Calcium + vit D for breakfast show weight management potential

Consuming high levels of vitamin D and calcium for breakfast may increase fat oxidation rates and energy burning during the course of the day, says a new study from Australia.

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Newsweek slams antioxidants: Yawn!

Monday mornings are never easy. As I read yet another article slamming antioxidants the desire to yawn was stronger than normal.

The risky business of health organization and food company partnerships: CMAJ

Partnerships between food industry and health organizations can risk jeopardizing public health goals, claims an editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).

USDA releases 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has updated the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for the first time since 2005, with a number of small changes that could make a big...

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USDA deregulates GM alfalfa

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided to fully deregulate alfalfa that has been genetically modified (GM) to be resistant to Monsanto’s Roundup-brand herbicide, the agency has said.

Study reveals the foaming properties of gluten protein

The foaming properties of gliadin – a gluten forming glycoprotein – may be affected by the pH of food systems, as well as the concentration of salt.

Sara Lee to split into two separate companies

Sara Lee Corp. announced its decision on Friday to split into two separate companies and to reject unsolicited buyout offers, ending months of speculation over the company’s future.

Nearly half of Americans want IOM-style front-of-pack labels

Nearly half of American shoppers would like to see calories, saturated fat, sodium and trans fat clearly labeled on food packaging to help them avoid unhealthy products, according to a...

Study begins to unlock the development of child taste preferences

Children’s knowledge and consumption of fast food has a significant impact on their palate and preference for foods that are high in added sugars, salt and fats, according to new...

Monsanto and FDA move toward healthier GM soybean oil

Monsanto and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have completed a biotechnology consultation process for a key component of the company’s high-oleic soybeans, the biotech giant has said.

Danisco’s natural preservatives go gluten free

Danisco has revised its natural preservative range of cultured dextrose and cultured milk fermentates to ensure they are gluten free, as its customers increasingly demand gluten free options, the company...

Wild gains Toothfriendly approval for Sunwin Stevia

Wild has obtained “Toothfriendly” certification for its Sunwin Stevia product – the first stevia ingredient to obtain the endorsement.

USDA predicts rising food prices in 2011

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has said it expects the Consumer Price Index to rise by 2 to 3 percent in 2011, ending a period of near-stagnant food price...

Salty snacks increase asthma risk in children, study

New research suggests that children who consume salty snacks more than three times a week are almost six times more likely to have asthma symptoms.

Senate bill aims to reform US sugar policy

US Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced a new bipartisan bill in the Senate this week intended to phase out the sugar support program, claiming sugar prices are artificially high and...

WHO highlights governments’ role in curbing unhealthy advertising

Governments should play a more active role in curbing the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages high in saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, free sugars, or salt to children, warns the...

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FAO warns against knee-jerk food policy

 Countries should carefully examine the potential implications of any policy actions intended to tackle high food prices, as they may make matters worse in the long term, the FAO is...

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PepsiCo gains Russian approval for Wimm-Bill-Dann deal

PepsiCo has received all the necessary regulatory approvals from the Russian authorities required to close its acquisition of Wimm-Bill-Dann.

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GLG Life Tech gets business license for Chinese JV

GLG Life Tech’s joint venture in China has been given the go-ahead by Chinese authorities to provide its stevia-derived sweeteners for use in foods and beverages, the company has said....

Energy drinks ‘threat to public health’: JAMA commentary

Scientists and health professions should not wait for FDA action and should be educating consumers of the dangers of consuming energy drinks, says a new commentary in the Journal of...

Interest in Nutrition Facts panel declining, says NPD

Interest in reading the Nutrition Facts panel on the back of food and beverage packages has slipped in recent years, according to market research organization the NPD Group.

Hawaiian governor Abercrombie proposes soda tax

Hawaiian governor Neil Abercrombie has proposed establishing a tax on soda and similar beverages in the state, in his first State of the State address.

Low calorie sweetener may not increase satiety, suggests study

Oral ingestion of artificial sweeteners such as sucralose may not increase levels of satiety inducing hormones that are released when sugars are ingested, according to new research.

Snapple beats ‘all-natural’ lawsuit

A federal court judge has rejected a lawsuit against Snapple Beverage Corp. that alleged the company misled consumers by labeling drinks containing high fructose corn syrup as ‘all-natural’.

Battle for Sara Lee heats up, sending shares higher

Sara Lee shares hit another new 52-week high on Monday as the dessert, coffee and meats giant was reported to be weighing two separate buyout offers from groups that have...

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Canada launches food processing action plan

Canada has published an action plan to grow the country’s vital food processing sector.

One extra beer for Chinese requires a fifth of UK barley production, IGD

Just one extra beer a week for Chinese men would require 231,235 hectares of annual barley production in the UK - the equivalent of a fifth of its current output,...

ConAgra reveals how eco-friendly plant scooped green certification

ConAgra Foods Lambs Weston said one of its frozen food processing plants is the first of its kind in the world to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design...

Special edition: Food in the Future

Food systems and new technologies will be vital over next 40 years, Foresight report

Food must be a higher priority for decision-makers around the world to ward off disaster in decades to come, concludes a major report from the UK; and new technologies like...

GMA and FMI release Nutrition Keys front-of-pack labeling

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) have released details of a new front-of-pack labeling system, to highlight nutrients to avoid as well as those to...

Consumer perception of private label products improving, says Mintel

The market for private label goods is likely to remain strong in the near future, as 44 percent of consumers consider quality to have improved in the sector in the...

Reportable Food Registry works to prevent illness, says FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that its Reportable Food Registry (RFR) is working to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks, in its first annual report on its efficacy.

News in brief

Scots bid to end US haggis ban

Haggis makers in Scotland would experience a boom in export sales if politicians succeed in persuading the US to lift a 40 year-old ban on the traditional dish.

DuPont would move food R&D to Danisco centres post acqusition

DuPont would look to move its food ingredients R&D to Denmark following its acquisition of Danisco, and adopt the latter’s Sales and Application development organisation to get ingredients to market,...

Added fibre may slow rice starch digestibility: Study

The addition of non-starch polysaccharides to rice starch may slow its speed of digestion – creating rice starch gels with a better nutritional profile, according to new research.

Tomato Salmonella research to study role of plastics and dry biofilms

New research on the safe handling of tomatoes will examine how plastics in food contact materials and gloves used by workers can affect the formation, transfer and survival of salmonella...

Expected higher food prices could cause consumer caution in 2011

 Consumers are set to manage their food budgets more carefully in 2011 as they brace for higher food prices this year, according to a new report from the NPD Group.

Food manufacturers back healthy school meals project

Major food manufacturers have backed a project uniting several industries to help provide more affordable healthy school meals, driven by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

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Oystar merges three US operations to form $250m company

Packaging giant Oystar has merged three of its North American operations to create Oystar North America, a move that will make it one of the largest suppliers of packaging machinery...

Cheese industry pledges to do more on sodium reduction

US cheese companies have agreed to step up efforts to reduce the sodium content in cheese and educate consumers about the limits of sodium reduction.

Walmart pledges to promote healthy foods

Walmart has said it intends to reformulate its products to make them healthier and will push its suppliers to do the same, in support of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign,...

Study questions front-of-pack claims for kids’ foods

Many foods with front-of-pack label claims positioning them as ‘better for you’ choices for children compare poorly to dietary recommendations, according to a new study from the Prevention Institute.

Special Edition: Food in the Future

Fly by night or flying off shelves? The future for wacky foods

Wacky food products are nothing new - take Heinz’ launch in 2000 of green tomato ketchup - but the recent development of flavour-changing chewing gum still leaves the question: which...

Canadians split on reliability of health claims

Only about half of Canadians trust health claims on food packaging – although some claims are more trusted than others, according to a new survey from Ipsos Reid on behalf...

Fermented wheat flour may be safe for celiac patients, suggests study

Baked goods made from wheat flour fermented with certain micro-organisms may be tolerated by celiac disease patients, according to new research.

Demand for convenience driving microwavable foods market: Report

Growing demand for convenience has driven innovation in the microwavable foods category, particularly in the United States, according to a new report from Global Industry Analysts (GIA).

News in brief

Novamont forms US subsidiary, eyes major expansion

Novamont announced it has launched a new bioplastics company in the US as part of its strategy to expand in North America.

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Maxx Performance opens new R&D, manufacturing facility

Microencapsulation specialist Maxx Performance has announced the opening of it new R&D and manufacturing facility in the City of Roanoke, and enhances the company’s cooperation with customers for formulation scale-up....

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Fancy food experts pick top five specialty food trends

A panel of food experts at the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco has identified its top five specialty food trends for 2011.

ADA report calls for action to improve kids’ diets

A new report from the American Dietetics Association (ADA) should act as a ‘call to action’ to engage families and communities in improving children’s diets, the association has said.

NutraCea settles with SEC over alleged accounting irregularities

Rice bran producer NutraCea has announced it has reached a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding alleged accounting irregularities in 2007 financial reports.

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EC complacency on dioxins weakens Europe’s food safety standing

The complacency being exhibited by Brussels over the ongoing dioxin contamination incident is every bit as concerning as the carcinogenic chemical that has found its way into the food and...

Kraft claims ending Starbucks deal would cause ‘irreparable harm’

Starbucks has filed for early termination of its coffee distribution agreement with Kraft Foods – but Kraft has said that ending the deal early would cause it “irreparable harm”.

Enriched milk fats may aid weight control: Study

Milk fats, used as ingredients in confectionary and bakery, could be enriched with compounds called diacylglycerols which may aid weight control, according to a team of Dutch researchers.

Better FDA guidance needed to avoid ‘misleading’ health claims

The FDA needs to provide better industry guidance on how to avoid making potentially misleading health claims on food labels, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

News in brief

Bridgford Foods fined $212,000 for workplace safety issues

Bridgford Foods Processing Corp. in Chicago could face up to $212,000-worth of fines as the US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has said it did not...

‘Continuous innovation’ key to success for gum makers: Report

Confectioners must continuously innovate to capture a share of the global gums market, as nearly 80 percent of gum purchases are made on impulse, claims a new report from Global...

FDA seeks to halt production at US juice company

The FDA is seeking the closure of US juice company Mystical One after it failed to implement an HACCP plan or comply with cGMP requirements and then did not respond...

Soluble dextrin fibre in beverages may improve satiety: Tate & Lyle study

Supplementing drinks with soluble fibre dextrin may affect short term energy intake, and could have implications for weight control, according to new research.

USDA seeks comments on organic label claims

The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking comments on draft guidance for the labeling of products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients.

News in brief

Gellan gum added to USDA’s National List

 Gellan gum has been included in the National List of non-organic ingredients allowed for use in organic foods and beverages, according to a Federal Register notice.

Consumers confused about whole grains, suggests General Mills research

Most Americans believe they consume enough whole grain – but only five percent get the recommended three servings per day, according to new research carried out by General Mills.

Calorie contents may influence taste and satiety: Study

The calorific content of drinks may influence satiety by affecting taste activation in the brain, according to new research.

Swifter salmonella test a ‘milestone’ for egg industry - researcher

A unique molecular test that detects Salmonella enteritidis (SE) in poultry eggs can provide results up to 10-times faster than traditional methods, said the US company behind the product.

Organic consumer base ‘holds steady’, claims market researcher

The percentage of US consumers buying organic products has remained steady at 38-39 percent for three years running, according to research from TABS Group.

Obesity could spur US fat replacer market, says report

High obesity rates and demand for low-fat and fat-free foods could help improve the US market for fat replacement products, after growth slowed during the economic downturn, says a new...

Origin certification scheme launched to combat ‘honey laundering’

A coalition organization of honey companies and importers has revealed a new initiative to certify the origin of US honey in an effort to ensure product purity and safety.

Polar charges may play important role in aroma release: Study

The polar charges of food ingredients may play an important role in the retention and release of aroma compounds in a food matrix, according to new research.

Nutrigenomics gains interest among US consumers

More than half of US consumers like the idea of using their genetic make up to tailor-make dietary advice, according to new research from Datamonitor.

Hershey aiming to develop sensory science with academia link

Research aiming to improve understanding around the sensory attributes of confectionery is the objective of new collaboration between US chocolate giant Hershey and academia.

Addressing the challenge of aligning dietary guidelines and food supply

A meeting of food scientists and dietitians has produced a paper outlining ways to tackle the challenges of food reformulation to bring the food supply more in line with the...

New natural ingredient blend to maintain red spice color

Kemin Industries has developed a new natural liquid ingredient blend that delays oxidation and maintains the color of paprika and red-colored spices at a lower price than tocopherols, the company...

North American distribution deal could provide baobab boost

Newly launched Baobab Foods of Seattle is hoping to drive sales of baobab in the United States, through an exclusive distribution deal with South African baobab supplier Afriplex, the company...

Controlling gels using natural ingredients: Study

New food formulations may benefit from modified gels, made using a natural cross-linking reaction and phenolic compounds, according to new research from Australia.

Study finds sugary food and drinks increase teens’ heart disease risk

Teenagers who consume a lot of sugary foods and drinks are more likely to have risk factors for heart disease, according to new research published in Circulation.

IFF invests in Asia as demand grows for packaged foods

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) has said it plans to invest $100m in two new flavor facilities in Asia over the next three years, responding to increasing demand from Asian...

Salty odours may boost flavour and acceptance: Unilever study

Salty odours may improve the salty taste intensity and consumer acceptance of low salt foods by increasing the perception of salty flavours, according to new research from Unilever.

News in brief

Dean Foods’ shares jump as billionaire investor buys stock

Dean Food’s shares jumped up by over 11 per cent on Friday as hedge fund firm Appaloosa Management acquired a 7.35 per cent stake in Dean Foods.

Health awareness boosting soy food consumption

Aging populations are driving growth in the global market for soy foods, as more people turn to soy for its health benefits, according to a new report from Global Industry...

Solae's China centre to speed development for Asian customers

Soy ingredients company Solae opened a food application centre in Shanghai yesterday, promising to cut product development times for Asia-Pacific customers.

News in brief

Sensient Flavors makes exotic 2011 flavor trend predictions

 Sensient Flavors has pinpointed a number of unusual flavors as up-and-coming trends for the year ahead.

DuPont plans to tap synergies between Danisco and Solae

DuPont expects to become a ‘premier specialty food ingredients provider’ as a result of acquiring Danisco, and expects it to be particularly complementary to its Solae soy protein business.

Barilla vows to increase cage-free egg sourcing

 Pasta firm Barilla has pledged that 45 percent of its eggs will come from cage-free sources by the end of the year, becoming the latest food company to make a...

Food structure important to breakdown and sensory perception: Study

The structure of multi-ingredient foods may affect the way we chew, and break down, such products – and may influence the way we perceive foods with complicated structures, according to...

Sara Lee share price reaches new high as buyout speculation continues

Sara Lee share prices hit a new 52-week high on Monday as speculation about a possible buyout of the food giant continued.

US adults less eco-friendly in 2010

Americans were less likely to engage in environmentally friendly behaviors in 2010 than they were in 2009, despite being more likely to identify with eco-friendly terms, according to a new...

News in brief

Sara Lee makes sustainable coffee pledge

 Sara Lee has said it intends to source 20 percent of its coffee from sustainable sources by 2015, as part of a five-year sustainable commodities program.

BioExx plans to build ND protein plant after positive study

Canadian canola proteins company BioExx has said it intends to pursue building plans for an 80,000 metric ton processing plant in North Dakota this year, following a positive feasibility report.

New modified starch emulsifier may extend rice bran oil use in food

A new modified starch may stabilise rice bran emulsions, says a new study that extends the use of rice bran oil - an ingredient being show “increasing interest” by the...

Confectioners welcome step toward ending US-Mexico trade dispute

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has welcomed an initial proposal that could end an ongoing US-Mexico trucking dispute that has seen Mexico impose tariffs on a long list of US...

Danisco to be acquired by DuPont

Danisco is to be snapped up by DuPont for $6.3bn, in a deal Dupont says could create a global leader in industrial biotech – and help drive science-based solutions to...

New food safety bill should spur industry action: Report

New food safety legislation was signed into law last week, increasing the urgency for food companies to update their food safety plans, according to a new report from PwC US...

Tasty Baking’s financial challenges shows brand recognition isn’t enough, analyst

US firm Tasty Baking’s recent fiscal difficulties reflect the fact that nostalgia and brand recognition are not sufficient enough during continued economic uncertainty and rising commodity costs, says a Datamonitor...

News in brief

Chicken ‘titan' Don Tyson dies

Chicken processing “titan” Donald Tyson has died aged 80.

Study finds no difference between high protein and standard meal replacements

A new study comparing high protein and standard protein meal replacements has found no significant difference in terms of weight loss, liver function, renal function or bone density after one...

Emulsion composition may affect taste thresholds: Study

The type and concentration of fat used in emulsions may affect how we perceive certain tastes in foods, according to new research.

Gluten-free bakery proving earner for Penford

Gluten-free bakery ingredients had a strong quarter for US supplier Penford, which had a decline in overall profit for its first quarter 2011 but a rise in consolidated sales to...

FDA reveals final phase of Transparency Initiative

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has unveiled the third and final stage of an initiative intended to improve the transparency of its rulemaking process with the industries it regulates.

News in brief

GLG gets patent approval for separation methods

The Chinese State Intellectual Property Bureau has accepted stevia supplier GLG Life Tech’s patent applications covering separation methodologies for three different steviol glycosides, the company has said.

Dietary Guidelines likely to boost whole grain consumption: Report

The release of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans is among several factors likely to boost sales of whole grain and added-fiber products, according to a new report from Global...

US Pharmacopeia seeks comments on latest FCC standards

US Pharmacopeia (USP) has said it is seeking comments on its latest standards for inclusion in the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC), including a new method for determining the bio-based content...

Extrusion conditions key to sensory profiles of legume based snacks: Study

Varying the extrusion conditions of snacks made with lentil flour may help to create more acceptable sensory attributes in new product development, according to a new study.

Kraft likely to have robust defence in India tax probe, says legal expert

Kraft is likely to have a robust defence in relation to the reported investigation into any tax bill it might be liable for following its takeover of Cadbury in February...

Food allergies may cause more ER visits than previously thought

Food allergies send many more Americans to emergency rooms each year than previously thought, according to new research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Senomyx and Cadbury develop new flavour ingredients for gum

Flavour development company Senomyx has forged a partnership with confectionery manufacturer Cadbury Adams USA, a Kraft Foods division, to develop and commercialise new flavor modulators for gum and medicated confectionery...

Imperial Sugar returns to profit in 2010

Imperial Sugar Company returned to profit during fiscal 2010 as its Port Wentworth refinery continued to boost production following a 2008 explosion, although its losses widened in Q4, the company said.

News in brief

ADM acquires 100% of Golden Peanut Company

Archer Daniel Midlands (ADM) has said it is now the 100 percent owner of Golden Peanut Company after it acquired all outstanding stock from Alimenta (USA), from Alimenta S.A, an...

Study pinpoints novel allergen in celery

A highly stable novel allergen that may lead to severe reactions has been identified in celery stalks.

FAO food price index hits record high

The Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) food price index hit a record high in December, topping 2008’s previous high when soaring food costs led to food shortages and riots in...

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Agropur to acquire Main Street Ingredients

 Quebec-based dairy cooperative Agropur has signed an agreement to acquire Wisconsin-based Main Street Ingredients for an undisclosed sum.

Article calls for revision of FDA trans fat labeling guidelines

Current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for the labeling of trans fats are deceptive and need to be revised, claims an article published in the latest issue of the...

Frito Lay flags up natural snacks reformulation plans

Frito-Lay North America has unveiled plans to have approximately 50 per cent of its product portfolio made with all natural ingredients, including three of its biggest brands.

US firm Post Foods cuts sugar levels in its breakfast cereals

US cereal producer Post Foods is reducing the amount sugar in two of its cereals, a move that follows similar action by leading food manufacturers such as Kellogg’s and General...

Obama to sign food safety bill today, but funding still in doubt

President Obama is set to sign new food safety legislation into law later today, despite ongoing uncertainty about how it will be funded.

Reduction of pH key to green tea enriched biscuit quality, finds new study

Retention of green tea extracts in biscuits is improved by a reduction in the pH of the dough, finds new research looking at the stability of different catechins when fortifying...

Ivorian crisis not impacting cocoa supply, report

Delivery of cocoa bean supplies to ports in the Ivory Coast appears to be unaffected by the recent political turmoil following last month’s election in the West African country.

USDA to require Nutrition Facts on meat and poultry

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has said it will require nutrition labels on the 40 most popular raw meat products from January 1, 2012, including the number of calories...