The European Parliament has cleared amendments to the sweetener
directive, but only after setting up a trail of conditions -
including a closer monitoring of new sweeteners.
The CIAA has added its voice to the debate over Germany's packaging
deposit laws. The body has strongly backed the decision of the
Commission to open a legal infringement procedure against Germany
on its packaging deposit system,...
The controversy over Germany's recycling scheme has taken a new
turning, with the EC resolving to send a formal request for
information concerning the functioning of the scheme. The
Commission claims that it has a duty to investigate...
Third quarter results released today by Schneider Electric suggest
that the market for plant operations technology, especially in
Europe, is going through a continued period of stagnation. Although
the company is confident of a gradual...
In the US the National Food Processors Association (NFPA) has
criticised new requirements enforced by the European Union's
Council of Ministers on the labelling and traceability of foods and
feeds containing genetically modified...
The European Commission has granted approval for packaging
recycling provider Austrian ARA System to obtain a number of
important contracts in Austria.
Following record visitor attendance and interest from Eastern
European converters at the recent Labelexpo Europe 2003 in
Brussels, a two-day keynote event is being launched for 2004.
Polish packaging provider, Can-Pack, has confirmed the opening of
an aluminium can factory in Ukraine. The opening is in line with
the company's intentions to expand into the Eastern European
market.
The UK's Food Standards Agency has published details of an
investigation and audit, carried out by UK scientists which shows
discrepancies in current testing methods for shellfish toxins.
German confectionery and bakery producers have strongly criticised
the current EU system designed to keep sugar prices artificially
high, arguing that it makes European companies uncompetitive when
it comes to exports.
Italian meat processor Cremonini is keen to increase production of
products benefiting from protected geographic identity status which
offer greater added value. Hence the acquistion of a factory in
northern Italy producing speck,...
The European Commission yesterday slammed a €138.4 million fine on
four sorbate companies that supply the dairy industry after being
accused of operating a cartel in the 1990s.
The draconian measures introduced to reduce the use of one-way
packaging in Germany could still incur the wrath of the European
Commission, despite concessions by Berlin. But even if Brussels is
satisfied, German retailers, drinks...
The European Commission has given clearance under merger
regulations to the proposed acquisition of French aluminium
producer Pechiney by Alcan of Canada.
Cargill Incorporated is to acquire European industrial chocolate
company OCG Cacao as its first significant investment into
chocolate manufacturing in Europe.
As the European Union is poised to adopt some of the most stringent
regulations on labelling and traceability of genetically modified
products, a conference is being organised by Cert ID to help food
manufacturers respond to the challenges...
Despite the failure of Cancun, it still seems likely that Europe's
sugar regime will be overhauled. Europe's farm commissioner said
that the continuation of the EU's heavily subsidy sugar industry is
simply unviable.
Much attention was given to the key issue of resourcing the growth
plans of the European Food Safety Authority at its 10th Management
Board meeting held yesterday.
Alcan's hostile takeover of its French counterpart Pechiney has
become a friendly bid following the acceptance of a revised offer
for the company by Pechiney's board. But getting regulatory
approval may prove harder.
Imminent reforms to the EU sugar regime could slice millions off
the sugar profits for Associated British Foods (ABF), the owner of
British Sugar, and Danisco.
Food producers are on heightened alert after the EC stepped up
measures taken to ensure aflatoxin-contaminated Chinese peanuts,
Iranian pistachios and Turkish figs, pistachios and hazelnuts do
not enter the European Union.
The EC has reviewed the measures taken to ensure
aflatoxin-contaminated Chinese peanuts, Iranian pistachios and
Turkish figs, pistachios and hazelnuts do not enter the European
Union.
The UK's FSA has published guidance notes to accompany the new
cocoa and chocolate product regulations in an effort to achieve a
'more consistent application and enforcement of the regulations'.
The European Commission on Friday approved plans by US company
Archer Daniels Midland to purchase food giant Unilever's edible oil
refining subsidiary VDBO.
The new task force set up by the Food Standards Agency to combat
the illegal meat trade could be too small to be effective, claims a
leading UK daily newspaper.
The Council of Ministers yesterday formally adopted two European
Commission proposals on genetically modified organisms,
establishing a clear EU system to trace and label GMOs in food and
feed products.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has said that it is about to
undertake a consultation period for the European Community's
proposed new regulation to govern food products in relation to
nutrition and health claims.
Proposed new European regulations governing the safety of chemicals
may result in food producers having to carry out tests on at least
30,000 substances that have never previously been tested before.
The European Commission has approved Best Agrifund's acquisition of
the Dutch slaughterhouse group Dumeco. While the transaction
broadens Best Agrifund's activities in the European meat market,
the Commission believes that...
Scottish & Newcastle's strategy of expanding its European
business at the same time as selling off its UK pub arm is making
it an attractive takeover target.
Agilent Technologies has launched a new method for testing
Nitrofuran Metabolites in food animal products, said to be the
fastest and most effective of its kind.
European food manufacturers are on alert after emergency measures
have been undertaken by the EU to stop the import of hot chilli
products containing the known carcinogen 'Sudan red ', banned from
foodstuffs.
The European Food Safety Authority's Scientific Committee says that
its panels have now been appointed, opening the way for the body to
start work on streamlining safety within the European food and
drinks industry.
BakeMark International, an international provider of bakery
ingredients and supplies, is boosting its capabilities in fats for
the Eastern European market.
Following the possible outbreak of avian influenza in Germany last
week, the European Commission has decided to reinforce the control
measures already enforced by German authorities.
The European Commission believes that the results of the Electronic
Identification of Animals project, published this week, confirm the
feasibility of electronically tagging cattle, sheep and goats.
Alcan has said that it has completed the acquisition of VAW
Flexible Packaging from Norsk Hydro for approximately €345 million
euro, following approval of the deal from the EU Commission.
The CIAA has welcomed the appointment of 162 observers from
candidate countries into the European Parliament marked a
significant step forward towards full integration and the
strengthening of EU legislation.
Hayssen Packaging Technologies, a major manufacturer of vertical
and horizontal flexible packaging systems, has renamed its Thetford
UK facility 'Hayssen Europe Ltd.'
Swedish ingredients company Karlshamns reports that growing
competition and decreasing margins characterised the market for
chocolate fats designed to replace cocoa butter.
The Fraunhofer Institute, a research centre devoted to process
engineering and packaging, is holding its annual conference,
Packaging and Pharmaceuticals - Science for Compliance, to be held
in Friesling, Germany from 27-28 May.
A European Commission survey has indicated that while most
Europeans are in favour of medical applications of biotechnology,
they are still sceptical about agricultural and food-related
biotech.
The European Commission has cleared the takeover of FlexPac, the
flexible packaging division of Hydro Aluminium, by Alcan of Canada.
Although the acquisition will increase Alcan's share of the
European market for flexible packaging,...
