Hip US tea bars shake up ice RTDs – SIG Combibloc

Major premium manufacturers are starting to present RTD iced tea as a wholly new product, led by trendy US tea bars heralding a flavor and freshness revolution.

Advocacy groups sue FDA over FSMA delays

Two advocacy groups have sued the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for delays in implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which...

Aspartame 'breakdown' drives Diet Pepsi dance for new sweetening system?

As reports circulate suggesting PepsiCo is trialing an alternative sweetening system for Diet Pepsi, the company insists that it has no intention of altering the drink’s formula or taste.

Sodexo pledges to switch to cage-free sourcing for shelled eggs

Foodservice giant Sodexo has pledged to switch the sourcing of all of the 39 million shelled eggs that it uses each year to cage-free hens by July 2014.

‘Avoid sweetened drinks’: Scandinavian scientists warn pregnant mothers

Artificially and sugar-sweetened drinks may be linked to preterm child birth, according to Scandinavian researchers who have conducted a controversial new study.

Comment

Yes on 37? No on 37? Everyone’s a loser…

It doesn’t matter whether you support Prop 37 or oppose it; whatever happens in November when Californians vote on whether or not to label GMOs, everyone loses.

Prop 37 designed to be ‘business friendly’, says Right To Know campaign

If passed into law, California’s Prop 37 would not guarantee that unlabeled foods were free from GMOs, just that genetically modified organisms were not intentionally included – a provision designed...

Comment

US girls just wanna have fun: Are you kidding PepsiCo?

OK, I confess, I am becoming fun averse. Given a choice between 24/7 full-on ‘fun’ and a cup of cocoa and an early night, as my years advance I’m inching...

Sunwin Stevia International and Wild Flavors GmbH enter global distribution deal

Sunwin USA has ended its distribution deal with Wild Flavors, Inc. to facilitate a global partnership between parent companies Sunwin Stevia International, Inc. and Germany-based Wild Flavors GmbH.

Dean Foods dairy plant closure ‘likely’ following further lay-offs

US dairy Dean Foods has announced a fresh round of lay-offs at its Evart, Michigan-based Liberty Dairy plant – the latest signal of its intentions to call time on production...

Snacking with less guilt: Brazil’s all-day snack culture

There is no direct translation of ‘snacking’ as Americans know it in Brazilian food culture, but snack foods form a significant part of the Brazilian diet, according to a new...

North American Salmonella Braenderup outbreak linked to mangoes

A brand of Mexican mangoes is being recalled across North America after being pinpointed as a “likely source” of a Salmonella Braenderup outbreak which to-date has sickened more than 120 people....

Comment

Leather jacket or straightjacket? Energy drinks have an image problem

As reports surface that New York attorney general, Eric Schneiderman, has subpoenaed Monster and PepsiCo in relation to their energy drinks, we ask whether the segment can keep its leather-jacketed...

Online grocery shopping still small, but growing rapidly, says Nielsen

Global consumers’ intent to buy foods and beverages online has grown 44% in two years, with over a quarter (26%) planning to buy online in the next three to six...

Wind Point partners with ex-Sara Lee CEO in Shearer Foods acquisition

Private equity firm Wind Point Partners has agreed to acquire Ohio-based Shearer’s Foods for an undisclosed sum – and has partnered with former Sara Lee CEO C.J. Fraleigh, who will...

Sensient Flavors says it is addressing worker health and safety issues

Sensient Flavors has defended its health and safety record after the Indiana Occupational Health and Safety Administration (IOHSA) found workers at an Indianapolis plant were exposed to high levels of...

Sales of natural and organic food are booming for specialty retailers, says SPINS

Natural retailers have seen double-digit sales growth in every four-week period during 2012 as consumers continue to demand natural and organic foods, according to specialist market research organization SPINS.

Tyson Foods cited by OSHA after death of worker at processing plant

Tyson Foods has been hit with proposed fines of more than $104,000 after a worker was killed at its Dakota City processing facility in March.

USDA re-opens slaughterhouse after ‘downer’ assurances

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allowed California-based slaughterhouse Central Valley Meat Co. to reopen after the firm agreed to take action to ensure ‘downer’ animals are not processed.

What do the most successful CPG companies have in common?

Investment in emerging channels, the Hispanic market, and employee development are among the strategies that set the most profitable consumer packaged goods firms apart from their peers, finds a new...

News in brief

Illinois Department of Agriculture challenges residents to buy local

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has launched an initiative to support the local economy, by urging consumers to pledge to buy locally produced groceries.

Brazil orders Nestlé to label GM products

A court in Brazil has ordered Nestlé to impose mandatory labelling for all its products in the country highlighting more than 1% genetically modified (GM) ingredients.

Michelle Obama to appear on Dr. Oz show to plug Let’s Move campaign

First Lady Michelle Obama is due to appear on the Dr. Oz show to discuss two issues that are part of her Let’s Move initiative – improvements to the school...

News in brief

IFT launches food scientist certification scheme

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has launched a global Certified Food Scientist (CFS) program to recognize applied scientific knowledge and skills in the food industry.

What's driving the decline in US meat consumption?

Americans still consume more meat than nearly anyone else in the world, but consumption is declining – and people’s reasons for eating less meat have evolved in recent years.

17 AUGUST - 24 AUGUST 2012

Food Safety Recall Round-up 17-24 August 2012

A selection of the biggest recalls from around the world in the last week.....

MOM Brands completes expansion at North Carolina facility

MOM Brands intends to add more than 50 jobs at its Asheboro, North Carolina facility by the end of November, as it completes an expansion project that doubles its size,...

Longer lifespans create new elderly nutrition concepts

As average lifespans push beyond 80 years, demand is growing for products that meet the particular nutritional needs of the elderly such as cognitive performance and bone health. But is...

‘No evidence’ that gluten-free diet benefits general population, says researcher

Stronger efforts are needed to educate the public about reasons for adopting a gluten-free diet, as many Americans are cutting gluten in an effort to lose weight, says Arizona State...

Food processor 'surprised' by OSHA citation

DeIorio Foods Inc. has said it is ‘very surprised’ to receive 14 alleged serious violations citations from the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

FDA to probe consumer understanding of fortification

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said it intends to examine consumer understanding of fortified foods, to work out whether people consider generally unhealthy snack foods to be healthier...

Independents call on Hershey to address child labour

US candy brand Hershey’s faces a fresh campaign demanding that it should embrace fair trade principles and reject the use of child labour.

Snacks account for 20% of all US eating occasions, market researcher claims

Snacks now account for one in five eating occasions in the United States, while main meals tend to consist of fewer items, according to a new report from market research...

College food habits could set the stage for lifetime preferences: Report

Food habits and preferences developed at college will continue well after graduation, potentially impacting the food industry for decades, says a new report that highlights current college student food trends.

US wastes 40% of its food production, finds NRDC

About 40% of all food produced in the United States goes to waste – an amount worth about $165bn, according to a new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Chamberlain Farms named as source of Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak

Chamberlain Farms has been named as the source of the outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium from cantaloupes that has killed two and sickened nearly 200 people in 21 states.

General Mills says health has become ‘a primary driver of innovation’

General Mills claims it has improved the nutritional profile of 68% of its product line by sales volume since 2005, reformulating to include more fiber, calcium and whole grains, and...

Arla Foods to close US plant in efficiency drive

Arla Foods has announced plans to close one of its two US dairy plants, as part of a drive to streamline its US business and refocus on speciality cheese.

Kraft Foods agrees to divest controlling stake in Back to Nature brand

Kraft Foods has agreed to divest a controlling stake in its Back to Nature brand food business for an undisclosed sum ahead of the company’s split in October.

CSPI takes aim at Welch’s heart healthy claims

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has challenged Welch Foods over its marketing of fruit snacks, fruit cocktails, spreads and juices as ‘heart healthy’ – and Welch’s...

FDA issues snapshot of food safety measures

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a report on its activities during 2011, giving a snapshot of the scale of its responsibilities and inspection efforts since the Food...

Buckwheat flour improves nutrition and texture in gluten-free bread, study

Buckwheat flour significantly improves the nutritional and textural properties in gluten-free bread formulations, a study has found.

Soy for salt: Study reveals long term acceptance of soy sauce substitution

Replacing salt with naturally brewed soy sauce could slash sodium levels in certain products by up to a third, whilst still retaining long term consumer liking, say researchers.

Teamsters says it cannot endorse Hostess ‘final offer’ – but puts it to union vote

The Teamsters union has said it cannot endorse a “final offer” put forward by Hostess Brands, which includes an 8% pay cut in the first year of a five-year contract,...

Canadian Beverage Association says it supports new energy drink regs

The Canadian Beverage Association has said it supports the transition of energy drink labeling and nutrition guidelines from Natural Health Products (NHPs) regulations to food labeling regulations, as companies begin...

Children’s diet soft drink consumption doubles in a decade

Children’s consumption of beverages sweetened with low-calorie or no-calorie sweeteners has more than doubled over the past decade in the United States, according to a new study.

Aquaculture growth: The "double-edged sword"

With fish consumption rates soaring and wild fishing stagnating, efforts must be pumped into the sustainable growth of aquaculture, a new report suggests.

GLG reports H1 losses after filing delay

Stevia supplier GLG Life Tech has reported losses in the 2011 fiscal year and the first half of 2012, following a filing delay that led it to stop trading on...

News in brief

Medical marijuana chewing gum set for US debut

US firm Medical Marijuana has acquired a 50% stake in CanChew BioTechnologies and plans to launch a marijuana chewing gum in the US this October.

Deadly US Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak linked to cantaloupes

US authorities have linked cantaloupes from an Indiana farm to a multi-state Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak, which to-date has sickened 141 people across 20 states and killed two.

Confectionery coaters Capol to penetrate US through distribution deal

German confectionery coatings firm Capol will have increased presence in the United States after its private equity owner purchased a US distribution business.

Celiac disease may vary by ethnicity, study suggests

Prevalence of celiac disease in the United States may vary by ethnicity, with the highest prevalence among non-Hispanic whites, according to a new study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology....

Canadians favor local food – and are willing to pay a premium

Most Canadians try to buy locally produced food – and many are willing to pay a significant premium for it, according to the results of a new Bank of Montreal...

Color-coding could improve Facts Up Front, say researchers

Color coded front-of-pack nutrition information may improve consumer understanding of labels and foods’ nutritional value, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Gluten-free gluttony? Industry inspiring and pushing hard

Amid a mushrooming US gluten-free market, manufacturers are upping investments in media-savvy marketing pushes as they battle for sector space and cash returns in the increasingly lucrative sector.

Nestlé Waters savors ‘Eureka’ moment in Oklahoma court fight

Nestlé Waters has won an appeal court battle against Eureka Water Company, reversing an earlier damages award against the multinational for alleged licensing agreement breaches in Oklahoma.

Slower consumption rates make for more enjoyable foods, say researchers

Consumers enjoy products more in the long run if they don't overuse or over-consume them when first purchased, according to a new research.

News in brief

Purac gets GRAS for malic acid powder for confectionery, powdered beverages and jellies

Purac has self-affirmed the GRAS status of its coated malic acid, Purac Powder MA, for use in confectionery, powdered beverages and jellies.

Flowers Foods’ Tasty Baking acquisition helps sales rise in Q2

US packaged bakery firm Flowers Foods has reported a 6% sales rise in its second quarter (Q2) results driven by last year’s Tasty Baking acquisition.

Dreyer’s natural claim class action: Consumers trump manufacturers in formulation expectations

A California court in a class action against Dreyer’s – disputing its ‘all natural’ ice cream claim – has ruled that consumers’ expectations should trump manufacturers’ expectations about what should...

Marketers shouldn’t risk deprioritizing the over-50s, says Nielsen

Marketers traditionally have focused their attention on the under-50s – but over-50s in the United States still have enormous spending power, and food marketers shouldn’t ignore them, says a new...

Mars spends $67 million on US factory expansion to up Pretzel M&M capacity

Mars Chocolate is to invest $67m on a plant expansion in the US as it looks to introduce a new production line for Pretzel M&Ms.

Special edition: The future of meat alternatives

Meat-free options have come a long way from the once-ubiquitous lentils and tofu, as food scientists have stepped up to the challenge of creating innovative meat substitutes...In this special edition, FoodNavigator-USA...

Age determines US eating habits more than any other factor, claims market researcher

Age is the single most important factor determining when and where Americans eat, according to a new report from market research organization Packaged Facts, which suggests ways that food companies...

Comment

Move more…but please don’t eat less: Why industry should stress ‘calories in’ to fight obesity

The more we move, the slimmer we will become, right? However, with ballooning obesity rates over the past 30 years, research suggests that this is not the case. US adults...

NTC claims breakthrough with natural acid-masking ingredient

Geneva-based Natural Taste Consulting (NTC) has developed a ‘breakthrough’ ingredient for low-pH formulations like dairy and dressings that offers a new natural, cost-effective acid-masking solution.

Butter flavouring is respiratory hazard for industry workers, warns study

The artificial butter flavouring 2,3-pentanedione, used to provide butter taste and aroma in microwave popcorn is an ‘inhalation hazard’ that may cause severe lung disease in food industry workers, warns new research....

Wheat price hike likely, says analyst

Bakery and snack manufacturers can expect a higher wheat price in the coming months as the US drought has hit the maize market putting pressure on wheat supplies amid export...

Monster faces new 'Ruckus in the Rockies' as Beastie Boys sue

Monster Beverage Corporation faces a new legal scrap with hip-hop combo The Beastie Boys, and says it cannot predict the business effects of another action filed by an unnamed state...

IFF posts 16% boost in Q2 net profit

Pressure from raw material costs has started to ease for International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF), which reported a 16% increase in net profit and a 1% increase in net revenue...

CSPI targets marketing of Splenda Essentials in new lawsuit

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has taken aim at McNeil Nutritionals’ Splenda Essentials sweetener in a lawsuit filed in a California district court, alleging that the...

SunOpta net profit rockets 85% on packaged foods sales

Canadian natural and organics group SunOpta has reported an 85% profit surge in the second quarter of 2012 driven by strong growth in packaged foods sales.

Molson Coors to launch Carling in Central Europe via StarBev business?

Molson Coors CEO Peter Swinburn says the company is scoping the possibility of extending its best-selling Carling brand to central European regions covered by $3.4bn acquisition StarBev.

MGPI narrows loss, aims to ease corn cost impact

Corn costs continued to hit MGP Ingredients’ results in the second quarter, although it narrowed its loss from $10.3m a year ago to $850,000.

Nestlé results fall out: analysts comment

Analysts raised warnings about aspects of Nestlé's half year results, which were announced yesterday, while broadly welcoming them.

New Canadian guidelines target single food inspection system

The Canadian government has released draft guidelines for improvements to the food safety inspection system, including a single, consistent approach to all food commodities, whether Canadian or imported.

Post cereals takes hit to profits; fears 2013 grain inflation

US cereal firm Post Holdings has reported a 5% fall in profits in its third quarter (Q3) results and fears ingredients cost inflation in 2013.

Special edition: Meat alternatives

What’s new in the meat-free market?

Meat-free burgers, sausages, and other meat analog products have come a long way in recent years, but there is still room for improvement in texture and taste, as companies continue...

Special edition: Meat Alternatives

Industry must improve long term acceptance of meat analogues, say researchers

Consumer acceptance of meat analogues can be increased through repeated exposures to products containing substitute meat proteins, but industry must work to improve quality and establish initial positive experiences, say researchers. ...

PepsiCo set to fizz again on Burmese market after 15 year absence

PepsiCo has signed an agreement with Diamond Star to distribute its beverage brands in Burma, granting the latter exclusive rights to sell and distribute the Pepsi Cola, 7-Up and Miranda...

White House responds to ‘historic’ drought with $30m disaster aid

The worst drought to hit the United States in half a century is having dramatic effects on crop and livestock production, President Obama said in a White House briefing Tuesday,...

Cargill full year earnings ‘not up to expectations’: CEO

Cargill has reported an 82% slump in profit for the fourth quarter and a 56% drop for the fiscal year, citing cyclical trends in soybean processing and American beef, as...

Ralcorp consolidates three units as profits slump

North American private label firm Ralcorp has announced plans to merge three of its four business units after it suffered a 9% fall in third quarter (Q3) results.

Nestlé first half results: Pros and cons

Europe and North America were the worst performing regions for Nestlé according to its first half (H1) results, while Asia, Oceania, Africa and emerging markets delivered double digit growth.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Mountain Dew mouse case dissolves as PepsiCo settles

PepsiCo has reportedly reached an out of court settlement in a lawsuit filed in 2009 by a US man who alleged he found a mouse in a can of Mountain Dew.

Muller Quaker Dairy breaks ground on first US yogurt plant

Muller Quaker Dairy, the joint venture between PepsiCo and the Germany-based Theo Müller Group, has broken ground on its first US yogurt manufacturing plant – less than a month after...

IFT 2012: Revisit the top stories and video coverage from the FoodNavigator-USA team

FoodNavigator-USA had a strong presence at IFT 2012 earlier this summer, where our team combed the show floor looking out for the hottest new trends and industry developments. In this...

Latin American suppliers plan 'Chia Council' to develop business

Suppliers of chia in Latin America are working together to establish a regional organization to provide a safe and transparent framework in which to further develop the chia business.

Special edition: Meat alternatives

Taking cultured meat from petri to plate: ‘People don’t eat experiments’

Dr. Nicholas Genovese is one of a handful of scientists around the world working on what he calls cultured meat, producing “real meat from real animal cells, without the animal issue”....

Senomyx announces dual-purpose sweetness enhancer for HFCS and sucrose

San Diego-based flavor firm Senomyx has discovered a new taste modifier ingredient that can enhance the sweet flavor of both high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and sucrose, allowing food manufacturers...

Flood of stevia products to arrive soon: SGF's VP of science

A flood of stevia-containing products will arrive over the next 12 months, with beverages leading the way, says Mel Jackson, VP of science for Sweet Green Fields.

Iced tea consumption linked to kidney stones

High consumption of iced tea drinks could be linked to the formation of kidney stones – especially in those who are at high risk of the painful disorder – warns one researcher.

News in brief

Kraft exploits social media buzz of NASA Mars landing with Oreo campaign

Kraft Foods has posted an image of a red-centered Oreo on its social media pages to commemorate NASA’s rover landing on the surface of Mars earlier this week.

Special edition: Meat alternatives

Firm growth for meat substitute products

The total market for analogs and meat free products is set to rise by 4.4%, from €2.85bn to €3.54bn, in the next five years, according to exclusive data from market analyst RTS...

Comment

Coke won’t kick the can in Bolivia, but must dance diplomatic can-can...

Bolivian officials have swiftly moved to play down reported remarks by the nation’s flamboyant foreign minister that the government would kick Coca-Cola out of the country by the end of...

Top energy drink delays ‘wound closure': US study

A study analyzing the effects of dosing cultured animal cells with energy drinks has found that they delayed wound closure, but not due to the combined or isolated effects of...

Salty smells will aid industry sodium reduction efforts

Adding salty smells to food products could help industry reduce sodium levels by up to 25% without affecting the overall taste profile, say researchers.

Special edition: Meat alternatives

Does the foodservice sector need to up its game on meat alternatives?

How many options do vegetarians and flexitarians (meat reducers) have when they go out to eat (if they are not in the mood for bean burgers and Margherita pizza)?

Digital marketing giant Valassis intros Facebook coupon app

Digital marketing firm and couponing giant Valassis has introduced a new Facebook app for consumers to access coupons and savings directly on Facebook, combining the company’s digital coupon distribution expertise...

Food industry raises millions to oppose Prop 37 on GMO labeling

The food industry is digging deep to oppose California’s Proposition 37, which would mandate labeling of foods that contain ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

US could be Nestlé’s Achilles heel – analyst

Nestlé has encountered a “consistent deterioration in growth” in 2011-2012 in the US, its biggest market, according to analyst Andrew Wood at Sanford C Bernstein.

Butter flavouring linked to Alzheimer's disease

An artificial food flavoring compound used for its butter-like taste and mouthfeel may be linked with key processes in the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to new research.

Could Pepsi NEXT success lift stevia from zero to (mid-calorie) hero?

With an industry consensus forming that stevia can only offer a 50% calorie reduction in soft drinks, the US success of mid-calorie cola Pepsi NEXT could silence some of the...

News in brief

Nestlé USA appoints UK & Ireland chief Paul Grimwood as CEO

Nestlé UK & Ireland's CEO Paul Grimwood has been appointed CEO of Nestlé USA, effective October 2012.

Special edition: Meat alternatives

Tofurky boss targets meat-reducers: 'This is a big up and coming market'

Back in the early ‘80s when his tempeh business was getting off the ground, the meat alternatives category was not exactly brimming with mouth-watering options, says Tofurky creator Seth Tibbott.

Bakers oppose FDA research into labeling of added sugars

The American Bakers Association has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opposing a research proposal to examine how consumers might perceive labeling of added sugars on nutrition...

Kraft boosts profits 5% in Q2, reaffirms outlook

Kraft Foods reported a 5.4% rise in second quarter net profit, more than offsetting higher raw material costs and adverse effects of currency exchange rates, the company said on Thursday.

Ralcorp set to fork out $22m on consolidation

Diversified private-brand specialist Ralcorp Holdings has announced it will consolidate its cereal, pasta, snacks and sauces businesses at a price of $17m-$22m in a bid to improve efficiency, slash costs...

Snacks: Kellogg’s Q2 cereal killer?

As Kellogg posted its Q2 results, the spotlight was on its snacks dedication with key brands soaring as cereal sales dipped slightly.

Food inflation will hopefully be hedged, says Maple Leaf CEO

While on-going droughts across North America will undoubtedly fuel food inflation, action will be taken to manage cost spikes, Maple Leaf CEO says.

‘Brand building not brand battling’: Beam CEO tells analysts why tequila makes him happy

The CEO of Beam Inc. claims tequila will yield attractive global growth in the long-term, as his firm boosted sales of its core Sauza brand in H2 2012 after an...

Court dismisses Danone challenge to Chobani Canadian import permit

Chobani Greek-style yogurt manufacturer Agro-Farma Inc. is celebrating a major legal victory in Canada, after the country’s Federal Court dismissed a bid by rival firms to keep it off shelves....

Most Americans are ‘pro-regulation’ on food safety – regardless of politics, study suggests

Most Americans across the political spectrum would like to see more government regulation of food safety and food quality, suggests a new study published in the journal Food Policy.

Special edition: Meat alternatives

Beyond soy: Where does Quorn fit into the meat alternatives market?

Quorn is outpacing rivals and bringing new consumers into a frozen meat alternatives category that has lost some momentum in recent years, claims its US boss.

The fight against obesity: A new investment megatrend?

Obesity is a ‘global sustainability megatrend’ likely to take decades to address – but it could also provide opportunities for investors looking to support those industries aiming to be part...

FMC Corporation snaps up Italian pectin manufacturer

US-based FMC Corporation has signed an agreement to snap up Italian food pectin processor Pectine Italia for an undisclosed sum.

News in brief

Nestlé tackles child health concerns with 35% less sugar 'Juicy Juice' launch

Nestlé has launched a new beverage in the US called Juicy Juice Fruitfuls with 35% less sugar than regular juice, with the firm keen to tackle parental concerns regarding sugar intake.

Yakult Light probiotic drink makes US debut

Japanese probiotics pioneer Yakult has launched a light version of its fermented dairy drink in the US.

Revolymer enters Canada to ‘exploit’ $40m nicotine gum market

Rev7 degradable chewing gum maker Revolymer is set to exploit Canada’s lucrative nicotine gum market following two distribution deals with pharmacies, its CEO said.

Hershey’s apologises after rusty razor blade found in Jolly Rancher candy

Confectionery giant Hershey’s has been forced to issue an apology in the US, after a consumer reported finding a rusty razor blade in a bag of Jolly Rancher candy.

Individual corn refiners will have to defend false advertising claims, court rules

A US district court judge has ruled that individual corn refining companies will need to defend false advertising charges in an ongoing dispute over the industry’s right to describe high...

Lack of exercise is not a key factor in obesity, study suggests

Lack of physical activity is not likely to be a key factor in Western obesity rates, according to a new study published in the journal PLoS ONE, which suggests that over-consumption...

Smart Balance is hit with lawsuit over plant sterol claims

Heart-friendly spreads expert Smart Balance has been hit with a class action lawsuit alleging that it does not include enough plant sterols in its spreadable butters to warrant the cholesterol-lowering...

Functional fibres may not boost satiety

The hunger-suppressing effects of functional fibres have been called into doubt after a new study revealed foods containing ingredients like inulin and corn fibre do not increase feelings of fullness...