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FDA considering industry guidelines for acrylamide

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering issuing guidelines on acrylamide content in food and has published a notice in the Federal Register seeking comments from industry on the issue.

Consumers willing to spend more for convenience, says market research

Some consumers are beginning to turn back to choosing convenience over price, according to new research from marketing firms The Integer Group and M/A/R/C.

News in brief

Solbar gains top honors for soybean analysis

Solbar has been awarded first place for analysis of its soybean meal by the American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS) Laboratory Proficiency Program, the company said on Monday.

Soy protein could lead to foamier egg foams: Study

Addition of a soy protein isolate to egg white could enhance the foaming of pure egg white, offering formulators an option of improved egg white foams, suggests new research.

Is taurine slipping out of energy drinks?

Manufacturers of energy drinks are less frequently including the ingredient taurine in their new product launches, according to the latest post-market statistics.

Burcon counters a year old attack on its canola processing technology

Canadian firm Burcon has hit back at comments made by an investment firm a year ago describing its canola protein extraction and purification process as expensive and technically challenging.

New study to investigate why people ignore food labels

The FDA is planning to conduct a study to uncover barriers to consumers looking at food labels, in a bid to help consumer understanding and use of information provided on packaging.

Union controversy at food processing plant sparks debate

Food processing plants with unionised workforces are more efficient and productive, one US union with more than 1.3 million members in the food sector has said.

Could wheat allergy play a role in diabetes development?

An abnormal response to wheat proteins may tip a person’s delicately poised immune system into developing type-1 diabetes, suggests a study from Canada.

Perception of high quality set to drive private label sales

Private label still has enormous growth potential as those who believe non-branded goods are of high quality still far outnumber regular buyers, according to a new market report.

Ajinomoto opens center for healthy applications

Ajinomoto has opened a new application center in Chicago to develop new food and beverage applications for its ingredients and technologies – with a strong focus on health.

Researchers warn of toxin increase in heated HFCS

The formation of a toxic substance when high fructose corn syrup is heated raises concerns for bee keepers, say researchers, and will help inform advice on safe storage of the ingredient for use in human food.

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US meat prices may creep up again, USDA

US beef, pork and chicken prices may start to creep back up, the USDA’s Economic Research Service warns, on the back of re-surging energy and feed costs.

Trans-fat free shortenings show bakery potential

A blend of trans fat-free stearic acid-rich and oleic acid-rich oils can produce cookies with the same characteristics and consumer acceptance, says new research from Canada.

New yeast strains promise to protect wine from hydrogen sulfide

California-based Phyterra Yeast has launched three yeast strains to prevent sensory and spoilage problems in wine caused by the formation of hydrogen sulfide during fermentation.

New moves in US stevia supply

AHD is entering the stevia sweetener market in the US with an extract sourced from Japan; meanwhile, Sweet Green Fields has announced that it has received GRAS notification for its stevia from the FDA.

Canada adds acrylamide to toxic substance list

Health Canada has added acrylamide, a substance found in French fries and potato chips, to the government’s list of toxic substances.

Low-salt bread ‘technologically feasible’, says study

Formulating breads with one quarter of current levels is possible without detrimentally affecting the rheological properties and the performance of the dough, says a new study from Ireland.

Soy protein may reduce cholesterol levels for diabetics, too

Increased intakes of soy protein may reduce cholesterol levels in people with type-2 diabetes, says a new study that expands on the heart healthy potential of soy.

Heart charity sets strict guidelines for added sugar intake

The American Heart Association (AHA) has set down strict guidelines for added sugar intake that put a woman over the daily recommended limit for drinking just one 12-once can of regular soda.

Cargill makes more room for canola supply

Cargill has made a new investment in its high oleic canola program with the move to a new seed facility in Idaho Falls, as it sees more demand for zero trans and low saturated fat oils.

Food label habits to improve nutrition: Survey

Making healthy food choices and adding specific nutrients into their diet are the two main reasons why US consumers read food labels, according to a recent survey.

Low calorie drinks and low-fat foods effective for weight loss

Regular consumption of low-calorie beverages and low fat foods may help maintain weight loss and a stable body weight, suggests findings from a new study.

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Folic acid: Old women and children first!

Look at the globe and you’d be hard pressed to find two countries further apart than Ireland and New Zealand. But they stand side-by-side on the folic acid fortification issue – it is not needed.

New study exposes high levels of mercury in freshwater fish

US consumers who eat average amounts of fish could be exposed to levels of mercury that exceed the EPA criterion for the protection of people, according to a new study.

Study publication boosts hope Burcon for GRAS

Canadian firm Burcon is closer to submitting GRAS notification for its canola protein isolates to the FDA, as a key toxicology study is accepted for publication.

Chickpea crackers offer iron-rich gluten-free options

Crackers made from the flour of chickpeas may contain between 3 to 6 times more iron than existing products, offering nutrient-rich options to the burgeoning gluten-free market.

US poultry processor facing heavy fine over serious safety breaches

A poultry processing company from the US state of Georgia is facing almost $380,000 in fines for a series of “wilful and serious” health and safety violations committed over a five-year period.

Food sector should prepare now for cap-and-trade, says report

Cap-and-trade carbon pricing could be particularly damaging to the food industry unless manufacturers start developing more efficient supply chains now, according to new analysis.

Antioxidant-rich fruit, veg may prevent lymph cancers

Increased intakes of antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables may reduce the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, says a new study from the Mayo Clinic

‘Unknown’ cholesterol in processed food poses big heart health risk

With all the focus on LDL (bad) cholesterol, a ‘virtually unknown’ form called oxycholesterol may pose the biggest heart health threat, say Chinese scientists.

Food industry execs optimistic about business in 2010, says KPMG

Employment prospects and revenues in the US food and beverage industry are likely to improve next year, predict most executives in the sector, according to a national survey from tax advisory firm KPMG.

News in brief

Almond Board overhauls website, provides industry-specific info

The Almond Board of California has revamped its website in order to provide an online resource covering all things almond for consumers and industry alike.

Yeast altered to deliver vitamin D yield

Canadian supplier, Lallemand, has launched a form of baker’s yeast that has been altered to boost vitamin D levels and will be available to customers that already employ Lallemand's yeasts as well as new clients.

Common connection between comfort food and crisis debunked: Study

The common perception that people turn to so-called comfort foods in times of crisis could be entirely unfounded, says new research due to be published in the Journal of Consumer Research.

FDA issues draft guidance on gluten-free beer labeling

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued draft guidance on the labeling of beers made with grains other than malted barley and hops, such as sorghum, rice or corn, the agency said on Wednesday.

News in brief

New Philippine FDA to have more control over foods

The world’s newest food industry regulatory body was set up in Phillipines this week, with the foundation of a new agency modeled on the US FDA.

Low-salt foods may get taste boost from Japanese fish stock

A dried stock made from the fish and seaweed may improve the palatability of reduced-salt products, suggests new research.

Popcorn and cereal pack antioxidant punch, says study

Certain cereals and salty snacks like popcorn may be healthier than previously thought thanks to their unusually high antioxidant content.

US and Mexico sweetener dispute yields $58m for HFCS damages

Corn Products International’s Mexican affiliate CP Ingredientes has been awarded $58.386m in damages by a NAFTA tribunal after Mexico placed discriminatory taxes on high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

News in brief

IRI report finds consumers rethinking shopping in recession

Manufacturers should be focusing more resources on understanding how to target consumers as shopping patterns have changed during the recession, says market research organization IRI.

Nestle’s cookie dough returns to store shelves

Nestle’s Toll House cookie dough has returned to stores with different packaging than the E. coli-tainted batch that was recalled two months ago, after “helpful discussions” with the FDA, the company said.

White sauce stability boosted by gums

The quality and stability of white sauce – a mainstay of frozen dish formulations – could benefit from small amounts of food gums, says a new study from Spain.

Canadians identify barriers to healthy eating

Despite high awareness of the importance of healthy eating, most Canadians see barriers to doing so, according to the latest annual report on the nation’s health commissioned by the Canadian Medical Association.

New food nutrient profiling system proposed by US researchers

US researchers have developed a new nutrient profiling tool, which they say is an “objective” and “scientific” approach to measuring the nutritional quality of foods.

Campbell’s drops ‘Soup Wars’ advertising strategy

The Campbell Soup Company has ended its part in the so-called ‘Soup Wars’, during which it attacked rival soup manufacturer Progresso in its advertising – even though it seems that the ads worked.

News in brief

Dannon’s new coupons program based on proof of purchase

Dannon has launched a coupons program which requires customers to provide proof that they have already purchased a particular quantity of its products before the money-off coupons are issued.

Danisco boosts cultures capacity as probiotics market swells

Danisco has said that it is investing €60m ($85m) to boost capacity for its frozen and freeze dried direct vat inoculants (DVI) in Europe and the US, primarily to feed growing demand for probiotic cultures.

Snack Size Science: The wisdom of nano-food colours and low-fat diets

FoodNavigator's Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science every two weeks. This week we look at how nanotech is expanding the possibilities to colour food, and why it isn't clever to eat a high-fat diet.

'Electronic tongue' could aid sweetened formulations

Scientists have developed an ‘electronic tongue on a chip’ to quickly and accurately identifies sweetness, giving manufacturers an inexpensive quality control tool.

Big Food rallies against climate change legislation

Multinational food and agritech giants are banding together in a bid to throw light on areas of climate change legislation they warn could severely hike food prices.

Review reveals ambiguous food allergen labeling

Researchers behind a major review of voluntary allergen advisory labels are urging more regulation for allergen labeling to remove ambiguities and make life easier for allergy sufferers.

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Free farmers to farm and bank UK food security

How best should Britain plan to secure reliable supplies of reasonably-priced food? Should the nation put its trust in home production or food imports from the world market?

Private label sector continues to grow, says Nielsen

Sales of private label products are still growing, having “significantly increased” over the past year, according to new research from The Nielsen Company.

Animal fats not linked to breast cancer risk

Intakes of fats from meat, eggs, and dairy products do not increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer, according to findings from a big European study.

News in brief

Healthy eating 'disorder' on the rise

An obsession with healthy eating is on the increase, but cutting out of large number of foods, or foods that contain certain ingredients may increase the risk of malnutrition.

Consumer case reopened against Snapple’s ‘all-natural’ labels

A US Court of Appeals in Philadelphia has reopened a consumer-fraud case against Dr Pepper Snapple alleging that Snapple’s ‘all-natural’ label claim is misleading as the drink contains an artificial sweetener.

Addressing health through nutrition: Top consumer priorities

Heart health, weight loss and cancer protection are the top three health concerns that Americans try to address through their diets, according to a new survey.

Monsanto: ‘On the verge of a technology explosion’

Monsanto’s CEO has said that the agricultural giant is on the verge of a technology explosion that it hopes will double yields in corn, soybeans and cotton by 2030, helping to meet increased demand for the crops.

High-fat diets linked to poor mental function

High consumption of fatty foods may reduce both cognitive function and physical endurance, according to results of a rat study from Oxford University.

News in brief

Monsanto CFO to retire after 32 years

Monsanto’s executive vice president and chief financial officer Terry Crews has announced his retirement at the age of 53, after 32 years with what is now the world’s largest seed company.

Record sugar prices squeeze food makers

World sugar prices have jumped to their highest levels since the early 1980s, putting upward pressure on the margins of sugar users.

News in brief

Roth Kase scoops five blue ribbons at cheese awards

Roth Kase USA won five awards for its specialty cheeses at the 2009 American Cheese Society Competition in Austin, Texas.

How consumers approach functional foods: Survey

Whole grains, fiber and protein are top of the list for consumers looking to improve their diets by eating more of a specific type of food, according to a new survey of Americans’ approach to functional foods.

Comfort foods vary by age group, says market research

A trend toward ‘comfort foods’ emerged as the global economic climate worsened – but what these foods are varies by age group, says a new report from Packaged Facts and the Center for Culinary Development.

Kraft Foods buyer gets prison sentence in tomato scandal

A former Kraft Foods executive has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for accepting bribes from Californian tomato product supplier SK Foods, becoming the first to be sentenced in the case.

Artificial sweeteners not linked to cancer: Study

Regular intakes of artificial sweeteners like saccharin and aspartame do not increase the risk of certain cancers, like stomach and pancreatic, suggests a new study from Italy.

Kraft adopts Smart Choices criteria for kids’ advertising

Kraft Foods has said that it will use the nutrition criteria behind the new Smart Choices nutrition labeling program to determine which products it advertises to American children aged 6-11.

Mintel asks whether sodium could be ‘the next trans fat’

Mintel has suggested that sodium could be the next trans fat as consumers are increasingly looking to low-sodium options and manufacturers are responding by slicing salt from their products.

Breaking down Canadian health claims… as change awaits

The use of health claims on food products in Canada could be set for a significant revamp, as the nation’s regulatory body reviews its approach. NutraIngredients-USA.com examines areas of potential amendment and breaks down the current system in anticipation of change.

Gaps in Canadian regulations restrict functional foods, say researchers

A review of Canada’s regulations governing food and natural health products has again highlighted the “confusion and uncertainty” generated by the system, which it says could be restricting the market potential of foods with health benefits.

Does the Food Stamp Program cause obesity?

A study has found that Food Stamp participants are more likely to be obese that those not on the program, suggesting that changes need to be made in order to encourage better food choices, the authors claim.

FDA publishes details of warning letter overhaul

A notice detailing the new process for issuing warning letters to food companies that violate safety regulations has been published in the Federal Register, with the program due to begin on September 15.

Nano beta-carotene entrapment offers natural colour options

Nanoparticles containing beta-carotene could be used to naturally colour water-based foods, and offer an array of advantages, according to an innovation from the US.

News in brief

Michigan State University offers international food law courses

Michigan State University has said that it is accepting applications for its international food law distance education courses.

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FDA’s Commissioner Hamburg: Beefing up US food safety

It looks like the FDA has finally got some muscle. Never mind new legislation – if anything can prevent America acquiring a weedy reputation for food safety, it’s the might of Dr Margaret Hamburg.

Companies request more sugar imports as prices soar

A collaboration of food companies, which formed The Sugar Policy Alliance in 2007, has asked the US government to allow more sugar imports as stocks sank to a 34-year low and prices soared.

News in brief

Dannon pumps more money into improving kids’ nutrition

Probiotic yogurt leader Dannon has committed another $30,000 to promoting healthy eating amongst school children as part of its program to improve childhood nutrition in communities where its facilities are located.

National Organic Program to undergo independent audit

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has ordered an independent audit of its National Organic Program (NOP) to boost transparency and integrity, and bring it in line with international standards.

US marshals raid filthy food plant in wake of FDA clampdown pledge

US marshals have raided a rodent-infested food processing plant in Louisiana and seized goods worth $72,000 – just 24 hours after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) vowed to get tough on companies that flout safety laws.

Snack Size Science: Hershey’s healthy chocolate cake

FoodNavigator's Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science every two weeks. This week we look at how to make chocolate cake healthier, and boosting the nutritional profile of gluten-free bread.

German study links debt, obesity and access to healthy food

People in financial debt are more likely to be obese, concludes a study from Germany that adds to concern that healthier foods cost more than energy-dense foods of low nutritional value.

Study adds to DSM's resveratrol safety reputation

Resveratrol can safely be consumed at doses up to at least 450 milligrams per day for a 60 kg individual, according to a new paper that supports the product’s safety.

Smart Choices front-of-pack labeling rolls out across America

The Smart Choices labeling logo made its debut on hundreds of packaged foods across the US this week, marking the first front-of-pack scheme in the States to apply across brands and retailers.

Hamburg details FDA food safety crackdown measures

FDA chief Margaret Hamburg outlined new measures on Thursday to act “swiftly and aggressively” to crack down on firms that violate safety regulations.

News in brief

Conference to highlight global recession’s impact on food security

Montreal’s McGill University has said that it will host a second annual conference on global food security to take place from October 5 to 7. This year’s conference will focus on “the impacts of global financial turmoil on food security”.

Enzymes help post-merger cost reduction, Novozymes

Enzymes can help reduce costs and increase productivity for brewers in the wake of a merger or acquisition, says Novozymes, which has a pipeline of new solutions nearing launch.

Senomyx sees Q2 slump, enters new royalties deal

Senomyx revenues fell by 17 percent in the second quarter of 2009 compared to the same period last year, primarily due to a 2007 payment from Ajinomoto that bolstered previous revenue, the company said.

Lallemand acquires Wisconsin-based yeast company

Lallemand Bio-Ingredients said on Wednesday that it has completed its acquisition of the Wisconsin-based Lake States Yeast Company, in a move which marks its first entry into inactivated torula yeast.

Massive beef recall linked to antibiotic-resistant salmonella outbreak

California firm Beef Packers Inc has recalled over 800,000 pounds of ground beef linked to an outbreak of antibiotic-resistant salmonella that has sickened people across nine states.

Senate approves $125bn FDA, USDA budget

The US Senate has approved a $125bn budget for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which includes extra funding for food safety as well as farming subsidies.

Ocean Spray plans virtual cranberry summit

Ocean Spray’s Ingredient Technology Group has announced a virtual Cranberry World Summit for members of the food industry, to take place online in September.

BASF partners with Brazilian researchers for higher yield sugarcane

BASF has entered into partnership with a Brazilian research centre to develop genetically modified sugarcane with higher yields and greater tolerance to drought.

Soyfoods Council urges industry to explore trans fat alternatives

The Soyfoods Council has issued information to help industry better understand possibilities for substituting trans fats in bakery products with soybean oils and interesterified trans-free shortenings.

ADM reports 83% profit decline; corn processing division battered

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has reported an 83 percent decline in net earnings for Q4 2009, and in corn processing increased profits from corn-based starches and sweeteners were buried by losses in ethanol.

News in brief

Maple Leaf recalls hotdogs on listeria concerns

Maple Leaf has issued a voluntary recall of nine wiener products on fears they may be tainted with traces of listeria monocytogenes.

Soy protein plus pectin may mask bitter taste of casein

A combination of soy protein isolate and pectin may be a bitter taste masker for casein hydrolysate, and improve intakes of an ingredient with purported health benefits, says a new study.

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Downsize me! FSA right to push for smaller snacks

Chocolate bar makers should embrace the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) proposals on snack portions and adapt their supersizing skills to downsizing.

Stevia market needs flavor focus, says Blue California chief

Industry-wide focus on flavor issues is crucial to the long term success of stevia-derived sweeteners, says the executive vice president of Reb A supplier Blue California.

AB Enzymes shifts North American headquarters

AB Enzymes has announced that it is moving its North American headquarters to Columbus, Ohio in a move intended to improve customer service by strengthening the sales team and bringing it together with support staff.

Controls on fishing are working, says report

Curbs on fishing in five of the world’s major marine ecosystems are beginning to work, says a multi-national report published in the journal Science.

Alternative grains may boost coeliac nutrition

Replacing standard gluten-free flours with those made from ‘alternative’ grains like oats and quinoa may improve the nutritional profiles, says new research from NY.

Lactose-free dairy products need more work, says study

Manufacturers should make more effort to produce good-tasting lactose-free dairy products and to educate the public about their benefits, according to a Kansas State University study.

News in brief

Solae joins Business Ethics Leadership Alliance

Soy ingredients supplier Solae has become one of 30 companies to join the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance, an organization that seeks to provide benchmarks in ethical business conduct.

Industry body welcomes US and Asia-Pacific food safety measures

At the APEC meeting in Singapore, Robert Brackett of the GMA has applauded the founding of a food safety training network, just days after the organization praised the House for passing a landmark food safety bill.

Survey shows US workers have changed eating habits in recession

More than three-quarters of American workers report changing their eating habits in the recession, eating out less and switching brands, according to a survey from marketing company WorkPlace Media.

New proposals represent shift in food safety strategy, FDA

The US Government has announced further measures to curb the spread of food-borne diseases such as E.coli just days after lawmakers approved the bill overhauling the country’s food safety system.

Scientists propose pectin gel alternatives

Strong and stable gels producedby subjecting pectin to the action of enzymes may offer alternatives to acid-sugar gels already used in foods, says new research from Korean and American scientists.