Tetra Pak was commissioned to build New Zealand’s only independent spray dryer at Hamilton’s Waikato Innovation Park. The dryer can produce half a tonne of whole milk powder per hour and operate for up to 21 hours a day. [ + ]

It’s a very ‘first world’ approach, this seeking a product to cure our current and prevent future health problems. The idea that a food supplement or a pill can magically prevent disease is very alluring and much of the complementary therapy industry uses this allure to attract business. [ + ]

Hotfill or aseptic - that is the question facing companies when it comes to investing in filling technology for sensitive beverages. [ + ]

Loscam’s first foray into the bulk containers business, the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC), is receiving positive feedback from its first clients. [ + ]

India is presenting great opportunities for chocolate manufacturers as the growth in this market is the strongest in the world. [ + ]

The highest level of sophistication in production processes is required for the manufacture of confectionery products. In particular, manufacturers assign the highest priority to hygienic design for open processes - processes where the product comes into contact with the production equipment. Machines designed in a way that improves process safety and product shelf life are given preference. [ + ]

Increasing product demand led organic food manufacturer Rod & Ben’s to automate its filling line. Riggs Autopack supplied the company with a volumetric filling and lidding line for its range of soups. [ + ]

2013 will be a year of increasing pressure, including pressure on manufacturers to be accountable to consumers and suppliers, and regulatory pressure around definitions of naturalness. [ + ]

Japanese fisheries data provides a look at how the ocean is faring 18 months after the worst accidental release of radiation to the ocean in history. [ + ]

Researchers have developed measures to identify and reduce biogenic amines in wine, where they can be of particular risk to human wellbeing. [ + ]

Consuming greater amounts of choline - a nutrient found in meat and eggs - during pregnancy may lower an infant’s vulnerability to stress-related illnesses, such as mental health disturbances, and chronic conditions, like hypertension, later in life. [ + ]

Just because an ingredient is legal for inclusion in foods and beverages in Australia doesn’t mean you can use it. [ + ]

A recent study looked at the tenderness and other meat quality traits of pork longissimus muscle, comparing different stunning methods and carcass chilling rates at slaughter facilities. [ + ]

UV light is used for a large variety of applications in the food industry. With high-performance UV light sources and equipment, water, air and surfaces can be reliably disinfected, cleaned and treated. The use of chemicals can be reduced or even avoided in an economical and environmentally friendly way. [ + ]

A commercial vaccine for cattle can effectively reduce levels of E. coli by more than 50% according to a Kansas State University study. [ + ]