March’s top stories: Nestle USA recalls three million packages, South Korea culls 11,604 ducks

Nestle USA recalls three million packages over possible glass contamination

Nestle USA initiated a voluntary recall of three million packages of Lean Cuisine, DiGiorno pizza and Stouffer’s frozen dinners, as the spinach used in these products may contain glass pieces.

The US unit of the Switzerland-based firm has begun an internal investigation.

It initiated the recall following consumer complaints of finding glass pieces in these products. However, so far no injuries have been reported.

The voluntary recall includes limited numbers of DiGiorno pizzas; Lean Cuisine pizzas, paninis and raviolis; and Stouffer’s lasagnas and soufflés.

South Korea slaughters over 11,000 ducks with bird flu strain

South Korea slaughtered 11,604 ducks after bird flu strain H5N8 was detected in a poultry farm in Seoul.

The ducks were culled as a preventive measure after the farm in Incheon, about 80km from Seoul, reported the presence of bird flu and the deaths of dozens of ducks.

South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed the outbreak of avian influenza or bird flu after investigations carried out by the country’s animal and plant quarantine agency.

The outbreak struck after the country secured its bird flu-free status on 18 February.

Chobani plans $100m expansion of its largest yogurt manufacturing facility in Idaho, US

US-based Greek yogurt brand Chobani revealed plans to invest nearly $100m to expand its yogurt manufacturing facility in Twin Falls, Idaho.

The investment will boost the company’s growth in the region, and help to increase its production capability to meet the demand for new and existing products.

Chobani’s expansion plan includes the acquisition and conversion of three production lines for Chobani Flip, the purchase of two production lines for foodservice opportunities, and the purchase of new equipment for the production of Chobani Meze Dips and yogurt drinks.

The yogurt company also plans to introduce its products in new international markets, including Mexico and Puerto Rico in the second quarter of this year.

US and Peru sign agreement to remove beef trade barrier

The US and Peruvian Governments entered an agreement to remove the 13-year old barrier for US beef exports to Peru.

Effective since 2009, the US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) has greatly supported the rise in the trade of US beef and beef products to Peru.

However, this growth has been affected by the certification requirements introduced by Peru in 2003.

The present agreement eliminates the barriers of export verification programmes, providing expanded market access to the American stockgrowers.

Murray Goulburn to build $224m milk powder factory in Victoria, Australia

Dairy cooperative Murray Goulburn (MG) announced plans to construct a milk powder facility at Koroit in south-west Victoria, Australia, with an investment of approximately A$300m ($223.8m).

As part of this, it has signed two agreements with international firms Kalbe and Mead Johnson, in order to supply milk powder for use in infant formula for export markets.

The first phase of the Koroit plant is expected to become operational in early 2019, reported Reuters.

It will have an initial production capacity of 45,000t of powdered formula a year.

Fonterra to close cheese production plant in Kaikoura, New Zealand

New Zealand-based Fonterra Co-operative Group announced the permanent closure of its Kaikoura cheese facility.

Fonterra New Zealand manufacturing director Mark Leslie said: "While it is difficult for the people involved, we have a responsibility to our farmer shareholders and unit holders, and our customers to be as efficient as possible across our business, especially given the low milk price."

Cheese volumes produced at the Kaikoura facility will be distributed between Fonterra’s Lichfield, Clandeboye, Stirling and Whareroa plants.

The cheese production in these facilities is 16% more cost-effective than at Kaikoura, Fonterra stated.

Unilever sells its rice exports business to LT Foods

Indian consumer goods company Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) signed an agreement with LT Foods to sell its rice exports business to Delhi-based LT Foods Middle East DMCC.

The deal includes the sale of two HUL brands, Gold Seal Indus Valley and Rozana.

The sale of the brands is in line with Unilever’s plan to exit non-core businesses, while focusing on the growth of its core packaged food business.

Unilever will sell the brands for nearly Rs250m ($3.7mn), which is subject to closing adjustments and CCI approval.

Mühlenchemie introduces two new enzymes to lower falling number of flour

Germany-based Mühlenchemie has developed two enzyme systems, Deltamalt FN-A and FN-B, to reduce the falling number of flour.

The two enzyme systems are also capable of improving the baking performance of flour.

Previous mills had to mix different preparations to improve the falling number of flour, which can now be achieved by adding a single one-enzyme system.

The falling number of flour is considered by bakers and millers to be the perfect parameter to measure the flour’s natural enzymatic activity and quality.