In the latest part of our focus on clean labels and natural ingredients, FoodNavigator look at some of the scientific developments that have caught our eye in the growing area of clean label products.
Omega-3, CoEnzyme Q10 and antioxidants are some of the ingredients to be studied by the US Institute of Medicine (IOM) in an examination of the benefits of nutrition on the effects of neurotrauma.
The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee has released its preliminary recommendations, saying that America’s obesity epidemic has been influential in developing the draft report.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to adopt more accurate labeling of trans and saturated fats, among other public health policies agreed at its annual meeting.
Hershey is modernising its production facilities in a $250 to $300m investment plan that will see the company move out of a century-old chocolate factory and cut 500 to 600 jobs.
Sales of Hispanic foods and beverages have soared in the US, up by nearly a third in the past five years – and that growth is set to continue, according to a new report on the sector from Packaged Facts.
The FAO is cautiously optimistic about the prospects of food commodities in the wake of economic upheaval in the past two years, but average prices for wheat and grains, vegetable oils and dairy are likely to be higher over the next decade.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said it is increasing its efforts to ensure the safety of fish and seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, and has released new guidance for industry.
While shoppers’ enthusiasm for low-fat, low-sugar or low-calorie claims (‘minus’ claims) or added functional ingredients claims (‘plus’ claims) has waned; their interest in natural claims has continued to grow, according to Mintel.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has blocked a Chinese branch of a US organic certifier from certifying Chinese organics, the New York Times reports.
Pyure Brands has become the latest stevia supplier to receive a letter of no objection from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that its Reb A stevia extracts are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
Newly agreed supply management policy in the dairy sector could hurt industry by encouraging consumption of lower priced non-dairy foods, the International Dairy Foods Association has said.
Sorry guys, the World Cup is not all about football. It’s about food too, and this year’s tournament should kick off a whole new debate about our sporting food culture.
Stevia supplier GLG Life Tech has said it expects Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognition of its proprietary steviol glycoside blends as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the end of the year.
A partial settlement in the class action over egg price fixing has been reached with three of the defendants, Land O’Lakes and subsidiaries Moark LLC and Norco Ranch, according to one of the law firm representing the plaintiffs.
FDA officials have seized 64 drums of honey imported to the US from China, because it is adulterated with an antibiotic that could cause serious illness or death.
A gel made from chia may replace as much as 25 per cent of the oil or eggs in cakes without affecting taste, says a new study that points to more nutritious products.
Food companies and consumers have moved from talking about sustainability to taking action in the last 18 months, says Solae – and the societal change that is taking place will help propel more growth in the soy sector.
Montreal-based international Canadian dairy company Saputo has pledged its commitment to growth through acquisitions and posted a rise in net profits of 37.2% to C$382.7m (US$369m) for the year ended 2010.
Consumers on both sides of the Atlantic are confused about how much sodium they should be consuming each day, two surveys of US and UK consumers have indicated.
Indian joint venture Godrej Hershey is reported to be introducing chocolate products into amdist strong competition from dominant players such as Cadbury and Nestlé.
Manufacturers, importers and users of bisphenol A (BPA) should use alternative substances that pose less risk to human health and the environment, advises Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (UBA).
The USDA has strongly refuted allegations that the National Organic Program (NOP) is subject to what organic campaign group, The Cornucopia Institute, terms “undue corporate influence.”
Sales of General Mills’ spoonable probiotic yogurt YoPlus fell 16 percent in 2009 to less than $44m for the year, while rival Danone Activia jumped 16 percentage points to record $383m in sales for the year.
The Food and Drug Administration is not currently equipped to handle food safety problems and needs to switch to a risk based system, argues a report from the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council.
Multinational food and beverage manufacturers such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi could face tighter controls of their water usage by the Venezuelan government, following on from media statements made by President Hugo Chavez this week.
America’s 3m peanut allergy sufferers could benefit from low-allergy peanuts developed by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists using conventional breeding and nut mixing techniques.
Stevia supplier GLG Life Tech has announced an agreement with a Mexican sugar producer for the distribution of the plant-derived sweetener in that country, following on from recent similar deals for the company in Australasia and South America.
Limited infrastructure and a lack of consistent regulation between states are just two of several unresolved challenges to making compostable packaging a reality, said a report from the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC).
Malted rice could offer formulators a new weapon in their gluten-free arsenal after tests showed the potential to product the ingredient at the pilot scale, Italian researchers report.
The Kellogg Company will change immunity claims for Rice Krispies after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ruled the claims misleading – but ruled out a financial penalty.
People living in the eastern parts of the United States are the most supportive of placing a tax on soft drinks and fast food as a way to deter obesity, but the idea is still opposed by the majority of the country’s consumers, finds a new survey.
Consumption of calcium from non-dairy sources could increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, according to the results of a study conducted among Chinese men.
Exposure to bisphenol A from canned food poses no health risk to the general population, Health Canada has said after conducting a survey into levels of the chemical in 78 products.
Pectin extracted from kiwifruit may boost the levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut and may also be used to microencapsulate probiotics for the health and wellness segment, suggests new research.
There is not enough evidence to suggest that cutting consumption of sugary drinks would reduce obesity rates, according to a new research review published in Obesity Reviews.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has introduced legislation to test for six E. coli strains that currently are not regulated – but the meat industry claims there are significant problems with the proposal.
Consuming glutamate or the flavour enhancer MSG from food does not produce headaches, finds a new review that supports the safety and tolerability of an ingredient increasing in use.
As global sales of sports nutrition products maintain healthy growth rates, one distinct – and unexpected – group of consumers is emerging as the main driver for the market, made up of people who are not necessarily interested in sports.
Many American consumers would be receptive to foods containing genetically modified wheat if it is produced sustainably, suggests a new survey examining attitudes to food technologies from the International Food Information Council (IFIC).
A nutrition education program for New York City’s food bank has led to children making healthier food choices, according to a survey of 700 New York City public elementary school teachers.
Health Canada’s Sodium Working Group intends to set voluntary sodium reduction targets for industry in an effort to reduce consumption levels over the next decade, the government agency has said.
The volume and texture of rice bread may be enhanced by simply adding glutathione, a protein and safe food additive, and offer better gluten-free products to a growing market, says new research.
A new roasted potato flour ingredient can enhance the flavour and colour of baked goods and extruded snacks as well as gluten free foods while also providing dough expansion, said its US developer.
