Machine builder install smarts in its machines to improve performance and reliability for food industry users.

With people out of jobs and income and with hospital and medical communities in need of supplies, people are wondering where their next meal is coming from, and many food companies, distributors, retailers and equipment suppliers around the world have responded to the call to help in any way they can. Government organizations are participating as well. Here's a look at how some of those companies and organizations are helping others.

Beginning Friday, March 27, ABB’s Robotics and Discrete Automation business will make key software services available free of charge to its customers until Dec. 31, 2020. Among the services included are condition monitoring and diagnostics, asset management software and remote troubleshooting and monitoring of production lines for the delivery of important supplies.

While the coronavirus infection continues to spread exponentially, food companies should perform due diligence with suppliers, even though the risk of virus transmission in the supply chain is low.

For the past almost 20 years, Pace Processing, a commercial bakery located in British Columbia, Canada has experienced consistent growth. That growth has led the company to adopt an automation strategy, but that presents its own challenges.

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), facilitated by The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), has announced the results of its annual board election. The change in leadership structure marks a new era for GFSI, in keeping with recent developments in the organization’s governance and strategy.