Novel processing and plastic packaging 
Ongoing research into how modifications to processing regimes affect the integrity of plastic packaging aims to understand how processes could be modified to enhance package strength and thus increase product safety. There has been a rapid increase in the sales of plastic packs (bottles and pouches) as an alternative to cans and jars. For low-acid products, poor seal integrity in retorted bottles and stress cracking of the aluminium layer in pouches are potential hazards. Reducing process intensity would considerably improve container integrity. In experiments with flexible packaging, a reliable method was first needed to measure the strength of the package, so that this could be related to the degree of processing applied. Burst testing to destruction was found to be a good method of demonstrating real differences in pack strength. This was then used to assess the effects of twelve variables in processing trials. The two most significant variables were the time and temperature in the retort. Abusing the pouch both before and after processing had little effect on pack integrity. The time at which the test was carried out was also significant; this means that in quality management trials, the timing of these tests would need to be standardised in order to get meaningful results. Contact: Nick May Packaging technology at CCFRA 
Packaging operations and materials used are an integral part of food production and supply. CCFRA has a range of facilities and the expertise to deal with packaging related issues. Alan Campbell, Manager of the Packaging and Manufacturing Section explains: "In our processing facilities we can assess new packaging materials and formats for suitability for processes such as modified atmosphere packaging, sterilisation, aseptic packaging and microwaving. Food products can be packed in different materials, processed as required and then stored at a range of temperatures depending on the nature of the food and client requirements." "We also help companies put documentation systems into place in preparation for evaluation against schemes such as the British Retail Consortium/Institute of Packaging Technical Standard. A key element is advice relating to current and emerging legislation with regard to food contact materials." "Our packaging specialists are supported by expertise in other disciplines, with UKAS accredited services to test for migration of packaging materials into food and for heavy metal content within the packaging materials. There is additional expertise related to corrosion of metal packaging and failures of multilaminate packaging." The role of food packaging in contamination can also be investigated, as Alan explains: "Chemical and sensory analysis techniques can be combined to identify the nature and origin of odours and taints in packaging materials. The microbiological quality of packaging materials can also be determined, and sterility checks and package integrity trials can be performed. One important aspect is the hygienic design and cleanability of packaging systems. Our hygiene specialists actively support this area." Alan Campbell New labelling - are you up to date? To understand and cope with important new labelling rules, why not attend our seminar Labelling Law: Preparing for Change, on 2 December. Presentations will include The end of the 25% rule; Food allergens - what to declare; Health and nutrition claims; GM ingredient labelling; and Product specific labelling. Keynote speaker, Rosemary Hignett, Head of the Food Standard Agency's Food Labelling Division, will provide an overview and update on the FSA's Food Labelling Action Plan. For further information, or to book online, please visit www.campden.co.uk/ Contact: Training Department Meet at CCFRA Several companies have used our conference suites for their own purposes, appreciating the central location. Some meetings are entirely private while others request a site tour and/or talks by key staff where appropriate. For an idea of what is available see pictures of our facilities in use and Contact: Daphne Llewellyn Davies Risk analysis in catering Catering Food Safety: a responsibility ignored is the title of a meeting to be held in Budapest, Hungary on November 26-28 as part of a new EU Risk Analysis Information Network (EU-RAIN) project. Dr Phil Voysey from CCFRA represents the UK food industry on this partnership of 20 European organisations that also includes the UK Food Standards Agency and University of Bristol. Further information on the conference and booking facilities are on www.eu-rain.com Initially the RAIN group will focus on catering as a weak link in risk assessment data, and identify risk assessment research priorities for the future. The information will generate some useful data for microbial risk management and food safety risk communication strategy for the food service sector. Future meetings will review farm-to-fork HACCP procedures and the psychology of food safety. Contact: Phil Voysey Heat processing: container varieties 
The recent acquisition of a multipurpose Lagarde Pilot retort (from Holmach Ltd) enables CCFRA to carry out detailed research on different container styles, such as pouch, jars, cans and semi-rigid flexible packaging such as CPET trays. The equipment is able to process products using rotary and static modes and can use steam air and water spray processing to analyse which heating medium is best for particular product types. The retort is suitable for processing products such as rice and sauces in pouches and chilled meals in CPET. This greatly enhances our market-leading facilities in the development of new products for UK and overseas manufacturers. Gary Tucker e-learning for colloids Developed to fill a recognised training gap in colloid technology, an internet-based training programme has been launched by the Impact Faraday Partnership*. The training modules have been designed to meet the requirements of a range of people, including laboratory, graduate and postgraduate staff, giving them 'bite-sized' chunks of information when they need it. The content is designed to be highly interactive and is supported by animations, graphics, audiolectures, video-clips, questions, resource links and an interactive glossary. The range of modules available will be extended in line with demand. Currently available modules include Rheology as a formulation tool; Shelf life stability of dispersions and emulsions; Choosing and using polymeric dispersants; Effective particle size characterisation; Wetting of surfaces; Polymer adsorption; Attractive forces; and the Role of scattering techniques. Contact: John Eastman or *Faraday Partnerships, generally funded by DTI and EPSRC, are knowledge-based partnerships working with industry. CCFRA is a hub partner of the Impact Faraday programme focussed on colloid technology. Farming and food research Professor Colin Dennis, Director-General of CCFRA, has been appointed by Defra to an independent Group that advises them on Sustainable Farming and Food Research Priorities. The Group will consider strategic research taking into consideration competitiveness, environment, and social issues. They will also address improved co-ordination and integration of publicly funded research. The aim is to achieve best-value publicly funded research that addresses sustainable farming and food and the needs of society. Organic agriculture in food production A new review of the developments in regulation, practice and research of organic agriculture, particularly as it affects the UK, has been published by CCFRA. Organic agriculture and food production: a review of current developments (CCFRA Review No. 40) outlines the development of the organic products market and the frameworks of regulation and certification. It then addresses some frequently asked questions on organic food and systems on topics ranging from pesticide residues, veterinary medicines and natural toxicants through environmental impact to nutritional composition, additives, shelf-life and presence of pathogenic micro-organisms. It also explains the difficulties of comparing organic and conventional products. It is priced at £30 per copy for CCFRA members and £45 per copy for non-members. Technical contact: Dr. Richard Stanley, CCFRA, Tel +44(0)1386 842004 Publications sales: Carol Newman CCFRA CCFRA R&D reports The main findings from CCFRA's extensive research programme are published in the form of R&D Reports. Recent R&D Reports include: Survey of tin in canned fruit and vegetable products (R&D No. 182) Antimicrobial properties of various plant extracts and essential oils (R&D No. 181) Predicted baked product processing requirements and quality using NIR spectroscopy (R&D No. 180) Effects of microbiological variation on shelf-life assessment and predictive microbiological models (R&D No. 179) Use of the internet to rapidly quantify consumer attitudes: a case study on biscuit packaging (R&D No. 178) Copies of each are available free on request to members (up to three copies per member company) and most - those based on projects from the member-funded research programme - are available only to members. Full lists of R&D Reports published in previous years can be found in the Research section of the CCFRA website at www.campden.co.uk or are available in hard copy on request. Publications sales: Carol Newman CCFRA New members Campden & Chorleywood is delighted to welcome the following new members who joined in September 2003:
Contact: Bertrand Emond or Sally Easton Please notify the Membership Department of any name or address changes with respect to our mailing list. |