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

Polyphenols could lead to allergen-free peanut butter: Study

Adding polyphenols compounds to liquid peanut butter may reduce the level of proteins in the product responsible for peanut allergy, suggests a new study.

The promise of Afghan pomegranates

A scheme that aims to replace poppy plantations with pomegranate orchards in war-ravaged Afghanistan is winning support with up-market UK retailer Waitrose throwing its weight behind the project.

US-wide pistachio recall shows how FDA should work, claim officials

A Californian company is recalling over a million pounds of pistachios distributed nationwide due to possible salmonella contamination.

Focus on nanotechnology at Anuga

FoodProductionDaily.com caught up with Professor Horst-Christian Langowski, director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging (IVV), at the Anuga FoodTec show in Cologne to discuss the perceived risks and ongoing research into nanotechnology.

News in brief

Research alliance to reveal shifts in American purchasing decisions

Market researchers The Hartman Group and GfK Custom Research North America have teamed together to conduct a survey on consumer spending habits during the recession.

Tate & Lyle targets texture with natural snack starch

Tate & Lyle has introduced a new natural starch to its line of waxy maize starches in order to provide a wider range of clean label textures for snack foods.

Education central to nutrition label success - dietician

American attitudes to nutrition labeling have been thrown under the spotlight with new research suggesting just a fraction of a consumers pay attention to dietary information available at some major restaurants.

Weekly comment

Obama’s veg plots point the way to healthy eating and more

“If you don’t plan to plant a garden in Lake Wobegon in the spring, it means you plan to be planted yourself.”

Reformulation leads to overhaul of fats and oils dietary data

Significant changes in the way foods are formulated and improved methods of ingredient analysis have led to the revision of dietary data regarding fats and oils in the American diet.

New research shows how Salmonella survive

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have demonstrated how Salmonella’s ability to survive in amoeba is a huge advantage to its continued development as it may be more resistant to disinfectants and water treatment.

Your thoughts on gluten-free foods

Last week we published some musings from our editorial team on the gluten-free food market. We don’t pretend to hold all the answers, but we have been pleased that some of our readers have engaged in the debate. Below are the responses we have received – the good, the bad, and the ugly…

News in brief

China upholds death penalty for tainted dairy execs

A northern Chinese court has upheld two death sentences in the country’s tainted milk scandal, according to reports from the state news agency Xinhua.

Debate heats up on climate change and meat

The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) has dismissed reports connecting meat consumption with global warming as ‘misinformation’.

Sweetened beverages may raise women’s heart disease risk

Women who drink two or more servings of sweetened beverages per day may increase their risk of heart disease by 35 per cent, says a new study.

Sodium limit too high for most Americans, says CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has claimed that the current recommended limit for sodium intake may be too high for as many as two-thirds of Americans and has proposed a lower limit of 1,500mg.

Donated milk powder to provide boost for US dairy

US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has announced that over 200m pounds of milk powder will be transferred to federal nutrition programs in an effort to stock food banks while benefiting stricken dairy farmers.

Scientists develop juice fermentation process for diabetics

Scientists in China have developed a new method to produce a vegetable juice suitable for diabetics by using lactic acid bacteria to remove carbohydrates while retaining the vitamins and nutrients of the vegetables.

ConAgra beats Q3 forecast with pricing plan and brand overhaul

US food giant ConAgra has cut costs and increased prices, helping it to a better than expected rise in its third quarter earnings, the company reported on Thursday.

News in brief

Flavored newspaper ads to lure advertisers back to print?

Pennsylvania-based Flavor First has collaborated with newspaper ink company US Ink to produce flavored strips for food advertising in newspapers, so customers can taste the product advertised.

Snack Size Science: Squid, noodles and French baguettes

FoodNavigator's Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we look at the curious alternatives to food classics, with squid sausages, seaweed noodles, and gluten-free baguettes all on the menu.

Decision postponed on Tate & Lyle sucralose patent case… again

The final determination in Tate & Lyle’s patent infringement complaint against specified sucralose manufacturers has been postponed again, until April 3.

Symrise commits to organic food and fragrance control

Symrise says it remains committed to long-term organic sourcing for food and fragrance ingredients as part of a wider philosophy to ensure greater control of its operations ‘from farm to folk’.

News in brief

Recession causing consumers to change brands

Thirty-five percent of US consumers have started to change brands in order t save money, says a new report from HealthFocus International.

Chewing the Fat: How big is gluten-free?

The Chewing the Fat series has the FoodNavigator team getting its teeth into food issues. The gluten-free market is set to continue its expansion in the coming years, fuelled by better diagnosis and a fad for gluten-free foods. The FoodNavigator editorial team discusses the issues behind the trend, and considerations for food manufacturers.

Hydrocolloids plus whey salad dressings get formulation fillip

Formulating salad dressings with whey cheese and a combination of hydrocolloids could offer alternatives to food formulators, says a new study from Brazil.

News in brief

Nozozymes invests $200m in bioethanol facility

Danish enzyme company Novozymes is investing between $160-200 million on a new facility in Nebraska in preparation for the expected demand for enzymes for first and second generation bioethanol.

Food industry 'supports sensible fees' to boost safety: GMA

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has voiced its support of President Obama’s efforts to form a food safety working group, but it inspection fees are a work in progress.

GSB launch claims to cut the sugar, but keep the taste

Growing concern in the US over health conditions such as obesity and fears regarding production costs have led to the development of a new ingredient its manufacturer claims can reduce sugar requirements without affecting taste.

European stevia firm to build Paraguay plant

Granular, a European stevia producer, has entered into a joint partnership to build a refinery for the natural sweetener in South America which it said will be environmentally neutral.

Red meat linked to increased mortality: Study

Choosing between red and processed meat, and white meat, may affect how long you live, according to new findings from a study with half a million people.

Mothers seek simple nutrition over trendy ingredients, survey

Mothers looking to purchase healthy foods for their children are less attracted by “trendy” ingredients like omega-3s than they are by the simple benefits delivered in nutritious food, according to a nationwide survey.

Cost and health driving veggie-curiousness

Vegetarian food manufacturers say they are increasingly catering for mainstream consumer tastes by meeting various consumer needs for affordable, healthy and even higher quality products, according to an independent association.

New findings challenge studies linking mercury to HFCS - CRA

Results from third-party testing conducted on high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) from all the production facilities in the US and Canada show that no quantifiable levels of mercury were detected in any of the samples analyzed, claims the CRA.

Weekly comment

Omega-3: Fishing for alternatives

Short of an earth-bound deity walking amongst us and miraculously multiplying our fish stocks, industry must invest more in alternative sources of omega-3 to meet nutritional needs.

Gluten-free baguettes get formulation boost

Combining buckwheat flour and guar gum could lead to the gluten-free French bread with “improved quality attributes”, says a new study from France.

African-American boys most at risk of food allergy

Young men, particularly African-Americans, are at a higher risk of food allergy than other demographic groups, says a new survey.

News in brief

Canada demands South Korea accepts beef

South Korea must reopen its borders to Canadian beef or face a challenge from the WTO, says Canada Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

Organizations clamour for more thorough GE controls

A consortium of 82 organizations is campaigning for more stringent evaluations of genetically engineered crops in the US, and urging a freeze on new approvals pending changes to the authorization procedure.

ADA rejects food-tobacco link but questions industry influence

The American Dietetic Association has spoken out to reject comparisons between food and tobacco, but called for more checks on industry-funded research in order to retain public confidence.

‘Buy local’ message requiring promotion push, says Mintel

One in every six US consumers surveyed by analyst group Mintel are going out of their way to buy local food products as much as possible, with potential for further growth, according to recent findings.

IFF’s new Brazilian creative center targets trend-tracking

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) has opened a new creative innovation center in Sao Paulo, Brazil to bring its chefs closer to customers, in a move it hopes will help it stay on top of consumer trends.

Private label innovation looms over big brands

Innovation is increasingly being marked out as a way for private label firms to gain market share – and for big brand players to keep it.

News in brief

New FAO food price database launched

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization has launched a new online tool to track food prices in 55 developing countries, as part of its food price spike response.

Scientists edge towards squid sausages

Muscle from jumbo squid can form stable gelled-emulsion products, according to Mexican research, offering potential for a range of products like squid frankfurters.

Food industry accused of big tobacco-style tactics

The food industry is damaging public health in much the same way as the tobacco industry did in the 1950s, according to two public health experts in a new journal article, although the GMA disagrees.

Salt replacements could be deadly, say renal specialists

Renal specialists have called for clear labeling on products that use potassium chloride as a salt replacer because it could pose a hidden risk for dialysis patients.

Costs, not function, at heart of Wal-Mart private label push

Wal-Mart has expanded its range of private label goods with the launch of new products like organic eggs, but says cost saving, not added value, is key to the strategy.

News in brief

ConAgra appoints former Hershey chairman to board

ConAgra Foods has appointed Richard Lenny, previously chairman and CEO of The Hershey Company, to its board of directors.

Industry welcomes regulator’s claim that BPA is safe

The New Zealand and Australian food safety regulator’s affirmation of the safety of bisphenol A (BPA) has been welcomed by trade group, the North American Metal Packaging Alliance (NAMPA).

Sesame oil mix could lead to low-fat cakes: Study

Formulating cakes with sesame oil, hydrocolloids and emulsifiers could replace fat in cakes, leading to low-fat alternatives of family favourites, suggests a new study.

Health issues back continued gluten-free growth

Increased diagnosis of celiac disease and a fad for gluten-free diets are driving strong predicted growth to 2012 in the gluten-free foods market, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.

Dispatches from IFE

Road to recovery after peanut salmonella scandal

The American Peanut Council said it is working hard to encourage manufacturers to continue to use peanuts and protect the industry’s reputation which suffered at the hands of one rogue company after a salmonella outbreak.

Soy-based ‘peanut butter’ launch boosted by salmonella scare

Canada-based company Hilton Soy Foods has developed a soy butter for nut-free environments which it claims looks and tastes just like peanut butter – and food safety concerns are widening its appeal.

Electrospun fibres could expand bioactive encapsulations

Beta-carotene, a food colour and antioxidant, can be nano-encapsulated in special spun fibres, offering formulators a fresh approach to adding value to products.

News in brief

Burcon files for more Clarisoy patents

Burcon NutraScience Corporation hopes to protect the use of its soy protein ingredient in powdered beverages with additional patent coverage in the US.

Further calls for ban on packaging chemical

Democrats in the US Senate and House of Representatives have introduced legislation to ban the controversial packaging chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA) from all food and beverage containers.

News in brief

GSB flavors target health and relaxation

GSB Flavor Creators is targeting health and wellness products with a new range of ‘soothing’ flavors.

News in brief

US exports of packaging machinery boosted by demand from emerging markets

United States exports of packaging machinery increased 9.5 percent in 2008 reaching a total value of $950m, according to PMMI.

Comax releases stevia-masking ‘problem solver’

Comax Flavors has released a natural masking flavor to mask the bitter aftertaste associated with stevia-derived sweetener Reb A.

US food fears in line with ‘war on terror’ concerns

A new survey suggests that a majority of US consumers are equally concerned over food safety within the country as they are with the ongoing ‘war on terror’.

Alginate may lead to low GI rice noodles: Nestle

Formulating rice noodles with alginate may enhance the structural properties of rice dough, which could lead to the development of a successful commercial rice noodle product, says a new study.

FDA approves vitamin D fortification of soy foods

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended its food additive regulations to allow for soy-based foods and drinks to be fortified with vitamin D.

Why high purity stevia extracts overcome taste issues

Blue California's Cecilia McCollum explains the purity-taste link for Reb-A, and hope for the new sweetener's approval all around the globe.

Obama picks Hamburg to head FDA

President Obama has named his pick for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner: Food safety and bioterrorism expert Dr Margaret Hamburg.

Weekly comment

Could sugar shake off its bad boy image?

Sugar could be shedding its bad boy image to take a surprise spot on the public’s list of trusted ingredients, as manufacturers look to appeal to more savvy consumers.

Could salt be a mood booster?

Cravings for salty foods may be related to a mood boost from savouring the savoury, suggests new data from the University of Iowa.

Judge upholds almond pasteurization law

A federal judge has rejected challenges to a law requiring mandatory pasteurization of almonds to reduce risk of salmonella contamination.

Vaccine targeted at E.coli gets first US licence

New technology aimed at reducing the risk of E. coli 0157 in ground beef has won a conditional licence from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

News in brief

One in seven US teens vitamin D deficient: Cornell researchers

One in seven American adolescents is vitamin D deficient, says a new study by Cornell researchers, with better education of consumers critical to boosting levels of the vitamin.

News in brief

Ocean Spray promotes from within for new research manager

Cranberry giants Ocean Spray have appointed Dr Christina Khoo to the position of manager of research sciences, emphasizing the company’s continued drive of science.

JK Sucralose announces expansion despite no final patent decision

JK Sucralose has decided to go through with a major expansion of its sucralose production facilities, despite no final decision as yet on whether it has infringed Tate & Lyle patents.

Government moves to regulate food advertising to teens

The US government has set up a working group to look at how food is marketed to all children under the age of 18, in a move that has angered some industry representatives.

Rennet-gelled protein for 'alternative’ probiotic encapsulation

Gelling of milk proteins using the food-approved enzyme rennet can produce microcapsules capable of encapsulating healthy ingredients like probiotics, says a new study from Germany.

News in brief

IFT to discuss nano food uses in London

A seminar to be held in London on 30 April will explore the latest developments in nanotechnology, and its potential for use in the food industry.

Antioxidants focus

The contradictory science of antioxidants

Apparently conflicting results from randomized clinical trials and observational studies abound in the scientific literature. In the third part of a four-part series on antioxidants, NutraIngredients looks to get behind the contradictions.

Dr Pepper Snapple announces first major Reb A-sweetened sports drink

Reb A is moving into the sports drink market as Dr Pepper Snapple becomes the first of the big three soft drinks manufacturers to release a zero-calorie sports drink sweetened with Reb A, the natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant.

Purple corn offers natural alternative to synthetic food dyes

A company motivated by concerns about the safety of synthetic food dyes has come up with its own solution with a non-genetically modified (non-GMO) purple corn hybrid that yields natural red and yellow dyes.

Scientists lift the lid on salt’s hypertensive power

Salt may raise lead to hypertension by inhibiting the action of an enzyme linked to easing blood flow, says a new joint US-Chinese study.

News in brief

Indena collects ABC award

The Texas-based American Botanical Council (ABC) has recognised the contribution made by global herbal extracts leader, Indena, to the botanicals sector by presenting the Italian company with the Varro E. Tyler award at Expo West at the weekend.

Alliance aims to help food sector tighten its belt

Collaboration on belting technology development and installation can improve food safety, quality assurance and operational efficiency for food processors, claims one of the US companies involved in the new partnership.

USDA announces meetings on GE regulation revision

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invited interested parties to take part in a scoping session on the agenda for meetings discussing a proposed rule for genetically engineered (GE) organisms in April.

Snapple prioritizes taste in HFCS-free tea

Dr Pepper Snapple has released an all-natural version of its iced tea which uses high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) instead of sugar, but has denied that it was driven by trends for natural ingredients or any consumer choice to avoid HFCS.

Recession hit shoppers more choosy in meat department

More than half of US shoppers have changed their meat purchasing habits in the past year as they seek to get the best value deals in every trip to the grocery store, according to a new study.

What's driving private labels?

In recent years the share of private label goods sold by retailers has been on the rise, reaching almost 50 per cent in traditional retailers. The FoodNavigator editorial team discusses what's driving the trend, and what it means for big brand manufacturers.

Focus on food contact surfaces, advises Canadian listeria expert

Food contact surfaces, rather than non food contact ones, should be the focus of Canadian legislation aimed at eliminating listeria, according to a federal government advisor on food safety.

News in brief

Tortilla manufacturer shut down by FDA injunction

A US tortilla manufacturer has been shut down over repeated violations, claims the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Final decision on Tate & Lyle sucralose patent case postponed

Tate & Lyle is still hoping that the International Trade Commission (ITC) will rule that a number of sucralose manufacturers and distributors have infringed its patents, as its final determination was pushed back to March 25.

Rice bran-soybean oil could offer trans-fat free shortenings: Study

A blend of oils from rice bran and soybean could produce a plastic fat for use as a shortening as a trans-fat replacer, says new research from Korea.

FDA issues guidance to reduce salmonella risk in peanut products

The FDA has issued guidance to food manufacturers intended to minimize potential health risks arising from salmonella contamination in peanut products.

Salt replacers improve heart health: Study

The use of salt replacers in the diet, as a means of reducing sodium intake, may improve blood pressure and artery health, says a new study from China.

Weekly comment

Cargill vs Chavez: Clash of the rice titans

Clutched to the president’s chest like a medal of nationalisation, Cargill Venezuela cannot be sitting very comfortably this week as it awaits the fate of its rice plant.

Small businesses at bottom of PCA’s compensation list

The Peanut Corporation of America’s bankruptcy proceedings are due to begin in Virginia on Thursday, but small businesses caught up in the salmonella scandal are unlikely to receive compensation, according to news reports.

IFF releases mint flavor range to beat soaring mint oil costs

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) has released a new range of mint flavors for confectionery, chewing gum and oral hygiene products to provide “insulation against the volatile mint market.”

New Canadian listeria rules said to lack bite for big companies

New rules on listeria testing in ready-to-eat meats launched last week by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) don’t go far enough to guard against the risk of infection in large companies, warns one of the federal government’s expert advisors on food safety.

Snack Size Science: Getting to the heart of acrylamide

FoodNavigator's Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week, acrylamide intakes may not pose a problem for pre-menopausal breast health, but it may be dangerous for heart health, according to a couple of new studies. And Belgian researchers give a glimpse of ways to prevent formation of the compound in the first place.

Cost-cutting consumers turn to cutting coupons

Consumers are increasingly cutting coupons to save money in the struggling economy, with redemption up ten percent in the last quarter of 2008 compared to the previous year, according to Inmar CMS Promotion Services.

SunOpta reports record revenue for ‘challenging’ fiscal 2008

Canadian natural and organics food group SunOpta has reported record revenues despite a “challenging year”, attributing the increase to its business strategy combined with continued interest in healthy foods.

Patience urged over new FDA powers

Obtaining new powers for the FDA to recall food products and implement new preventative measures will take time, the Acting Commissioner has said, in a candid viewpoint that recognizes officials’ constraints.

Study pinpoints ‘missing link’ between fructose and insulin resistance

Yale scientists have reportedly found the ‘missing link’ to explain why high-fructose diets may boost the development of insulin resistance.

News in brief

Chávez seizes Cargill rice plant

Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez has taken control of a rice plant owned by a subsidiary of Cargill, according to reports, on the grounds that it does not produce price-controlled basic rice.

Food industry welcomes bipartisan food safety bill

Food companies have come out in support of stricter government regulation proposed by a bipartisan Senate bill intended to strengthen the FDA’s powers to ensure food safety.

Media report misleading, claims Canadian processor

Maple Leaf Foods said a media report stating it had ‘discussed food safety in relation to listeria’ with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) before last summer's outbreak and product recall is misleading and irresponsible in the context of on the record statements from both parties involved.

News in brief

Nebraska sprouts recalled for suspected salmonella

SunSprouts has issued a voluntary recall of its alfalfa, onion and gourmet sprouts because of possible salmonella contamination.

Natural antioxidant targets flavor and odor-sensitive foods

Kalsec has expanded its natural antioxidant range with what it claims is a near-tasteless and odorless rosemary extract designed to target new applications including edible and frying oils, baked goods and snacks.

Scientists lift the lid on flavour encapsulation limitations

Encapsulating flavours in proteins in order to protect it during food formulation, may be counter-productive if the protein reacts with the flavour, says a new American study.

US food manufacturer cautioned over processing practices

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent a warning letter to Dean Foods Company citing serious deviations from manufacturing regulations regarding low-acid canned food at one of its facilities.

Kids count in growing Hispanic sector

Children’s opinions are much more likely to be considered in food purchasing decisions amongst America’s growing Hispanic population, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.

Frutarom signs agreement to buy Flavor Specialties Inc

Frutarom has taken the next step in its march to strengthen its position in US flavors with a new agreement to acquire Flavors Specialities Inc (FSI) for $17.2m.

Salt imitation to reduce salt without flavor impact

Bell Flavors and Fragrances has introduced a new sodium-reducing flavor technology for use in meats, snacks, condiments and soups, which it claims mimics the flavor of salt without its negative health impacts.

News in brief

SunOpta commissions Californian soy processing facility

SunOpta has announced that it will begin commissioning a soy processing and aseptic packaging plant in Californian this month, in order to begin commercial production by the end of 2009’s second quarter.

Arla finds partner to expand into US protein market

Arla Foods has announced plans to form a definitive partnership with a start-up company called Green Meadows Foods in the hope of capturing a leading share of the North American protein market.

Sweetened beverages pushing dairy out of kids’ diets

Consumption of milk, and therefore intakes of calcium, is falling at the expense of sweetened beverages, according to a new US study.

PureCircle partners with Cerilliant for Reb A quality testing

PureCircle has announced it has entered into a partnership with Cerilliant to develop and supply certified reference materials for its stevia-derived sweeteners, responding to demand for high quality Reb A.

Extending existing technologies to tackle food-borne illness

Several controversial measures are needed to “stop reliving history” and ensure the safety of the US food supply, says a leading professor of medicine.

Virginia Dare offers floral flavors for water

Virginia Dare’s creative team has developed a new range of floral flavors, which the company is launching for use in waters, natural beverages and teas.

Too much red meat may increase age-related blindness: Study

Eating about two portions of red meat a day may increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration by about 50 per cent, says a new study from Australia.

Weekly comment

Twitter could leave bitter taste in Pepsi’s mouth

“The new cartons stink.” Customer responses to new product developments seldom come clearer or more direct than that.

Recession and melamine scandal hit US dairy exports

US dairy exports have been hit by lower global demand on the back of worldwide recession and the Chinese melamine scandal, according to a report from the Babcock Institute.

Rebuilding trust to become companies’ crucial concern, says Mintel

Recovering public trust will emerge as “the paramount concern” of 2009, as doubts are cast on the safety even of kosher and organic food, according to Mintel’s director of research Joan Holleran.

News in brief

Mexican move for confectionery firms saves labour and sugar costs

Confectionery firms are moving to Mexico and Canada to save on labour and sugar costs, reports US paper, York Daily Record.

News in brief

Chicken processor in bid to exit bankruptcy

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation has announced that it is to idle three of its 32 US chicken processing plants in a bid to exit bankruptcy by the end of the year.

Consumers seek value over price: Survey

Consumers’ purchasing decisions are based primarily on perception of product value rather than price alone, according to a new study from Brandweek.

News in brief

Cargill contributes to global food banks

Cargill has donated $1m to the Global FoodBanking Network (GFN), an international organization which establishes and supports food banks in many parts of the world.