Welcome to the December 2009 edition of 'Chain of Thought' - FCI's e-Newsletter.

Our last number of 2009 has something for everyone: first, we talk about the drivers of innovation in the fresh-cuts industry and some interesting trends such as mechanical harvesting, RFID-enabled traceability and irradiation as a technology to enhance food safety. This article was based on the FCI invited presentation “Innovation in the fresh-cuts industry” (FoodTech Connect 2009, Sydney, 22 Oct 2009).

The second article discusses the application of two modified-atmosphere technologies: vacuum and hypobaric storage for perishable foods. We mention the advantages and disadvantages of these types of storage for meat, seafood, horticultural and dairy products.

Finally, we talk about the relationship between carcass chilling and pork quality. Cooling parameters such as temperature, air speed and humidity during the chilling of pork carcasses have a significant effect on meat and skin colour, muscle pH and carcass shrink. This review article presents evidence of these relationships, taken from available scientific literature.

Download a PDF copy of the entire newsletter here (1 Mb).

Feel free to download and forward this newsletter to colleagues and friends who may also find it of value. We want to ensure your continued interest in reading 'Chain of Thought', so please email us your comments or feedback.

Note: If you would like to automatically receive alerts of future editions of this newsletter via email, click here to subscribe (with the word 'Subscribe' in the subject line) and we'll add your contact details to our confidential list.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful Christmas and a successful 2010.

Happy holidays!

Silvia Estrada-Flores

Principal Consultant

Newsletter Archive

January 2008- Download (1.82Mb).

In our first issue we discuss the topic of co-innovation in the food industry. We also talk about traditional and new temperature monitoring technologies for the cold chain. Finally, we mention the top ten reasons why a cold chain fails.

April 2008 - Download (0.79Mb).

This issue explores the environmental impact of food supply chains. Aspects such as “Food Miles”, carbon footprints, eco-labelling and other aspects are discussed, incudling how these issues are interconnected and how these affect food companies as a whole.

September 2008- Download (1.32 Mb).

In this issue we explore the use of thermography as a predictive maintenance tool for cold stores and containers.Defects such as thermal bridges, airflow through gaps and damaged insulated sections can all be visualised through thermography.

January 2009- Download (1.8 Mb).

In this issue we discuss the results of two thermographic surveys.The first case is an example of how even a well designed and well maintained facility can benefit from the results of a thermographic survey. The second case illustrates the use of thermography as a tool to decide when it is time to decommission a container that may be jeopardizing the integrity and safety of food products or unnecessarily increasing transportation costs.

March 2009- Download (1 Mb).

In this edition we discuss the level of preparedness of the Australian food supply chains to face pandemic scenarios. Our second article discusses the effects of dirty evaporators on the performance of refrigeration systems. Cleaning evaporator coils can help to avoid potential food safety incidents. And what about energy efficiency?

Back to Top