Manufacturers urged to detail potassium and phosphates on labels

Researchers have urged food manufacturers to label additives in enhanced meat products if they include potassium or phosphates due to their potential risk to dialysis patients.

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Saputo completes acquisition of F&A Dairy of California

Saputo, the largest dairy processor in Canada, has completed its $44.5 m acquisition of F&A Dairy of California, which manufactures mozzarella, provolone and whey products.

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NASDAQ bell ringing highlights US ice cream growth

The US ice cream and dairy industries turned out in force to end the day’s trading on the NASDAQ and emphasise the innovation and strength in the industry.

Lecithin additive may find health niche

A component of the common food additive lecithin my help the liver process fat and glucose, opening up lecithin to a potential role in the growing health ingredients category.

New blend makes antioxidant rich chocolate easier to create, says Wild

Wild has launched a blend of plant extracts to help chocolate manufacturers create antioxidant rich products without needing to buy special quality cocoa beans.

Crippling viruses threaten Michigan blueberries

The Michigan Department of Agriculture has announced that it will meet with blueberry producers to discuss ways to protect the industry after two crop-devastating viruses were detected by researchers.

EcoFlora taps Colombian jagua fruit for sustainable natural blue

EcoFlora has developed a natural, acid-stable blue coloring for foods, beverages and cosmetics and it says the creation of a sustainable supply chain differentiates it from other colors on...

Trade liberalization linked to Central American obesity: Study

Trade liberalization in Central America has led to increased imports and availability of processed food, contributing to nutrition and obesity problems in the region, according to a new study.

Organic nutrition review a call for stronger science

A new review of studies on the nutritional content of organic and conventional produce has broadly concluded that there are no differences – but the investigators raise big concerns over...

US food safety bill defeated - or just delayed?

The sweeping bill to overhaul the US food safety system was rejected yesterday over fears of imposing excessive burdens on farmers and that its hurried legislative passage had prevented proper...

Expectation of tasty food can trigger brain reward

Simply expecting to eat a tasty food can trigger the areas of the brain associated with reward, raising the possibility that drugs could be developed to deal with overeating,...

Corn Products International hit by lower demand, higher costs

The global recession has hit Corn Products International’s bottom line as its products – including high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – experience lower demand, particularly in North America, the company said.

‘Fat tax’ could help pay for health care reform: Report

The concept of taxing fattening foods has been raised again, this time by nonpartisan policy research organization Urban Institute, in a report that says the tax could help pay...

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FDA to discuss more science review at CFSAN

The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Science Board will be meeting next month to discuss plans to boost the review of research at the Center for Food Safety...

US giving too much food safety control to foreign countries

The United States is giving away too much control to some foreign countries over food safety as trade concerns over-ride health issues, a leading US politician has said.

Soy processors extend Amazon deforestation moratorium

Brazilian soy processor have extended their moratorium on sourcing from newly deforested areas of the Amazon, as efforts to curb destruction of the rainforest need more time to take affect.

Organogels still out of reach for food: Review

Organogels, seen by some as offering great potential as trans fat replacer and nutraceutical delivery systems, may still far from being used in finished products, says a new review.

New research to explore how food allergies are triggered

University of Chicago researchers have been awarded a $433,100 grant to investigate how food allergies are triggered, in a study that could eventually help explore whether GM crops cause allergies.

Act locally to tackle obesity, says CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a report including recommendations to help tackle obesity in the United States, with strategies to increase availability of healthier foods.

Unilever cuts trans fats from soft spreads

Unilever has announced that it will cut the trans fats from its soft spreads, while keeping levels of saturated fat below two grams per serving – even though it...

New enzyme makes melamine detection easier and cheaper, say researchers

A simple and cheap method of testing for melamine contamination of milk and other foods has been developed thanks to the discovery of a new enzyme, said US researchers.

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Imagining a world where we eat less meat

Cutting back meat consumption is the new darling cause of pop stars. But if necessary environmental and health goals are to be achieved, the whole supply chain needs to be...

Chocolate cake: Leavening agent key to healthy profile

Maintaining cocoa’s heart healthy compounds in a finished product depends on the presence of other ingredients, particularly leavening agents, says new research from the Hershey Company.

Stevia: The holy grail of sweeteners?

The FDA’s non-objection in December that the stevia-derived sweetener Reb A was generally recognized as safe (GRAS) was greeted with much fanfare – but how has it been received...

Many Americans misunderstand food allergies, finds survey

The American public’s understanding of food allergies is poor, with many confusing allergy and intolerance, believing that there is a cure, or misunderstanding current treatments, according to a new...

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China tightens food processing laws

Food producers in China must record all food processing procedures and keep records for least two years under a new food safety regulation that came into force today.

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Virginia Dare announces new appointments

Flavor company Virginia Dare has announced two new appointments – a business development director and a food technologist.

More room for growth in fragmented kids’ organic sector

The market for organic kids’ snacks and baby food presents a growing opportunity for smaller food manufacturers, says a new report, although larger brands might do better to steer clear.

Pollen extract may be encapsulator and flavour masker for foods

An extract from spores of the plant Lycopodium clavatum may encapsulate and mask the flavour of ingredients such as cod liver oil, according to new results.

Organics not embraced by Canadian processed food makers: Report

Food manufacturers are resistant to using organic ingredients because they perceive investment to be high and returns to be low, says a new report from the USDA on the...

Climate change could devastate Californian fruit and nut industries

California’s fruit and nut industries could be ravaged by climate change as winter temperatures increase, interrupting the natural climatic triggers for many crops, according to new research.

Unclear communication hurting US food agency credibility - study

The credibility of the US food inspection watchdog is being undermined by flaws in the way it communicates – by creating unrealistic expectations among consumers which it cannot fulfill, experts...

Private label growth driven by innovation, says Mintel

Private label product innovation has reached unprecedented highs and market share has rocketed as a result, according to market research organization Mintel.

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FDA seeks comments on Ajinomoto’s Advantame sweetener

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked for comments on Ajinomoto’s request for approval of a new sweetener that it hopes to market under the brand name Advantame.

Citric acid additive boosts flavour and shelf-life of fried foods

A proprietary citric acid-based antioxidant may extend the lifespan of frying oils, and have carry over benefits to the finished product by boosting shelf-life, says a new study.

Better diet and lifestyle reduces hypertension, say researchers

A low-risk lifestyle and diet will lead to less instances of hypertension in women, and cost less than pharma remedies, according to a study published in the Journal of American...

Ocean Spray hails online auction as success

Ocean Spray has held its first online auction for its cranberry concentrate and claims it attracted “very strong participation”, with 34 buyers taking part out of the 37 who had registered.

Meat Institute urges court to dismiss ‘nuisance’ hotdog lawsuit

The American Meat Institute has urged a New Jersey court to dismiss a lawsuit from vegan advocacy group Cancer Project that claims hotdogs should carry a cancer warning label.

Gummy boost for refrigerated doughs

Adding xanthan gum to refrigerated dough mix may prevent the separation of liquid and solid, boosting consumer acceptance, says a new study.

Enzyme system offers extended shelf life for cakes

Caravan Ingredients has developed a new enzyme-based ingredient system which it claims can extend the shelf life of cakes, even those with a low fat content which tend to...

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo reveal fizz in flat sales

International sales have bolstered the second quarter performance of both Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, indicating that there still fizz in the soft drink market.

Overweight kids more responsive to branded foods: Study

Overweight children are more easily led by food advertising and branding than non-overweight children, according to a new study published in the journal Appetite.

Food ads should highlight more than flavor, say researchers

Food advertising that highlights senses other than taste works better than that which focuses on taste alone, according to a new study from the University of Michigan.

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Cookbook aims to raise money for food banks

US Foodservice has published a cookbook entitled Recipes from the Heart in order to raise money for US food banks, as rising unemployment has forced even more Americans to...

US and Canada approve new multi-trait GM corn

Monsanto and Dow Chemical Company have received regulatory approval for a new variety of genetically modified (GM) corn, which they say could increase whole farm yields by five to...

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World's biggest cupcake enters the record books

A new Guinness World Record has been set with the creation of the world’s largest cupcake.

Canadian government vows not to doctor listeria report

The Canadian food processing industry is eagerly awaiting the publication today of an independent report into last year’s listeria crisis that killed 22 and sickened hundreds.

Cargill stops hydrogenated oil production at Wichita plant

Cargill has announced that it will stop producing hydrogenated oil at its plant in Wichita, Kansas as manufacturers have increasingly sought to replace trans fats with healthier fats in...

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Mainstream press ‘exposed’ for health claim sensationalism

Not again! As if industry is not struggling enough with the severity of the European Food Safety Authority’s nutrition and health claims rulings so far, the situation has not been...

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Virginia Dare develops new oil-soluble confectionery flavors

Virginia Dare has developed a new range of oil-soluble flavors for chocolate and compound confectionery coatings.

Lowest-income shoppers embrace green product claims

Low-income shoppers are most likely to be willing to pay a premium for ‘green’ products, according to a new study from retail design and strategy firm Miller Zell.

High-carb diet could aid slimming: Study

People who consume high levels of carbohydrates are more likely to be slim, according to a Canadian study published in the current issue of the Journal of the American...

US wheat industry welcomes Monsanto’s GM wheat plans

Monsanto’s announcement of increased research into genetically modified wheat has been welcomed by major US wheat industry players, adding fuel to the ongoing debate about the crop’s commercialization.

Breakthrough offers peanut allergy hope

Scottish scientists have reported a breakthrough that could slash the numbers of fatal cases of serious allergic reactions to peanuts and other foods.

DSM joins fight to halve global hunger by 2015

  Dutch ingredients giant, DSM, has joined a campaign to improve nutrient deficiency by broadening the distribution of micronutrient sachets and nutrient-boosted rice to some of the world’s two billion nutrient-deprived...

Don’t wait for fall to act on food safety, says CU

Every day that Congress delays in passing the Food Safety Enhancement Act puts more lives at risk, Consumers Union is claiming – and had the provisions been in place this...

Report examines branding potential of social networking

Facebook is by far the most popular social media network amongst US consumers, although the value of such networks for brand promotion has not yet been maximized, suggests a...

‘Metallic’ pine nut mystery stumps food analysts

The UK’s Food Standards Agency is investigating curious reports of a lingering metallic taste in the mouth of people who have eaten pine nuts, sometimes lasting as long as two...

African-Americans top obesity list: CDC

The prevalence of obesity for African Americans is 51 percent higher than for white Americans, according to new findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Michigan firms launch food safety program for future leaders

NSF International and Paragon Leadership International have teamed up over a new series of food safety forums for promising food industry executives in Michigan to boost food safety and economic...

US market for meat, poultry and seafood packing to top $9bn by 2013

An expansion in US meat, poultry and seafood production and a continuing shift to case-ready packaging by retailers will be the main drivers in packing for the sectors topping $9bn...

Improved emulsion stability from protein-sugar complex

Linking sodium caseinate (a milk protein) and maltodextrin (a polysaccharide) may improve the stability of liqueur emulsions, suggests new research from Ireland.

World Food Processing expands soy operations

  Iowa-based World Food Processing has purchased a stake in soy powder specialist, SoyLink Assets, for an undisclosed sum as the soy and pea player consolidates its soy operations.

Premium consumers still drawn to natural, organic foods

Wealthy consumers who have taken a hit in the recession are more likely to buy natural, organic and ethical foods than those who have been unaffected, claims a new report...

Health and wellness top date food list: Survey

Anything that makes you look healthy, doesn’t stick in your teeth, and doesn’t give you bad breath is on the menu as a date food, says a new survey...

Chinese flower may be anti-browning ingredient

Extracts from the Asian plant Osmanthus fragrans may prevent browning of foods, and offer an alternative to formulators looking to tap the ‘natural’ wave.

Soy sauce may help with salt reduction in foods: Study

Adding soy sauce to certain foods may enhance perception of saltiness and enable food manufacturers to cut salt content without affecting taste, according to new research from Japan.

Private labels: Parents avoid switching for their children

While the switch to private labels may be gathering pace, consumers are reluctant to switch to store brands on purchases for children, says a new survey.

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Safety is no accident in food factories

Industrial accidents are not funny. Does anyone need a reminder? Apparently yes; judging by how some headline writers and bloggers made light of the plight of Vincent Smith who died...

Cargill tackles sodium intake with potassium chloride launch

Cargill has introduced a new product to its line of salt reduction ingredients, as manufacturers strive to formulate good tasting products with a lighter salt content.

Temporary worker dies in US chocolate factory

A man died at a New Jersey chocolate processing plant on Wednesday after falling into a vat of liquid chocolate.

Almost 25 percent more foods labeled as humane, says survey

The availability of humanely produced food products in US supermarkets has risen by nearly a quarter since last year, according to a survey from The World Society for the...

E. coli remains a mystery as cookie dough production restarts

Nestle USA has said that it is gradually restarting production of its Toll House chocolate chip cookie dough after FDA inspections failed to find E. coli at its Danville,...

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PureCircle expands US operations with new appointments

PureCircle has expanded its operations in the US with the appointment of five new personnel.

Egg production prices to rise following new regulations

Egg prices may rise as producers are hit by new costs as a result of food safety measures.

Whole Foods Market seeks non-GMO seal

Whole Foods Market has partnered with the Non-GMO Project to test for the presence of genetically modified (GM) ingredients in its private label products in order to independently verify...

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Coca-Cola turns to packaging to boost beverage sales

Coca-Cola hopes that packaging innovation will help to differentiate its products and drive sales in the highly competitive US carbonated drinks market.

Study 'confirms' umami taste receptor

Scientists have ‘confirmed’ the role of a specific taste receptor in human umami taste, a result that strengthens our understanding of taste preferences.

Fish oil during pregnancy may slash infant allergy

Supplements of omega-3-rich fish oils during pregnancy may reduce the risk of food allergy and eczema in children, according to a new study from Sweden.

Aging population could boost sales of healthy foods

Foods that are perceived to bring added health benefits are forecast to be among the fastest growing market trends over the next decade, according to a new report from...

Natural cheese flavors for healthier products, lower cost

Sensient Flavors has released a new range of natural cheese flavors to help cut costs for manufacturers who are subject to fluctuating dairy costs and to respond to consumer...

Modified gum arabic may boost heart health

The modified gum arabic product 'SuperGum' may reduce blood pressure, even in people with normal levels, according to a new study from the UK and Japan.

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FDA files complaint against New York cheese maker

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken legal action against a New York-based cheese producer, claiming that unsanitary conditions at the company’s plant pose a public health...

Oily fish may reduce dementia risk: Transcontinental study

Increased intake of fish may reduce the risk of dementia by about 20 per cent, according to a new study spanning three continents.

Government outlines stricter food safety measures

The Obama administration has said it will propose new regulations to strengthen the US food safety system and create a position for a deputy food commissioner on Tuesday, according...

Science grows for xylitol’s tooth health benefits

Formulating products with xylitol may reduce the development of tooth decay, according to a new study from the US.

Study suggests celiac disease has quadrupled since 1950s

Celiac disease could be at least four times more common today than it was 50 years ago, according to a new study from University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic researchers.

Honey flavors to cut reliance on uncertain honey market

Bell Flavors and Fragrances has developed a range of honey replacers to respond to uncertainties on the global honey market as colony collapse disorder (CCD) has diminished bee colonies...

Codex adopts definition of ‘fiber’

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has adopted a new definition of fiber, designed to harmonize the use of the term around the globe.

US consumers think natural is greener than organic, says survey

American consumers believe that a ‘natural’ label claim is a better indicator of an eco-friendly product than ‘organic’, according to a new survey from advertising firm the Shelton Group.

Cerilliant releases new Reb A reference standards

Cerilliant has introduced two new certified reference standards for assessing the purity of Reb A, the high intensity all-natural sweetener from the leaves of the stevia plant.

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Canadian organic certification comes into effect

Canada’s new organic certification standards went into effect on Tuesday, June 30, opening up trade opportunities for Canadian organic products.

US obesity rates ballooning, says report

American obesity rates have increased in 23 states over the past year and decreased in none, according to a new report from the Trust for America’s Health and the...

Reformulated chocolate chip cookies for kids to combat disease risk?

Reformulating popular foods for school children to make them nutrient dense could be a key tool to slash risk factors for chronic disease, finds a new study.

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FDA probes ingredient supply chain in quest for E. coli source

The FDA is continuing its investigation into how E. coli found its way into Nestle’s Toll House brand cookie dough, after the outbreak strain’s presence was confirmed in a...

Focus on sweeteners among Mintel taste test winners

Sweeteners old and new were in the spotlight as Mintel announced the products that won its taste test from last month’s IFT trade show in Anaheim.

Both GM and organic farming could help feed the world: Report

With the global population expected to reach nine billion by 2050, investment in both GM crops and organic farming could help to ensure a reliable food supply, says a...

Sweeter fruit may follow melon genome completion

Scientists from Texas have completed the mapping of the melon genome, opening up possibilities for sweeter or more nutritious fruits.

Probiotics to boom despite trust issues, says researcher

Brits are responding to successful marketing from the likes of Danone and Yakult and embracing digestive health products such as probiotic yoghurts and drinks, but the market has plenty of...