Category: Topics
-
Iran has imposed an indefinite ban on agri-food exports nationwide. The restriction took effect 3 March, and applies to all food and agricultural products until further notice.
-
Derby researchers found packaging microplastics can disrupt human liver function. Lab-grown “mini livers” exposed to repeated low doses showed cell death, inflammation, and impaired function in a study using plastics common in food packaging.
-
BCMPA will stage its 2026 outsourcing conference in April, Oxfordshire. Extended Producer Responsibility, cyber security, automation, and economic pressures are set to dominate a one-day programme, with an optional networking dinner the evening before.
-
Frain has opened a 200,000 sq-ft equipment showroom in Illinois. The site holds more than 2,000 new packaging and processing machines, with systems stocked to deploy in as little as 48 hours.
-
Waitrose will stop selling mackerel as stocks fall sharply again. Fresh, chilled, and frozen lines will be removed by 29 April 2026, with tinned products following once existing stock sells through.
-
Defra has unveiled £345 million to boost farm productivity nationwide. The package spans equipment grants, innovation funding, and capital support, alongside a revised Sustainable Farming Incentive offer.
-
Montech has added configurable gravity roller conveyors for packaging lines. The RB4020 and RB5025 systems offer millimetre-level sizing, optional guides, and a quoted seven-working-day delivery for standard builds.
-
PAC Machinery will show modular bagging automation at MODEX 2026. The exhibit includes paper and recycled-content poly formats, integrated print-and-apply labelling, and all-electric wrappers designed to cut film use in high-throughput fulfilment.
-
Ashford has deployed AI to automate Sevington import document checks. The Ashford Port Health Authority says Intelligent Document Processing will speed initial SPS screening for regulated consignments and support a fee freeze for 2026/27.
-
New research maps allergy hazards in cultivated beef cell samples. The study found lower levels of many known beef allergens, but stronger IgE reactivity in blood samples from people with alpha-gal sensitivity, pointing to targeted testing needs before commercial launches.