NutraCea prepares to exit bankruptcy

Rice bran ingredient supplier NutraCea has said it expects to exit bankruptcy later this year after having filed for Chapter 11 protection in November to allow the company to restructure,...

News in brief

US farmers must look beyond low-cost mass production to meet global demand – report

A US National Research Council report has urged domestic farming policy to look beyond mass production at low costs and observe fiscal sustainability and environmental issues to satisfy the appetites...

Study highlights ‘excessive’ sugar content in food for toddlers

More than half of foods (53 percent) targeted to toddlers in Canadian grocery stores contain an excessive amount of sugar, according to a new study published in the Journal of...

Food safety metrics and partnerships are key, say US agencies

Federal bodies in the United States are to hold public meetings to outline new proposals on how to measure food safety, with one senior figure warning that if initiatives weren’t...

FDA urges phasing out of antibiotics in meat

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has produced draft guidelines for reducing the use of growth-promoting antibiotic drugs for meat-producing animals, saying it contributes to drug resistance in humans.

Packaging is tainted, no hazardous material in food - Kellogg

A group of external experts has verified that tainted packaging rather than any harmful material in the food is the cause of Kellogg’s nationwide recall of 28 million boxes of...

Survey assesses Gulf spill’s impact on seafood consumption

A new survey has found that more than half of Americans have changed their seafood consumption as a result of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill – and nearly a...

Antioxidant-rich peanut skins may boost meat shelf-life

Extracts from peanut skin that are rich in antioxidant compounds may preserved the colour of raw beef and slow its spoilage, suggests a new study.

Private label sector achieved all-time high in 2009

The private label sector reached all-time highs in terms of sales volumes, revenue and market share last year, according to new figures from the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA).

News in brief

DOT drops proposed peanut ban on planes

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has dropped a proposal it made last week to ban peanuts on planes due to potential allergic reactions, after realizing that it does not...

Baltimore approves two-cent bottle tax

Baltimore City Council gave its final approval late last week for a two-cent tax on bottled beverages as part of its $2.2bn budget for fiscal 2011.

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FDA warns against Magic Power Coffee

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to consumers that Magic Power Coffee – a dietary supplement marketed for sexual enhancement - is contaminated.

Sesame proteins point to reduced milk cheese: Study

The milk protein content of soft cheese may be reduced using sesame proteins, and tap into local tastes in China's booming dairy segment, suggests a new study from China and...

Meeting soaring demand for local food: USDA report

Product differentiation and using existing distribution networks could help boost the efficiency and popularity of local foods, according to new report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Kellogg issues massive recall as tainted packaging sparks health fears

Kellogg Company has recalled 28 million boxes of breakfast cereal in the United States over fears an unknown chemical that has tainted its packaging could cause diarrhoea and vomitting.

Comax flavors tap into trendy coconut water

Comax Flavors is the latest flavor firm to respond to coconut water’s rapid growth in popularity by adding a range of flavors for the drink to its product offerings.

Seaweed extracts could offer edible flavor films

French scientists continue to expand the potential of carrageenan films to encapsulate and control the release of flavors, with new data showing superiority over established options.

USP signs MOU with Chinese food safety agency

US Pharmacopeia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Chinese food safety agency, the National Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety – Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NINFS).

Stevia organization calls for simplified stevia terminology

The newly established Global Stevia Institute has called for industry to simplify the terminology it uses to communicate with consumers about stevia and its extracts in an effort to avoid...

CDC finds 90% of Americans consume too much sodium

Ninety percent of Americans consume more that the recommended daily amount of sodium, according to new figures published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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General Mills, ADA donate $500,000 in kids’ health initiative

General Mills has announced a $500,000 initiative to support healthy choices for children, in partnership with the American Dietetic Association.

DD Williamson develops acid-stable class one caramel color

DD Williamson has introduced a new class one acid-stable dark caramel color for use in beverages with pH below 2.5, the company has said.

Senomyx and PepsiCo negotiating sweet taste technology deal

California-based flavor firm Senomyx has signed a letter agreement with PepsiCo to negotiate a deal for the development and commercialization of new sweet taste technology, Senomyx said on Thursday.

News in brief

FEMA elects new president

The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) has elected president and CEO of AM Todd Group Raymond Hughes as the organization’s new president.

Honey extract may slow apple juice spoilage

An extract from honey may prevent undesirable browning of apple juice and help the beverage stay on shelves longer, suggests new research from Mexico.

FAO calls for ‘limited’ regulation of food futures markets

Some regulation of commodities futures markets could be beneficial – but should stop short of tight limits or an outright ban, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has said in...

Magnetic train technology used to measure fat content

Scientists at Harvard University have applied magnetic levitation, which is best known for enabling high-speed trains to float above tracks, to the task of measuring fat content in food.

Pectin-protein combo may extend ingredient microencapsulation

A combination of pectin and fibrils of ovalbumin may offer interesting and innovative encapsulation materials for formulators as protection for sensitive ingredients like flavours, says a new study.

Obesity drives weight management market, but education needed

The global market for satiety, fat burning and other weight management ingredients grew about seven percent in 2009 to be worth $7.5bn despite low consumer awareness of specific ingredient benefits,...

Consumers plan to stay thrifty, says NPD

Food and beverage marketers need to be mindful that consumers intend to continue thrifty behaviors well after the recession, according to market research organization The NPD Group.

Further health fears linked to bisphenol A

Two new studies have raised further questions marks over the health effects of bisphenol A (BPA), according to the Endocrine Society in the United States.

Supreme Court overturns ban on GM alfalfa planting

In its first ever assessment on genetically modified (GM) crops, the Supreme Court has overturned a ban on planting of GM alfalfa, with potential implications for GM crops throughout the...

News in brief

Ivorian cocoa exports gather pace

Cocoa exports from major grower Ivory Coast are said to be picking up, but imprecise counting techniques and smuggling brings figures into question, according to reports.

Hydrocolloids industry unmoved by Corn Products’ National Starch deal

Corn Products International’s $1.3bn acquisition of National Starch is unlikely to have an impact on the hydrocolloids industry as a whole, as starches are in ‘a field of their own’,...

Why Corn Products is moving into Europe

The planned acquisition of National Starch will launch Corn Products into Europe, and give it more leverage when dealing with five or six major food manufacturers that aim to...

Blue California develops fermentation process for Reb A extraction

Blue California, manufacturer of the Good & Sweet-brand Reb A stevia extract, has developed a natural fermentation process that it will be using to extract the sweetener by next March,...

Cartoon characters attract kids to junk food, study finds

Children prefer the taste of foods branded with images of popular cartoon characters and choose those foods more often than unbranded ones, according to research from Yale’s Rudd Center for...

Resistant starch may replace wheat flour for biscuits

Substituting wheat flour for resistant starch may be an easy way for formulators to boost the health profile of a product without affecting taste or acceptance, says a new study...

Corn Products buys National Starch for $1.3bn

National Starch is to be sold to US-based Corn Products International for US$1.3bn, current owner Akzo Nobel has confirmed. The news ends over two years of speculation over the business’...

News in brief

Gulf oil spill shuts leading oyster processor

The leading oyster processor in the US Gulf shut down its operations at the weekend because it could no longer guarantee deliveries as the fallout from the BP oil...

News in brief

GMA appoints Kraft exec to management role

The Grocery Manufacturers Association has appointed Danny Belcastro as executive vice president of industry affairs and membership services, the GMA has said.

Survey suggests ROI is a key driver for sustainability moves

Return on investment (ROI) is the second-strongest driver for companies’ sustainability initiatives after customer relations, according to a new survey from eyefortransport (EFT).

US invests in disease prevention

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has earmarked $250m for investment in the prevention of chronic diseases.

Harvard researchers show soda ‘tax’ cuts consumption

Sugary soda consumption at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston fell by 26 percent when researchers added a temporary tax, adding weight to the argument for soda taxes, the...

Comment

Eat less. Move more. Why do we need the 2010 Dietary Guidelines?

It’s important to know where you stand. Especially if it’s on a set of scales registering several pounds more than your ideal weight. The US Dietary Guidelines may not keep...

News in brief

ConAgra, Campbell issue large-scale recalls

ConAgra Foods and Campbell Soup Supply Co both issued large-scale recalls yesterday across the United States.

US food body responds to lead in food allegations

Product safety and adherence to best manufacturing practices are top priorities for food companies, said a leading US industry body in response to allegations that higher-than permitted-levels of lead have...

Apple polyphenols may ease food allergy: Nestlé study

An extract from apples rich in polyphenols may reduce or prevent an allergic response to food allergens, suggest findings from a mouse study by Nestlé scientists.

ADM outlines strategy for growth

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) intends to grow profits in the year ahead through acquisitions as well as expanding its existing business, the company said in a presentation to investors this...

Oldways calls on industry to support Dietary Guidelines

Oldways, the non-profit organization behind the Whole Grains seal, has called on industry to help make the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans work for better public health.

Special edition: Natural and clean label

Recent developments in clean label science

In the latest part of our focus on clean labels and natural ingredients, FoodNavigator look at some of the scientific developments that have caught our eye in the growing area...

Canadian and Chinese approvals boost cholesterol-lowering market

Major plant sterol suppliers say recent food-use approvals in Canada and China will “clear the way” for expansion of the cholesterol-lowering category.

Convenience drives US prepared food purchases, says NPD

Convenience is a key driver for US consumers, who are increasingly choosing prepared foods for easy at-home meals, according to market research organization The NPD Group.

News in brief

Bell opens new facility in Brazil

 Bell Flavors & Fragrances has opened a new facility in Sao Paulo, Brazil to extend its operations in the Brazilian market and improve market access for international customers.

Wild develops coconut water flavors and new drink concepts

Wild Flavors has released a new range of sensory-tested tropical flavors for coconut water, tapping into the continuing attention that the drink is attracting on the market.

News in brief

Campbell’s rolls out reduced sodium soups

The Campbell Soup Company will start delivering a further 21 varieties of its soups with reduced sodium content this month, the company has said.

American obesity informs draft 2010 Dietary Guidelines

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee has released its preliminary recommendations, saying that America’s obesity epidemic has been influential in developing the draft report.

AMA urges more accurate trans fat labeling

The American Medical Association (AMA) has urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to adopt more accurate labeling of trans and saturated fats, among other public health policies agreed at...

Special edition: Natural and clean label

Mintel: Natural and clean-label trend still driving NPD

While shoppers’ enthusiasm for low-fat, low-sugar or low-calorie claims (‘minus’ claims) or added functional ingredients claims (‘plus’ claims) has waned; their interest in natural claims has continued to grow, according...

BASF doubles nutrition technical staff in New York shift

Enhanced waters, carbonated soft drinks, still beverages, dairy products, instant beverages, nutrition bars and baked goods are being targeted by BASF as part of an intensified nutrition push in the...

Hershey move from old factory to bring 500-600 job losses

Hershey is modernising its production facilities in a $250 to $300m investment plan that will see the company move out of a century-old chocolate factory and cut 500 to 600 jobs.

Wheat, oils and dairy prices to stay up 40% for next decade, FAO

The FAO is cautiously optimistic about the prospects of food commodities in the wake of economic upheaval in the past two years, but average prices for wheat and grains, vegetable...

Hispanic food sector sales skyrocket

Sales of Hispanic foods and beverages have soared in the US, up by nearly a third in the past five years – and that growth is set to continue, according...

News in brief

SunOpta completes sale of Canadian distribution assets

Canadian natural and organics group SunOpta has completed the sale of its Canadian food distribution business to United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) for C$68m.

FDA, NOAA increase Gulf of Mexico seafood safety efforts

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said it is increasing its efforts to ensure the safety of fish and seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, and has released new...

GLG Life Tech anticipates FDA GRAS for stevia blends by year’s end

Stevia supplier GLG Life Tech has said it expects Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognition of its proprietary steviol glycoside blends as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the end...

Conflict of interest leads USDA to block certifier of Chinese organics

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has blocked a Chinese branch of a US organic certifier from certifying Chinese organics, the New York Times reports.

News in brief

Pyure Brands gets FDA GRAS for private label stevia extracts

Pyure Brands has become the latest stevia supplier to receive a letter of no objection from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that its Reb A stevia extracts are generally...

Comment

World Cup is an own goal for food culture

Sorry guys, the World Cup is not all about football. It’s about food too, and this year’s tournament should kick off a whole new debate about our sporting food culture....

New federal policy proposals could damage dairy industry, says IDFA

Newly agreed supply management policy in the dairy sector could hurt industry by encouraging consumption of lower priced non-dairy foods, the International Dairy Foods Association has said.

Black tea may match green for weight benefits: Study

Like green tea, extracts from black tea may also help reduce weight gain and cut body fat levels, says a new study from Japan with rats and mice.

Chia gel may replace eggs and oils in cakes

A gel made from chia may replace as much as 25 per cent of the oil or eggs in cakes without affecting taste, says a new study that points to...

Land O'Lakes settles in egg price fixing case

A partial settlement in the class action over egg price fixing has been reached with three of the defendants, Land O’Lakes and subsidiaries Moark LLC and Norco Ranch, according to...

FDA orders seizure of adulterated Chinese honey

FDA officials have seized 64 drums of honey imported to the US from China, because it is adulterated with an antibiotic that could cause serious illness or death.

Soy growth boosted by societal change towards sustainability

Food companies and consumers have moved from talking about sustainability to taking action in the last 18 months, says Solae – and the societal change that is taking place will...

Canadian dairy hunts for acquisitions as profits rise 37 percent

Montreal-based international Canadian dairy company Saputo has pledged its commitment to growth through acquisitions and posted a rise in net profits of 37.2% to C$382.7m (US$369m) for the year ended...

More education efforts needed over sodium intake, says HealthFocus

Consumers on both sides of the Atlantic are confused about how much sodium they should be consuming each day, two surveys of US and UK consumers have indicated.

Godrej Hershey set to introduce chocolate products in India, report

Indian joint venture Godrej Hershey is reported to be introducing chocolate products into amdist strong competition from dominant players such as Cadbury and Nestlé.

Gum Arabic beats modified starches for beverage stability

Gum Arabic is still the best option for stabilising beverage emulsions, when compared with modified starches, according to a comprehensive new study.

Danone dwarfs “weak” General Mills in US probiotics market

Sales of General Mills’ spoonable probiotic yogurt YoPlus fell 16 percent in 2009 to less than $44m for the year, while rival Danone Activia jumped 16 percentage points to record...

USDA refutes organic watchdog claims of “undue influence” on organic policy

The USDA has strongly refuted allegations that the National Organic Program (NOP) is subject to what organic campaign group, The Cornucopia Institute, terms “undue corporate influence.”

Mead Johnson pulls controversial toddler drink

Online criticism on blogs and forums has prompted Mead Johnson to pull a fortified chocolate drink aimed at toddlers.

ConAgra sells dehydrated and vegetable product operations to Olam

ConAgra has agreed to sell the dehydrated and vegetable product operations of Gilroy Foods & Flavors to Olam International for $250m.

News in brief

Jim May recognised for a life in stevia

Long time stevia patron Jim May has been awarded a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to the burgeoning industry at the Stevia World Europe conference in Geneva.

Chavez continues to exert pressure on Pepsi and Coke

Multinational food and beverage manufacturers such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi could face tighter controls of their water usage by the Venezuelan government, following on from media statements made by President...

New hope for peanut allergy sufferers thanks to low-allergy nuts

America’s 3m peanut allergy sufferers could benefit from low-allergy peanuts developed by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists using conventional breeding and nut mixing techniques.

Structural explanation found for vodka taste variation

Scientists claim to have uncovered a chemical explanation for why vodka drinkers can taste significant differences between brands.

GLG Life Tech signs further Latin America stevia deal

Stevia supplier GLG Life Tech has announced an agreement with a Mexican sugar producer for the distribution of the plant-derived sweetener in that country, following on from recent similar deals...

Chicken processor faces record fine for repeat violations

A US chicken processor employing over 3,000 people is a facing a record fine of over $1m for repeated health and safety violations.

Report outlines compostable packaging challenges

Limited infrastructure and a lack of consistent regulation between states are just two of several unresolved challenges to making compostable packaging a reality, said a report from the Sustainable...

Rice malt shows potential for gluten-free beer

Malted rice could offer formulators a new weapon in their gluten-free arsenal after tests showed the potential to product the ingredient at the pilot scale, Italian researchers report.

Third of European children are obese, warns report

More than one third of European children are obese or overweight, according to the latest report from research organisation Datamonitor.

Kellogg’s escapes FTC fine over false immunity claims

The Kellogg Company will change immunity claims for Rice Krispies after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ruled the claims misleading – but ruled out a financial penalty.

‘Fat tax’ opposition varies by location, education

People living in the eastern parts of the United States are the most supportive of placing a tax on soft drinks and fast food as a way to deter obesity,...

Non-dairy calcium also linked to prostate cancer, say researchers

Consumption of calcium from non-dairy sources could increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, according to the results of a study conducted among Chinese men.

Kiwifruit pectin show health and wellness potential

Pectin extracted from kiwifruit may boost the levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut and may also be used to microencapsulate probiotics for the health and wellness segment, suggests new...

No risk from bisphenol A in canned food - Health Canada

Exposure to bisphenol A from canned food poses no health risk to the general population, Health Canada has said after conducting a survey into levels of the chemical in 78 products.

Evidence linking lower weight with fewer sugary drinks not strong: Review

There is not enough evidence to suggest that cutting consumption of sugary drinks would reduce obesity rates, according to a new research review published in Obesity Reviews.

News in brief

Coca-Cola to open fruit-drink plant in India, report

Soft drink giant Coca-Cola has finalised plans to set up facilities in Biddai in the state of Karnataka, India, to specialize in the manufacture of fruit-based beverages, according to media...

Scientists dismiss MSG-headache link

Consuming glutamate or the flavour enhancer MSG from food does not produce headaches, finds a new review that supports the safety and tolerability of an ingredient increasing in use.

Meat industry opposes legislation to require new E. coli tests

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has introduced legislation to test for six E. coli strains that currently are not regulated – but the meat industry claims there are significant problems with the proposal.

Special edition: Sports nutrition

Sports nutrition market driven by non-sporty consumers

As global sales of sports nutrition products maintain healthy growth rates, one distinct – and unexpected – group of consumers is emerging as the main driver for the market, made...

Survey suggests most Americans would accept 'sustainable' GM wheat

Many American consumers would be receptive to foods containing genetically modified wheat if it is produced sustainably, suggests a new survey examining attitudes to food technologies from the International Food...

New York kids making healthier food choices, claim teachers

A nutrition education program for New York City’s food bank has led to children making healthier food choices, according to a survey of 700 New York City public elementary...

Canadian voluntary sodium reduction targets due in July

Health Canada’s Sodium Working Group intends to set voluntary sodium reduction targets for industry in an effort to reduce consumption levels over the next decade, the government agency has said....

Common protein could boost gluten-free rice bread: Study

The volume and texture of rice bread may be enhanced by simply adding glutathione, a protein and safe food additive, and offer better gluten-free products to a growing market, says...

TV encourages nutritional imbalance, claim researchers

Food choices endorsed by television advertising fail to meet nutritional guidelines and encourage nutritional imbalance, according to new research from the American Dietetic Association (ADA).

Roasted potato flour said to boost functionality and flavour

A new roasted potato flour ingredient can enhance the flavour and colour of baked goods and extruded snacks as well as gluten free foods while also providing dough expansion, said...

Coupons still driving purchase decisions, say market researchers

Coupons serve as both incentives to try new products as well as loyalty rewards, and consumers are continuing to seek them out, according to new market research from M/A/R/C and...

Stevia tops preferences for low-cal chocolate

Beverages formulated with stevia are preferred by consumers over similar products sweetened with sugar or other common high intensity sweeteners, says new research from Croatia.

News in brief

Concern over salt in Australian meats

New data on salt in processed meats in Australia indicate that the majority of products on the market have higher than acceptable levels.

Genetics may determine dislike of low-sodium foods: Study

Low-sodium foods may be more difficult for some people to like than others due to genetic influences, according to a new study published in the journal Physiology and Behavior.

News in brief

Japan and China sign food safety pact

Officials from Japan and China reached a bilateral agreement Monday to improve food safety standards and restore confidence.

Dingell calls for food safety action following latest salmonella recalls

Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich) has called for action on the Senate’s food safety bill, which has seen no attempt to move it forward since it passed from Committee with...