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

Peppadew: The next big flavor, says Bell

Bell Flavors & Fragrances claims to have developed ‘the next big flavor’ with an exclusive license agreement for Peppadew, the sweet and spicy South African pepper.

Fruit and veg crisis calls for radical change

Goals for fruit and vegetable consumption set back in 2000 in Healthy People 2010 look certain to be missed prompting a US government agency to call for major changes to the way food is sold and consumed.

News in brief

FDA develops new ways to spread recall information

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a strategic plan for risk communication that outlines ways in which it will let consumers and health professionals know about the products it regulates.

Inside-out approach to frozen food quality

Advanced Food Systems is to help food manufacturers overcome some of the quality problems of frozen foods, with custom-made systems to prevent freezer burn, protein damage and loss of color and flavor.

Sugar and stevia industries unite

The sugar industry has engaged with stevia supplier PureCircle at the World Sugar Trade Conference in Singapore this week in order to explore ways in which sugar and stevia can work together.

News in brief

Danone unit recalls infant formula after blending error

Medical nutrition group Nutricia is recalling a batch of specialized infant formula in the US after a manufacturing error was found to have impacted ingredient levels in the formulation.

Kraft given November deadline for Cadbury bid

The UK’s Takeover Panel has announced a deadline of November 9 for Kraft to make a bid for Cadbury or to say that it does not intend to make an offer.

Omega-3 cheese: All the benefits of fish without the smell

Encapsulating omega-3 fatty acids in milk proteins may protect the fish-derived ingredients from oxidation, and cover the ‘fishy’ flavour in cheese, says a new study.

Target women with energy drinks, says Mintel

UK consumers view energy drinks as value for money rather than a luxury, with sales for the products expected to soar over the next five years, according to the latest statistics from Mintel.

Quotas ignore industry's sugar price plea

The USDA has set sugar import quotas at the minimum level required under World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements, despite pleas from industry to increase quotas in an effort to pull down prices.

Morton Salt buy makes K+S biggest global salt producer

K+S has become the biggest salt producer in the world after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved the $1.68bn sale of Morton Salt.

Review claims rbST milk is eco-friendly and safe

Milk from cows treated with the rbST hormone is not only identical to other milk, but is also more eco-friendly, says a scientific review sponsored by Elanco, the company that bought Monsanto’s rbST business last year.

Guest article

Stevia: beverages and replacing aspartame

Aspartame and sugar are likely to be the main substitution targets for emerging stevia sweeteners, and beverages the initial main application, writes Sneha Pasricha, a research analyst for Frost & Sullivan, in the first of two guest articles.

Taste issues remain for healthier snacks

Opportunities remain in the market for healthier alternatives to traditional salty snacks, as new research shows that half of consumers don’t like the taste of healthier versions.

News in brief

Floods disrupt Kellogg efforts to restart plant after Listeria probe

The Kellogg waffle plant in the United States at the centre of the Listeria probe remains closed after efforts to bring it back on line were halted by severe flooding in the region.

Comment

The benefits of a probiotic witch hunt

Get your pitchforks ready! There are evil-doers out there! We’ve been conned: Probiotics don’t work. Dannon’s settling out of court, EFSA’s rejecting health claims, and the media is starting a witch hunt.

Comment

How Mugabe’s milk could sour Nestle's image

Nestle is being slammed for sourcing milk from a Mugabe-owned farm in Zimbabwe. In a world where both business and information are globalised, any big business practices deemed unacceptable – wherever they take place – are liable to unleash a furious consumer reaction.

Food companies’ unhealthy internet influence on ‘cyberteens’

A new scientific review has called for more research into the effects of internet food advertising on teenagers amid fears that teens are too easily influenced by companies marketing unhealthy foods.

Cocoa price spike may favor Kraft over Cadbury

World cocoa prices have just hit record highs sparking suggestions that the resulting cost changes could aid the Kraft bid for Cadbury.

News in brief

Spotlight on new probiotic science and technology

Probiotic mechanisms of action, new delivery systems for the healthy bacteria and an overview of the latest clinical trials in humans will be core topics of discussion at the IPA World Congress early next year.

Americans shop around to get quality foods more cheaply

The recession has made US consumers shop around for good deals and carefully weigh up the merits of brands says a new survey – but it says quality still comes first.

SunOpta to settle class action lawsuits

Canadian natural foods group SunOpta has said it has agreed to pay $11.25m to settle class action lawsuits that accused the company of overstating its earnings and lacking internal financial controls.

What CEOs earn at the big food firms

We look at the wages of CEOs at six major US food companies, using interactive charts to explore their basic salary and incentives in 2008.

Soft drinks may raise likelihood of fatty liver disease: Study

People with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease tend to drink larger quantities of soft drinks than those without the disease, according to new research published in the Journal of Hepatology.

USDA goes online to boost consumers’ healthy eating

Three new online tools have been launched by the United States Department of Agriculture to persuade consumers to make healthier eating choices and to promote a better understanding of farmers’ role as food producers.

News in brief

Cadbury boss makes veiled attack on Kraft’s brand of capitalism

Cadbury CEO Todd Stitzer told a fair trade conference in London on Thursday that taking away its “principled capitalism” would destroy Cadbury’s appeal, according to the UK’s Guardian newspaper.

CSPI accuses food makers of making excuses on sodium

Wide variation in the levels of sodium in packaged foods indicates that it is possible for food manufacturers to cut sodium without sacrificing taste or functionality, claims a new report from CSPI in Canada.

Health and natural keep US market resilient

Health and natural ingredients are driving growth in the US food and drink market, which remains dynamic despite the recession.

Low-fat options expand with seaweed bead breakthrough

Microparticles made from seaweed may provide low-cost fat replacers for food and texturizers for beverages, as well as delivery vehicles for value-added bioactives, suggests new research.

What salmonella? Recession rescues peanut demand

The US peanut harvest is now underway and, eight months after salmonella-tainted peanut products led to one of the biggest recalls in US history, the National Peanut Board says the recession has boosted demand.

What CEOs earn in the big food firms

NutraIngredients-USA.com looks at the wages of CEOs at six major US food companies, using interactive charts to explore their basic salary and incentives in 2008.

Big growth forecast for US children’s healthy drinks market

The US market for children’s food and drink will grow in value by 50 percent from $16.4bn in 2007 to $26.8bn within two years, according to a new report from New Nutrition Business.

CSPI calls industry kids marketing rules a "sham"

A US health group has branded a voluntary industry initiative to tackle junk food marketing in schools a “sham”.

Cadbury tells Kraft to bid or back off

Cadbury has approached the UK’s Takeover Panel, asking it to impose a deadline for Kraft to make an offer.

Private label: battle of the brands

Private label is continuing to steal market share despite a more stable economy, but brands are fighting back on the battleground of health and convenience.

Health Canada proposes allergen labeling for mustard

Health Canada has said it is developing new allergen labeling regulations, adding mustard as a priority allergen under proposals released by the agency on Monday.

Commodity price cuts push up ConAgra's profits

Lower ingredient prices and a more profitable product mix helped ConAgra Foods achieve a big profit increase in its quarterly results, while overall turnover slipped.

Judge rules against Monsanto’s GM sugar beets

A federal judge ruled on Monday that the USDA failed to adequately assess the environmental impact of Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) sugar beets before introducing them into the food supply.

Multicultural market for lactose-free

There is big potential for lactose-free dairy products amongst multicultural groups in the US, suggests a new survey.

News in brief

Canada listeria death stumps officials

One person has died and five more been sickened by a Listeria outbreak - that Canadian authorities admit has them baffled.

The science of sweetener blends

Achieving the ideal sweetener blend is a scientific undertaking, making or breaking a product’s acceptance. In the second part of our special series on sweetener blends, FoodNavigator look at what makes a blend a success.

News in brief

McNeil launches tabletop sugar and stevia blend

McNeil Nutritionals has launched a new all-natural, low-calorie tabletop sweetener containing a blend of sugar and stevia.

CAPI calls for food industry involvement in public health policy

A new report from the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) has proposed an integrated system for food, health and agricultural policy, to tackle health problems from a food and nutrition perspective.

Nestle Waters executive attacks 'enhanced' water

The head of Nestle Waters North America has attacked enhanced water calling it a problem category during a speech defending the growth potential of ordinary bottled water.

Finding the perfect stevia blend – natural or not

The first stevia-sweetened products have begun to emerge, but until the sweetener blend is perfected, they could potentially harm consumers’ interest in stevia, said a senior analyst at Mintel.

'Brand Canada' gets funding boost

The Canadian government has announced a $32 million investment into a branding initiative to enhance the competitiveness of the country’s food sector.

Mediterranean weed offers natural fruit flavours: Study

Extracts from a Mediterranean wild shrub have a fruit-like aroma, which shows their potential to flavour beverages, suggest new findings from Italy.

News in brief

Food processors benefit from new Canadian tariff law

Canadian food processors and manufacturers could benefit from government plans to remove all remaining tariffs on imports of machinery and equipment.

Comment

Are health claims curbing freedom of speech?

The US FDA is being sued over its health claims regime – actions that are unlikely to succeed according to most pundits – but they raise serious questions about healthy food messaging and free speech that are being felt globally.

Soy fiber gives tortillas health boost plus cost savings, says Solae

Solae has released a new soy fiber ingredient for use in tortillas and flat breads to increase shelf-life, yield, and provide cost-savings, while also tapping in to consumer demand for healthier products.

GM could save US wheat industry, says report

Biotechnology (GM) could reverse the decline in US wheat production and safeguard supplies for the food chain, a new report has concluded.

Communities offered $650m to cut junk food, promote health

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that reducing poor food choices and improving nutrition is a top priority for a $650m locally led initiative to improve health in US communities.

New gluten to offer formulation enhancements

A low-salt, low-fat gluten ingredient is being developed in Australia, with the potential to offer formulators a product with a lighter colour and enhanced texture.

New report makes the case for nationwide soda tax

The idea of taxing sugary beverages to reduce obesity and bring public health benefits has been raised again in a new report published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

No baobab boom anytime soon

Baobab has been touted as "the new superfruit", but the slow uptake of the fruit in Europe has raised questions over how quickly it will appear in new products in the US.

‘Gut friendly’ pizza – coming to a neighborhood near you

With probiotic yogurt shots beginning to establish themselves on US grocery store shelves, are consumers ready for a gut-friendly pizza?

Sweetening the perception of HFCS

The Corn Refiners Association has said it is very pleased that Dr Barry Popkin has revoked an earlier theory about high fructose corn syrup’s link to obesity – but how much can industry do to mend its reputation?

Quorn manufacturer faces lawsuit

Quorn Foods is facing a class action lawsuit filed by an Arizona woman who claims the main ingredient in the company’s meat substitute products made her violently ill.

Olive fibre may replace fat in meat products

Fibre obtained from the waste of olive mills may mimic the effects of fat, and improve the product’s cooking properties, says a new study with low-fat potential.

News in brief

World’s biggest burger enters record books

A Michigan restaurant has entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the biggest burger ever sold, according to a Press Association report.

Weight Watchers sues Nestlé over trademark use

Weight Watchers International sued Nestlé on Wednesday, claiming that the world’s largest food company has misused its logo and points system to promote its own frozen foods brands, say newswire reports.

Cadbury confident despite Kraft bid

Cadbury has given a confident presentation of its stand-alone strategy in the midst of speculation that the company is unlikely to hold onto its independence following Kraft’s failed take-over bid.

New association urges industry to profit from ecological thinking

The food industry can clean up its image, benefit the environment, and become more profitable while doing so, says the founder of a new trade association, the Ecological Food Manufacturers Association (EFMA).

News in brief

Wild and Sunwin announce self-affirmed stevia GRAS

Wild Flavors and Sunwin International have announced self-affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status for their stevia-derived OnlySweet sweeteners.

Pilgrim’s Pride agrees to JBS takeover

US chicken processor Pilgrim’s Pride has agreed to sell a majority stake of the company to Brazilian meat giant JBS in a deal worth $800m.

Exclusive interview

Fructose in the firing line

In an exclusive interview with Caroline Scott-Thomas, professor of nutrition Dr Barry Popkin said that he was wrong to single out high fructose corn syrup as largely responsible for obesity. Now he’s taking on another contentious issue: Soda tax.

‘EcoSocial’ organic certification arrives in the US

Organic ingredients supplier Global Organics has introduced ‘EcoSocial’ certified organic cane sugar to North America – a certification that aims to incorporate environmental, social and economic criteria.

Successful dieters’ brains work differently, claims study

Scientists claim to have found a correlation between weight loss maintenance and brain activity when people see food, which could lead to new treatments to help people achieve long-term weight loss.

Merisant to exit bankruptcy

Tabletop sweetener company Merisant has announced that it will exit bankruptcy after it filed for Chapter 11 protection in January in order to strengthen its “financial health and long-term prospects.”

Chicken processors caught in cross-fire of US-China trade row

The US chicken processing industry has been caught in the fallout of a high-level trade dispute between Washington and Beijing that could damage its exports to China, a major industry body has said.

Education key to GM and irradiation acceptance: Report

Negative consumer attitudes towards biotechnology (GMOs) and irradiation could be improved through communication and education, a new report has concluded.

Meat additives not linked to brain tumours: Study

Intakes of nitrates and nitrites from processed meats, fruit and vegetables do not increase the incidence of brain tumours, says a new study from Imperial College London and Harvard.

Virginia Dare launches masking flavors for stevia

Virginia Dare has become the latest company to make a move in the competitive stevia market, launching a range of flavors to mask bitter, astringent notes.

Voluntary action on sodium not enough: Study

Governments should use regulation to reduce sodium consumption as the food industry is not doing enough, according to the authors of a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

New cranberry technology tackles tartness

A Wisconsin-based company claims it has developed a method to significantly reduce cranberry acidity without using chemicals or additives, which could lead to low- and no-sugar cranberry products.

Few Americans eat enough grains: Survey

Only four percent of Americans are getting their recommended six servings of grains a day, according to a survey from Harris Interactive commissioned by the Grain Foods Foundation (GFF).

Amino acids may cut acrylamide, boost flavour

Proline, an amino acid found in wheat flour, may reduce the formation of acrylamide by 80 per cent, suggests new research from the UK.

News in brief

Ecological Food Manufacturers Association seeks members

Helping food companies meet growing demands for foods and beverages that are safe, nutritious and ecological is the aim of the new Ecological Food Manufacturers Association (EFMA).

Comment

Bisphenol A: Hearts versus minds

Forget GMO and nanotechnology - the biggest food safety issue of our times is bisphenol A (BPA).

Cadbury slams Kraft bid and business model

Cadbury has labelled Kraft “a low growth conglomerate” in a letter restating its rejection of the food giant’s £10.2bn ($16.7bn) takeover bid.

MGP slims to focus on higher margin ingredients

MGP Ingredients has reported a slump in fourth quarter sales of over 50 percent after reducing production and cutting out unprofitable product lines.

Organic foods are now ‘mainstream’, says USDA

Organic food has entered the mainstream with strong growth in all sectors over the past decade, including packaged and prepared foods and beverages, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

USDA seeks to define ‘natural’

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has said it is seeking comments over the use of the claim ‘natural’ for meat and poultry products, in a move that could determine whether it should define the claim at all.

Slashing sodium could save $18bn in health care costs, says study

Reducing US sodium consumption to recommended levels could prevent 11 million cases of high blood pressure and save as much as $18bn a year in health care costs, according to a new study from RAND Health.

News in brief

IFF chairman and CEO resigns

International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) has announced that its chairman and chief executive officer Robert Amen has resigned, effective September 30.

Challenges and benefits of gluten-free labeling laws

Allergen labeling has come a long way, but a US study of food labels last month found that ambiguities are still prevalent. FoodNavigator-USA.com examines the current position on gluten-free labeling rules.

Valio expects to dominate US lactose-free market

Finland-based Valio is taking its lactose-free milk to the US with ambitious market share targets soon after an academic study hit out against the quality of lactose-free dairy products.

GM seeds threaten food supply, claim researchers

Modern seed companies are reducing crop diversity – and this could have serious consequences for food supply as the climate heats up, researchers claimed at the World Seed Conference in Rome this week.

Thousands of suppliers threatened by $300m Kraft cutbacks

Kraft Foods is slashing its supply chain costs by $300m - a decision that Leatherhead Food International predicts will dramatically affect suppliers and could result in casualties.

Resource scarcity poses major threat to food industry

Food and drink manufacturers face being exposed to higher and increasingly volatile prices within the next decade due to scarcity of natural resources, a new report has warned.

News in brief

DuPont test system receives approval for E.coli and Salmonella

DuPont Qualicon has said the approval of a system to detect both E.coli and Salmonella will save food companies time, as well as cutting inventory and storage costs.

French study says organic food is healthier

A new review from France has concluded that there are nutritional benefits to organic produce, on the basis of data compiled for the French food agency AFSSA. The conclusion opposes that of a UK study published last month.

Government report uncovers child labor trail in food

A new US Department of Labor (DOL) report has found that slavery and child labor are still common in the production of popular food ingredients like cocoa and sugar.

Pistachio recall prompts food safety revamp

The Californian pistachio industry has embarked on a comprehensive food safety review following the discovery of salmonella in nuts from Setton Pistachio earlier this year, says a senior industry official.

Global enzyme demand predicted to slow

Growth in global demand for enzymes used in food and beverage applications will slow over the next five years as key markets reach maturity, a new report has claimed.

News in brief

FDA and USDA launch joint food safety website

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) have launched a joint website in order to highlight the latest food safety and recall information to consumers.

Talking Point

Can a ‘fat tax’ on soda help beat obesity – your views

FoodNavigator-USA.com asked its readers for their views on whether taxing sugary soft drinks could help combat obesity after the Institute of Medicine became the latest institution to recommend the move.

Science rises to the gluten-free challenge

The increasing prevalence of coeliac disease is driving innovation, and the growth in the size of the market is boosting R&D investment, but the ideal gluten-free product is still not on supermarket shelves.

Smart Choices front-of-pack labeling under attack

The industry-led Smart Choices front-of-pack labeling scheme has come under attack from nutritionists in the mainstream press this week, but program representatives say the coverage distorts its aims.

Imperial Sugar expects rebuilt refinery to recoup custom

Imperial Sugar expects to recoup all lost custom once its Port Wentworth refinery returns to full capacity in the fall after an explosion put the plant out of action last February.

Chocolate cravings: Not due to hormones, says study

A woman’s craving for chocolate as she approaches the menopause is not down to hormones, but more a reaction to the stress and discomfort of the menopause, suggests new research.

Kraft defiant over Cadbury valuation

Kraft Foods has defended its valuation of the Cadbury business and insisted that it remains the most logical buyer for the UK confectionery manufacturer.

Time-starved working parents reach for convenience

Parents with poor working conditions are less likely to make healthy choices like preparing home-cooked meals and taking healthy food to work and more likely to rely on convenience options, says a pilot study.

France approves high Reb A stevia sweeteners

The French government has approved the use of stevia sweeteners with 97 per cent purity rebaudioside A (Reb A), officially opening up the first EU market for products containing the much-anticipated ingredient.

FDA imposes 24hr deadline on food safety reporting

Legislation has come into force requiring food companies to report potentially dangerous products to the FDA within 24 hours of discovery.

Eating cereal can reduce childhood obesity, study claims

Regular consumption of breakfast cereal can lower cholesterol and reduce obesity in children, according to new research.

News in brief

Pork industry gains $30m deal for nutrition programs

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has said that it will buy a further $30m worth of pork products this year for national food and nutrition programs following urging from industry.

Cost still an issue for Reb A, claims Rabobank

Cost issues remain for stevia-derived sweetener Reb A although annual sales are likely to reach $700m over the next five years, according to a new report on the US stevia market from Rabobank.

Comment

Acrylamide: The consumer health scare that isn’t

Consumers love to get their teeth into a good health scare. So how is it that acrylamide has slipped under the radar?

Exclusive interview

Is any publicity good publicity for food science?

The food industry has experienced a spate of attacks with books and films like Food Inc. and In Defense of Food making headlines recently – but could food science actually benefit from this negative press?

Crop forecast promises good walnut supply

Walnut users and growers are preparing to celebrate a good harvest, according to the California Walnut Commission (CWC), following the release of promising USDA crop estimates.

News in brief

National Enzyme Company launches traceability software

The National Enzyme Company (NEC) has introduced digital tracking that boosts product traceability and gels with US Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.

US shoppers choose local over organic

US consumers are far more likely to regularly buy locally grown fresh produce than organic, even at the same price, new research has discovered.

More pesticide residue allowed on citrus, rules EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has increased the tolerated level of pesticide residue for citrus fruits and oils, following a petition from Dow AgroSciences.

Current soda taxes don’t curb teen obesity: Study

Soda taxes would have to be “raised substantially” to have a major impact on adolescent weight, according to a new study analyzing the relationship between existing state taxes on soda and obesity rates.

Sugar plus vit C boost green tea’s health punch

Manufacturers of ready-to-drink green tea products should include both sucrose and vitamin C to enhance the health profile of their formulations, suggests a new study from Purdue.

Action on acrylamide: Interactive timeline

As the US, Canada and the EU are all revising their stance on suspected carcinogen acrylamide, we track the developments in research and legislation since 2002 with our exclusive interactive timeline.

Nearly a third of Americans ‘very or extremely’ worried about food safety

As a high profile food safety bill awaits consideration in the Senate, a new survey shows the number of Americans who are very or extremely concerned about food safety has remained constant since late 2007 – at about a third.

Consumers stay loyal to organic food

US shoppers are staying loyal to organic food even though the majority admit to having changed their cooking and eating habits because of the state of the economy.

Processed cheese growth keeps cheddar volumes steady

The volume of cheddar sold globally remains steady thanks the growing popularity of cheddar-based processed cheeses in emerging markets, according to a new market report.

Americans don’t know they’re unhealthy, says Mintel

Americans have an unrealistic perception of their health and are particularly unaware of their weight problems, according to a new survey from Mintel.

News in brief

Foods for kids: Read more, weigh less

Teaching children to read food labels and choose healthier options contributed to “significant” weight loss during a two-year government-funded study.

Talking point

Can a ‘fat tax’ on soda help beat obesity?

The controversial idea of taxing sugary soft drinks to combat obesity has been brought up again this week in a report from the Institute of Medicine. But is a soda tax fair? And can it do enough?

Consumers still skimping on food spend

Consumers are continuing to trim the cost of their food bill despite the first signs of recovery in world economies.

Iowans urgently want updated food laws: Survey

Ninety percent of Iowan voters would like more government oversight of the food supply, according to a new survey commissioned by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Nutrition will drive boom in baby foods market

Products with enhanced nutritional benefits and burgeoning demand from Asian countries are predicted to drive strong growth in the global baby food market.

Research shows US consumers ‘unaware of acrylamide’

The majority of US consumers are unaware of acrylamide even as major North American governments are taking action to deal with the suspected carcinogen, according to new consumer research.

News in brief

USDA seeks industry input on fruit and veg guidelines

The US Department of Agriculture has announced a public meeting to provide information and draft US positions to be discussed at the 15th Session of the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.

News in brief

FDA has no objection to GRAS for SweetLeaf stevia

Wisdom Natural Brands is the latest company to receive a no objection letter from the FDA over GRAS status of its stevia sweetener.

Canadians shunning meals in favor of convenience

Almost one in five Canadians skip their lunch break in favor of surfing the internet or working at their desk, says a new survey that supports the development of convenience foods.

Store brands match big names in blind tests

Private label foods matched and even beat their big brand rivals in blind head-to-head tests set by the magazine Consumer Reports.

American snacking on the up, says NPD

Americans are snacking more than ever and the trend is set to increase as ‘grab-and-go’ foods become more varied and easily available, according to new report from the NPD Group.

Tax soft drinks and snacks to fight childhood obesity, says IOM

The Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council have recommended taxing high-calorie, low-nutrient food and drink in order to combat childhood obesity, in a new report released on Tuesday.

Sucralose safety ‘scientifically sound’: Expert panel

Studies reporting that sucralose may be detrimental to gut health were “not scientifically rigorous”, and the totality of evidence supports the safety of the sweetener, an expert panel has concluded.

Humans, bees not at risk from heated HFCS, says CRA

Storage standards and temperature control for HFCS mean human health is not at risk from the formation of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), the Corn Refiners Association asserts, which also refutes suggestions that the toxin could be a factor in honeybee colony collapse disorder.

Climate change could devastate US crop yields: Study

Climate change could result in severe shortages of two of America’s most important grains, according to the authors of a new study published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Comment

Sugar and strife – not so nice if the price is not right

Sugar politics means high prices are a bitter pill for US and Indian sweet food and beverage makers; while the European industry is sitting pretty on the back of the recent sugar reforms.

Aurora Organic Dairy denies further allegations of malpractice

Aurora Organic Dairy has denied accusations by small-scale farm campaigning organization the Cornucopia Institute accusing it of selling milk that does not adhere to organic standards.

News in brief

Health Canada begins acrylamide monitoring

Health Canada has begun the first phase of its monitoring program for acrylamide content, following the chemical’s inclusion on the nation’s toxic substance list last week.

Illinois raises taxes on candy and soft drinks

Illinois consumers will start paying higher taxes on some soft drinks and candy today under new rules from the Illinois Department of Revenue.