Breaking News on Dairy Processing & Markets

Weekly comment

What to do when safety studies smell a rat

Using animals, and specifically rats, to build the science behind ingredients is vital, but dismissing conflicting studies just because a rat is not a human is not acceptable.

EU reviews milk content policy for Chinese foods

EU member states are now required to inspect any Chinese products containing more than 15 per cent milk in light of the ongoing melamine contamination scandal that has rocked the nation’s dairy industry.

New EU proposal aims to make mergers, divisions simpler

The European Commission has published a new proposal to simplify company mergers and divisions, thereby reducing the administrative burden, especially for SMEs.

FAO calls for tighter scrutiny of infant formula markets

Infant formula manufacturers need to invest further in safety controls in order to regain public confidence after the Chinese melamine scandal, FAO has said.

News briefs: Fonterra, First Milk and Emmi

This week, Fonterra commits to its troubled Chinese operations, and Europe-based groups First Milk and Emmi reveal their latest financial performances.

Closure demand boosted through drink pack development

Global beverage closure demand is expected to surge over the next five years as manufacturers attempt to add more value to their products through packaging innovation, according to a new report.

Dispatches from China: Food Safety

New venture aims to ensure safety of Chinese exports

A new food testing centre in southern China is aiming to smooth the way for Chinese food exports to the US and other markets.

Dispatches from China: Food safety

Booming economy requires better controls, say experts

China must build a climate of responsibility among its food producers to protect consumers around the world from unsafe products, experts said today.

New guide evaluates 'active' and 'intelligent' packaging

Active and intelligent packaging is the focus of a new review produced by the Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA).

New resin targets dairy and confectionery packaging markets

A new polypropylene (PP) injection moulding grade of plastic resin allows food packagers the ability to increase production, while cutting down on the material needed, the manufacturer claims.

Manufacturer plans global rollout for ‘convenient’ cheese cultures

An ingredients supplier is spying a gradual global rollout for its new thermophilic cultures designed as a higher yield means of processing low maturation cheeses like pasta Filata without compromising taste or quality.

Weekly comment

Consumers fear the packaging - a BPA alternative is needed now

“I have a bad feeling about this.” Luke Skywalker’s warning in the movie blockbuster Star Wars could equally be applied to consumers’ concerns about Bisphenol A (BPA).

EU confident over melamine dairy protection

As some of the world’s leading dairy groups attempt to play down their potential involvement in the Chinese melamine scandal, the European Commission says that its existing import rules on the country’s dairy goods remain sufficient.

Chr Hansen thinking local in global cultures approach

While many Danish multinationals such as Carlsberg and Lego have opted to shift production abroad to drive their global success, Chr Hansen believes a domestic approach holds the building blocks for world dairy culture domination.

Consumer group critical of FDA guidance on GE animals

The proposed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules on genetically engineered (GE) animals are seriously flawed, claims the US Centre for Food Safety (CFS).

Is Spain the new Japan of functional foods?

One quarter of Spain’s foods are functional, making it one of Europe’s most dynamic and successful market, according to a report presented recently to the EU-funded European Functional Foods Net.

Probiotic’s gut benefits get "omics" boost

Probiotic bacteria may work by beneficially changing the lipid profile in the intestine, suggests a new study from Finland.

Special comment: China dairy crisis

Choose your joint venture partner with care

The melamine milk crisis throws up some serious questions that foreign food firms must ask before they hop aboard a joint venture to take them into China. What food safety features is it fitted with? And are they robust enough to be life-savers if disaster strikes?

EU project to reduce biogenic amines in fermented foods

The reduction or elimination of potentially toxic metabolites from fermented foods such as cheese and wine will lead to new formulations and starter cultures, if a new €3.4 million project delivers.

News briefs: Milk Link, Danone and sustainable dairy

This week, Milk Link mulls selling its Fresh dairy operations, Danone is fined over its deal for Numico, and Dairy UK highlights its focus on sustainability.

Fonterra blames slow Chinese rules for contaminated milk delay

New Zealand dairy group Fonterra is facing criticism over lethal contaminated milk powder supplied through its Chinese joint venture, but says action was delayed as it had to go through the correct procedures in China.

Global growth potential lies in milk and water drinks - report

Global consumption of bottled water and milk-based drinks continues to rise amidst burgeoning demand in Asia, despite a number of challenges facing both industries, according to consumer analyst Zenith International.

Weekly comment

Dietary supplements win Olympic gold

To coin a phrase oft-used by winning athletes, Beijing was 'a good games’ for an increasingly mature dietary supplements industry.

Tetra Pak cooperation has designs on microsieve advances

Tetra Pak has announced a new cooperation with technology group Fluxxion to develop new micro filtration technologies for removing unwanted microorganisms in extended-shelf-life (ESL) dairy goods.

DSM claims higher heat, bigger yield cheese advance

The manufacturer of a new peptide-based processing aid for cheese production claims its product can provide improved yields for dairy groups without compromising product texture or quality.

Sustainability should guide innovation, says Symrise VP

It is no longer enough for ingredients firms to look at their water and carbon footprint, says Symrise’s innovation chief, but sustainability should be a primary consideration for new product development.

News briefs: Nestle, NFU action and Murray Goulburn

This week, Australian cooperative Murray Goulburn braces itself for strike action, Nestle expects easing commodity pressures and Dairy UK loses the support of the country’s farming union.

Use unspent subsidies to aid food security, says MEP

A proposal to send unspent EU subsidies to developing countries worst hit by food price rises would have knock-on benefits for the EU, according to the rapporteur leading a Development Committee debate yesterday.

UK group plays up cow feed milk-cost improvements

As the dairy industry continues to offset the impact of higher milk pricing on its operations, one UK farmers association has launched a new campaign it claims can help cut production costs by up to two pence per litre (ppl).

Authorities play down Italian cheese scandal fears

As another scandal involving Italian cheese production hit the headlines this week, authorities in the country claim there is no danger to the public from their products and consumer protection has not been compromised.

New 'active' sensor has many food sector uses, claims ITW

New active sensors can help food processors gauge the amount of fluids in containers and are adaptable to each plant’s particular needs, says the developer.

Organic supply squeeze tightens

Farmers in the US are being forced to leave the organic market because it is too costly, compounding supply shortages already faced by food manufacturers, according to a new report.

Meta-analysis supports milk proteins for blood pressure improvements

Peptides from milk may help to reduce blood pressure and ultimately the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new meta-analysis from China.

Ice cream dominates dairy innovation drive

Ice cream is leading growth in the global market for innovative dairy products as consumers increasingly associate the segment as being more of an everyday, year-round household grocery, according to a new report.

Weekly comment

Hurricane wake-up call for business and boy scouts

Louisiana was holding its breath when Hurricane Gustav made landfall last week. It promised to be the mother of all storms as it roared towards the Gulf Coast but fortunately the region, along with the food industry it supports, was spared.

Survey finds food groups pledging to keep out clones

While European and US risk assessors play down safety concerns over using food sourced from cloned animals, the fledgling industry appears set for tougher times in convincing manufacturers, according to a new survey.

News briefs: Wimm-Bill-Dann and Australian dairy

This week, Wimm-Bill-Dann posts strong half-year growth on the back of across-the-board sales improvements, Fonterra is reportedly considering increasing yoghurt production and Dairy Farmers records a profitable 2008.

UK dairy bid to keep regulators aware of green initiatives

A new Dairy UK booklet, aimed at informing future regulation, highlights the initiatives taking place in the dairy chain to make milk ‘greener’.

Research associations CCFRA and BRI merge to improve efficiencies

Two food and drink research centres, CCFRA and BRI, have merged to strengthen their resources and help companies in the industry innovate and ensure the safety and quality of their products.

Pectin coulis launch targets fruit-dairy innovation

A new pectin-based coulis formulation designed for use in dairy desserts can allow manufacturers to step up functional development in their goods without compromising product stability, according to its supplier.

EU regulations attract global attention

Imperfect as they may be, the European Union’s regulatory efforts in the food area have attracted the attention of regulators around the world, some of whom view what is being done in the bloc as a legislative template.

Fonterra concentrates on Asian calcium market

New Zealand dairy and dairy ingredients giant, Fonterra, has launched its high-calcium dairy drink, Anlene Concentrate in Malaysia, after an encouraging year on the market in Thailand.

Auction includes entire line of processing, packing equipment

Entire lines of packaging and processing machines from conveyors to metal detectors are up for auction this month in the UK.

Industry decries too complex labelling proposal

The proposed regulation on food labelling is too complicated, makes unrealistic demands on font size, and will be burdensome for SMEs, a hearing has heard.

Industry rejects ‘under the radar’ school ad claims

Food manufacturers providing schools with dietary information and ‘education packs’ have come under fire this week in the UK, though the industry insists the strategy is not misleading consumers and can be beneficial.

Weekly comment

Rising to the health claims challenge

Europe’s health claim assessment process kicked off with the rejection of almost 90 per cent of the first bunch. But industry must accept its shortcomings if credibility is to be the winner.