All news articles for June 2007

EFSA rejects concerns over Monsanto maize

The European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) GMO panel has no safety concerns after reviewing data from French scientists suggesting toxicity concerns in rats fed the MON863 variety of GM maize from Monsanto.

Roasted soybean targets 'beany-free' snacks

A roasted soybean, made from a newly-available soybean variety, claims to allow snack manufacturers to develop products with less of a beany taste.

Immigrant bill defeated in Senate vote

The bill that would have been a step towards legalizing millions of immigrant workers in the US was defeated in a Senate vote yesterday.

Food safety agencies to sign cooperation agreement

In a ground-breaking move to improve food safety, the European Food Safety Authority and the US Food and Drug Administration will team up to share scientific information.

Carbon monoxide use in meat to be investigated

Retailers and manufacturers of meat products have been called on to provide information on their practice of packing fresh meat in carbon monoxide.

Scientists offer predictions for sour taste in acid foods

The sourness of acidified beverages is related to concentrations of hydrogen and organic acid species, says a new study from the US that may offer an easy method for formulators to test sourness.

Fructose linked to fatty artery deposits, study says

Overweight males consuming fructose-sweetened drinks have a higher risk of developing fatty deposits in the arteries compared to those drinking products containing glucose, according to a new study.

Spices: new report examines impact, opportunities

Food makers can use spices and seasonings to differentiate their products, attract new consumers and add a health halo to their brands, according to a new report, which examines the spices expected to make an impact in the years to come.

Monsanto invests in corn business as Q3 profits soar

Monsanto is to make its largest investment to date in its corn production facilities, a move following continued strong demand for its branded corn seed products around the world.

Changes brewing for beer behemoths

The global beer industry has been given a shake up this week, as some of its major players announced they were preparing further consolidation in response to a changing marketplace.

Wal-Mart Canada suppliers must reduce packaging

Wal-Mart in Canada will partly base the products it stocks on whether suppliers have reduced packaging, it was announced last week.

Fungi seen as cost-effective lactic acid source

Fungal species of Rhizopus could offer a valuable alternative source for lactic acid production, with significant advantages over bacterial production, says a new review from Australia.

US organic dairy standards misleading, expert claims

Some industry standards on dairy products may be misleading consumers, a US organics expert claims.

McCormick profits dip, restructuring continues

Spice firm McCormick has reported good sales increases for its second quarter, although profits dipped in the period as the firm continues its restructuring.

FDA, EFSA to review new aspartame study

Regulatory bodies in the United States and Europe have said they will review a new study linking aspartame to an increased risk of cancer, but have reiterated that until an evaluation of the data is conducted they continue to support the safety of the sweetener.

USDA prepares final organic ingredient rule

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is calling on organic food producers to comment on the proposed list of ingredients permitted for use in organic products, before the publication of a final rule.

Burcon incurs protein R&D expenses in fiscal 06

Based on its year end results, Burcon NutraScience Corporation is still incurring expenses in what has been a lengthy process of bringing its protein ingredients closer to market.

Indonesia gears up to meet rising cocoa demand

Indonesia is expecting an increase in the country's cocoa production, despite recent poor crops, according to local news media.

Industry urges Congress to reform sugar program

Food firms and industry associations are stepping up a campaign to reform the US sugar policy, urging Congress to reject proposals that would increase the cost of sugar price supports.

New study reignites aspartame cancer concerns

Concerns over the safety of aspartame could be reignited after a new study with rats linked regular intake of the sweetener with increased risk of leukaemia, lymphomas and breast cancer.

Weekly comment

Clinical trials - gold standard or white elephant?

Randomised clinical trials are the ultimate. Forget what the observational studies tell us, if the RCT gives us an answer it must be the final word, right? Wrong.

Emulsifier line targets wider market after GRAS

Stabilizer manufacturer TIC Gums has self-affirmed the GRAS status for a line of modified gum acacia emulsifiers, which the company says opens up a wider market for the product.

Food marketing to kids: industry's last chance before rulemaking

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering a rulemaking that would place limits on the types of advertisements seen by children if the industry does not adequately respond with voluntary measures to growing concerns on the link between childhood obesity and food advertising.

Investor Peltz takes stake in Kraft

US activist investor Nelson Peltz has bought a 3 per cent stake in Kraft Foods, giving him some control over the food company's future.

Let's get back to basics on Doha, says Lamy

Following the collapse of G4 talks on the Doha trade round on Thursday, WTO director general told the trade Negotiations Committee on Friday that it is time to reassert the basic principles of the round, and that the target has not changed.

Global trade deal looks cloudy as Doha collapses - again

The latest negotiations to try to build a global trade agreement have collapsed two days ahead of schedule.

New report examines increased demand for portion control

American consumers desire more portion control choices to help with weight management, according to a new report published this month.

Prebiotics could help combat meat pathogens, says USDA

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have reported a new method of developing prebiotics from certain crops, which could have the potential to help combat the incidence of salmonella and E. coli in animals slaughtered for their meat.

Food firms asked to follow Kellogg's 'socially responsible' lead

A number of major food firms in the US have been called upon to follow the lead of the Kellogg Company, by restricting food marketing to children and improving the nutritional profile of their kid-oriented products.

Pitaya fruit may offer red colouring for food

The use of pitaya as a source of red colours for foods is in its infancy, but the potential of these fruits to offer alternatives to re beet is growing, say the German scientists working on bringing the pigments from the lab bench to industry.

Scientists look for prebiotics from corn cobs

Scientists in Portugal have reported a novel method for producing fibres from corn cobs capable of boosting the growth of friendly gut bacteria.

Locally grown, fresh market booms on green culture, report

Sales of fresh and locally grown foods have shot up in recent years, driven by factors such as food safety fears and America's growing 'green' culture, claims a new report by Packaged Facts.

Guar gum - science builds for health benefits

Guar gum, extensively used as an emulsifier, thickener and stabiliser, may also have potential as a health ingredient for lowering cholesterol levels, suggests new research.

Monsanto, Bayer team up on herbicide tolerance

Agro-firms Monsanto and Bayer CropSciences have entered into a series of new agreements, which could result in crops that contain two of the leading herbicide technologies - Roundup Ready and LibertyLink.

Tyson cuts antibiotics from poultry

Poultry products from Tyson Foods from this week will no longer be sourced from birds routinely fed antibiotics.

New stevia product enters sweetener aisles as awareness increases

A new stevia sweetener product has made its way into a number of leading US retailers, where its manufacturer claims it is placed side by side with the nation's top sweetener brands, despite its regulatory status as a dietary supplement.

Fats - quality more important than quantity?

Replacing unhealthy fats with healthy alternatives reduces risk markers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) more than reducing the quantity of fat, suggests new research from the US.

Appetite reduction is key for weight management - consumers

When consumers think about weight management and foods, appetite-suppressing ingredients are key, suggests new independent consumer research.

Monsanto divests US cottonseed businesses

Agribusiness Monsanto has completed the divestiture of its US branded cottonseed business, in a move required as part of its takeover of the Delta and Pine Land Company (DPL).

USDA calls for comments on fish labeling

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to implement a final rule for the mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) for fish and shellfish, and is calling for public comments on the move.

Cadbury Schweppes unwraps its confectionary strategies

Following talks in London today, Cadbury Schweppes has officially announced its new confectionery strategies, to be implemented following the separation of its drink division, Americas Beverages.

Food execs to examine solutions to biofuel threat

Food industry R&D executives will be meeting in Chicago next month to examine the impact of increased biofuel demand on their business, in an effort to anticipate challenges resulting from a fundamental shift in supply chain dynamics.

Dow applies new gene technology to maize, canola crops

A technology that has been shown to modify genes in human cells has been successfully applied to maize and canola crops, according to biotech firm Dow AgroSciences.

Add methyl cellulose for healthy battered food

Making batters with methyl cellulose could remove the need for pre-frying of fried foods and boost the healthy image of battered foods, suggests new research from Spain.

FTC set for next step in kid marketing efforts

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are to hold a forum to examine the food industry's marketing practices to children, and to review the progress of actions taken so far to help combat childhood obesity.

Database gives consumers access to nutrition facts

A new online database has been launched with the aim of helping consumers understand the nutritional content of their food products better and as such curb excessive fat or calorie intake.

Vitamin C's antioxidant activity boosted by edible film

The nutritional and shelf life-boosting activity of vitamin C can be boosted by incorporating the ingredient in a gellan film, suggests new research.

Class action seeks compensation for Canada beef

The Canadian beef industry took a step closer to easing the pain of the country's BSE crisis after Quebec Superior Court Justice Richard Wagner granted authorization for a billion dollar class action suit against the Federal Government to proceed to trial.

Weekly comment

A sobering thought for the alcohol industry

Much against my own better judgement, there are some issues it seems, where corporate social responsibility must really live up to its name and truly look after its consumers.

Dietary calcium better for bones than supplements - study

Women who get most of their daily calcium from dietary sources have healthier bones than women whose calcium comes mainly from supplements, says new research.

Barry Callebaut moves to expand US presence

Chocolate ingredient manufacturer Barry Callebaut has announced the opening of its new North American head office in Chicago, which it claims is a step towards becoming the top player in the sector.

Is organic food really more nutritious?

The overall body of science does not support the view that organic food is more nutritious than conventionally grown food, says a new review from the British Nutrition Foundation.

Del Monte immigration raid highlights labor issues

An immigration raid this week on a Fresh Del Monte Produce processing plant indicates that federal officials are continuing their campaign to crack down on the industry's use of illegal labour.

IFF launches new 'fresh squeezed' orange flavor

A new orange flavor claims to allow beverage makers to bring the taste of freshly squeezed orange juice to their products, a flavor that has remained elusive in the past, says manufacturer International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF).

Breakfast cereals as good as special drinks for sports recovery?

A bowlful of whole-wheat flake cereal and nonfat milk may work just as effectively as specialized sports drink in boosting recovery after exercise, researchers told attendees at the 54th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

New USDA rule means some organic products in non-compliance

Organic products containing certain non-organic minor ingredients are now officially in non-compliance with US government organic certifications, following the implementation of a new rule last week.

Is Down Under the new Amazon for superfruits?

Scientists in Australia are scrutinizing the country's flora for fruit with the potential to tap into the growing trend of exotic fruits as sources of colours, flavours and health ingredients.

Kellogg reveals major shift in marketing practices to kids

The Kellogg Company today announced it will adopt nutrition standards for the products it markets to children, pledging to reformulate those products that fall short of the criteria, or to cease marketing them altogether.

Nutraceutical market ripe for baby boomer products

There is still more room for functional food and dietary supplement manufacturers to target baby boomers, but it will require the use of sensitive marketing tactics say analysts.

Special edition: Climate change

How companies are turning climate to their advantage

Climate change, so long ignored or even denied, can no longer be disregarded, and is forcing companies throughout all sectors to re-evaluate their practices. And as with all 'obstacles', companies have started using climate change as a vehicle to promote what they do best: make business.

Nutrition, health claims perception differs by country - survey

A consumer's perception of nutrition and health claims labeling differs not only between the US and Europe, but also among European countries, says a new survey from Unilever.

Gelatin combo eyed for tomato waste encapsulation

Researchers from Taiwan are eying a combination of gelatin and poly(-glutamic acid) (-PGA) for the encapsulation of lycopene from tomato pulp waste, offering alternatives for the ingredient increasingly in the consumer's eye.

Banana price hikes slowing, reveals Chiquita update

Banana prices are showing signs of stabilizing, with the announcement today by leading global banana supplier Chiquita that the recent price increases in North America and Europe have slowed and even reversed.

DuPont expands seed research in Brazil

DuPont is to open a new corn and soybean seed research facility in Brazil, a move that comes as part of its reinvestment plan designed to increase focus on plant genetics and biotechnology.

FDA program aims to improve tomato safety

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to start a tomato safety initiative as part of efforts to reduce the incidence of produce-related foodborne illness in the country.

Consumer psychology could be used to eat healthy, says USDA

A new report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends alternative methods that could be implemented to help consumers make healthy food choices, including placing limits on purchases made in grocery stores and in schools.

Fenchem enhances CS testing following Chinese ingredients scare

The highly publicized contamination scares involving imports from China are leading some suppliers, such as Fenchem, to take extra precaution in testing their ingredients so as to calm potential fears from US clients.

Fungus to join mushrooming immune health market?

Consumption of the humble white button mushroom may boost the immune system and protect again infection, suggests a new animal study from the US.

Alcopops labeling bill moves to Senate

A bill requiring malt liquor beverages to feature warning labels and mark their alcohol content has passed to the State Senate in California.

Betalains research to drive colourants future?

Swiss chard and cactus pear could offer significant opportunities for novel sources of colourants for food, says a new review from Germany, but industry and academia must focus research and resources to fully exploit the potential.

Ajinomoto to acquire Calpis in $680m stock swop

Ajinomoto plans to merge with Japanese compatriot Calpis, in a bid to further its transformation into a health and nutrition company and develop more value-added products to meet market demands.

Whole grains linked to lower atherosclerosis risk

An increased intake of wholegrain-rich foods has been linked to improvements in blood vessel health, says a new study that adds to the heart-health benefits of a diet rich in wholegrains.

Coca-Cola announces Campbell's soup agreement

Coca-Cola will market Campbell's range of vegetable-based juice brands in North America as it moves to expand its presence in the non-carbonated drinks market.

Scientists propose better profiling for GM crops

A new technique could result in better nutritional and safety profiles for the coming generation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Spanish scientists have reported.

Obesity trend prompts sugar alternative growth

Growing concerns about obesity and type-2 diabetes are driving low-sugar, sugar-free or sugar substituted products, says a new survey from the NPD Group.

Phyto-Sources builds capacity for functional food demand

Phyto-Source has announced a significant expansion of its pine tree sterol production capacity for the second time in one year, due in large part to EU demand for its product.

Tate & Lyle unveils Promitor to help bridge fibre gap

Tate & Lyle has announced the introduction of a new line of branded fibre ingredients called Promitor, which can be used in a broad range of food products to help consumers meet fibre intake targets.

Danisco targets stabilisers to avoid dairy price-hike

Danisco is marketing its Grinstead IcePro stabilizer systems to help manufacturers avoiding being stung by volatile prices in the dairy sector, reducing the need for butterfat and dairy solid content.

Dupont rises to population growth challenges

Dupont is eyeing global challenges as opportunitie, and is angling its science and innovation to catering to global mega trends in food, energy and security, say executives.

Chardonnay, raspberry show promise as fish oil preservatives

Seed flours derived from Chardonnay grapes and black raspberries could be used to develop natural preservatives to improve stability and consumer acceptance of fish oils, report researchers from the US.

ADM expands cocoa presence in Ghana

Agricultural giant Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) announced today that it is to build a new cocoa processing facility in Ghana, in a move expected to diversify and expand the firm's global cocoa origination and processing operations into a strategically important location.

FDA identifies food safety, labeling priorities

Determining the regulatory status of salt and developing methods to detect low levels of trans fats in foods have been flagged up as priorities by the US food regulatory agency in a report issued this week.

China announces food safety crackdown

China will ban bad foods and enforce stronger export controls as part of a long-term offensive, the government announced this week.

Calcium link to prostate cancer risk, study

Too much milk and cheese appears to increase the risk of prostate cancer in male smokers, say researchers from the US National Cancer Institute.

Agricultural methods threaten genetic resources, FAO

The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization has warned that the intensification of agricultural methods and standardisation of products putting genetic diversity at risk, which could compromise food security in the future.

Folic acid may increase risk of colorectal tumours

Folic acid does not decrease the risk of benign colorectal tumours and may increase the likelihood of contracting some types of tumours, say researchers - but the supplements industry urges caution in light of documented benefits.

Organic food miles offset benefits, Canadian study

A study from the University of Alberta has concluded that the environmental impact of food miles racked up by organic produce cancels out the benefits of growing it.

IPA to fine tune probiotic awareness, standards

The International Probiotics Association has placed a new executive director at the helm who is looking to bring transparency and self-regulation to the growing global market for so-called friendly bacteria.

Healthy starch advances for processed foods

The search for low glycaemic and slowly digestible starch continues, with scientists from Purdue University reporting a new starch that may lead to smaller spikes in blood sugar and perhaps ease hunger pangs.

Nestle markets first Senomyx savory food products

Nestle, the world's largest food company, has begun rolling out the first commercial food products containing savory flavor ingredients made by Senomyx.

Gum arabic suppliers: Sudan threats are not serious

Ingredients suppliers say threats by Sudan's US ambassador to cut off gum arabic supplies from the country are not serious, and an embargo would not have a catastrophic effect on the world supply.

ERS report highlights shifts in food marketing

Increased competition has shifted the dynamics in the food marketing chain over the past ten years, with consolidation emerging as a major tactic as the industry strives to capture and keep market share, says a new report published by ERS.

New Med diet symbol to flag up healthy goods

A new Mediterranean diet packaging symbol was today launched in the US, and is set to enjoy significant success from food manufacturers keen to flag up products that meet the nutrition criteria of the diet.

Checking fat content depends on how consumers think, claims study

The social context of consumer groups could contribute to the way they perceive food products, according to a new study that examines the differences between individualistic and collectivistic societies.

Canadian hemp milk looks to nourish US dairy alternative market

Canadian hemp manufacturer Manitoba Harvest is counting on its new hemp milk to bring further consumer awareness to the health benefits of a seed often associated with marijuana.

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