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For a production to go well, lubrication is the heart and soul. It is used in every industry, especially in the food and drink industry. However, what seems to be an ongoing issue, is that some food and drink manufacturers have not considered in the importance food-grade lubrication for their production line and therefore haven’t made the change from traditional oils and greases to food-grade lubricants.

For manufacturers that produce not only food and drink, but medication too, the safety of customers should be a highly prioritised. They must follow high standards of sanitation and hygiene throughout the whole process of production from start to finish. It’s essential for them to use lubricants for machinery, to help minimise the friction and general wear and tear for: Motors, ovens, grinders, mixers, labelling, conveyors and packaging machines. But with it comes challenges.

Let’s think about food

In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of using food-grade grease and what we’re currently putting in our bodies.

Cross-contaminating with Harmful Substances

The focus around lubrication has risen, that’s come a long way from an often-overlooked contaminant in Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point’s (HACCP) equipment risk assessment. Arguably due to people’s growing awareness around a healthy diet and becoming more aware of what we’re putting into our bodies, the need for controlling cross-contamination in the food industry is being pushed. Although complex machinery involved in today’s manufacturing side is designed for lubrication to have zero to little contact with food products, this cannot be guaranteed in every day’s operations.

A report was leaked in 2002, that revealed 86,000 pounds of sliced turkey accidentally came into contact with a non-food grade lubricant, that caused customers to suffer from intestinal discomfort from contaminated turkey. Another company was investigated after receiving complaints of a jar of baby food smelling of tar, revealing toxic mineral oil had contaminated the food. Not only putting customers at risk, this could seriously damage a manufacturer’s reputation, consumer trust, and profits.

Allergens Control

Food manufacturers often face one of their biggest challenges, that being to control potential allergens. Fortunately, food grade lubrications ensure careful ingredient traceability and control under ISO 21469, therefore meaning that suppliers can confirm the absence or presence of common allergenic ingredients as well as being produced in hygienic conditions. Not using food grade lubrication cannot guarantee what potential substances food may or may not have come in contact with, putting customers’ health and safety at risk.

Allergic reactions have been the case because of products containing triphenyl phosphate, along with numerous of health effects in laboratory animals. Shockingly, triphenyl phosphate is a chemical that is also used as a plasticiser as well as a fire retardant — how does the consumption of this sound opposed to something derived from vegetable oils?

Tackling Harmful Microbes

There are many microbes out there bring harmful issues to humans, causing  viruses, flue, bacteria. Fortunately, many food grade lubricants available now include special additives that prevent the microbes to grow. This is particularly important in machinery exposed to moisture and steam and is difficult to keep clean at all times.

Health and Safety concerns have increase which highlights the need for food-grade lubrication. There are lots of considerations to think about when making sure your business is using the right lubrication so assess your manufacturing process to classify which will be best for you — follow this guide to understand the differences between lubricants.

Sources

https://www.manufacturing.net/home/article/13183173/food-safety-the-legends-of-food-grade-lubricants

https://insights.globalspec.com/article/10507/the-challenges-of-food-grade-lubricants

https://www.newfoodmagazine.com/article/99104/mitigating-risk-with-food-grade-lubricants/

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Which is that one tourist destination which is emerging as a popular choice for many? Well, a lot of people these days are heading out to China and exploring this country. So, if you are thinking of paying a visit to China as well, which is the place that you want to visit? For us, the top choice would be Hong Kong. Internationally known with almost every part of the world grained into it along with the heritage of the Chinese culture, Hong Kong truly has a lot to offer to those who love to travel and explore new cultures.

Things to keep in mind when travelling to Hong Kong

Well, the first thing that you need to keep in mind is that Hong Kong is more than just a Chinese city. It is a specially administered region and hence the rules and regulations might be a little different, though it does not affect the tourists much. What as a tourist you will be greatly benefitted of is the fact that there are plenty of luxurious as well as budgetary Best Hong Kong hotels and hence finding just the perfect stay will not be a problem for you at all? If you are unable or unsure about the place to stay, then a very simple thing to do would be to get in touch with tour planners or organizers online and they will have the entire tour planned out for you – starting from your flight bookings, your stays to your itinerary. If you want, you can always up for the grabs. So, if you want a pocket-friendly, hassle-free trip, then you can definitely go for tour planners. Just make sure that you research properly and study all the deals before you finalize the customize your travel plans as well. The reason why a lot of people generally tend to go for planned tours is that it is hassle free and you get to save a lot as well because of the combo deals and offers that are always one for you.

The next most important thing about your trip is the Visa. You will need a visa to enter the country and you will have to apply for it before your trip. The visa processing might take time, but it is generally not difficult to get a tourist visa for China, if all your documents and most importantly your passport is in order. Get your flight booking done, after you have gotten the visa approval.

Another important thing to know is the time to visit this place. Well, if you are visiting for the first time, you will definitely want to make the most of it, right? So, the weather needs to be conducive one for tourists. The best time to visit thus would be from September till about the middle of December. The weather remains ideal for tourism – neither too hot, nor too cold, and hence during this time you will be able to make the most of your trip.

Must visits in Hong Kong

Do you know which the places are that you want to visit when in Hong Kong? Well, you need to have an itinerary prepared and here’s ours for you:

• Hong Kong happens to be a city of sky-scrappers and bustling life. The city is always running and the place has its own glory. Well, if you are interested in exploring the city from an aerial view, then you have to head out to the Peak or the Victoria Peak. The main highlight of this area? You will get to see the entire skyline of the city and experience Hong Kong like never before. This is a must visit on your list of to dos when in Hong Kong.
• How about exploring the city from the depths now? You can always hop aboard the Star Ferry and take a tour of the city in the waters. This ferry ride will take you around the city from where you will be able to spot some of the most well noted spots of Hong Kong. The best part about the ferry? You have one every three or four minutes, throughout the day; hence step aboard anytime you like!
• Want to see one of the largest statues of the Buddha in the world which was completed in over 12 years? Well, then, head out to the Po Lin Monastery, where a 34 meters high Buddha statue awaits you. Being primarily a Buddhism dominated country, it is no surprise that you will come across many monasteries and Buddhist statues here, but this one definitely stands tall and stands out!
• Craving for some time by the beach? Hong Kong has the perfect solution for you – the Repulse beaches and bays. Talk a walk down the sandy beach beautifully carpeted by the waves gently touching upon the shores. If you want you can also spend your entire day at the beach if you are craving for some time to relax. This promises to be a pleasant visit.
• Street market and that too at night? The Temple Street Market is your destination of choice. Laden with a variety of food stalls and trinkets and gadgets and souvenirs being sold in masses, this is a haven for everyone who is looking forward to some pocket-friendly shopping. This market, generally starts opening its doors around 6’o’clock in the evening. However, if you reach too early, you might find some of the shops closed. So, take your time and head out to the night market in the evening and spend strolling about the lanes, checking out all that the shops have to offer. As a tourist, you will find all the souvenirs that you need to take back home, from here!

Alright, now you have all the basic information that you need to make sure that your stay in Hong Kong is not only a pleasant one, but a fruitful one as well. So, are you ready to set foot into Hong Kong? Well, then without any further ado do get in touch with a tour planner online and get the ball rolling!

As we’ve all been reading, the sanctions and recent events involving Iran are divisive. Caviar is something, however, everyone can agree on – regardless of political affiliation.

Our company, Caspian Monarque, has overcome numerous hurdles in being one of the few Iranian caviar suppliers exporting directly to the UK. We are one of only a privileged handful of companies to have access to the ancient and mysterious waters of the Caspian sea.

Our aim is to improve the commercial, cultural and ultimately, the diplomatic image of Iran. We are looking to build bridges between our ancient land and Europe via exposure to Persian delicacies.

It’s been a while since Iranian caviar has been widely available in Europe and we feel that it’s the start of the healing process.

Nobody who is decent wants war.

But we do know that many people want caviar.

And Iranian caviar is the best.

That’s not hyperbole; people such as Eric Ripert and Gordon Ramsay state that it is objectively and undeniably the best.

There was a horrible phrase coined during the Cold War: “Caviar Diplomacy”. It alluded to bribery via expensive gifts, for example, caviar. But we want to reclaim it and say that our efforts to bring people from both Iran and the West together to be true caviar diplomacy.

We offer Iranian caviar from Beluga, Almas, Osetra and Sevruga, ranging from delicate to powerful, textures that delight the palate, tastes and aromas that excite the senses and aesthetic qualities that make our caviar the jewels of the Caspian Sea.

Original source PRFire.com

Are you guilty of throwing away unused food? If so a new report suggests you are not alone. Seven in 10 British households admit to throwing away food before they’ve had a chance to cook it, as many as four times a month.

And a tenth of families dispose of up to 10 items each month that have gone off before being used.

Combined with cooking too much per meal, this leads to 2.23 kilograms of food being thrown out monthly that could have been saved.

On average, adults waste more than a tenth of each meal they prepare – throwing it away rather than finishing it.

And 49 per cent of the population don’t bother recycling their food waste, sending it straight to the main bin with their other rubbish.

Nearly a third don’t recycle food waste because they find the idea of a bin for rotting food off-putting.

And despite evidence to the contrary, a quarter believe they simply don’t waste enough food for a dedicated waste bin to be viable.

However, 37 per cent would be inclined to recycle more if waste could be turned into energy to power their home.

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed that rather than having a wasteful mentality, almost half of the country’s careless cooks admit to preparing too much food at mealtimes.

47 per cent of the nation say they struggle with portion control – by preparing too much food, or struggling to serve themselves healthy sized portions.

Incorrectly thinking they could tell how much of an ingredient was needed just by eye was among the top reasons for Brits not knowing how much to prepare for their dinners, along with a perception that cooking too much is better than rustling up too little.

And more than one in 10 believe that they simply don’t have time to weigh out ingredients before cooking them, leading to more waste.

Futurologist James Bellini, speaking on behalf of home appliance brand Grundig who commissioned the research, says: “Given the crucial importance of food issues over the coming decades the level of general awareness and concern is surprisingly low.

“But looking ahead to the 2020s and beyond to the 2030s it seems clear that emerging technologies, changing attitudes and greater commitment within the business and political communities could spark a new era for food.

“In which tackling waste and providing healthy and wholesome eating for all in a sustainable way will move significantly up the agenda.”

Pasta and rice were revealed to be the most common dishes that Brits prepare far too much of, followed by potatoes and fresh veg.

Four in 10 Brits say they have no idea how much of either pasta or rice is recommended for an adult to have with a meal – which is around 80g.

And more than two thirds simply try and ‘guesstimate’ how much to prepare when cooking a meal with these ingredients.

Alexandra Boon, Senior Marketing Manager – Growth Brands at Beko plc., says: “At Grundig, our Respect Food programme spans both product development and working with partners to use surplus food for good causes.

“We believe that the fight against food waste should begin at home in the kitchen. People should not only enjoy good food but respect it too – which means wasting less.

“Advanced technologies within the Grundig refrigeration range, such as Ion Fresh, No Frost Duo-Cooling system and Vitamin Care Zone already help to keep food fresher for longer.

“We’re committed to developing brand new technologies to further reduce food waste in the home and in our UK Research & Development centre we are currently working on sensors to detect food spoilage and methods to help users track and manage their food.”

James Bellini added: “In the end, technology has an important part to play in solving our food waste crisis, but without the commitment of people to new attitudes and a changed social outlook it will not be enough.”
RECOMMENDED PORTION SIZES FOR AN ADULT

Breakfast cereal: Three tablespoons (20g)
Boiled potatoes: Two small (egg sized) boiled potatoes
Rice: Two heaped tablespoons (80g)
Pasta: Three heaped tablespoons (80g)
Lean meat: 70g cooked meat, about the size of a deck of cards
Fish: 140g cooked dish, about the size of a chequebook
Eggs: Two medium eggs
Pulses: Five tablespoons (cooked)
Hard cheese: 25g of cheddar, about the size of a small matchbox
Dried fruit: Two figs, around 40g
Dark green leafy veg: Four heaped cooked tablespoons (80g)

FOODS MOST LIKELY TO GO OFF BEFORE USE
1. Bread
2. Bananas
3. Salad leaves
4. Milk
5. Potatoes
6. Cooked meats
7. Carrots
8. Cream
9. Yoghurt
10. Apples

When it comes to our kids’ snacking habits, it seems like we aren’t doing enough to curb their crisp cravings.

According to a new survey, kids in the UK snack on over 1.4 BILLION packets of crisp each year, on average, equating to a massive 657 tonnes of salt.

When parents were asked about how often they give their child the salty snack, a whopping 92% admitted to feeding the habit at least once a week. In comparison, just over a quarter regularly feed their children nuts – a healthier alternative to crisps and other unhealthy snacks.

Just one in 10 parents were educated about the health benefits of nuts. Plus, almost a third assumed that nuts contained too much salt for their children to eat – despite a typical 20g bag of plain almonds containing as much as 64% less salt than a portion of ready salted crisps at the same weight!

Dr Dawn Harper, a doctor and TV presenter, has launched a new campaign to encourage more parents to see the benefits of a nut-inclusive diet.

Offering a high-vitamin snack that’s also packed with minerals, proteins, fibres and healthy fats, nuts such as almonds, cashews and hazelnuts offer many health benefits. The most notable include aiding with energy release and helping to build a strong, healthy immune system.

Commenting on her new campaign, Dr Dawn Harper said: “Despite the fact almost a quarter of parents say they give their children a snack as a way of getting extra nutrients into their diet, they also reveal that they prefer to give their child sugary and salty snacks like crisps and cereal bars than nuts as a snack. We want to change that.

“Nuts are a great, tasty way of getting good fats, and key vitamins and minerals into the diet which can help children’s growth, development and cognitive function.”

That being said, the survey data revealed that allergies are a major cause for concern amongst parents, with a fifth (19%) citing this as the reason that they don’t feed their children the item.

However, even though nut allergies can be extremely serious and pose a huge risk to a child’s health, allergies only affect 2% of children – with the majority being intolerant to peanuts, specifically.

A spokesperson for the BDA said: “Obesity and salt intake are really important issues we are facing as a society, so it’s alarming to see that many healthy foods such as nuts aren’t getting the air time they need to ensure parents are aware of the benefits they can have for their children.

“While it’s absolutely important to ensure nuts are unsalted and are small, or halved to avoid choking, primary aged children would benefit massively from adding more unsalted nuts, and less crisps, sweets and chocolate to their diets.”