Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - North America EU edition

Casein could be natural antioxidant for boosting meat shelf-life: Study

Modification of the milk protein casein by enzymes could offer formulators a natural antioxidant for beef and poultry products, according to new research from Brazil.

Cashing in on phosphate price hikes

The market for cheaper alternatives to phosphates used in food is expected to blossom over the next few years as prices for the ingredient are likely to remain high, according to an industry analyst.

Global knowledge strengthens flavor safety, says FEMA

The FEMA GRAS program’s status as a leading assessor of flavor safety has been strengthened by developments in other programs, say the authors of its first review since 1995.

DDW positions beta-carotene as stable and ‘naturally derived’

D.D. Williamson has introduced a naturally derived beta-carotene coloring which it expects to appeal to manufacturers looking to capitalize on the growing trend for natural foods and beverages.

‘Portion size’ may not be a good way to curb obesity: Study

Nutritional labelling may mean more to consumers than portion sizes, according to a joint study from Norway and the US.

Raw milk artisans disappearing in Quebec cheese dilemma

While pushing to meet growing potential interest in North America for unpasteurised cheeses, producers from Quebec are increasingly questioning using raw milk in their goods amidst wider safety fears, says one industry expert.

Cargill’s ‘Healthy Cookie Base’ targets wholegrain demand

Cargill has released a high fiber vitamin and mineral-enriched base for cookies and bars designed for manufacturers to customize with their own ingredients.

News in brief

PCA expands peanut product recall

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that the Peanut Corporation of America is expanding its recall to include all peanut products manufactured at the plant since January 1 2007.

New group seeks growth in bulk foods

A new organization called Bulk is Green is aiming to increase awareness of bulk foods to give consumers more of a choice about the precise quantities they want to purchase, and to reduce packaging.

US bill would boost FDA powers, increase food and drug inspections

Legislation unveiled in the House of Representatives this week would increase Food and Drug Administration powers and the frequency of safety inspections – but would require industry to cover the cost.

Spruce waste extract shows beverage emulsion potential: Study

Carbohydrates in the waste water of softwood mills may stabilise beverage emulsions, and offer alternatives to established favourites like guar and locust bean gum, says a new study.

Mercury tainted HFCS in produce, say researchers

A policy group is calling on the US food safety regulator and industry to make changes to practices as two studies claim the food supply is being contaminated by mercury tainted high fructose corn syrup.

News in brief

New president at Frutarom USA

Ingredients and flavors firm Frutarom has announced the appointment of Rafi Friedman as president of Frutarom USA.

News in brief

NBJ awards researchers for stevia quality standard-setting

The Nutrition Business Journal has awarded a Scientific Achievement Award to the research organization ChromaDex for its role in developing quality standards for the individual sweet components of stevia.

Manufacturers vital to McCormick’s industrial sales in 2008

McCormick is attributing good results in its industrial ingredients business for 2008 to a strong year with strategic food manufacturers, and a position at the intersection between taste, health and natural ingredients.

News in brief

NPA to stage 12th annual Washington DC rally

March 24 will see the National Products Association (NPA) and its supporters descend on Washington DC for the 12th consecutive year to drum up political support.

PCA knew peanut butter could have been contaminated, says FDA

The Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) knew that its peanut products were potentially contaminated with salmonella before distributing them, US health officials said yesterday.

GSB offers green tea inspired flavor twists

GSB Flavor Creators is leveraging the popularity of green tea with three new flavour blend that marry it up with fruity notes – pomegranate, hibiscus and watermelon.

Human brain makes snap decision on fat content: Study

A new study from Nestle has revealed that the human brain makes quick decisions on the energy and fat content in food just by looking at it – a finding that adds to knowledge on why we choose to eat the foods we do.

Crisps and tortilla chips top Super Bowl snack indulgence

As the most anticipated marketing event in the US calendar - Super Bowl Sunday – approaches, market analysts Nielsen predicts snack sales could hit nearly $600m (€455m) in the run-up to event.

US-Danish alliance in search of healthier foods

A new consortium of leading American and Danish food scientists has been established to develop new ingredients for tackling malnutrition and diet-related diseases.

Sustainability is not yet a household term, says Hartman Group

The term ‘sustainability’ is unfamiliar to almost half of US consumers, according to new research from The Hartman Group, and many of those who do know what it means don’t know what companies or products are sustainable.

Counting on roasted chicory's local appeal

US-grown roasted chicory is not expected to rise in price when trade tariffs are lifted in March, says its sole US supplier, because the pull of locally-produced food remains strong.

Weekly comment

Time to quieten the nutrition label noise

Everyone from government to grocers seems to have their own idea of how best to inform consumers about foods’ nutritional content, but a labeling free-for-all has resulted in a clamor of nutrition labels which are actually getting in the way of comprehension.

Listeria shows up in Maple Leaf plant

A subsidiary of Canadian meat processor, Maple Leaf Foods, has been inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), after routine testing showed positive results for the bacterium, listeria.

Quebec food firms receive marketing funding

The Canadian government has pledged new funding for the Agri-Food Export Group Quebec-Canada to allow food firms to attend international industry events and boost exports.

Food industry urges Congress to reform food safety rules

A group of ten major food industry organizations has signed letters to Congress urging it to modernize US food safety regulation amid concern that otherwise America could lose its reputation for safe, good quality food supplies.

News in brief

Takasago Americas announces new appointments in flavors

Takasago Americas has announced three new appointments in its flavors department.

Recession bites into Barry Callebaut chocolate sales

There is further evidence that the market for chocolate is not as recession proof as traditionally thought as Barry Callebaut sales in Europe saw a marked drop over Q1.

FDA’s recall response ‘inadequate’ and ‘ineffective’, says CSPI

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has criticized US officials’ response to the peanut butter salmonella outbreak, calling it ‘woefully inadequate’.

GLG announces new stevia seed strains

GLG Life Tech has announced six new stevia seed strains said to have a high content of Rebaudioside A (rebiana) – a development it says will enable direct planting in the fields.

TIC Gums makes texture more accessible

TIC Gums has opened a texture innovation center in White Marsh, Maryland, in order to expand its facilities for customers to test texturizing solutions on site.

Chinese melamine defendants face death

The Chinese melamine scandal is expected to claim more lives after the country’s courts sentenced two people with alleged involvement in last year’s contamination to death and imprisoned an industry executive, say news reports.

News in brief

ASN report promotes small changes against obesity

The American Society for Nutrition (ASN), the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), and the International Food Information Council (IFIC) have published a report advocating small lifestyle and diet changes in the fight against obesity.

Study finds promise in flavors from fermented citrus pulp

Fermented citrus pulp could be a new source of natural flavorings for the food industry, according to a new study from India, both making use of a waste product and catering to growing desire for natural foods.

US growth potential for South American-inspired snacks

Gilroy Foods & Flavors has added its voice to the many that are forecasting South American flavored snacks to be the next big trend for the year ahead.

Too early to predict salmonella impact on industry, says council

The American Peanut Council is being cautious over the potential long-term impact of salmonella contamination on the industry, as the recall of salmonella-contaminated peanut products goes global.

Keys to the Russian market

As Chr Hansen marks ten years of activity in Russia, regional director Jacob Paulsen explains how the market has changed and offers some advice for anyone exploring opportunities there today.

News in brief

Symrise appoints vice president of North American supply chain

Symrise has announced the appointment of Larry Garro as vice president of supply chain for its food and nutrition division in North America.

Food stamp changes may not aid healthy eating

A USDA paper examining the implications of proposed changes to the Food Stamp Program (FSP) has concluded that they may force prices higher for healthy foods, and discourage participation in the program.

Opposition grows to New York beverage tax proposal

More voices are being raised in opposition to a proposed sales tax on carbonated beverages in New York, including criticism that the “obesity-tax” is a money-grab.

Confusion over FDA peanut butter recall advice

Conflicting advice from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on peanut butter-containing foods has led to manufacturers rushing to issue their own advice on a product by product basis.

Caravan claims to have ‘rewritten rule book’ for trans-free shortenings

Caravan Ingredients has claimed to have transformed the processing of shortenings and foods containing them, such as bakery products, with a new line of diglycerides.

Guest article

What Obama means for functional foods and supplements: Part I

As we enter the Obama era today, NutraIngredients-USA.com examines the likely effects of the much-awaited Congressional shift on the functional foods and dietary supplements industries. According to industry veteran Loren Israelsen, the road ahead could be less than positive – especially for supplements.

News in brief

Salmonella confirmed in recalled Kellogg's crackers

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that it has found salmonella in a package of crackers which was one of several Kellogg’s products recalled as a precautionary measure until the scale of the peanut salmonella outbreak could be determined.

Low carb study could lead to new approach to fatty liver

A small study has suggested that a low carbohydrate diet stimulates the burning of fat in the liver, and could lead to a new, food-related approach to prevention and management of obesity-related disease.

Ajinomoto embarks on green marketing campaign

Ajinomoto Company has launched a new marketing campaign promoting the environmental benefits of using aspartame instead of high fructose corn syrup or sugar.

Weekly comment

In praise of pesticides

Who likes pesticides? Misunderstood by consumers and misrepresented by pressure groups, pesticides are a soft target for legislators. The latest blow to that soft target could have hard consequences for the European food industry and for developing countries.

Manufacturers urged to inform public in peanut butter recall

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted the difficulty of investigating ingredient-driven illness and called on manufacturers to inform consumers of the origin of their peanut ingredients.

Generation Y is driving food trends, says report

Youngsters brought up in the hi-tech era are driving food trends, and food marketers must be tuned into their wants and needs, according to a report from Packaged Facts.

COOL criticized for leaving customers ‘shamefully uninformed’

The Center for Food Safety (CFS) has criticized the final ruling on Country of Origin Labeling (COOL), saying that it includes loopholes that leave consumers uninformed about the origins of many common foods.

News in brief

Flavor firm’s new website targets interest in customization

Sensient Bio-Ingredients, which manufactures flavors and flavor enhancers, has launched a new website design which it hopes will maximize interest in its customized products.

News in brief

PureCircle appoints Tate & Lyle man for Reb A sales drive

PureCircle has appointed Jordi Ferre to its senior management team in the US to spearhead the commercial development of the all-natural, zero calorie stevia-derived sweetener, Rebaudioside A (Reb A).

Heart study to keep pressure on salt reduction targets: Study

As food formulators continue to reformulate for lower salt foods, a Harvard-led study adds further support for cutting sodium and boosting potassium intakes.

GLG extends high purity sweetener production line

GLG Life Tech has upgraded its stevia processing line at its plant in China to boost its output of rebiana that is of a higher purity, which associated with a better taste profile.

The depression diet

Experts predict that consumers will put on recession pounds by eating more unhealthy food to save money. But Dr Adam Drewnowski, director of the Center for Public Health Nutrition at the University of Washington, says nutrient-rich foods that were typically eaten during the depression are affordable alternatives.

Cocoa foundation outlines sustainability goals

The World Cocoa Foundation is offering a guide to the cocoa industry on sustainability principles that focus on equitable profit, labour standards and environmental issues.

Supervalu introduces on-shelf color-coded nutrition labeling

One of America’s largest grocery retailers, Supervalu, has announced the introduction of a new color-coded nutrition labeling scheme which it says will make it easier for consumers to choose healthier foods.

Snack Size Science: Fish oils and milk proteins drive nano-vehicle innovation

FoodNavigator's Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we look at Israeli research into how whey protein can spontaneously bind omega-3 fatty acids to create transparent nano-vehicles for the health-boosting ingredients.

Marabel Farms put US growth hope in new warehouse

Marabel Farms, an independent producer and supplier of cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic, has opened its first warehouse and distribution centre in the US.

Coca-Cola sued over health claims

A lawsuit has been filed against The Coca-Cola Company over allegations that it made deceptive and unsubstantiated claims about its Glaceau vitaminwater beverages.

Cargill’s clean-label sunflower lecithin reaches the Americas

Cargill has launched its non-GM, clean-label sunflower lecithin in the Americas, on the back of its new GRAS status.

Merisant gets court approval to finance PureVia roll-out

Merisant has received approval from the bankruptcy court to continue operations, allowing it to support the launch of the stevia-derived sweetener PureVia, which is expected to help turn its fortunes around.

Aroma, taste and texture drive refreshing perception: Study

A consumer’s perception of a refreshing sensation in food is driven by the cold/mint flavour, the acidity of the formulation, and the thickness of the product, according to research from Nestle.

Kraft uses math to develop functional foods

Kraft Foods has invested in a novel ingredient screening technology that uses mathematics to identify new compounds with specific health benefits.

News in brief

Junk food ad regulation scheme now in full swing

All pledges made by the 15 major food and beverage companies taking part in the Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB) Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative, are now in effect, it was announced.

Cargill Q2 profits rise but food segment results are weak

Cargill’s net earnings for the second quarter of 2009 have increased 25 percent but, despite a solid overall performance, the results for its food segment declined.

A third of new products make natural claims

The percentage of food and beverage products making ‘natural’ claims is growing in strength in the US, according to the Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD).

Sunflower paste offers cheaper alternative to almond in bakery

SunOpta has developed its line of sunflower-based ingredients to include a sunflower paste designed to be used in the same way as almond paste in bakery and confectionery products.

AHD launches chia flour for gluten-free bakery

AHD International has expanded its range of chia products to include chia seed flour, a gluten-free, heart-healthy alternative to white flour in bakery products.

Probiotics may improve alcoholics’ liver health: Study

A pilot study from Russia and the US indicates that supplements of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus plantarum 8PA3 may improve the health of an alcoholic’s liver.

News in brief

New puffed fruit range driven by demand for healthy snacks

US-based Explorer’s Bounty has released a range of puffed fruit snacks, which it says taps into consumer demand for organic, healthy snack foods.

GMA issues science policy paper on sodium and salt

The market for sodium-reduced foods is on the rise thanks to efforts by the industry to provide consumers with new product introductions and line extensions, according to a GMA paper.

Vegetarian market for kids

A new survey which offers an estimate on the number of vegetarian children in the US highlights a potential emerging market for those on an ‘ethical diet’ needing alternative sources of protein.

Responsibility reports respond to expectations, says Kellogg’s

More than 1,500 companies use the Global Reporting Initiative’s guidelines to evaluate their performance on sustainability, environmental impact and responsible marketing – and now Kellogg’s has released its first.

Weekly comment

The invincibles – recession proof food and healthy eating

There are fears that in the economic crisis consumers will put on “recession pounds” by eating unhealthily. Rightly or wrongly, food manufacturers may suffer the blame but “unhealthy” and “recession proof” do not necessarily go hand-in-hand.

Beer and red wine marinade may cut cancer risk from beef

Marinating beef in red wine or beer may reduce the levels of potentially cancer-promoting compounds, according to a study from Portugal.

More regulation urged following salmonella outbreak

A leading US food lawyer claims that the second major US Salmonella outbreak in less than 24 months involving peanut butter suggests an industry wide problem and shows the need for more intense regulation, as well as faster detection methods.

News in brief

NMI and Nielsen cover Canadian consumer market

Market research firm Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) is expanding its scope to include the Canadian market.

Merisant files for bankruptcy

The tabletop sweetener company Merisant Worldwide has filed for bankruptcy in a move which it says will free up more cash to invest in its new stevia-derived sweetener PureVia.

US health experts urge Obama to take ‘urgent action’ on obesity

A group of prominent American health professionals has issued a letter urging President-elect Barack Obama to take “bold and urgent action” to curb obesity or, they say, the current generation could be the first to live shorter lives than their parents.

Resistant starch-enriched milk puddings pass sensory tests: Study

Adding resistant starch to milk puddings produces formulations that are acceptable to consumers, particularly those interested in healthy options, says a new study.

Solar power could offer food plants green remedy

Solar powered renewable energy systems could help food manufacturers become more sustainable, says Perpetual Energy Systems (PES).

News in brief

FDA finds melamine in more infant formula

Continuing investigations into the contamination of US-produced infant formula with melamine have uncovered more products containing low levels of the chemical.

Food prices a sticking point this year

Retail food prices are expected to remain ‘sticky’ in 2009, according to a new study, adding weight to claims that food manufacturers may struggle to pass on cost pressures to consumers.

The food product ‘hall of fame and shame’

The market research organization The Hartman Group has released a list of products dubbed the 'hall of fame and shame' which could offer food and beverage manufacturers insight into new flavor combinations.

Health, nutrition and new markets key to success

Focusing on health, nutrition, and emerging markets are amongst the top strategies being used by the most successful global food companies, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.

Whey protein promises nano-encapsulation of omega-3

The whey protein beta-lactoglobulin may spontaneously bind the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and offer nano-encapsulation potential for formulators.

Nestle places confidence in probiotics for kids

Food giant Nestle is today launching a probiotics drink for children in the US, which the company claims is the only drink on the market to deliver immune benefits coupled with balanced nutrition.

GLG could look beyond China to help serve stevia market

GLG Life Tech Corporation may open up stevia plants in other countries following the announcement that it has begun operations at two new processing facilities for the sweetener in China.

Renovating products could boost growth

Renovation as well as innovation could help food and beverage manufacturers who are looking for growth in a downturn economy, according to an outlook report on the year ahead by the Nielsen Company.

Sodium phosphate substitute launched as prices soar

Advanced Food Systems (AFS) has developed its Actobind range to include a clean-label ingredient system for either completely or partially replacing sodium phosphate in meat products.

News in brief

More stevia-sweetened products launched in US

The beverage company Reed's, Inc. has announced the introduction of stevia-sweetened versions of it Virgil's brand of premium sodas.

Garlic science lacking for cancer health claims: Researchers

No “credible evidence” exists in the literature to support the potential of garlic to reduce the risk of cancer, according to a new review from Korea.

News in brief

Culinary Farms appoints new controller

Culinary Farms, a specialty food ingredient manufacturer based in Woodland, California, has appointed Baljit Pattar as its new controller.

Symrise accelerates RTD coffee flavor trends

Symrise has announced a range of new ready-to-drink coffee flavor concepts which it says were developed to capture a growing segment of the non-alcoholic beverage market with speedier product development.

Baobab GRAS dossier in, an answer in less than 180 days?

FDA approval of baobab fruit pulp could be less than six months away, as momentum continues for what could be one of the hot ingredients of 2009.

GLG nearly doubles stevia capacity with new plants

GLG Life Tech Corporation said it had underestimated the capacity of its two new stevia processing plants in China as projections have now nearly doubled.

Evidence lacking on low-calorie sweeteners’ effect on BMI: Study

Consuming nonnutritive sweeteners in calorie-free products “may heighten appetite”, but not if consumed with energy-yielding products, according to a new review by US researchers.

Nano sensors offer rapid detection of Salmonella, claims ARS

A nano sensor to detect Salmonella bacteria has been developed which could enhance food safety and security, claims a team of scientists.

Animal study draws phosphate link to lung cancer

Careful regulation of inorganic phosphates in the diet could aid lung cancer prevention and treatment, researchers have concluded from a study in mice that could call into question the high use of phosphate additives in the diet.

News in brief

Melamine found in Topaz wafer rolls

National Brands Inc. has issued a nationwide recall of Topaz Wafer Rolls in the US after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said its tests showed that the product contained melamine.

New Reb A collaboration to enhance flavor

Reb A supplier PureCircle has joined with Firmenich in an exclusive global collaboration which aims to provide a formula for applications using the stevia-derived sweetener, not just the ingredient.

Quality standards proposed for stevia-derived sweetener

Food and beverage manufacturers are being invited to help set quality standards for the sweetener Reb A through the Food Chemicals Codex Forum.

New labeling rules for cochineal bug coloring

Food and drink manufacturers that color their products with cochineal extract and carmine must now declare the ingredients on the label under a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruling.

X-ray irradiation does not affect food quality, say US scientists

X-ray technology is effective in killing bacterial pathogens in leafy greens without causing undesirable changes in product quality, claim US researchers.

Researchers propose ‘Venus flytrap’ working of umami receptors

Progress has been made in pinpointing the mechanism of that most mysterious of taste sensations, umami, with potential implications for understanding taste preferences and undercovering the workings of other proteins.

News in brief

Rice promoted as folic acid booster

The USA Rice Federation has joined with the National Council on Folic Acid to promote National Folic Acid Awareness Week which begins today.

Food terrorism tops 2009 safety scare list

Economic terrorism and deadly strains of E. coli are among the main food safety issues that manufacturers could face in the US in 2009, according to a law firm which represents victims of food-borne illness outbreaks.

Organic still not mainstream

Organic foods are yet to gain mainstream acceptance by US consumers according to a new study by a marketing research and consulting firm in the consumer products industry.

Tests to show if salt content meets label claims

A survey to compare the amount of salt in a product to the amount manufacturers claim they contain on the label showed that the majority of foods passed the test.