Breaking News on Food and Beverage in Asia Pacific

Europe moves closer to mandatory country of origin labelling

17-Mar-2010 - The Environment Committee of the European Parliament has voted in favour of mandatory country of origin labelling for several foods including dairy products.

New test method makes staphylococci detection quicker and easier

17-Mar-2010 - A new diagnostic test method will make the identification and enumeration of coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS) in foods both simpler and significantly quicker, said Oxoid.

Special Edition: Decontamination

Poor equipment design compromising food safety, EHEDG

12-Mar-2010 - Misinterpretation of fundamental criteria for the hygienic design of equipment by designers is resulting in incorrect installation of parts such as valves and sensors at the initial design stage of new food processing equipment and leaves processors exposed to contaminant threats, claims the EHEDG.

China vows further food safety clampdown

12-Mar-2010 - China has said its aim this year on food safety is to avoid any major contamination crises as it continues to struggle to impose national standards on food producers and processors.

Krones targets demand for complete beverage factories

11-Mar-2010 - Krones is looking to target demand for complete beverage factory planning that the equipment supplier says is on the rise as in-house engineering capacity weakens.

News in brief

Spotlight on new packaging regulation at Foodex

03-Mar-2010 - Foodex this year sees a series of seminars on the latest regulation pertaining to third party inspection certification and packaging aswell as new food hygiene initiatives, research and innovation developments in packaging and processing and shelf life evaluation.

Boiling shrimp could cut shellfish allergy - study

25-Feb-2010 - Boiling shrimps for 10 minutes could reduce the chemical that triggers allergic reactions to seafood, according to new research.

Study highlights fast way to screen chips for acrylamide levels

22-Feb-2010 - On-line near infrared (NIR) and visual (VIS) spectroscopy monitoring could be used to screen potato chip samples for high acrylamide content as well as accurately predict their moisture and oil content, claims a new study.

'Game changing' high pressure processing system launched

22-Feb-2010 - A game changing high pressure processing (HPP) system makes improved food safety technology more affordable and responds to the growing trend for preservative-free products, said manufacturer Avure Technologies.

China forced to relaunch food safety crackdown

10-Feb-2010 - China is launching a new national food safety drive following a wave of recent damaging revelations over melamine-tainted milk products in the country.

Chinese dairies shut down on melamine discovery

08-Feb-2010 - Chinese authorities have closed two dairies in the northern region of Ningxia following the discovery of a further 170 tonnes of melamine tainted milk powder, according to media reports.

Coca-Cola faces mercury poisoning cases in China

04-Feb-2010 - Coca-Cola brand Sprite has been caught up in a Chinese investigation into two cases of alleged mercury poisoning.

News in brief

China launches new melamine probe

02-Feb-2010 - China has launched a new investigation after the discovery of more melamine-tainted milk products.

Bacteria-killing protein to combat E.coli in red meat

01-Feb-2010 - A bacteria-killing protein that would be applied to raw meat during processing to “significantly reduce” the presence of E.coli is under development, said one company behind the project.

X-ray machines boost detection and throughput for can lines

28-Jan-2010 - Enhanced detection, faster throughput and lower total cost of ownership are the benefits of upgrades to two X-ray inspection machines for use on can production lines, said Mettler Toledo Safeline.

Acrylamide formation higher in dry fat-rich foods: Study

28-Jan-2010 - Dry food containing low amounts of carbohydrates are at risk of increased acrylamide levels, says a new study sponsored by the European Science Foundation.

News in brief

India plans 30 mega food parks by 2012

14-Jan-2010 - The Indian Government has announced plans to set up 30 mega food processing parks by the end of 2012.

New cleaner tackles zero trans fat oil stains on machinery

13-Jan-2010 - A breakthrough cleaning gel has been developed to help food processors deal with the growing problem of cleaning zero trans fat oils from machinery and surfaces, said manufacturer Ecolab.

Analyst unpicks impact of melamine scandal on Chinese dairy industry

12-Jan-2010 - A leading food analyst has warned that the latest Chinese melamine scandal will set back the local dairy industry at least two years.

New machine promises improved pomegranate juice

12-Jan-2010 - Hefestus is launching a processing machine for pomegranate fruit that allows firms to squeeze a juice at a reduced cost without the bitter tasting peel.

Cognis boosts its Malaysian presence

07-Jan-2010 - Cognis has set up an affiliate in Malaysia to maximise what it views as the growth potential for wellness products in that country.

Breakthrough test for food poisoning bug

17-Dec-2009 - A new test to detect a bacteria that is a leading cause of food-poisoning is cheaper, faster and significantly more sensitive than existing assays, said the US body behind the breakthrough.

India trade group urges more food processing tax breaks

01-Dec-2009 - High taxation is curbing the growth of Indian fruit and vegetable processing sector and must be overhauled, said the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).

Australian food processors to get cash for eco scheme

27-Nov-2009 - Australia’s food processing sector has hailed a government move to grant a A$150m aid package to help it implement a national carbon footprint reduction scheme.