The GM debate

OatSweet contains proteins, fibers and lipids as well as maltose and glucose (which provide the sweetness).

Special edition: Natural sweeteners

Novel oat-based sweetener rides crest of non-GMO wave

By Elaine WATSON

The first wave of products containing a new natural sweetener from oats called OatSweet have hit shelves in the US, and the firm behind it is now in talks with leading food and beverage manufacturers about incorporating it into everything from ice cream...

Chefs back Prop 37

Chefs back Prop 37

More than 100 chefs have voiced their support for California GMO labeling initiative Proposition 37 via a ‘chef’s petition’ set up by Alice Waters, chef, author, and proprietor of Berkeley-based restaurant Chez Panisse.

EFSA slam Monsanto GM cancer study as scientifically unsound

EFSA slams GM cancer study as not ‘scientifically sound’

By Nathan Gray

The European Food Safety Authority says recent research linking Monsanto’s herbicide and genetically modified maize to an increased risk of cancer and premature death is of ‘insufficient scientific quality to be considered valid.’

How easy - and how expensive - is it to source non-GMO ingredients?

How easy - and how expensive - is it to source non-GMO ingredients?

By Elaine WATSON

With the debate over Prop 37 heating up, a new class action lawsuit over ‘all-natural’ claims on products containing GMOs filed every week, and Monsanto in the firing line following a damaging study on GM maize, more and more manufacturers are exploring...

Exposure to low levels of the genetically modified crop could result in a ‘greatly increased’ risk of tumors’ and premature death, say French researchers.

‘Safe’ levels of Monsanto herbicide and GM crop linked to cancer

By Nathan Gray

Long term exposure to even relatively low levels of Monsanto’s herbicide Roundup and a genetically modified resistant crop strain could result in a ‘greatly increased’ risk of tumors’ and premature death, according to new findings in rats.

Yes on 37? No on 37? Everyone’s a loser…

Yes on 37? No on 37? Everyone’s a loser…

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

It doesn’t matter whether you support Prop 37 or oppose it; whatever happens in November when Californians vote on whether or not to label GMOs, everyone loses.

Prop 37 designed to be ‘business friendly’, says Right To Know

Prop 37 designed to be ‘business friendly’, says Right To Know campaign

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

If passed into law, California’s Prop 37 would not guarantee that unlabeled foods were free from GMOs, just that genetically modified organisms were not intentionally included – a provision designed to be ‘business friendly’, according to the organization...

Brazil orders Nestlé to label GM products

Brazil orders Nestlé to label GM products

By Rod Addy

A court in Brazil has ordered Nestlé to impose mandatory labelling for all its products in the country highlighting more than 1% genetically modified (GM) ingredients.

Attention food scientists! Get your positions out there and onto the web, provide credible, reasonable, sober information

Is the food industry under attack from an ‘NGO/media complex’?

By Elaine Watson

With NGOs increasingly turning their attention to food production - and often doing a better job than the food industry of engaging with the media - the debate about issues from biotechnology to BPA will only become more polarized, one author has predicted.

Delegates heard from R&D bosses at leading brands from Hershey to Heinz, Chobani, Nestle, Abbott Nutrition, Mead Johnson and Coca-Cola

Dispatches from the 6th Annual Food Technology & Innovation Forum, 2012, Chicago

Quote/Unquote: Heinz on rocking the boat, Coca-Cola on backing the right horse in beverages, why we’re really fat and how Jane Fonda helped one brand go viral …

By Elaine Watson

If you didn’t make it to Chicago for the Food Technology and Innovation Forum last week – or were too busy speed-dating with suppliers in the exhibition hall to attend the conference - we’ve rounded up some of the best bits…

Californian GMO labeling: What would it mean for food companies?

Californian GMO labeling: What would it mean for food companies?

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

The Californian ‘Right to Know’ campaign in support of labeling foods and ingredients produced using genetic engineering looks set for inclusion in the state’s November ballot, after it attracted nearly a million signatures. If enacted, what would the...

Are all-natural claims worth the risk?

Are all-natural claims worth the risk?

By Elaine Watson

The threat of civil litigation is now so great that food manufacturers using any ingredients not found in ‘Grandma’s kitchen cupboard’ should think twice about making ‘all-natural’ claims on pack, according to one firm specializing in food label compliance.

Non-GMO Verified sales hit $1bn

Non-GMO Verified sales hit $1bn

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

Non-GMO Project Verified has become the fastest growing food eco-label in North America, as sales of certified products hit $1bn in 2011, according to findings unveiled at Organic Monitor’s Sustainable Foods Summit in San Francisco last month.

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars