Pyure Brands to offer organic stevia

18-Oct-2010 - Private label stevia supplier Pyure Brands has introduced a line of organic stevia extracts with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status, the company has said.

DD Williamson introduces organic acid-stable caramel color

21-Sep-2010 - DD Williamson has introduced a USDA-certified organic version of its class one acid-stable dark caramel color for use in beverages with pH below 2.5, the company has said.

Study finds more antioxidants in organic strawberries

03-Sep-2010 - Californian organic strawberries could be more nutritious than conventional strawberries, according to a new study published in the online journal PLoS One.

Groups voice opposition to Canadian organic fish standard

01-Sep-2010 - Over 40 US and Canadian organizations have said that a Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) proposal to label farmed salmon as organic does not adhere to the principles of organic food.

Pectin coats could provide eco-friendly oils

12-Aug-2010 - A new study has suggested that a cross-linked a pectin coat could improve the stability of natural oil bodies, making their potential for industrial use more viable.

Almond growers given go-ahead to challenge pasteurization law

04-Aug-2010 - A federal appeals court has ruled that organic almond growers can challenge a law requiring mandatory pasteurization of almonds intended to reduce risk of salmonella contamination, overturning a previous decision.

Consumers associate ‘organic’ with low-calorie, finds study

29-Jun-2010 - Organic claims on food packaging could lead consumers to overeat or even exercise less, according to a new study published in the journal Judgment and Decision Making.

Conflict of interest leads USDA to block certifier of Chinese organics

14-Jun-2010 - The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has blocked a Chinese branch of a US organic certifier from certifying Chinese organics, the New York Times reports.

Comment

Scientific failings are the organic industry’s gain

31-May-2010 - Are organic foods healthier? The sad truth is that nearly 100,000 studies later, we just don't know. Meanwhile, this lack of certainty presents major business opportunities for the organic food industry.

No evidence that organic is healthier – but more research needed

26-May-2010 - A new review of the existing research on the health effects of consuming organic foods found no evidence of health benefits – but again highlighted the need for more research.

CP Kelco develops natural, organic stabilizer for dressings and sauces

24-May-2010 - CP Kelco has developed a new pectin ingredient to stabilize sauces and dressings and that can support a natural or organic label claim, the company has said.

Synergy adds new line of organic flavors

11-May-2010 - Synergy Flavors’ Chicago facility has received organic certification, which will allow it to increase provision of organic flavors, and respond to sustained demand for ‘clean label’ products, the company has said.

Avoid potential carcinogens in food, suggests government panel

10-May-2010 - A new report from the President’s Cancer Panel has raised concerns about the levels of potential environmental carcinogens, including pesticide residues on conventionally grown food.

Monsanto asks Supreme Court to lift alfalfa planting ban

28-Apr-2010 - Monsanto has asked the US Supreme Court to end a ban on planting of genetically modified (GM) alfalfa that was instigated due to environmental impact concerns back in 2007.

US organics continue to outpace overall food sales

23-Apr-2010 - Organic food and beverage sales continued to outpace overall food sales during 2009, although at a slower rate than in previous years, according to a market report from the Organic Trade Association (OTA).

US position could pose problems for GM-free labeling, organizations claim

22-Apr-2010 - More than 80 food processing, farming and consumer organizations have called on officials to revise the US position on draft Codex food labeling guidance, saying it could cause problems for labeling food as GM-free.

Exploring expectations beyond natural and organic

08-Apr-2010 - Consumers are moving beyond the terms ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ toward broader expectations of minimal processing and general healthfulness, according to a new report from The Hartman Group.

Organic production on the up – but field crops still struggle

06-Apr-2010 - Organic production has risen dramatically over the past decade but only a tiny percentage of soybean, corn and wheat crops are certified organic, according to a new report from the USDA.

Audit finds flaws in National Organic Program

19-Mar-2010 - Enforcement and compliance problems continue to plague the National Organic Program (NOP) according to an audit report from the Office of Inspector General at the USDA.

Judge denies immediate ban on GM sugar beets

17-Mar-2010 - A judge has denied an immediate ban on the planting of Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) sugar beets as it “would have a large detrimental effect on the United States’ domestic sugar supply and price.”

Recession impacts meat buying habits

10-Mar-2010 - Shoppers are buying more meat overall but spending less, with 40 percent saying they have changed their habits due to recession, according to a joint industry study.

Sara Lee accused of ‘misleading’ marketing

26-Feb-2010 - Sara Lee has issued a clarification statement regarding its EarthGrain-brand bread after organic farming campaigners at Cornucopia accused it of “misleading and unethical” claims.

USDA issues final rule on organic dairy

15-Feb-2010 - The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled new rules for organic livestock production, with the aim of setting consistent standards for pasture use across the dairy industry.

US organic sector stays strong

23-Dec-2009 - The organic sector has remained resilient over the past year despite the recession, according to new figures from market research organization Mintel.