Process Control

Study Suggests Bleaching of Tree Nuts Produces Potentially Toxic Chemical Byproducts

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), a chlorine-based chemical used to bleach tree nut shells for aesthetic purposes, can react with fatty acids in the edible kernels to form potentially harmful fatty acid chlorohydrins. Researchers called for further toxicological evaluation of these process contaminants.

Review Examines Strategies for Reducing Nitrites, Nitrates in Processed Meats While Ensuring Microbial Safety

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The researchers concluded that no single alternative currently fulfills all of the antimicrobial and technological functions provided by conventional nitrites and nitrates. Instead, they identified hurdle technology as the most promising approach.

Audit-Defensible Thermometer Calibration, Validation, and Verification

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

This article explains how two-point testing against traceable temperature standards, supported by appropriate inspection, verification, calibration, and documentation practices, can help build a more accurate and audit-defensible temperature monitoring program.

Sabert Europe Releases New Food Packaging Catalogue Following Colpac Integration

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 05:20:00 -0400

Containing more than 800 SKUs, the catalogue includes packaging products for foodservice operators, retailers, processors, and food-to-go businesses.

SÜDPACK Expands Flexographic Printing Capabilities at Poland Facility

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 05:15:00 -0400

SÜDPACK has expanded its flexographic printing capabilities at its Competence Center in Kłobuck, Poland with the installation of a new high-performance printing system.

Antimicrobial Violet-Blue Light Shows Promise for Reducing Drug-Resistant Campylobacter on Poultry

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 02:30:42 -0400

At the highest tested dose, every isolate, even those exhibiting antimicrobial resistance (AMR), underwent at least a 2-log reduction in viable cells. Modeling suggested that such a reduction could decrease public health risk of infection by up to 90 percent.

Experts Discuss Food Waste Prevention in Sustainable Packaging Design, Introduce Assessment Methodology

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

On the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, WPO convened UNIDO, FSSC, and Wageningen University and Research to discuss the Sustainable Packaging Assessment Methodology (SusPAM) and explore how packaging decisions can protect food, help prevent avoidable loss, and support broader sustainability goals.

Key Expands Compass Sorter Capabilities

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 10:54:32 -0400

The enhancements include advanced backlight technology, three-way sorting, and a larger-capacity model.

Scientists Propose Toxicological Screening Approach for Broader Identification of Hazardous Food Contact Chemicals

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Researchers from the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research and the Food Packaging Forum have proposed a panel of 15 high-throughput in vitro bioassays to screen chemicals for biological activity associated with cancer, brain-related harms, cardiovascular disease, and other disorders.

Study Identifies High-Pressure Processing Parameters for Effective Pathogen Reduction in Raw Chicken

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

A review led by researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln found that high-pressure processing (HPP) can reduce foodborne pathogens in raw chicken and described pressures and holding times that significantly influenced microbial inactivation.

Sabert Acquired by Private Equity Firm

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:16:52 -0400

Sustainable food packaging solutions manufacturer Sabert Holding Corporation is to be acquired by Butterfly Equity. The company operates 13 manufacturing facilities globally. Sabert CEO and Founder will remain a minority investor.

PETcore Europe, KÖR Launch Initiative to Harmonize PET Food Contact Materials Safety Testing

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 11:47:37 -0400

GeNi is intended to serve as a centralized hub for interlaboratory data, enabling participants to benchmark testing performance, identify best practices, improve data comparability, and support greater consistency in testing methods across industry.

Review Explores Antimicrobial Surface Technologies to Improve Safety of Reusable Food Packaging

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Researchers examined four different antimicrobial surface technologies and evaluated their potential suitability for reusable food packaging, addressing the challenges of microbial adhesion, biofilm formation, and cross-contamination between reuse cycles.

Why Less Packaging Does Not Always Mean Less Waste: Putting Food Protection at the Center of Sustainable Design

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:05:02 -0400

World Packaging Day on September 6 is an opportunity to move beyond a simple choice between “more” or “less” packaging. The more useful question is whether each packaging decision supports food safety and sustainability, thereby reducing total waste across the value chain.

Oklahoma State FAPC Gives Food Industry Professionals a Hands-On Look at HPP Technology

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 10:54:15 -0400

The Hiperbaric Global Roadshow Oklahoma, hosted by Oklahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center (FAPC) in September, will showcase FAPC’s newly installed Hiperbaric 55 high-pressure processing (HPP) system and connect attendees with technical and academic food safety experts.

Study Proposes Grouping Approach to Prioritize Hazardous Food Contact Chemicals, Prevent Regrettable Substitutions

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

According to the researchers, 1,222 FCCs are already known to be hazardous to human health, and more than 13,000 lack sufficient data to determine safety. Until adequate data become available, they proposed grouping FCCs based on chemical structure to help identify substances that may pose similar hazards.

Ep. 224. Rhodes Yepsen: Balancing Food Safety, Sustainability, and Packaging Policy

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 02:30:00 -0400

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Rhodes Yepsen, Executive Director of the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), about developments in California packaging policy and their potential implications for food processors and packaging manufacturers. Rhodes also discusses the role of compostable packaging in food waste reduction and the tradeoffs manufacturers must consider when balancing sustainability goals with food safety, product protection, and shelf-life requirements.

Tufts University Innovation Hub for Food and Materials Technologies Opening Fall 2026

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:53:38 -0400

The research and development center is designed to provide shared infrastructure for developing and testing emerging food technologies, biomaterials, and other products. It will offer industry, academics, and nonprofits with access to prototyping, characterization, culinary testing, and early-stage consumer testing resources.

WITT Introduces Inline MAP Leak Detection System

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:44:25 -0400

The LEAK-MASTER ONE is an inline system designed to detect micro-leaks of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at production-line speeds, combining high-sensitivity leak detection with individual package testing and traceability.

Modeling Study Identifies Heat, pH Conditions to Inhibit C. botulinum Growth in Chilled Foods

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The researchers determined that probabilistic modeling could help food businesses capitalize on existing scientific data to map processing and formulation conditions for controlling non-proteolytic C. botulinum in refrigerated, processed foods of extended durability.

Fortress Introduces Integrated X-Ray and Checkweigher Combo System

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:38:04 -0400

The Icon X-ray and Checkweigher Combination System features algorithmic foreign material detection, real-time product flow monitoring, IA+ filtering technology, configurable reject systems, a passive X-ray cooling generator, and data management and system oversight capabilities.

Nothum Opens Solutions Studio for Processing Equipment Testing, Product Development

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:17:08 -0400

The facility supports product development, equipment testing, technical training, and process optimization for manufacturers producing coated food products. Customers can conduct production trials using complete processing lines configured to match their manufacturing requirements.

Sennos Launches Brewery Partnership Program Focused on Fermentation Technology

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 08:41:25 -0400

The Sennoselect Flagship Brewery Program is intended to support the development of fermentation intelligence technology. Participating craft breweries will receive early access to new technologies.

Vitsab Introduces Time-Temperature Monitoring Label for Airline Catering

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:14:14 -0400

FreshTag Flight Label is intended to support airline Food Safety Management Systems and Quality Management Systems by providing a visual indication of cumulative time-temperature exposure.

Investing in Food Safety is Investing in the Future of Food

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Modern investments in applied food safety research infrastructure are essential to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world implementation.

Tetra Pak, Axis Introduce Video Monitoring System for Ice Cream Production

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:20:35 -0400

The Ice Cream Video Care system uses network cameras as sensors to monitor production processes, enabling operators to remotely inspect equipment and production areas, continuously and in real time.

Lifecycle Assessment in Food Packaging: What Food Industry Professionals Need to Know

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

This article details how to conduct a lifecycle assessment for food packaging.

Bipartisan Bill Would Ban PFAS Food Packaging in U.S.

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:29:08 -0400

The Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act (H.R. 9593) would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit food packaging containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances, a.k.a. “forever chemicals.”

Allergen Bureau to Update VITAL Online, Reflecting Latest International Guidance

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:37:02 -0400

The VITAL Program and VITAL Online identify allergens that require labeling consideration, whether due to intentional inclusion or cross-contact. The update includes changes to tree nut grouping and gluten-containing cereal labeling in line with Codex reference doses (RfDs).

Eagle Introduces Pack 1000 PRO for X-Ray Inspection of Large Cases, Multipacks

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:11:04 -0400

The system provides 1,000 millimeters of inspection coverage and supports belt speeds of up to 76 meters per minute. An optional integrated barcode reader enables inspection of mixed cases and supports multilane production environments.