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Trans- and saturated fats

The harmful effects of some forms of fat on human health have come under the spotlight, and in some states trans-fats are off the menu in restaurants entirely. The manufacturing end of the food industry is on the case, and products are being reformulated along healthier lines.

In pictures: Bunge takes collaboration up a gear with state-of-the-art culinary center in Bradley, IL

Bunge has taken collaboration to a new level with the launch of a new state-of-the-art culinary center at its Ingredient Innovation Center for edible oils and carbohydrates in Bradley, Illinois....

To boldly go where no frying oil has been before... Monsanto unveils next generation high oleic soybean oil

The next generation of high oleic soybean oils will give the food industry a cost-effective and healthier alternative to partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (HVOs) with flavor and stability current alternatives...

Salt reduction is just one of the themes of IFT 2012
Dispatches from IFT 2012 Las Vegas

IFT 2012 new product round-up: Salt and fat reduction

Salt and fat reduction and flavour masking are major trends among new products at the IFT 2012 trade show in Las Vegas.

GMO-free claims are starting to appear on more US food and drink products, featuring on 308 new launches in 2009, 343 in 2010 and 549 in 2011. However, this still represents just 2.7% of new launches

The fastest growing label claims of 2011: From ‘economy’ to ‘gluten-free’

While ‘all-natural’ and ’no additives & preservatives’ were still among the most popular food and drink label claims in the US last year, the fastest growth was in economy, low/no/reduced...

The percentage of consumers claiming to avoid or limit saturated fat intakes dropped to 47% in 2012 compared with 56% in 2011 and 64% in 2010, says IFIC

Sugar becomes new bogeyman as fats take a back seat in new consumer survey

While consumer concerns about fats appear to have waned somewhat, the percentage of Americans blaming sugars for their expanding waistlines has almost doubled since last year, according to new research.

Kangaroo Brands' baked pita chips are low in fat and sodium, claims the Wisconsin-based firm

ConAgra Foods snaps up Kangaroo Brands’ private label pita chips business

ConAgra Foods' buying spree has continued with the acquisition of Wisconsin-based Kangaroo Brands’ private label pita chips business - its fourth deal in the 2012 fiscal year.

Baked goods and fast-foods linked to depression: Study

Consumption of fast food and commercial baked goods are linked to an increased risk of depression, according to new research.

While the chips above have only 10g total fat per the recommended 28g serving, they have 17.8g per 50g serving, taking them above the 13g threshold that would require a disclaimer next to a '0g trans fat' nutrient content claim, argues a new class action

PepsiCo targeted in new class action lawsuit over ‘improper’ nutrient content claims

PepsiCo is facing another class action lawsuit in California – this time accusing it of making a nutrient content claim (0 grams trans fat) on Frito-Lay snacks, without adhering to...

Research casts doubt on benefit of nutritional labelling

Knowing more about the nutritional value of foods does not equate to increases in healthy eating and reductions in obesity, according to the findings of new research.

FTC chairman on IWG proposal to curb junk food marketing food to kids: ‘It’s not a priority’

A controversial government proposal designed to curb the marketing of junk food to kids is not high up the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC’s) priority list, it has emerged.

Trans fats linked to stroke incidence: Study

Older women whose diets include a substantial amount of trans-fats are more likely than their counterparts to suffer an ischemic stroke, a new study suggests.

General Mills files motion to dismiss fruit snacks lawsuit: ‘We never said they were healthful and nutritious’

General Mills has filed a motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit accusing it of presenting products that were “little better than candy” as “healthful and nutritious”.

General Mills boosts natural foods portfolio with gluten free snacks deal

General Mills has boosted its presence in the natural foods market with the acquisition of Massachusetts-based gluten free snack foods firm Food Should Taste Good for an undisclosed sum.

Efforts to reduce trans fats are working, study suggests

Trans fat consumption among US adults has fallen 58% over the past decade, coinciding with regional bans and federal government regulation requiring labeling of artificial trans fats, according to a...

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act hits low-fat flavoured milk

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published regulations governing US school meal programmes that will eliminate low-fat flavoured milk from reimbursable meal options for children.

Animal fat and cholesterol may increase gestational diabetes risk: Study

A pre-pregnancy diet that is high in animal fat and cholesterol could almost double the risk of pregnancy related diabetes, says new research.

‘Cheese makes you chubby’ New York billboards scream

The US-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has taken shock tactics to consumers by posting two huge billboards in New York warning of what it claims are the obesity-related...

City of Cleveland sues Ohio State for blocking trans fat ban

The city of Cleveland has sued the state of Ohio for its attempt to block a proposed ban on the sale of certain products containing artificial trans fats.

Trans fats and nutrient intake linked to Alzheimer’s brain shrinkage

Consumption of ‘junk food diets’ containing high levels of trans fats may lead to brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s, whilst consumption of foods high in vitamins may offer protection, says...

Caravan targets donut frying oil for unhealthy fat reduction

Caravan Ingredients has added a new application for its Trancendim range of diglycerides to reduce saturated fat content and eliminate trans fat in donut frying oil.

The Facts up Front (Nutrition Keys) labels can also highlight 'nutrients to encourage'

Front-of-pack labeling poll: Facts up Front or a points-based system? Tell us what you think

Front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labels are designed to help busy shoppers make rapid, but more informed, choices about which foods are healthier.

It has HOW many calories?
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IOM front-of-pack labeling scheme: It’s bold, it’s simple and I love it. But is it fair?

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) certainly didn’t pull any punches in its front-of-pack labels report yesterday.

Trans fat consumption during pregnancy linked to higher birth weights

Women who consume high levels of trans fat during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to bigger babies, according to a new study in the American Journal of Clinical...

TCI predicts healthy future for high-stearic, high-oleic sunflower oil as it opens new biorefinery

Specialty oilseed firm Technology Crops International (TCI) is looking to boost its presence in the food and dietary supplements markets after opening a state-of-the-art biorefinery on Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Low-sat fat ice cream gets formulation boost: Study

Ice cream formulated with an emulsion containing unsaturated oil showed no differences in melting properties as ice cream made with saturated fat, says a new study offering solutions for ‘healthy’...