CONTENTS                                                  Sep-Oct 2002

IN THE NEWS
FAO/WHO evaluating Codex Alimentarius Ö Thailand, FAO agreement on milk production Ö FAO caution on acrylamide in fried and baked foods Ö Equipment imported to help raise shrimp quality Ö Malaysia sanctions use of calcium lactate Ö Active packaging takes off Ö Microencapsulation preserves food flavour Ö PET bottle recycling in India Ö Record exports of red meat Ö New cashew plant in India Ö Japan slackens restrictions on food additives Ö Liquid milk market in China Ö New food projects launched Ö Dairy enterprises in China Ö Boost for food safety efforts

INVENTIONS/NEW PRODUCTS
Coating technology for probiotic capsules Ö New oil extraction technology Ö Edible film for food Ö Sugar analysis Ö Starch-based texturizer for natural cheese Ö Aseptic additives Ö New processing safety system Ö Low-cost preparation of processed cheese Ö Diet science of ice-cream

R&D IDEAS
Study reveals high levels of acrylamide in food Ö Cooking seafood does not affect healthy oil content Ö Latest on sensory noses Ö Processed corn better

SAFETY/QUALITY CONTROL
Detecting Campylobacter Ö New method to detect bacterial contamination Ö Post-packaging process to eliminate pathogens Ö X-ray detector for dairy products Ö New quality assessment system for pasta

INGREDIENTS
New enzyme from seaweed Ö Stearic acid in seeds and oils Ö Microencapsulated salt

STANDARDS/REGULATIONS
Ban on food-scare antibiotic Ö Decontrolling farm sector Ö New legislation for European food supplements Ö New labelling for high-caffeine content drinks Ö Indian standards on food and agriculture Ö The Philippines dilutes meat import controls Ö ISO standard for Salmonella detection

PRESERVATION
Natural biological preservative Ö Desiccants help preserve dairy shipments Ö Cryogenic freezing Ö Protective coating to retain freshness of fruits

MACHINERY/EQUIPMENT
New mixing system Ö Potato processing systems Ö Filling and sealing machine Ö Egg grading and packaging

PACKAGING
Bio-packaging materials Ö Form, fill and seal machine Ö Horizontal pouch systems Ö Fillers with extended shelf-life Ö New microwaveable carton Ö Probiotic straws

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