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News > March 2011

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31-Mar-2011

CP Kelco targets quality & processing benefits with next generation xanthan

A new xanthan gum with enhanced hydration rates could boost production throughputs, streamline processes, and correct batch errors, says the CP Kelco scientist behind the innovative ingredient.

News in brief

Whole Grain Stamp program sees rapid growth

Use of the Whole Grain Stamp has increased 25 percent in nine months, and it now appears on more than 5,000 products, according to Oldways and the Whole Grains Council (WGC).

Organic farm groups file legal challenge against Monsanto

The Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT) has filed a lawsuit against Monsanto aiming to prohibit the biotech seed giant from suing farmers if their non-GM crops should become contaminated with patented...

DairiConcepts expands concentrated dairy flavor system range

Dairy-based ingredients supplier DairiConcepts has expanded its range of cheese flavors and blends to include new flavors, as well as many with organic, halal and kosher certification, the company has...

High lead levels in chewing gum force recall

Findings by the US authorities indicating elevated levels of lead in a chewing gum product has led to a recall of the gum by US confectionery firm Candy Dynamics.

DuPont extends Danisco offer deadline for a second time

DuPont has extended its $6.3bn takeover bid for Danish biotech firm Danisco for the second time, after holders of only six percent of Danisco’s shares have accepted the offer.

New flavour compound may block bitter tastes

A new compound that blocks bitter tastes, may help to make reduced sugar foods and drinks more palatable for consumers by jamming metallic type bitter tastes, say flavour scientists from...

Tate & Lyle meets FY expectations, sells Fort Dodge site to Cargill

Tate & Lyle looks set for full year results in line with expectations as its refocus on specialty ingredients pays off and it sells its mothballed facility in Fort Dodge,...

30-Mar-2011

Industry body stresses importance of import safety

The Grocer Manufacturers Association stressed the importance of ensuring food import safety yesterday, in comments submitted ahead of an FDA meeting on implementing the import safety measures of new food...

Getting creative with meat-free meals

Good flavor, interesting texture, and proper cooking techniques are needed to make successful meat-free entrées on a large scale, according to a presentation at the recent Research Chefs Association conference...

News in brief

China publishes draft dairy trade rules

The Chinese government has published new draft regulations for the import and export of dairy products.

Asian market boosts Q1 McCormick earnings

Spice maker McCormick reported a 13 percent rise in its first quarter earnings, boosted by cost savings and strong domestic and Asian sales, the company said on Tuesday.

Whey protein structure discovery heralds next generation gluten-free breads

Researchers in The Netherlands claim to have pushed back boundaries on gluten-free bread formulation by using whey protein and locust bean gum structured into a ‘mesoscopic’ protein particle suspension.

Dean agrees to sell Wisconsin plant to settle antitrust case

Dean Foods has agreed to sell a milk processing plant in Wisconsin as part of a settlement with the US Department of Justice over the acquisition of a division of...

29-Mar-2011

News in brief

SymphonyIRI announces most successful new brands of 2010

Market research organization SymphonyIRI has named the top new brands of 2010 in dollar value terms, in its annual New Product Pacesetters report.

Weight gain increases with added sugars intake, data suggests

Trends in weight gain have paralleled trends in intake of added sugars, according to a review of 27 years of Minnesota Heart Survey data presented at an American Heart Association...

Comment

A happy medium for sodium reduction

Let’s hear it for compromise. It’s not often that a middle-ground solution is championed, but the National Salt Reduction Initiative is gaining support precisely because it has not strong-armed anyone...

General Mills falls short of energy goals, sets packaging targets

Breakfast cereal manufacturer, General Mills, admits it fell far short of goals for 2010 in terms of reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) but has flagged up a...

Acquisition boosts Cargill brand portfolio in India

Cargill has expanded its brand portfolio in India with the acquisition of the refined sunflower oil brand Sweekar from Mumbai-based consumer goods manufacturer Marico.

NOAA, FDA to make data public from continuing Gulf seafood tests

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) has said it will continue to test seafood from the Gulf of Mexico into the summer, in an effort to convince consumers that...

28-Mar-2011

Expert panel to reassess food colorings and hyperactivity link

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said it intends to seek views from an expert panel this week on a possible association between artificial food colorings and hyperactivity in...

FoodJobs: People on the move

FoodNavigator-USA presents a photo gallery illustrating new executive appointments at major food manufacturing and ingredient companies over the past month.

'Mouthwatering’ sensation not linked to hunger or food images, says study

Feelings of hunger, or food associated images, do produce ‘mouthwatering’ sensations, or increase saliva flow, in the same way that the smell or taste of food does, according to new...

Comment

Too early to start praising PepsiCo for new plant bottle

The new PepsiCo plant bottle appears to tick all the “green” boxes for a disposable drinks bottle but the innovation should not be taken too seriously until it arrives on...

Private label market set to double, says Rabobank

Private label foods are set to double their global market share to 50 percent by 2025 but leading brands will also gain in importance, according to a new report from Rabobank.

25-Mar-2011

News in brief

ADM to double canola receiving and storage capacities at Canadian plant

Archer Daniels Midland has said it intends to double canola seed receiving capabilities and storage capacity at its Lloydminster, Alberta, processing facility.

Bridging the gap between health and indulgence

Is it possible for a food to be healthy and indulgent at the same time? FoodNavigator-USA asked exhibitors at the recent Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California.

Extreme flavors becoming mainstream, says new report

‘Extreme and edgy’ flavors are increasingly moving into the mainstream, according to a new trend report from the Center for Culinary Development (CCD) and market research organization Packaged Facts.

Multi-layered microencapsulation systems keep the flavour

Two-layered emulsions were found to increase the retention of volatile flavours during spray drying, according to researchers from the University of Bourgogne.

Study finds no cardiovascular risk from dietary mercury for adults

American adults’ exposure to mercury from sources such as fish is not linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, suggests a new study published in the New England Journal...

Taste still trumps health for functional food acceptance: Survey

When it comes to deciding whether to purchase functional foods, ‘the principal considerations still do not pertain to health, but rather taste and price’ according to a new consumer study.

24-Mar-2011

Judge refuses to dismiss claims against Kellogg in tainted cracker case

A federal judge in the US has, in the main, refused to dismiss a proposed suit alleging that Kellogg did not adhere to consumer protection laws and contravened an implied...

Saturated fat and heart disease risk: Expert panel perspective

Whole food guidelines should be used to explain the role of saturated fat in heart disease risk, says a global expert panel assessing the evidence linking saturated fat with cardiovascular...

New trans-free bakery shortenings to cut saturated fat

Loders Croklaan has introduced two new shortenings to its SansTrans range to replace trans fat in bakery products, while also reducing saturated fat content and cost in use, the company...

High commodity costs boost alternative ingredients

Ingredient suppliers that can provide lower cost alternatives to increasingly pricey commodities could benefit from higher prices, according to a fiber ingredient supplier.

Ready-to-eat meat products low in carcinogens: Study

Consumption of most ready-to-eat meat products contributes very little to HCA intake but cooking conditions and ingredients are influential, suggests new US study.

News in brief

Wrigley lets US consumers design gum packs

Leading chewing gum maker, Wrigley, is letting consumers in the US design their own packaging.

23-Mar-2011

What is the dollar value of a food sensation?

A new market research technique could help product developers and marketers discover the amount people will pay for specific food attributes, according to a presentation at the Research Chefs Association...

News in brief

EPA rewards PepsiCo for energy efficiency

 The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized PepsiCo with an award for protecting the environment through energy efficiency measures.

Whey protein may cut metabolic risk of high-fat diet: Mouse study

Whey protein isolate may slow weight gain and the accumulation of body fat when added to a high fat, suggest new findings from a study with mice.

Hilmar offers novel whey protein for clear, low pH beverages

California’s Hilmar Ingredients has launched a new whey protein ingredient offering excellent nutritional profile, solubility and heat stability for transparent, low pH beverage applications.

Corn Products introduces compressible erythritol for confectionery, tablets

Corn Products International has developed a new directly compressible erythritol for use in sugar-free confectionery and tablets, the company has said.

Danisco results may influence stockholders over DuPont offer

Danisco’s fine Q3 results may make some investors less willing to sell, believing the company can bring profit alone or that DuPont may be persuaded to raise its offer, say...

22-Mar-2011

Not your average cooking oil

Chinese cooking oil success shows omega-3 fortification potential

Booming sales of omega-3 fortified cooking oil in China may show how countries with nutritional deficiencies can boost the nutritional intakes of a population, said a leading omega-3 figure.

Phytosterols stable in functional foods

The stability of plant sterols in functional foods for cholesterol reduction is high, says a new study from Spain which adds to the safety data surrounding phytosterols.

Caravan develops ingredient for healthier par-fried potatoes

Caravan Ingredients has added a new diglyceride ingredient to its Trancendim range to reduce saturated fat content in par-fried potatoes and prevent freezer clumping and crumbing, the company has said.

Foodie culture boosts food science interest, says IFT

The number of students graduating with food science degrees has almost doubled in the United States since 2004, according to the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).

Rethinking the way Americans consume protein

Americans need to shift the way they think about protein and consume it in small amounts throughout the day rather than in one large meal, says marketing coordinator for Fonterra...

21-Mar-2011

Asia and US lead stevia prospects, high hopes for Europe

Rising health concerns, all-natural credentials and growing regulatory approval are all driving stevia’s rapid market growth, finds a new report from Zenith International, which forecasts worldwide sales will more than...

PepsiCo unveils new plant bottle to rival Coca-Cola

PepsiCo has developed a rival to the Coca-Cola Plant Bottle - a package made entirely of agricultural by-products from its food business.

News in brief

GM alfalfa decision prompts new lawsuit

The Center for Food Safety and Earthjustice have filed another lawsuit against the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) arguing that the agency’s January 27 decision to deregulate genetically modified alfalfa...

Food safety fragmentation still a problem, says GAO

The establishment of a Food Safety Working Group in 2009 was a ‘positive first step’ but more work is needed to address fragmented oversight of US food safety, says the...

GMA report shows nearly 50% hike in recycled plastic inputs

US food, drink and consumer product manufacturers increased their use of recycled plastic inputs by 49 per cent from 2005 to 2010, in addition to reducing packaging weight, claims a...

Canadian agency to name food safety offenders

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has said it intends to name companies that violate Canada’s food safety regulations in an effort to improve accountability and transparency.

News in brief

GLG and IFF partner for stevia-derived flavor modulator

Stevia supplier GLG Life Tech has partnered with International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) to extract and supply Rebaudioside C (Reb C) for use by IFF as a flavor modulator, the...

National Salt Reduction Initiative attracts more members

Another seven major food companies have joined the National Salt Reduction Initiative, which aims to cut salt in processed and restaurant food across the United States by 25 percent in...

16-Mar-2011

Study sheds light on consumer food safety behaviors

Food safety messages need to be clear and targeted to drive the behavior of consumers, who are generally not confident in the safety of the US food supply, according to...

Cargill unveils holistic sweetness-flavour-texture approach to reduced calorie beverages

Q: What do the car industry and reduced calorie beverages have in common? A: Tribology, or the science of interactive surfaces in relative motion, according to Cargill, which is using...

Top five FoodNavigator-USA articles on rising food prices

 Commodity prices have been rising, and food manufacturers have begun to pass on higher ingredient costs to consumers. In this special edition, FoodNavigator-USA looks at the most-read recent articles on...

News in brief

Wild Flavors International welcomes COO

Wild Flavors International has appointed Cosimo Trimigliozzi as COO to develop an organisational plan for accelerated growth.

Sensient Colors develops natural pearlescent pigment range

Sensient Colors has developed a new natural pearlescent pigment range for use in foods including cereals, confectionery, frosting and gelatin desserts, the company said.

Government funding will speed take-up of acrylamide technology, firm

Funding to the tune of $2.5m from a Canadian government scheme indicates the commercialisation potential of acrylamide-preventing yeast technology and will also serve to broaden its scope, claims its developer.

Opportunities in rising US tea consumption

Tea is the most popular beverage worldwide after water but only ranks seventh in the United States, presenting a huge opportunity for beverage manufacturers, according to founder and president of...

15-Mar-2011

FoodNavigator-USA’s top five sodium reduction articles

In this special edition, we look at the five most-read articles on sodium reduction over the past six months, covering the wider implications of sodium reduction for public health, industry’s...

New Kraft water could trigger domino effect, Mintel

The recent launch of MiO, a new water flavouring product from Kraft will influence other companies to launch similar brands, according to Mintel.

Different generations seek similar functions from functional foods

Younger and older consumer groups may be interested in gaining similar benefits from functional food ingredients but products should address them in different ways, says president and co-founder of Integrated...

Industry urges Congress to reject user fees to fund food safety

A coalition of 16 food industry groups has written to key leaders in Congress urging them to reject increased user fees to fund the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Extrusion cooking may lower aflatoxins in peanuts

Levels of aflatoxins in peanut meal may be reduced by up to 84 per cent, using an extrusion cooking process, according to new research.

Talking texture: The importance of a common language

Establishing a common language to describe textural nuances is vital to product development, according to vice president of research and development at TIC Gums, Matthew Patrick.

14-Mar-2011

Corn Products looks to mid-calorie stevia formulations

Corn Products International is probably best known for its corn sweeteners, but its approach to stevia has altered significantly over the past few years.

Alkaline processing reduces cocoa's flavanol content, study

Alkali processing causes a loss of up to 98 per cent on epicatechin in the final chocolate based product, claims Hershey company based scientists evaluating the effect of conventional production...

GMA and 90 others re-affirm pledge to fight ethanol credits

The Grocery Manufacturers’ Association (GMA), along with 90 other groups, has re-affirmed its support for proposals to end the refundable Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) which subsidizes the blending...

Long meal times may not cut snacking: Study

Drawing out the length of a meal may not affect the amount of after-meal snacking, according to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition.

General Mills seeks out three new heat protection technologies

General Mills has published three requests on its open innovation platform for new food packaging and heat protection technologies.

11-Mar-2011

Millennials and taste are “sticking points” for salt reduction

The growth in consumption of products with low or reduced-sodium in the US is forecast to outpace the population growth rate, according to a new report.

US sees jump in Fairtrade confectionery sales

US Fairtrade chocolate purchases shot up by 19 per cent last year, according to Fair Trade US, a sales boom that has been seen across the globe for food and...

Novel flexible way to measure percentage body fat

A new way to measure percent body fat offers a more flexible alternative to body mass index (BMI), according to the scientists from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles...

Americans expand Latin American flavor exploration

Latin food trends are beginning to expand into geographies that have only featured marginally in the United States in the past, with Venezuelan, Colombian and Peruvian flavors coming to the...

Reinventing R&D through open innovation: Nestlé

When it comes to innovation, the idea of “partner or perish” has to become the new mantra for the food industry, according to a review published by Nestlé scientists.

10-Mar-2011

Industry's role in addressing American dietary inadequacies

Communication between industry, government and health organizations, and consumer nutritional education are crucial to ensuring that all Americans get adequate nutrition, according to Dr. Deshanie Rai, senior scientific leader at...

Flavor firm to capitalise on biotech cost springboard

Biotechnology company Allylix plans to bring six more flavours and fragrances to market over the next year following the recent launch of its grapefruit and orange products.

Sodium-masking technology boosts sweetness

Masking the flavor of salt offers big opportunities for products, such as sports beverages, where salt is a winning ingredient and can boost perception of sweetness, claims flavor technology company...

US confectioner Necco takes down 'for sale' sign

Workers at the New England Confectionary Company, (Necco) reacted positively to the news that the ‘for sale’ sign has been removed, with the equity group owners revealing than they will...

09-Mar-2011

Celebrity chefs inspire American creativity

Celebrity chefs are having a greater influence on the way Americans eat than ever before and are encouraging food innovation, according to vice president of the Food Network’s test kitchens,...

Study identifies new tomato allergen

A previously unknown allergen found in the peel of tomatoes has been identified by a team of Spanish researchers.

Consumers not as adventurous as developers think, says flavor firm

Consumers are not as adventurous when it comes to flavors as most food product developers would like to think, according to Kim Holman, director of marketing at Wixon.

Synergy to build new flavor innovation center

Flavors and yeast extract company, Synergy is setting up a new flavor innovation and manufacturing facility near its current site at Wauconda, Illinois, north of Chicago.

News in brief

Flour Fortification Initiative names new director

The Flour Fortification Initiative (FFI), a network of partners working to make the addition of vitamins and minerals to flour standard milling practice worldwide, has named Scott J. Montgomery its...

Kraft and Saputo lose legal challenge against Canadian cheese standards

An attempt by Kraft Canada and Saputo to overturn Canadian government standards on the composition of cheese has been dismissed by the Federal Court of Appeal.

08-Mar-2011

Forget pancakes. I'm flippin' well going for the CEO's job
Comment

Women. The most wasted resource in food production

Today is Pancake Day. It is also International Women’s Day. An important date, then, not just for food lovers in countries where Mardi Gras is a big deal, but a...

Scientists have identified sugar receptors in the mouth, thought previously to only exist in the gut

Study suggests why salt can boost sweet taste perception

Sugar receptors previously thought to exist only in the gut have been identified on sweet taste cells on the tongues of mice, possibly explaining why salt enhances sweetness intensity, according...

Cartoon characters may influence kids’ taste preferences

Children tend to prefer the taste of cereal when the packaging features popular cartoon characters, suggests new research published in the Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

The impact of texture on taste perception

Food and beverage product developers spend a shockingly low amount of time examining how texture may impact a finished product, according to TIC Gums' vice president of research and development...

New alliance formed to boost food organic interests and policy

Strengthening the organic industry’s national public policy effectiveness to benefit the entire sector is the aim of a new strategic alliance between the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and California Certified...

Coca-Cola keeps faith in Honest Tea potential

Coca-Cola has bought out the remaining stake in Honest Tea although the organic bottled tea company is still a niche player in the US market.

07-Mar-2011

Improving economy boosts RCA conference, says president

The improving economy, an East Coast location, and a tie-in to consumer drivers with a keynote speaker from the Food Network's test kitchens boosted this year's Research Chefs Association conference...

Consumer groups urge FDA to reject ‘corn sugar’ label for HFCS

Consumer groups have petitioned the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging it to reject a Corn Refiners Association bid to allow ‘corn sugar’ as an alternative labeling declaration for high...

News in brief

E.coli outbreak seems confined to retail sector

Food manufacturers and ingredients companies appear to be unaffected by the latest outbreak of E.coli linked to eating unshelled hazelnuts, also known as filberts.

Ocean Spray wins quality certification for cranberry products

Massachusetts-based Ocean Spray has become the first sweetened dried cranberry manufacturer to achieve Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification for food manufacturing and distribution.

Ultrasound process may assist foam production, suggests study

The use of an ultrasound process during the mixing step of foam production in foods may lead to better quality products, according to new research.

04-Mar-2011

One small step for man requires 'an evolution of the food system'

NASA addresses food science challenges for Mars missions

Innovations and advances by NASA food scientists are helping keep the American astronauts nourished during long space missions, but challenges remain if man is to boldly go where he has...

How to persuade young Americans to follow dietary guidelines

Weight loss and living longer are the prime motivators for persuading young people to follow the healthy eating habits as set out in the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans,...

Limited segregated palm oil supply sees Kellogg's use certificates

Kellogg’s claims a lack of segregated, sustainably grown palm oil means its only option in terms of ensuring environmental friendly sourcing is to purchase GreenPalm certificates to cover its palm...

News in brief

ADM comes up trumps as ‘world’s most admired food production company’

For the third year in succession the Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) has come out as the top food production company in Fortune Magazine’s ‘World’s Most Admired Companies’ ranking....

California is organic 'land of opportunity'

California tops the leader board of American states that show the greatest investment potential for organic foods, according to one expert who has authored a new report on the global...

03-Mar-2011

Taste receptors understanding may hold key for low-cal sweeteners: Review

The understanding of how taste receptors are stimulated is constantly developing, but there is a long way to go until industry can accurately replicate such stimuli, according to a new...

Tate & Lyle lists top food and beverage trends for 2011

Simplicity, stealth sugar and calorie reductions, one product with multiple benefits and restaurant quality at home will be the four top food and beverage trends influencing manufacturers this year, according...

Danisco invests in polydextrose capacity to meet fiber demand

Danisco is planning a major increase in capacity of Litesse polydextrose in response to demand for fiber-rich foods, and following a new definition of fiber that confirms the specialty sweetener’s...

TIC Gums develops 100% organic yogurt stabilizer

Maryland’s TIC Gums has launched a 100 percent organic stabilizer for organic yogurt products, providing increased stability for consumers of organic yogurt.

Home-grown stevia crop hits US market

Sweet Green Fields (SGF) has announced its first successful, commercial harvest of stevia grown in the US, which it claims can compete effectively on cost with China.

News in brief

China mulls bisphenol A ban in baby bottles

China is considering banning the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in polycarbonate baby bottles, according to state-run media.

02-Mar-2011

Researchers believe enzyme treatment may reduce or remove levels of allergens in peanuts.

Enzyme treatment may remove peanut allergens, suggests study

An enzymatic treatment process may effectively reduce allergens in roasted peanuts by up to 100 per cent, according to new research.

Closer scrutiny of US food imports promised

Exporters to the US and domestic importers can expect much closer scrutiny of their food safety controls, following the signing of the Food Safety Modernization Act by President Barack Obama...

Squeeze on demand forecast for flavors market

Competition among flavor houses is likely to step up as a slower rate of growth in demand for food flavors is expected across the US market.

News in brief

Aker’s Superba krill oil gets GRAS from independent expert panel

An independent panel of experts has determined that Aker BioMarine Antarctic’s Superba Krill Oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food and beverages.

Ohly acquires savory ingredients company Bakon Yeast

Yeast specialist Ohly, part of the ABF Ingredients group, has acquired the speciality savory ingredients company Bakon Yeast Inc located in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, for an undisclosed sum.

US regulator begins probe into Kraft takeover of Cadbury

Kraft Foods is facing another potential grilling about its takeover of Cadbury in early 2010 with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) examining its actions in relation to India...

01-Mar-2011

Comment

The balancing act of allergen labelling

The food industry has a responsibility to label allergenic ingredients as big and bold as they can – but also not to over-egg the slimmest of slim possibilities that a...

US food prices could surpass 2008 levels, says USDA

US food prices could surpass those seen during the 2008 food price crisis this year, as higher commodity and energy prices cause food makers to pass on costs, according to...

News in brief

Cargill earns FDA GRAS for omega-6 form

Agri-food giant Cargill has received a GRAS non-objection letter from the Food and Drug Administration for its arachidonic acid (ARA)-rich oil (ARA).

Research links sugary drinks with high blood pressure risk

Sugar-sweetened beverages could increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, according to research published in the journal Hypertension.

Study investigates sensory properties of fishy ice cream

Ice cream enriched with fish proteins may be acceptable after production, but storage is a problem, according to new research.

NutraCea reports 2009 financial results, expects to file 2010

Rice bran ingredient supplier NutraCea has reported a net loss of $32.1m in the year ended December 31, 2009, according to results filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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