Contract Packaging

Smoothie label sends fresh message

Pacific Beach, the newest brand to merge into the herbally enhanced smoothie tidal wave, sets itself apart by listing non-fat yogurt and chunks of fruit among its ingredients.

July 31, 1999

Prepared Foods: Page 66

Coding, Printing & Labeling

State labeling law opposed

In Louisiana, Governor M. J. Foster was urged by GMA to veto a State Senate bill requiring country-of-origin labeling for meat products. In its letter, GMA noted that federal law already requires identifying country-of-origin of imports and that additional state requirements could violate the Commerce Clause of the U.S.

July 31, 1999

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Safety labeling proposed for eggs

Under a new proposal announced by FDA and USDA, egg cartons would carry safe handling instructions similar to those found on raw meat products. The proposal stems from the agencies' efforts to prevent illness caused by salmonella enteritidis.

July 31, 1999

Flexible packaging

Food, beverage packaging to star at supermarkets

New packages stand out for major brands like Snapple, Mrs. Butterworth's and Sara Lee at this year's FMI show.

June 30, 1999

Coding, Printing & Labeling

A Whoopi champagne celebration

Korbel attempts to bring champagne into summer celebrations with a Brut Rose bottle decorated with artwork by comedienne Whoopi Goldberg.

June 30, 1999

Flexible packaging

Migros 'MAPS' out a meat strategy

The Migros chain of supermarkets in Switzerland relies on barrier materials and centralized, modified-atmosphere packaging for its case-ready fresh ground beef.

June 30, 1999

Labeling

Alcoholic beverage packaging ban stuns

A new proposal to limit packaging options staggers industry. Agency would ban alcohol in packages that could lure underage drinkers.

June 30, 1999

Conveying & accumulation

Shrink-wrapped protection for white goods

When a British manufacturer of freezers and refrigerators entered a more upscale segment of the market, shrink film was the packaging material of choice.

June 30, 1999

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Congress hears an earful about country-of-origin labeling

Testifying before a House Agriculture Subcommittee, representatives of food trade associations gave a resounding "no" to country-of-origin labeling legislation that requires disclosure of the origins of specific ingredients as well as the product itself.

May 31, 1999

Closures

Hormel's pack makes bacon ready-to-eat

For the first time, fully precooked bacon strips are now available virtually anywhere in the supermarket. A new thermoformed MAP flexible package allows Hormel Foods, Austin, MN, to pack oxygen-sensitive cooked bacon slices without refrigeration for up to four months.

April 30, 1999

Containers

Fomo tracks many happy returns

A tracking system better controls Fomo Products' fleet of returnable containers holding foam insulation chemicals. That helps the company save up to $60ꯠ/yr.

April 30, 1999

Bag/pouch fill/seal (pre-made bags)

Film's flexibility fits ice packs

Puncture-resistant film protects Forever Ice's 'reusable' ice to withstand repeated freezing and thawing. A custom tf/f/s machine improves efficiency.

April 30, 1999

Bag/pouch fill/seal (pre-made bags)

Vf/f/s machine 'Advances' frozen chicken intro

Enid, OK-based Advance Food Company is rolling out its new Easy Beginnings line of cooked and seasoned chicken breast filets and slices. Easy Beginnings are filled, distributed and sold frozen in a 24-oz resealable bag similar to the printed mock-up shown.

March 31, 1999