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Scientific failings are the organic industry’s gain

Are organic foods healthier? The sad truth is that nearly 100,000 studies later, we just don't know. Meanwhile, this lack of certainty presents major business opportunities for the organic food industry.

Unilever expects products to help meet essential fatty acid advice

Processed foods will play an important role in helping consumers meet new recommendations for essential fatty acids without increasing energy intake, says Unilever Nutrition VP.

FTC seeks food makers’ help to assess marketing to children

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has requested comments on proposed orders that would oblige food and drink manufacturers to disclose details of the marketing of their products to children.

Trans fat switch-out has not caused sat fat surge: Study

Fears that saturated fat content of foods would skyrocket as manufacturers switched out trans fats have proved to be unfounded, according to a new study published in the New England...

D.C. Council approves soda tax

The Washington D.C. Council has voted to include sweetened soft drinks in its six percent sales tax bracket to help bridge the city’s half-billion dollar gap between spending and earnings....

Dairy industry gives Codex meeting a mixed review

A recent Codex meeting considering proposals on labelling additives and nutrients has received a mixed reception from dairy trade representatives.

Scientists call on FDA’s Hamburg to update fish recommendations

“Concerned” scientists from both sides of the Atlantic are urging Margaret Hamburg for the FDA to complete its 2009 draft assessment on fish consumption for pregnant women.

International manufacturers will be hit by Greek measures, analyst

Greek consumers are likely to curb their spending on relatively new additions to their diets due to the austerity measures, predicts Euromonitor's expert on Greece, meaning that multinational firms will...

Mexico to see growth in pasta and savoury snack sales, says market analysis

Sales of food products such as pasta and savoury snacks are expected to increse in Mexico over the next two years as the economy there recovers from its recent shocks,...

News in brief

Maple Leaf to continue focus shift with pork plant sale

Maple Leaf Foods has put its pork processing business in Ontario up for sale as part of its strategy to focus on packaged meat and minimise costs.

PureCircle establishes institute to promote science-based stevia information

Major stevia supplier PureCircle has established an institute with the stated aim of providing a consistent voice on the science behind the zero-calorie plant-derived sweetener.

Whole grain boosts life expectancy of diabetic women: Study

Diabetic women who enjoy a diet rich in bran may live longer and be less likely to die of heart disease than those who do not, according to the results...

Fewer sugary drinks could reduce blood pressure, study finds

Drinking fewer sugary drinks may help lower blood pressure, according to a new study from the American Heart Association, adding to a growing body of evidence linking reduced soft drink...

US government declares ‘fishery disaster’ in Gulf of Mexico

The government has declared a ‘fishery disaster’ in the Gulf of Mexico due to the massive oil spill in the region, the US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said on Monday.

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Irish whiskey cracks the US market, says Datamonitor

New research from Datamonitor indicates that Irish whiskey is beating rivals in its market thanks to its appeal among younger drinkers in the US.

FDA, NIH to streamline online food safety reporting

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have launched a new online platform for the reporting and monitoring of food safety.

Fat all the same for stopping hunger pangs: Study

It does not matter what form fat is consumed in – saturated, mono- or poly-unsaturated – they all perform poorly when it comes to producing a feeling of fullness, says...

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Alfalfa sprouts recalled on suspected salmonella contamination

 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced an urgent nationwide recall of alfalfa sprouts that have been linked to 22 confirmed cases of salmonella across ten states.

Italian Chocolate producer ICAM targets North American market

A new US sales office will provide private label chocolatier ICAM with a platform to expand into North America and Mexico.

CP Kelco develops natural, organic stabilizer for dressings and sauces

CP Kelco has developed a new pectin ingredient to stabilize sauces and dressings and that can support a natural or organic label claim, the company has said.

Taste concerns hamper interest in added-fiber foods

Perceived poor taste continues to be an obstacle for foods with added fiber, and many are unaware of fiber’s benefits beyond digestive health, according to recent research from Mintel.

US-based food safety training for foreign food manufacturers

The University of Maryland and Waters Corporation have partnered to open a facility in Maryland to train foreign food manufacturers and scientists in methods of analysis to help them meet...

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Realistic prices needed for European food stability and to safeguard society

Please: A big round of applause for Jozsef Kapuvári. Who? You might well ask. Kapuvári is the author of an EU report that highlights the importance of realistic food prices...

Probiotics again show potential for IBS relief

Daily supplements of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v may reduce the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) like abdominal pain and bloating, says new research from Institut Rosell.

Nutter’s soda tax shelved as Philadelphia passes budget

Philadelphia City Council has shelved a proposed soda tax in the state, as it passed a $3.9bn budget on Thursday.

Consumers trade off health in on-the-go snacking

On-the-go consumers tend to take a ‘debit/credit’ approach to the snack items they choose, suggesting that health will often take a back seat, according to a new survey.

Comax sweetness enhancer responds to lower-sugar demand

Comax Flavors claims to have ‘set a new standard’ for sweetness enhancers for foods and beverages with the latest addition to its Max FlavorLab range of enhancers.

Randomness may be key to reduced sugar products

Uneven distribution of sugar in a food may allow formulators to reduce the sugar content of foods without detrimentally affecting the sweetness of the finished product, Dutch researchers report.

Study into benefits of DanActive yoghurt drink delivers 'mixed results'

A randomised clinical study on the health effects of drinking the probiotic yoghurt-like drink DanActive suggests that it may protect children from gastrointestinal illness but have little influence on their...

Type of carbs influences saturated fat’s heart attack link: Study

People who cut saturated fats while increasing intake of refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta have a higher risk of heart attack, according to a study published in the...

Suppliers face threat of exclusion with new Nestlé palm oil partnership

Nestlé has bolstered its sustainable palm oil commitments by partnering with The Forest Trust (TFT) in a move described as “game-changing” for the industry.

Recessionary behaviors could be set to continue

Behaviors that have been associated with recession, such as eating out less often and choosing private label foods over branded products, may extend beyond times of economic uncertainty, suggests new...

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China takes out $100m food safety loan

The World Bank is to lend China $100m in a bid to improve food safety in the country as it recognised the government had made food safety a top priority.

High blood pressure in young people concerns experts

About one in 30 Canadian children and adolescents have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing it, according to a new study from Statistics Canada.

ChromaDex slips into profit in first quarter

ChromaDex is optimistic about its stronghold in the food and supplement sector following a strong first quarter, which saw a revenue increase of 34 percent.

Cellulose ingredient prices rise due to Chinese fabric demand

An increase in demand for rayon fabric in China has led to higher prices for microcrystalline cellulose, a stabilizer for foods, drinks and personal care products, and an excipient for...

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NutraCea settles class action

Rice bran supplier NutraCea has settled a class action lawsuit which involves over $1.5m in payment to plaintiffs.

Monsanto gets FDA GRAS for trans-fat free soybeans

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a letter of no objection that Monsanto’s ‘nutritionally improved’ soybeans are generally recognized as safe (GRAS), enabling food makers to test the...

EU dairy industry turns to cheese as market recovers

Dairy processors in the EU are turning to cheese in an effort to put the market turbulence of a year ago behind them, according to a US government report.

Food companies pledge to cut 1.5 trillion calories

Sixteen food companies have pledged to cut 1.5 trillion calories from the food supply by 2015, as part of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation’s stated effort to tackle obesity.

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Cash to help Canadian processors expand in Asia Pacific

Food processors in one region of Canada are to receive almost C$1m to help access new markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

GLG Life Tech narrows loss as revenues increase

Stevia supplier GLG Life Tech has narrowed its first quarter loss from $1.5m to $1.3m as it continued to capitalize on growing demand for the zero-calorie sweetener, the company said.

Harvard scientists raise alarm about meat preservatives in heart disease study

Eating processed meat like bacon and sausages could significantly increase risk of heart disease and diabetes, while unprocessed red meat may not be as harmful as once thought, according to...

Reported childhood peanut allergies triple over past decade

The reported rate of peanut allergy in children more than tripled from 1997 to 2008, according to survey results published in the latest issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

First quarter bears fruit for Frutarom

Frutarom has reported a positive start to 2010, indicated that the acquisition-hungry firm is back on track after a tough 12 months.

GLG Life Tech seeks stevia market development in India

Stevia supplier GLG Life Tech has announced that it is looking to develop agricultural and extraction facilities for stevia in India, as well as market its stevia extracts in the...

SunOpta sells Canadian food distribution assets

SunOpta has announced the sale of its Canadian food distribution business, which the firm says is part a strategy to focus on its core manufacturing platform.

Could taurine help reduce acrylamide in foods?

Taurine, the ingredient most famously linked to energy drinks, may help reduce levels of acrylamide in foods, suggests new research from Korea.

Study questions safety of UV-treated, HFCS-sweetened juices

Scientists have questioned the safety of UV-treated fruit juices containing high fructose syrup (HFCS) in a newly published study.

Proposed standards for food claims ‘unwise’, says industry

The US food and supplements industry has taken a skeptical stance to a new report that recommends the same scientific approach is used to evaluate health claims on foods and...

Health Canada seeks comments on gluten-free labeling revision

Pure, uncontaminated oats do not cause adverse reactions in most people with celiac disease and gluten-free labeling guidelines should be revised to reflect this, Health Canada has suggested.

Ring fries beat French fries on health and taste: Study

Frying potato rings rather than straight strips produces fries with less oil, lower levels of acrylamide, less salt, and better taste, says a new study from the US.

‘Best evidence yet’ of nuts’ heart benefits, claim researchers

A new review from Linda Loma University in California has added to the body of evidence suggesting that eating nuts may help lower cholesterol and contribute to heart health.

Food industry responds to Task Force recommendations

The food industry has responded to the recommendations of the President’s Task Force on Childhood Obesity with statements of support, following Michelle Obama’s presentation of its report yesterday.

Candy tax due in Washington next month

A sales tax on certain candy and gum products is due to come into effect in Washington State on June 1, as part of the state’s effort to plug its...

USDA aims to slash foodborne illness with new poultry standards

The US federal government has introduced new standards on Salmonella and Campylobacter in poultry with the aim of eliminating 65,000 foodborne illnesses a year.

Enzymes show the way to healthy salt-free soy sauce

Salt-free soy sauce may be attained by fermenting soybeans with Aspergillus oryzae, and the resulting product may even be able to reduce blood pressure, says a new Japanese study.

Childhood Obesity Task Force outlines areas for action

Cutting kids’ consumption of added sugars and decreasing the portion of unhealthy foods advertised to children are among measures recommended in the long-awaited report from the President’s Task Force on...

Synergy adds new line of organic flavors

Synergy Flavors’ Chicago facility has received organic certification, which will allow it to increase provision of organic flavors, and respond to sustained demand for ‘clean label’ products, the company has...

Air bubbles may help cut salt and sugar: Unilever

The salt and sugar content of foods may be reduced by using air bubbles as an “inert filler” in liquid products, according to new research from Unilever R&D Vlaardingen....

Artiste Flavor Essence partners with Italian citrus producer

US-based flavor and fragrance ingredient company, Artiste Flavor Essence, has formed an alliance with Italian citrus cultivator and supplier Cilione in order to promote its products in the US market.

US review gleans ideas from European food safety reforms

A US review has looked to some of the most effective European food safety systems for ideas on how to make the American system more effective.

Harvard study finds no coffee, soda link to colon cancer

A new study published by scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health suggests that drinking even large amounts of coffee and carbonated drinks is not linked to colon cancer...

Affluent households driving private label growth, says Nielsen

Growth in private label is approaching 20 percent of dollar value in the US, according to market research organization the Nielsen Company – and it is being driven by the...

Avoid potential carcinogens in food, suggests government panel

A new report from the President’s Cancer Panel has raised concerns about the levels of potential environmental carcinogens, including pesticide residues on conventionally grown food.

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Biodegradable alternative or a levy - gum makers should chew on that

It’s a sticky issue that just won’t go away. There are sugar-free, tooth whitening and nicotine added versions but none from leading makers, as yet, that are dissolvable in rain....

New report shows gaps in FDA’s food import oversight

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) needs more authority to oversee imported foods, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has said in a new report.

News in brief

CDC issues final update on salmonella in pepper and salami

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued its final update on the salmonella outbreak linked to salami products and red and black pepper.

Health conscious Indians seek innovative food and drink

Consumers in India are placing increasing priority on healthy food and beverage products, according to Datamonitor, and they’re keen to see innovative products that cater to their concerns.

Milk Specialties Global agrees to pay penalties for safety violations

Milk Specialties Global has agreed to pay fines totaling $535,000 after safety violations were found at its Whitehall, Wisconsin facility, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has said.

Sucralose does not promote weight gain: Human study

Consumption of sucralose and sucralose-sweetened products does not affect gut hormones linked to hunger, or detrimentally affect blood sugar levels, says a new study from Australia.

Cargill denies allegations of illegal deforestation for palm oil production

Cargill has denied allegations made by the Rainforest Action Network (RAN) which claims that the company has destroyed rainforest for its palm oil plantations.

FDA issues emergency guidance for food makers after water disruption

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued emergency guidance for food manufacturers in areas subject to boil-water advisories, following a disruption of water supply in Massachusetts on May 1.

First quarter sales at IFF beat expectations

US-based International Flavors & Fragrances recorded a 17 percent increase in first quarter revenue, aided by robust Fragrance sales and a strong performance from both divisions in Asia.

Industry organizations welcome proposed legislation to tackle obesity

Trade organizations have applauded proposed legislation that would recognize obesity as a disease, and improve access to nutrition information and opportunities for physical activity.

Bisphenol A exposure could affect male hormone levels - study

New research has suggested that bisphenol A (BPA) could be responsible for altered hormone levels in men.

International acqusitions may be on the cards, Hershey

US chocolate maker, Hershey, said it is still open to international expansion and it claims acquisitions will be made easier by the fact that the global chocolate markets are still...

Danisco teams up with equipment firm on anti-mould spray delivery system

Danisco has been collaborating with a spray equipment manufacturer to offer bakery manufacturers in the US a tried and tested unit for applying its antimicrobial on baked goods such as...

Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation forms online media partnership

The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation has partnered with major media companies Discovery Education and Meredith Corporation in an effort to further its anti-obesity agenda.

ADM profits soar, sweeteners down

Agricultural processing giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has reported a huge boost in net profit during the third quarter, although lower prices for sweeteners and starches reduced earnings from corn...

IFT offers support on sodium reduction, calls for more research on health effects

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has said it will support Food and Drug Administration (FDA) efforts to reduce sodium in foods – but called for further research into the...

Improved gluten-free and with oats and enzymes: Study

The next generation of gluten-free products may be achieved with sourdough technology and better processing of oats, according to the EU’s HealthGrain project.

Nikken Foods develops mushroom extract for increased umami, reduced sodium

Nikken Foods USA has developed a new mushroom extract ingredient for enhancing umami, reducing sodium and producing an intense mushroom flavor for sauces, soups and dressings, the company has said.

News in brief

CFSAN director to leave FDA

Stephen Sundlof has stepped down as head of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), after 16 years with the FDA, to take up an assignment with the...

Sugar quota increase not enough, say confectioners

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has said it will increase sugar quotas by 200,000 short tons in order to relieve supply pressure, but candy makers are still calling for more.

Energy drink review calls for tighter regulation

A review of the energy market in an IFT journal has called for tighter regulation to protect consumers and the industry from irresponsible marketing and ever more extreme drinks.

News in brief

FDA, NOAA monitoring oil spill impact on seafood industry

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said it is working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other agencies to monitor the safety of seafood from the...

Salmonella found in chocolate product at Nestlé plant, report

Nestlé has shut down a production line after a positive salmonella test on a batch of chocolate morsels at its one of its facilities in the US, for the second...

Review backs flaxseed lignans' cancer fighting potential

Flaxseed lignans might offer protection against breast, prostate, colon, and skin cancers while the soluble fibre they contain could help maintain steady blood sugar levels, found a review of research...

FDA seeks industry comments on food safety during transport

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on establishing guidance intended to reduce the risk of food contamination during transportation.

Senomyx balance sheet benefits from product launches

Senomyx revenues increased 120 percent in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period last year, as three of its major collaborators simultaneously launched products using Senomyx ingredients.

News in brief

TIC anticipates modified acacia gum approval in 2011

Following a positive safety opinion from EFSA last month, US hydrocolloids company TIC Gums is expecting its gum acacia modified with n-octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) to received European clearance in 2011.