Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - North America EU edition

Canada’s first organic preservative and disinfectant

Efficiency and environmental protection are the twin benefits claimed for what is said to be Canada’s first organic preservative and disinfectant for use with food products from food to table.

News in brief

Kellogg's reports rise in 3Q profits

Brand loyalty to its cereal and snack brands are some of the factors behind a growth in profit, claims cereal manufacturer Kellogg as it posted third quarter results.

Beneo-Orafti offers organic inulin for US market

Beneo-Orafti has launched a liquid organic fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) called L58, offering companies a prebiotic ingredient for the rapidly growing organic sector.

Health Canada completes allergen labeling review

Health Canada has completed a review of the country’s allergen labeling system and has said it will begin public consultations in November for mandatory labeling regulations.

Doctors resign over Coca-Cola funding

Nearly 20 doctors have resigned from the American Academy of Family Physicians after it accepted a grant from Coca-Cola to pay for education about the dietary role of beverages and sweeteners.

Inulin may offer low-sugar, tasty milk chocolate

Combining inulin with the bulking agent polydextrose may reduce the sugar and fat content of milk chocolate, without affecting consumer acceptance, suggests a new study.

Victorian Lemonade goes down badly with alcohol campaigners

A campaign to reclassify Fentimans Victorian Lemonade as “imitation liquor” in Maine has prompted a flood of consumer interest in the drink.

News in brief

IOM recommendations in line with Whole Grain Stamp

A recommendation from the Institute of Medicine for the clear labeling of foods’ whole grain content is in line with the Whole Grain Stamp program, say the scheme’s developers.

Gum blend serves up creamy salad dressings

TIC Gums has launched a new gum blend for use as a stabilizer in creamy salad dressings that it says provides good texture and mouthfeel – even in problematic bleu cheese dressings.

Government should urgently raise sugar quotas: Report

Food and agricultural consultancy Promar has added its voice to those calling on government to raise sugar import quotas, saying that uncertain supplies lock in high costs for manufacturers and consumers.

Study finds taste preference varies on age and gender

Girls tend to prefer sweet foods and fruit and vegetables, whereas boys like meat, fish and poultry, says new study in Ohio grade schools - but tastes were also seen to change with children’s ages.

Meat linked to increased diabetes risk: Meta-analysis

High intake of processed meat may increase the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by 40 per cent, according to a new meta-analysis from Norway and the US.

US government slammed on wood packaging plans

The US government should find out more about how serious a problem plant pests pose in wooden packaging before making potentially costly and damaging rule changes, said the American Meat Institute (AMI).

Obesity Society urged to dismiss soda tax

The Center for Consumer Freedom has urged attendees of the Obesity Society’s annual meeting to consider obesity a matter of personal responsibility rather than an issue to be regulated by government.

News in brief

Coca-Cola omega-3 superjuice can nourish brain (but not memory), says NAD

Coca-Cola-owned Minute Maid has been told to discontinue TV advertising that suggested an omega-3 DHA-fortified pomegranate and blueberry superjuice could give an immediate memory boost.

CT attorney general urges companies to drop Smart Choices logo

Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal has urged companies in the suspended Smart Choices labeling program to stop using the logo as soon as possible – at least until the FDA finalizes standards.

New quality claims edging out 'standard' organic and free-range

Newer food quality and ethical claims on foods are grabbing consumers’ attention away from more established claims like ‘organic’ and ‘free range’, says a new survey – but safety claims still come out top.

Maltodextrin boosts quality of gluten-free bread: Study

Formulating gluten-free bread with maltodextrin may beneficially impact on bread volume and boost crumb hardening during storage, says a new study from Poland.

Senomyx calorie-cutting sucrose enhancer gets FEMA GRAS

Senomyx has received notification from the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) that its new sucrose enhancing flavor ingredient is GRAS (generally regarded as safe).

News in brief

Beef recall on E.coli fears after 20 sickened

US company Crocetti's Oakdale Packing Co has recalled more than 1,000 lbs of beef patties after reports that more than 20 children were suffering from E.coli.

Corn Products content despite costs and volume drop

Higher corn costs, falling volumes and unfavourable currencies have taken their toll on Corn Products International’s Q3 compared with last year, but the company is cheered by its longer improvements.

Bioethics professor argues for meat tax

Heavy taxes on meat are needed to reduce consumption, thereby bringing multiple benefits for human health, animal welfare and the environment, argues a professor of bioethics from Princeton University.

Necco goes natural with wafer line

Increasing consumer interest in healthy eating ideals is the driver behind US confectionery maker Necco’s switch to natural colours and flavourings for its wafer candy.

News in brief

Unilever pulls out of Smart Choices Program

Unilever has said that it will phase out the Smart Choices logo following the FDA’s announcement that it is looking to develop a standardized front-of-pack labeling scheme.

Meat flavourings from brassica may offer veggie options

Enzyme treatment of Brassica proteins may give meat-like flavourings, allowing meat taste in vegetarian foods, suggests a new Chinese-Australian study.

Weekly comment

Tackling E.coli – legislation or self-regulation?

Everybody wants food to be safe - but the recent slugging match over how best to protect US consumers from E.coli-tainted meat highlights whether legislation or self-regulation is the answer to mending the country's flawed safety system.

Investors put price on Cadbury, Kraft deal - report

One of the leading investors in Cadbury has revealed he would consider a bid from Kraft if it were in the region of 820p per share, according to recent media reports.

News in brief

Packaging mix-up leads to ice cream recall

A limited number of Breyers ice cream tubs that may contain undeclared wheat are being recalled by makers Unilever in conjunction with the FDA.

Smart Choices labeling program suspended

The Smart Choices labeling program has been suspended just days after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it would examine whether front-of-pack nutrition claims are potentially misleading.

Study slams industry-regulated marketing of kids’ cereals

Industry regulation of which cereals are marketed to children allows the least healthy products to be advertised most aggressively, according to a study from Yale’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity.

Discount to combat private label, market researcher tells brands

Brand owners should offer incentives to woo consumer back from private labels, say market researchers, as shoppers indicate they will not revert to name brands after the recession.

FDA chief calls for stronger food safety bill

A bill to overhaul the food safety system needs to be stronger and incorporate more funding, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Margaret Hamburg told a Senate committee hearing on Thursday.

Five dairy servings a day can trigger weight loss, says study

New research suggests that increasing dairy consumption from three to five servings a day in the context of a reduced calorie diet can help fight obesity.

News in brief

Japanese links help Hilmar to dairy export award

Hilmar Ingredients has highlighted its Japanese trade links after being named 2009 Exporter of the Year by Dairy Foods Magazine.

MGP Ingredients forecasts ‘positive turnaround’

MGP Ingredients has said it expects a significant positive turnaround in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, as it hopes to exit a transition period toward value-added ingredients.

Deerland opens new lab for enzyme development

Deerland Enzymes has opened a new laboratory that gives it greater capabilities in R&D, quality assurance, application development and technical support – and a restricted area for working on top secret projects.

Meat test rule change would prevent most E.coli, Listeria recalls

More than 80 per cent of this year’s meat recalls for E.coli and listeria could have been avoided if US authorities made companies keep hold of tested products until safety officials had given them the all clear.

Study tests emulsifier vs. enzyme performance in bread

A new study has pitted use of a Datem enzyme against three generations of lipase enzymes, and found that action on bread volume is similar - but with some differences depending on fermentation times.

Ocean Spray extends Pepsi partnership beyond cranberry

PepsiCo and Ocean Spray have added more single-serve juices and juice drinks to their three year-old sales and distribution agreement.

News in brief

Why white wines work with fish

White wine makes a good accompaniment to fish dishes because it has low levels of iron, report Japanese scientists.

Health experts criticize Coca-Cola grant

Prominent health experts have written to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) urging it to return a grant from Coca-Cola to pay for education about the dietary role of beverages and sweeteners.

Changing dietary fats could reduce disease risk: Study

Consuming a diet rich in monounsaturated fats could lower the risk of metabolic syndrome – even without weight loss, says a new study.

High protein diet may make brain lighter: Animal study

Eating a high protein diet appears to make the brains of mice lighter, report researchers who hypothesise that this could make them more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease.

Pressure on Kraft as Cadbury upbeat on results

Cadbury’s upwardly revised revenue forecasts are a strong defence to the bid from Kraft, claim industry analysts.

News in brief

Online superstore offers greater gluten-free range

A new online store has opened in order to offer a greater range of gluten-free products to people suffering from celiac disease and gluten intolerance, the company said.

FDA to examine front of pack labeling claims

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will consider using its regulatory tools if front of pack nutrition labeling is not used in a common, credible way, it said in a letter to industry on Tuesday.

Rating foods on nutrition and cost

A nutrition rating system that takes into account cost as well has nutritional value has been developed by nutrition expert Dr Adam Drewnowski.

Lactose intolerance lower than thought: study

Lactose intolerance rates are much lower than previously thought with prevailing estimations as much as 400 percent greater than results derived in a new study sponsored by the National Dairy Council.

Coca-Cola shrinks cans to fight obesity

Coca-Cola has introduced a 90-calorie mini can - billed as a better way to help consumers manage their calories.

Senators propose country of origin labeling for dairy

Ohio’s Senator Sherrod Brown has introduced legislation in Congress that proposes extending country of origin labeling (COOL) to include dairy products.

Preschoolers’ diets mimic unhealthy adult eating

Many American preschoolers do not eat any fruit or vegetables in a given day and most eat too much sodium and saturated fat – a situation reminiscent of adult habits, according to Nestlé-sponsored research.

Dietitians warn on state of Canadians’ diets

Findings from a new survey on Canadian eating habits have caused dietitians to warn that the population’s nutritional health may be in peril, as many people reported eating none of the major food groups each day.

Kraft sale could help with Cadbury bid - report

Kraft may look to sell its brand Maxwell House to generate a higher offer to Cadbury, the world's second largest confectionery group, claim media reports.

News in brief

Peanut sales at near-record levels despite salmonella

USDA figures show that consumers bought near-record quantities of peanuts over the past year, despite a salmonella outbreak blamed for nine deaths and more than 700 illnesses.

Weekly comment

Branded Corn Flakes are great for branding

Will we all be waking up bleary-eyed to bowls of tattooed Corn Flakes any time soon? Probably not, but by suggesting that we could, Kellogg’s has hit on a winning marketing ploy.

News in brief

Beef tongues recalled on BSE risk

A US company has recalled around 33,000 pounds of beef tongues that may still contain specified risk material (SRM) that could cause mad cow disease.

Sen. Gillibrand proposes food safety overhaul

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has put forward a proposal for new federal food safety legislation to address ‘gaps’ in the inspection process and concentrate on contamination and disease prevention.

Mexican food hardly ethnic anymore, says Mintel

Mexican cuisine has become so mainstream in American food culture that it is hardly even considered ethnic anymore, says a new report. Now, Asian and Indian cuisine is driving the ethnic tastes.

Taste receptor for carbonation discovered, claim scientists

Scientists claim to have discovered the taste receptor for carbonation, saying that it is perceived in a similar way to sour flavors – and provide an explanation for fizzy drinks’ tingling sensation.

Benefits of salt reduction clear, despite brain claim

Public policy to reduce salt intake has clear health benefits, despite claims that intake is physiologically determined and cannot be controlled by policy, says a UK expert.

Special comment

Fat chance for action on World Food Day

‘Hunger down 50 per cent this year’, ‘Malnutrition eradicated in Africa’. Alas, dream headlines not gracing any newspapers this World Food Day. But if we hope to read them one day, governments, industry – and yes, individuals – need to stop thinking of their own interests first.

News in brief

USDA finalizes five-year food choice study

A five-year study on food choices and expenditures by US households will be conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced.

CT attorney general to investigate Smart Choices

The Connecticut attorney general has launched an investigation into the Smart Choices food labeling program, claiming that it is potentially misleading.

ConAgra promises to cut down on salt

ConAgra Foods has set an across the board salt reduction target of 20 percent by 2015 in response to growing consumer and public policy pressure.

US wheat industry underlines pro-GM wheat stance

Prominent North American wheat industry organizations met in Kansas City this week to discuss production challenges, including plans to commercialize genetically modified (GM) wheat.

Amaranth offers natural pigments for noodles: Study

Pigments from amaranth may boost the nutritional profile and colour of Asian noodles, without affecting the quality, says a new study from China.

US meat industry says beef safer than ever

US companies have made significant progress over the past decade in making meat safer but should not be obliged to publish inspection test results, said the head of a leading trade body this week.

News in brief

Campbell Soup Company named to Dow Jones Index

Campbell Soup Company has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) for the first time.

FDA and USDA should cooperate for import safety: Report

The federal government needs to take action to close gaps in the US food safety network, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

N2 launches multi-purpose gluten-free blend

Canada’s N2 Ingredients is rolling out a new gluten-free blend for use in a broad range of applications, claimed to advance the sensory properties of products for the booming market for foods for celiacs and other gluten avoiders.

PepsiCo launches stevia drink under natural health product rules

PepsiCo’s Aquafina Plus Vitamins 10 Cal has become the first mainstream stevia-sweetened beverage to be launched on the Canadian market by using natural health product rules, the company said.

CP Kelco innovation to give one-shot multi-layered desserts

A three layered dessert formulation from one processing stream that subsequently self-separates into layers has been developed by CP Kelco.

Danisco programme to make food for lowest earners

Danisco has launched a new programme to help manufacturers develop processed foods that are affordable by people on very low incomes, in some of the world’s poorest countries.

News in brief

Frutarom unveils symbolic new branding

Frutarom has launched a new branding image across its global operations, which aims to express its combined focus on health, innovation, creativity and excellence.

Lower phosphate and potash prices slash Cargill’s Q1 earnings

Cargill has reported a 65 percent drop in earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 from the same period last year, partly due to the company’s investment in phosphate and potash suppliers The Mosaic Company.

Stevia’s reputation still to build, says survey

Stevia sweeteners have already hit on the radar screens of one in three moms, a PureCircle survey indicates – but the next step from awareness is building a good impression.

New research examines the psychology of food choices

How food choices are presented may have more influence on consumers than they realize, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research.

News in brief

Vitaminwater Facebook flavor campaign enters stage three

Vitaminwater, a Coca-Cola owned company, has been running a three-step Facebook campaign designed to determine consumers’ tastes in order to launch a new flavor of its low-calorie, nutrient enhanced drink next spring.

Vegetarianism poses no bone health danger: Study

Consuming a vegetarian diet may result in slightly weaker bones, but not to a level that it becomes a clinical concern, says a new meta-analysis.

FDA launches a $17.5m boost to food and feed safety

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a $17.5m investment in food and feed safety standards encompassing federal, state, and local partners.

Lawsuits against Cheerios cholesterol claims combined

A federal court panel has ruled that five pending lawsuits against General Mills for claims about the purported cholesterol-lowering benefits of Cheerios will be consolidated into one multi-district case.

Food makers' opportunity to play 'hide the veg'

A new survey of tricks used to get kids to eat vegetables has highlighted once again the opportunities for food manufacturers to develop healthy products that appeal to youngsters.

GFF builds united front on gluten-free

The Grain Foods Foundation (GFF) has distributed information to food manufacturers and marketers to help them deal with media enquiries about gluten-free diets and foods.

Friendly bacteria may blunt fibre’s anti-nutrient actions

Formulating bread with Bifidobacterium strains may reduce levels of a compound in high-fibre bread thought to be behind fibre’s impairment of mineral absorption, says a new study from Spain.

Weekly comment

Soda tax: A lot of froth over freedom

Is taxing soda really an evil plan to curb your individual freedom? Conspiracy theories aside, perhaps it’s simply a sensible scheme to tackle obesity when personal choice has failed.

Kids’ soft drink habits predict teenage weight: Study

Five-year-olds’ consumption of sweetened beverages could give an indication of their weight status for the following ten years, according to a new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

News in brief

Probiotics market set to continue bullish growth

Despite a flurry of negative press about probiotics, the global market is predicted to continue its growth, with estimations for 2014 of $32.6 billion.

Scoular goes to China for cheaper, GM-free soy

Scoular has signed a distribution agreement with a Chinese manufacturer to secure a lower cost, non-GM supply of soy protein isolate for nutritional products and meats.

ADM opens Ghana cocoa plant

ADM has officially opened its new cocoa processing plant in Ghana, planned to boost its ability to provide cocoa products from a single source.

Northeast farmers accuse dairy firms of price fixing

A group of northeastern dairy farmers has filed a class action lawsuit against four milk marketing firms, accusing them of monopolizing the market and fixing prices.

News in brief

USDA grants $1.6m for organic trade research

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $1,666,000 to the Organic Trade Association (OTA) for projects that tackle trade issues for organic products.

Vegetable oil mix may substitute for pork fat in meats

Polyunsaturated-rich oils may replace pork fat in sausages, suggests a new Spanish-Colombian study with implications for healthier meat products.

Interactive forum tackles food’s biggest challenges

Food industry leaders met last week to develop ways to address food safety, childhood obesity, hunger, and agriculture in an interactive forum designed to boost economic opportunities and food safety in Michigan.

US agriculture head on breaking dairy boom and bust

Restructuring may be needed to break cycles of boom and bust in the dairy industry, said the US agriculture secretary this week, soon after Congress approved a $350m emergency aid package.

Still a fine line between cranberry supply and demand, says Ocean Spray

Supply and demand for its cranberry products continues to be a balancing act at Ocean Spray despite bringing extra acres on board, according to the company.

Investment to boost stevia supply from Paraguay

A new investment agreement between the US and Paraguay will encourage cultivation of stevia in the south of Paraguay, diversifying agriculture in the region – and supply for PureCircle.

News in brief

Meat partnership forged after E. coli testing agreement

Costco Wholesale Corporation has forged a partnership with food giant Tyson to buy its beef trimmings, after testing to confirm that they are free E. coli infection.

Red meat again linked to cancer risk: Study

Increased intakes of red meat may increase the risk of prostate cancer, with the meat’s heme iron content one of the possible culprits, says a new study from the US.

Canada asks WTO to settle US food origin labeling dispute

Canada has asked for the World Trade Organization (WTO) to settle its ongoing dispute with the US over country of origin labeling (COOL) rules.

Few Americans realize that heart disease risk starts in childhood

A new survey has found that while many Americans are concerned about heart disease, nearly two-thirds mistakenly believe that heart disease risk only begins in adulthood.

Latest BPA study “flawed” says American Chemistry Council

“Many limitations but no clear conclusions,” is the verdict of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) on the latest study claiming to link exposure to the chemical bisphenol A with risks to human health.

Seaweed harvest could yield new flavours and colours

One of Ireland’s natural resources - seaweed – could yield a range of new food ingredients, including colour, flavours and healthy compounds.

Healthy foods top CSPI’s risk list

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has released a list of the ten riskiest FDA-regulated foods, claiming that it should serve as a further call to overhaul the US food safety system.

USDA unites with FDA on new food safety rules

The US Department of Agriculture’s fresh produce chief has joined the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop new food safety rules, the departments announced in a statement on Monday.

Maple Leaf opens bakery and proteins innovation center

Maple Leaf Foods has opened a new C$12m (US$11.3m) innovation center in Ontario to concentrate on its bakery and protein businesses.

News in brief

Whole Grain Stamp marks milestone

The Whole Grain Stamp now appears on over 3000 products in 14 countries, according to the body that issues the Stamp, the Whole Grains Council.

Canada must amend its natural product regulations

Canada’s controversial Natural Health Products (NHP) Directorate must be amended if the Canadian functional foods market is not to face severe long-term regulatory restriction, according to a leading trade group there.

Boost vitamins with diet not pills, Harvard tells public

In light of the recent attacks on supplements both in the US and Europe, NutraIngredients-USA.com takes a look at the position of one of the most respected sources of nutritional advise for consumers: Harvard Medical School.

Fibre may replace trans-fats for snack formulations

Inulin can replace trans-fatty acids in snack food formulations, turning it into a healthy snack with good consumer acceptance, says a new study from Brazil.

Stevia-sweetened strawberries point to low-cal fruit potential

Replacing the sugar in strawberries with the natural sweetener stevia could lead to a new range of low-calorie dried fruit products, says a new study from the Americas.

Recession not driving ethical spending underground

Tighter purses are not turning consumers away from ethical shopping with interest in all things sustainable or humane thriving despite the recession, according to market researcher, Packaged Facts.

Weekly comment

Bad day at the EU health claims office

October 1 was not a good day for many in the functional foods and food supplements business in the European Union as the meaning of life under a highly restrictive health claims regime came more into focus.

Lecithin may boost fruit juice, sauce quality: Study

Formulating processed fruit and vegetable products with soy lecithin may enhance not only the physico-chemical properties, but also the nutritional profile, says a new study.

Study supports safety of ADM and Burcon’s canola protein isolate

A napin-rich canola protein isolate does not pose any safety concerns and is considered safe, according to a toxicology study from ADM and Burcon.

News in brief

Cellulase enzyme gets GRAS for beverages

The FDA has raised no objections to Florida-based Dyadic International’s GRAS application for it cellulase enzyme derived from a GM strain of its patented and proprietary C1 organism.

Groups unite to fight US obesity

About forty companies and partner organizations have united to battle obesity in the US – especially among children.

News in brief

Coca-Cola adopts front-of-pack energy labeling

Coca-Cola has said that it will add calorie counts to the front of drinks packaging in the US and Mexico, with energy information on “nearly all” its products by the end of 2011.

USDA report examines organic sector’s ‘revamped marketing’

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has compiled a report on the marketing of organic food, which it says aims to respond to a dearth of information on the fast-changing sector.

Enzymes could enhance oat-based gluten-free breads

Specific enzymes could lead to better quality oat-based bread for the burgeoning gluten-free market, says a new study from Ireland.

Weight management shifts from ‘food minus’ to ‘food plus’: Euromonitor

The market for foods and beverages that claim to address weight management is set for a shift in focus – from the omission of certain ‘bad’ ingredients to the addition of other ‘good’ ones, suggests Euromonitor.

Food insecurity increases US children’s risk of obesity, says study

New research from the American Dietetic Association has found a "paradoxical correlation" between obesity and food insecurity – defined as lack of access to food, or nutritionally adequate food – in young American children.

Defense plans needed to combat food terrorism

US food processors and manufacturers are being urged to implement defense plans to protect products from deliberate contamination by terrorists or disgruntled employees.

Nanotech research launched by US and EU

The US Government and the European Union have announced separate plans to launch studies into the possible health effects and business implications for nanotechnology.

Food prices could triple with climate change: Report

Food prices could more than triple by 2050 as the climate changes, according to a new report from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

New ad campaign to tackle ‘viral urban myths’ about HFCS

The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) has launched a new advertising campaign in an effort to dispel consumer misconceptions about high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

President Obama endorses US soda tax plan

President Barack Obama has lent his support for a soda tax which could benefit children’s health and the nation’s wealth, according to a new report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Burcon receives US patent allowance for protein isolate

Canadian firm Burcon has received a notice of allowance from the US Patent and Trademark Office for its Puratein canola protein isolate.