Puratos to contruct US sourdough facility

Bakery ingredients firm Puratos is to construct a new sourdough plant in the US, designed to address increasing demand for its ready to use fermented sourdough line, which has until...

Task force to address advertising, kids' obesity link

Representatives from the food, television and advertising industries are to team up to create a task force designed to examine the link between TV commercials and the rising rate of...

Spinach outbreak could lead to tougher food safety laws

In the wake of an outbreak of E. coli sickness due to contaminated packaged spinach, consumer and health groups are calling for tougher food safety laws for processors of produce.

Vitamin E in pecans may reduce LDL oxidation

A handful of pecans a day could reduce the risk of heart disease, found a recent study, likely due to the nut's high vitamin E content.

WHO recommends global phasing out of trans fats

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that governments around the world phase out partially hydrogenated oils if trans-fat labelling alone doesn't spur significant reductions.

Pan Sino establishes Singapore's largest cocoa bean plant

Cocoa bean producer Pan Sino International has announced plans to build Singapore's largest cocoa processing plant, increasing cocoa bean supply for manufacturers.

Novozymes raises prices for brewing enzymes

Danish enzyme firm Novozymes has announced that it is to increase prices for a line of its brewing enzymes in the US, as the firm struggles to retain profitability under...

The whole grain potential of barley, rye

Barley and rye are underutilized whole grains, and although they are considered to be minor cereal grains they have major health benefits, heard food scientists and manufacturers last week.

Study reignites low-carb high-protein debate

A recent study props up the principle of low-carb high-protein dieting - giving the low carb fad diets that pushed meat consumption, such as the once fashionable Atkins diet, one...

Trans fats battle reaches New York restaurants

The trans fats battle is inching its way further into the foodservice sector, with a new proposal announced this week to remove almost all of the artery clogging oils from...

Breakfast cereals and satiety: scientists examine potential

Adding alginates or guar gum to baked goods and breakfast cereals could be one way to increase the satiety these products provide, allowing consumers to feel full longer, according to...

Fruit-flavored drinks decline, future dull, says Mintel

Obesity concerns and a lack of innovation have driven down sales of fruit-flavored juice drinks in the US over the past five years, and prospects to boost the market remain...

Nutrition labels may confuse public

If formulators are worried verbose FDA-approved health claims fog the message they are trying to get across to consumers, they should maybe question one of the basic foundations of nutrition...

Dislike of veggies is in the genes

The reason why some people dislike vegetables such a broccoli and sprouts is due to the genetic defence mechanism to potentially harmful compounds in the plants, a result that deepens...

Carbon monoxide in meat products 'deceptive', say consumers

Most consumers are concerned about the use of carbon monoxide to meats, according to a new survey, which rekindles an ongoing debate between industry and consumer groups.

Weekly comment

When vegetables become victims

The demonisation of spinach following last week's E.coli outbreak could give salad-dodgers the excuse they have been looking for to skimp on their recommended five to nine portions of fruit...

More support for inulin, oligofructose for bone health

Scientists from Brazil have reported that supplementing the diet with the soluble dietary fibres, inulin and oligofructose, boosted calcium absorption in rats by about 40 per cent, results that add...

Small xanthan gum amounts boost gelling of proteins

Canadian researchers are looking into the effects of gelling of whey protein isolates with xanthan gum in concentrations well below that usually reported, and have already filed for a patent...

FMC to increase prices on back of market pressures

FMC Biopolymer will again increase prices for its food ingredients on the back of high energy and raw material costs, and the company says it expects prices to continue rising.

More coordinated efforts needed to prevent kids' obesity, IOM report

Reducing portion sizes and spreading information on healthy eating are just some of the initiatives that the food industry needs to take in order to help prevent childhood obesity, according...

Fears mount over possible rice contamination in the Philippines

Environmental campaign group Greenpeace is warning that the food supply in the Philippines could be at risk from illegal GM rice contamination originating in the US and China, with potentially...

Insect study provokes questions over obesity causes

The fact that you never see a fat insect could have implications for the current obesity epidemic, according to scientists.

Ten years later: ISAAA reviews biotechnology and its future

The next decade is set to see a global doubling in biotech crop availability, as countries become increasingly less skeptical of the technology after witnessing its benefits over the past...

Leadership - not management - brings most success to companies

A focus on leadership as opposed to just management within companies is the key to attaining emotional commitment in employees, teams and customers that will ultimately lead to stronger results,...

Mitsubishi brings new cellulose fiber to US market

A water soluble cellulose fiber new to the US market claims to provide moisture management, reduced oil uptake and improved coating adhesion in a range of food products, including baked...

FDA responds to E.coli spinach outbreak

The FDA is also continuing to provide regular updates on the E. coli O157:H7 spinach outbreak that has so far resulted in 114 cases of illness.

World Food Day to highlight declining food aid

The theme of this year's World Food Day, 'Investing in agriculture for food security', underlines growing concern that aid to this particular sector has been declining for years.

Natural protection for sugar industry

US scientists think they may have found a natural alternative to pesticides used by sugar beet growers to fend off their biggest enemy - the sugar beet root maggot.

Nanotechnology conference predicts food sector boom

Food companies will get a snapshot of the ways nanotechnology can be used by their industry at an upcoming conference next month in Atlanta, Georgia.

FDA issues advice following carrot juice botulism scare

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a consumer advisory statement following the discovery of three cases of botulism in the state of Georgia.

Cargill targets higher sales in Asia

US agri-giant Cargill is setting up new offices in Asia to boost sales of its sweetener brands in fast-growing markets.

New GI definitions spark fierce debate

A new set of definitions related to glycemic carbohydrates have been approved by a group of industry and science experts, in an effort designed to help food manufacturers communicate how...

Salad eaters more likely to get key nutrients

People who eat salads have higher serum levels of vitamins C and E, folic acid, and carotenoids, according to a large study of US adults that suggests these nutrients are...

Coffee prices hit record high

The coffee market was very volatile during the month of August, particularly with the explosion in Robusta prices, according to ICO executive director Nestor Osorio.

General Mills' whole grain cereal conversion in retrospect

Changing its entire cereal portfolio to whole grains last year presented General Mills with a huge opportunity, but also a number of challenges, said the firm, which yesterday explored the...

Weekly Comment

The functional food fudge

In today's competitive food industry, healthy products mean healthy sales but the scramble to keep up with the obesity backlash can have dangerous repercussions.

Grains summit examines new science and technology

The first ever World Grains Summit opened its doors in San Francisco yesterday, attracting visitors from throughout the food and beverage industries for four days of exploration of the latest...

ConAgra cuts plants, jobs as reshuffling continues

ConAgra Foods continues to slash plants and employees, announcing last week a number of new measures due to be taken as part of its ongoing efforts to streamline operations.

Is China key to restarting global agriculture talks?

China could play a vital role in the resumption of the Doha Round of trade talks, according to the World Economic Forum's China Business Summit 2006.

Guest Article

The dollar value of corporate brands

Branding specialists CoreBrand have shown that the corporate brand of food and beverage companies is a key asset to boost sales. Chief executive officer James Gregory tells FoodNavigator-USA.com why.

California dairy body provides guidance for lactose intolerant kids

A Californian nutrition council has announced some simple strategies that can be implemented in order to encourage lactose-intolerant children to consume the recommended daily servings of dairy products.

Second food revolution needed to feed the world

The FAO has called for a second Green Revolution to feed the world's growing population while preserving natural resources.

Food allergens still threaten US foods

Some food manufacturers are not doing enough to prevent the cross contamination of their products by allergens, according to a survey by the US food regulator.

Special alfatoxin measures target repeat offenders

Updated EU rules on aflatoxin contamination crack down on repeat offenders such as Egypt, China, Iran and Turkey, and will affect imports of supplies such as peanuts, pistachios, and dried...

'Green' consumers push for organic cocoa

The burgeoning organic chocolate market is taking off thanks to an increase in ethical consumerism and the willingness of confectionery makers worldwide to exploit the trend.

US sees more banana price hikes as Chiquita recovers EU losses

Banana prices in the US have seen a significant increase in recent months, as leading supplier Chiquita attempts to offset losses after facing tough trading conditions in Europe.

Fish oil beats defibrillators in sudden heart death model

Increasing consumption of omega-3 by eating adequate amount of oily fish or taking fish oil supplements could save 58 Americans for every 100,000, a recent study looking into preventing sudden...

Whole grains linked to blood pressure reduction, small study

A small study into the effects of soluble and insoluble fibre on blood pressure indicates that individuals with slightly high cholesterol levels may benefit from including plenty of whole grains...

New Brazilian açai factory set to boost supplies to US market

Leading açai berry supplier Sambazon has completed the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Brazil, a move that is set to significantly increase the volumes of the berry brought...

Food allergies could be gone within a decade

Food allergies could be consigned to the history books within a decade if the combination of biotechnology and vaccines work as planned, Dutch researchers have told the BA Festival of...

ADM expands European cocoa sector

Ingredients manufacturer Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has increased its chocolate production in Europe with the takeover of a plant in England.

New petition filed as popcorn flavor cases continue

Another petition has been filed in recent weeks requesting immediate action to protect popcorn factory workers from the lung-disease causing butter flavor diacetyl.

Fruit and veg access in schools promotes overall consumption, study

A pilot program that distributed fresh fruits and vegetables to children in Mississippi schools has resulted in increased consumption of these goods, findings that provide guidance towards a comprehensive approach...

Weekly Comment

Sweet nothing for global trade

The transition to the new EU sugar regime is a reminder of what was lost when the Doha round of WTO trade talks collapsed.

Bunge-DuPont to increase low-lin soyoil supply

US ingredients firms Bunge and DuPont today announced that they are "dramatically increasing" their supply of low linolenic soybean oil to the food industry, on the back of growing demand...

Bayer petitions for approval of GM rice in contamination case

Agro giant Bayer Crop Sciences has petitioned the US Department of Agriculture to approve a genetically modified rice variety that has been at the heart of a recent contamination scandal.

Irish scientists to probe vitamin D needs

Researchers from the University of Ulster and University College Cork are to embark on a three-year project to investigate what level of dietary vitamin D is needed to maintain good...

Plant extracts beat synthetics as meat preservatives, says study

Grape seed and pine bark extracts as additives in cooked meats performed better than the synthetic preservatives in oxidation and microbial effects, results that could be readily acceptable to consumers...

SunOpta to quadruple antioxidant-rich açai supply

Natural food group SunOpta is to quadruple its sales of the açai berry in North America, revealing that the Brazilian berry is the most popular fruit ingredient with its customers....

Danisco to bring fair trade vanilla to US market

Danish ingredients firm Danisco is to launch a full line of fair trade certified vanilla products in the US market, the company announced this week.

Appetite mechanics may boosts obesity understanding

With obesity continuing to grab the headlines, a joint US-Portuguese study of what affects the motivation to feed is said to contribute to a better understanding of how the brain...

Spices and seasonings to grow as consumers seek ethnic, report

Spices and seasonings are slowy gaining popularity in the US, as once pernickety consumers are warming to the increased ethnic diversity of foods and flavors, reveals a new report.

Rich Nature launches wolfberry Bevesol

Rich Nature Nutraceutical Laboratories has launched proprietary Bevesol, a low-heat, spray-dried powder from wolfberry juice concentrate, for use in functional foods. Suitable for reconstituting wolfberry juice, the powder could save...

ADM to increase corn syrup exports to Mexico

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) expects to increase its sales of high fructose corn syrup to Mexico once the market opens up in 2008, which will effectively tighten the supply and...

Glanbia buys Seltzer, becomes pan-Atlantic customised formulator

Glanbia has today announced that it is acquiring Californian nutritional business Seltzer Companies for $105m (€81.8m), enabling it to establish an integrated nutritional formulation presence across the US and Europe.

More evidence links obesity in early childhood and later life

Yet another study has revealed the importance of good nutrition from an early age, as researchers found that children who are overweight as toddlers are more likely to become obese...

Scientists find 'proof' for high protein diets

A key hormone in the human gut could be the reason why high protein diets enhance satiety and promote weight loss, British scientists have reported.

New barley enzymes could mean more efficient beer brewing

US scientists have discovered heat tolerant barley enzymes, which could make malting more efficient for beer, and also provide benefits for the production of bakery goods and breakfast cereals.

Unilever urges FDA loosen phytosterol health claim

Unilever has petitioned the FDA to amend its health claim for the use of phytosterols in foods and allow full daily intake in one serving rather than two - suggesting...

InnoSweet enters US sweeteners market

European sweetener supplier InnoSweet GmbH is to enter the US market, after opening its first sales office in the nation early this week.

Scientists look to carrageenans to boost egg white gelling

Adding carrageenans to egg white ovalbumin improves the gelling ability of the egg protein and could spark a "great interest using liquid egg as gelling agents", says research from Spain....

American diets lack fruit, veg, says USDA

Most Americans are not consuming enough of the daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, according to research by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Cancer Institute.

CoolBrands to sell dairy ingredients division

Eskimo Pie Corporation, a subsidiary of CoolBrands International, is to sell its dairy ingredients division to a leading manufacturer of specialty flavors for the ice cream industry, it emerged last...

Citric acid firms raise prices as supply shortage threatens market

The world's major citric acid producers have warned that unless reasonable price increases can be successfully implemented this year, the market will face further consolidation and potential supply shortages.

New study attacks portion sizes - again

Portion sizes have again been linked to rising obesity levels in the US, with a new study indicating that people may be eating more because they are unaware of the...

Scientists deepen sour taste understanding

US-based scientists say they have identified a protein responsible for the perception of sourness, backing up a similar recent study into a taste that is still relatively poorly understood.

Hispanic buying power set to top all US minority groups, report

Hispanic buying power in the US is forecast to top that of all minority groups by next year, overtaking the African-American population, according to a new report.

Weekly Comment

The truth is out there, in the middle ground

Food can polarise opinion more than most issues, but can we please have some balance and debate, rather than mudslinging and crop burning to get to the truth?