FDA pressed for tighter salt restrictions

Health organizations called for stricter regulations on salt and sodium content in food at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) public meeting held yesterday.

Obesity levels have not risen, study finds

Obesity rates did not rise last year for the first time in 25 years, a study has said, but are still too high and will continue to dominate public health agenda.

Confectioners face health and indulgence challenges

The seemingly opposing trends of health and indulgence will dominate the confectionery market over the next few years, and manufacturers who do not target both risk losing market share, says...

Whirlwind around stevia could also include DNA protection

Stevia, the natural sweetener causing a whirlwind of interest around the globe, could also be a rich source of antioxidants and may protect against DNA damage and cancer, says a...

Antioxidant chestnut extracts to preserve foods

Tapping into the ever-growing search for natural antioxidants to prolong the shelf-life of foods, researchers from Portugal report that the leaves, flowers, and skins of chestnuts could be added to...

Tate & Lyle invests in flavor firm Allylix

Fine chemicals firm Allylix is to get more than $3m worth of investment by a team of companies including Tate & Lyle Ventures to produce cost effective plant extracts called...

Natural provokes growth in gourmet foods

Natural and gourmet are two leading trends in the US food and beverage market - and they look to be joining forces to stimulate even greater growth, according to Packaged...

SunOpta expands with acquisition of Tradin Organic

The acquisition of Tradin Organic Agriculture by fast-expanding SunOpta will enable it to extend its current organic programs while adding new sourcing projects worldwide.

Chocolate giants face Canadian price fix enquiry

Cadbury, Mars and a number of other leading global confectioners are under investigation in Canada over allegations of price fixing in the country, press reports have said.

Grape-seed extract gives natural meat preservative

An extract from grape seeds could offer a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives for processed meat, according to research from the US.

Fresh, super and organic top trends for 2008

The top 10 trends to watch for next year include fresh and organic, superfruits, bold flavors, and probiotics beyond yogurts, according to Datamonitor's Productscan database.

Symrise makes sugar-free flavor system for confectionery

Symrise has developed a sugarless version of its Evoglass flavor encapsulation technology, catering to growth in the sugar-free confectionery and packaged foods market.

Science needed to justify omega-3 nutrient claims, says GOED

The Global Organization for EPA and DHA omega-3s (GOED) is urging FDA to review the clinical science on the fatty acids so as to make an authoritative statement on recommended...

Whole grains may reduce pancreatic cancer risk

A diet rich in whole grains and fibre may cut the risk of pancreatic cancer by up to 40 per cent, according to a new scientific report.

Trans fats blocked from heart healthy products

The American Heart Association (AHA) has updated its heart healthy food stamp to ensure certified products have a low trans fat content and are in line with its consumer education...

Exclusive interview

The inventor of omega-3

It all started with a trip to Greenland in 1970. Three Danes, a couple of dogsleds, and several years of study later and the omega-3 was born. Since then, awareness...

Herb blend sold as sodium benzoate alternative

A blend of native Australian herbs with synergistic preservative qualities could prove a natural alternative to sodium benzoate in beverages, claims its inventor.

Sucrose, fructose link to pancreatic cancer, study

High intakes of sucrose and fructose may contribute to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, suggest data from a cohort study, but the researchers say insulin resistance could also play...

FDA hearing to examine salt reduction

The US government will this week re-examine its position on salt, a move that could ultimately lead to new regulations and limits governing the use of the compound.

Obesity linked to bad bones, study

The list of health problems associated with obesity continues to grow, with a new study linking excess body fat with poor bone health.

Weekly comment

Why all the fuss about stevia?

Over the past half year, stevia has been the focus of attention as the search for a perfect natural sweetener continues. But why are the birds circling when the ingredient...

Bean breeding could lower costs, says ARS

New varieties of common beans could result in increased yields and lower costs, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Consumer demand for cranberries fuels shortage fears

Ocean Spray has played down fears of a shortage in cranberries due to bad weather - and has said the harvest has been virtually the same as last year.

Aromatech kicks off US flavor subsidiary

French flavor firm Aromatech has started operations at its new US subsidiary, which the company believes will allow it better access to its customer base in the country.

Acrylamide may increase female cancer risks

Increased dietary intakes of acrylamide could raise the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer by 29 and 78 per cent, respectively, says a new study.

Cereal makers missing emerging market boon

A large number of global breakfast cereal manufacturers are failing to take advantage of the potential for their products in markets such as Eastern Europe and Asia, according to consumer...

Chocolatiers face further cocoa market confusion

A strong increase in cocoa supply from the Ivory Coast has failed to put an end to market uncertainty over the price of the commodity, says the International Cocoa Organization...

Smithfield rejects cloned pork

Smithfield Foods, a leading US pork firm, has said it will not produce pork from cloned animals because the technology is still too new.

CFSAN directors change as food safety focus tightens

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has appointed a new interim director for its Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), to keep up strong leadership at a...

Enzymes to extend pea protein potential: study

Enzymatic modification of pea protein isolates may open up the up-and-coming ingredient to new applications, suggests new research from Canada.

Olive, grape extracts keep bugs at bay to keep food on the shelf

Natural extracts from olive and grape showed better anti-microbial activity against a bacteria and yeast than three synthetic antioxidants, showing their potential as food preservatives, says a new study.

CHS reports 'record' 2007 profits

Grains company CHS has reported strong results for its 2007 fiscal year, on the back of a good performance throughout all segments of its operations.

Nestle, Bunge, Danisco join sustainability reporting group

Nestlé, Bunge, Danisco, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Tyson Foods are the first food processors to join a programme to develop global reporting standards on sustainability projects in the sector.

Cargill steps up Brazilian chocolate production

US ingredients company Cargill today said it will increase cocoa product operations at the Sao Paulo plant in Brazil, as rising incomes in the country push up local demand for...

Dairy industry cautious about proposed nutrition symbols

The US dairy industry has called on the nation's regulator to keep any new nutrition symbol programs both voluntary and flexible for manufacturers.

Enzyme-modified canola protein could improve gelling

Enzymatic modification of protein from canola could enhance the gelling properties of the canola protein isolate, and boost its potential as a food ingredient, suggests a new study from Canada.

Functional magnolia gum could sweeten breath

Extracts from the bark of the magnolia plant formulated in mints and gums can effectively tackle dental bacteria, suggests a new study from the Wm Wrigley Jr. company.

Oregano, rosemary extracts promise omega-3 preservation

Extracts from oregano and rosemary could extend the shelf-life of omega-3-rich fish oil, suggests new research from the US.

FDA funds anti food terrorism efforts

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday announced it is pumping more funds into securing the safety of the nation's food supply.

Rising corn prices are actually falling, states corn industry

Americans are paying proportionally less than any other nation for food, which the corn industry claims is largely a result of efforts to ensure abundant supplies of the crop.

Seasonal sales secrets from GMA

Seasonal flavors, special packaging and convenience are the three core factors expected to help food and beverage manufacturers boost seasonal sales, according to new research.

Weekly comment

Are trade shows relevant?

The new crop of business cards yielded by another trade show season have been duly filed away. But the big question remains. Were the three days at FIE followed, for...

Meal kits need health to boost falling sales, says Mintel

Meal kits have failed to follow the evolving trends in the marketplace over the past five years, resulting in "lackluster" products and declining sales, says Mintel.

CP Kelco offers solutions for health and wellness trend

The rise in health and wellness, a 'sea of change' in the food industry, is creating challenges for formulators, but hydrocolloid companies can offer solutions, says CP Kelco.

Next generation antioxidant assay takes testing inside cells

Antioxidant testing of nutrients has taken a leap forward as Cornell University scientists report a new assay that moves the quantification of antioxidant activity from the test tube to measuring...

FDA appoints leaders for product innovation, safety group

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has created the board of its new Reagan-Udall Foundation, taking the agency one step closer to its goal of enhancing the development and...

Whey protein sees demand from functional drinks

The whey protein industry looks set to profit from the functional beverage trend as manufacturers say they have seen a surge in demand for their ingredients.

Wal-Mart sustainability programme faces criticism

Wal-Mart's sustainability programme, which is forcing manufacturers worldwide to reduce their environmental impact, has come under heavy criticism from a coalition of international labour and civic organisations for being "unsustainable"....

Groups attack California veto cloned food labeling

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision to veto a bill that would have required the labeling of foods from cloned animals has attracted fierce opposition from consumer groups.

California fire figures reveal total avocado damage

Last month's wildfires in Southern California have caused $47m in agricultural losses, with avocados suffering the hardest hits, according to estimates released this week.

Banana skins could offer cheap pectin from waste

Tapping into the trend for alternative sources of pectin, researchers based in Belgium and Cameroon, have reported that pectin from banana skin could find application as a gelling agent.

US firm claims cheap, industrial stevia production

Blue California claims to have developed an economical industrial production process for the 'natural sweetener' stevia, which promises lower prices for manufacturers.

Nutrinova settles Ace-K suit with DMH

Ingredient firm Nutrinova has settled another patent infringement case related to its acesulfame K product, solidifying its position in the US sweetener market.

Kraft to sell Post Cereals to Ralcorp

Food giant Kraft Foods today announced a demerger of its Post Cereal brand to Ralcorp Holdings for $2.6bn of stock and cash, as part of the company's strategy to concentrate...

Veg made tasty with new extrusion technique, says ARS

Researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service (ARS) claim to have stabilized a process of using extrusion technology to make healthy and tasty snacks out of legumes.

Scientists develop prebiotic, low-fat sausages

Inulin, the prebiotic fibre associated with improved gut and bone health, can be used as a fat replacer in sausages to cut energy by over 20 per cent without affecting...

Organic undersupply stunts market growth, OTA

Unreliable organic supplies are stunting the growth of over half of US organic food manufacturers, according to a new report by the nation's industry association.

Citrus boosts tea's antioxidant punch - study

Combining citrus juice or vitamin C with green tea or its extracts could increase the absorption of antioxidants from the tea up to 13-fold, suggests new research.

China and India see rise in demand for kosher certs

Given that Judaism is far from prevalent in either China or India, it may come as a surprise that these are the largest growth areas for kosher certifiers.

Kefir grain sugars eyed as healthy gelling agent

A polysaccharide from kefir grains, kefiran, is able to form gels after freeze-drying and may offer a novel gelling agent for industry, suggests new research from Argentina.

Cloned foods approach shelves, opposition increases

Foods from cloned animals could enter the US food supply by the end of the year, despite calls for further review of the long-term risks of such products.

Nitrite, nitrate-rich foods may not be so bad after all

Nitrites and nitrates, much maligned additives in processed and cured meats, may help heart attack survival and recovery, suggests a new mice study from the US.

Organic becomes mainstream, says Mintel

The organic food market in the US has received a strong push from recent health and food safety concerns, according to a new report by Mintel.

Falling soy sales call for awareness efforts, Mintel

A significant number of American consumers have never thought of buying soy products, suggesting there is space for a major awareness campaign to help boost flagging sales, says Mintel.

Monsanto expects profits to double by 2012

Biotechnology giant Monsanto has said it expects to double its profit over the next five years, on the back of the firm's hopes for new platforms it plans to implement.

China food safety event targets global collaboration

Food safety will be the focus of a forum set to take place in China later this month, which will aim to coordinate global safety efforts and improve international trade.

Black cohosh stops breast cancer growth in the lab

Extracts from black cohosh may stop breast cancer cells in their tracks, suggests a new laboratory study involving scientists from French botanicals supplier Naturex.

Whole grains event highlights growing awareness

Whole grains were in the spotlight last week, as food industry executives, scientists and health professionals gathered in Kansas City to examine the growth and the potential of the healthy...

Consumers look to heal through functional foods

US consumers are increasingly consuming functional products with the intention of preventing or treating disease, the Natural Marketing Institute's (NMI) Steve French told SupplySide West attendees last week.

Nestle uses physics to explain complex food interactions

Scientists from Nestle and the University of California have developed a model which could help explain the texture as well the transport of flavours and nutrients in foods.

Chiquita confident despite profit fall

Struggling banana supplier Chiquita again saw profits plunge in its latest quarter, although a modest improvement from last year has prompted the firm to remain upbeat.

Shelf life of food extended to 21 weeks, claims manufacturer

France-based Rosas claims it has patented technology that can extend the shelf life of food from 21 days to 21 weeks whilst saving on packaging materials.

Nutrient labeling could see major overhaul

Nutrition facts labels on food and beverage products in the US could be set for a revamp, with the nation's regulator announcing this week that it is considering revising reference...

Mastertaste launches novel nutrient-rich flavor

New Jersey-based Mastertaste used SupplySide West to formally launch its new NutraFlavor range, designed to provide intense fruit flavor and pack a nutrient-rich punch.

Fruit anitioxidants develop with ripeness

Compounds in ripe fruit have been found to be highly active antioxidants, making them a potential source of health-promoting ingredients.

Food on agenda for US-EU trade talks

The first meeting of the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC) takes place in Washington this week, with the freeing up of the food trade on the cards.

Frozen snack market needs warming up, report

Makers of frozen snacks need to focus on health and innovation in order to boost slowing sales, according to a new report by Mintel.

Mouse brain imaging helps understand appetite

A new imaging technique that shows increased neuron activity in mice's brains when they are hungry could be a key to understanding appetite, satiety, and why some people become obese.

US revamps food safety strategies

The US government this week announced wide sweeping plans to improve the safety of the nation's food supply, with measures including more stringent inspections, stronger penalties and mandatory recalls.

Cereal prices set to stay high, says FAO

Production problems and low world stocks will keep global cereal prices high this year, according to a new report, suggesting that the food industry's struggle to maintain margins will not...

Pomegranate hailed king of the exotic fruits

Pomegranate, known as the royal fruit because of the 'crown' on top, is also the shining light for how to capitalise on consumers' growing interest in exotic fruits and ensure...

ADM profits rise on higher selling prices

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) today reported strong first quarter earnings, boosted by higher selling prices for its products, including sweeteners and starches.

Canadian food firms see sales decline, says report

Sales of Canadian food manufacturers have declined "fairly dramatically" in the first two quarters of this year, according to a recently released financial review of the food industry.

Soy could help reduce fat gene

The soy compound lunasin has been shown to inhibit the expression of a gene responsible for internal cholesterol production, Soy Labs' scientists have said.

New tool predicts sweet corn quality

Researchers in the US have developed what claims to be the first tool that can predict the timing, quality and weight of sweet corn crops, a move that is expected...

Weekly comment

Meat, cancer and credibility

The big 'Cs' got the meat industry in trouble last week - cancer and credibility.

Folic acid linked to higher cancer rates

More warnings against fortifying flour with folic acid have emerged, following evidence that this could lead to increased cancer rates.

PepsiCo announces three-way split

PepsiCo today announced it will split its operations into three separate units in a move to better harness the growth of its snack and beverage businesses.

New natural HI sweetener could rival aspartame, sucralose

A new plant-derived high intensity sweetener is set to hit the market worldwide, emerging as what could be the first natural sweetener to rival artificial counterparts such as aspartame and...

Tea sales grow on health claims, says report

The US market for tea is expected to double over the next five years, boosted by a growing interest in wellness, says a new report by Packaged Facts.

Danisco starts Dulcaden roll-out with Brazilian bakery

European ingredients firm Danisco is introducing a new range of lactitol-based sweeteners for bakery products in the Brazilian market - a strategic decision that indicates an on-going commitment to milk-derived...

Low-income families do not eat enough fruit & veg

The Journal of the American Dietetic Association is this month addressing various aspects of poverty and nutrition - in particular the relationship between income and fruit and vegetable consumption.

Red and processed meats increase cancer risk, says study

Diet and cancer are directly linked, with alcohol and red and processed meats posing particular risks, according to the World Cancer Research Fund's (WCRF) study released this week.

Flavors drive quarter growth for IFF again

New Jersey-based International Flavors and Fragrances has reported a strong increase in its third quarter sales driven by its flavors division, but profits are hit by administration charges.

Scientists breed brassicas to withstand turnip mosaic

A team of scientists from the UK has found a new way to breed brassica vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage and oilseed rape, that they say gives them protection against...