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Pressure group claims university ‘worryingly close’ to dairy industry

A row has erupted after Wageningen University rejected pressure group claims that its academics are “worryingly close” to the dairy industry, after the institution issued a press release that allegedly exaggerated research findings.

Yakult USA volumes ratchet up as it prepares to open first US plant

Japanese probiotic pioneer Yakult is now selling more than 118,000 bottles of its signature probiotic drink a day in the US (based on average sales Jan-June 2011) compared with 110,000 in mid-2010 and 90,000 in 2009.

Dispatches from the ADA conference 2011

Bazi launches bid to dominate new healthy energy shot market

The firm behind Bazi – an antioxidant-rich energy shot claimed to trump rivals in the nutrition stakes – reckons it could be a $100m brand in four to five years as consumers look for something that will give them more than a caffeine blast.

Bleaching flaxseed meal improves food ingredient uses: Study

Lightening the colour of protein rich flaxseed meal by bleaching it with hydrogen peroxide will improve the potential for using it as an ingredient in foods, say researchers.

FoodJobs: People on the Move

It's been a month of big moves in the food industry, as FoodNavigator-USA brings you this latest photo gallery round-up of executive appointments in the food manufacturing and ingredients sectors over the past month.

AHA revises Heart Check program criteria to include healthy fats

The American Heart Association (AHA) has revised its Heart Check Food Certification Program to allow the certification of more foods with healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as fish and nuts, the association has said.

Anticaking ingredients may help to degrade, not stabilise, powdered nutrients, suggests research

Instead of protecting certain nutrients from moisture, anti-caking agents in ingredient blends may in-fact accelerate the breakdown of beneficial compounds like vitamin C, say researchers.

More meat and poultry price rises likely, says Rabobank

US meat and poultry prices are likely to rise next year as domestic production enters a period of sharp decline, according to a new report from financial services provider Rabobank.

Dispatches from the ADA 2011 conference

Miller mulls first foray into finished goods with gluten-free range

One of the largest milling companies in the US is considering making its first foray into gluten-free finished goods after establishing a name for itself in the gluten-free flour and bakery mixes market.

American Dietetic Association's annual conference & expo as it happened

The American Dietetic Association's Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) in San Diego is over. The twittersphere was buzzing with news and personal insights: FoodNavigator-USA presents our pick of the tweets from the event.

Dispatches from the ADA 2011 conference

Are sugary drinks making us fat?

The row about the relationship between sugary drink consumption and spiraling obesity took center stage at the American Dietetic Association (ADA) conference this week with two academics going head to head on one of the most controversial areas of nutrition science.

Dispatches from the ADA 2011 conference

IFIC: We need to change the conversation on sodium reduction

The fact that most Americans still don’t know how much sodium they should eat, are unaware of how much they actually eat, or simply aren’t bothered either way, suggests communication strategies need an overhaul if the sodium reduction message is to get across, says the International Food Information Council (IFIC).

High prices take the shine off guar gum

There is no end in sight to the current guar gum shortage and record high prices for the hydrocolloid, which may prompt some manufacturers to consider reformulation, according to Euromonitor International.

Newly identified gum may have food potential

A new gum isolated from the roots of an Iranian plant could be used in food systems to improve foaming properties, according to new research.

Industry steams ahead with FOP labeling scheme days before IOM report is due

Food manufacturers have unveiled plans to pump $50m into promoting the Nutrition Keys front-of-pack (FOP) labeling scheme just days before the release of an independent report on the merits of a range of FOP schemes from the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

Dispatches from the ADA Conference 2011

Potassium and sodium targets are incompatible, warns academic

Further evidence that government healthy eating guidelines would benefit from a reality check was unveiled at the American Dietetic Association (ADA) annual conference in San Diego this week, where delegates were told that targets for potassium and sodium were “incompatible”.

Dispatches from ADA Conference 2011

Are we eating too much sodium? Who cares, say 59% of Americans

Surprising numbers of Americans feel satisfied that they are already doing everything they can to eat a healthy diet, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, according to the results of two consumer surveys unveiled at the American Dietetic Association (ADA) conference today.

‘Flavour tripping’ protein shows novelty sweetener potential – or does it?

New research unravelling the mechanisms behind the ‘flavour tripping’ effects of a rare fruit protein could help to develop novelty sweeteners, but experts are split on its long term applications.

Sugar prices kept artificially high, say US bakers and confectioners on reform path

Last week, hundreds of confectioners and bakers gathered on Capitol Hill, the meeting place of the US congress, to call for an end to the sugar price support programme, which they claim is keeping sugar prices artificially high and forcing food companies out of business.

Start-up woos ‘hormone-conscious’ consumers with estrogen-free soy

A Delaware-based firm that has patented a process to remove estrogen and other unwanted components from soy is in advanced negotiations with manufacturers of soy foods to license its technology.

Danisco puts clean-label preservative options firmly on the table

Objections to using natural preservatives based on efficacy are being taken ‘off the table’, says Danisco following the launch of its new natural anti-fungal blend.

Cargill flavours buy not transformational but good fit for Kerry, analyst

Kerry’s acquisition of Cargill’s flavour systems for €168m ($230m) is by no means transformational but will boost the Irish ingredient firm’s beverages and dairy flavours portfolio, claims an analyst.

Canadian energy drink ‘drug’ designation not in consumer interest, CBA

Tough new regulations concerning classifying energy drinks as 'stimulant drug containing drinks' in Canada are not in the interest of consumers, according to the Canadian Beverage Association (CBA).

Beetroot extract could provide natural replacement for carmine: Synthite

A newly developed natural food colouring made from beetroot extracts could be a solution to replacing carmine colours made from insects, according to ingredient producer Synthite.

News in brief

FDA makes $6.5m food safety grant

In a bid to optimise US food safety inspection results, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set aside a $6.5m grant to improve the current food safety system.

Energy shots special edition: Flash in the pan or the runaway success story of the decade?

Cynics said they would never catch on. Who would cough up $2.99 for a mouthful of caffeine, taurine and vitamins when you can enjoy a coffee and a snack - or a whole can of your favourite energy drink - for the same price?

News in brief

Cantaloupe Listeria death toll rises

The death toll for the cantaloupe linked listeria outbreak in America has risen to eight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Kerry Group to acquire Cargill's global flavors business

Ingredients, flavors and consumer foods giant Kerry Group has struck a $230m deal to acquire Cargill's global flavors business.

Ralcorp board faces class action lawsuit over refusal to engage with ConAgra

The row over Ralcorp’s refusal to engage with suitor ConAgra has escalated following the filing of a class action lawsuit alleging Ralcorp’s directors breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders by rebuffing ConAgra’s advances.

5-Hour Energy ramps up from seven to nine million bottles a week

5-Hour Energy is now selling nine million bottles of its energy shots a week compared with seven million last year, a 28% rise in volume, the firm has revealed.

Greek yogurt sales surge at General Mills as new capacity comes online

General Mills expects to see a sharp acceleration in Greek yogurt sales this year after bringing on new manufacturing capacity and ratcheting up advertising spend.

Multi-layer emulsions could provide flavour release solutions

Multi-layer emulsions can be used to control the release of flavours and aromas in food and drink products, according to new research from New Zealand.

Nutrient powerhouse baobab attracts cereals big gun

Baobab – the African superfruit packing an unparalleled nutritional punch – is being tested by a major player in the cereals sector and is set to feature in a clutch of new launches later this year from granola to chocolate covered fruit snacks.

ConAgra to pursue 'pipeline of alternatives' post failed Ralcorp bid

ConAgra has made an unsteady start to the financial year as unexpectedly high inflation and wheat market dynamics pushed profit down, despite rising sales.

PureCircle sales fall, awaiting EU stevia approval

PureCircle said that a “delay” in regulatory approval for stevia in the EU was a factor contributing to lower-than-expected sales for the year.

It’s crinchy, but is it flumpy? The evolution of Texicon, the language of texture from National Starch

National Starch’s mission to analyze texture as systematically as flavor in the product development process has moved into a new phase with the global roll-out of its Texicon food texture language across high and low moisture systems.

Campbell Soup’s innovation focus takes form with 35 new product launches

The Campbell Soup Company is launching 35 new products this fall with bolder flavors and new ingredient combinations, as the company addresses a 9% slump in soup sales.

New yogurt stabilisers address soaring gelatin prices: Cargill

Cargill has unveiled a new stabiliser system that it says will help dairy food manufacturers avoid the rising cost of gelatin in yogurt production.

News in brief

QualiTech gets BRC certification for processing facility

Minnesota’s QualiTech has received A certification of its food processing facility under the British Retail Consortium (BRC) standard, as the company builds its safety standards.

Grape and clove extracts may slash acrylamide: Study

Extracts from grape seeds or clove buds may prevent the formation of acrylamide in potato-based food products by over 60%, suggests a new study.

WHO to target trans fats and salt to curb ‘tide of non-communicable diseases’

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified trans fats and salt intake amongst its list of low-cost interventions to counter the rise of diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

FDA confirms Listeria on Jensen Farms cantaloupes and equipment

Listeria has been found in samples of cantaloupes and packaging equipment at Jensen Farms, the company linked to the deadly Listeria outbreak in the US.

North American demand for honey spurs purity certification offering

A market for Indian honey in the North American market has prompted Intertek to launch a honey certification service for manufacturers and exporters in India.

Danisco launches ‘cost-effective’ anti-fungal for bakery, beverages

A new complex of gamma-cyclodextrin and natamycin – a well-established anti-fungal food ingredient – may offer more cost-effective and process-friendly options for bakery and beverage products, according to Danisco USA.

Penford offers one-stop-shop for starch as it launchs new pregel line

Penford Food Ingredients has bolstered its stable of starches with a new range of specialty pregelatinized corn starches from waxy maize.

Americans embracing traditional Northern European flavors

The flavors of traditional Northern European cuisines are gaining influence in America, according to a new report from the Center for Culinary Development (CCD) and market research organization Packaged Facts.

Oyster mushroom may provide source of new natural flavours

Fermenting oyster mushrooms could produce natural ‘meaty’ flavour compounds that are not currently available on the market, according to new research.

Roquette takes collaboration to new level with multi-million dollar innovation center

Roquette has put its money where its mouth is when it comes to collaboration with the development of a multi-million-dollar innovation center in Geneva, Illinois, designed to strengthen relationships with customers.

White flesh fruits can cut stroke risk 52%: 10-year study

Consuming fruits with white flesh like apples and pears can reduce the risk of stroke, new research published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association has found.

New technology could produce pectin from orange peel waste

New microwave-based technology could allow the generation of valuable food ingredients from food and drink processing waste including thickening and gelling agents.

PureCircle introduces new stevia sweetener for deeper calorie reductions

Stevia supplier PureCircle has introduced a new stevia-derived sweetener, which it claims has fewer of the taste problems previously associated with stevia, allowing deeper calorie reductions in a wide range of products.

Solazyme/Roquette JV prepares for January 2012 launch of ‘unique’ algal flour

The first products to emerge from a joint venture (JV) between French food ingredients giant Roquette and Californian microalgae expert Solazyme will hit the market in January, its boss has revealed.

Sky-high sugar prices threaten US jobs, warn confectioners

Inflated US sugar prices are threatening jobs throughout the country’s confectionery industry, warned the National Confectioners Association (NCA) in a letter to the US Department of Agriculture.

Guest video

Food adulteration in the spotlight: ‘Science gone astray’

Why do people adulterate foods for economic gain? Which foods and ingredients are most at risk? And how is it possible to prevent adulterants from entering the food supply? This guest video from US Pharmacopeia attempts to address these questions.

Enzymes make gains in food and drink additives market

A new report shows enzymes, acidulants and hydrocolloids are the best performers in terms of global food and drink additive growth but preservatives and sweeteners are suffering due to the industry migration from artificial ingredients.

New corn fibre gum extraction process offers emulsion boost

A new process to isolate corn fibre gum and preserve more of its functional components may contribute to better emulsifying properties, say researchers.

Treehouse Foods: Private label innovation rates double in recession

Private label’s share of new food product launches almost doubled last year, with retailer brands accounting for 15.9% of new SKUs (stock keeping units) in 2010 compared with just 8.5% in 2009, according to Treehouse Foods.

Food safety concern falls as foodborne illness rises: Survey

The number of Americans who are concerned about food safety has declined over the past year – despite an increase in cases of foodborne illness, according to a Thomson Reuters-NPR Health survey.

McCormick’s Hispanic sales rocket as firm launches mission to ‘save the world from boring food’

Seasonings and spices giant McCormick has seen sales of its Hispanic products in the US surge by 50% since 2005 as it has stepped up marketing and innovation efforts.

US Government study casts significant doubts over bisphenol A threat

Humans are so efficient at ridding the body of bisphenol A (BPA) that bioactive levels of the chemical left in the blood for absorption are undetectable, according to research from a host of US Government agencies.

Nestlé battles Kraft to retain global hot drink dominance

Despite its status as the world’s largest hot drinks manufacturer, Nestlé faces a tough battle for global dominance with Kraft in coffee due to the rising popularity of fresh coffee, according to Euromonitor International.

Frutarom enters US savory flavors market with latest acquisition

Israeli flavor firm Frutarom has agreed to acquire Cincinnati, Ohio-based Flavor Systems International for up to $45.3m, the company has said.

Wild Flavors to acquire mint specialist A.M. Todd

Wild Flavors has said it will acquire certain assets of natural mint flavor specialist A.M. Todd Group to allow it to expand into new markets and better respond to its customers’ demands.

News in brief

Naturex gets BRC certification for NJ facility

French botanical supplier Naturex has achieved BRC certification for its New Jersey facility, displaying high quality assurance standards.

Beauty and the feast: Taking the risk out of beauty-from-within

One of the best-known names in the nutrition/energy bar market is trying its luck in the beauty-from-within market with the launch of a new bar laced with lutein for healthy skin.

Campbell settles lawsuit over low sodium label claims

The Campbell Soup Company has settled a lawsuit for $1.05m, in which four New Jersey women claimed that the company’s ‘less sodium’ claim on tomato soup was misleading.

‘Highly confident’ ConAgra to Ralcorp: Our $94/share offer stands until Monday

ConAgra Foods has called on Ralcorp to look again at its $94-a-share takeover offer after talking to shareholders at the private label giant who believe their board acted too hastily in rejecting ConAgra's advances.

News in brief

Judge dismisses Hormel lawsuit over ‘natural’ labels

A federal judge has dismissed Hormel Foods’ claim that meat products containing sodium lactate or potassium lactate are misbranded as ‘natural’, because the USDA has not issued a final agency action, according to court papers.

Food type has effect on allergen activity, suggests research

The type of food matrix an allergen is contained in may have important effects on the way it is digested and absorbed by the body, and should be considered when determining allergenicity levels, says new research.

Hain Celestial breaks new ground in dairy-free with almond milk yogurt

Hain Celestial is planning to break new ground in the dairy alternatives sector with the introduction of an almond milk-based yogurt, its chief executive has revealed.

IFT to lead FDA product tracing pilot studies

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has said it will lead two pilot studies for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to identify the fastest methods for product tracing, as required under the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Red Bull accuses Canadian rival of trademark infringement

Energy drinks giant Red Bull has accused Canadian firm Bullseye Beverages Ltd of infringing Red Bull trademarks and misleading consumers with its Bullseye Energy Drink.

Fat reduction does not affect food liking in children, suggests research

Manipulating the amount of fat in children’s foods could help to reduce energy consumption without reducing taste preferences or liking, according to new research.

Sara Lee seeks new boss for North American business

Sara Lee is seeking a new boss for its North American business following the resignation of North America chief executive CJ Fraleigh.

Food makers beginning to pass on commodity costs, says Purdue economist

Food manufacturers are beginning to pass on rising commodity costs to consumers, meaning higher grocery prices for the rest of this year and into 2012, according to a Purdue University agricultural economist.

Legal firm launches probe as Ralcorp rebuffs ConAgra’s advances

A legal firm specializing in shareholder litigation has launched an investigation to determine whether Ralcorp has acted in its shareholders’ best interests by rejecting a recent $94 a share cash offer from ConAgra.

US research agreement probes ‘next generation’ dairy ingredients

Cornell University and the Dairy Research Institute have agreed a dairy research partnership with the Northeast Dairy Foods Research Center to help "strengthen the US dairy industry and dairy innovation pipeline".

News in brief

Daily dark chocolate snack doesn't rule out weight loss, study

Dieters can still achieve weight-loss by consuming a daily dark chocolate or "non-chocolate snack" within the context of a low-calorie, nutrient-dense diet, according to a study in the Journal of the American Dietic Association.

Researchers develop ‘green’ extraction method for grape-waste antioxidants

A team of US researchers have developed an environmentally friendly way to extract the powerful antioxidants found in grape waste products.

Kellogg: We lost our momentum… But we’re in better shape now

Cereals and snacks giant Kellogg took its eye off the ball in 2009/10 but is now firing on all cylinders again, says its chief executive.

New Kraft companies ‘well-positioned to outperform’ rivals, says Rosenfeld

Kraft Foods’ CEO Irene Rosenfeld defended the company’s decision to split into two separate entities during a presentation at the Barclay’s Back-to-School Consumer Conference in Boston on Wednesday, saying that both companies will have the scale to succeed.

Senate bill could provide extra $50m FDA funding

The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved an extra $50m of funding for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012 – the only non-security agency to receive increased funding under the appropriations bill.

Researchers agree on lab grown meat plans

An international group of scientists has taken a step closer to its goal of producing cultured meat by agreeing on important common positions about how to bring the research forward.

Herbalife claims almost a third of global meal replacement shake market

Herbalife’s share of the global meal replacement shake category has more than doubled from 12% in 2003 to 30%+ today driven by the success of its daily consumption model, the direct selling giant has revealed.

National Starch sheds new light on role of texture in consumer liking

A groundbreaking project integrating consumer research with sensory descriptive analysis on yogurts has shed new light on the role texture plays in driving consumer liking, according to National Starch.

Law professors: Kids marketing proposals do not violate First Amendment

An Interagency Working Group’s recommendations for limiting food industry advertising to children do not violate First Amendment rights, according to an advocacy group of law professors in a letter to federal agencies.

If at first you don't succeed... Could it be 3rd time lucky for PepsiCo in mid-cal beverage market?

Early feedback from trials of Pepsi Next - PepsiCo’s third attempt to create a successful mid-calorie cola - has been “very favorable”, bosses have revealed.

Is ‘taciturn’ Ralcorp acting in its shareholders’ best interests?

It may well be that Ralcorp was right to spurn ConAgra’s latest $94/share takeover offer. But its failure to explain why is troubling, according to corporate governance expert ISS Governance.

MGP Ingredients attributes Q4 loss to ‘extreme corn price volatility’

MGP Ingredients has reported a net loss of $10.26m in the fourth quarter, which the company has attributed to extreme corn price volatility.

Mizkan introduces restaurant-inspired honey and fig balsamic vinegar ingredients

Mizkan Americas has added two new flavors to its balsamic vinegar range for food manufacturers, which it says are inspired by trends in the culinary world.

Red wine in moderation may lead to weight loss: study

Light consumption of red wine in particular may protect against weight gain, according to a recently published review study from Spanish academics at the University of Navarra.

Marine, but not plant, omega-3s may boost heart health for women: Study

Long chain omega-3s from marine sources may reduce the risk of heart disease, but alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from plant sources offered no such benefits, says a new study from Denmark.

Néstle Waters hit with $50m class action

Néstle Waters is the subject of a $50m class action, filed by a US customer who has accused the drinks giant of an 'oppressive and fraudulent scheme' regarding late payment fees, in a complaint filed with New Jersey Federal Court.

Analyst: Campbell must invest in its brands if it is to right its ship

Analysts have welcomed Campbell Soup’s new focus on innovation and brand building to reverse its flagging fortunes in the soup fixture, but warned it could take time before the strategy delivers tangible results.

Research may offer new method for umami flavour identification

A new identification technique based on liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) can be used to identify and quantify umami enhancing compounds in foods, according to new research.

Imperial Sugar secures monk fruit supply deal for sweetener blends

Imperial Sugar Company has signed an agreement with Amax NutraSource for the supply of monk fruit extract, a fruit-derived zero-calorie sweetener that achieved FDA GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status in February last year.

New fructose enhancers promise ‘significant amplification’ of sweet taste in HFCS

San-Diego-based flavor innovator Senomyx has started taste tests on novel fructose enhancers that could help amplify the sweet taste of fructose, a key component in high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

News in brief

Caravan introduces tortilla base for extended shelf life

Caravan Ingredients has developed a new base for soft white tortillas with a long shelf life, the company has said.

CSPI says Del Monte lawsuit could have ‘chilling’ effect on food safety

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has attacked a lawsuit filed by Del Monte against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), saying it could have a chilling effect on the willingness of health officials to recall potentially lethal foods.

Study maps how tastes are coded in brain

Different tastes are sensed by a unique set of neurons in distinct areas of the brain, reveals new research in mice.

Dannon opens R&D center to speed yogurt innovation process

Dannon has opened a new $9m research and development center at its White Plains, NY headquarters, in order to improve collaboration between departments and bring new products to market more quickly.

Interview: Mark Gottsacker, president, Global Bottling Partners

Smoothly does it. The secret to success in protein beverages

Protein beverages can have mass market appeal if firms get the formulation right, keep calories down and refocus marketing efforts on the people that are actually drinking their products, rather than the people they think are drinking them, according to one recent market entrant.

TCI predicts healthy future for high-stearic, high-oleic sunflower oil as it opens new biorefinery

Specialty oilseed firm Technology Crops International (TCI) is looking to boost its presence in the food and dietary supplements markets after opening a state-of-the-art biorefinery on Prince Edward Island, Canada.

News in brief

Fewer than one in five Americans test burger temperature: AMI survey

Only 19 percent of Americans who cook burger meats use a thermometer to ensure they are safely cooked, according to a new poll commissioned by the American Meat Institute (AMI).

Industry commends US Codex reps’ support of science-based standards

A group of industry and agriculture organizations has commended US representatives attending Codex committee meetings over the past year for their leadership and support of science-based standards.

Organic tomato juice more ‘nutritious’ than conventional juice?

Juice from organically grown tomatoes contains higher levels of bioactive polyphenols than juice made from conventionally grown tomatoes, says a new study.

Solae raises prices by 8% - but says soy still ‘stable choice’ for food manufacturers

Soy “continues to be a more stable choice for food companies” than dairy or meat protein, a leading soy ingredients supplier has insisted after raising prices for the second time this year.

Fine filtered milk gets thumbs up in test market

Initial feedback from a trial in Ohio suggests milk fine filtered to remove ‘impurities’ could be a big hit with US consumers, claims Dean Foods subsidiary WhiteWave Foods.

Study questions ‘calories in, calories out’ equation for body weight

The equation for energy balance and its relationship to body weight may not be as simple as ‘calories in versus calories out’, according to a Lancet paper in the journal’s special series on obesity.

Half of Americans drink sugary beverages daily, says CDC

Almost half of the U.S. population indulge in sugary drinks on a daily basis, according to a new report from the CDC.

Stevia market share to explode in 2011, says report

Use of stevia is predicted to rise at an astonishing rate this year, taking the natural sweetener's share of the total US sugars and sweeteners market from 1.8% in 2010 to 9.1% in 2011, according to Packaged Facts.

Insect develops resistance to Monsanto’s GM corn

Western corn rootworms have been consuming genetically modified (GM) crops that have been developed to be resistant to them, raising questions about the longevity of some GM traits, according to a study in the online journal PloS One.