Food & Food Equipment News

USDA Issues Final Rule On Organic Access To Pasture

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced details of the final regulation regarding access to pasture for organic livestock operations. This rule amends the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations to clarify the use of pasture in raising organic ruminants.

"Clear and enforceable standards are essential to the health and success of the market for organic agriculture," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The final rule published today will give consumers confidence that organic milk or cheese comes from cows raised on pasture, and organic family farmers the assurance that there is one, consistent pasture standard that applies to dairy products."

The final rule provides certainty to consumers that organic livestock production is a pasture based system in which animals are actively grazing pasture during the grazing season. The majority of organic dairy and ruminant livestock producers are already grazing animals and maintaining pastures that meet the requirements of this rule. These standards contain clear requirements that will provide greater assurance that all producers are being held to the same standards.

USDA received a substantial number of comments on provisions of the rule affecting finish feeding practices of slaughter livestock, and has extended the comment period for this provision for 60 days. Finish feeding is commonly used by organic farmers and ranchers to improve the grade of beef and involves feeding livestock grain

"It is difficult to decouple standards for milking cows from standards for finish feeding," said Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. "Since finish feeding gets swept up into this dairy rulemaking, we are taking an extra step and inviting public comment on the finish feeding requirements. We want to be certain that our actions pertaining to finish feeding are aligned with organic principles."

This final rule is the culmination of a process that was initiated in 2005 when the National Organic Standards Board recommended that ruminants obtain a minimum 30 percent dry matter intake for at least 120 days. The proposed rule, published on Oct. 28, 2008, received over 26,000 comments from producers, retailers, handlers, certifying agents, consumers, trade associations, organic associations, animal welfare organizations, consumer groups, state and local government entities and various industry groups.

The main components of the rule include:

• Animals must graze pasture during the grazing season, which must be at least 120 days per year;
• Animals must obtain a minimum of 30 percent dry matter intake from grazing pasture during the grazing season;
• Producers must have a pasture management plan and manage pasture as a crop to meet the feed requirements for the grazing animals and to protect soil and water quality; and,
• Livestock are exempt from the 30 percent dry matter intake requirements during the finish feeding period, not to exceed 120 days. Livestock must have access to pasture during the finishing phase.

The final rule becomes effective 120 days after publication, June 17, 2010. Operations which are already certified organic will have one year to implement the provisions. Operations which obtain organic certification after the effective date will be expected to demonstrate full compliance.

Although this is a final rule, comments on the exceptions for finish feeding of ruminant slaughter stock may be submitted before April 19, 2010. This 60-day comment period pertains to the finish feeding provisions only. The specific questions to consider and instructions for submitting comments are available on the NOP website at http://www.ams.usda.gov/NOP .

Copies of the final rule and additional information are on display on line at http://www.ams.usda.gov/NOP .

About USDA

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

For more information, visit USDA.

Air King Opens New Brampton, Ontario Distribution Center

 

Air King, a West Chester, PA manufacturer of residential exhaust fans, range hoods, furnace mounted humidifiers and industrial fans, has opened a new distribution center located in Brampton, Ontario Canada to complement already existing facilities throughout the United States.

The new distribution center is strategically located to efficiently serve the Canadian market with major shipping corridors close by allowing for easy logistics for all transportation companies. With numerous truck bays, this new facility will allow efficient shipping and receiving with the ability to have multiple transportation companies loading and unloading at the same time.

The extensive warehouse space provides the storage needed to effectively stock all the Air King products including the new lines of Energy Efficient ENERGY STAR® Qualified Exhaust Fans and Range Hoods that are keeping Air King at the forefront of the ventilation market.

This new facility will serve as the corporate headquarters for the Canadian Division of Air King and the new office and customer service areas will allow Air King to better support and serve customers. Additionally this facility provides customized lab and testing areas that will allow Air King to continue to advance the engineering and product development centers.

Air King welcomes the opportunity to answer any questions or concerns that might arise from this announcement. 

For more information, visit Air King.

Bio-Tec Environmental LLC. Unveils EcoPure PC Additive For Transparent Biodegradable Polycarbonate

 

Bio-Tec formulates the use of EcoPure™ for transparent polycarbonate that passes visual and optical specifications for manufacturers and brands. Bio-Tec continues to expand its EcoPure™ line of biodegradable additives.

Bio-Tec Environmental, a New Mexico company known for its EcoPure™ additive that accelerates the biodegradation of plastics, announces the release of EcoPure™ biodegradable additive for polycarbonate applications requiring totally transparent materials. In preliminary testing EcoPure™ treated Polycarbonate passes visual and optical specifications for eyewear and DVD applications. Bio-Tec has begun production of the EcoPure™ PC grade of their biodegradable additive. Samuel Adams, Senior VP of Bio-Tec, states, "This is a major step forward in the environmental industry; EcoPure™ PC additive opens up a whole new collection of industries that now can be stepping forward into the green wave." Bio-Tec released its biodegradable G2 formulation for clear PET in June of last year and continues to expand the EcoPure™ product capabilities into a wide range of resins. Bio-Tec Environmental LLC. is on the brink of releasing another industry-changing additive, they plan on releasing further details by Q2 of 2010.

“This is a major step forward in the environmental industry; EcoPure™ PC additive opens up a whole new collection of industries that now can be stepping forward into the green wave.”

About Bio-Tec Environmental

Bio-Tec Environmental is the manufacturer of EcoPure™. It has been in business since 2003 and its entire focus has been on making plastics biodegradable. EcoPure™ is the newest generation of our extensive research and development. Bio-Tec Environmental, since launching the EcoPure™ additive in 2008, has formulated two other additives to work with PET and Polycarbonate. Bio-Tec plans on launching a third variation for the EPS Foam industry by 2010. In the words of Sam Adams, Senior VP, "We are more than just a collection of people running a business. Our vision is simple: to help our customers and the environment. We have combined great customer service with extensive technical and R&D expertise. We strive to 'raise the bar' for service, integrity and forthrightness when dealing with both our customers and our employees."

For more information, visit Bio-Tec Environmental.

Idaho Technology Inc. Launches High Volume Food Test Kits

 

Idaho Technology, Inc. (ITI) has launched their new high volume kits for foodborne pathogen detection. The new high volume kits feature 160 reactions per kit, a simplified protocol, and a competitive price, making them ideal for food labs with large testing capacities. The assays all use real-time PCR technology to identify the presence of Salmonella, Listeria or Escherichia coli O157:H7 in various food and environmental samples.

“We feel that our high volume kits not only accomplish this objective, but also result in more efficient operations.”

“Our goal with the high volume kits is to give high throughput labs a scientifically advanced food-testing product at the same price as less advanced technologies. This allows them to continue to be competitive in the marketplace during a time of slimming margins and increasing production costs,” states Rachel Jones, ITI vice president of Sales and Marketing. “We feel that our high volume kits not only accomplish this objective, but also result in more efficient operations.” These kits are now available for purchase and have been granted Performance Tested Methods Status by the AOAC Research Institute for use with the R.A.P.I.D.® LT Food Security System (FSS).

The validation of these high volume kits is an important development for all food manufacturers since foodborne pathogens are a major health problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are 76 million cases of foodborne illnesses each year, resulting in 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. The use of screening tools that are both rapid and accurate will permit earlier release of products without fear of potential outbreaks or possible food recalls. These assays are intended for use by trained laboratory personnel.

About the R.A.P.I.D. LT FSS

Built upon LightCycler® technology, the R.A.P.I.D. LT FSS combines rapid air thermocycling and a real-time fluorimeter to reliably test food and environmental samples. In addition to the instrument, robust freeze-dried reagents have been designed and optimized to run on this instrument and provide precise results. Because of its sensitivity, accuracy and high speed, it is the ideal instrument for rapid foodborne pathogen identification and represents a significant improvement over traditional microbiology tests that currently require five to seven days.

About Idaho Technology, Inc.

Idaho Technology, Inc., based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the originator of rapid DNA analysis with applications including DNA amplification, real-time PCR and mutation discovery. ITI’s systems include biothreat detection systems (R.A.P.I.D.® and RAZORTM systems), a biomedical research system for gene quantification and mutation scanning (LightScanner® system), and a food protection system (R.A.P.I.D. ® LT). Founded in 1990, ITI is a privately held company focused on worldwide applications in the defense, research, industrial and food testing markets.

About AOAC International

AOAC International is a not-for-profit scientific association committed to worldwide confidence in analytical results.

For more information, visit Idaho Technology, Inc or AOAC International.

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CATERING EXECUTIVES ELECTS NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Columbia, MD – November 30, 2009 – The National Association of Catering Executives has elected new officers and directors to its board of directors.

• President: Greg Casella, CPCE; Owner, Catered Too! San Jose, CA
• Immediate Past President: Kevin Brant, CPCE, Director of Sales, Wolfgang Puck Catering, Dallas, TX       
• First Vice President: Stacy Zeigler, CPCE, CMP, Director of Sales, Bold American Catering, Atlanta, GA
• Second Vice President: Cliff Schamber, CPCE, CMP; Corporate Director of Catering, Marriott International, Washington, DC
• Secretary/Treasurer: Linwood Campbell, CPCE; Senior Convention Services Manager, The Westin - Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
• Event Professional: Tim Sudall; Owner, Video One Productions, Philadelphia, PA
• Chapter Presidents’ Council Chair: Ed DiAntonio, CPCE, CMP, Director of Catering, Walt Disney World - Swan & Dolphin, Orlando, FL
• Foundation of NACE President: Eric Ostrow, CPCE; Certe, New York, NY
• Member-At-Large: David Reusche; National Director of Catering, ARAMARK, Philadelphia, PA 
• Member-At-Large: Steve Kemble, Principal, Steve Kemble Event Design, A Dose of Sass, Dallas, TX
• Member-At-Large: James Balda, Senior Vice President, Membership, National Restaurant Association, Washington, DC 
• Executive Director: Bonnie Fedchock, Columbia, MD

About NACE

With more than 4,000 members, the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE), www.nace.net is the oldest and largest professional association dedicated to all aspects of the catering industry. Dedicated to promoting career success for its members and the professionalism of the industry, NACE offers educational programs, professional certification (CPCE), chapter initiatives, networking opportunities, recognition and awards programs, a job bank, community service projects and the industry’s most prestigious annual conference. In helping its members enhance their business and careers, NACE helps the industry reach its highest potential.

For more information, visit NACE.

Del Monte Foods Achieves Platinum Level In The American Heart Association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program

Del Monte Accelerates to Platinum Level After One Year

 

In recognition of Del Monte Foods’ commitment to improving the health and well-being of its employees, the Company was honored today at the American Heart Association’s Start! San Francisco Heart Walk Awards event for achieving Platinum Fit-Friendly status, a prestigious distinction attainable in the AHA’s Start! Fit Friendly Companies program. The program recognizes companies for championing the health of their employees and working to create a culture of physical activity in the workplace.

“Here at Del Monte Foods, we encourage our consumers to lead healthy, active lifestyles, and we are devoted to the same mission with our Del Monte team,” said Richard G. Wolford, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Del Monte Foods. “Our employees’ health and well-being is a priority, and we are proud to be recognized for our efforts. This notable achievement reflects the wellness culture we actively promote, which includes educating, enabling and supporting employees to make healthy lifestyle choices. Given that exercise and better diets can help prevent 80% of premature heart disease, we are strongly committed to helping our employees maintain good health.”

Platinum-level employers meet a number of criteria, which include offering physical activity and healthy eating options in the workplace, promoting a culture of wellness, and implementing at least nine criteria outlined by the AHA in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture.

Del Monte rose to Platinum status after one year of participating in the AHA’s Start! Fit-Friendly program. One of 15 Bay area companies at this level, Del Monte has demonstrated a strong wellness culture through a multitude of initiatives including office health & wellness teams, weight-loss programs and fitness club discounts, healthy snack breaks, educational health seminars and annual Health & Wellness Fairs.

In addition, the Company is taking its dedication to employee wellness to the next level, via the introduction of a new, comprehensive wellness program that will empower employees to reach their health potential. Consistent with Del Monte’s vision of Nourishing Families. Enriching Lives. Every Day., the new ‘Living Healthy…Every Day’ initiative provides employees with valuable wellness tools and resources, better equipping them to make smart lifestyle choices at work and at home. ‘Living Healthy…Every Day’ launched in late October.

For more information about the American Heart Association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program, visit www.startwalkingnow.org.

About Del Monte Foods

Del Monte Foods is one of the country’s largest and most well-known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, generating approximately $3.6 billion in net sales in fiscal 2009. With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte®, S&W®, Contadina®, College Inn®, Meow Mix®, Kibbles 'n Bits®, 9Lives®, Milk-Bone®, Pup-Peroni®, Meaty Bone®, Snausages® and Pounce®, Del Monte products are found in eight out of ten U.S. households. The Company also produces, distributes and markets private label food and pet products.

For more information, visit the Del Monte Foods.

USDA Report Reveals Highest Rate Of Food Insecurity Since Report Was Initiated In 1995

Economic Research Service Report Demonstrates Need for Action

 

USDA's Economic Research Service's (ERS) released its annual report on Household Food Security in the U.S., which revealed that in 2008, 17 million households, or 14.6 percent, were food insecure and families had difficulty putting enough food on the table at times during the year. This is an increase from 13 million households, or 11.1 percent, in 2007. The 2008 figures represent the highest level observed since nationally representative food security surveys were initiated in 1995. The full study is available at www.ers.usda.gov/features/householdfoodsecurity/.

"The Obama Administration has put in place unprecedented measures to promote job creation and combat hunger in our Nation, a problem that the American sense of fairness should not tolerate and American ingenuity can overcome, said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The Department of Agriculture's nutrition assistance programs provide a safety net that improves food access to those with critical needs, but addressing the root of hunger requires a broader strategy. By improving access to federal nutrition programs and working with our partners at all levels of government and society, we can make progress in our effort to reduce and eventually eliminate childhood hunger."

This year's report also reveals that one third of food insecure households had very low food security (food intake of some household members was reduced and their eating patterns disrupted at times during the year). This is 5.7 percent of all U.S. households or about 6.7 million. This is up from 4.7 million households (4.1 percent) in 2007, and the highest level observed since nationally representative food security surveys were initiated in 1995.

Even when resources are inadequate to provide food for the entire family, children are usually shielded from the disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake that characterize very low food security. However, children as well as adults experienced instances of very low food security in 506,000 households (1.3 percent of households with children) in 2008, up from 323,000 households (0.8 percent of households with children) in 2007.

The fundamental cause of food insecurity and hunger in the United States is poverty - marked by a lack of adequate resources to address basic needs such as food, shelter and health care. The Obama Administration has taken aggressive action on these fronts through the expansion of critical services for Americans most in need. The historic investments of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, with a focus on long-term job creation, are a major part of this effort. The Recovery Act provides tax relief for working families, job training, unemployment insurance, income support and affordable housing to needy Americans and their children.

A central part of the Recovery Act included a significant increase in nutrition assistance benefits for the 36.5 million people (half of whom are children) who participate in USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the Food Stamp Program. It also provides resources to the state agencies that administer the program, helping them to deal efficiently with increased caseloads.

"As the Obama Administration works to foster a robust recovery for all, it's important to recognize that we have another opportunity to improve the health and nutrition of our children when Congress begins to debate the Child Nutrition Reauthorization," said Vilsack. "It is vital that we make it easier for families and administrators to bring eligible children into the program and to eliminate gap periods when children struggle to find the nutrition assistance they need - at breakfast, during summer, and in after-school settings."

USDA's National School Lunch program serves 31 million children a healthy meal each school day - for some children in need, this is their most important meal that day. USDA is working with states to increase the use of technology to make low-income children whose families already receive SNAP automatically certified for free school meals and to promote policies that make it easier for eligible families to participate in SNAP. Also, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC program, ensures mothers and their children have access to nutritious options as well. Nearly half of all infants in this country participate in WIC.

"During challenging economic times, the pool of those in need of vital food assistance expands," said Vilsack. "USDA's role - along with our partners - is to ensure individuals do not fall through the cracks, and can access nutritional services with dignity and respect."

For more information, visit the USDA.

PerkinElmer To Provide Gilson With New Mass Spectrometry Technology

Two chromatography leaders collaborate to provide pharmaceutical and biotechnology researchers with new enhanced solutions for fraction collection and liquid chromatography

 

PerkinElmer, Inc., a global leader focused on the health and safety of people and the environment, and Gilson, Inc., an industry leader in purification systems for liquid chromatography (LC) and solid phase extraction (SPE), announced a mass spectroscopy (MS) collaboration to support pharmaceutical and biotech scientists. This collaboration will enable the two companies to provide new and enhanced solutions for fraction collection and liquid chromatography.

As part of the agreement, PerkinElmer will develop a dedicated single quadrupole mass spectrometer to be incorporated into Gilson’s preparative chromatography systems, enabling scientists to use the specificity of MS to improve the efficiency of their purification processes.

Gilson will integrate PerkinElmer’s MS technology with Gilson’s LC and fraction collection technology through Gilson’s proprietary Trilution software, bringing laboratory professionals enhanced signal specificity in their data. The use of MS detection provides additional sample insight as well as a high level of specificity that enhances the preparative system’s efficiency.

“PerkinElmer’s expertise and commitment to MS, combined with its well-established reputation in chromatography, makes the Company a strong partner of choice,” said Dennis Claspell, senior vice president sales and marketing, Gilson, Inc. “Our pharmaceutical and biotech customers demand expertise, reliability and performance. Through this reseller agreement, we will continue to provide Gilson customers with the best purification solutions on the market.”

“By fostering and developing collaborations with other technology leaders such as Gilson, PerkinElmer is able to provide scientists with the newest technologies and solutions they need to meet their most stringent analysis requirements,” notes Eric Ziegler, vice president, chromatography and mass spectrometry, PerkinElmer. “These collaborations are also a critical component of our long-term strategy to continue to expand PerkinElmer’s mass spectrometry offerings to key global market segments.”

PerkinElmer, a leader in chromatography, expanded its product and intellectual property portfolio in 2009 with a significant investment in MS technology through its acquisition of Analytica of Branford, Inc. (AOB). Development and execution of AOB’s single-quad and Time of Flight (TOF) technology is a critical strategic initiative for PerkinElmer and will support the Company’s efforts to meet the needs environmental, food, pharmaceutical, and energy customers.

About Gilson, Inc.

Gilson, Inc. manufactures high-quality, dependable purification solutions for today’s demanding liquid chromatography, solid phase extraction, liquid handling and gel permeation chromatography clean-up requirements. Gilson’s innovative products will provide the durability, flexibility and ease-of-use to revolutionize your lab that the industry has come to expect from Gilson, Inc.

About PerkinElmer, Inc.

PerkinElmer, Inc. is a global leader focused on improving the health and safety of people and the environment. The Company reported revenue of approximately $2 billion in 2008, has around 8,500 employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, and is a component of the S&P 500 Index. 

For more information, visit Gilson or PerkinElmer.

Biopack Updates United States Sustainable Product Launch

Biopack Environmental Solutions Inc., a leading designer, manufacturer, and supplier of 100% biodegradable packaging products, is pleased to provide the following update on its expansion strategy in the growing United States sustainable packaging market.

Biopack America, the Company's recently announced United States distribution partner, has initiated a multi-faceted strategy to enhance sales of sustainable packaging. Biopack America's strategy includes direct sales of “to-go” containers and catering products, participation in industry trade shows and conferences, and the identification and selection of sub-distribution partners throughout the United States, as more fully described below.

Direct Sales -

Biopack America has successfully introduced Biopack’s sustainable products into the United States, initially focusing on the restaurant industry. Biopack America's customers, which can be found in many states across the country, include:

• Smoque BBQ, a famous BBQ eatery in Chicago which has been featured on the Food Network's popular television show "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives."
• Maya’s Restaurant in Seattle Washington
• Old Fisherman’s Grotto in Monterey CA
• Big Fish Branding in Erie, CO.

Tradeshows and Exhibitions -

Biopack’s products have been showcased at several tradeshows, most recently at the Produce Marketing Association ("PMA") show in Anaheim, California. With more than 19,000 attendees, the PMA is one of the largest international events solely dedicated to fruits, vegetables, and floral. Of particular interest at the PMA was the Company's innovative moisture, grease and water resistant trays or “coated” trays. In addition to the PMA, Biopack participated at the Taste of Atlanta, a food festival showcasing restaurants and foods throughout the Southwest.

Sub-distribution -

Biopack America has secured sub-distribution partnerships in Atlanta and Puerto Rico to service the catering product markets. Biopack America has entered into a letter of intent with G4 Packaging, a leading provider of eco-friendly containers which is dedicated to supplying EPS foam alternatives in the packaging market. G4 Packaging has long standing relationships with retail chains, supermarkets and processors throughout the United States.

“Biopack places a high priority on our growth in the United States, which is the largest single market for packing in the world," commented Mr. Gerald Lau, Chief Executive Officer of Biopack. "We feel strongly that we are on the correct path following our multi-faceted strategy to introduce our biodegradable and compostable products. Our experience has led us to believe that it takes a lead time of about 6-12 months to break into new markets and develop new products on a case by case basis, so we are excited about the pace at which we are moving in the US. Our early results have shown that we have a product that has been easily accepted into the market, and we believe our efforts will result in larger orders and establishing a diversified and lasting customer base. The interest for our new spray coated products is also much higher than we originally anticipated. I am very encouraged with the amount of inquiries we have had in such a short period of time, and now that we have tested the market, Biopack will move forward aggressively in our expansion initiatives.”

About Biopack

Biopack manufactures 100% biodegradable consumer packaging products from locally available sugar cane waste called Bagasse. Based in Hong Kong with manufacturing facilities in Jiangmen, China, Biopack has earned the “premium brand” label in the biodegradable packaging market in Europe. Distributed under the “Roots Biopack” trademark, Biopack’s unique line of compostable packaging is sold in 12 European countries, North America, Hong Kong and Taiwan. 

For more information, visit Biopack.

Ashman Manufacturing & Distributing Co. Introduces New Pump Program

 

Ashman Manufacturing & Distributing Co. has introduced their new Pump Program. The program is as reliable as the Ashman Manufacturing name.

Distributor pricing or warehouse pricing will be $179.20 per case or $22.40 per ½ gallon container. Regular wholesale on the case is $224.00 or $28.00 per ½ gallon - $56.00 per GAL. The pricing of the new Ashman Manufacturing & Distributing Co. Pump Program matches McCormick’s pump program which has been discontinued. 

The following is a list of the available flavors:

• House Mango Key Lime                                  8 quantity ½ gallon per cs 
• House Citrus Wasabi                                       8 quantity ½ gallon per cs
• House Red Wine Dijon                                    8 quantity ½ gallon per cs 
• House Sweet & Spicy (new flavor)                  8 quantity ½ gallon per cs 

Each product case has 1 pump enclosed which is to be used for that case.  Any additional pumps may be ordered at $1.50 each.

About Ashman Manufacturing & Distributing Co.

Ashman Manufacturing and Distributing Company is celebrating its 20th year in business as a specialty food manufacturer and distributor. In fact, Ashman manufactures over 200 different specialty food products including the Virginia Gentleman Bourbon Sauce Line, the Classic American Specialty Sauce Line, the House Seafood Marinade and Dry Blends Lines as well as many unique restaurant retail concepts for Pierce’s Pitt BBQ Hill Country Barbecue Market (NY), Blue Smoke (NY), Tabla (NY), Union Square Hospitality Group, Rockland.s BBQ and Grilling Company (Washington DC), and for Chili Peppers Restaurant (Outer Banks, North Carolina).

For more information, visit Ashman Manufacturing & Distributing Co.