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Givaudan to work with MIT researchers on ‘flavor algorithms’

Flavor giant Givaudan is working with scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to come up with a ‘flavor algorithm’ that could one day replace human taste testers.

ADM profits shrink 89% on higher corn costs

Grain processing giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has seen its second quarter profit shrink 89% on higher corn costs and lower oilseed earnings, although sales have grown, the company said on Tuesday.

Industry groups urge federal funding for food safety

An industry coalition led by the American Frozen Foods Institute (AFFI) has urged the Obama administration to adequately fund food safety initiatives, without levying extra taxes or industry fees.

Social media could enhance foodborne outbreak detection - report

“Rich data sources” like Twitter and Facebook could be utilised as a tool in the surveillance of foodborne disease outbreaks, according to a US study.

FoodJobs: People on the Move

It has been another busy month for industry appointments, including a shuffle in the top jobs at Campbell's and Sara Lee. FoodNavigator-USA presents this latest photo gallery round-up of the big moves at major food manufacturing and ingredients companies.

Brazilian orange juice detained after positive carbendazim results

US food safety officials have denied entry to 11 shipments of orange juice products, including five from Brazil, after carbendazim was found in import samples.

Just a matter of time before canola protein enters the major league, says BioExx

"At least 12 major players in the food industry" are testing canola protein from BioExx, while a tie up with Century Foods to develop canola-protein-based sports products is also progressing well, claims the veggie protein specialist.

Coupon use is now ‘a way of life’: Report

Coupon use continued to increase in 2011 as money-saving habits adopted during the recession have become a way of life for many Americans, according to media and marketing services company Valassis.

Nestlé wages war with Mead Johnson over nutritional drinks bottles design

Nestlé and Mead Johnson - two of the biggest guns in infant nutrition - have become embroiled in a row over the design of bottles used by both firms to package their nutritional drinks.

MA governor proposes taxing soda and candy

Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick has proposed eliminating a sales tax exemption on soda and candy in the state as part of the state’s 2013 budget, and plough extra taxes raised into public health programs.

Goya Foods joins Michelle Obama to promote MiPlato in Hispanic communities

Goya Foods has joined Michelle Obama to provide Spanish language, Hispanic-flavored nutrition resources centered on the MyPlate icon, or MiPlato, as part of the First Lady’s Let’s Move initiative.

McCormick: 40% of flavor projects with US manufacturers are in healthier foods

Almost four out of 10 product development projects for US food manufacturers developed by McCormick & Co last year were on “flavor solutions that feature all-natural ingredients, reduced sodium, lower calorie and other healthy attributes”, its chief executive has revealed.

News in brief

PepsiCo counts another three billion-dollar brands

PepsiCo now has 22 brands with at least $1bn of sales each year, including 14 billion-dollar beverage brands, with Diet Mountain Dew, Brisk and Starbucks RTD the most recent additions, the company has said.

New opportunities for food marketers as American eating habits shift

Economic uncertainty is changing the way America eats, creating a series of “virtually untapped” opportunities for food marketers, according to a new report.

Fermented soy’s fat busting potential linked to genes

The ability of a fermented soy product to reduce body fat levels may be linked to a person’s genetics, says a new study from South Korea.

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.

News in brief

Nonni's Foods acquires V.I.S cookie brand

North American biscotti firm Nonni's Foods has acquired cookie maker V.I.S’s THINaddictives brand.

Naturex introduces fruit- and vegetable-derived colors in the US

Natural extracts manufacturer Naturex has introduced a new range of fruit and vegetable-derived colors in the United States, as part of its NAT color range.

Expect ‘considerable growing pains’ as FSMA kicks in, warns lawyer

While the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) will undoubtedly “raise the floor” and increase confidence in the US food supply, experts are predicting “considerable growing pains” as the industry gets to grips with the new legislation.

HFCS and sugar: Can your body tell the difference after all?

The body may absorb more fructose from high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) than it does from sucrose, according to a new study published in the journal Metabolism.

Glanbia to open new HQ in Twin Falls, Idaho

Glanbia Foods has said it will open a new cheese innovation center and corporate offices in downtown Twin Falls, Idaho at a cost of about $15m, with construction due to begin later this year.

Egg laying hen welfare proposal prompts diverse criticism

Proposed legislation to formalize an agreement over welfare conditions for egg laying hens been criticized by farmers for involving the politics of animal welfare, and an animal welfare organization for endorsing “abusive confinement systems”.

News in brief

Nutraveris establishes NJ office to bridge US-EU divide

US companies seeking to expand into Europe should focus on the solutions and not the problems of the EU market to ensure success, says the CEO of a leading European scientific & regulatory consultancy.

Revising food packaging standards will reflect industry practices - USDA

The revision of US food container inspection law has been proposed, with the aim of bringing the regulation up to speed with 21st century food packaging technology.

Traffic light-style labeling could encourage healthier choices: Study

Color-coded labeling and rearranging products in-store could lead consumers to make healthier choices, according to a new study from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers.

House bill aims to formalize improved egg laying hen conditions

A bipartisan group of Representatives has proposed a bill aiming to standardize improved conditions for egg laying hens across the country, in an effort to avoid a patchwork of state laws.

Sensient opens new color and flavor factory in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Wisconsin-based colors, flavors and fragrances giant Sensient Technologies has signaled its ambitions in the fast-growing Brazilian food market with the opening of a new color and flavor complex in Jundiaí, Sao Paulo.

News in brief

PepsiCo cites dairy as ‘key component’ in global growth strategy

Pepsico says that the dairy sector is a ‘key component’ in its global growth strategy, and has the potential to post growth more than double that of bakery and chilled processed foods combined.

Danisco acquisition provides bright spot for DuPont in 2011

DuPont benefited from last year’s acquisition of Danish specialty food ingredient company Danisco in the fourth quarter of 2011, as revenue more than doubled in its nutrition and health business – although the chemical group’s overall profit fell slightly.

Mexican sugar shortage could lead to price hike unless USDA acts – analyst

Global sugar prices could rise following a shortage in Mexican production unless the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) allows additional imports, according to the Jenkins Sugar Group.

Comment

Brazilian oranges in America’s favorite juice. Why the surprise?

So, the US imports quite a lot of orange juice from Brazil. The fact that so many are surprised by that underlines (again) how poorly we understand our food supply.

Walmart expert: Food safety is a ‘shared responsibility’

Today’s complex and interdependent food supply chain makes food safety a shared responsibility more than ever before, according to vice president of food safety at Walmart Frank Yiannas.

USDA awards $25m grant to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for E. coli research

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a $25m research grant to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) to tackle Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in the beef supply chain.

Simple nutrition information could be ‘powerful marketing tool’, says Nielsen

Food marketers have an opportunity to help consumers seeking healthy foods by providing easy-to-understand nutrition information on-pack, according to a new report from Nielsen.

‘Critical’ food safety focus in poultry inspection will save $90m - USDA

A proposal to modernise poultry inspection in the US will focus resources on areas critical to ensuring food safety while reducing the burden on the taxpayer, the US government has announced.

News in brief

Ajinomoto to invest 2bn yen (US$26m) in Brazil seasoning plant expansion

Japanese ingredients giant Ajinomoto has begun construction work on a 2bn yen (US$26m) expansion of its flavor seasoning plant in Brazil.

Life under the Food Safety Modernization Act: Tracing, tracking and brand protection

The ability to track and trace ingredients is likely to be a major focus for food manufacturers as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is rolled out – but the most important consideration for companies is brand reputation, according to a FSMA specialist at ADT Security Services.

Healthier processed food on the menu in 2012, says Packaged Facts

Processed foods are likely to get a health kick this year, with more whole grains, lean poultry and seafood, vegetables, and mono- and poly-unsaturated fats, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.

FDA yet to find any trace of carbendazim in orange juice

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is yet to find any trace of carbendazim in imports of orange juice since promising to block entry to shipments containing the fungicide.

Corporate reputation as important as product brands, survey suggests

More than two-thirds of consumers avoid buying products if they dislike the parent company, according to the results of a new survey from Weber Shandwick and KRC Research.

News in brief

'Extraordinary outcome' for NutraCea as it pays off all of its creditors

Stabilized rice bran (SRB) specialist NutraCea has finally paid off all of its creditors 14 months after emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

‘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 dangers of eating cheese.

Treehouse turnaround derailed by sudden drop in volume

Private label products giant Treehouse Foods blamed a sudden drop in volumes in December for derailing its turnaround and delivering a disappointing finish to its financial year.

NAD review challenges Gerber over ‘immune support’ and ‘natural’ claims

Industry-backed ad watchdog the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus (NAD) has taken issue with Gerber over its use of the terms ‘natural’ and ‘immune support’ on products for toddlers.

Purdue meta-analysis supports ‘modest’ weight management benefits of capsaicin

Capsaicin, the main pungent compound in hot peppers, and capsiates, non-pungent compounds in sweet peppers, show ‘modest’ weight management potential, says a new meta-analysis from Purdue University.

News in brief

Hong Kong 'liaising' with US over carbendazim in orange juice

Food safety officials in Hong Kong are continuing to liaise with US authorities over carbendazim levels in orange juice – despite tests on the beverage returning negative results.

Judge upholds USDA requirement for raw almond pasteurization

A federal judge has again upheld a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) rule that US raw almonds must be pasteurized in order to mitigate risk of salmonella, after organic almond growers challenged the rule.

Almond milk catching up with soy as favorite non-dairy milk alternative

Almond milk was the fastest growing non-dairy milk alternative in 2011 in sales and popularity, as consumer awareness of plant-based milk health benefits has grown, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.

Tropicana’s Pure Premium returns to Florida oranges

PepsiCo is returning to using only Florida oranges in its Tropicana Pure Premium orange juice, saying that its decision was based on more people becoming interested in where their food comes from, rather than recent concerns over fungicide traces.

Fair Trade USA revises multiple ingredient labeling policy

Fair Trade USA has revised its policy for labeling products with multiple ingredients, introducing a new ‘Fair Trade Certified Ingredients’ label alongside an updated logo.

Plant ‘nourishing’ gene could help boost global crop yields

The discovery of a 'nourishing gene' that controls how nutrients are distributed in plants and crops could offer hope for improved crop yield and increased food production, say researchers.

Academic: Government sodium targets are incompatible with rest of dietary guidelines

Further evidence that government healthy eating guidelines are more ‘aspirational’ than achievable has been uncovered by researchers testing how easy it is to meet low sodium targets and get the rest of the nutrients we need.

Gulf seafood ‘as safe as before the spill’, says FDA

“Gulf seafood is as safe to eat now as it was before the spill,” FDA deputy commissioner for foods Michael Taylor has said, as government agencies continue to try and reassure the public about seafood safety in the region.

Kraft to cut 1,600 jobs in preparation for company split

Kraft Foods has said it will cut about 1,600 jobs from its US and Canadian workforce over the next 12 months, as it prepares to split into two separate companies.

DRI president leads 2012 dairy charge to spotlight ‘total nutrient package’

Reflecting on a successful last year in research terms, US Dairy Research Institute (DRI) president Gregory Miller told Dairy Reporter.com about the key challenges facing the industry in 2012.

The Delboeuf illusion: Why expanding dinner plates are expanding our waistlines

An optical illusion documented by Belgian philosopher Franz Joseph Delboeuf in the 1860s could help to explain why smaller plates could help us battle the bulge, according to a new study.

Ralcorp board approves Post cereals spin-off

Ralcorp has outlined the shape of the company after it spins off its Post cereals business, four years after it bought the maker of Grape-Nuts, Raisin Bran and Honey Bunches of Oats from Kraft Foods for $1.65bn.

Experts clash over how to measure livestock’s impact on GHG emissions

Debate is heating up over how to calculate the proportion of greenhouse gas emissions from meat and dairy production, with ongoing disagreement among academics over varying study methodologies.

News in brief

ConAgra moves into packaged fruit/veg with Del Monte Canada acquisition

ConAgra Foods has struck a deal to buy packaged fruit, veg and snacks maker Del Monte Canada Inc from an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners for an undisclosed sum.

FDA: We’ll publish FSMA foreign supplier verification rules ‘soon’

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has missed its January 4 deadline for publishing details of how it will regulate imported food under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), but says it will update the industry “soon”.

IFF sets up scientific advisory board to speed innovation

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) has set up a scientific advisory board, with the aim of broadening its scientific knowledge and accelerating innovation at the firm.

News in brief

PepsiCo and Ocean Spray announce strategic alliance to crack Latin America

PepsiCo and Ocean Spray have annonced a strategic alliance in Latin America in a bid to strengthen the former's juice portfolio in the region and increase accessibility of the latter's products in this region.

Union attacks Canadian government plans to cut food inspection funding

The Canadian government is planning cuts to food safety inspection funding put in place following the Maple Leaf listeriosis outbreak – a move that a food safety inspectors’ union claims could increase foodborne illness risk.

BASF pulls out of European GM market

Ingredients and chemicals giant BASF has announced it will pull the plug on its European operations in genetically modified plant development due to a lack of acceptance in the market.

Salt increases blood pressure by adrenalin, not volume expansion

It has long been thought that excessive salt consumption raises blood pressure by increasing blood volume, but researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine have conducted a research review that suggests another mechanism may be at work.

One more cup of coffee for the (non-diabetic) road?

Heavy coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to a new study by Chinese researchers published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Orange juice fungicide row highlights flaws in US pesticide regime, says expert

The orange juice/carbendazim row currently engulfing the US orange juice market “highlights the questionable way that Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulate pesticides in foods”, according to one food law attorney.

News in brief

Ralcorp announces Post and Ralcorp board members following Post spin-off

Ralcorp Holdings has announced the composition of its board of directors and that of Post Holdings following the spin-off of the Post cereal business from Ralcorp, planned for completion by the end of the month.

Ethical claims create health halos, study suggests

Ethical production claims such as ‘fair trade’ may influence how consumers perceive calorie content, according to new research published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science.

Fatty taste receptor may explain fatty food preference: Study

Scientists claim to have discovered a fatty taste receptor in humans, which could make people more or less sensitive to the fat content of food and influence food preference, according to a new study published in the Journal of Lipid Research.

Hostess financial woes due to 'ineffective executives', says union leader

A major bakery workers union has hit out against Hostess Brands for its assertion that pensions obligations were a principal reason for its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, blaming 'ineffective executives' instead.

What’s hot in 2012? African Mango, organic supplements and brain food, says SPINS

African Mango, probiotics, chia, fermented drinks, organic supplements and cognitive health will be top of the health food pops this year, according to TrendWatch 2012, a new report from natural products specialist SPINS.

Cantaloupe trade bodies to develop food safety guidance

US produce industry associations intend to develop cantaloupe-specific food safety guidelines to combat the fruit’s association with a listeria outbreak that killed dozens of people in 2011.

US obesity fell (slightly) last year

The number of obese adults in the United States declined slightly in 2011, according to a new Gallup poll, from 26.6% of the population in 2010 to 26.1%.

Lawyer: Kellogg et al have nothing to gain and everything to lose from expansion of internet top level domains

Food manufacturers have nothing to gain and everything to lose from moves to expand the number of top-level domain (TLD) names allowed on the internet, according to one legal expert.

News in brief

Penford completes Carolina Starches acquisition

Penford Corporation has completed its acquisition of Carolina Starches, a manufacturer of modified starches and starch blends with annual revenue of about $25m, the company has said.

Orange juice price spikes after carbendazim scare

The price of orange juice futures hit a 34-year high, after news that US food safety authorities would block imports of the fruit containing even low-levels of carbendazim – a fungicide commonly used in Brazil.

Retailers use private label products for differentiation, ERS report finds

Private label, or store brand, products continued to do well even as the economy began to recover, as retailers increasingly use private labels to differentiate themselves from the competition, according to a new report from the USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS).

Food presentation could affect kids’ food choices, suggests study

Food choices are influenced by presentation for children as well as adults – but what appeals to kids may be quite different from what appeals to their parents, suggests new research published in the journal Acta Pædiatrica.

News in brief

Meat-eating drops in US

US meat and poultry consumption has fallen dramatically over the past five years, according to the Daily Livestock Report.

ADM to slash 1,000 jobs

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) intends to cut 1,000 jobs, or about 3% of its global workforce, as part of an effort to save about $100m a year, the company said on Wednesday.

Global food preservatives market to grow at CAGR of 2.5% in next five years

The global food preservative market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% in the next five years, according to a new report from Markets and Markets.

US juice trade association fights Brazilian fungicide fallout

The US Juice Products Association (JPA) has moved to allay consumer concerns that orange juice produced in the country is unsafe, after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it was blocking some Brazilian imports found to contain the substance.

Recession-induced comfort eating produces weight loss market boom

The US weight loss products industry is expected to grow 4.5% in 2012 to $65bn, as an increasingly overweight population looks to shift some of the extra pounds gained through recession comfort eating, according to market research organization Marketdata Enterprises.

Imperial Sugar loss widens, shares fall to year-low

Imperial Sugar’s share price slumped to a 52-week low on Wednesday, after it reported a wider net loss in the fourth quarter and missed analyst expectations by $1.84.

Twinkies maker Hostess Brands files for bankruptcy

Wonder bread and Twinkies maker Hostess Brands has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to allow it to restructure, but does not expect to stop producing or delivering any of its products during the process, the company said on Wednesday.

McCormick blazes culinary trail with 2012 flavor forecast

Novel flavor combinations from blueberry with cardamom and corn masa to grapefruit with red pepper could tantalize our taste buds in 2012 according to a new report from seasonings giant McCormick.

News in brief

Pfizer still courting suitors for $1.87bn nutrition division

Nestlé, Danone, Abbott Laboratories and Heinz remain in the running to purchase the $1.87bn nutrition division of Pfizer, its CEO Ian Read confirmed yesterday.

Jensen Farms auditor did not follow FDA processing guidance

Auditors who gave Jensen Farms a “superior” rating, only months before a lethal Listeria outbreak, largely ignored FDA antimicrobial guidance, a US government report has found.

Blanket tax on ‘liquid candy’ soft drinks would give US health kick, Columbia study

A penny-per-ounce tax on sugary soft drinks would ‘substantially reduce obesity, diabetes and heart disease amongst US adults’, according to a new study by academics at Columbia University.

Tropicana sued over ‘100% pure and natural’ orange juice claim

Tropicana Products Inc. is the latest company to be sued over use of the term ‘natural’ – this time to describe its not-from-concentrate ‘100% pure and natural’ orange juice.

Cargill reports third consecutive quarter of squeezed margins, profits plunge 88%

Cargill has reported an 88% drop in profits in the second quarter, as volatile financial markets hit its commodity-based trading and asset management businesses.

News in brief

USDA acted legally in deregulating GM alfalfa, judge rules

A federal judge has dismissed claims that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) acted illegally by deregulating Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) alfalfa seeds, used primarily as feedstock for dairy cattle.

BioExx completes GRAS notification process for canola proteins

BioExx has received a no objections letter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to its GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) notification for canola proteins Isolexx and Vitalexx.

USDA to shut 259 offices in cost-saving initiative

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said on Monday it intends to close 259 offices, facilities and laboratories across the United States, as part of an effort to save about $150m a year in the agency’s $145bn budget.

New mechanism reveals link between maternal diet and diabetes

Mothers who consume a poor diet through pregnancy risk leaving their children less able to store fats correctly in later life, leading to a higher risk of diabetes, according to new research in rats.

Sucralose may not affect blood sugar or insulin resistance, study suggests

Sucralose may not raise levels of blood sugar or increase the likelihood of insulin resistance, according to the results of a new study published in the journal Nutrition Research, comparing the body’s response to sucralose and sucrose.

FDA hails ‘significant progress’ under year-old food safety law

The Food and Drug Administration claims it has made significant progress with regulatory developments related to the Food Safety Modernization Act since the bill was signed into law a year ago, according to its one-year progress report.

Faster detection key to improving food safety, says GFPI boss

Firms that can improve sample collection and preparation and make pathogen detection faster and cheaper will secure the first cash injections from the Global Food Protection Institute’s (GFPI’s) Emerging Technology Accelerator (ETA) initiative this month.

News in brief

Red meat link to kidney cancer

Red and processed meat consumption can increase the risk of kidney cancer, according to a new study by US researchers.

Gum derived from cress seed could have thickener potential

Cress seed gum (CSG) could be an interesting and promising thickener in food formulations, finds a new study from Iran.

IFF and Mane settle patent infringement case

Flavor firms International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) and V. Mane Fils have settled a patent infringement case over the cooling flavor compound monomenthyl succinate (MMS), with IFF making a $40m payment to Mane.

Butter, portion control, tart cherries and stevia. Welcome to 2012

Forget goji berries and noni juice. Tart cherries, blueberries and other more familiar fruits are likely to trump their exotic cousins in 2012 as shoppers tire of Orac-tastic superfruits, according to trend watcher Hartman Group.

Starch intake may raise breast cancer recurrence risk: Study

High consumption of starchy foods may be linked with an increased risk of breast cancer tumours returning in women who have already had breast, according to a new study.

Hansen gets green light to turn into a Monster

Soft drinks maker Hansen Natural has secured its shareholders’ approval to change its name to Monster Beverage Corporation to better reflect the dominant role the Monster energy drink brand plays in its business.

Distributor Batory Foods acquires Mac & Massey

Food and ingredients distributor Batory Foods has acquired Atlanta, Georgia based ingredient broker and distributor Mac & Massey for an undisclosed sum, although the company is calling it the largest acquisition in its 33-year history.

Global nutraceutical ingredient market worth €18.5bn in 2015

Demand for nutraceutical ingredients like botanicals, vitamins, minerals and omega-3s will grow 7.2% annually until at least 2015 to be worth €18.5 billion with newer markets like Mexico and South Korea helping drive growth in the sector, according to market analyst, Freedonia.

Allergen management improving, but still work to do, says Deloitte

Food manufacturers are upping their game on allergen management, but many still take information from ingredients suppliers about allergens “at face value without further verification”, according to a survey by Deloitte & Touche.

News in brief

Canned mouse would have turned to jelly: PepsiCo

PepsiCo is fighting claims by a consumer that he found a dead mouse in a Mountain Dew can, with a scientist testifying that there is no way the creature could have passed the bottling process intact.

Probiotics and stevia extracts among new FCC proposed standards

US Pharmacopeia has drafted new ingredient quality standards for inclusion in the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC), for probiotics, steviol glycosides, benzoates, infant formula and flavoring ingredients, and is seeking industry comments.

Canadian listeria cheese warnings reiterated in US

US health authorities have issued a warning in relation to a variety of cheese and dairy products potentially contaminated with listeria monocytogenes – weeks after Canadian officials recalled the same products.

New research combats technical challenges for lemon oil emulsions

Research into the production of colloid systems with lemon oil could have “important implications” for the production of more economical emulsions in the food and beverage industry, say researchers.

Naturally-positioned sweeteners to lead market growth: Report

The US alternative sweeteners market will grow by 3.3% a year to reach about $1.4bn in 2015 – and naturally positioned sweeteners like stevia and agave nectar will lead the way, claims a new report from market research organization Freedonia.

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.

News in brief

‘Discovery’ theme runs through Sensient’s 2012 flavor predictions

Sensient Flavors has said consumer interest in discovery underlines its top ten flavor predictions for the coming year, including flavors that are totally new to American palates and others that are reinventions of familiar tastes.

CFA calls for “Alcohol Facts” labeling

The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) has renewed a call for nutrition facts labeling on alcoholic beverages, which it says was agreed by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in 2007.

News in brief

‘Surprising combinations’ feature on Comax Flavors’ 2012 trends list

Comax Flavors has released its predictions for 2012 flavor combination trends under four categories: Ethnic Fusion, Pickled Paradise, Wine Whimsy and Regional Reverie.

Interactive timeline: The Food Safety Modernization Act

A year ago today, President Obama signed the Food Safety Modernization Act into law. FoodNavigator-USA tracks its development and implementation - as well as all the controversy along the way - in our exclusive interactive timeline.

Better knowledge of natural sugars could lead to ‘designer sweeteners’, say researchers

Better defining the relationship between chemical structure and digestibility of under-used natural sugars could help industry to produce a new generation of “designer” sweeteners, say researchers.

Calories alone, not protein, responsible for body fat increases, says research

Calorie consumption alone is responsible for increase in body fat, whilst protein intake may contribute to changes in energy expenditure, according to new research.

Gelatine giant Rousselot grows with North American acquisition

The world’s foremost supplier of gelatine to the confectionery industry Rousselot has acquired North American gelatine manufacturer Eastman Gel.

‘Free from’ top-of-mind for health-conscious consumers, survey finds

Health- and eco-conscious consumers are just as interested in the ingredients their foods do not contain as those that make it onto the ingredient list – but price remains a top priority, according to a new survey.

FoodJobs: People on the Move

FoodNavigator-USA brings you its latest photo gallery illustrating all the big moves at major food ingredient and manufacturing firms over the past month.

Comment

FoodNavigator-USA predicts top five industry influences in 2012

As the New Year begins, FoodNavigator-USA predicts the top five factors likely to have the greatest impact on the US food and beverage industry in the year ahead.

FDA sued over lack of nanotech petition response

A coalition of consumer advocacy groups has filed a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), demanding that it respond to a 2006 petition to require labeling of nanotech ingredients in consumer products, and extra health and environmental assessments.

US dairy sector beat fiscal doldrums in 2010, IDFA

2010 world dairy market prices recovered from lows caused by the world financial crisis the year before, according to a new report from the US-based International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).

December in pictures: Food safety funding, deadly cantaloupes, CSPI attacks Quorn, and GM salmon in the dock...

December was an eventful month for the food industry, with several players under regulatory scrutiny, including meat substitute maker Quorn and AquaBounty, the maker of a fast-growing genetically modified salmon. Here's the food industry month in pictures.

Revised estimate puts foodborne illness cost at about $78bn a year

The cost of foodborne illness in the United States is about $77.7bn per year, according to Dr. Robert Scharff, an Ohio State University assistant professor and former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) economist – slashing in half his previous, widely cited $152bn estimate.

News in brief

Undeclared sulphites prompt Baraka Apricot Candy recall

US based UBC Food Distributors has recalled 400g cellophane wrapped, product of Lebanon Baraka Apricot Candies after they were found to contain undeclared sulphites as preservatives.

US egg Salmonella prevention guidance issued

New US guidance on the prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in eggs through improved bio-security measures has been published, with the intention of preventing cross contamination.

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 new research.

Mead Johnson infant formula given all clear by US feds

No traces of Cronobacter have been found at the Mead Johnson infant formula plant and there is no need for a product recall, said US safety bodies last week as part of an investigation into four babies infected with the bacteria - two of whom have died.

Altered food safety measures may hinder listeria assessments - FSIS

US food safety authorities have urged producers of ready-to-eat meats not to change listeria-related food safety practices in the run up to inspections.