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

Report calls for more action to prevent child obesity

Government, industry and the general public have yet again been called upon to curb the climbing childhood obesity crisis in the US by a recently published report from Stanford University's School of Medicine.

Low fat dairy raises infertility risk, study

Women who consume low fat dairy products like skimmed milk may significantly increase their risk of becoming infertile, new research from the US claims.

Nano scale coating process developed for baking sector

A US company claims to have developed a way to apply micro- and nano scale coating processes directly onto food products and their packaging materials.

US holds food additive meeting ahead of Codex

US food regulatory agencies are to hold a public meeting to discuss the nation's draft positions on food additives ahead of a Codex session due to take place in April.

NMI reveals top ten trends for 2007

Consumers are increasingly seeking control in their lives, a desire that has come to manifest itself through people's food and beverage product choices, according to an overview of market research.

Guest article

Caution recommended when adding caffeine to new foods

Obtaining a GRAS opinion for products containing added caffeine, as well as clearly labeling the substance, could help protect food and beverage manufacturers from future regulatory concerns, according to lawyers specializing in the food industry.

Sabinsa to up BioPerine price on pepper supply issues

Sabinsa Corporation anticipates an increase in the price of its patented BioPerine following a spike in the price of black pepper, from which the ingredient is extracted.

Study questions garlic's cholesterol-lowering powers

A new trial from the US has reported that garlic may not decrease LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, raising questions over the cardiovascular benefits of garlic.

DuPont reinvests to focus on biotechnology and genetics

US agricultural giant DuPont today announced it is to begin executing its $100m reinvestment plan, a move designed to increase the firm's innovation and meet growing demand for grain.

Consumer goods firms plan investments, price hikes

Most major US consumer products companies are optimistic about the year ahead, but higher costs could lead to a further hike in wholesale prices over the next six months, according to a new report.

Dean dairy rejects cloned milk

Leading US dairy firm Dean Foods has said it will not accept milk from cloned cows, adding weight to an industry and consumer move against the technology proposed by the nation's food regulator.

Black soy may offer weight management potential

Researchers from Korea have reported that peptides from black soy bean could have a role as a nutraceutical to combat obesity, after a study on rats in which they curbed weight gain.

New Chr Hansen meat lab tests flavors on site

European ingredients firm Chr Hansen has launched a new meat lab in the US, designed to allow for the on-site trials of flavors and seasonings in packaged meat goods.

Weekly Comment

Turning advertisers into educators

Instead of trying to hide confectionery from children by restricting advertising, chocolate-makers should be encouraging them to make the same health-conscious choices as adults when it comes to confectionery they're sure to buy anyway.

Non-GMO method for removing allergens from seafood?

A simple heat and irradiation treatment may reduce the levels of an allergenic protein in prawns that may make the seafood accessible to seafood allergy sufferers, Chinese researchers report.

Kerry launches new dairy ingredient for shelf-life extension

Kerry Bio-Science has launched an improved version of its fresh-keeping ingredients for dairy products, which claims to deliver improved performance at a lower cost.

Omega-3 market to climb to $7bn

With its United States market value swelling from approximately $100m to more than $2bn in four years, omega-3 enriched foods make up the strongest sector of the functional foods market - and there is still room for significant growth.

Coca-Cola joins industry move to label caffeine

Coca-Cola has announced that it plans to disclose the caffeine content on all of its beverages, as part of the company's rollout of expanded nutrition labeling in the US.

Chiquita struggles to face up to challenges

Banana supplier Chiquita has reported a widened loss in its fourth quarter and full year, but the firm said it expects a number of strategic initiatives it has put in place will help it gain momentum in 2007.

Olive leaf juice could be edible oil antioxidant

Olive juice, obtained by pressing olive leaves, may act as an antioxidant to prolong the frying life of frying oils, suggests a study using sunflower oil.

Wine waste could boost shelf life of fish

Antioxidant and fibre-rich waste from wine making could offer a cheap and healthy alternative to synthetic antioxidants to prolong the shelf life of fish meat, suggests a study from Spain.

Danisco develops organic dairy stabilizers

Danisco USA has expanded into the organic dairy sector, developing a range of stabilizer blends designed to replace its conventional blends in organic formulations.

Monsanto shares soybean technology to boost yields

Leading US biotechnology firm Monsanto has announced that it will provide free access to some of its soybean breeding technology, a move it expects will help identify pest resistant soybeans and increase yields.

Smoothie sales soar, but innovation remains crucial, report

Sales of smoothies in the US have rocketed over the past five years, but manufacturers must continue to develop innovative flavors in order to keep consumers engaged, according to a new report by Mintel.

Kraft plans roadmap for success

US snack giant Kraft has announced new initiatives which, it claims, will enable the company to hit long-term targets and reverse its recent revenue downturn.

Beverage color affects taste perception, reveals new research

The color of a drink can affect peoples' perception of its taste, according to new research, which claims to be the first of its kind to examine how attributes such as color, price or brand can impact consumer preferences.

Pepsi to disclose caffeine content on labels

Drinks giant PepsiCo is to disclose the caffeine content on cans and bottles of its flagship soda Pepsi, a move that comes amidst mounting debate surrounding the substance.

Chewing simulator could optimise flavour release

A new device that mimics human chewing could have ramifications for food formulators by providing a more detailed understanding of mastication and flavour release.

Inspectors to focus on meat plants with problems

Meat processors with poor food safety standards will face tougher and more frequent inspections under proposals made by a regulatory arm of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

TIC targets bakers with gum system for icings

Hydrocolloid supplier TIC Gums has introduced a gum system designed to prevent common problems in icings and glazes on baked goods.

Cargill sets up new supply agreements for Canada

Ingredients giant Cargill last week finalized agreements with three of Canada's leading food distributors.

Clean safety profile for myristic acid as a food ingredient

A safety assessment of the widely used ingredient myristic acid has shown that everyday intake is well below any level that may cause safety concerns.

Major food firms discuss growth opportunities

Executives in some of the nation's leading food companies are to meet today with analysts to present an update of their business and plans for future growth.

Lipogen gears up to bring PS to foods

Israeli phosphatidylserine (PS)-maker Lipogen said it is in talks with major food companies, following the FDA approved GRAS status it obtained in 2006 and is preparing to increase production capacity for an anticipated swell in demand.

ConAgra estimates peanut butter recall will cost $60m

ConAgra's recall of peanut butter products linked with the recent salmonella outbreak will cost the company up to $60m, the company said today.

Coffee trade talks are on track, insists ICO

A senior official fought back at suggestions that talks to establish a new international agreement to promote coffee consumption and sustainable production have hit problems.

Natural blue pigment from bacteria for food

Scientists have isolated a blue pigment from cultured soil bacteria that could offer a natural colouring with an excellent stability and toxicology profile for food.

Danisco ordered to pay up in patent infringement case

Enzyme firm Danisco is set to pay out over $8m in damages over a patent infringement battle between its subsidiary Genencor and competitor Novozymes.

Weekly Comment

Coming clean in crisis management

In the area of crisis management, companies seem keen to repeat history by making the same mistakes -- over and over again.

Lawmakers renew call for single food safety agency

An effort to consolidate food safety oversight in the US last week gathered momentum after the reintroduction of the Safe Food Act.

Coffee prices down in January

Coffee prices in January were subject to a slight downward adjustment in relation to their December level, according to the International Coffee Organization.

Study underlines global organic growth

A study showing that nearly 31 million hectares are currently certified according to organic standards will be presented tomorrow at BioFach 2007.

ConAgra reacts to salmonella scare

ConAgra Foods has voluntarily recalled all varieties of Peter Pan Peanut Butter and Great Value Peanut Butter after fears that these products may be linked to salmonella.

Health Canada review could see saccharin ban revoked

Reports from Canada indicate that country's ministry of health has reopened its evaluation of the ban on saccharin, the artificial sweetener linked to bladder cancer.

Fish intake linked to higher IQ in offspring

Eating more than 340 grams of omega-3-rich seafood per week during pregnancy was associated with higher verbal intelligence quotient (IQ) scores in the children, says a new study.

USDA pulled up over GM approval

A Federal Court has ruled that the USDA failed to abide by federal environmental laws when it approved a genetically engineered crop without conducting a full Environment Impact Statement (EIS).

Tate & Lyle sells Canadian sugar business

Tate & Lyle's agreement to the sale of its Canadian sugar refining business represents another move away from the commodity end of the market.

USDA publishes food forecast to 2016

USDA's agricultural projections to 2016 offer the food industry a description of what can be expected under a continuation of current farm legislation.

ARS scientists look to tap sugar beet pectin potential

New technology to extract pectin from sugar beet pulp could reduce extraction times and expand the potential of the ingredient, suggests research from the ARS.

More protein and sugar from soy

Scientists in the US have developed a new technique that could enhance the release of protein and sugar by about 50 per cent, a potentially big boost for the soy industry.

US biotech firms address analysts at ag forum

The nation's leading biotech firms yesterday outlined their performance and expectations at the eleventh annual Agricultural Biotech Forum held by investment banking firm Goldman Sachs.

Monsanto seeks approval for new GM soybean

A higher-yielding variety of genetically modified soybeans from Monsanto could be introduced commercially within the next few years, according to the leading biotechnology firm.

Colloidosomes potential for controlled release of ingredients

Scientists are continuing to look into the potential of "colloidosomes", novel oil-on-oil particles in an aqueous emulsion, as encapsulators for food.

Confectionery growth pushed by emerging markets

Confectionery has seen modest growth worldwide over the past year but markets such as Latin America and Asia Pacific are proving particularly buoyant, according to a new report from market analysts AC Nielsen which identifies growth areas in the food industry for 2006.

ARS publishes Spanish version of nutrition research briefs

New research findings on nutrition and food safety will now be more easily accessible to the nation's growing Hispanic population, with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) publishing its first Spanish version of a 'user-friendly' nutrition newsletter.

Trans fat cooperation targets wider dietary concerns

A new collaboration between Australian and New Zealand food safety authorities is to target high levels of unhealthy saturated fats within their national diets.

Corn Products expands polyols business with acquisitions

Ingredient firm Corn Products International has completed the acquisition of the food business of SPI Polyols, as well as the remaining 50 percent of SPI's Brazilian joint venture.

GM yeast variety has no effect on wine quality, reveal new trials

A new genetically modified yeast variety designed for use in wine production has been found to behave similarly to the parent commercial yeast strains during fermentation, according to its manufacturer First Venture Technologies.

Bill to ensure strict separation of cloning and organics

US senators have introduced legislation designed to prevent milk and meat products from cloned livestock from receiving an organic label under the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP).

Solubilised proteins may offer phosphate-free meats

Using solubilised proteins to replace phosphate to enhance the colour and texture of meat during storage may offer an alternative to phosphates, says new research.

Sensient earnings up on strong flavor sales

Flavor firm Sensient Technologies has reported strong results for its fourth quarter and full financial year, following higher sales, improved product mix and increased prices.

Polymer blend may offer cheaper cumin encapsulation

A blend of gum arabic, maltodextrin and modified starch improved stability and flavour content of microencapsulated cumin, the spice flavour, says new research.

FDA issues guidance on labeling claims

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a guidance letter to remind food and beverage manufacturers of the different types of labeling claims available for use, and to clarify the agency's regulation of these.

Untapped potential for functional foods in Europe, says Datamonitor

The value of the European functional foods market is a mere fraction of the US market, according to a new report from Datamonitor that highlights untapped potential in the continent.

Weekly Comment

Allergens: no room for mistakes

It would be a mistake for governments and industry to misinterpret the recent progress in food allergen labeling as a final solution: there is much that yet remains to be done, for the well-being of both consumers and manufacturers.

Probiotics lead functional category, Datamonitor

All categories of functional food and drink are on the upswing according to a new report from Datamonitor, but probiotic drinks and yogurts are leading this category.

Consumers confused by food safety recalls, study finds

A study of the recall of fresh bagged spinach that had potentially been contaminated with E. coli, found federal warnings had been effective in getting the message out to consumers, but that many others were left confused about what to eat or not.

Federal auditor calls for massive reform to food safety system

The current federal system for food safety regulation is fragmented, ineffective and inefficient and needs to be fixed, according to a report by the General Accounting Office (GAO).

Bunge bullish after challenging year

Ingredients firm Bunge has continued to see an improved performance in its last quarter, prompting the company to forecast a year of "improved earnings" next year.

Small amounts of guar gum for stronger whey gels, study

Adding about 0.1 per cent guar gum to whey protein gel boosted gel strength twelve-fold, says new research from Ireland.

Polymer demand increases on back of food, beverage growth

Natural polymers in the US are expected to see strong growth, with prices for the products forecast to stabilize, according to a new report.

FDA's cloned food proposal sees more opposition

The battle against cloned food has moved up a notch, with the Center for Food Safety joining a major dairy firm yesterday in protests against the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Cargill appoints new CEO

Leading US ingredient firm Cargill has announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer, a move that comes in the same week as a leadership reshuffle in competitor ADM.

Tensions rise over US dairy subsidies

America's dairy industry has ripped into the Bush administration's 'ineffective' spending plans for the sector, warning the proposals will not help domestic farmers or improve prospects of a world trade deal.

Beta-carotene suitable to colour low-fat mayo

Beta-carotene, a carotenoid already extensively used as a colorant, improved the colour of reduced-fat mayonnaise using beta-glucan, without affecting texture, says new research.

Confectioners urged to target French sugar-free market

Opportunities are rife within the French confectionery sector for those manufacturers willing to invest in innovation targeted at European consumers, according to a report by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Canadian regulations hamper functional food innovation

A Canadian industry association has singled out functional foods as a potentional savior of the country's manufacturing sector. However, it insists Canada will miss out on this unless its heavy regulatory environment is loosened.

ADM launches functional wheat protein isolates

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has launched a range of functional wheat protein isolates designed to enhance the taste, texture and appearance of cereal products.

Orange supply, price squeeze set for relief?

Orange prices in the US have shot up in the past few years on the back of an unexpected supply squeeze, but Florida's production potential could mean things will soon start to look up, according to some industry experts.

Canada unveils new dietary guidelines

Health Canada this week updated the country's food guide for the first time in over a decade to provide the "best, most current information available for eating well and living healthy," according to Canada's health minister Tony Clement.

Key to salt-tolerant wheat uncovered

A major advance in breeding new salt-tolerant varieties of wheat could have important implications for future supplies.

Food safety remains top in USDA budget proposal

The safety of America's food supply again remains a government priority for next year, according to details released yesterday from the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) 2008 budget.

FDA due to expand oat heart health claim

Oat products with a higher fat content could be eligible to carry a heart health claim, according to a new proposal by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

ADM reshuffles board, strategic growth continues

Leading agricultural firm Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) today announced a leadership reshuffle, a move that comes as the company positions itself for "continued growth" .

A drink to turn on your sex life

A new 'energy' drink containing an array of natural herbs claims it can help consumers improve their performance in the bedroom.

Cherries get boost as healthy fruit

The functional value of cherries is getting a boost through a Cherry Marketing Institute campaign. The organization today launched ChooseCherries.com to promote the fruit that formerly only had dessert connotations.

US diets improve in heart disease prevention efforts, study

The past two decades have seen an improvement in the quality of people's diets designed to prevent heart disease, according to a new study, which reveals an overall increase in fruit, vegetable and grain consumption.

General Mills to add healthy diet messages to kids' products

General Mills is to change the packaging of some of its products as well as embark on a new marketing campaign in an effort to promote good nutrition to children.

Enzymes improve quality of French fries, says study

Using pectolytic and hemicellulytic enzymes to change the microstructure of potato cells in French fries improves the quality of the finished product, suggests research from Novozymes.

Weekly Comment

Food versus fuel: is a happy ending possible?

The era of biofuels is here but this does not necessarily mean unending food price shocks or a critical diversion of agricultural production away from food.

Labor board rules against Smithfield in union vote

Stung by a labor board ruling against it and a $1.1m settlement, Smithfield Foods has been forced to announce it will allow workers to hold a new vote on unionisation at its giant plant in Tar Heel, North Carolina.

Frozen agriculture talks set to thaw?

Constructive discussions at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos have given the stalled Doha round of agriculture negotiations a new impetus.

Oleic-acid-rich sunflowers give trans-fat alternative - study

Oil from genetically modified sunflowers has increased stability against oxidation, giving them a longer shelf life, as well as having an improved health profile, suggests new research.

Dietitians to provide consumers with whole grain info

Another push has been made this week to promote the consumption of whole grains, with a new fact sheet sent to thousands of dietitians around the nation aiming to provide people with simple information and advice about the grains.

Corn Products closes 'record' 100th year

Corn Products International has reported "record" sales for 2006, closing its 100th anniversary year with what it had forecast to be its "best year ever" .

New Farm Bill to promote fruit, veg in schools

Improving nutrition in schools and fighting trade barriers are two priorities of the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) 2007 farm bill proposal, unveiled yesterday by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.

Coke and Nestlé face lawsuit for energy drink claims

Drinks giants Coca-Cola and Nestlé were today slapped with a lawsuit for claiming that their new Enviga energy drink can help consumers burn off calories.

ADM posts strong half year sales

US agricultural giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) today reported strong results for the first half of the year, saying its performance takes it further towards its strategic goal.

China helps drive carbonated beverage growth

China is one of five nations worldwide set to drive massive growth of in the carbonated drinks market by 2011, according to a new report by consumer analyst Euromonitor.

Pectin gels offer low-fat mayo possibilities

Pectin gels improved the caloric profile of mayonnaise without changing the texture, says research that may offer interesting possibilities for mayonnaise formulators.