Middle East: K+S KALI research partner wins award for research on increasing grain zinc density
Prof. Dr. Ismail Cakmak, a research partner of K+S KALI GmbH received the Georg Forster Research Award of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, valued at €60,000 (US$81,200) on June 4, 2014. Prof. Cakmak, who teaches and researches at Sabanci University in Istanbul, Turkey, conducts research as a visiting scientist this year at the Institute of Applied Plant Nutrition (IAPN), a...
Did you know how a milk carton is made?
Milk and milk products are protected from contamination and the environment in carton packs while retaining quality. If left unopened, milk products in aseptic cartons can be stored for prolonged periods without refrigeration. These carton packs offer convenience to consumers as they are lightweight, unbreakable and easy to transport. One of the most important jobs of any packaging is protecting food and...
Europe: Krones introduces 500 mm, 12.5 g PET bottle for aseptic filling
Krones’ Contiform AseptBloc technology has created a square 500 mm polyethylene (PET) bottle weighing 12.5 gram for aseptic filling. Presented for the first time at interpack 2014, the bottle was created using an adapted container design that takes the haptics of the bottle and uses a light 33 mm neck finish as a basis. This design makes use of a square, rounded-off...
Asia Pacific: CP Kelco opens first Asian center of excellence in Singapore
CP Kelco has opened of its South Asia Hub & Dairy Beverage Center of Excellence (COE) in Singapore, demonstrating its commitment to "Growing Asia with Innovation," while strengthening its global innovation footprint. "As CP Kelco's first COE based in Asia, the facility in Singapore enables us to implement the transfer of technology from our other research facilities and innovate locally...
Europe: Rice processors can determine quality levels with new system, Bühler Group tells FNI
The Bühler Group has on May 1, 2014 launched SORTEX S UltraVision for rice processors to define their desired quality level for rice, even when faced with highly contaminated incoming material while not compromising on yield. Currently, rice processors face challenges such as product contamination, subtle defects that are difficult to detect, competition, consolidation of rice mills and meeting demand...
Americas: Researchers find eight grains suitable for healthy diet
Nutrient digestibility is an important aspect of nutrition, but it can be hard to measure in humans. Researchers at the University of Illinois (U of I) are using digestibility studies in pigs to improve human nutrition by determining the quality of protein in cereal grains. Measuring protein content with DIAAS In 2013, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)...
Asia Pacific: Halal products containing pork DNA can be prevented, says US Islamic food authority
On May 27, 2014, the news that two Cadbury products sold in Malaysia contained pork deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) spread quickly through the halal food consuming and manufacturing community in the country and the rest of the world. While the products in question were largely confined to Malaysia, consumers in the Middle East, the US and other parts of the world...
Europe: DuPont receives probiotic health claim in Switzerland
Working with a major Swiss grocer, DuPont Nutrition & Health recently received approval from Switzerland’s Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) to market Danisco HOWARU Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 probioticas supporting digestion by reducing transit time. DuPont says it is the first ingredient company to receive a probiotic health claim in Europe. “Despite the regulatory challenges in Europe, DuPont continues to...
Asia Pacific: Singapore eases restrictions on import of food from Japan
The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) is easing restrictions on food imports from Japan, including Fukushima prefecture with immediate effect, said Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong. AVA and the Japanese authorities will be working on the implementation details. The announcement comes after AVA’s review and on-site assessment, as well as satisfactory surveillance results from Japan and AVA. AVA has...
Europe: LINPAC Packaging introduces absorbent EPS base for fresh meat, fish
LINPAC Packaging introduces LINslice, an absorbent expanded polystyrene (EPS) base ideally suited to products such as sliced smoked salmon and pre-cooked meats. Micro-perforations have been created within the base to absorb any unsightly juices that can contain bacteria and lead to spoilage of the meat. They ensure that the premium look and feel of the pack is maintained to encourage...