News in brief

Ice cream targeted in peanut recall

Wells’ Dairy says that it has expanded a voluntary recall of a number of its ice cream brands across the US over fears they may have been contaminated with Salmonella...

Work to rebuild public trust in peanuts begins

The National Peanut Board (NPB) has announced a plan to regain public trust in peanuts as the ongoing recall due to possible salmonella contamination has severely damaged peanuts’ wholesome image.

Consumers look to health and wellness in recession

Focusing on health and wellness and building brand awareness are the most successful strategies for weathering the global economic storm, according to a Frost and Sullivan analyst.

Acrylamide not linked to breast cancer in women: Study

Dietary intakes of acrylamide are not related to increased risks of breast cancer, says a new study from Harvard.

Line producing rPET aims to meet hike in demand

A new line enables commercial production of a recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) food grade resin that overcomes the typical performance challenges of this type of packaging material, claims Phoenix Technologies.

Mach One acquires Ceres Organic Harvest

Mach One has completed its acquisition of Ceres Organic Harvest. While it will be business as usual for the food side of Ceres, Mach One has its eye on human...

Neighborhood dictates diet quality, say researchers

The availability of healthy food and quality of diet depends more on where you live than previously thought, according to research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Acrylamide may be added to Canada’s toxic substance list

Health Canada has recommended that acrylamide – a possible carcinogen found in French fries and potato chips – be included on the nation’s list of toxic substances.

Multinationals adding more fiber to their food, says Datamonitor

New data released today from Datamonitor finds that food manufacturers are increasingly adding fiber to their products, in a move described as going “back to basics”.

Heart study may raise pressure to cut acrylamide levels in snacks

Too much snacking on potato chips may increase the risk of hardening of the arteries, and raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, says a joint Polish-Swedish study.

Amino acids against acrylamide – choice is critical for effects: Study

Using amino acids to compete with, and reduce, the sources of acrylamide should focus on the common additive cysteine, according to results from Belgium.

GMA extols irradiation’s virtues for food safety

The Grocery Manufacturers Association has been at pains to reassure consumers that it does not consider irradiation a replacement for current food safety procedures, but it could be incorporated...

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Diana reports good preliminary data for cranberry ingredient

Brittany-based Diana Naturals is building the science behind its cranberry ingredients’ efficacy against urinary tract infections, according to preliminary results.

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Maple Leaf in listeria-linked recall

More than 1,100 cases of hot dogs have been voluntarily recalled by Maple Leaf Foods after the products were shipped in violation of the company’s rigorous food safety protocols in...

Enzyme targets profitable lactose application extensions

Testing is underway on global demand for an enzyme claimed by its manufacturers to ensure greater profitability from lactose, both in terms of food and non-food based applications.

Bumper rice harvest will ease prices, says FAO

The rice shortages of last year look to be at an end, as farmers upped production this year to ease the tight supply situation, according to the latest market data...

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Scientists pinpoint disease-fighting gene in bread wheat

An international team of researchers has identified a gene that could make bread wheat capable of resisting stripe rust, a disease that causes severe crop losses in global wheat-growing regions.

Food confidence index to inform safety strategies, say researchers

Researchers at the University of Minnesota are amassing data to develop a food confidence monitor along the same lines as the Consumer Sentiment Index.

Campbell on board with salt reduction effort

As the Institute of Medicine (IOM) considers a strategy to reduce salt in the American diet, the food industry is under pressure to cut products’ salt content. Campbell is the...

How the US stimulus bill impacts food: Part II

Indirect benefits of the economic stimulus bill signed by President Obama earlier this month are set to filter through to manufacturers of food, beverage and supplement products – especially the...

Mushroom extract shows promise for meat preservative

An extract from the edible mushroom Flammulina velutipes may prolong the shelf-life of tuna meat, while also stabilising the colour of the meat, suggests new research from Japan.

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Chiquita’s banana business hit by salad slump

Chiquita has posted weak fourth quarter results, as it has been hit by a big drop in sales of its packaged salads, on top of higher costs and a...

Peanuts at the ready for replacing recalled products

A glut of peanuts on the back of a bumper crop could come as a blessing for food manufacturers, providing a supply of peanuts for those who eventually wish...

Stricter meat labelling urged in US

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is requesting that US meatpackers voluntarily impose a stricter regime of country-of-origin labelling (COOL) for meat than that required under the Bush administration ruling.  

Comment

Turning the key on new food technologies

Consumer concerns about a synthetic growth hormone used in milk production have prompted two leading food producers in the United States – General Mills and Dannon – to reformulate...

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Hershey non-exec chairman resigns

Non-executive chairman Kenneth Wolfe has stood down at chocolate giant Hershey following a request from the company's controlling stockholder, the Hershey Trust.

Carotenoids from annatto, paprika may reduce off-flavours in emulsions

Extracts from paprika, annatto and marigold, rich in antioxidant carotenoids, could significantly reduce the spoilage due to oxygen of model oil-in-water emulsions, says new research from Greece.

Organic growth freezes but will thaw, says Mintel

The number of consumers buying environmentally friendly products has slowed with the economy but is still expected to increase over the next five years, according to new research from Mintel.

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Solae builds quality assurance bulk

Soy ingredient firm Solae is extending its internal food safety and quality assurance capabilities with two new specialists, in line with growing expectations from consumers.

Walnuts’ health benefits push purchases: Survey

Consumers are more likely to buy products that contain walnuts when health claims are featured on the pack as their popularity has increased in line with nutritional awareness, according...

Peanut-gate: Will consumers still trust American food – your views

The salmonella contamination of peanut products has brought American food safety under scrutiny causing some to question the value of the Made In America brand.

Cinnamon may improve blood sugar levels: Study

Consumption of three grams of cinnamon a day may improve people’s control of blood glucose levels, Scandinavian scientists have reported.

Give (probiotic) cheese a chance, says probiotic big cheese

One of the world’s leading probiotics specialists says consumers are interested in probiotic cheese products but cheese manufacturers and probiotic suppliers need to get their scientific house in order and...

New regulations to open up organic trade, says OTA

New regulations for Canadian organic food are due to come into effect at the end of June, and the Organic Trade Association (OTA) has said that they will ease...

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Leasing good credit crunch option, says equipment supplier

A new lease-purchase programme will enable meat, chicken and food processing sectors to secure material handling plastic containers during periods of budgetary constraint, claims Remcon Plastics. 

Confectionery coating system provides alternative to gum arabic

TIC Gums has developed a fast-drying shell coating system for chewing gum, confectionery and nuts, which it said was prompted by continued high demand and uncertain supply of gum arabic.

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Naturex Foundation progress in Morocco, Peru

Naturex has reported the first benefits of the Naturex Foundation, flagging up social contributions in Morocco and Peru.

Food workers plead guilty in tomato probe

Two food company workers have pleaded guilty in an ongoing US federal investigation into various illicit activities in the tomato processing industry.

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School nutrition tour at Expo West

Southern Californian nutrition officials have been invited to visit this year’s Natural Products Expo West to discover new healthy foods for inclusion in school lunches.

Kraft: probiotic cheese is a disappointment

Kraft US has confirmed what many market analysts have been saying for some time – probiotic cheese is not winning over the public.

SAFC adds certified organics to range

SAFC Supply Solutions has launched its first ever certified organic raw materials for use in food flavors, in response to demand from flavor houses.

Researchers develop risk-ranking system for food safety

The Institute of Food Technologists has collaborated with the US Food and Drug Administration to create risk assessment software to rank different foods in terms of their relative safety.

Sponge-bacteria may yield food-grade pigments, say researchers

Food-grade pigments may be obtained by fermenting bacteria sourced from sponge, according to preliminary studies from India.

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Recession pushes date change for first online bakery trade show

Organisers of the baking industry's first online trade show - eBakery-Show International 2009 (www.ebakeryshowinfo.com) - have pushed the date back from 1 April to 1 August in response to...

Tate & Lyle identifies top food trends for 2009

Budget and health are amongst the main consumer concerns that food manufacturers in the United States are trying to cater to this year, according to a survey by ingredient firm...

Survey shows awareness of peanut recall but misunderstanding

The majority of Americans are aware of the peanut product recall but many are mistaken about which products are involved and few trust food safety controls, according to a Harvard...

Coconut-palm oil blend could offer trans-fat free shortenings for bakery: Study

A blend of oils from coconut and palm could produce a plastic fat for use as a shortening in bakery products as a trans-fat replacer, says new research from India.

‘Whole grains’ popular kids’ health claim, says Mintel

Whole grains and fiber maintain a strong appeal for health-positioned food products marketed for children, according to new figures from Mintel.

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Dairy aids Dean Foods profit push

US-based Dean Foods has posted a 10 per cent increase in operating profit over the 2008 fiscal year, amounting to $608m on the back of what it claims has been...

Food companies to focus on liquidity in 2009: Fitch

Food companies are expected to seek greater liquidity in 2009 as they are hit by unexpectedly volatile ingredient prices and lower consumer food spending, according to a report from Fitch Ratings.

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Nestle seeks packaging design advice

Nestle Confections and Snacks in the US are turning to the consumer for design advice with the firm launching a competition to ask consumers to vote for the latest packaging...

Study links higher dairy consumption to teen weight loss

Adolescents eating higher amounts of dairy goods, within the recommended daily guidelines, generally have lower levels of fat to those with a reduced intake, says a new study.

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Changing the tune on GM

The GM debate at times seems much like the Hokey Cokey (or Pokey, if you’re US-based). There’s been a lot of putting in, some putting out, and quite a lot...

PCA files for bankruptcy as recall expands to Texas plant

The Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) has filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy, a month after peanut products from its Blakely, Georgia facility were first recalled due to salmonella contamination.

Partnership to speed stevia-sweetened product development

A new partnership between a stevia supplier and a flavors and ingredients firm will speed the process of bringing low-calorie stevia-sweetened products to market, the companies claim.

Monitoring program shows trans fats declining in Canadian foods

The Canadian government has released data showing that levels of trans fats have declined since the first results of its monitoring program were released in 2007 – but some food...

Recession-proof BioGaia doubles 2008 profits

  Swedish probiotics specialist, BioGaia, has turned in an impressive set of financial results for 2008, maintaining the 30 per cent-plus growth it has achieved annually for the best part...

Fructose-sweetened drinks again raise questions in obesity-related study

Drinking fructose-sweetened beverages with meals may cause bigger rises in blood levels of triglycerides in obese people after the meal, says a new study.

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Foodie website looks to remedy Obama’s beet aversion

A web portal with over 20,000 beet recipes has accused President Obama of “relegating beets to the joke mill occupied until now by George H.W. Bush’s uneaten broccoli crowns.”

Stevia’s bitter taste receptors discovered, claims Givaudan

Givaudan has claimed it has discovered the bitter taste receptors triggered by Reb-A, the natural, high intensity sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant.

Food retains lion’s share of flavor and fragrance market

Food looks set to remain the biggest market for flavors and fragrances in the US, despite relatively low annual growth predicted through 2012.

Absolut comes a cropper over promo fears for teenyboppers

The advertising practices of a number of leading alcoholic drink makers have again been called into question this week after allegations they are targeting underage drinkers through events like the...

Probiotics and prebiotics boost ‘quality of life’ for IBD sufferers

A combination of probiotic and prebiotics may improve the ‘quality of life’ for sufferers of a type of IBD, says a new study from Japan.

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IFF responds to growing demand with new center in China

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) has opened a new center in China in order to better respond to ‘fast-growing demand’ from its Asian customers, the company said on Tuesday.

GM crops criticized for ‘feeding profits, not the poor’

Friends of the Earth International has accused biotech firms of using genetically modified crops to feed profits instead of the world’s poor while increasing costs for US farmers, in...

Maryland eyes artificial food color ban

Maryland could become the first US state to ban several artificial food colorings which have been linked to hyperactivity and behavioral problems in children, if proposed legislation is approved.

Phosphorus additives pose ‘hidden’ danger to kidney patients

Patients with kidney disease may be at danger from a ‘hidden threat’ of phosphorous additives found in processed and fast foods, says a new study from the US.

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New database offers multimedia cereal research tool

AACC International has launched an online technical database for researchers studying grains and their uses.

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Coke shakes up US Dasani operations

Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) has announced it will be closing its Dasani mineral water production plant in Washington, Pennsylvania, as part of an efficiency drive in its operations.

Recession requires rethink as spending power shifts

Opportunities are emerging for food manufacturers to target the increasing number of lower income shoppers as the economy slows, according to a report from Information Resources Incorporated (IRI).

Recession is rebalancing organic supply-demand

The price of organic food ingredients is expected to fall in 2009, as the recession reduces demand for organics back in line with available supply, according to predictions from...

Killer beetle threatens Florida’s avocado groves

Florida’s avocado industry could be severely affected if the invasive redbay ambrosia beetle continues its path south, according to a researcher at North Carolina State University who is tracking...

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PCA knew peanut products contained salmonella, says FDA

The Peanut Corporation of America knew it had distributed peanut products tainted with salmonella as long ago as 2007, the FDA said on Friday.

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Pizza group suggests cheese is the topping of love

One Canadian Pizza retailer is relying on cheese to grab a share of Valentine’s Day spending, claiming the product leads a number of toppings as a key aphrodisiac, according to...

Rising opportunity for fruit and veg ‘hide and seek’: Mintel

Boosting children’s fruit and vegetable consumption is emerging as a top trend for food manufacturers launching new products for children, according to a Mintel trend insight review.

Study reveals grocery shoppers’ purchasing priorities

The importance of healthy, environmentally friendly, and good value products has been put in the spotlight in a comprehensive new study by BrandSpark International.

Dairy team-up leverages research towards healthy ingredients

A newly formed collaboration could see US industry, government, academia grasp the opportunities in dairy foods and ingredients, particularly for health and nutrition.

Kellogg’s reviews suppliers’ safety assessment, faces lawsuit

Kellogg’s has said that its own inspections gave superior ratings to the Georgia peanut plant blamed for the salmonella outbreak, according to a USA Today report on Thursday.

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Blue California notifies FDA of GRAS for its stevia ingredient

Blue California has notified the FDA of GRAS for its stevia-based Reb-A sweetener and has said that it is confident of receiving a letter of non-objection after two other...

IFF is 'cautiously optimistic' for 2009 despite margin pressures

High raw material costs and lower sales take their toll on the bottom line at International Flavors and Fragrancesf (IFF).

Symrise introduces ‘market stable’ synthetic mint flavor range

Symrise has introduced a new line of synthetic mint flavors that it says offer a cost effective and market stable alternative to more expensive mint oils.

US to lead global wine consumption

The US will dominate global wine demand within the next three years as the country’s drinking habits shift increasingly towards spirit and vintages, says new industry research.

Mexicans seek high fiber for weight management

Mexicans are becoming more interested in healthy foods and dietary fiber, opening up new opportunities for food and beverage companies to launch high fiber products, according to research from...

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PCA claims peanut plant was regularly inspected

The company at the center of the US salmonella outbreak linked to peanut products has said that its Blakely, Georgia facility was inspected regularly by federal and state officials in 2008.

Nestle explores thermogel emulsions for flavour, nutrient delivery

Self-assembled emulsion droplets encapsulated in carrageenan-based gels may one day be able to deliver flavours and nutrients in food, says preliminary research from Nestle.

US food sector outlook is ‘pessimistic’, say analysts

The US food industry faces a negative and worsening outlook, with falling demand for key brands and bankruptcies predicted by Moody’s.

CSPI rejects task force trans fat advice

The Center for Science in the Public Interest has urged Pennsylvanian officials to ignore the advice of a task force on trans fat, which concluded that a mandatory ban...

ADM plans strategy to beat lower demand on strong Q2 profits

Agricultural processing giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has reported strong second quarter results despite slowing demand, with profits up 24 percent compared to the same period last year.

Purac builds science for salt replacer in meats

A potassium lactate and sodium diacetate mix may reduce the sodium chloride content by 40 per cent, and significantly increase shelf-life, says a new study from Purac.

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Colombian food giant to buy Mexican chocolate maker

Colombia's Grupo Nacional de Chocolates, purportedly the country's biggest food company, will buy Mexican chocolate manufacturer Nutresa for $95m.

Obama pledges ‘complete review’ of FDA

President Obama has said in a televised interview that his administration will conduct a complete review of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent future lapses in food...

Analysts say prospects look good for Crown

Crown Holdings reported a fourth-quarter loss as restructuring charges and other expenses impacted on its results but analysts say it is well positioned for growth.

Edible fungus additive could eliminate grapefruit side effects: Study

Adding an edible mushroom-like fungus to grapefruit juice may help to reduce the serious side effects that can occur when people taking certain prescription drugs drink grapefruit juice.

Obama and financial crisis drive new consumer values, says report

Food manufacturers need to better understand consumer tactics for dealing with the economic crisis and employ palatable strategies to answer to a fresh set of values, according to a...

FDA joins criminal investigation into Peanut Corporation salmonella

The US Food and Drug Administration joined the Justice Department on Friday in a criminal investigation of the PCA, the manufacturer at the center of a salmonella outbreak which...

High quality tops consumer shopping list, say researchers

The market research organization The Hartman Group has released a report on emerging trends for the year ahead, with perception of high quality topping its predictions, despite economic uncertainty.

Beta-glucan-rich fat replacers pass taste test for cookies: Study

Hydrocolloids containing beta-glucan could be used to replace fat in cookies and peanut spreads, according to a new study from the US and Korea.

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FDA provides recall information via Twitter

The FDA has started using the social networking site Twitter to communicate its recall updates, market withdrawals and safety alerts.