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

UK soft drinks in benzene recall

Britain's food safety watchdog has demanded recalls on four soft drinks brands, after it found they were contaminated with benzene at up to 28 times the country's limit for drinking water.

ADM files suit to protect soy isoflavone rights

The battle surrounding the technology rights for the production of soy isoflavones has been refired as Archer Daniels Midland files a lawsuit against a US firm for infringing patent rights.

New FDA rule brings health claim to sucralose

Consuming products containing sucralose, such as gum and soft drinks, can reduce the risk of dental caries, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has approved the use of a dental health claim for the sweetener.

Study finds obesity lifestyle links

The evening meal is when the majority of overweight consumers receive those extra calories too many, according to recent research by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Benzene levels in soft drinks are safe, says FDA

Levels of benzene found in soft drinks so far are not a safety risk for consumers, says the US food safety watchdog, attempting to calm public concern.

Z-Trim Plus claims double-edged health benefits

A new line of functional fat substitutes claims to be able to cut up to half the fat content of products while fortifying them with health promoting ingredients.

Beta-glucan fruit drink lowers bad cholesterol levels

Soluble fibre beta-glucan could lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and seems more efficient when put in beverages, claims new research.

Soy before birth could reduce offspring obesity risk, say scientists

The unhealthy, high-fat foods we consume may not be the only culprits when it comes to obesity and related diseases, according to US scientists who reveal that a pregnant mother's diet may permanently increase- or reduce- her child's risk of becoming obese.

Codex committee debates dairy standards

A Codex committee meets this week to hammer out international standards for the dairy industry, including contentious issues such as who can label their cheese as "parmesan".

Codex committee debates dairy standards

A Codex committee meets this week to hammer out international standards for the dairy industry, including contentious issues such as who can label their cheese as "parmesan".

Weekly Comment

Salt debate leaves bitter taste

The current debate about the levels at which the UK's food regulator has set its salt reduction targets misses the point about how healthier eating habits can be achieved.

ARS researchers create high fiber fat replacer

Researchers from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have created a fat replacement additive rich in soluble fiber, beta-glucan, to tap into the low-fat food market.

Senomyx strengthens position in global flavor market

Flavor firm Senomyx has strengthened its ties with two major food companies in order to tap new markets and consolidate established relationships.

Codex launches food additive info service

Codex has launched a searchable web-based version of its standard General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) to inform food firms about the latest developments.

SupplyExpo makes connections in Anaheim

New friends, industry trends, innovations and Elvis impersonators. The 25th annual Natural Products Expo West and SupplyExpo drew to a close yesterday afternoon, after three days of intense industry activity and education.

Organic dairy-rating report sparks fierce debate

A new report rating the nation's organic dairy brands according to ethical farming practices has sparked fierce debate in the industry as it accuses a number of market leaders of "shortchanging organic consumers."

Rising costs impair profit for General Mills

Like many other food producers General Mills is suffering from rising costs, which are holding back profits, despite increasing sales, according to the latest financial report.

Omega-3s have no benefits for heart health, cancer - new review

Intake of omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish and fish oil supplements has no effect on mortality, heart disease or cancer, concludes a new review, but guidelines should continue for consumption.

Can Arla beat the boycott?

As Arla Foods begins on the long road to recovery in its Middle East dairy markets, DairyReporter.com delves into the nature of consumer boycotts and the effects they may have.

Chiquita raises banana prices in response to higher tariffs

Leading banana supplier Chiquita has increased its prices in Europe and the US, in a move designed to offset the negative impact of higher tariffs.

Americans more aware of foodborne illness, says study

American consumers are eating safer, according to new findings that reveal the number of 'risky foods' consumed has declined significantly in recent years.

Avoid palm oil to protect your heart and orangutans, says pressure group

A full-page ad in the New York Times encourages consumers to steer clear of palm oil, claiming increased demand for the ingredient is driving the orangutan towards extinction.

Wholegrains better than refined grains to lower bad fats

Wholegrains, but not refined grains, could lower blood triglycerides, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, say researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service.

US firm boasts next generation sweetener

Six months after its launch, a new sweetener that claims to be all-natural, low calorie, low glycemic, nutritionally fortified and fully functional has attracted "staggering" interest. FoodNavigator-USA talks to manufacturer Quantum Food Design (QFD) to find out why.

Martek introduces DHA in powder form

Martek Biosciences is seeking to open up uses of its algae derived DHA, with a new microencapsulated powder for use in foods and drinks that require dry mixing.

US gears up for possible bird flu outbreak

The Bush administration today published plans to prevent an outbreak of avian influenza in the US, a day after the agriculture secretary forecast that the disease would show up in migratory birds later this year.

New rules could ban soda and junk food from Illinois schools

Elementary and middle schools in Illinois could be banned from selling junk food and soda in a move designed to improve children's health and mental abilities through good nutrition.

Coca-Cola tests soft drinks for benzene

Coca-Cola said it was testing its soft drinks around the world for benzene, as the group sought to reassure consumers that soft drinks were only a very small contributor to daily benzene intake.

Video games to be next way to target kids' nutrition?

Children may soon be encouraged to eat well through 'edutainment'- a variety of interactive computer games developed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in an attempt to tackle the increasing problem of childhood obesity and poor nutrition.

Americans eat fish despite mercury fears, says study

American consumers are aware of the levels of harmful contaminants in seafood, but this has not prevented them from omitting fish from their diets, says a new report.

Soy products pose no threat for infants, experts say

Scientific evidence says that consumption of soy from the diet or as supplements should not cause alarm despite negative reports about risks, a view that has been supported by a major US industry group.

Report claims "life-threatening" dangers of Atkins

Low-carbohydrate diets could pose a serious health risk and are not a safe way to lose weight, according to a new report.

Drinks with caffeine need warning labels, study

The caffeine content of all carbonated and energy drinks should be clearly labelled on drinks packaging to avoid unnecessary risk for vulnerable consumers, argues a new study in the US.

Campbell boosts health appeal with sports sponsorship

An industry wide surge to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles on the back of a growing obesity crisis gathers momentum as leading soup company Campell signs a three year sponsorship agreement with some of the nation's top athletes.

Broccoli trend gains momentum

Cyvex Nutrition is expanding its range of broccoli ingredients after a series of studies revealing the cancer-fighting benefits of the wonder veg has increased popularity.

Diet success depends on consistency, not diet type, says research

The most successful way to lose weight is not the type of diet chosen, but actually sticking to it, according to research published by the ARS, which also reveals that people are most likely to stick to calorie and portion restriction diets than fat and carbohydrate restriction diets.

Syngenta moves closer to launching GM wheat

Leading agribusiness Syngenta could be set to introduce the world's first genetically modified wheat seed by early next decade, a move fully supported by American wheat industry organizations.

Scientist concerned at plummeting nutrient levels

Nutrient levels in fruits, vegetables and some food crops have dramatically declined in the past 50 years, something that could further push consumers to opting for more nutritious organic goods.

Scientists create super-nutritious strawberries

Researchers have developed a method for enhancing the nutritional value of alpine strawberries - which could prove popular with consumers anxious to increase their vitamin intake.

US BSE case further blow against regaining markets

The US has found another case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), a blow against the country's recent success at regaining its international beef markets.

Scientists to evaluate potential dangers of soy

An independent panel of scientists is to meet this week to review recent scientific data on the soy compound genistein. The scientists expect to reach conclusions as to whether or not the consumption of genistein could have a negative impact on human development or reproduction.

Neptune clears barrier to NKO functional foods

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources has announced that it has overcome the barriers to developing functional foods using Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) in alliance with Terepia, with the introduction of three fruit-flavored custards.

Tate and Lyle targets snack makers with new crispy coating

Tate & Lyle's US food ingredients team has developed a new crunchy snack coating for products including fruits and nuts, which claims to produce snacks that are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.

PepsiCo plans to increase 'healthy' product market share

PepsiCo is embarking on a new $11.6m health and wellness initiative, announcing that this year it expects 50 percent of its new product revenues to be achieved through the sale of 'healthy' goods.

Herbs and spices extracts could be natural antioxidants

Extracts from laurel and basil are promising alternatives to synthetic antioxidants, says new research from Finland.

Leading companies reveal plans at food summit

Leaders in the US food industry met this week at the Reuters Food Summit to discuss the challenges that lie ahead and to outline companies' responses to changes in the industry.

Red cabbage could cut Alzehimer's risk

In a new study red cabbage was seen to reduce the build-up of certain plaques in the brain that could cause Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia that costs the UK an estimated £15 billion (€ 22 billion) every year.

Industry one step closer to uniform safety labeling

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a bill that would standardize food safety labeling requirements throughout the US, a move that would bring significant benefits to the food industry.

New flour ingredients could solve processing limitations

National Starch Food Innovation has introduced a range of natural, grain-based ingredients, which it claims maintain the positive attributes of traditional flours while expanding and improving the ways they can be used in packaged food products.

Safety guide proposed for growing fresh-cut produce market

A draft guidance on the processing of most fresh-cut fruits and vegetables sets out standards producers should follow in reducing food safety hazards.

New 'deodorized' soybean to rid soy of 'beany' taste?

A new soybean variety claims to allow food manufacturers to develop products that have all the health benefits of soybeans but less of the beany taste.

High-fiber, low-fat diet benefits kids' heart health, study

Overweight children kept on a "nutritious" diet and encouraged to exercise during a two-week period showed a dramatic reduction in cholesterol and insulin levels, according to a study presented last week at the American Heart Association's annual conference.

Age, income affect healthy diet choice

Almost two thirds of American adults consider themselves healthy eaters, and almost half say they try to follow some type of health-conscious diet, incorporating 'healthy' foods into their daily meals and snacks, says a new report.

New evidence linking soft drinks to weight gain in children

Children kept off sugary drinks lost weight after a period of six months, according to a new study, findings that add to the mounting body of evidence linking childhood obesity with soda consumption.

Star fruit could offer inexpensive source of antioxidants

Residues from star fruit, a waste product from the juicing process, is a rich source of extractable antioxidants, says research from Singapore.

Carbon monoxide use 'safe' says industry body

The issue over the use of carbon monoxide additives in meat continues to simmer in the US, with an industry body claiming that the potential food scare is a myth created by consumer groups and companies acting out of self-interest.

Weekly Comment

The benzene trail

The gamble by US authorities 15 years ago to let the industry deal with benzene residues in soft drinks has failed, and instead only kept those who needed to know in the dark.

Best-selling product list confirms nutrition, convenience trends

A diet plan, a beer and 'light' snacks have come top of the list of best selling products for this year, according to Information Resources Inc (IRI), which said its 2005 product ranking results confirm that nutrition, taste and convenience remain the top consumer priorities.

Folic acid may reduce severity of birth defects

Folic acid from fortification and supplements may reduce the severity of birth defects, as well as preventing the rate of defects, leading experts to again call for increasing fortification levels.

Decas fortifies cranberries with omega-3

Decas Cranberry Products (DCP) has fortified sweetened organic cranberries with omega-3 - an enhancement that could help formulators improve the nutritional profile of foods.

Authorities under pressure over benzene in soft drinks

More soft drinks will be tested for cancer-causing chemical benzene in the UK after it was revealed some drinks contain up to eight times the legal limit for drinking water.

No cancer link found in new aspartame study

A recent study has found that the controversial sweetener aspartame does not increase the incidence of tumors in mice, but the scientists point out that this does not necessarily mean it is not a carcinogen.

Congress debates uniform federal warning labels

The House of Representatives yesterday lunched a debate on a bill that proposes to create a uniform system for all food safety standards and warning labels on food products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Rice bran supplements could lower blood pressure

Including a rice bran fraction in dietary supplements or functional foods could lower blood pressure, says Japanese researchers who have developed a new method of rice bran extraction.

FDA petitioned to define 'natural' label claims

The Sugar Association has filed a petition with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting the establishment of a clear definition for the use of the term 'natural' on food and beverage product labels.

Study reveals science behind successful marketing

A new study on the functioning of the human brain provides scientific evidence for what food manufacturers have long known: the more appealing the presentation of a product, the more consumers are likely to enjoy it.

Glycaemic Index 'unrealistic'

The glycaemic index, a current hot diet trend, "does not seem useful in understanding how diet impacts health," says the author of a new study.

More trans fats awareness set for 2006, says lawyer

When it comes to trans fats, "there will be a lot more awareness raising this year," according to the Californian attorney who successfully sued both Kraft and McDonald's over their use of trans fats, and who revealed his four next principle points of focus to FoodNavigator-USA.com.

Danone Canada targets kid's brain health with new DHA yogurt

Sales of a DHA-fortified children's yogurt launched last month in Canada are already exceeding expectations, with parents keen to improve their children's brain development through nutrition, says manufacturer Danone Canada.