The FMT Blog
Opinion, analysis and musings from the FMT editorial team and expert guest writers about the food processing and manufacturing sector.
Food labelling fast track welcomed but don’t drop standards, says RSPCA
The RSPCA has welcomed the government’s move to fast track a consultation on ‘method of production’ labelling on food, but warns that it should not be used to justify the import of food produced to lower animal welfare standards. Mandatory ‘method of production’...
Consumer testing centre reopens for food and drink sector
Campden BRI’s consumer research and testing centre in Leamington Spa has re-opened following the introduction of social distancing and safety measures to guard against Covid-19. The centre, which undertakes thousands of food, drink and household product tests for...
Trainers offer free food safety and hygiene for manufacturing course during lockdown
Having just launched its own basic Food safety & Hygiene for Manufacturing online course for those in entry-level positions in food manufacturing, training company Verner Wheelock is offering it completely free of charge for a limited period during lockdown. The...
Tesco’s sales grow by 9% during lockdown
Supermarket Tesco’s sales rose by 9.2% in the first quarter of 2020 as shoppers bought more food during fewer trips throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Group like for like sales for the retailer grew 8.2% to £13.4bn, with the amount being bought also up by 64%,...
CCF report highlights role of UK cold chain
The Cold Chain Federation (CCF) has published a new report demonstrating the critical importance of the cold chain to UK food supply, food safety and reducing food waste. Published on ‘World Refrigeration Day,’ the report details how the industry is integral to the...
Food Standards Scotland launches allergy training tool for industry
Food Standards Scotland has developed a new online training tool to improve awareness about food allergens in manufacturing and catering settings. The tool, primarily intended for local authority Authorised Officers and those working in the food industry in Scotland,...
CIEH and FSA to launch new food hygiene and standards qualification
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has announced that it will be launching a new Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) in food hygiene and standards control which has been developed in collaboration with the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Available...
NFU urges dairy farmers to push for fair contract terms
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is urging dairy farmers to engage with the Government consultation on dairy contracts and speak up for a more effective dairy supply chain, with fairer terms for farmers. The Government has launched the consultation after looking at...
New test for cleaning chemicals and practices against virus
Scientists at food research institute Campden BRI have developed a new test to assess the effectiveness of cleaning chemicals and disinfection operations on a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate virus. Microbiologist Annette Sansom, who has been leading the project, said: “We have...
Kebabs and pizza help boost takeaway sales
Sales of lamb and cheese rose by 80% during lockdown thanks to the nations love for kebabs and pizzas, according to estimates by Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) analysts. Latest research shows that during lockdown, Chinese, Indian and pizza...