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The GM debate

Genetically modified food is one of the great opinion-dividers of our time. Some argue that GM foods reap irreparable damage on the environment and human health. But others say they could be the answer to a secure food supply for the world’s growing population.

From non-GMO to Gluten-Free: Sales of natural products with third party certifications surge in 2012

Sales of natural products featuring third party certifications surged in 2012, according to new data from SPINS, with non-GMO project verified products leading the charge (+18%), followed by Fair Trade...

Kellogg flagged its Kashi brand as a non-GMO alternative for consumers

Kellogg and General Mills defend themselves against January anti-GMO campaign

Cereal giants Kellogg and General Mills have both defended the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their breakfast cereals in response to a January anti-GMO campaign against them.

Special edition: Protein-rich foods… the next generation

Could algae be the next big thing in the protein market? Part two: Aurora Algae

Protein has never been hotter - at least that’s what the market researchers tell us - and vegetarian proteins in particular are top of the pops right now.

New Mexico GMO labeling bill heads for state legislature

New Mexico has joined Washington and California to become the latest US state asked to consider mandatory labeling for foods containing genetically engineered ingredients.

AquaBounty Technologies CEO: Opponents have ‘consistently and intentionally misrepresented the facts’ on GMOs

The boss of AquaBounty Technologies - which has spent years waiting for the FDA to decide whether to approve its genetically engineered (GE) salmon - says the tortuous process “has...

2012 in food science: Is phosphorus the new trans-fat? HFCS, GMOs, organics, gluten sensitivity and measuring calories...

From new research into the relationship between excess dietary phosphorus and the risk of cardiovascular disease to questions over the accuracy of how we currently measure calories, 2012 was an...

2012 in the dock ... From all-natural class action chaos to Prop 37, FSMA and POM vs FTC

With a class action lawsuit filed almost weekly against firms making 'all-natural' claims, growing concerns over energy drinks, the specter of GMO labeling and new developments in the high profile...

Picture credit: Millions Against Monsanto, Flickr

What's on the regulatory radar in 2013? From yogurt standards to energy drinks… PART TWO

In the second part of this FoodNavigator-USA special on what’s on the regulatory radar for the food sector’s key trade associations in 2013, we look at sugar, corn, dairy, and...

What's on the regulatory radar in 2013? From sugar reform to advertising to kids… PART ONE

What will 2013 hold in store for the food industry on the regulatory front? More changes to the school meals program? Action on energy drinks? Sugar reform?

Sourcing non-GMO: Prop 37 supporters have lost the battle, but may ultimately win the war, predicts The Scoular Company

Despite the ‘NO’ vote on Prop 37, the momentum behind sourcing non-GMO ingredients remains as strong as ever, with non-GMO Project verified sales up 66% and a new class action...

Goldfish Crackers targeted in ‘natural’ lawsuit over genetically engineered soy as Prop 37 supporters launch ‘GMO inside’ initiative

While Prop 37 did not pass, the failure to disclose the presence of GMOs in foods that are marketed as ‘natural’ is still generating a steady stream of civil litigation,...

Supply Side West 2012 in pictures: Prop 37, supergrains, protein, brain food and Coca-Cola on disruptive innovation

As America went to the polls, FoodNavigator-USA and NutraIngredients-USA headed to Las Vegas for a week of partying, gambling (and a spot of networking) at Supply Side West.

Organic sales up 12.2% says SPINS; but be careful what you attach label to, says Hartman Group

Sales of organic foods and beverages rose 12.2% in the year to September 29 in the US retail market, significantly outpacing growth in the overall grocery market, according to data from SPINS.

By 6.20 PST today, with 98.5% of votes counted, the results stood at 53% against, 47% in favor

California voters say 'No' to GMO labeling initiative Proposition 37

GMO labeling initiative Proposition 37 has failed at the ballot box in California.

Greek Gods is not affected by 6oz price wars in Greek yogurt fixture, says Hain Celestial

Hain Celestial’s Greek yogurt brand Greek Gods has been shielded from the price wars raging in the Greek yogurt category and continues to go from strength to strength, with sales...

October 2012 in pictures: GMO labeling, FNCE, Pepsi’s protein play… and ‘evaporated cane juice’ (aka sugar)

The ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ campaigns for Californian GMO labeling initiative Prop 37 kicked into overdrive this month ahead of the Nov 6 vote; Pepsi hinted at a big protein-based product...

News in brief

Non-GMO Project verified product sales surge 66% to $2.4bn

Sales of non-GMO Project verified products surged by 66% in the past year to $2.4bn, according to new data* from SPINS.

Will the ‘processed food’ definition in Prop 37 really kill off ‘natural’ claims on pack?

The dispute over whether Californian GMO labeling initiative Prop 37 will prevent manufacturers from using the term ‘natural’ on foods that contain no GMOs at all continues to rage, with...

Andy Berliner: “Only in America can you consume genetically engineered foods without knowing it.”

Amy’s Kitchen CEO: Only in America can you consume GMOs without knowing it

Bosses at Amy’s Kitchen, Whole Foods Market, UNFI, Nature’s Path and Jimbo’s… Naturally have joined forces to tackle myths they claim are being perpetuated by opponents of Californian GMO labeling...

OatSweet contains proteins, fibers and lipids as well as maltose and glucose (which provide the sweetness).
Special edition: Natural sweeteners

Novel oat-based sweetener rides crest of non-GMO wave

The first wave of products containing a new natural sweetener from oats called OatSweet have hit shelves in the US, and the firm behind it is now in talks with...

News in brief

Chefs back Prop 37

More than 100 chefs have voiced their support for California GMO labeling initiative Proposition 37 via a ‘chef’s petition’ set up by Alice Waters, chef, author, and proprietor of Berkeley-based...

GMO labeling: How vulnerable is Proposition 37 to a legal challenge?

If Californians approve controversial GMO labeling initiative Proposition 37 next month, could food industry opponents challenge it on First Amendment grounds?

What’s trending on Twitter? (And is this really an accurate measure of what most consumers think about GMOs?)

Sentiment analysis tools that trawl though posts on blogs, facebook, Twitter and other online forums to help companies find out what consumers think about hot-button issues should be applied with...

FNCE in pictures: Misunderstood HFCS, DNA diets, soda consumption myths and tackling prediabetes

Mythbusting was a key theme at the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) in Philadelphia, with a parade of experts wheeled out to tackle misconceptions about everything from low...

Lawyer: Prop 37 will overtake Prop 65 as a source of consumer litigation in California

Prop 37 is likely to surpass Prop 65 as a source of consumer litigation in California if the controversial GMO labeling initiative gets the green light next month, predicts one...