Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - North AmericaEU edition | Asian edition

Canadian taskforce outlines sodium reduction strategy

Canada’s Sodium Reduction Taskforce has issued its report outlining how it aims to cut Canadian per capita sodium consumption to 2,300mg a day by 2016 – including voluntary targets for industry.

News in brief

Non-foodgrade butter could be used for biodiesel, say researchers

Surplus, spoiled or non-foodgrade butter could be used as biodiesel, according to new research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

IFT Cares in action in Chicago

After an afternoon volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Mike Stones discusses food insecurity in a wealthy city – and IFT’s links to the Feeding America network.

Cargill in deal to supply Unilever with segregated palm oil

Cargill has announced a deal to supply Unilever’s European operations with 10,000 metric tonnes of fully segregated refined RSPO certified palm oil but no dateline was given.

FoodNavigator-USA.com goes mobile

From today, you can access FoodNavigator-USA.com from your mobile phone.

Tainted packaging recall hits Kellogg profits

Kellogg has said the massive recall of breakfast cereal due to tainted packaging was a major factor behind it posting a 15 per cent drop in profits for the second quarter.

The FBI-trained trends forecaster: From serial killers to cereal bars

Trends forecaster Suzy Badaracco claims she has a 100 percent success rate for spotting the next big things for the food industry – and when trends are on their way out. Could it have something to do with her FBI training?

News in brief

Haldin names Artiste exclusive distributor of tea and coffee products

Haldin International has named Artiste Flavor Essence as exclusive distributor of its tea and coffee products in the US and Canada, Artiste Flavor Essence has said.

News in brief

UAS Laboratories set up new college endowment

The president of UAS Laboratories has set up a new endowment for the College of Nutrition and Food Science at the South Dakota State University (SDSU)

Ajinomoto announces MSG price rise on strong demand

Ajinomoto Food Ingredients has said that it will increase the price of its monosodium glutamate (MSG) due to strong global demand and higher raw ingredient and energy costs.

Awarding innovation at IFT

The IFT awards the hottest innovation in the food sector at its annual meeting and trade show. Chairman of the judges Peter Clark explained what caught his attention this year - and how innovation and trends have changed in the 42 years that he has been attended the event.

FDA hails Reportable Food Registry success

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has collected 125 food safety reports through its Reportable Food Registry in its first nine months of operation, the agency has said.

Yogurt proteins could stabilize omega-3 enrichment

New research suggests that naturally occurring antioxidant peptides could be used to prevent oxidation of omega-3 in functional foods.

Adult rats’ sodium appetite linked to early polyunsaturated fat deficiency

Diets that include too little polyunsaturated fat in early childhood could lead to increased appetite for sodium later in life, suggests a new rat study published in the journal Appetite.

Sargento targets cheesemaking process to reduce sodium

Sargento says it has invented a process for making cheese with 25 percent less sodium and minimal impact on taste and texture, without added ingredients.

Corn Products sales surge in Q2; to finalize National Starch deal in Q3

Corn Products International has said it expects to finalize its National Starch takeover by the end of the third quarter, as it reported a ten percent rise in sales compared to the previous year.

PureCircle shares slump on warning of lower profits

Stevia supplier PureCircle saw its share price plummet yesterday (Tuesday) after it said in a trading update that its profits for fiscal 2010 would be down on last year.

Sustainable food messages risk confusing consumers

Food firms are increasingly discussing the sustainability of their activities, but they must communicate with consumers using practical messages rather than euphemisms and jargon, says brand expert.

Study shows king palm flour is high in dietary fibres and minerals

Brazilian research has found that king palm flour, obtained from heart-of-palm processing waste, exhibited higher levels of dietary fibre than cereals such as wheat, barley, rye and sorghum.

News in brief

Kraft plans to double whole grain in Nabisco crackers

Kraft Foods has announced plans to double the amount of whole grain in its Nabisco-brand crackers, as Americans continue to struggle to consume their recommended three servings of whole grain a day.

Corn Products CEO discusses National Starch acquisition

At last week's IFT show in Chicago, FoodNavigator-USA's Stephen Daniells met Ilene Gordon, CEO of Corn Products International, to discuss the wider implications of the company's National Starch acquisition last month.

Report finds hydrocolloids as fat replacers fuel additives growth

The hydrocolloids market has seen double digit growth rates between 2005 and 2009, with their fat replacer applications being boosted by the global health and wellness trend, according to a new Leatherhead report.

Medical journal editors urge energy drink rethink

An editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) has called for more regulation and initiative from industry to protect children from the potential health threat posed by energy drinks.

Zero-calorie sweeteners do not prompt overeating, finds study

People do not compensate with extra calories after consuming foods and drinks sweetened with zero-calorie sweeteners, suggests a new study published in the journal Appetite.

Sorghum flour for economical gluten-free nutrition

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) introduced its sorghum flour and whole grain sorghum flour at IFT in Chicago last week, intended to provide lower cost in use for gluten-free and whole grain applications.

Comment

Nanotechnology in food: What’s the big idea?

Let's get talking about nanotech. The science of the very small has filled the food industry with big ideas – but industry is torn on how to present nanotechnology to consumers, stalling product development.

Innovation on the up, claims IFT

Food and beverage product launches increased by 15 percent in the last half of 2009 in the United States, indicating a move toward more product innovation, according to the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).

News in brief

Executives exit Dairy Milk maker post Kraft takeover

A glut of executives have exited Cadbury since it was takeover by US giant Kraft in February this year.

Ajinomoto sodium reduction system ‘fools the tongue’

Ajinomoto has developed a new ingredient system that the company says can reduce sodium content in broths and snack seasonings by about a third without a noticeable difference in flavor.

Coca-Cola fails to dismiss Vitaminwater lawsuit

Coca-Cola is to face a lawsuit challenging the health claims on its Vitaminwater drinks, after a US federal judge denied the firm’s request to have the lawsuit dismissed.

New ‘healthier’ oils for bakery, snacks and packaged foods

Made from canola and sunflower seeds, the oils are said to have a ‘unique’ combination of high oleic and low linolenic fatty acids that delivers the benefits without oil performance or food taste.

News in brief

ConAgra completes Gilroy Foods sale

ConAgra announced on Monday that it has completed the sale of its Gilroy Foods and Flavors dehydrated vegetable business to Olam International for $250m.

Asia still focus for Hershey as Q2 income down

Second quarter income for US chocolate maker, Hershey, fell 35 per cent due to factors such as charges related to its supply chain efficiency programme and the joint venture in India but Asia remains a focal area, said the company.

Sensus triples flavor expansion capacity and adds services

Sensus is expanding its flavor extraction capabilities and investing in new equipment so it can offer new services to customers, including the purchase of $3m of new processing equipment.

Snyder’s-Lance merger creates no. 2 US salty snack company

Salty snack makers Snyder’s of Hanover and Lance, Inc. have signed a merger deal that creates the second largest salty snack company in the United States after Frito-Lay.

Del Monte to cut sodium by 20 percent

Del Monte has become the latest company to outline a sodium reduction strategy, saying it intends to cut sodium by 20 percent across its vegetable, tomato and broth products by 2015.

Birds Eye Foods makes deal after water contamination allegations

Birds Eye Foods is to build a multi-million dollar water treatment plant and supply bottled water to the public as part of an agreement reached with US federal authorities over contamination allegations from one of its processing plants.

Bakery shortening products win IFT Innovation Awards

Two bakery shortening products won Innovation Awards at the 2010 Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo in Chicago this week.

Dispatches from IFT

Opportunities for the next generation of food scientists

The IFT trade show is not just about business - it's about fostering the next generation of food professionals. University of Nebraska staff share their view on industry prospects and the value of IFT for students.

Arla targets quality cheese potential in US

Double digit increases in US sales has prompted Arla to expand its dairy in Hollandtown, Wisconsin, with an eye on burgeoning quality cheese market.

CSM buys up Cargill's shares in US lactic acid plant

Global bakery ingredients supplier CSM said that it has acquired the remaining 50 per cent of the shares its US lactic acid production plant from its joint venture partner Cargill.

Ethylcellulose can enhance the flow of reduced fat choc, finds Nestlé

Research from scientists based at the Nestlé research centre in the UK and the University of Nottingham shows that mixing ethylcellulose with lecithin is an alternative to high concentrations of lecithin to enhance the flow of reduced fat chocolate.

Exploring local flavors for the food industry

Americans are becoming increasingly interested in the food that's prepared in their own neighborhood - and as their palates become more sophisticated, flavor companies are responding with authentically local flavors.

Dispatches from IFT

From sustainability questions to stevia cooperation: IFT highlights

The IFT trade show has ended for another year, but before they quit Chicago the FoodNavigator team gave a final round up of what caught their attention.

PureCircle gains FDA GRAS for Reb D and F

Major stevia player PureCircle has won a GRAS (generally recognized as safe) letter of no objection from the Food and Drug Administration for a blend it is aiming at products seeking partial sugar and calorie reduction.

Kellogg's new antioxidant labelled cereal makes 'no health claims'

Cereal giant Kellogg’s said its new breakfast product will help consumers add antioxidants and other nutrients to their diets, in a launch that comes on the heels of an FTC settlement order imposed on the cereal maker last month over 'immunity' health claims.

White paper identifies dairy snacking potential

Significant potential exists for dairy product innovation in the snack market, according to a new white paper from the Innovation Center for US Dairy.

Dispatches from IFT

Spotlight falls on stevia blends and omega-3 at IFT

FoodNavigator-USA's team on the ground at IFT in Chicago give their impressions of the trade show so far on award-winning innovations, new omega-3 and gluten-free ingredients, and great taste improvements in stevia sweeteners.

Dispatches from IFT

Fruit sweetened dried cranberry launch at IFT

Cranberry specialist, Massachusetts-based Ocean Spray has launched a new fruit sweetened dried cranberry at the Institute of Food Technologist's (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo in Chicago, Illinois.

DISPATCHES FROM IFT

GLG’s stevia blends achieve self-affirmed GRAS

GLG Life Tech announced the commercial launch of its BlendSure range of stevia-derived sweeteners at IFT on Monday, following attainment of self-affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status late last week.

Dispatches from IFT

Nestlé expands novel nutrient bioavailability

A new source of iron may enhance the fortification of foods and overcome the challenges to taste and color, a Nestlé researcher has reported.

Opinion

Functional foods at a crossroads

Do functional foods work?

Dispatches from IFT

Lipid and risk assessment scientists win IFT Awards

Significant contributions to lipid and flavour science helped Professor Cameron Faustman, University of Connecticut, to win a prestigious award at this week's Institute of Food Technologist's (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo in Chicago, Illinois.

Food companies go quiet on nanotech research activity

Many major food companies have become hesitant to promote their research into the potential of nanotechnology for fear of piquing consumer concerns while it is still in its infancy, according to an expert from market researcher Lux Research.

Dispatches from IFT

Beneo unites North American divisions to create Beneo Inc

The company announced the creation of Beneo, Inc at the IFT expo in Chicago on Sunday, a move that brings Beneo-Orafti, Beneo-Palatinit and Beneo-Remy together under one umbrella.

Researchers find that buckwheat flour could be fat replacer in cakes

Steam jet-cooked buckwheat flour can be used to partially replace shortening in baked goods including cakes, with no detrimental impact on texture or volume, claims new research from Korean and US researchers.

Cocoa bean grind up in US and Europe

North American cocoa bean grind in the second quarter of 2010 again showed double digit gains from the same quarter a year ago, according to data from the US National Confectioners Association (NCA).

Food firms face more cellulose price increases

Dow Wolff Cellulosics has this month increased prices across its food ingredients portfolio, adding its name to the growing list of ingredient firms passing on increased costs for emulsifier products.

IFT kicks off in Chicago

The nation's largest food ingredients event opens its doors to industry on Saturday, with special areas of focus at the IFT Expo this year including taste modification, ingredients for functional foods, reducing formulation costs, weight management and food safety.

Seafood processor facing heavy fine for alleged safety breaches

A US seafood processing company is facing fines totalling US$279,000 after being accused by federal authorities of flouting more than a dozen health and safety regulations.

How stevia reshaped a family business

In an interview with FoodNavigator-USA.com, Dr. Luke Zhang explains why he thinks the future looks sweet for stevia - and for his company, GLG Life Tech, one of the world's major stevia suppliers.

Class action may follow FTC-Nestlé settlement

Nestlé was not dealt a financial penalty in its settlement this week with the Federal Trade Commission over immunity health claims being made for some of its probiotic products, but a class action is possible, says a food attorney.

Food industry execs report recession rebound: Survey

The food and beverage industry is beginning to emerge from recession, with two-thirds of executives saying they are seeing better revenues and profits compared to the same period last year, according to a new survey.

China reduces minimum protein levels to combat melamine

China has lowered minimum protein levels in raw milk in the country’s latest effort to stamp out the use of melamine in the dairy industry.

GLG Life Tech finalizes Sugar Australia deal

Stevia supplier GLG Life Tech has signed a five-year deal with Sugar Australia for distribution and marketing of its stevia-derived sweeteners for the Australian and New Zealand food and beverage markets.

Model tongue helps texture optimisation of low fat foods

Dutch scientists have developed a new methodology to mimic the actions of the tongue, which could enhance the formulation of low-fat versions with the texture of their high-fat originals.

Give FDA stronger food recall powers, urge US consumers

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should receive full powers immediately to recall food when it threatens health and safety, according to 80 percent of respondents in a telephone survey conducted by Consumers Union Poll.

Innovate to interest post-recession consumers, says GMA

Consumer packaged goods companies need to change tactics as America emerges from recession, say the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC). Brand divestment and cost-cutting is out, innovation and targeting niche markets is very much in.

Ajinomoto and Kellogg’s team up on healthier cereals project

New product development and reformulation of Kellogg’s existing offering will be the focus of new R&D collaborative project between Ajinomoto and Kellogg’s.

‘Satisfying’ labels may beat ‘diet’ in curbing consumption

Manipulating our preconceptions on how filling we think food will be before we eat it may offer an interesting avenue in weight control, indicate new findings from the UK.

High amylose leads to more flexible native pea starch

Better thickening, gelling and film-forming properties than other starches thanks to a high amylose content are the benefits claimed for the native pea starch from food ingredients company American Key Products.

Nano whey protein may extend beverage innovations

Taking whey proteins down to the nano-scale may boost their stability to heat as well as help produce clear whey beverages, suggest new developments from the University of Tennessee.

CP Kelco raises prices for all ingredients

CP Kelco is raising prices for its entire ingredient portfolio by up to 10 percent, a move the company says is necessary due to the higher marketplace demand putting a squeeze on supplies.

Comment

Don't shoot the watchdog - food industry needs a tight leash

Watchdogs provide much needed protection in an uncertain world. So why is the UK government determined to kill off the Food Standards Agency?

Obama says new food safety legislation would promote prevention

President Obama has said that passing the Food Safety Modernization Act would provide government with the tools it needs to better ensure food safety, as long-awaited discussion began in the Senate this week.

Cargill teams with WWF to assess its palm oil supply

Cargill has announced a new partnership with the World Wildlife Fund-US (WWF) to assess its Indonesian palm oil suppliers on the back of continued concern about palm oil sustainability.

Draft dietary guidelines report flawed, claims CRN

Needs improvement, is the verdict of trade organization Council for Responsible Nutrition on the draft report of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee (DGAC).

Kids see more fast food adverts, fewer for sweets

American children now see less TV advertising for confectionery products, but more for fast food, according to a new study that recommends continued monitoring of marketing practices and food company pledges.

News in brief

Kellogg fails to name chemical responsible for packaging recall

Kellogg Company is remaining tight-lipped over the name of the packaging chemical that triggered its recall of 28 million packets of breakfast cereal last month.

Peanut allergy therapy not yet viable, say researchers

Desensitising those with peanut allergies is still not a viable treatment – although it could be in the future, according to a new paper published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Encapsulated foods protected from the recession

Food encapsulation enjoyed a level of protection in the recession due to their use in the high-growth functional and healthy food sector, claims a new market report that predicts a market value of 39$bn by 2015.

US seafood industry hopes to avoid 'second gulf disaster'

The US seafood industry is preparing to avoid “a second gulf disaster” by persuading Americans that seafood in general, and supplies from the Gulf of Mexico in particular, are safe to eat, according to the trade organization National Fisheries Institute (NFI).

CP Kelco pumps additional $8m into Danish pectin plant

CP Kelco has announced that it is injecting $8m investment into its pectin plant in Skensved, Denmark to meet growing demand for its amidated pectin for use in low-sugar and sugar-free products.

High-flavanol cocoa repairs blood vessels in CVD patients - Mars

Cocoa flavanols could improve poor blood vessel function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), according to research by a team of researchers, including scientists from confectionery maker, Mars Inc.

Wrigley to pay millions over misleading gum claims

Mars-owned Wrigley will pay consumers up to $7m after settling a class action that challenged its right to claim its Eclipse gum was, "scientifically proven to help kill the germs that cause bad breath".

USDA seeks industry comments on Codex standards

The US Department of Agriculture’s Office of Food Safety (OFS) has said it is seeking comments on the standards-setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

‘Authentic’ ethnic trend drives McCormick Indian spice investment

Seasonings and flavorings firm McCormick has signed an agreement to purchase a 26 percent share in Eastern Condiments Private Limited, an India-based spice and seasoning business, the company has said.

Bean starch may offer gluten-free opportunities

Modified starch from beans may improve the quality of fresh gluten-free bread, suggests new European research that promises improvements for products known for their crumbly texture.

Meet FoodNavigator-USA at IFT in Chicago

Planning to attend the IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo 2010 in Chicago? Meet the dedicated editorial team behind FoodNavigator-USA.com and NutraIngredients-USA.com.

Industry rejects call for food colorings ban

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) called for a ban on food colorings last week – but food industry experts insist there is overwhelming evidence of their safety.

News in brief

Majority of US consumers consider sustainability, survey finds

Nearly 70 percent of US consumers consider sustainable production when choosing food products at the grocery store, according to a survey conducted on behalf of the United Soybean Board.

AB Enzymes expands North American baking enzyme distribution

AB Enzymes has entered a partnership with The Ingredients Company for sole distribution of its baking enzymes in the United States and Canada in order to strengthen its presence in the region.

News in brief

Sara Lee to focus on food and beverage with sale of air care firm

US group Sara Lee has announced the sale of its air care business Ambi Pur to Procter & Gamble as it looks to consolidate itself as a top international food and beverage player.

Breakthrough technique could unravel emulsions

Our understanding of the stability of emulsions may leap forward as UK scientists report the use of an atomic technique to probe the interactions of pectin.

USDA says soda tax would reduce obesity

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has added its voice to the debate on soda tax and the prevalence of overweight and obesity, saying that a 20 percent price increase would make a significant difference.

Comment

The quest for a radical new world for antioxidants

Here’s a radical thought for the marketers - the benefits of antioxidants may not be related to antioxidant activity. Last week’s NutraIngredients Antioxidants Conference suggested some tough choices are ahead.

Redpoint Bio and IFF sign deal for Reb-C sweetness enhancer

Redpoint Bio has signed a 5 year exclusive license with IFF for the further development and commercialisation of its Reb C sweetness enhancer, which could enable the development of lower calorie foods for children.

Obesity rates rise across US, finds report

Obesity rates in American adults have risen in 28 states over the past year, with blacks and Latinos particularly at risk, according to a new report.

Trials said to show efficacy of acrylamide inhibitor for bread

Acrylamide reductions in bread of up to 90 per cent have been claimed in initial test results announced this week for a proprietary yeast product from Phyterra Yeast, a division of Canadian firm, Functional Technologies Corporation.

Olive oil may replace pork fat for summer sausages

Barbecues may see a healthier sausage this summer as Spanish scientists show that pork fat may be replaced by emulsified olive oil without changing the taste of the hot dog.