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Senomyx granted patent for sweeter food

Senomyx, a developer of novel flavor ingredients for the packaged food industry, has been granted a patent for a technology that makes foods taste sweeter, the US Patent and Trademark Office has announced.

Sugarcane production rises as beet harvest falls, USDA

US sugarbeet production will decrease, while sugar cane production is forecast to increase during fiscal year 2008 compared to 2007, according to statistics released by the USDA

Singapore centre targets innovative food production

The Singapore government this week launched a food innovation and resource centre to grant processors throughout the country the means to compete in the global food industry.

GM progress being made in Europe, says Monsanto chief

Europe is edging slowly towards GM acceptance, according to Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant, who underscored the continent's strategic importance and said his company is laying the groundwork should a policy-change come to pass.

Consumers ready for functional foods, survey

More than 80 percent of Americans say they consume or are interested in consuming functional food and beverages, according to a survey from the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation.

Ready-meals going local, says Datamonitor

Consumer interest in eating locally-sourced produce is encouraging food manufacturers to develop ready-meals made with ingredients sourced from the same region in which the product is sold, says analyst Datamonitor.

Novozymes looks to sway US biotech views

Novozymes has expanded its presence in the US, opening an office in Washington DC, the Danish biotechnology group announced this week.

Cactus pear pads linked to lower diabetes risk

Prickly pear cactus pads, consumed regularly in Mexico, could reduce blood sugar rises after a meal by up to 50 per cent, suggests a new study that may have implications for diabetes management.

Hawaii to lead on tropical fruit research

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened a research center in Hawaii aimed at finding new ways to grow tropical crops sustainably.

Plant extract combos boost shelf life of encapsulated oils

The shelf life of microencapsulated high oleic sunflower oil can be boosted by combining natural plant extracts like broccoli sprout, citrus and rosemary, new research suggests.

West Coast energy drinkers spur Fortitech's premix expansion

The West Coast's thirst for energy drinks has driven nutrient premix specialist Fortitech to open a new manufacturing facility in Califoria set to increase the company's production for the Western United States by 350 percent.

Scientists identify potential new hydrocolloid

Scientists in Japan have identified a new source of hydrocolloid from jute (Corchorus olitorius) that may open up innovative applications for the industry.

China spends $3 billion on US soybean imports

China has signed contracts worth nearly $3bn to import US soybeans, reported the US Soybean Export Council.

No deal in international coffee talks

Coffee processors and producers will have to wait another year for a new International Coffee Agreement after talks over the last week failed to make a breakthrough.

FDA approves unsaturated fat health claim

Food manufacturers can claim that products where unsaturated fatty acids have replaced saturated fats offer a reduced risk of heart disease, said the FDA.

National Starch extends sustainability from kernel to kitchen

National Starch Innovation is underscoring its commitment to sustainability with the launch of a new stewardship policy called Kernel to Kitchen, which aims to take responsibility for its products throughout the supply chain.

ConAgra optimistic on 2007 despite Peter Pan fiasco

ConAgra Foods has announced that it expects its earnings per share for fiscal 2007 to be higher than previously projected thanks to a strong performance by its trading and merchandising arm.

Guarana extract shows promise as preservative additive

Extracts from the exotic fruit guarana showed excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which could see the exotic berry making a move into food preservatives, new research suggests.

World's processed cereals should all be fortified, expert

In the interest of global public health the world's cereals should be fortified with iron, says the senior nutritionist of a US-based non-profit health organisation.

Price increase boosts Flowers Foods' Q1

Rising sales and a successful price increase boosted US bakery Flowers Foods first quarter profit, the company has announced.

Scientists look to cocoa husk fibre for low calorie foods

Cocoa husks, a waste product from the chocolate industry, could offer a valuable source of dietary fibre for the low-calorie food segment, Spanish researchers report.

Weight loss desire prompts Americans to change diet

Most Americans decide to change their diet because they want to lose weight, according to a report by the International Food Information Council (IFIC).

Monsanto denies soybean patent infringement

Leading biotechnology company Monsanto has denied that it infringed an Iowa State University patent on a low-linolenic acid soybean.

Prison looms for Coca-Cola recipe thief

A former Coca-Cola worker was sentenced to eight years in prison this week for stealing and attempting to sell Coca-Cola trade secrets to its rival, PepsiCo.

Processors may continue to pay for wheat monopoly

Food processors could continue to pay higher prices for Australian wheat after the country's government decided this week to retain its controversial export monopoly on the grain.

Exclusive interview

Full speed ahead for Frutarom

As growing companies go, Frutarom has its foot firmly on the accelerator. Jess Halliday talks to president and CEO Ori Yehudai about the secrets of completing fifteen successful acquisitions in twelve years and the challenges facing food ingredient suppliers today.

Could coffee cut Parkinson's risk?

Drinking a whopping ten cups of coffee a day or more could slash the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by 74 per cent, suggests a new prospective study from Finland.

Hispanics lead record growth of minority populations

Hispanics, blacks, Asians and other minority populations now make up one third of the US population, according to figures released by the US Census Bureau, creating ever greater speciality markets for the food industry to serve.

Collect wild crop seeds to protect them from climate change, CGIAR

Climate change is threatening the survival of crops such as the potato and the peanut, say researchers, and there is an urgent need to collect and store seeds from their wild relatives for future food security.

Monsanto, Chromatin agree to develop gene-stacking technology

Biotech behemoth Monsanto has joined forces with gene technology expert Chromatin to develop ways of increasing the number of modified genes that can be inserted into crops such as soybeans and corn.

Salt reduction may cut stomach ulcer risk

High-salt diets may encourage the growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach, said to be the cause of millions of cases of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease each year, says a new study that may have added implications for salt reduction in foods.

DSM gains GRAS for Preventase, counters safety fears

DSM has received regulatory go-ahead for the use of Preventase in the US, gaining GRAS certification and becoming the first enzyme available to eliminate 90 per cent of acrylamide in baked goods.

Cargill opens 150 acres for canola research

Cargill Specialty Canola Oil has signed a long-term lease to open a 150-acre specialty canola research farm in Canada which will develop high yield traits to meet expected surging demands in the future.

Nut consumers favour freshness

Consumers prioritise freshness and taste over appearance when it comes to selecting peanut products, according to a new UK study commissioned by the American Peanut Council (APC).

Soybean waste to offer cost-effective natural antioxidants

Antioxidant waste from the soy industry could offer a cheap and healthy alternative to synthetic antioxidants that prolong the shelf life of food, suggests a study from India.

Mediterranean diet linked to low lung disease risk

Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and fish, may reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by 50 per cent, says new research from Harvard.

Weekly comment

Masterfoods and the vegetarianisation of food

Masterfoods' U-turn over its plan to reformulate its famous confectionery brands using animal-derived whey sets a precedent that will prevent any other food manufacturer from flying in the face of the global trend towards the vegetarianisation of our food.

Hydrocolloids ideal to extend probiotic use?

The continued success of probiotics will depend on finding ways of protecting the friendly bacteria during processing, opening up opportunities for food ingredients and biopolymers, experts say.

Melamine legacy blights Chinese exports

A number of US food processors said they will boycott Chinese exports over fears regarding the safety of products coming from the country.

Expanding US ethanol market provokes food price surge

Soaring corn prices due to the expanding US ethanol market have already driven US retail food prices up by $14 billion over the last year, claims a study by the Iowa State University Center for Agriculture and Rural Development.

SUA urges Congress to reform sugar regime via 2007 Farm Bill

The Sweetener Users Association (SUA) has stepped up its campaign to reform the US sugar regime, demanding that Congress modernize the sugar program as it draws up the 2007 Farm Bill.

TIC Gums gets Halal certification

Hydrocolloid supplier TIC Gums has announced the Halal certification of its production plant, allowing the firm to enter the niche but growing market for foods meeting the needs of Muslim consumers.

Personalized products set to grow, says market researcher

The concept of products 'made just for me' is set to gain importance with consumers in a general climate of reaction against mass marketing, according to trend spotter NMI.

Enzymes offer novel ginger ingredients

Scientists in Germany have proposed the use of enzymes to obtain ginger pastes with higher valuable ingredients retention, and offer industry higher value products at lower costs.

Rising meat, grain prices put squeeze on supply chains

It may be a lucrative time for farmers, but the continuing boom in grain and meat prices will put the squeeze on plant managers to find ways to cut costs out of their supply chains.

Companies pair-up to offer foreign-sourcing support service

Novel Ingredient Services and the Ingredient House are pairing up to offer food and beverage manufacturers the opportunity to improve the sourcing of their ingredients while still reducing costs - an aim that for many could be too good to be true.

McCain joins industry move to improve child nutrition

A nationwide effort to improve child nutrition received a further boost with the announcement that another major food firm has pledged to align its product development and marketing efforts with the guidelines set out by the initiative.

Product scanner to track Hispanic purchases

A new scanning system aims to track product purchases made by Hispanic households, providing manufacturers with more detailed insight into the needs, preferences and shopping habits of this burgeoning consumer group.

Food industry urges Congress to rexamine biofuel policy

The US food industry has urged Congress to conduct a study that evaluates the full impact of the Administration's proposal to expand biofuel use, in an effort to avoid any unintended consequences for food production.

China must step up food safety reform, claims expert

China must continue to reform its food safety practices if it is to maintain consumer confidence in its products, says a food safety expert from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Australian GM report sparks canola controversy

Australia can adopt commercialised genetically modified (GM) canola production without compromising its organic agriculture, say new findings from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE).

Doctors halt dairy weight loss ads

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the nation's dairy industry are putting a stop to claims in their advertising that dairy products cause weight loss following a petition from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) filed in 2005.

Melamine-contaminated meat found safe for consumption

Meat from swine exposed to melamine has been found safe for human consumption, prompting the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow swine held on farms to be released and approved for processing.

New rule could see more ingredients permitted for organics

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing to add a number of ingredients to the list of substances permitted for use in organic food products, in a move designed to prevent disruption to business when new regulations come into place next month.

Snack makers urged to target health nuts

Manufacturers of nut snacks could boost lacklustre sales by marketing the products from a health platform and being more vociferous in publicising the nutritional benefits of a diet rich in nuts, according to the American Peanut Council.

Scientists explore potential of sweet potato as thickeners

Scientists from the US Department of Agriculture have proposed that spray-dried sweet potatoes may offer potential as a thickener, with similar properties to some starch solutions.

Pea protein seen as promising microencapsulator

Researchers in Brazil have identified pea protein as a possible novel encapsulator after results showed the protein capable of encapsulating vitamin E at high concentrations.

FDA to test food ingredients for melamine

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it will begin to inspect food manufacturing facilities and test protein ingredients following the recent news that the chemical melamine may have entered the human food chain.

MGPI to triple wheat gluten production

MGP Ingredients (MGPI) plans to expand its wheat gluten capacity in the US, as demand for the product increases following the recent move away from imported ingredients due to contamination scares.

Coca-Cola settles in benzene lawsuit

Coca-Cola has reformulated two of its soft drinks in the US to halt a lawsuit alleging they may contain the cancer-causing chemical, benzene.

SunOpta expansion continues with new fruit processor

SunOpta has further expanded its fruit supply chain, announcing today that it has completed the acquisition of another South American fruit processor, together with its North American distributor.

USDA highlights farm bill proposals for specialty crops

US Agriculture secretary Mike Johanns last week presented industry representatives with details of changes to the administration's 2007 farm bill, which provide an additional $5bn to address issues such as nutrition and obesity.

Merisant & McNeil reach quiet settlement in Splenda battle

An intensely anticipated lawsuit regarding the misleading marketing of sucralose product Splenda ended Friday in a quiet settlement between the two sweetener firms Merisant and McNeil Nutritionals.

DuPont calls for global protection of crop diversity

Agricultural firm DuPont last week urged biotechnology leaders worldwide to help safeguard the world's food supply by ensuring the conservation of crop diversity.

No split for food division says Unilever

The chairman of Unilever has this week hit out at claims that the group may divide into two separate entities for food and personal care production to boost its operations.

FAO looks to organics for food security

Leading proponents of the benefits of organic agriculture put their heads together last week to discuss how organic methods could help preserve food security for the future.

Danisco prototypes target on-the-go healthy snack makers

Ingredient firm Danisco has developed a line of fruit snack prototypes in the US, to demonstrate how its products can be used to achieve healthier snacks combining indulgence and fortification.

Indian scientists explore alternative edible oil sources

Scientists from India's Indian Institute of Technology have reported the potential of bahera as a novel source of edible oil to help the country make up its short-fall in supply.

Splenda ad slogans banned in France

A European court has said that the marketing of the sweetener Splenda is misleading to consumers, and has ordered that its advertising slogans be ceased. The ruling comes as a similar court battle in the US goes to jury.

Maitake Products to launch ingredient for metabolic syndrome

Maitake Products has secured a United States patent for its active glycoprotein, SX-Fraction, from the maitake (grifola frondosa) mushroom, and plans to target it to support metabolic syndrome.

Opinions split as FDA closes cloning comment period

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to process a multitude of opposing comments on its proposal to introduce products from cloned animals into the nation's food chain, which reveal that industry, scientists and consumers remain split on the controversial issue.

Cargill promotes diversity of organic sweeteners

Ingredients giant Cargill last week gave its organic sweeteners a marketing boost at the nation's largest organics trade show.

ITC launches investigation into sucralose infringement case

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) is to launch an investigation into certain sucralose products, following a complaint filed by Tate & Lyle alleging infringement of its patented sucralose manufacturing technology.

Gene foods could lead to consumers ruling the food industry

The emergence of foods based on nutrigenomics could spark a shift in the landscape of the food industry, says HortResearch's Karl Crawford, and the industry needs to start considering how it is going to cater for consumer demands.

Food safety fears reflected in contents of supermarket trolleys

Over a third of consumers have stopped purchasing certain food items over the past year, due to concerns over their safety, according to a new survey by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI).

Palm oil industry defends environmental record

Indonesia's booming palm oil market is playing its part in ensuring a sustainable supply of the product, as scrutiny over the environmental impact intensifies, according to an industry insider.

Verdure launches functional Benefruits ingredients

Verdure Sciences has launched a new line of proprietary nutraceutical fruit and vegetable based ingredients, Benefruits, for use in dietary supplements, functional food and beverage as well as personal care products.

Leading zero trans oils analyzed in independent testing

Independent testing of trans fat oil alternatives has revealed that the performance and taste of the more 'heart-healthy' oils matches or exceeds those of partially hydrogenated oils.

Meta-analysis supports CLA's anti-obesity potential

A meta-analysis of human studies supports claims that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has the potential to help reduce fat mass, highlighting it as a possible aid in the fight against obesity.

SunOpta acquisition expands firm's strawberry supply

Natural food group SunOpta is to increase its supply of strawberries to the food industry, following the acquisition of certain assets from a South American frozen strawberry processor.

Regulators investigate China imports for melamine

EU regulators are investigating whether the banned chemical melamine has made its way into Europe's food and feed supply chain from China.

Chiquita struggles on after Q1 loss

Leading banana supplier Chiquita has reported a $3m loss for its first quarter, hit by increased industry costs, unfavorable pricing and an exit from unprofitable business in Chile.

Imports of irradiated goods set to increase

More irradiated products from abroad will become available to US processors following the arrival of the first shipment of mangoes treated in India.

Latino food guide promotes healthy eating

A Latino food pyramid and shopping guide was launched in the US last week, as part of a campaign to make the nation's Hispanic population eat better.

OTA survey reveals sustained growth in organics

The nation's organic market has grown beyond industry expectations to represent almost 3 percent of all retail food and beverage sales, according to preliminary results from an annual survey.

Europe must act on wholegrain health claims, says expert

The new health claims regulation has rekindled interest in exploring the benefits of wholegrains, said consultant Prof David Richardson, but there is a need for action in Europe to ensure grains do not miss out in the implementation process.

Weekly Comment

Ingredients for cheap?

As recent incidents of food contamination demonstrate, the cheapest source for ingredients may not turn out to be so cheap after all.

Geneva gears up for biggest ever Vitafoods

Vitafoods version 10.0 will kick-off tomorrow with the industry set to unveil new ingredients at what the organizers are promising will be the biggest and best event to date.

Tara gum may turn milk protein into locust bean gum alternative

Using the sugar tara gum to improve the gelling of the whey protein beta-lactoglobulin may offer industry with a more cost effective alternative to locust bean gum, suggests new research from Portugal.

Kids products marketed for nutrition may be misleading, ARS survey

The majority of foods marketed for children that highlight their healthy nutrient content were found to be high in saturated fat, salt and sugar, according to a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutritionist.

Takasago expands flavor facilities

Takasago Flavors has completed the expansion of its confection and beverage applications laboratories, a move forming part of a multimillion dollar expansion project.

Sethness launches powdered organic caramel color

US color firm Sethness has launched what it claims to be the world's first certified organic powdered caramel color, designed for use in baked good and seasonings.

Wal-Mart expands RFID use in stores

Wal-Mart will require suppliers to another 400 of its stores to use radio frequency identification (RFID) for tracking goods, adding to growing pressure on processors to invest in the technology.

Nestlé launches probiotic infant formula in US

Infant formula is getting increasingly more functional with Nestlé's announcement this week that it is launching formula with probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis, BIFIDUS BL, for the United States.

Smoked, BBQ meat linked to breast cancer

Postmenopausal women who regularly consume smoked and barbecued meats may be increasing their risk of breast cancer by at least 50 per cent, suggests a new study.

Judge upholds Monsanto alfalfa ban

A US judge yesterday stood by his initial decision to ban the planting of a genetically modified variety of alfalfa developed by Monsanto, on the grounds that it poses a contamination threat.

Senomyx, Ajinomoto expand flavor collaboration

Ingredient firm Senomyx and Japanese food and pharma group Ajinomoto have expanded their flavor collaboration to encompass additional territories of the United States and Canada.

Gas makes the difference in chocolate processing

The type of gas used in making chocolate can have a dramatic effect on taste and texture, say researchers from Nestlé.

US-EC trade framework may point way to Doha success

The outcome Doha trade talks may still be up in the air, but the two giants of the developed world, the US and Europe, this week reaffirmed their commitment to finding a happy conclusion - and adopted a new framework to foster trade with each other.

Barilla's strategy for making grains more 'relevant'

The image of grains needs a fundamental makeover in order to encourage consumption globally, according to the R&D director of pasta firm Barilla, who said the enduring perception of grains as 'empty' energy is the major hurdle that needs to be overcome.

Healthy reformulations must not forget microbes

Food reformulations to remove salt and sugar and improve the health profile of food must factor in the effect on pathogens in the food, Irish researchers have said.

FDA instructs inspectors to detain Chinese ingredients

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered inspectors to detain foods from China if they suspect the imports are contaminated with the banned chemical melamine.

ADM posts modest increases in 'challenging' Q3

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has reported a modest third quarter increase in income, with a strong performance from its corn processing segment boosting flagging profits in other divisions.

CDC calls for action in popcorn flavor lung disease cases

Flavor manufacturers and flavored-food producers need to develop a timely, effective response to identify and reduce cases of lung disease in workers exposed to flavors such as diacetyl, said the CDC in a report last week.

Protein-pectin complex eyed as ingredient encapsulator

A protein-pectin combination could be effective for encapsulating water-soluble ingredients like some vitamins for use in acidic foods, Canadian scientists have reported.

Whey proteins used to create biodegradable packaging

Whey produced by the dairy industry could have added value as a prime ingredient in the next wave of biodegradable packaging and other materials, according to new research.