for crisps. The food and beverage giant’s... read more →
The level of radioactivity to which UK people are exposed to from food during 2009 remained below the European Union (EU) legal limit, according to a report published yesterday by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). (Foodproductiondaily.com) Results showed that radionuclide concentrations in food and the environment at many sites were low, and in some cases so low that they could not be detected with the methods used. “Radioactivity within food is well... read more →
Two analytical methods to measure mycotoxins in infant food have been adopted as the European benchmark test by the region’s standard setting committee. (Foodproductiondaily.com) The analyses, developed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), will ensure that laboratories across the globe to are able to synchronise their working practices when testing for the contaminants. The methods were named as the yardstick tests by the European... read more →
Soy sauce and red wine marinades may reduce microbial spoilage and oxidation of meat, according to new a new study. (Foodnavigator.com) The research, published in Food Microbiology, suggests marinating fresh meat in soy sauce or red wine based marinades can reduce microbe levels, and halt the development of rancid odours and flavours. “The data presented in this study showed that the tested marinades were effective against the proliferation of meat spoilage... read more →
A federal court has ruled that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has again acted illegally by allowing limited planting of genetically modified (GM) sugar beets despite a court-ordered ban. (Foodnavigator-usa.com) Judge Jeffrey White, federal district judge for the Northern District of California, ruled in August that the planting of GM sugar beets should be halted until the USDA completes an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), expected to take... read more →
A novel technology that uses air instead of gallons of water and cleaning agents to clean process pipe work is being installed at a UK whisky manufacturer this week and will shortly be tested by a UK dairy manufacturer. (Foodmanufacturing.co.uk) The Whirlwind System, developed by Cheshire-based Aeolus Technologies, clears, cleans and dries the inside of pipes in factories using minimal water and no chemicals, and could deliver a payback in nine to 12... read more →
From antimicrobial sprays to nano-sieves for removing allergens, ultra-fine emulsions and anti-fouling nano-coatings, FoodManufacture.co.uk provides a round-up of current and potential application areas for nanomaterials in the food and drink industry. (Foodmanufacturing.co.uk) Establishing what is already out there depends on a working definition of nanomaterials, which has not yet been established in the food sector. However, most observers differentiate... read more →
Swedish life science firm Biovelop AB has launched an oat-based soluble fibre ingredient that it claims is ideal for use in foods unrelated to oats, such as smoothies, condiments and ready meals. (Nutraingredients.com) Managing director Professor Mark Lawther told NutraIngredients.com that worldwide commercial interest in the ingredient had been “healthy and strong”, and that the patented ingredient PromOat – which contains 35 per cent beta glucan... read more →
