Casey Laughman

Dry Processing Technology

Meat snack exporter detects success with Fortress

Metal detectors avoid false positives from oxygen absorber

June 18, 2018

When UK-based Meatsnacks Group needed a metal detector that wouldn’t return false positives from oxygen absorbers, it turned to Fortress Technology for a specialized solution.

Food Manufacturing

Manufacturing for changing consumer needs

As customer behaviors shift, processors need flexibility and adaptability.

Casey Laughman

June 15, 2018

With lead times on ingredient changes and product development being measured in months at a minimum, correctly identifying when trends have legs is critical.

Regulatory Watch

APHIS proposes amendments to branding of bovines imported from Mexico

APHIS is proposing amendments to the regulations regarding the branding of bovines imported into the United States from Mexico

Casey Laughman

June 15, 2018

Proposed action is a result of a request from the government of Mexico to prevent inconsistencies in branding that can result in bovines being rejected for importation.

Regulatory Watch

APHIS proposes amendments to National Poultry Improvement Plan

Proposed amendments to the National Poultry Improvement Plan affect disease control standards

Casey Laughman

June 15, 2018

Testing and the addition of birds to existing flocks are among proposed amendments to the National Poultry Improvement Plan.

Plant Construction

Arca Continental to build new Coca-Cola bottling facility in Houston

Plant will be first Coca-Cola production facility built in the U.S. in a decade

Casey Laughman

May 31, 2018

Arca Continental has announced that its Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages subsidiary will build a new production and distribution plant in Houston.

Tech Update

Filling machines offer improved speed, sanitation and efficiency

Casey Laughman

May 29, 2018

Every step of the production process and the supply chain is under scrutiny. Filling equipment is not exempt.

Food Safety

More than 300,000 pounds of hot dogs and sausage recalled due to possible misbranding

Product may contain undeclared soy

Casey Laughman

May 17, 2018

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Kent Quality Foods, Inc. has recalled more than 308,000 pounds of beef, pork and turkey ready-to-eat hot dog and sausage products due to misbranding.

Innovation

Lemonade company selected for Kraft Heinz Springboard Incubator Program

Company is the only one with a female owner chosen for the program

Casey Laughman

May 16, 2018

Poppilu, a Chicago-based maker of antioxidant lemonades, has been selected for Kraft Heinz's first Springboard Incubator program. Poppilu founder Melanie Kahn is the only female business owner chosen for the program.

Regulatory Watch

USDA withdraws Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices final rule

The USDA has announced it has withdrawn the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices final rule published on Jan. 19

Casey Laughman

May 14, 2018

The rule would have amended organic livestock and poultry production requirements by adding new provisions for livestock handling, transport for slaughter and avian living conditions.

FDA

FDA, FTC issue warning letters to e-liquid manufacturers

Letters warn companies that packaging resembles children's juice boxes, candies and cookies

Casey Laughman

May 4, 2018

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have issued 13 warning letters to manufacturers, distributors and retailers for selling e-liquids for e-cigarette use in packaging that causes the products to resemble kid-friendly food products.