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

Encapsulation innovation highlights

Encapsulation of sensitive ingredients continues to generate interest and research, with innovative encapsulating compounds making waves.

PepsiCo seeking Australian snack acquisitions, report

US beverage and snack food giant PepsiCo is hunting for acquisitions in Australia after spending A$215 million on New Zealand's Bluebird Foods earlier this month, according to a report.

More evidence for tea's anticancer potential

Teas, both green and black, have potent anti-cancer effects against a wide range of tumours, says a new study led by the US Department of Agriculture that adds to an ever growing body of science behind the compounds.

Trans Fat Focus

New Tate & Lyle ingredient system targets trans free desserts

British ingredients firm Tate & Lyle has introduced a new method to eliminate trans fats in desserts, a move that comes in response to the renewed trans fat momentum in the US.

Sandwiches set to grow on back of health and innovation, report

The US market for sandwiches is expected to continue to see strong growth, as consumers continue to opt for this old favorite that has now been spiced up with new bread varieties and new flavors, according to a new report.

Trans Fat Focus

FDA to examine footnotes to trans fat labeling

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expects to launch a consumer study to determine if footnotes on the nutrition labels of food products will improve people's understanding of trans fat declarations.

Ocean Spray expands cranberry production to meet increased demand

Cranberry giant Ocean Spray is expanding its dried cranberry production to meet expanding global demand for the healthy ingredient, which is said to have grown 30 percent over the past year.

New General Mills cereals meet Disney nutritional guidelines

General Mills has introduced a new line of Disney branded children's cereal that meets the entertainment giant's newly established nutritional guidelines.

Food industry weighs in on impact of chemicals law

With the final passage of the new EU law regulating chemicals in the bloc, the food industry has expressed concern about the uncertainties relating to the scope of the legislation and the eventual cost to processors.

Irradiation kills pathogens not taste, according to study

Irradiation technology effectively kills foodborne pathogens such as Listeria without conclusively worsening taste or smell, according to a new study.

Trans Fat Focus

New 'unbiased' test to compare zero trans oil alternatives

An independent trans fat free cooking oil contest has been launched in the US, designed to provide unbiased information on the different zero trans oils currently available on the market.

Protein-sugar combo could boost encapsulation stability

A protein-polysaccharide combination for stabilising water-in-oil-in-water emulsions could lead to customised double emulsions with differing release behaviours, German researchers report.

Confusion drives consumers away from sugar, says industry body

A 'low sugar' claim does not necessarily mean 'low calorie' or 'better for you', said the US Sugar Association, in its latest attempt to recapture a part of the market lost to the growing popularity of sweeteners.

Danone offers to feed the world

It is not a task for the faint-hearted, but French dairy and food group Danone has pledged to use more research and development resources to tackle malnutrition around the world.

Glycemic-control is still a rising star, says research

Low-glycemic products are only just gaining momentum, according to Packaged Facts, which predicts that the glycemic-control angle will be an ever more pressing consideration for marketers and formulators in the coming years.

Kraft drinks escape benzene lawsuit

Lawsuits alleging soft drinks made by Kraft Foods may contain the cancer-causing chemical, benzene, have been dismissed after the group said it had reformulated products.

Trans Fat Focus

Restaurant trans fat ban could shape consumer habits, report

The recent ban of trans fat from some restaurant menus could be the beginning of a major shift in how restaurants might have an effect on consumer eating habits, says a market research firm.

Weekly Comment

Response and Responsibility

Bah, Humbug! It has been that kind of year in general for the food industry, and in particular for some major companies.

New potato variety boasts less acrylamide, better aroma

Scientists at the University of Idaho have produced a genetically modified potato variety of Ranger Russet with enhanced French fry aroma, and reduced amounts of processing-induced acrylamide.

Chiquita hikes banana prices - again

Fruit supplier Chiquita has again raised its banana prices in North America, a move that has helped the company offset a slump in sales after the implementation of new EU banana import rules, as well as the recent spinach E. coli outbreak in the US.

Senators call for tighter food safety laws

A number of Democratic senators have called for the establishment of a joint task force to examine recent outbreaks of E.coli, and suggest legal changes designed to prevent future problems.

DuPont expands corn business in China

Biotech firm DuPont has further strengthened its position in China, announcing this week the formation of a joint venture with one of the country's largest seed production companies.

Parliament passes chemicals law

The EU Parliament yesterday voted for a tougher regulatory regime for chemicals, requiring producers and users to replace some of the current chemicals in use with safer alternatives, if they exist.

Routine features first in breakfast choices, says study

Taste preference and familiarity remain the most important drivers behind peoples' breakfast choices, according to a new study by market researcher the NPD Group.

Australian project to turn food waste into healthy ingredients

A new project was launched this week by Australian food researchers to tap bioactive compounds from agricultural and food industry waste for use in health-enhancing foods and nutraceuticals.

Sugar-gelatin alternative to pure gum Arabic developed

A matrix of sucrose, gelatin and gum Arabic can successfully encapsulate citrus flavours, and offer potential as a cheaper alternative to pure gum Arabic for the process.

DuPont announces major reshuffle in nutrition and crop sectors

US agricultural firm DuPont has launched an aggressive reorganization strategy for its nutrition and crop protection businesses, which will involve closing or streamlining 10 plants and slashing 1,500 jobs globally.

Sporty jelly beans give athletes a boost, study

Sweet manufacturers could find themselves tapping into the sporty potential of confectionery following research into the effects of functional jelly beans on athletes' performance.

Asian, Hispanic drive ethnic food sales, says AC Nielsen

Asian and Hispanic tastes remain the two biggest drivers in the US ethnic food market, with highest growth observed in the frozen entrée segment, says AC Nielsen.

Blue California rolls out micro-encapsulated essential oils

Ingredients manufacturer Blue California has introduced micro-encapsulated essential oils in powder form for water soluble applications, particularly suited for beverages.

Americans need more info on GM foods, reveals survey

Public opinion about genetically modified (GM) foods remains divided, but more information and more stringent regulation would ease the fears of the majority of Americans, according to a new survey.

US passes bill to normalise trade with Vietnam

US food and agri group Cargill has welcomed last weekend's move by the US Congress to pass a bill granting permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to Vietnam.

Fast Food Nation author calls for single US food safety body

The US food industry needs to be regulated by a single food-safety agency with the authority to test widely for dangerous pathogens, demand recalls and penalize companies that knowingly sell contaminated food, according to the author of the best-selling industry-basher Fast Food Nation.

National Starch launches info portal on resistant starch

National Starch Food Innovation has launched what it claims to be the most comprehensive source of information on resistant starch, designed to provide an easy reference base for nutrition experts.

Water-in-oil-in-water emulsions to offer low-fat options?

On-going research by Anglo-American researchers into water-in-oil-in-water emulsions could offer significant potential for low-fat products, and novel encapsulation systems.

Weekly Comment

Trans Fats: A Farewell to Harm

There's no way but out for heart-damaging trans fatty acids, and procrastinators in the food industry will achieve nothing by delaying reformulation other than lagging behind in the game as the rest of the world waves goodbye.

Shedding light on dark chocolate

The US based Chocolate Manufacturers Association (CMA) has released a guide to cacao content labels in order to demystify confused chocolate consumers.

Western diet pattern linked to colorectal cancer risk

The high calorie, low fibre dietary pattern associated with the Western diet are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, says new research from France.

Collagen to boost rosemary's antioxidant activity in meat?

Impregnating collagen fibre with rosemary extracts could boost the antioxidant activity of the extract, and has significant potential for processed meats, say Polish scientists.

WHO report calls for global restriction on food ads to kids

Broad restrictions need to be implemented on the marketing of foods and beverages to children, as the majority of these are high in salt, fat and sugar, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO).

New Danisco stabilizer cuts fat, costs for ice cream makers

Danish ingredients group Danisco has launched a new stabilizer ingredient designed to allow ice cream manufacturers to cut the fat content of their products while still maintaining a creamy mouthfeel.

Beverage firms accused of unfair profits from school vending

The majority of the revenue from US school beverage contracts goes to beverage firms and not schools, according to a new report, which claims its findings should encourage schools to replace sodas with healthier drinks.

China delays GM rice, again

China, the world's biggest rice producer and consumer, has further delayed the introduction of genetically modified rice amid growing concerns about biosafety.

Sugar not linked to diabetes rise, suggests study

High sugar intake does not directly affect insulin resistance and subsequent diabetes risk, say researchers from Northern Ireland.

Survey taps into consumer nano fears

US consumers are willing to use specific nanotechnology products - even if there are health and safety risks - when the potential benefits are high, according to a survey.

USDA to review 'natural' claims for meat, poultry

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to implement new rules on the definition of the term 'natural', after receiving a petition stating that the claim on meat and poultry products is misleading to consumers.

New York restaurants slapped with trans fat ban

The New York City Board of Health yesterday voted unanimously to remove trans fats from the city's restaurants in a pioneering move designed to limit the level of the unhealthy fats consumed unknowingly.

Rice bran protein concentrate: huge potential for formulators?

The functional properties of protein concentrates from rice bran are better than casein and some soy protein isolates, and could be an inexpensive ingredient for a wide range of food products, say Indian researchers.

FDA hears views on what to do about functional foods

The US Food & Drug Administration's public hearing on functional foods saw food industry groups present testimonies on how this evolving category of goods should be regulated.

Bad diets leading to earlier prevalence of metabolic syndrome

Health conditions that were once almost exclusively associated with the elderly are now being increasingly diagnosed in children, according to a new report, which calls for immediate dietary intervention.

New study examines US beverage consumption

White Americans are the most frequent consumers of carbonated soft drinks, while fruit drinks are favored by African Americans and Mexican Americans, according to a new report on the nation's beverage consumption.

Codex debates new global hygiene standards

The Codex Alimentarius committee dealing with hygiene is meeting this week in the US, with member countries debating a number of international food safety standards that will apply worldwide.

Novel oligosaccharides as sweeteners for food, beverages?

Scientists from Korea and Denmark have reported the synthesis of novel oligosaccharides with a relative sweetness of about 80 per cent that of sucrose, potentially offering formulators with an alternative sweetener source.

CSPI threatens Enviga on eve of FDA hearing

The Center for Science in the Public Interest has served notice on Coca-Cola and Nestlé, the companies behind functional beverage Enviga, and said it will sue them if they continue to market the drink using calorie-burning and weight loss claims it says are 'fraudulent'.

Pediatricians call for more kids' ad restrictions

Children should have access to special media education that will allow them to become critical of advertising, according to a new policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Weekly Comment

Taking the junk out of junk food

The relationship between child and crisp has long been a sacred one but instead of exploiting this dynamic to shovel unhealthy food into young mouths isn't it about time healthier companies exploited it to push junk food without the junk?

Scientists look to better flavour, mouthfeel from whey-based dairy

The hydrocolloid high-methoxy pectin (HMP) may offer the best potential to enhance the thickness of whey-based lactic beverages.

USDA gathers national crop production statistics

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is this month embarking on its annual Agricultural Survey, which will gather estimates from the nation's farmers on their 2006 crop production.

Young adults' diets lacking, finds study

Most young adults do not meet the key dietary targets for Americans, primarily because they are too dependent on fast food and convenience food, according to research by the University of Minnesota.

New cancer-combating yeast strains developed

The manufacturer of a genetically modified yeast variety that is designed to reduce levels of the carcinogen ethyl carbamate in wine last week announced that it has transformed six new yeast strains.

Blend palm kernel oil and palm oil to better replace cocoa butter?

Blending palm kernel oil, extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide, and palm oil leads to new cocoa butter replacers (CBR), offering cheaper alternatives with good physical and chemical properties.

ADM appoints new leaders as growth plans continue

Agricultural firm Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has appointed new leaders to a number of its business units, an announcement that comes just a few weeks after the launch of a global growth strategy.

Cargill launches Halal pork fat replacer

Cargill has developed an ingredient to help food manufacturers replace the pork fat used in many meat products with restructured vegetable fat.

CSPI petitions for national 'healthy food' labels

A leading US consumer advocacy group has petitioned the nation's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to design a national set of symbols to help consumers quickly identify healthier foods.

Health, environment amongst key trends for 2007, says market researcher

Local sourcing of ingredients, fresh food, and health are some of the major trends expected to gain increasing importance in the food and beverage market next year, according to Datamonitor's Productscan Online.