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

Prepared Foods: Page 67

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

Beverage

BATF floats alcohol packaging restrictions

As part of its ongoing effort to combat underage drinking, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking comments on a rule to stop the misleading packaging of alcohol products, especially those that would be attractive to children.

March 31, 1999

Flexibles

Oscar Mayer extends Carving Board line with MAP pack

Fully cooked, refrigerated, ready-to-eat chicken breast strips have been added to the Louis Rich Carving Board line from Oscar Mayer Foods. When asked about packaging materials and suppliers, about all the Madison, WI, firm would say is that modified-atmosphere packaging is used.

March 31, 1999

Labeling

Country-of-origin labeling bills anew

Several new bills have been introduced in Congress to require country-of-origin labeling on products containing imported meat and meat products. The bills would amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act so that packaging not containing a label identifying the country of origin of imported meat and meat products would be considered misbranded.

March 31, 1999

Recycling

Supplier news: Achievements

A new plastic frozen juice can from Welch's (Concord, MA) has been named as the first recipient of the "Design for Recyclability" award by the Assn.

March 31, 1999

Sustainability

Frozen baby food debuts in ovenable paperboard trays

When author O. Robin Sweet and her husband ventured to St. Petersburg, Russia, six years ago, writing two new books and starting a food processing business were the farthest things from her mind.

March 31, 1999

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

Packaging for a global marketplace (sidebar)

How does a $13 billion multinational food and beverage company keep Mexico apprised of packaging developments in Morocco?

March 31, 1999

Prepared Foods

Soy health claims

FDA has proposed allowing a health claim on packages of foods containing soy protein. But at 34 and 31 words respectively, FDA's suggested claims are too long, says the National Food Processors Assn.

February 28, 1999

Closures

Reclosing tool

Clip-it from Weland AB (Smalandsstenar, Sweden) is a multipurpose polyamid tool for reclosing packages. Can be used to reclose waste bags or plastic bags for deep-frozen products.

February 28, 1999

Conveying & accumulation

Shrink bags add spice to enchilada packaging

Enchilada maker Bueno Foods uses a shrink-bag over a tray to pack and merchandise frozen enchiladas. Customers like the microwavability, Bueno likes the ease of use and strong graphics.

February 28, 1999