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Weekly Comment

Training the salt of the earth

On International Labour Day, workers across the world will be raising a glass in honour of the salt of the earth.

Early exposure to food allergens may increase tolerance

Exposing premature and low birth weight babies to food allergens early in life may boost tolerance later in life, suggests a new study from Canada.

DuPont reveals turnaround in sliding ag sales

Agricultural firm DuPont said last week that first quarter performance set the company off to a good start for the year, with profits rising 16 percent on the back of strong seed sales.

CCE predicts earnings drop in 2007

Life is unlikely to get much sweeter for Coca-Cola Enterprises this year as rising input costs and a new restructuring scheme threaten to knock earnings further, it warned.

AACCI meet in Europe for grain science exploration

The American Association of Cereal Chemists (AACC) International is set to meet this week in Europe, where experts from the international cereals and grains industry will discuss latest developments in grain-based science and technology.

Energy drink market gets rush from clubbers

The energy drink market has gotten further stimulus from club crowds who mix these functional beverages with alcohol, according to market researcher Mintel.

New collaboration aims to combat bitterness in soy protein

Solae and Senomyx have entered into a collaborative agreement for the development of new flavor ingredients intended to enhance the taste characteristics of soy proteins.

Bunge profits slump in Q1

Agricultural and food ingredient firm Bunge has reported a slump in net income for its first quarter of almost 80 percent, primarily due to unrealized mark-to-market losses.

Testing finds pet killer chemical in hogs

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation into whether a chemical thought to be responsible for a number of pet deaths has entered the human food chain.

Chitosan complex superior for emulsion flavour stabilisation?

A chitosan-containing complex was more effective at stabilising citrus flavours and could offer a cost-effective alternative to gum arabic, suggests joint Italian-US research.

Magic ingredient needed for diet soft drinks

A lucrative opportunity exists for the ingredients firm that can develop a new product to make diet soft drinks taste more acceptable to consumers, researchers have said.

OTA calls for more funding for organics

The nation's organic industry has called for federal agencies to boost spending on crop research and market development in an effort to help farmers keep up with burgeoning demand.

Propolis to make jump from health to food preservative?

Propolis, the waxy resin collected by honeybees and currently marketed for its health benefits, could also find use as a natural food preservative, suggests new research.

Corn Products profits up as it passes on price hikes

Corn Products International said its first quarter profits more than doubled on the back of strong sales and successful price increases.

IOM report could revamp school nutrition standards

A new report issued by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) could lead to a major overhaul of the types of competitive foods allowed in schools.

Special edition: Global food trade

Codex and the GM trade stalemate

International regulations on genetically modified foods and the trade barriers resulting from these will again be in the spot light next week, as the 35th meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling kicks off in Ottawa, Canada.

FDA food safety problems blamed on lack of funding

Years of under-funding and a lack of trained staff account for failings by the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) in preventing contamination outbreaks, legislators said yesterday.

Sensient ups income, rebukes industry analyst

Sensient Technologies, provider of flavors and colors to the food industry, has reported a 11.1 per cent rise in net income, and publicly rebukes an industry analyst over erroneous comments he made relating to the results.

FTC to require company info on marketing to kids

Food and beverage manufacturers are set to have to disclose information on their marketing techniques and expenditures used to promote products to children, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has said.

Rose petal extracts to see strawberry pigments bloom?

Antioxidant compounds extracted from rose petals could protect the colour of strawberry extracts during processing, says a new study.

Guest article

Trade groups must come clean on trans fats

The food industry should not be led to believe that supply shortages and price are barriers to trans fat oil alternatives,FoodNavigator-USA.com hears from the Californian lawyer who spurred the nationwide move away from trans fats.

Hispanic trade show opens doors in Texas

Players from throughout the Hispanic food and beverage industry are coming together this week for what claims to be the biggest event targeting this segment of the market.

Dairy linked to Parkinson's disease, study

Men who consume large amounts of dairy foods may increase their risk of developing Parkinson's disease, says new research.

Soy protein from by-product to offer low-cost isolate?

Soy hypocotyls, a by-product of the soy protein industry, could offer a cheap and readily accessible alternative of protein isolates, a joint US-China study has reported.

Malaysian trade talks stall on GM labelling

The labelling of genetically modified (GM) goods within Malaysia has come further under the spotlight this week as the industry remains torn between its proposed bio-safety laws and free trade agreements between the US.

Weekly Comment

Ditch the marketing madness

Marketing strategies - two words that incorporate everything from pseudo scientific research to shock value advertising campaigns. But shouldn't honesty be the best policy?

Tate & Lyle completes sale of Canadian sugar business

British ingredient giant Tate & Lyle yesterday completed the sale of its Canadian sugar refining business, as the firm makes another step away from the commodity end of the market.

Nestle taste research may benefit salt reduction

Scientists at the Nestle Research Center have identified a network of molecules behind our ability to taste salt, research that could aid in the push to reduce salt levels in foods without affecting taste.

Bunge increases soybean focus with joint venture

Bunge is to increase its hold within the burgeoning Chinese soybean market through a joint venture with the Thai-based Charoen Pokphand Group.

FDA reviews Italian aspartame study

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reaffirmed its position on the safety of aspartame, following a review of a European study that had linked the artificial sweetener to cancer.

Processors feel the pain from ethanol

Meat processors have petitioned legislators to take action over the rising input costs on meat and poultry packers and processors due to rising ethanol production.

Danisco turns to China for enzyme expansion

Danisco is to step up production of its enzyme products in the Asia Pacific region with the opening of a new production facility today in Wuxi, China.

Organic dairy farmers join battle against GM alfalfa

Organic dairy and livestock farmers in the US have added their backing to a fight against the sale of Monsanto's biotech alfalfa, claiming that a GM alfalfa drift would severely impact the market for their products.

Salt reduction may slash heart disease risk - study

Cutting salt intake may slash the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 35 per cent, says a new multi-centre study from a group of leading US universities.

Anheuser-Busch accused of 'illegal' alcohol labels

Beverage giant Anheuser-Busch has been called on to cease marketing of its Spykes malt-based beverages, which have been accused of carrying 'illegal' warning labels.

Exclusive interview

Inside Nestle's R&D brain centre

In the first of a new series of exclusive interviews, Professor Peter van Bladeren, Nestlé's director of science and research, tells Stephen Daniells how collaboration is key to innovation at the Nestlé Research Center.

Danisco explores future of trans fat alternatives

Designing foods with trans-fat alternatives must be a 'multidisciplinary' approach, say Danisco scientists in a review that looks towards a trans-fat free future.

Quaker Oats to soften label claims, says CSPI

According to the Center for Science and the Public Interest, the Quaker Oats Company is dropping certain claims from its labeling, underscoring the sensitive nature of health claims for the functional food industry.

ADM develops low-carb, high-protein snack process

Ingredients firm Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has developed a new method of manufacturing soy-based crisps - opening up further possibilities to the carb-free snack market.

Kraft profit dips but hopes remain high

Snack giant Kraft has posted a further drop in its first quarter profit, but has maintained its full-year outlook, confident that its restructuring plan will drive the company forward.

Cargill patents new cocoa processing method

US based cocoa producer Cargill has developed a new method of processing cocoa which allows for reduced fat content and greater dispersibility in cocoa powder.

Danisco highlights multifunctions of polydextrose, sweetener

Sugar replacement , calorie reduction and glycemic benefits were amongst the functions most cited by respondents to a Danisco survey on the use of its Litesse polydextrose and Laccitol sweetener.

Report reveals 'alarming' levels of child obesity in Quebec Cree

Childhood obesity is on a general rise in Canada, but a new report reveals that some populations in northern Quebec have disturbingly high levels of obese kids.

Salmonella and E. coli illnesses up last year, says report

Increases in foodborne illnesses from salmonella and escherichia coli during 2006 could be due to outbreaks in previously unaffected food such as peanut butter and spinach, according to the findings of a new report.

Nitrites in cured meat could increase lung disease risk

Days after English researchers proposed an equation to make the ultimate bacon buttie, a new study from the US has reported that frequent consumption of cured meats like bacon may increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Danisco pays up in patent infringement case

Enzyme firms Danisco and Novozymes have settled a patent dispute, resulting in Novozymes receiving over $15m.

ADM to produce NutraCea stabilized rice bran

NutraCea has entered into an agreement with Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) for the production of its stabilized rice bran - a significant accomplishment for the young company as it brings its nutritious ingredient to the mainstream market.

Cargill reports increased Q3 earnings

Cargill has reported its sixth year of sales growth during the first nine months, announcing close to a 50 percent increase in net earnings for its third quarter.

Collagen could boost nutrient retention in meats

Injecting meatballs with collagen may boost the retention of key nutrients in the meat, suggests new research from Poland.

Cadbury Schweppes invests in Hispanics

The US Hispanic population forms a core consumer base for drinks giant Cadbury Schweppes, which is confident this segment will drive growth amidst a general environment of declining soft drinks sales.

Weekly comment

Food contamination: time for action

At a time when so many resources are being pumped into improving consumer health through food, it is pitifully ironic that more and more people are getting sick or dying from what they eat because of safety slips.

Pumpkin pectin may offer novel gelling opportunities

Pectin extracted from pumpkin and then modified using an enzyme could offer an interesting alternative for jams and confectionery, suggests new research from Russia.

Palm oil industry wary of uncertain futures

Malaysian palm oil futures hit an eight year high last week, as rampant demand by food and biofuels continues to deplete global stocks.

Cott eyes move for Cadbury drinks

Rumours were again swirling around Cadbury Schweppes this weekend, after the world's largest private label soft drinks maker said it was eyeing a move for the group's US drinks arm.

McNeil and Merisant battle over Splenda in court

Last week marked the start of a long awaited court case between sweetener firms McNeil Nutritionals and Merisant, after which a jury is expected to decide if consumers are being misled by the marketing strategy for popular sweetener product Splenda.

Understanding heat and chilling could boost flavour perception

Scientists from the University of Nottingham have reported that adding an ingredient that induces the sensation of cooling could boost the perception of fruit flavours, fundamental research that could have implications for product formulation.

Sodas lose fizz in 2007 forecast

Carbonated soft drinks maintain their hold over the US beverage market, but the category experienced a steady decline last year, and this is expected to accelerate in 2007, according to a recent report.

AHA fat campaign warns consumers to be wary of trans free

The American Heart Association (AHA) has launched a new educational campaign to help consumers limit the amounts of trans fats in their diets, while not defaulting to more saturated fats.

Chinese companies deny sucralose patent infringement

Chinese companies accused by Tate & Lyle of infringing its patented sucralose manufacturing technology have hit back at the allegations, pledging to vigorously defend themselves.

Regulator turns down hearing request on irradiation levels

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is sticking to its guns on setting a higher maximum limit on irradiation levels used to sanitize foods.

DuPont funds plant breeding research

DuPont has entered into a partnership with a US university, where it will fund research for the genetic improvement of crops and plant nutrition, the firm announced yesterday.

Could algal biomass be green food colouring?

Scientists in Portugal are experimenting with algal biomass as a novel source of green colouring for food, with tests in cookies indicating excellent stability.

Senator calls for labeling of cloned foods

California State Senator Carole Migden has unveiled legislation that would require the clear labeling of meat and milk from cloned animals.

Nestle Nutrition acquisitions continue with Gerber

Swiss food giant Nestlé has acquired iconic US baby food brand Gerber as the group's transition to a nutrition, health and wellness company continues.

Asian growth drives CHS grain profits

CHS this week announced a record profit of $218m in its latest six months results, following strong growth in its grain and food processing segments.

Consumers believe one thing but eat another, says report

Most Americans are trying - but failing - to achieve a more healthful and balanced diet, according to a new Mintel report, which suggests a discrepancy between what people believe and what they actually eat.

Row over chocolate composition escalates

Disgruntled US chocolate manufacturer Guittard is mounting a defence of chocolate ahead of possible changes to the product's composition by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Glycemic load has no long term impact on weight loss, study

Low glycemic and high glycemic diets could result an equal level of weight loss in the long term, according to new research.

Scientists look to hibiscus as ingredient source

Oil extracted from the seeds of hibiscus plants is rich in linoleic and oleic fatty acids, and could offer interesting applications for industry, says new research from Spain.

Maple flakes marketed for sweetness, texture in processed foods

A Canadian maple syrup manufacturer is introducing a new line of maple flakes, designed to add flavor, sweetness and texture to products such as baked goods and cereal.

Weekly comment

You cannot judge a juice by its cover

Have you heard this one before? There are two blackcurrants, one has a high vitamin content and the other - well it doesn't.

Modified tapioca to find use as encapsulation material?

Acid modified tapioca starch may offer significant advantages as an encapsulation material, producing better results than native starch, says new research.

Tate & Lyle files ITC case for sucralose patent infringement

Tate & Lyle has filed a United States International Trade Commission (ITC) case over alleged infringement of its patented sucralose manufacturing technology.

Group pledges $500m for child obesity prevention

A prominent US health philanthropy has pledged $500m to tackle childhood obesity, with the aim of reversing the epidemic by 2015.

Ethyl Carbamate in food, drink as dangerous as diesel

The attention of product developers is turning towards health risks posed by ethyl carbamate, a naturally ocurring substance in fermented food and beverage products that is now classed as dangerous as acrylamide and diesel fuel.

Almonds must be pasteurized, say new USDA rules

All almonds originating from California will have to comply with strict new pasteurization regulations, implemented last week by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in response to recent salmonella outbreaks.

General Mills seeks partners in innovation

Packaged food giant General Mills is looking to partner with small firms or inventors to bring new products and technologies to its business.

ARS invests in barley, oat research

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has dedicated a new research lab to the improvement of cereal crops such as barley and oats.

Seaweed bead to offer novel encapsulation potential

Furcellaran, a co-polymer of beta and kappa-carrageenan extracted from red algae, has been identified as a novel new encapsulation material, researchers from Estonia report.

Health claims need urgent attention, says food law expert

Food companies should divert resources to auditing health claims for their products and putting in place transitional arrangements in advance of the new EU legislation becoming applicable on July 1, advises an Eversheds lawyer.

Scientists fill in encapsulation knowledge gaps

Encapsulation of peppermint essential oil as a model flavour in a variety of modified starches is helping scientists fill in knowledge gaps that could further enhance encapsulation of flavours and aromas.

FDA proposes to relax labeling for irradiated foods

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to revise its labeling regulations for irradiated foods and supplements, suggesting that some irradiated foods could be labeled as "pasteurized".

Codex committee mulls fibre definitions

Two different definitions of the term 'fibre' are currently up for comment by the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses, and may have an impact on nutrition claims for certain ingredients in food and supplement products.

Dairy, fruit, veg could help smokers quit, says study

Dairy products, fruit and vegetables may help smokers break the habit, according to new research, which claims to be the first of its kind.

Monsanto sales soar on back of corn success

Monsanto has reported strong second quarter and first half sales increases, boosted by higher demand for its corn products in the United States.

Monsanto disputes hormone-free dairy claims - again

The ongoing battle between Monsanto and dairy producers who do not use the firm's milk-producing hormone rBST has stepped up a notch, with the biotech and chemicals giant requesting action to stop what it calls "deceptive milk labeling and advertising".

Frutarom offers omega-3 dairy formulation

Frutarom is now offering the added value of omega-3 as part of its food systems service for dairy products - a development that will allow customers to tap opportunities in the functional dairy market.

Pepsi goes local in Chinese expansion

PepsiCo expects to double its Chinese workforce over the next five years as it looks to meet growing demand for its products in the country.

New insect protein for fish could help address supply concerns

Aquaculture and technology group Neptune Industries has come one step closer to completing its insect-based dietary protein for fish, which the firm claims will be key to addressing the imminent shortage of world fish stocks.

Red, processed meat may double breast cancer risk - study

High consumption of red and processed meat may double the risk of breast cancer amongst women of a certain age, suggests a new study from England.

Canola supply expected to double on health demand

The Canadian canola industry has said it expects to more than double production of the crop by 2015, and is counting on increased demand for heart-healthy oils to help it reach its objectives.

Snack industry backs new school nutrition guidelines

The US snack industry has announced its backing of new voluntary snack food guidelines promoted by some of the nation's major food companies, and designed to improve the nutritional quality of products sold in schools.

Whey tops formulation, cost list as meat ingredient

Modified whey protein could be the additive of choice for processed meat, with Canadian researchers reporting it is the most functionally effective and cost-efficient of five dairy proteins tested.

Bunge lowers QI income forecasts

Ingredients group Bunge has lowered its first quarter earnings forecast, announcing that lower than expected agribusiness results will drag down net income for the period.

US-South Korea find last minute trade talks solution

South Korea and the US have finally come to an agreement over free trade talks just hours before a deadline to fast track the measures was set to expire.

Weekly comment

Wanted: testing for supplements

The dietary supplement industry needs an independent testing program that is recognizable to consumers in order to enhance the credibility of its products as well as encourage solid science and sourcing.

US holds public meeting ahead of Codex

US food regulatory agencies have announced a public meeting to discuss the nation's draft positions ahead of the Codex food labeling meeting, which will be held at the end of the month.

Pizza popularity boosts Italian food market

Increased consumption of pizza and pasta is expected to drive growth in the US market for Italian Foods, according to a new report.

Max values for tea extracts for bread formulation reported

Scientists from the University of Singapore have reported threshold levels for formulation of green tea extracts in bread, above which sweetness, brightness and hardness are affected.

FDA to extend comment period on cloning

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed to extend its comment period on a proposal to allow meat and milk products from cloned animals into the American food supply.