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

Cargill joins fight to improve school nutrition

Cargill has formed an educational partnership to help elementary schools boost student health.

Industry awaits regulator's review of aspartame

Food processors are waiting with bated breath for the release next week of an EU regulatory review either confirming or rejecting the results of a scientific study claiming that aspartame poses a cancer risk.

Lead contamination prompts US candy recall

An Oregon chocolate manufacturer has recalled batches of organic confectionery after fears that the products could contain high levels of lead.

Cultural factors implicated in obesity, says study

Health professionals need to use more than tape measures and scales to define and tackle obesity, according to a paper in the British-based Journal of Advanced Nursing.

Concerns raised about use of butter flavorings by processors

Food companies face a growing chance of litigation from employees over concerns about the industry's use of diacetyl and butter flavorings, which have been linked to lung disease in workers.

Lactic acid mix found to eliminate food pathogens

A mixture of harmless bacteria helps food companies eliminate almost all of the common pathogens found in ground beef and other meat products, according to scientists.

National Uniformity Coalition strikes back at bill opponents

The National Uniformity for Food Coalition this week released a legal analysis that claims the proposed legislation would only affect 11 state laws as part of an effort to set national standards for food safety regulations.

Pharmachem launches carb blocker for food use

Pharmachem Laboratories is introducing a new ingredient derived from white bean that lowers the calorie-count and glycemic index of starchy foods - an innovation that will allow manufacturers to make healthier or diet products.

Scientists unlock secret to whey-based 'mayo'

Scientists in Spain have developed a buttermilk-based emulsifier with similar properties to mayonnaise.

Connecticut Senate votes to ban school soda sales

The nationwide initiative to improve school nutrition is gathering momentum, with Connecticut becoming the next in line to pass legislation aimed at reducing childhood obesity.

Natural tomato color booms as firms avoid synthetic

Just a few months after its approval in the US, a natural tomato food colorant claims to have attracted strong interest as food and beverage manufacturers look to clean up their labels.

ADM gears up to build new US cocoa plant

Agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is to build a new US cocoa processing facility in a move designed to meet growing demand for its cocoa ingredients.

New science could make sugar sweeter

A new study has revealed how molecular mechanisms and taste perception can be combined to make sucrose more effective, which means that products could contain less sugar but taste just as sweet.

Weekly comment

Strategic philanthropy: exploitation or key to emerging markets?

When a company 'gives back' to the world through charitable donations, should we wholeheartedly commend it for being a good egg or sniff cynically at the profit potential that underlies every business decision?

7UP makeover targets natural soft drinks trend

Cadbury Schweppes has reformulated its flagship Seven Up drink with only natural ingredients, in an attempt to grow the brand through rising consumer demand for natural products.

Obesity confirmed as major cause of rising diabetes epidemic

US researchers examining the dramatic rise in people suffering form diabetes have confirmed that obesity is a major factor in the disease. They warn that measures must be taken to prevent obesity in order to halt the growing diabetes epidemic.

California slams National Uniformity for Food bill

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger this week announced his opposition to legislation that would standardize food safety labeling requirements throughout the US.

Less is more, says Coca-Cola's Isdell

Quality not quantity was the catchphrase for Coca-Cola at its first quarter results conference, as the group said it would sacrifice volumes for higher margin beverages to lift profits.

Kraft's tax rebate strengthens finances

Kraft Foods has recorded stable first quarter results, masking falling operating income with a favourable tax settlement and raising prices to combat spiralling production costs.

Meat sector faces mixed outlook, USDA reports

By all accounts the US meat sector faces a mixed outlook, with prices falling for domestic supplies of beef, the encroachment of cheaper imports, a new case of mad cow disease in Canada and worries about avian influenza.

FDA grants GRAS status to Palatinose sugar replacer

Palatinit today announced that it has achieved GRAS notification for its sugar replacer Palatinose, a certification the company hopes will provide food manufacturers with "complete assurance" in the product.

New report to examine progress in childhood obesity prevention

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is preparing a report designed to examine the nation's progress in preventing childhood obesity, due to be released in September this year.

Ocean Spray doubles plant capacity as cranberries soar

Strong demand for cranberry-based ingredients for functional foods has led co-operative Ocean Spray to double production capacity at its plant in Middleboro, Massachusetts.

Whole grain stamps to state weight, not judge value

The Whole Grain Stamp program is evolving to give the number of grams of whole grain ingredients in a serving, an initiative that will help consumers keep track of their consumption.

New benzene test reveals flaw in FDA soft drinks investigation

A new test should more accurately show the amount of benzene in soft drinks on shop shelves, but that does not mean there is no problem, says the scientist behind the new procedure to BeverageDaily.com.

DSM launches new 'reliable' cheese ripening enzyme

DSM Food Specialties has introduced a new cheese ripening enzyme that it claims accelerates flavor development while also eliminating the bitter off-taste often formed during cheese maturation.

No go for junk food ban in Illinois schools

A proposal by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to ban schools from selling junk food and soda has been blocked by a legislative committee on the grounds that it does not provide a "total approach" to child nutrition.

China, US to cooperate on food safety

China and the US will work more closely on issues of food safety and animal and plant health, the two countries said in a statement on Tuesday.

Kerry acquisitions fuel expansion in health and wellness

Irish firm Kerry this week further confirmed its growth plans in the US ingredients market with the acquisition of two North American businesses- Custom Industries and Nuvex Ingredients.

First lawsuits filed over benzene in soft drinks

Lawyers in the US announced yesterday they were taking two soft drinks firms to court, alleging lab tests showed drinks contaminated with benzene above America's safety limit for tap water.

Insoluble fibre could protect against diabetes, more evidence

A German clinical trial has reported that eating a fibre-enriched bread for only three days improved insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese women by eight per cent, as the evidence for fibre protection against type-2 diabetes continues to grow.

Dow to double production of trans fat free cooking oils

Dow AgroSciences yesterday announced that it is to increase production of its trans fat free canola and sunflower oils on the back of an increased demand as food manufacturers strive to churn out healthier products.

Increased rice bran demand prompts further NutraCea expansion

On the back of increased demand for its stabilized rice bran product, California-based NutraCea has announced it is to double capacity at its Dillon, Montana plant, revising its previously announced decision to increase capacity by 50 percent.

Genes could contribute to obesity, say scientists

According to researchers in Boston, it is not just the types of foods consumed and a lack of physical exercise that lead to obesity; their findings suggest that both body shape and obesity could be controlled by our genes.

New program could lead to better quality peanuts

Scientists at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are working on producing high quality disease-resistant peanuts that also contain high levels of heart-healthy oleic acid.

Plant sterols, glucomannan snack bars could improve cholesterol levels

Snacking on bars containing plant sterols and glucomannan could improve cholesterol levels of both diabetic and non-diabetics, but had no effect on glucose control, reports a Canadian study.

Consumer survey reveals support for 'fat tax'

The majority of American consumers would support a 'fat tax,' or a tax placed on unhealthy processed foods, if the revenues were used to make healthier food less expensive, according to a new survey.

iCone adds new twist to carton packaging

The 'iCone' is the big new idea in carton packaging from Elopak, intended to fend off competition from plastics and provide a new vehicle for premium soft drinks.

Revised labelling required for poultry products

By next month food companies will be required to have more explicit instructions that uncooked, breaded or boneless poultry products need to be cooked.

Sweetener preference based on lack of bitterness, says study

The most important factor in determining what kind of sweeteners people prefer is the level of bitterness of the compound, according to a new study on taste perception.

Human aspartame study finds no cancer link

A human observational study has revealed that adults consuming aspartame-containing beverages did not show any increased incidence of certain cancers, but scientists caution that the study could have certain "limitations" due to the research methods used.

New bill proposes revamp of school nutrition standards

A bill introduced in Congress yesterday proposes a radical overhaul of the nutritional standards for foods sold in schools, a move likely to change the face of the type of products available to children throughout the school day.

Low GI diet could protect eyes against AMD

Eating a low glycemic index (GI) diet could reduce the risk of the incurable eye disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), by more than 60 per cent, says a new study.

P&G, Coca-Cola resolve calcium patent dispute

Coca-Cola can continue selling orange juice fortified with calcium, after having settled with Procter and Gamble over a patent infringement lawsuit a development that opens the way forpotential collaborations in the future.

New research could facilitate low-linolenic soybean production

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have discovered a way to speed up the identification of low-linolenic soybean varieties, findings that could contribute to increased production of low-trans fat soy oil.

Soy, breast cancer prevention link questioned

The link between soy consumption and a reduced risk of breast cancer has been called into question by a meta-analysis of available science, with researchers concluding that there is insufficient evidence to support the health claim.

Popular spices may stop cancer growth

Ginger and chilli peppers may inhibit the growth of certain cancers, said scientists at a meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Petition filed with FDA to withdraw Splenda from US market

A petition has been filed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) calling on the agency to revoke its approval of the sweetener Splenda, a move branded by manufacturer Tate & Lyle as a commercial conspiracy to damage its product's image.

Soft drinks firms pledge routine benzene tests

Soft drinks makers have been hauled before the European Commission to explain the presence of benzene traces in drinks, putting the industry under pressure after recalls in the UK.

California withdraws proposed acrylamide warning rules

California has withdrawn proposed rules that would have required food manufacturers to place acrylamide warning labels on certain products.

Demand grows for CoffeeBerry concentrate

Increasing industry awareness of VDF Futureceuticals' CoffeeBerry concentrate is growing, as producers are advised to up production to cope with expected demand.

Scientists explore pathogen killing methods without heat

Scientists are studying the effectiveness of new methods -- such as ozone and electrolyzed oxidizing water -- to kill pathogens in the plant without using thermal processes.

USDA funds genetic mapping of barley

A $5m project aimed at identifying and improving the genetic make-up of barley could lead to higher yields and a better quality crop, said the US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns on Friday.

US sugar industry wins round against Splenda

A federal court has dismissed a lawsuit brought by McNeil Nutritionals, the marketer of Splenda, against the Sugar Association, accusing it of false advertising.