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Refrigeration systems

No spiral freezer should be an island of automation

Integrating a spiral freezer with process and refrigeration controls increases efficiency, speeds production and saves energy

Ivy Arkfeld

May 27, 2020

Spiral freezers are often run "full-throttle" but they don't have to be.

The Allpax automated retort system featuring shuttle car transport and rigid chain loader/unloader, shown here, removes workers from the laborious and injury prone activity of pushing heavy baskets, top right, to and from and into and out of a retort.

Retort design improvements

Retort loading/unloading system removes the push-pull chain drive

A real engineering improvement, Allpax’s new design is simpler, requires fewer periodic adjustments and reduces parts wear

Wayne Labs

May 21, 2020

Real engineering improvements make things simpler to operate and maintain

Sharon Spielman

May 21, 2020

In an update released by the FDA, the agency has published the findings of an investigation into the contamination of romaine lettuce implicated in three outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 during Fall 2019.

Transferring FDA-regulated ethanol for hand cleaner

COVID-19

Colorado distiller converts to hand sanitizer to help with COVID-19 pandemic

To do it according to FDA specifications, J&L Distilling got much needed help from some friends and a Coriolis flow meter from Emerson’s Boulder, Colorado group

Brent Pankonien

May 20, 2020

Converting distilled ethanol to FDA-regulated hand cleaner is a very exact process

How businesses and consumers are adapting to delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic

May 20, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced restaurants and retail outlets to adapt or modify delivery strategies.

2020 PLEX State of Manufacturing Technology Report

Manufacturing News

Study reveals manufacturers face new competition as biggest growth obstacle in 2020

But when it comes to adopting new technologies, food and beverage manufacturers are out in front of other industrial categories

Wayne Labs

May 19, 2020

The results are in for PLEX’s State of Manufacturing Report 2020, and they show the food and beverage industry is in many ways out in front of other industries in terms of adopting new technologies to maximize efficiency, competitiveness and profits.

Manufacturing News

Beer choices abound: Great for consumers but tough on large brewers

New technologies like AI and IIoT sensors plus horizontal distribution will give craft and microbreweries an edge over megalithic breweries

Wayne Labs

May 19, 2020

The brewery industry has been in a state of change, and craft and microbreweries are ready to adopt technology to give large, institutional brewers a run for their money, says a new study

CBD Edibles

Watermelon CBD oil recalled for high lead test

Florida officials tested random sample of the oil that people swallow for pain or anxiety

Rose Shilling

May 15, 2020

Summitt Labs recalled a batch of Kore Organic Watermelon CBD Oil Tincture because a test found high lead levels in the product that you swallow for stress, pain or other issues.

COVID-19 HR Issues

Navigating COVID-19-related HR challenges in the food industry

How to support your people through compassion, compliance and accountability

May 15, 2020

To say COVID-19 has changed the landscape of the food industry would be an understatement. As organizations of all sizes navigate either increased demand or dramatic decline, business leaders are doing their best to maintain normalcy and plan quicker than ever before. While changes seem to be taking place daily, one thing that remains the same is the importance of managing and supporting your people through compassion, compliance and accountability

OSHA poster about how to wear a respirator

COVID-19

Poster: How to wear a face mask correctly

OSHA also made a video on how to put on and take off a respirator

Rose Shilling

May 12, 2020

A new COVID-19 poster and video from federal safety authorities provide helpful tips for workers who wear masks.

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.