ARS develops peas that claim better color, texture

Two new varieties of southernpeas claim to feature superior color, texture and flavor, reported US Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists yesterday.

EFSA to speed up review of colours from hyperactive kids study

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has announced it will prioritise its own review of the six colours at the heart of the recent study linking certain artificial additives with...

Costs, prices and sales rise at McCormick

Spice firm McCormick has posted increased sales in its industrial business for the third quarter, but these were largely driven by price increases as the company struggled to offset rising...

Decision News Media seeks Managing Editor for Montpellier, France

Decision News Media is seeking a Managing Editor to lead the editorial team in Montpellier, France.

New asthma treatment gets US go-ahead

An extended release formulation of an asthma treatment recently recommended by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program has been launched on the US market.

US food import safety battle continues

Debates over how the US should deal with food safety issues continue to rage between regulators, manufacturers, consumers and even the media, after a number of scandals this year broke...

Global enzyme growth driven by innovation, says report

The global market for food and beverage enzymes is forecast to slow but remain strong, resulting mostly from expanding markets and applications, according to a new report by The Freedonia...

Monsanto GM trait adoption to grow threefold, forecasts firm

Monsanto, a leading global biotechnology company, yesterday said it expects to almost triple its presence outside of the United States.

Individual GI variations demand research attention - study

Individual variations in the glycaemic index (GI) of white bread, stated as 70 in the literature, may range from 44 to 132, says new research that questions the utility of the index.

Palsgaard receives US approval for chocolate emulsifier

A chocolate emulsifier ingredient from Palsgaard can now be used by US manufacturers to replace the commonly-used soy lecithin, following its recent approval by the nation's regulator.

Nestle points towards future of cocoa research

The future of research into the potential health benefits of cocoa should focus on the mechanisms and active compounds, with well defined clinical trials key to this burgeoning segment, says...

Walnut leaf extract could be natural antioxidant alternative

An extract from leaves of the walnut tree (Juglans regia) presented a potent ability to scavenge damaging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species responsible for food spoilage, new research has reported.

US issues draft Codex positions on gluten-free

Standards for gluten-free foods must encompass all types of foods that do not contain gluten, said the US in its draft positions for the next session of a Codex Committee...

DSM casein ingredient to help glucose levels in diabetics

DSM is set to launch a casein ingredient aimed at regulating glucose levels in type-2 diabetics, which can be added to a wide range of functional foods and beverages to...

Nanotech knowledge gap hinders industry, survey shows

Nearly three-quarters of US consumers have little or no knowledge of nanotechnology, and so would refrain from buying food products developed using the science, according to a new report.

Cargill's glucosamine needs further assessment, says UK

Cargill's vegetarian glucosamine hydrochloride ingredient, for use in dairy and beverage products, could face further approval delays in Europe, pending a risk review by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Mintel identifies lunch opportunities in new report

A Mintel study on the lunchtime habits of American consumers flags up all the classic drivers that have characterized growth opportunities in the food and beverage market over recent years:...

Whey protein may boost citral stability in beverages

Stabilising beverage emulsions with whey protein isolate may inhibit the loss of citrus flavour ingredients, suggests new research from the US and Italy.

Target Hispanics early to keep brand loyalty, says market researcher

As Hispanic consumers in the United States become more acculturated, they are less likely to remain loyal to specific brands, according to The Nielsen Company.

Weekly comment

Consumers and the confidence crisis

Consumer demand - the holy grail of any industry - is a fragile and easily manipulated treasure. But influencing consumers for anything other than their own benefit will, more often...

Nutraceuticals could bridge gap in healthy snacks

More than 20 percent of American consumers indicate they are now seeking healthier snacking options, according to Datamonitor - spelling opportunity for healthy ingredient manufacturers.

Kraft launches toasted butter flavor

Kraft Food Ingredients has introduced a new toasted butter flavor, which the firm says can be used in a range of applications to achieve a butter taste without the caloric...

Common food additives may cut acrylamide formation

Common food additives like calcium chloride and l-cysteine could reduce the formation of acrylamide in potato chips by about 85 per cent, according to a new study.

DuPont to launch new high-yielding soybean

Biotechnology company DuPont is set to commercialize a new line of soybean varieties using a technology that claims to achieve "unprecedented yield potential".

Monsanto establishes standard for low-linolenic soy oil

A collaboration yesterday announced by biotech company Monsanto could result in the establishment of an analytical standard for heart-healthy soybean oil.

FSA 'astonished' by slow industry action on additives

The UK's FSA has issued its harshest judgement on the food industry's use of artificial colour and preservatives yet, following the publication of the Southampton study at the beginning of...

High GI diets may increase fatty liver risk - study

Consuming a diet with a high glycaemic index (GI) may increase the risk of fatty liver, a condition linked to liver failure, suggests a new study with mice.

Most consumers still against cloning, reveals new survey

The majority of American consumers are still against the idea of eating products derived from cloned animals, although confidence levels shoot up if these products are deemed safe by the...

Pharma manufacturing products: news in brief

System Planning Corporation, Precision Stability Storage, ISPE, Ossid and NJM/CLI have all recently launched products used in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

Four pillar plan will ensure import safety, GMA says

The US Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) today announced an action plan for strengthening food safety, to meet concerns that increased imports from overseas has resulted in a wave of faulty...

Polyphenols to boost oil quality from rice bran

The addition of select polyphenols to rice bran may inhibit the detrimental effects of rice bran lipase and make the bran an interesting source of edible oil, Indian researchers report.

More consumers check labels for country of origin, report

More Americans are checking product labels in light of recent safety scares resulting from dangerous imports, according to a recent survey.

Soda sales in schools fall, says ABA

The number of full-calorie soft drinks sold in schools across America has almost halved, according to a new report that examines the progress made by industry one year after the...

Chiquita fine should go to terrorist victims, says Colombia

Colombian officials have lashed out against a US court decision to fine banana firm Chiquita for making payments to paramilitary groups in the country, saying victims of these groups should...

Mintel sets out opportunities for snack makers

The salty snack market in the US is facing serious threats, and manufacturers need to focus on a number of opportunities if they are to avoid the pitfalls, according to...

Nutrinova settles Ace-K patent battle

Ingredient firm Nutrinova and distributor Viachem have settled a patent infringement case related to the "unauthorized" import of sweetener acesulfame K into the United States.

CSPI, CRA campaign in favor of controversial sweetener

President Bush has been urged to revise a government report which suggests that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is responsible for obesity.

Kellogg moves again to flag up nutritious products

Kellogg said yesterday it will start putting nutrition information on the front of its ready-to-eat cereals in the US from this month.

Research finds key to crumbliness in whey protein isolates

Scientists from The Netherlands have uncovered the relationship between the perception of crumbliness in whey proteins and polysaccharide mixed gels and their breakdown behaviour, findings that could help engineer crumbliness...

Danisco makes natural alternative to chilled-food preservatives

Danisco USA is introducing a new cultured dextrose for use in place of chemical preservatives in refrigerated, heat-and-eat foods, giving manufacturers greater scope to make clean-label products.

Jungbunzlauer ups citric acid, xanthan gum prices

Jungbunzlauer has announced price increases affecting citric acid, sodium citrate, gluconates and xanthan gum as it offsets its own costs, an adjustment seen as aiding economic stability in the marketplace.

Brazil mill buy puts Bunge on sugar production map

Agri-giant Bunge is making its first entry into the sugar and sugar-derived ethanol market with an agreement to acquire a sugar mill and ethanol production facility in Brazil.

Preservative free snack bar with two-year shelf life

A snack bar which can stay moist and chewy for up to 24 months without the need for artificial preservatives has been developed by scientists in California.

FDA gives isomaltulose health claim green light

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized a non-cariogenic health claim for the carbohydrate sweetener isomaltulose.

Weekly Comment

Arnie and the clones

Cloned foods have not yet made it to our grocery aisles, but in the advent of such a rollout consumers must have a defined right to decide if they want...

Penford introduces new gluten-free starch

Carbohydrate company Penford Food Ingredients has launched a new gluten-free starch product for use in bakery applications targeting the growing free-from market.

Med diet found to benefit arthritis sufferers

Women suffering from arthritis who adhered to a Mediterranean diet for only nine months experienced "significant" alleviations in pain, according to a new study.

Monsanto, Dow join forces for new GM corn

Biotechnology companies Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences have teamed up to launch what they claim to be the industry's first eight-gene stacked combination in corn, which the firms say will further...

Intensive meat production a danger to food supply, warns FAO

A report, issued today by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) about the increased risk of pathogen contamination in industrial meat production, serves as an advance warning to processors...

New probiotics council aims to guide US industry

The National Yogurt Association is creating a probiotics council - another signal the active cultures have achieved mainstream status in North America.

Cereal growth slows as challenges continue, says Mintel

The US breakfast cereal market is "moving very slowly", as manufacturers in this sector continue to face challenges such as low brand loyalty, market saturation and increasing competition from other...

Food ads to kids: more info requested as rules considered

Five leading food companies that have not already pledged to restrict their marketing to children have been asked to provide guidance on what measures they plan to implement, and their...

Ohly shores up US yeast extract

ABF-owned Ohly has completed the expansion of its yeast-extract facilities in the US and now claims to be the only company offering the triumvirate of baker's, brewer's and torula yeast...

Vetch blend shows promise as low-fat pizza topping

Researchers have reported that a pizza cheese made from a blend of vetch and cow's milk could be used as a low-fat alternative to mozzarella as a pizza topping, a...

Help us reduce label processing time, says regulator

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is calling on food processors to submit proposals to reduce the amount of time taken to authorize labeling information.

'HFCS-free' emerging as new health claim, says Datamonitor

High fructose corn syrup is increasingly being blacklisted by food and beverage manufacturers as they attempt to market products that are perceived as 'better-for-you', says Datamonitor.

Banana prices rise again, says Chiquita

Banana firm Chiquita is continuing its price increases for the fruit, citing squeezed margins as cost pressures continue.

Peanut butter, the new weapon to fight world hunger?

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are lauding fortified peanut butter as a potential saviour for the world's malnourished children.

Study claims alcohol-cancer link in older women

Postmenopausal women who consume two or more alcoholic beverage a day may double their risk of developing endometrial cancer, say researchers in the first prospective study to report a significant...

ADM, Cargill announce leadership shifts

The two leading US agricultural processors, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Cargill, yesterday announced new appointments and leadership reshuffling.

Chiquita execs off hook for terrorist funding

Executives of banana firm Chiquita will no longer face prosecution in relation to a terrorist funding scandal that has been under investigation, following the approval of a plea agreement between...

Fish and 'fruity vegetables' may reduce asthma and allergies

A diet rich in vegetables, such as tomatoes and aubergines, and fish can help cut asthma and allergy incidence in children, a study suggests.

New aspartame review claims no grounds for concern

A new review of research on the safety of aspartame has concluded that suggestions of adverse effects have 'no credible scientific basis' - findings that add weight to the argument...

FDA hearing eyes national nutrition symbol system

The US government yesterday concluded a hearing examining the implementation of a nation-wide food labeling system to provide consistent nutrition information on product labels.

Import safety approach needs overhaul, says report

The US will fail to deal with food safety in an increasingly global market, unless improved preventative checking measures are put in place for imports, a new report warns.

CP Kelco to close xanthan plant as market pressures mount

Hydrocolloid supplier CP Kelco has announced it is to shutter its xanthan gum plant in the UK, which has been squeezed by cost pressures into an unprofitable market.

Asia-Pacific heads into food safety battle

In light of global publicity over food scares originating in Asia-Pacific, the region is now fighting back, both internally and globally, by making food safety its top priority.

Med diet found to have further Alzheimer's benefits

Adhering to a Mediterranean diet could allow sufferers of Alzheimer's disease to live longer than patients who eat a more traditional Western diet, according to new research published today.

Monsanto expands corn presence in Brazil with acquisition

Biotechnology firm Monsanto has carved itself a larger slice of the Brazilian corn market, announcing today the acquisition of a leading corn seed company in the country.

Weekly comment

Hooked on Es

This comment was amended to correct a statement about bans of additives in other countries. Some of the chemicals were previously banned by Norway, Austria and Australia but those bans...

Potato nutrient analysis could spur new markets

New methods for analysing phytochemical profiles of different potatoes could open up new markets and aid the development of new, ultra-nutritious varieties, say ARS researchers.

Frutarom adds to US focus with ISO recommendation

Frutarom USA has further enhanced its profile in North America by going through ISO certification hoops for its quality management systems.

Climate change: FAO urges changes to ensure food security

Climate change is emerging as a major threat to food security, and governments need to find "creative solutions" and "alternative approaches" in order to deal with the challenge, according to...

Chr Hansen continues refocus activities with US sale

Chr Hansen has announced the sale of its excipients and coating division in the US, in a move designed to further focus its business on its core food ingredients activities.

'Latin fever' drives US Hispanic market, says report

Manufacturers targeting the US Hispanic food and beverage market should position their products within one of the category's three major segments, depending on the type of consumer targeted, according to...

Price, taste remain challenges for healthy foods in schools

Less than half of school districts that pledged to provide healthy food and beverages for sale in schools have managed to implement the policies, due in large to the high...

Kraft resets its focus to drive down costs

Kraft Foods will drive down costs by $1bn (€732m), rejig its global portfolio, and exploit its sales capabilities, in a bid to make the company more profitable, the company's top...

Salt linked to higher blood pressure in kids

Children and adolescents consuming higher levels of salt in their diets have higher blood pressure, confirms a UK study published today.

New report examines frozen fruit, veg sector

The gross profit of US frozen fruit and vegetable manufacturers is 10 percent higher than other companies in the manufacturing sector, according to report that examines the sector's business.

Popcorn brands ban diacytel

Two of the largest US popcorn makers have removed diacetyl from their brands, as doctors report that the chemical may now cause a fatal lung disease in consumers as well...

Citric acid: industry warned of shortages as prices hiked again

Western citric acid producers are again hiking up their prices as they struggle to meet costs, but they repeat their warnings that the industry may soon be facing shortages.

Report reveals potential of low-income consumers

Manufacturers may be missing crucial opportunities by grouping all lower-income consumers into one homogenous group instead of understanding the different needs within the segment, says a new report.

FDA to take action against improperly labeled sugar free goods

Manufacturers that use 'sugar free' claims on their product labels must ensure that they also include the appropriate calorie information, said the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week.

Study pits fruit juice vs sugar drinks for insulin resistance

A new epidemiological study indicates that people who consume 100 per cent fruit juice instead of sugary drinks have a reduced risk of insulin resistance, providing more argument for long-term...

Monsanto resolves soybean patent battle

Leading biotechnology firm Monsanto has resolved a patent dispute with Iowa State University related to its commercialization of low linolenic soybeans.

Young consumers responsible for growth in functional drinks

Younger consumers are driving the functional beverage market, according to a new Mintel report, which indicates the market grew by up to 30 percent over the past five years.

Health focus drives whey and lactose demand

The global market for whey and lactose ingredients will increase by 20 percent as the dairy industry focuses more on healthy and nutritional products, a new report forecasts.

Revamped old favorites top of Mintel's new product list

Innovative or alternative versions of old favorites, such as peanut butter, ketchup and ice cream, were found to be the most popular items in a Mintel product tasting session, the...

Probiotics may make safer pork products, say scientists

Probiotics have shown promise in reducing incidence of salmonella in pigs, say researchers from the UK, which could lead to safer pork products.

Weekly comment

Food prices and the death of the productionist model

Last week saw a string of communications about food price rises: first warnings were aired about wheat, then meat, then dairy. It's a vertiginous view from the heights of the...

US illegal workforce clampdown delayed by courts

A federal judge this week temporarily barred the US government from forcing companies to fire workers who seem to lack a social security number, after unions argued the move would...

Salt reduction does not reduce food safety, say scientists

Cutting the salt content of processed foods has no impact on the risk of food contamination, report scientists today.

Asians have highest incomes, says Census Bureau

Household income in the US rose in 2006 for the second consecutive year, with  Asian consumers boasting the highest medium income, according to figures released by the US Census Bureau.

USDA offers funding for organic certification

Small organic producers could benefit from proposed US Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding to help them meet organic certification costs.

News Focus: Health and Wellness

Longevity to be the next wellness trend, says Campbell

The final article in a FoodNavigator-USA.com series on the health and wellness practices of major US food firms reveals that Campbell Soup Company is expecting a major shift in the...

Biogin increases flax lignan production based on demand

Chinese ingredients maker Biogin Biochemicals said it has seen an approximately 30 percent growth in demand for its flax lignans from clients in the US and Europe and it is...

Clean safety profile for HPMC as a food ingredient

A safety assessment of the widely used hydrocolloid hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) has shown that everyday intake is well below any level that may cause safety concerns.

OTA urges USDA to begin organic trade talks with Canada

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) should begin negotiations with Canadian officials in order to establish trade equivalency agreements concerning the sales of organic products between the two countries, says...