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The European Parliament yesterday backed proposals to extend country of origin labelling (COOL) to all meat, poultry and fish and dairy products. (foodproductiondaily.com) MEPs also said they wanted the country of origin to be specified for all meat, poultry and fish when used as an ingredient in processed foods – in a move that is sure to spark heated debate among industry players. The decision came as lawmakers in Strasbourg yesterday adopted draught... read more →

A new ‘self-learning’ optical laser sorter system combines shape, colour and structure functionality to aid improved defect efficiency and minimise false rejects for manufacturers of treenuts, peas, French beans and berries initially, says Visys. (foodproductiondaily.com) Laser sorters are used in the food industry to ensure no visible contaminants or misshapen products – halves instead of whole pieces – get included in their packaged products. Sticks,... read more →

Sourcing sustainable raw materials offers European savoury snack producers a “massive” business opportunity, according to environmental campaign group WWF. (bakeryandsnacks.com) The organisation’s senior commodities adviser Richard Perkins told BakeryandSnacks.com: “Savoury snack producers have a massive business opportunity [through sourcing sustainable raw materials] to reduce costs and to differentiate their products in an increasingly competitive... read more →

The European Commission is planning to set up a new forum on the effectiveness of the European food chain by the end of this month, industry Commissioner Antonio Trajani said yesterday, as part of efforts to improve the agri-food industry’s competitiveness. (foodnavigator.com) Food and drink make up the most important manufacturing sector in the EU in turnover terms, bringing in €965bn in 20098 – some 12.9per cent of total turnover – and providing... read more →

Intertek has launched a support program to help companies struggling to comply with increasingly complex EU rules on food packaging materials. (foodproductiondaily.com) The EU Framework Regulation 1935/2004 (EC) laid down requirements for packaging materials including plastics, paper, and board that come into contact with foods. This regulation has been built on with several directives, amendments, and guidelines, which together have made compliance more... read more →

An innovative concept in fish packaging that provides added barrier protection is now available to the whole market after the expiration of an exclusive two-year deal with one company, said Sudpack Verpackungen. (foodproductiondaily.com) The German firm said its Ecostar rigid foil film used for premium fresh fish packaging broke the mould in 2008 when it worked with Norwegian dairy firm Tine to develop the solution in place of the usual tubular bag and... read more →

Growing demand for retortable pouches in the food industry is creating a need for investment in new capacity in bi-oriented nylon film (BOPA) film production, according to PCI Films Consulting. (foodanddrinkeurope.com) BOPA film is used primarily for the packaging of fresh and processed meat products like bacon because of its superior oxygen barrier properties and its puncture resistance. But in recent years demand has grown thanks to the emergence of... read more →

Bakkavör, Kerry Foods or Premier Foods could all be in the running to produce Sainsbury’s Chinese ready meals following Northern Foods’ decision to close the factory that currently makes them, say City analysts. (foodmanufacture.co.uk) Given that Northern Foods plans to shut its Ethnic Cuisine factory in Swansea because it can’t make a profit from the Sainsbury’s contract, it might not at first glance appear like a very attractive tranche... read more →