Here is an update of recent news from suppliers to the dairy processing industry.

DuPont's Bax system receives AOAC recognition

DuPont Nutrition & Health, Wilmington, Del., said this week its Bax system assay for detecting Salmonella has been recognized as AOAC Official Method of Analysis 2013.02. This molecular-based method uses polymerase chain reaction technology and real-time detection to deliver fast and accurate testing results.
The OMA validation studies demonstrated consistent reliability and repeatability of the Bax system method when testing for Salmonella in a variety of food types, including dairy products, cocoa infant formula.

Distributor MFC offers replacement parts for pumps, valves

MFC, Williamstown, N.J., a distributor of sanitary stainless steel fittings and gaskets opened a replacement parts division. The company has expanded its line significantly with many popular pump and valve parts. The parts are compatible with most industry standard equipment including Alfa Laval, Fristam, APV, Waukesha Cherry Burrell and Westfalia.

Warehouse association writes book about cold storage

The International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW) and the International Association for Cold Storage Construction (IACSC) published the Guide to Effective Warehouse Design, Maintenance, and Modernization. The publication is a comprehensive guide to best practices in maintaining, modernizing, and designing a temperature-controlled facility. In addition to refrigerated warehouse operators the guide is intended to be a resource for contractors, engineers, and designers. Chapters deal with topics such as design, maintenance, modernization, structures, walls, floors, roofs, refrigeration, doors, lighting, material handling, batteries and chargers, fire prevention, racking systems, dock equipment, electrical systems, and automated systems.

Plant expansion to increase Kendall Packaging's capacity

Kendall Packaging Corp. broke ground on a 56,000‐square‐foot expansion to its Jefferson, Wis., facility on April 26. The addition will increase the plant’s production capacity and double the storage capacity. Project completion is scheduled for late summer of 2013.
The plant upgrade comes after the successful launch of Kendall’s natural cheese and pet food product lines, and installations of a 10‐color W&H Miraflex press in Jefferson and a 10-color W&H Primaflex at its Pittsburg, Kan., facility.

Sweeter stevia sweetener from Steviva Brands is for use in ice cream

Steviva Brands, Portland, Ore., has introduced SteviaSweet RA98, the sweetest and most highly concentrated product in its stevia extract line. The new ingredient contains 98% minimum Rebaudioside A (Reb A), derived from the South American Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant. It is said to be approximately 300 times sweeter than sucrose with minimal aftertaste. It is used in ice cream and other foods.