The global food supply chain has become increasingly complex. Raw materials are grown on one continent, processed on another, packaged on yet another and then shipped and sold all over the world. This has led to new logistical challenges and an increase in risks to both consumers and global brands. An incident in any part of the supply chain can have legal, brand and even criminal repercussions for the food brand names. [ + ]

A Food Standards Agency UK research study, contracted by Pira International during November 2008 to April 2011, has developed screening tests for visible and non-visible set-off. The project developed a scanner for measuring the total surface area of patches of visible set-off on the food contact surface of packaging, and exposure techniques and analytical methods which allowed the measurement of individual ink components on the food contact surface of packaging. The extent of migration of these ink components from packaging into food was also quantified. [ + ]

Chronos BTH has recently installed and commissioned a high-accuracy bagging and palletising system for milk powder sector company Emmi Milch, Switzerland. [ + ]

The PHBOTTLE Project is an international project that aims to produce a biodegradable packaging with antioxidant properties for juice which is made from watewater sugars generated during the production of the juice. [ + ]

Established in 1929, BOH Plantations in Malaysia account for 70% of all tea produced in Malaysia. In order to maintain its prime position in the domestic retail market and expand into overseas niche markets, the company recently invested in its manufacturing process using equipment from Matcon Pacific. [ + ]

A new standard covering the design of steel storage racking systems was released on 29 February 2012, after the previous standard remained unchanged for 18 years. The new standard is called AS4084-2012 Steel Storage Racking. Dr Murray Clarke, Structural Design Manager, Dematic, discusses some of the key changes in the standard. [ + ]

Plate freezing has been used in the meat, fresh produce and dairy industries for many decades, offering a range of benefits over alternative forms of freezing such as air blasting. One of Australia’s leading packaged meat exporters recently upgraded its refrigeration plant to include automated plate freezing technology. In doing so, it increased capacity by over 20% while reducing labour costs. [ + ]

Researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have developed a prototype system that uses advanced imaging technology and a robotic cutting arm to automatically debone chicken and other poultry products. [ + ]

Tania Seary, CEO of The Faculty, talks with WNIFT&M about procurement. [ + ]

Woolworths’ Bunbury meat packing plant selected Next Instruments’ MultiScan Series 3000 Food Analyser to conduct chemical lean analyses, which gives results in under three minutes. [ + ]

The development and deployment of shelf-friendly or retail-ready packaging solutions was discussed during the Coles, Woolworths and ECRA panel at the 2012 AIP National Conference. The ‘big two’ supermarket chains want to see shelf-friendly packaging as the norm and are working with ECRA to assist the industry in developing robust, sustainable solutions. [ + ]

“Improve productivity and efficiency or perish” was the crucial message in Terry O’Brien’s keynote address at the AIP’s National Conference at Surfers Paradise. As managing director of Simplot Australia, O’Brien is well qualified to discuss the ‘Implications for all stakeholders of the accelerating reduction in Australian food processing’. [ + ]

Rockwell Automation’s ControlLogix helped a large-scale New Zealand cheese manufacturer automate its cheese-slicing process. [ + ]

Ongoing maintenance issues with vinly and epoxy floor finishes led Coles to conduct a rigorous six-month trial to find a flooring solution. It selected Sikafloor-22N PurCem, a water-based polyurethane screed for its durability, slip resistance, heat resistance and resistance to food acids and fats. [ + ]

Packaging equipment company Ocme recently installed a centralised palletising plant and packing lines for wine cooperative Cavit S.C. in the Trentino region of northern Italy. [ + ]