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Krill conflict could threaten omega-3 potential

The krill category and the science backing it are still emerging, but there are many who believe krill extracts have the potential to 'go big' in the healthy foods arena. Very big.

FDA requests comments on Nutrition Facts research

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has requested comments on a study examining consumer reaction to possible modification of Nutrition Facts labeling, it said in a Federal Register notice.

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US diabetes rate could double, claim researchers

The number of cases of diabetes in the States will “at least double” over the next 25 years, according to a new report published in the December issue of Diabetes Care.

US concern rises over grocery spending

Nearly three-quarters of American shoppers are more concerned about the cost of groceries than they were six months ago, according to a new study from Health Focus International.

Inulin-gum mix creams up low-fat custard

A mixture of inulin and carrageenan may allow the formulation of low-fat custard formulations with a creamier texture than the full-fat versions, says a new study.

US food waste impacts climate, say scientists

Americans waste about 1,400 calories-worth of food per person a day – or 40 percent of total food supply – with implications for climate change and obesity, claim US researchers.

Study does not support wholemeal's energy claims

Wholemeal breads increase satiety compared to their refined counterparts but have no affect on energy intake, according to a new study.

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FTC announces forum agenda on food marketing to kids

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced its agenda for a December 15 meeting to discuss food marketing to children.

Oxford study links DASH diet to lower blood pressure

A diet consisting of low fat dairy foods, wholegrains, and fruit and vegetables has been linked to lower blood pressure in the first British study of the DASH diet.

Synergy sensory study tackles protein problems

Synergy Flavors has commissioned a sensory research program at North Carolina State University to examine how dairy proteins affect taste perception, with the aim of diminishing undesirable flavors.

Salt reduction requires regulation, say researchers

Millions of deaths could be prevented each year if individuals consumed 5g less salt per day, concludes a new meta-analysis that calls for top-down regulations in addition to self-regulation by industry.

National Starch acquires Australian starch business

AkzoNobel’s National Starch business has acquired Penford’s Australian specialty starch business in order to shorten its supply chain for specialty corn starches in the region - despite National Starch being up for sale.

Sucralose safe from natural trend, says JK

The strong trend toward natural products is unlikely to encroach significantly on the market for artificial sweeteners, according to sucralose manufacturer JK Sucralose.

ConAgra explosion kills fourth person

A fourth person has died from injuries sustained from the explosion at a ConAgra food processing plant last summer.

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China, Japan, South Korea sign food safety pact

China, Japan and South Korea have signed a food safety pact in the wake of concern over Chinese-made food exports.

Major JK Sucralose expansion predicts market surge

JK Sucralose has announced that it intends to expand capacity at its Jiangsu, China plant to 4,000 metric tonnes by 2020, confident that the market is set to skyrocket.

Self-regulation not working for unhealthy ads, CSPI

A new survey of food ads on kids' TV network Nickelodeon has found that almost 80 percent are for unhealthy products, says the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which believes self-regulation is not working.

Chocolate flavors help cushion cocoa price impact

Synergy has released a range of chocolate flavors intended to help manufacturers sidestep the impact of volatile cocoa prices.

Locust bean gum plagued by low prices

Low prices for locust bean gum could lead to future supply issues, says a hydrocolloids expert, as present returns on pods do not make the harvest worthwhile for growers.

General Mills pushes case for Cheerios claim

General Mills has responded to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) letter asking for more evidence to support a revised health claim regarding the impact of Cheerios on cholesterol levels.

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GSB launches natural coconut water flavors

GSB Flavor Creators has released a range of all-natural, customizable coconut water flavors primarily for use in beverages, the company said.

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Food prices face a welcome perfect storm

There’s a perfect storm building for food prices. You don’t have to scan the horizon to see the signs; the clouds are developing all around us - at a faster rate than anyone expected.

Mintel picks cupuaçu as next big superfruit flavor

Market research organization Mintel has predicted that cupuaçu will emerge as the next big superfruit flavor in 2010, among its flavor predictions for the year ahead.

Louisiana sugar refinery deal finalized

A three-way joint venture to build a $145m sugar refinery in Gramercy, Louisiana has been finalized by Cargill, the Imperial Sugar Company and Sugar Growers and Refiners (SUGAR).

Ocean Spray rejects cranberry mislabeling claim

Ocean Spray has denied claims by the National Consumers League (NCL) that the company’s Choice sweetened dried cranberry product is more sugar than cranberry and therefore falsely labeled.

Kraft’s Cadbury bid could foretell M&A boom

Kraft’s pursuit of Cadbury could mark the start of a surge in M&A activity for the sector as consumers’ focus on value supports a stable outlook for food manufacturers during 2010, Fitch Ratings has predicted.

Consumer group targets Ocean Spray cranberry ingredient

The National Consumers League (NCL) has written to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), accusing Ocean Spray of falsely marketing its Choice sweetened dried cranberry ingredient.

Whey protein open doors to low-fat fried chicken

Including whey proteins in the batter for fried chicken may reduce the uptake of fat into the finished product by up to 30 per cent, says a new study.

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FDA extends acrylamide comment period

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the period during which it will accept comments on acrylamide in food, as it considers issuing industry guidance.

WTO to rule on origin labeling row

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has agreed to rule on the ongoing dispute over whether US country of origin labeling (COOL) violates international trade agreements, as Canada and Mexico have alleged.

Sodium reduction trend to gain momentum in 2010, says Mintel

Market research organization Mintel has predicted that sodium reduction in packaged foods will become a clear trend in 2010 as food manufacturers and health organizations take the lead.

GFF tackles soggy veggie dishes

Gilroy Foods and Flavors (GFF) has released a range of ready-to-use vegetables that have less water content than instant quick freeze (IQF) varieties thereby preventing sogginess, the company claims.

Senate panel approves food safety bill

The far-reaching food safety bill took another step towards becoming law yesterday after a US Senate committee unanimously approved the measure to overhaul the country’s regulatory system.

Hershey launches travel confectionary range

The Travel Retail group of confectionary giant Hershey has launched a new range of travel retail exclusive products including Hershey’s Kisses, Hershey’s Nuggets chocolates and Reese’s and Hershey's Miniatures.

Hershey confirms interest in Cadbury

Hershey has confirmed that it is “reviewing its options” regarding a possible joint bid with Ferrero for British confectioner Cadbury, following media speculation about talks yesterday.

PureCircle raises $67.18m for stevia investment

Sweetener company PureCircle has raised $67.18m through share placing to invest in the development of its natural sweetener products made from stevia leaves.

Committee grills Nestle and Kellogg on salt reduction

Representatives of Nestle and Kellogg defended their actions on salt reduction this week in front of a skeptical committee of Canadian MPs.

US dairy industry plea to boost raw milk regulation

Raw milk products pose a “significant food safety hazard” and facilities that make them should be covered by the new food safety bill, said the two largest US dairy trade bodies.

Child food allergies on the rise in the US

There has been an 18 percent increase in reported food allergy among US children between 1997 and 2007, according to new research.

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Alleviation of hunger should top CSR agenda

Climate change dominates the CSR agenda but new USDA figures on food insecurity are a sharp reminder that alleviating poverty and hunger should always be the top priority.

Coke reveals ambitious 2020 growth targets

Coca-Cola has outlined key business goals for 2020 including plans to more than double system revenue from $95bn to $200bn.

Europeans’ Christmas food spend to remain stagnant

Food and drink makers in Europe can expect little change from last year's fallen Christmas figures but food spending could suffer less than other consumer goods, predicts a report from Deloitte.

FDA examines caffeinated alcoholic drinks

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked nearly 30 beverage manufacturers to provide information showing that their caffeinated alcoholic drinks are safe.

Prevention is the best medicine for health care reform: Survey

The majority of Americans consider disease prevention the most important element of health care reform, according to a new poll from Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

FDA examines caffeinated alcoholic drinks

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked nearly 30 beverage manufacturers to provide information showing that their caffeinated alcoholic drinks are safe.

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Indiana dry milk processor gets grade A certification

PacMoore, an Indiana-based manufacturer of dry milk products, has received grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) certification.

IFT reviews food traceability

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has released a report examining food traceability, with the aim of reducing foodborne illness by making it easier to trace food along the entire supply chain.

FDA postpones raw oyster ban

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has back-tracked on its plans to ban the sale of raw oysters from the Gulf of Mexico during warm months amid mounting industry and political pressure.

Coffee linked to breast and colon cancer

More research is necessary to explore links between a compound in coffee and breast and colon cancer, according to Texas AgriLife Research scientists.

Recession hasn’t increased home cooking, claims report

New market research from The NPD Group claims that Americans are not cooking at home any more than they did before the recession, but they are looking for prepared foods that they can simply heat and eat.

Monsanto asks regulators to approve trans-fat free soy

Monsanto has submitted evidence to the FDA and USDA backing the safety of its Vistive III soybean traits, intended to provide heat stable, trans-fat free cooking oils.

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Billionaire increases Cadbury stake

US hedge-fund manager, John Paulson, has doubled his stake in Cadbury on the same day the confectionary giant rejected a hostile takeover bid from Kraft, according to media reports.

White bean derived supplement may lower GI of bread

The glycemic index (GI) of foods could be reduced through the intake of a white bean derived dietary supplement, claims a new study.

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NSF calls for food safety award nominations

NSF International has called for nominations for its 2010 Food Safety Leadership Awards program (FSLA).

NutraCea files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Rice bran ingredient supplier NutraCea filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Tuesday, claiming that it will allow the company to restructure, reduce overheads and sell non-core assets.

Recessionary dynamics boost private label soft drink sales

Sales of private label soft drinks are accelerating as consumers go out less and therefore drink more at home, according to a new report.

GLG and Weider row over Sweet Naturals contract

Stevia supplier GLG Life Tech has filed a statement of defense against allegations from Weider Global Nutrition that it had breached conditions of their joint stevia business by setting up its own sales team.

New salt balances sodium and potassium

A new sea salt with 66 percent less sodium than common table salt and high potassium content is being offered to food manufacturers, after six years of development work involving salts from the Mediterranean region.

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Seltzer changes name to Glanbia Nutritionals (NA)

Seltzer has been renamed Glanbia Nutritionals (NA) three years after joining the Glanbia Group.

EU competition watchdog to rule on Kraft bid next month

The European Commission has set a one-month deadline to rule on the possible hostile takeover of Cadbury by US food giant Kraft, the EU competition regulator said on Wednesday.

SunOpta reports Q3 loss; continues debt reduction

Canadian natural and organics group SunOpta has reported a loss of $4.7m in the third quarter of 2009, much of it linked to professional and banking fees, but it has continued its debt reduction strategy.

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IFT calls for employment survey participants

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has said it intends to contact members via email this week to participate in the 2009 IFT Employment & Salary Survey.

Pea flour could create tasty low-GI foods: Study

Whole yellow pea flour could be used to create low-GI foods with similar sensory characteristics to whole wheat flour, according to a new study from the Journal of Food Science.

Maple Leaf dismisses hygiene breaches at Listeria plant

The discovery of mould, meat debris and slime in the Maple Leaf plant at the centre of the 2008 Listeria outbreak just weeks after it re-opened did not pose food safety concerns, the company said.

Kraft’s bid is ‘contemptuous’, says analyst

Even if Kraft intends to increase its bid for Cadbury, its latest offer has probably managed to upset both the board and shareholders, says Andrew Wood, senior research analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein.

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Life in a European health claims wasteland

Ka-CHING! Hear that? No it’s not the sound of overflowing cash registers as consumers throw endless wads of euros at scientifically-backed, healthy foods in greater numbers than ever before.

News in brief

Eagle granted SQF accreditation

Eagle Food Registrations has added SQF (Safe Quality Food) accreditation to the portfolio of food safety certification it is able to offer.

Kraft launches hostile takeover bid for Cadbury

Kraft has formally made a £9.8bn ($16.3bn) hostile takeover bid for British confectioner Cadbury, just hours before the 5pm GMT deadline imposed by the UK Takeover Panel.

Fructose sweeteners may promote Syndrome X

‘Moderate’ consumption of fructose-containing sweeteners may produce ‘modest but significant changes’ that may contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome, says a new rat study.

Danisco’s Madison plant expansion underway

Danisco has started expansion of its cultures plant in Madison, Wisconsin, which it says responds to increased demand for direct vat inoculants (DVI) cultures in the US.

MGPI’s restructuring pays off in Q1

MGP Ingredients has reported a net income of nearly $4m for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 on the back of lower energy and commodity prices, as well as restructuring which slashed its payroll costs.

LA legislators debate action on soda

Soda tax was on the agenda again yesterday as California legislators debated the possible link between obesity and sugary soft drinks.

General Mills expands open-source innovation network

General Mills is beefing up its Worldwide Innovation Network (G-WIN) with an online collaboration tool to align “scientists, researchers, engineers, inventors and entrepreneurs” with technical challenges highlighted by the company.

News in brief

Stevia-sweetened soft drink launched in New Zealand

New Zealand beverage company Frucor has launched Revive Supplement Water, sweetened with PureCircle’s Reb A, the high intensity sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant.

Canada tightens front-of-pack nutrition labeling rules

Canada is updating its front-of-pack nutrition labeling scheme, disqualifying whole food categories, changing the rules for fiber, salt and fat, and introducing criteria for trans fat and sugar.

Paper aims to debunk livestock production ‘myths’

The environmental impact of intensive modern livestock production is much lower than many people assume, according to a paper presented at the 71st Cornell Nutrition Conference in Syracuse, NY.

FDA calls meeting to improve food traceability systems

Federal agencies in the United States need to increase the speed and accuracy of traceability systems to combat outbreaks of food-borne illnesses, said the FDA as it called a public meeting on the matter.

Smart salt distribution can cut salt without extra additives

Dutch scientists have developed a new technology to enable up to 25 per cent reduction of salt in food products without loss of taste or adding other additives.

Kids’ programming disproportionately heavy on junk food ads

Children’s television networks show 76 percent more food commercials per hour than other networks – and most of them are for high-fat, high-sugar foods, according to a new study.

Uniting consumer insight and marketing success: Report

Most food manufacturers have not yet figured out how to translate consumer insights into effective marketing tactics, according to a new report from the Grocery Manufacturers Association.

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Siddiqui defends against anti-organic accusations

The Obama administration’s choice for chief agricultural negotiator at the stalled Doha talks has defended himself against accusations that he is a “pro-pesticide lobbyist” in a Senate Finance Committee hearing.

Lawsuits filed over E.coli-contaminated beef

Two lawsuits have been filed in the US after a multi-state outbreak of E.coli 0157:H7 that has so far been linked to two deaths and 28 illnesses.

Gelatin plus soy protein may mask bitter taste of caseins

Bitter-tasting casein hydrolysates may find more applications if spray-dried with gelatine and soy protein isolate, suggests a new study from Brazil.

Move away from Western diet to reduce disease risk, says study

Compounds produced by frying, grilling, or pasteurizing may be driving inflammation and ageing, according to a new study from the US.

Full fat milk could be linked to low BMI, study

Children who consumed full fat milk regularly had a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to those who seldom or never drank milk, claims a Swedish study.

Plant closure expenses drag profits down at IFF

Sales were showing signs of recovery for International Flavors and Fragrances in the third quarter, but profits were dragged down by charges.

Action groups slam Siddiqui nomination

An alliance of farming, health and environmental groups has protested against the government’s choice of a pesticide industry executive to represent US interests in agricultural trade talks.

Global food safety group meets with Chinese envoys

Chinese food safety delegates met with international food safety experts in Minnesota this week to conclude a two-week program discussing individual nations’ role in the development of global standards.

USDA invests in organics

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $19m in funding for organic agricultural research across the country as part of a drive toward a more sustainable supply of organic ingredients.

‘Lumpy micro-rods’ to enrich and structure food foams

Simple micro-rods made from food grade polymers can not only stabilise food foams, but also encapsulate bioactive ingredients for added value, suggests a new study supported by Unilever.

Carrageenan remains on USDA's National List

The Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines has welcomed the news that the USDA has kept carrageenan on its list of ingredients allowed in organic foods after a mix-up last year nearly saw it removed from the list.

Walnut-rich diet may boost diabetic heart health

Daily consumption of walnuts, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, may improve the health of blood vessels, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease, says a new study from Yale.

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Clinical trials are EFSA’s fool’s gold

There’s gold to be found in them health claims mountains, but prospectors from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) must be happy with the little chunks that add up to a lot, and stop searching for nuggets the size of your fist.

Call for more education on Canadian nutrition labeling

Most Canadians use on-pack nutrition labeling as their primary source of nutritional information but many need to interpret it better, according to a study from the Canadian Council of Food and Nutrition.

Sugary foods could increase risk of high blood pressure: Study

High consumption of sugary foods and beverages could increase the risk of hypertension, according to a study presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s Annual Meeting in San Diego last week.

News in brief

Big gaps in US food-borne illness response

Delays in the public health response to food-borne illness in the US occur because some state health departments cannot efficiently track produce-related illnesses, according to a survey commissioned by the Produce Safety Project (PSP).

Salt reduction may also benefit bone health

Switching over to low-salt products may also benefit bone health by reducing calcium loss, suggests a new study from Australia.

Misplaced letter could cost $1.26bn in bottled water case

PepsiCo has lost a $1.26bn case after a misplaced letter meant the drinks giant failed to turn up in court.