Survey shows most Canadian farmers oppose GM wheat

Most Canadian wheat farmers are opposed to the introduction of genetically modified (GM) wheat unless market conditions change, according to a Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) survey.

E.coli contamination confirmed in Nestle dough

Nestle USA has expressed concern and regret after US food authorities finally confirmed the bacterium E.coli H7:157 had been detected in its Toll House refrigerated cookie dough.

Consumers want more private label products: Survey

More than 90 percent of American consumers say they are likely to continue buying store brands even after the economy improves, and nearly half would like to see more...

News in brief

FDA announces Reportable Food Registry discussion dates

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced three public meetings to discuss the Reportable Food Registry, to explain its role and the responsibilities of those who are required...

Review finds no effect of soy on testosterone

A review of 15 studies into the influence of soy proteins or isoflavones on male hormones has found no evidence of an estrogen-like effect.

Kerry’s new innovation center targets strong ‘need for development’

Kerry Group has opened a $50m innovation and technical center in Beloit, Wisconsin to respond to its customers’ continued demand for innovative products.

News in brief

Plainview recalls two years’ worth of milk products

Plainview Milk Products Cooperative of Minnesota has issued a recall of all the instant nonfat dried milk, whey protein, fruit stabilizers, and gums that it has manufactured over the...

Nestle says it provides FDA everything ‘required by law’

Nestle USA issued a statement on Friday saying that it is “openly sharing all requested information” with the FDA after the Wall Street Journal reported that the company has...

Animal fats linked to pancreatic cancer: Study

Researchers have linked high intake of fat from red meat and dairy products with increased risk of pancreatic cancer, in a study published in the Journal of the National...

Consumers sue Nestle, but FDA still baffled

One week on from Nestle’s recall of its Toll House cookie dough, the source of an E. coli strain that has sickened 69 people across 29 states still has...

Major natural products firms commit to cause-marketing coupons

A nationwide coupon-book initiative that aims to engage natural product consumers with childhood nutrition is in its final stages of set-up, with interested manufacturers able to apply for participation...

Clean-label starches tackle texture for gluten-free bakery

National Starch has moved into gluten-free bakery solutions with a new range of clean-label starches for use in gluten-free products for the North American market.

Sweetness perception could vary with ethnicity: Study

Researchers claim to have discovered a particular gene variant that could affect sweetness perception among different ethnic groups, raising the possibility of more targeted flavor profiling of foods.

Senate probe finds excessive wheat market speculation

Excessive speculation on the futures market fuelled last year’s wheat price surge that led to higher prices for industry and consumers, according to the results of a year-long Senate...

News in brief

NIH steps up ChromaDex phytochemical collaboration

The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has set up a purchasing agreement with phytochemical firm ChromaDex, designed to provide its various groups with easier access to the firm’s...

Dispatches from IFT

Whey- and flax-based emulsifiers target reduced cost

Glanbia Nutritionals has developed an emulsifier line for longer shelf life and cleaner labels in a move toward ingredients targeting added productivity and profitability, rather than just added nutrition.

Healthier mayonnaise passes consumer taste test: Study

Rice bran oil and soy protein concentrate could be used by mayonnaise manufacturers to cut fat levels while increasing consumer acceptability, according to a study on its sensory properties.

Creating the ‘gold standard’ for natural beef flavours

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) has released a new range of “natural and authentic” beef flavors which it says responds to consumer demand for natural ingredients.

Consumer confidence in food manufacturers plunges, says survey

New research from the United States suggests that consumer confidence in food companies has plummeted after less than one in five said they trusted firms to develop and sell healthy...

Redpoint Bio discovers natural sweetness enhancer

Redpoint Bio has identified a new sweetness enhancer that could address the same market needs as new natural sweeteners launching to market at the moment.

US food industry enlisted in the battle to curb obesity

Top US nutrition experts together with health organizations and leading doctors have joined forces to ask President Barack Obama to combat obesity by creating a Presidential Commission on Healthy Weights,...

Taste psychologist maps 'dialects' of flavour preference

The mapping of ‘taste dialects’ could help food firms develop products that appeal to the specific preferences of consumers in certain geographical locations, according to a taste psychologist.

News in brief

GSB flavor pairings take on dance theme

GSB Flavor Creations has been releasing a variety of ‘shuffled’ flavors in recent months, to develop “unusual yet complementary tastes”, which it says is “like choreographing a dance”: Now...

Keys to functional foods success

When shopping, consumers very quickly decide on a brand’s worth and unless they are making positive ticks in their minds to an array of factors, it is likely they will...

Almonds take top spot for global new product launches

Almonds have usurped peanuts as the number one nut ingredient for new product releases, according to Mintel’s Global New Products Database.

Value-seeking trend set to stay, says analyst

Consumers are unlikely to revert to ‘unsustainable’ spending habits when the economy recovers, according to a food and agribusiness expert at Rabobank.

Credit squeeze key concern for food makers, OECD report

Prices for key commodities used by food manufacturers may have eased since their peaks last year, but the cost of cereals and vegetable oils in the near term will remain...

Exclusive interview

Food technologists ‘under attack’, says former IFT chief

Food technology is a profession under attack – and both industry and government need to invest to ensure its future, says former IFT president Dr John Floros.   

BPA causes reproductive health defects at levels currently considered safe - study

Bisphenol A (BPA) causes significant reproductive health effects at levels equivalent to or below the dose that that has been thought not to produce any adverse results, new research has...

News in brief

Oldways releases updated Med diet pyramid poster

The non-profit organization behind the Mediterranean diet pyramid has released a new display poster to illustrate its updated version, which was unveiled earlier this year.

Dispatches from IFT

Corn fiber offers improved meat yields

Z Trim Holdings has expanded its range of fiber ingredients to provide a cost-effective, clean label way to boost moisture content in meat products as an alternative to starches...

Organizations oppose new food safety bill

The Food Safety Enhancement Act has been broadly welcomed by industry but a group of organizations has issued a letter to the relevant committee voicing strong opposition to several...

US and Canada agree on organic equivalency

The US and Canada have come to an agreement on organic equivalency standards, expanding organic trade opportunities, US Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced on Wednesday.

Dairy growth highlights future packaging challenges: Report

Dairy product sales in the US have continued to rise during 2008, defying higher prices for consumers and creating a number of challenges and opportunities for packagers in the...

Could vinegar be natural fat fighter?

Ordinary vinegar – acetic acid – may prevent the build up of fat, and therefore weight gain, according to results of a study with mice from Japan.

Dispatches from IFT

Nanotechnology: The new asbestos?

The safety risks of nanotechnology use by the food industry could make it “the new asbestos”, says toxicologist Dr George Burdock of the Burdock Group.

Nutrition vs Cost: Survey outlines consumer priorities

Over half of Americans are willing to spend more on healthier versions of food, but price remains a barrier for some, according to a new online survey.

News in brief

FDA chief prioritizes fresh produce safety

FDA head Dr Margaret Hamburg has said that stricter food safety standards are needed for fresh produce and other high-risk foods, in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Dispatches from IFT

Superfruit success spawns Blue Pacific berry flavors

Blue Pacific Flavors has said it is focusing on traditional, authentic berry flavors as consumers have become more aware of ‘superfruits’ and their associated health benefits.

Bunge shuts salmonella-tainted canola plants

Bunge has closed two canola meal processing plants in Canada after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found shipments to the US were contaminated with salmonella, the company said...

News in brief

Viterra says acquisition to strengthen food processing presence

Viterra has said its takeover of a Manitoba canola crusher will boost its position in the domestic food processing industry.

Food safety rules and costs threaten nano science benefits

Over restrictive federal regulation of nano science should not be allowed to strangle the benefits the technology could bring to food safety, quality and availability, warns William Norwood, president nanoAgri...

Nitrates and nitrites may be nutritious: Study

Nitrites and nitrates, much maligned additives in processed and cured meats, may help cardiovascular health, suggests a study from the US.

Comment

IFT '09: In defence of trade shows

As the dust settles on another IFT the absence of several big players has left some questioning the relevance of trade shows in the 21st Century.

More support for heart healthy wholegrains

Consumption of wholemeal wheat foods may improve both total and ‘bad’ cholesterol levels, compared to refined foods, says new research from Italy.

Dispatches from IFT

Ancient grain blend to plug gluten-free nutrition gap

ConAgra Mills has developed a gluten-free flour that claims to have superior nutritional qualities to white rice, potato and corn flours, made with a blend of ancient grains.

Cereal prices could rise, suggests Credit Suisse report

Costs for agri-commodities will hover high in the short term with prices "more likely to rise than fall", despite a contraction in global demand, concludes a new report from...

Synergy brings ingredients under Saporesse brand umbrella

Carbery-owned Synergy is re-launching its Saporesse range of yeast extracts in the US, bringing more of its ingredients under the brand so manufacturers can see what formulation tools are available...

Dispatches from IFT

Take advantage of recession, says former White House director

Food firms can benefit from the downturn by taking advantage of lower advertising and input rates and positioning for recovery, said economic expert at IFT.

Fee compromise eases US food safety bill to next stage

The bill designed to overhaul the failing US food safety system took a major step forward this week after a compromise over industry fees was reached.

Dispatches from IFT

Betatene declared GRAS

Cognis has announced self-affirmed GRAS for its Betatene carotenoids, a development that allows it to be used in foods and beverages.

Dispatches from IFT

Niutang nears launch for new stevia sweetener

Niutang is preparing to introduce its Reb A sweetener from stevia next year and is starting discussions with existing customers and new ones that have a parallel product development timeline.

Bunge building export terminal to meet Asian grain ambitions

Bunge has begun construction on a new grain export terminal it claims will be the first such structure to be built in North America for twenty years as part of...

Canada ponders junk food fortification

Health Canada is considering granting food makers discretionary powers to fortify “junk foods” to improve their nutritional profile and the diets of Canadians.

Diehl acquires ACH in emulsifier deal

Ohio's Diehl Food Ingredients (DFI) has expanded its emulsifier portfolio by acquiring the emulsified powders and non-dairy creamer business from Tennessee-based ACH Food Companies.

Dispatches from IFT

Solae: Protein takes ‘evolutionary step’ with new ingredient

Solae have launched a ‘breakthrough ingredient’, combining high solubility, low viscosity, and a bland flavor profile for the beverage market.

News in brief

Blue Diamond expands flavor portfolio

US almond suppliers Blue Diamond Growers will expand its portfolio, adding four new flavors to its oil-roasted line of almonds for use as ingredients in snack, nut and trail mixes.

Dispatches from IFT

Naturex launches fruit and veg extracts for stability

Naturex has introduced new fruit and vegetable extracts to its NATstabil line, extending the options for manufacturers looking for natural stabilisers for food products.

Dispatches from IFT

Frutarom drinks to functional beverages at IFT

 Frutarom is demonstrating the fruits of its latest acquisition by showcasing a range of functional beverage prototypes at the institute of Food Technologists (IFT) trade show in Anaheim, California.

US extends antidumping duty on saccharin from China

The United States has extended an antidumping duty order on saccharin from China, after a review concluded that cheaper imports of the sweetener would damage the domestic market.

News in brief

DSM gains nutrition award for NutriRice technology

Ingredients firm DSM has received the first GAIN business award for innovation in nutrition 2008, presented at a ceremony during the recent GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition) Business Alliance...

Dispatches from IFT

FDA: we can handle nanotech safety

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) already has sufficient authority to assess the safety of nanotechnology - but its regulation is not all to do with size, says Dr Annette...

News in brief

Connecticut bans BPA from 2011

The US state of Connecticut has signed into law a bill banning the use of bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles and infant food containers.

Nanoscience to boost food safety, quality and shelf life

Nanotechnology promises big benefits for food safety, quality, and shelf life provided the challenges it brings can be overcome, delegates were told at the Institute of Food Technology's annual conference...

News in brief

Kellogg makes fiber commitment

Kellogg has pledged that by next year nearly 80 percent of its cereals sold in the US will be ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ sources of fiber.

Processors not braced for potential raw milk benefits

As dairy farmers around the globe continue to raise concerns over the declining value of their products, unpasteurised milk is being touted as one solution to generate added value and...

Olive extracts may slow spoilage of meats

Polyphenol-rich extracts from olive oil pomace may reduce the formation of off-flavours in meats by as much as 80 per cent, suggests new research.

Consumer packaged goods companies show resilience in recession

The consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry in the US has shown resilience in the current recession and significantly outperformed the rest of the market in 2008, according to a report...

Industry and consumer groups divided over FDA inspection fees

The issue of whether the FDA should charge food processors and manufacturers a $1000 fee to help fund food safety inspections has divided industry and consumer bodies.

FDA backs proposal for US industry fees to fund food inspections

A contentious proposal to compel US food manufacturers to contribute towards safety inspection costs took a step forward yesterday after the Food and Drug Administration signalled its backing for the...

Organic sector increasingly dependent on imports: USDA

The US organic sector has become increasingly dependent on imported ingredients as a supply squeeze continues to limit the sector’s growth, according to a new report from the US...

News in brief

FDA changes website, updates information

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated the format of its website to make it more user-friendly, but the change means that some old URLs may no...

Many gluten-free formulations lack essential nutrients

Food manufacturers’ efforts to formulate gluten-free foods could leave celiacs’ diets short of essential nutrients, according to an article from Harvard Medical School.

WWF defends position on Round Table on Responsible Soy

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has defended its support of the Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS), despite strong opposition from over 80 international environmental organizations.

News in brief

FoodNavigator Twittering from IFT

Stuck on the booth? Can’t make it to IFT this year? Let our journalists do the leg work for you. We will be sending updates via Twitter on news, innovations...

Stevia reference standards developed for Food Chemical Codex

US Pharmacopeia (USP) has developed a set of new reference standards for stevia-derived sweeteners Reb A and stevioside for inclusion in the Food Chemical Codex (FCC).

Coupon program to boost organic, natural – and help kids

The Organic Center is seeking manufacturers to take part in a new coupon program aiming to engage organic consumers with child hunger – and help them save money on natural...

News in brief

Stevia market development will ease price importance

The price of stevia sweeteners relative to sugar need not be an issue as the market develops, according to PureCircle, as supply chain investments are expected to encourage penetration.

Consumers won’t accept GM wheat, says tri-national statement

A group of organizations from the US, Canada and Australia has released a joint statement expressing their opposition to wheat industry plans to commercialize genetically modified (GM) wheat.

Soy industry sets sustainability standards

Participants in the Round Table on Responsible Soy unanimously agreed a set of voluntary production standards on Thursday to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of soy production.

Niutang plans to increase sucralose capacity

Niutang Chemical has announced plans to expand its sucralose production capacity from 300 tonnes to 500 tonnes within three years.

Parents have ‘weak’ influence on children’s diets: Study

Parents may have less influence on their children’s eating habits than commonly believed, according to new research published in the Journal of Social Science and Medicine.

News in brief

China's new food safety law comes into force

Chinese authorities have said its new food safety law, which comes into effect today, will help prevent the food contamination incidents that have caused so much damage to the reputation...

FoodNavigator-USA.com acquired by William Reed Business Media

Decision News Media, publisher of FoodNavigator.com, FoodNavigator-USA.com and 15 other websites serving the international food, nutrition, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, has been acquired by the leading UK business-to-business publisher...

Antifreeze gelatin proteins boost ice cream structure: Study

Collagen peptides produced from bovine gelatin may stop ice crystal formation in supercooled ice creams, opening up possible new innovations to formulators, suggests new research.