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TECH FLASH

House holds hearings on Renewable Fuel Standard

Lawmakers heard from stakeholders on both sides of the issue over two days.

Shane O'Halloran

July 30, 2013

Points of contention include blend wall, fuel compatibility and the E-15 waiver.

TECH FLASH

Traceability for improved freshness and lower cost: Walmart’s produce plan for the future

The retailer’s new plan aims to improve labeling and tracking.

Wayne Labs

July 15, 2013

With reduced costs and improved freshness as its goals, Walmart looks to the future of produce retailing.

TECH FLASH

US canned foods market declines

With the US recession ending, many consumers are trading back up to more expensive foods.

Shane O'Halloran

July 15, 2013

Sales were flat in 2012 and are predicted to decline.

TECH FLASH

Court orders FDA to publish remaining FSMA regulations

The Center for Food Safety and Center for Environmental Health initiated the lawsuit leading to the decision.

Shane O'Halloran

July 15, 2013

FDA proposed using target timeframes, but a judge ordered a date be set.

Field Reports

Steam boilers keep on steaming

Long-running steam generators give a gourmet confectioner the impetus to purchase another to expand plant output.

Wayne Labs

July 3, 2013

To ensure the highest-quality products and meet the growing demand, the chocolatier needs equipment that is reliable, efficient and guarantees a consistent result.

Manufacturing News

USDA hasn’t fully implemented 2008 Farm Bill

While the new bill is making its way through Congress, USDA hasn’t fully implemented the 2008 version.

Wayne Labs

July 3, 2013

FSIS has yet to implement a new inspection program.

Field Reports

Conveying system helps quadruple output for chip maker

Production no longer has to be halted when diverting product—just one of the many examples of improved efficiency.

Wayne Labs

July 3, 2013

The most significant efficiencies have come from the installation of a new conveyor system by Walker Custom Sheet Metal.

11th Annual Replacement Parts Survey

Replacement Parts Survey: Advancing inventory practices

While cutting costs drives innovation in product sourcing and inventory management, processors are demanding higher-quality spare parts.

Mikell Knights

July 3, 2013

Food and beverage plants spent less on replacement parts and components in 2013 and are focused on lower inventories and competitive pricing as key business drivers, based on replies from industry professionals in Food Engineering’s 11th Annual Replacement Parts and Components Trends Survey.

TECH FLASH

Methods to curb energy rate increases

Many processors have already switched out inefficient lighting and invested in high-efficiency motors, and some have tried demand control while others have instituted real-time purchasing of energy.

Wayne Labs

June 26, 2013

FE interviewed Brian Flynn, chief technology officer of ZF Energy Development, to discuss the options processors have in cutting energy costs.

TECH FLASH

Are you playing by the new rules of customer engagement?

Thanks to a new model, food and beverage sales grew in 2012 while other consumer packaged goods categories were down.

Shane O'Halloran

June 26, 2013

Top companies are identifying and engaging with customers and focusing on innovation that directly reaches them.

On Demand Kelley Rodriguez, Editor in Chief of Refrigerated & Frozen Foods, will be joined in this 60-minute webinar by industry experts to help unpack the latest research.

On Demand Driven by climate goals, business risk, client interest, and resilience considerations, food and beverage companies are increasingly turning their attention to decarbonizing their production processes.