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

Law firm launches specialized nanotechnology practice

Chadbourne & Parke has launched a nanotechnologies practice to help companies tackle the different legal and business challenges posed by the new technology.

Trans-fats harm mechanism proposed

Trans fatty acids (TFA), an enfant terrible of the food industry, may promote cardiovascular disease by triggering inflammatory processes in the cells lining blood vessels, American scientists report.

Novel barley boosts bowel health in humans: study

A resistant starch-rich barley may offer functional food potential for formulators to double the fibre content of products, and boost gut health in consumers, suggests new research.

Desire for satiating breakfasts opens doors for soy

Consumers increasingly seek filling breakfasts that release energy slowly, expanding opportunities for manufacturers of soy products, according to US-based Solae.

US politicians weigh in on biofuels vs. food debate

The debate over whether biofuels are a major factor in rising food prices lugged on this week, with the Bush administration for the first time acknowledging there may be some truth to this.

Risk management tools for commodities bring strong gains to ADM 3Q

Risk management tools benefiting from volatile commodity markets bring strong gains to US ingredients giant ADM in the latest quarter, but profit for starch and sweeteners impacted by higher corn prices.

Pectin gels offer low-fat cheese possibilities

Pectin gels improved the taste and texture of low-fat cheese, says research from China that may offer interesting possibilities for mayonnaise formulators.

Symrise completes its drive into US flavors with Chr Hansen purchase

Symrise has finalized its acquisition of Chr Hansen's flavorings business in a move that will bring the company broader market coverage in the US as well as a more diverse ingredients portfolio.

DSM results vindicate 'strategic vision'

DSM has turned in a strong first quarter, with its Nutrition cluster registering 18 per cent year-on-year growth despite a weak US dollar and rising raw materials costs.

Export bans would further fuel food crisis

Countries should not use export bans to cope with the current food crisis as it would place further strains of the global situation, said the World Bank.

Pomegranate sauce offers marinade potential for industry

Marinating anchovies in pomegranate juice may extend the shelf-life of the fish, and positively enhance the flavour and aroma profile, suggests new research from Turkey.

Diet choices and production matter more than food miles: study

Simple changes in diet could impact a consumer's carbon footprint more than buying local products with the motivation of not wracking up too many food miles, according to researchers at Carnegie Mellon.

Halal market grows, with potential for non-Muslims too

The market for Halal foods is growing according to experts, as US Muslims grow accustomed to seeing Halal in their grocery aisles, and non-Muslims see it as healthier.

Record world wheat production forecast in 2008/09

The International Grains Council (IGC) and Rabobank Group, a specialist in food and agribusiness banking, forecast that the prospect of a record world wheat harvest in 2008/09 could help to reduce wheat prices on global markets.

Weekly comment

No quick fix to the food price crisis

The food crisis is neither new nor sudden. The several underlying causes have been independently, steadily gathering speed and have collided in a perfect storm not seen for generations. It is going to take a coordinated, long-term effort to untangle them.

Special edition: Probiotic regulations and claims

How Canada regulates probiotics

A second article in a series on probiotic regulations and health claims in different markets around the world examines the situation in the Canadian market.

Q1 profits more than double at Bunge

Bunge reported a 70 percent increase in sales revenue for Q1 2008 over Q1 2007, as it reaps the benefits of rising commodity prices coupled with global demand that is not likely to ebb anytime soon.

Cross-linked pectin to lead to better emulsions for food?

Using enzymes to cross-link pectin may produce new emulsions with enhanced functional properties, and opportunities for food formulators, American researchers report.

Benzene reductions successful in soft drinks: study

The spectre of benzene in soft drinks may be lessening after US researchers report results of a "before and after" test resulting from the scares.

Ohio again modifies dairy labeling rule

Ohio has made small changes to its proposed dairy labeling rule following comments it received as part of a public hearing April 8, but the modifications are not likely to quell opposition to the measure.

Texture of low-fat ice cream boosted by prebiotics

The prebiotic inulin may enhance the texture of probiotic ice-cream, resulting in a potentially health friendly summer snack, according to new research.

Senomyx reports growth balanced with R&D costs

Senomyx has reported a 98 percent increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2008 over the comparable period in the previous year, owing to the flavor specialist's collaboration with Ajinomoto and two new partnerships.

Fat replacers to spiral in US dairy and meat sectors

Demand for fat replacers is set to increase as health trends continue, with particular growth experienced in the meat and dairy sector, according to a new report.

Organic Summit to highlight industry concerns

Nanotechnology for food and food security are among the key issues affecting the natural food industry, according to the line-up of topics at this year's Organic Summit.

Lifelong prebiotic supplements may enhance survival: rat study

Lifelong supplementation with the prebiotics inulin and oligofructose may extend lifespan by over 30 per cent, according to a new animal study from France.

Rice bran tipped for debut in new European markets

NutraCea is expecting to see its first sales of stabilised rice bran in Central and Eastern Europe following this week's FiCEE trade show, where the ingredient has been warmly received for its potential to reduce manufacturers' costs.

CPI adds stevia in hopes of FDA approval

Corn Products International is investing in what it sees as the eventual approval of stevia as a sweetener by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), by adding a stevia-based high-intensity sweetener to its portfolio.

Kerry North America regroups under new name

Kerry North America has begun rolling out a new name change in the Americas that it says will enhance its customer service by regrouping previously divided divisions.

Raspberry seed extract boosts muesli shelf-life

Extracts from raspberry seeds may protect components of muesli from oxidation, and prevent the development of off-flavours, according to new research.

Health awareness boosts US soy market, report

The US market for soy foods and beverages is poised for strong growth as consumer awareness of the health benefits of soy increases, according to a new report.

Nature-identical still rules for CEE flavours

Demand for nature-identical flavours in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) remains strong, as lower prices override the Western clamour for all-things natural and organic, say exhibitors at FiCEE.

Natural preservative from olives keeps fish fresh

Hydroxytyrosol, a natural polyphenol from olives, may extend the shelf-life of fish products to the same extent as synthetic preservatives, suggests new research.

Texturizing starch withstands extreme processing conditions

National Starch Food Innovation has developed a flexible heat-resistant starch for adding texture to cold applications mayonnaise and dressings and heated products like soups.

Drink makers behind in natural colours search

Soft drink makers and confectioners remain someway behind rival industries in finding natural additives for their product formulations, a leading global ingredient supplier has said.

CPI reports strong growth in Q1 based on pricing advantages

Corn Products International has reported a 29 percent growth in net revenue for the first quarter ended March 2008, over the same quarter of the prior year, driven largely by its performance and pricing in the Americas.

Organic trend here to stay despite food price crunch

Market analysts say the organic market trend is here to stay, despite rising food prices. In fact, issues surrounding these price hikes - the globalization of food and environmental factors - may actually bolster this market.

Weekly Comment

The dangers of selective science

Antioxidants are back under the microscope for all the wrong reasons. But the use of meta-analyses to pool data is controversial, and scientists need to keep perspective before publishing conclusions.

GMA opposes government push for food manufacturing fees

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has challenged draft legislation put forward last week by Democratic leaders for food and drug safety, on the basis the proposal would overly burden manufacturers currently facing a crisis in food prices.

Sensient rides high thanks to pricing and currency

Sensient Technologies Corporation reported in its financial results for the first quarter of 2008 that profits have been further boosted by pricing and currency conditions.

Imperial Sugar to rebuild refinery damaged in blast

The Imperial Sugar Co today said it will rebuild the parts of its Georgia sugar refinery that were damaged in last year's explosion, reinstating it as the second largest refinery in the US.

Efficacy of common additives against acrylamide gains more support

Addition of the common food additives L-cysteine, glycine and L-lysine may inhibit the formation of acrylamide in potato products, suggests new research from Belgium.

Review calms buzz surrounding caffeine

Moderate caffeine intake of 300 mg per day has no adverse health effects for healthy adults, concluded a review that sought to shed light on controversies surrounding the ingredient.

Milling method can improve functional properties of rice flour, study

Rice flour that has been pin-milled appears to make bread with a better texture than when common commercially-produced rice flour is used, say US researchers.

Yellow kiwifruit may boost immune health: study

A puree from gold kiwifruit may enhance the immune response by promoting the production of antibodies in mice, suggests a new study from the home of the fruit.

New superfruit flavors deliver nutritional benefits

Kerry Ingredients & Flavours has extended its line of functional flavors, which are said to combine the flavor and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables.

Gelnex markets traceability amid safety concerns

Gelatin producer Gelnex has announced it will launch a platform at IFT 2008 highlighting a 100 percent traceability program it says it has always followed, but that now more than ever needs to be marketed.

New BPA evidence piles pressure on FDA to set exposure limits

Pressure is growing on the US Food and Drug Administration to set new restrictions on the use of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging following a new safety study.

Treatt adds natural apricot to US flavor line

Flavor ingredients supplier Treatt has added Apricot 9853 to its Treattarome soft fruit flavor line and says the new ingredient could make headway in a flavor category that has not been commonly used in North America.

Coca-Cola wins sweetener legal battle

Coca-Cola has defeated a legal challenge that alleged it attempted to convince consumers that Diet Coke available from soda fountains commonly found in fast food restaurants contained the same sweeteners as those in cans and bottles when it did not.

Natural rice bran extracts could tap healthy cookie market

Antioxidant-rich extracts from rice bran may extend the shelf-life and improve the nutritive profile of cookies, suggests new research from Pakistan.

GMA blames biofuels for spike in food prices

The Grocery Manufacturers Association is pinpointing food for fuel as a major factor in US food price hikes as indexes this week showed finished food prices are rising at twice the rate of all other finished goods.

Cargill benefits from commodity price surge

Cargill has reported strong growth for its third financial quarter, largely due to increased demand for agricultural commodities in developing countries as well as swelling global energy needs.

US consumer group warns against GM sugar beets

Citizens for Health, a US consumer advocacy group, has launched an online campaign to warn consumers about the dangers of genetically engineered (GE) sugar beets in food products.

New technology driving US food safety sales

New products designed to help food processors verify the safety of their products at every stage of the food production process are driving sales in a buoyant US market, a new report states.

Peanuts and chocolate point to greater soy beverage potential

Greater acceptability for soy beverages could be achieved by formulating with peanut proteins and flavour masking with chocolate, suggests a new study from the US.

Senomyx and Nestle collaborate beyond savory flavors

Senomyx has announced a two-year extension to its collaborative research and license agreement with food and beverage giant Nestle, focusing on developing new flavor ingredients for use in dehydrated, culinary and frozen foods.

Sabinsa's coconut ingredient gets patent protection

Ingredient firm Sabinsa has been granted a US patent for its branded coconut ingredient, which the firm says can be used in functional foods, dietary supplements and cosmetics to support healthy cell growth.

Food prices bring aid agencies to their knees

If governments do not step up to the plate and increase funding to food aid projects in light of global commodity price hikes, aid agencies say the effect will cripple them.

Breast cancer study heaps more misery on trans-fats

An increased intake of trans-fatty acids may raise the risk of breast cancer by 75 per cent, suggest the results from the French part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

Fair game: sport drink ads under fire

The advertising practices of alcohol-based drink makers have again come under the spotlight in the US over concerns regarding the impact of promotion during televised college sporting events.

Canada and China accused of citric acid dumping

Three major ingredients companies are alleging that Canadian and Chinese citric acid producers are 'dumping' the ingredient onto the US market at unfair prices, causing damage to the US industry.

US salmonella outbreak linked to cereal

A salmonella infection spreading through states in the US could be linked to a recently recalled batch of cereal, the nation's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said.

Food vs fuel debate shakes Canadian breadbasket

Rising food prices are exacerbating the food versus fuel debate in Canada's breadbasket region, where critics say ethanol is diverting valuable commodities away from food markets and proponents say market economics will prevail.

Work underway for 2010 dietary guidelines

A new advisory committee will be formed to decide on updates for the government dietary guidelines in line with advances in scientific and medical knowledge.

Indian herbal provides food hydrogel advance

The production of stable, cross-linked hydrogels could be possible by using the well-known Indian herbal genipin, suggest Indian researchers.

Cadbury to remove artificial colors by end of 2008

Cadbury Schweppes has pledged to remove all artificial colorings from its confectionery products by the end of the year in response to concerns over their possible effects on behavior.

Danisco US expansion increases DVI capacity

Danisco has invested $9m in its Wisconsin cultures plant to expand capacity and meet the growing demand for low-cost frozen Direct Vat Inoculants (DVI) cheese cultures.

Nanoparticles could improve food safety

Silver nanoparticles could improve the safety of the world's food supply, according to a research project at Iowa State University.

European food groups edging past US rivals in obesity focus

European-based food groups are generally ahead of their US rivals in providing health and wellness products to consumers, though they must do more to ensure the focus is a core part of their business, a new report claims.

Irradiation key to fruit and veg safety, study

A new study claims that irradiation is the safest method of reducing the risk of foodborne diseases such as E. coli in fruit and vegetables.

Incidences of foodborne illnesses stagnate

The numbers of foodborne infections in the US have stagnated after a period of decline, indicating the need for further prevention efforts, a new report claims.

New bread products focus on health

Most new bread and bread product launches over the past two years have been positioned in the health and wellness category, according to research from Mintel's Global New Product Database (GNPD).

GM lactoferrin manufacturer criticized over food plans

A Californian rice and barley ingredient developer has been criticized by organic and sustainable agriculture advocate, the Center for Food Safety (CFS), over attempts to introduce specialist GM proteins into the US food supply.

Pectin replaces gum arabic for better beverage stability: study

Replacing gum Arabic with low levels of pectin can lead to more stable orange beverage emulsions, suggests new research from Malaysia.

Canada proposes crackdown on food safety

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Tuesday unleashed a proposed consumer safety bill that could force food manufacturers in the country to improve tracking of suppliers and processes.

High grain demand boosts CHS profits

Grains company CHS has reported record profits for the first half of tax year 2008, although higher sales costs led to a slight loss of margins.

Global consumer conscience to boost fair-trade sales

Increased consumer sensitivity to ethical shopping will send the UK fair-trade market rocketing to over £800m (€1,000m) by 2012, according to a new report.

Cargill builds first sugar refinery

Ingredients firm Cargill yesterday announced the construction of its first ever sugar refinery in the US, as part of the company's plans to provide all possible sweeteners or sugars to the food industry.

Scientists study carob as alternative protein source

Carob germ flour can yield an isolate with a protein content over 95 per cent and a well-balanced amino acid composition, suggesting their potential for the alternative protein market, Spanish researchers report.

Higher budget needed so FDA 'can do its job'

A dramatic increase in the FDA budget is needed to maintain a strong global position and encourage consumer confidence in the industry, said the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA).

Resistance to Ohio milk labeling restrictions grows

Industry pressure continues to mount on Ohio legislators to curtail plans that would restrict how milk derived from cows treated with growth hormones can be marketed.

Solae raises soy protein prices globally

US-based Solae has said it will raise prices of its soy protein ingredients around the world by as much as 30 percent in order for it to be able to maintain its R&D activities.

Industry opposes food ad restrictions

A bill banning all food and drink advertising to children under 13 could heavily restrict marketing strategies for manufacturers without actually helping curb childhood obesity, say industry critics.

Agri-groups are fighting anti-child labor bill, group warns

A US advocacy organization has accused commodity companies Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Cargill of lobbying against a bill that would protect against child labor practices in supply countries.

Essential oil combinations offer shelf-life prolongation

Combining low levels of essential oils (EOs) could enhance their antimicrobial power and remove adverse taste effects, suggests a new study from Ireland.

Potatoes seen as 'food of the future'

Potatoes, and ingredients derived from the crop, are set to experience growing demand as cereal prices continue to soar.

Canada to lobby against mandatory ingredients labeling

The Canadian delegation for Codex will dispute mandatory labeling for the amount of health-related ingredients in processed foods, considering current guidelines to be sufficient.

Passion fruit peel may ease breathing for asthmatics: study

A flavonoid-rich extract from purple passion fruit may ease wheezing amongst asthmatics, suggest findings from a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

Weekly comment

HFCS and the battle for natural

It is hard for food companies not to get drawn into the temptation of using attractive label claims that may be shrouded by a veil of doubt. But the real risk comes when the 'if you don't know, don't ask' question is finally answered.

US corn decrease sparks price fears

Farmers in the US are expected to plant significantly fewer corn crops than last year, pushing the price up to a record high of $6 a bushel, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) warned last week.

Wine waste could boost stability and health profile of ice cream

Wine lees, the sediment left in the bottom of the barrel after winemaking, could boost the antioxidant profile of ice cream and slow the melting time of ice cream, suggests a new study from Taiwan.

Gum Technology cracks problem of expensive eggs

Gum Technology is introducing a new line of hydrocolloid and stabilizer blends to replace eggs in custards, doughs and baked goods, in an effort to help manufacturers reduce the impact of high egg prices.

Consumers want better industry efforts to combat obesity

Food manufacturers are not proving to consumers they are dedicated to cutting fat, sugar and salt levels in their products, suggests a new survey.

Peruvian berry offers natural pigments for yoghurt: study

The Peruvian berry Berberis boliviana Lechler is a rich source of pigments that could naturally colour products like yoghurts and replace synthetics, suggests new research from the US.

Ocean Spray goes for Asian bakery market

Ocean Spray is continuing to push into the Asia-Pacific bakery market with a new partnership with Taiwan-based baker ChiaTe, the company announced yesterday.

Governments examine food labeling, marketing to kids

Government officials, nutritionists and consumer groups will next week examine the state food labeling and marketing as part of efforts to reduce childhood obesity globally.

Cyclodextrins to boost shelf-life of fresh-cut fruit

Mexican researchers are evaluating the use of cyclodextrins as carriers for anti-microbial ingredients in fresh-cut products, as the industry looks to alternatives to chlorine solutions for preserving fresh-cut vegetables.

More water better health: Where's the proof? Scientists ask

There remains insufficient clinical evidence either way to back claims that increased consumption of water can grant additional health benefits to consumers, a group of scientists have claimed.

DSM brings blood sugar control ingredient to US

DSM has formally launched its new InsuVital ingredient in the US market, where it hopes it will be snapped up by functional food manufacturers looking to market their products to pre-diabetics.

FDA comments on HFCS spark industry opposition

FDA's comment that it does not consider high fructose corn syrup to be 'natural' has generated heated debate in the US food industry, with one camp relieved for the clarification, while the other camp opposes it as invalid.

Semolina replacer cuts pasta costs

Advanced Food Systems aims to ease the impact of rising wheat prices with the launch of an ingredient system to reduce semolina, thereby saving costs on pasta production.

HFCS is not 'natural', says FDA

Products containing high fructose corn syrup cannot be considered 'natural' and should not be labeled as such, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said.

Ohio frees up 'free from' milk hormone claims

Ohio's ongoing regulatory debate about how best to label milk derived from cows treated with growth hormones has taken another turn with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) revising a rule that restricted 'free from' claims.

US dairy industry to rethink export plans

The US dairy industry is having to change its attitudes towards export markets, amidst growing international demand for both finished products and ingredients, an industry organization has said.

Monsanto claims immunity from commodity flux

Monsanto says it is poised for major growth over the next five years irrespective of commodity prices and other issues that are affecting the financial results of other companies in the agriculture sector.

GM rape seeds last at least 10 years, say researchers

The seeds of some genetically modified crops appear to remain in the earth for at least a decade, finds a new study, which may further increase resistance to planting of GM crops.

Aker not phased by krill patent

Aker BioMarine, the Norwegian krill supplier, has said a new krill patent granted to competitor Neptune will have no effect on its own recently launched ingredient.

CHS buys textured soy protein maker

Legacy Foods has been acquired by energy- and grain-based foods company CHS, in a move that is expected to take the textured soy protein supplier 'to the next level'.

FDA calls for comments on food protection plan

The Food and Drug Administration is seeking comments from industry and other stakeholders on its Food Protection Plan, published last year, which aims to protect the food supply from both unintentional contamination and attack.

Sabinsa selenium gets GRAS

Sabinsa Corporation is making its selenium ingredient available for food and beverage manufacturers in the US, following a recent GRAS (generally recognized as safe) certification.

China makes non-spread GM rice

Genetically modified rice that can be killed if it accidentally spreads to conventional fields has been developed by a team of Chinese scientists.