NAPCON
The production of whey powder is a complex and energy intensive process. It is particularly important to control the moisture content precisely. Too high water content causes stickiness of the whey powder that can disrupt or even stop the production. On the other hand, if the powder is too dry it generates dust and uses excess energy. The moisture content of the product is set within a spray dryer in the final stage of the production line. An advanced process control (APC) solution consists of two tools included in Neste Jacobs NAPCON Suite: NAPCON Indicator, which calculates the material and energy balance information and sends it to NAPCON Controller, the multivariable model predictive control software package which is optimized for control of processes with cross-dependencies. The result is that the APC solution automatically controls the process so that the factory significantly increases its production. At the same time the risk for system downtimes due to bag filter clogging is reduced. Overall a more than 10 per cent increase in whey powder production may be obtained with no increased energy consumption and improved process control allowing an increase in the average moisture content.
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Acrylamide reducing agent
A new, patent-pending and cost-effective method to reduce the acrylamide content in processed foods such as French fries, chips and breakfast cereals has been developed. CITROMA is based on the EU approved sodium citrate (E331), a common acidity regulator. The product been optimised for acrylamide reduction, providing a pleasant, slightly acidic taste profile, quick dissolution properties, good solubility (180g/L) and high heat stability. The ingredient may be added to the process by direct addition to a dry mix or dough, or it may be incorporated into a dipping bath or spraying solution.
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Researchers in the Sensors and Biosensors Group at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain, have taken advantage of Tecan’s Sunrise™ absorbance reader and Magellan™ V4.0 software to establish a novel magneto-ELISA for gliadin, a constituent of the cereal protein gluten important in celiac disease, based on optical detection. The group has developed an electrochemical magneto immunosensor for the sensitive detection of gliadin – and small gliadin fragments – in natural or pretreated foods. To assess the performance of the electrochemical immunosensor, it was compared with a novel magneto-ELISA, using optical detection performed on the Sunrise plate reader. The ELISAs were performed in 96-well microplates, using a magnetic separation plate to isolate the supernatant before measuring the absorbance in the reader. This enabled immunoassays to be performed in a variety of different formats for multiple applications – such as evaluating protein coupling to magnetic beads and nanoparticles – as well as allowing assessment of different transducer materials for biosensing purposes. It also provided a quick and easy way to optimize reagents and assay parameters, making the reader suitable for research applications.
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Liteez
Liteez is a new, 3D stevia sweetener for hot drinks. This “free-from” meringue sweet addresses the growing demand for sugar reduction in beverages. The patent-pending vegan meringue sweet is a completely plant-based treat. It is free from any allergens, such as eggs, gluten, lactose, or nuts, and contains just a few simple ingredients, including prebiotic fibres that build sweetness, act as a bulking agent, and function as a nutraceutical. Liteez is an easy-to-use sugar replacer that doubles as a sweet treat. It can be eaten as a treat when drinking tea or coffee or, if sweetness is needed in the drink, it can be stirred right in, completely dissolving in about half a minute. While the Liteez sweetener delivery system can be formulated with different types of sweeteners, using stevia posed a challenge since the acidity and isoelectric point of the mixture changes completely relative to using other high-intensity sweeteners, such as sucralose. The delicate balance between a foam that sets firm yet is soluble enough to dissolve in a hot drink was, however, attained. Because Liteez contains mostly fibre, the aftertaste of stevia also was able to be effectively masked.

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Robot
Robot
Cabinplant has developed new customised lines using the latest robot and vision technology. In addition to ’pick’ and ‘place’, Cabinplant is adding a third dimension by integrating ‘processing’ to the solution. The labour-saving solutions are resulting in higher yield and improved quality compared to manual handling. Features include vision control, for measuring weight and dimensions; tracking of product and package; automatic trimming; waste removal and reduced give-away. The machine is completely washable and composed entirely of stainless steel. The latest robot technology development for sardines includes the automatic cross-packing of sardines in cans and full traceability of product and packaging. This solution integrates grading, nobbing and packing in one operation. For shrimp, the solution carries out automatic de-heading, full traceability of product and package and integrates size/colour grading and packing.

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