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

Line producing rPET aims to meet hike in demand

A new line enables commercial production of a recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) food grade resin that overcomes the typical performance challenges of this type of packaging material, claims Phoenix Technologies.

Acrylamide not linked to breast cancer in women: Study

Dietary intakes of acrylamide are not related to increased risks of breast cancer, says a new study from Harvard.

Study finds one size fits all when dieting

Fad diets that focus on protein, fat or carbohydrate content are all the same when it comes to losing weight as a reduced-calorie diet can be successful no matter what macronutrients it is made up of, a new study has concluded.

Consumers look to health and wellness in recession

Focusing on health and wellness and building brand awareness are the most successful strategies for weathering the global economic storm, according to a Frost and Sullivan analyst.

News in brief

Ice cream targeted in peanut recall

Wells’ Dairy says that it has expanded a voluntary recall of a number of its ice cream brands across the US over fears they may have been contaminated with Salmonella from peanuts.

Work to rebuild public trust in peanuts begins

The National Peanut Board (NPB) has announced a plan to regain public trust in peanuts as the ongoing recall due to possible salmonella contamination has severely damaged peanuts’ wholesome image.

Heart study may raise pressure to cut acrylamide levels in snacks

Too much snacking on potato chips may increase the risk of hardening of the arteries, and raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, says a joint Polish-Swedish study.

Multinationals adding more fiber to their food, says Datamonitor

New data released today from Datamonitor finds that food manufacturers are increasingly adding fiber to their products, in a move described as going “back to basics”.

Acrylamide may be added to Canada’s toxic substance list

Health Canada has recommended that acrylamide – a possible carcinogen found in French fries and potato chips – be included on the nation’s list of toxic substances.

Neighborhood dictates diet quality, say researchers

The availability of healthy food and quality of diet depends more on where you live than previously thought, according to research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Mach One acquires Ceres Organic Harvest

Mach One has completed its acquisition of Ceres Organic Harvest. While it will be business as usual for the food side of Ceres, Mach One has its eye on human nutrition in the long term.

News in brief

Scientists pinpoint disease-fighting gene in bread wheat

An international team of researchers has identified a gene that could make bread wheat capable of resisting stripe rust, a disease that causes severe crop losses in global wheat-growing regions.

Amino acids against acrylamide – choice is critical for effects: Study

Using amino acids to compete with, and reduce, the sources of acrylamide should focus on the common additive cysteine, according to results from Belgium.

Bumper rice harvest will ease prices, says FAO

The rice shortages of last year look to be at an end, as farmers upped production this year to ease the tight supply situation, according to the latest market data from the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Enzyme targets profitable lactose application extensions

Testing is underway on global demand for an enzyme claimed by its manufacturers to ensure greater profitability from lactose, both in terms of food and non-food based applications.

News in brief

Diana reports good preliminary data for cranberry ingredient

Brittany-based Diana Naturals is building the science behind its cranberry ingredients’ efficacy against urinary tract infections, according to preliminary results.

News in brief

Maple Leaf in listeria-linked recall

More than 1,100 cases of hot dogs have been voluntarily recalled by Maple Leaf Foods after the products were shipped in violation of the company’s rigorous food safety protocols in regard to Listeria.

GMA extols irradiation’s virtues for food safety

The Grocery Manufacturers Association has been at pains to reassure consumers that it does not consider irradiation a replacement for current food safety procedures, but it could be incorporated into the food safety system to minimize risk of food-borne illness.

News in brief

Chiquita’s banana business hit by salad slump

Chiquita has posted weak fourth quarter results, as it has been hit by a big drop in sales of its packaged salads, on top of higher costs and a weak euro.

Mushroom extract shows promise for meat preservative

An extract from the edible mushroom Flammulina velutipes may prolong the shelf-life of tuna meat, while also stabilising the colour of the meat, suggests new research from Japan.

Product recall insurance on the up

The popularity of specialist insurance to protect against the effects of product recalls is on the rise in the wake of the current salmonella scandal, says Mikel Fitzgerald of Wortham Insurance. He told FoodNavigator-USA.com how it can help minimize damage, both to company reputation, as well as the bottom line.

How the US stimulus bill impacts food: Part II

Indirect benefits of the economic stimulus bill signed by President Obama earlier this month are set to filter through to manufacturers of food, beverage and supplement products – especially the smaller players.

Food confidence index to inform safety strategies, say researchers

Researchers at the University of Minnesota are amassing data to develop a food confidence monitor along the same lines as the Consumer Sentiment Index.

Campbell on board with salt reduction effort

As the Institute of Medicine (IOM) considers a strategy to reduce salt in the American diet, the food industry is under pressure to cut products’ salt content. Campbell is the latest company to announce new low sodium products, in its soup line.

Carotenoids from annatto, paprika may reduce off-flavours in emulsions

Extracts from paprika, annatto and marigold, rich in antioxidant carotenoids, could significantly reduce the spoilage due to oxygen of model oil-in-water emulsions, says new research from Greece.

Organic growth freezes but will thaw, says Mintel

The number of consumers buying environmentally friendly products has slowed with the economy but is still expected to increase over the next five years, according to new research from Mintel.

Weekly comment

Turning the key on new food technologies

Consumer concerns about a synthetic growth hormone used in milk production have prompted two leading food producers in the United States – General Mills and Dannon – to reformulate their dairy product lines. It is a decision that will have immediate implications on the dairy market as a whole, but could also mark a turning point in the use of new technologies in food production in general.

News in brief

Hershey non-exec chairman resigns

Non-executive chairman Kenneth Wolfe has stood down at chocolate giant Hershey following a request from the company's controlling stockholder, the Hershey Trust.

Stricter meat labelling urged in US

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is requesting that US meatpackers voluntarily impose a stricter regime of country-of-origin labelling (COOL) for meat than that required under the Bush administration ruling.

Peanuts at the ready for replacing recalled products

A glut of peanuts on the back of a bumper crop could come as a blessing for food manufacturers, providing a supply of peanuts for those who eventually wish to replace products that have been discarded.

Cinnamon may improve blood sugar levels: Study

Consumption of three grams of cinnamon a day may improve people’s control of blood glucose levels, Scandinavian scientists have reported.

Gen Mills listens to consumers on rBST milk hormone

US food giant General Mills has committed to reformulating its category-leading Yoplait yoghurt brand with rBST-free milk – a move it says was prompted by consumer demand.

Peanut-gate: Will consumers still trust American food – your views

The salmonella contamination of peanut products has brought American food safety under scrutiny causing some to question the value of the Made In America brand.

Walnuts’ health benefits push purchases: Survey

Consumers are more likely to buy products that contain walnuts when health claims are featured on the pack as their popularity has increased in line with nutritional awareness, according to a new study.

News in brief

Solae builds quality assurance bulk

Soy ingredient firm Solae is extending its internal food safety and quality assurance capabilities with two new specialists, in line with growing expectations from consumers.

Georgia’s state Senate passes food safety bill

Georgia’s state Senate has passed a watered down food safety bill on Wednesday which would require compulsory tests for contamination in some instances.

Food workers plead guilty in tomato probe

Two food company workers have pleaded guilty in an ongoing US federal investigation into various illicit activities in the tomato processing industry.

News in brief

Naturex Foundation progress in Morocco, Peru

Naturex has reported the first benefits of the Naturex Foundation, flagging up social contributions in Morocco and Peru.

Confectionery coating system provides alternative to gum arabic

TIC Gums has developed a fast-drying shell coating system for chewing gum, confectionery and nuts, which it said was prompted by continued high demand and uncertain supply of gum arabic.

Give (probiotic) cheese a chance, says probiotic big cheese

One of the world’s leading probiotics specialists says consumers are interested in probiotic cheese products but cheese manufacturers and probiotic suppliers need to get their scientific house in order and clarify their marketing messages.

News in brief

Leasing good credit crunch option, says equipment supplier

A new lease-purchase programme will enable meat, chicken and food processing sectors to secure material handling plastic containers during periods of budgetary constraint, claims Remcon Plastics.

New regulations to open up organic trade, says OTA

New regulations for Canadian organic food are due to come into effect at the end of June, and the Organic Trade Association (OTA) has said that they will ease trade in organic food between Canada and major trading partners.

News in brief

Recession pushes date change for first online bakery trade show

Organisers of the baking industry's first online trade show - eBakery-Show International 2009 (www.ebakeryshowinfo.com) - have pushed the date back from 1 April to 1 August in response to the economic climate.

Sponge-bacteria may yield food-grade pigments, say researchers

Food-grade pigments may be obtained by fermenting bacteria sourced from sponge, according to preliminary studies from India.

Interactive timeline on the PCA salmonella outbreak

We present our exclusive interactive timeline of the salmonella outbreak that allows you to get a unique overview of the chronology of events and discover incidents you missed.

Kraft: probiotic cheese is a disappointment

Kraft US has confirmed what many market analysts have been saying for some time – probiotic cheese is not winning over the public.

Researchers develop risk-ranking system for food safety

The Institute of Food Technologists has collaborated with the US Food and Drug Administration to create risk assessment software to rank different foods in terms of their relative safety.

SAFC adds certified organics to range

SAFC Supply Solutions has launched its first ever certified organic raw materials for use in food flavors, in response to demand from flavor houses.

News in brief

School nutrition tour at Expo West

Southern Californian nutrition officials have been invited to visit this year’s Natural Products Expo West to discover new healthy foods for inclusion in school lunches.

News in brief

Dairy aids Dean Foods profit push

US-based Dean Foods has posted a 10 per cent increase in operating profit over the 2008 fiscal year, amounting to $608m on the back of what it claims has been one of the strongest fourth quarters in the group’s history.

‘Whole grains’ popular kids’ health claim, says Mintel

Whole grains and fiber maintain a strong appeal for health-positioned food products marketed for children, according to new figures from Mintel.

Coconut-palm oil blend could offer trans-fat free shortenings for bakery: Study

A blend of oils from coconut and palm could produce a plastic fat for use as a shortening in bakery products as a trans-fat replacer, says new research from India.

Survey shows awareness of peanut recall but misunderstanding

The majority of Americans are aware of the peanut product recall but many are mistaken about which products are involved and few trust food safety controls, according to a Harvard survey.

Food companies pledge to avoid GM beet sugar

Over 70 companies have vowed not to use or sell genetically modified beet sugar by signing a registry set up by food safety, environmental and corporate watchdog organizations on Saturday.

Tate & Lyle identifies top food trends for 2009

Budget and health are amongst the main consumer concerns that food manufacturers in the United States are trying to cater to this year, according to a survey by ingredient firm Tate & Lyle.

Weekly comment

Changing the tune on GM

The GM debate at times seems much like the Hokey Cokey (or Pokey, if you’re US-based). There’s been a lot of putting in, some putting out, and quite a lot of shaking things all about, but as of yet, there hasn’t really been a turnaround and definitely no ra, ra, ra!

PCA files for bankruptcy as recall expands to Texas plant

The Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) has filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy, a month after peanut products from its Blakely, Georgia facility were first recalled due to salmonella contamination.

Study links higher dairy consumption to teen weight loss

Adolescents eating higher amounts of dairy goods, within the recommended daily guidelines, generally have lower levels of fat to those with a reduced intake, says a new study.

News in brief

Nestle seeks packaging design advice

Nestle Confections and Snacks in the US are turning to the consumer for design advice with the firm launching a competition to ask consumers to vote for the latest packaging for its Goobers, Sno-Caps and Oh Henry! brands.

Talking point

Peanut-gate: Will consumers still trust American food?

FoodNavigator-USA.com asks its readers whether PCA’s lethal peanut contamination means Made in America has lost the safe perception it once enjoyed.

Food companies to focus on liquidity in 2009: Fitch

Food companies are expected to seek greater liquidity in 2009 as they are hit by unexpectedly volatile ingredient prices and lower consumer food spending, according to a report from Fitch Ratings.

Fructose-sweetened drinks again raise questions in obesity-related study

Drinking fructose-sweetened beverages with meals may cause bigger rises in blood levels of triglycerides in obese people after the meal, says a new study.

Partnership to speed stevia-sweetened product development

A new partnership between a stevia supplier and a flavors and ingredients firm will speed the process of bringing low-calorie stevia-sweetened products to market, the companies claim.

Recession-proof BioGaia doubles 2008 profits

Swedish probiotics specialist, BioGaia, has turned in an impressive set of financial results for 2008, maintaining the 30 per cent-plus growth it has achieved annually for the best part of this decade.

Monitoring program shows trans fats declining in Canadian foods

The Canadian government has released data showing that levels of trans fats have declined since the first results of its monitoring program were released in 2007 – but some food categories still have a way to go.

Internal emails revealed as PCA president refuses to testify

The president of the Peanut Corporation of America refused to testify at a Congressional hearing on Wednesday, at which he was accused of caring more about profits than food safety.

Absolut comes a cropper over promo fears for teenyboppers

The advertising practices of a number of leading alcoholic drink makers have again been called into question this week after allegations they are targeting underage drinkers through events like the US Grammy Awards.

Food retains lion’s share of flavor and fragrance market

Food looks set to remain the biggest market for flavors and fragrances in the US, despite relatively low annual growth predicted through 2012.

Stevia’s bitter taste receptors discovered, claims Givaudan

Givaudan has claimed it has discovered the bitter taste receptors triggered by Reb-A, the natural, high intensity sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant.

News in brief

Foodie website looks to remedy Obama’s beet aversion

A web portal with over 20,000 beet recipes has accused President Obama of “relegating beets to the joke mill occupied until now by George H.W. Bush’s uneaten broccoli crowns.”

Phosphorus additives pose ‘hidden’ danger to kidney patients

Patients with kidney disease may be at danger from a ‘hidden threat’ of phosphorous additives found in processed and fast foods, says a new study from the US.

Probiotics and prebiotics boost ‘quality of life’ for IBD sufferers

A combination of probiotic and prebiotics may improve the ‘quality of life’ for sufferers of a type of IBD, says a new study from Japan.

Maryland eyes artificial food color ban

Maryland could become the first US state to ban several artificial food colorings which have been linked to hyperactivity and behavioral problems in children, if proposed legislation is approved.

GM crops criticized for ‘feeding profits, not the poor’

Friends of the Earth International has accused biotech firms of using genetically modified crops to feed profits instead of the world’s poor while increasing costs for US farmers, in a report released Tuesday.

News in brief

IFF responds to growing demand with new center in China

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) has opened a new center in China in order to better respond to ‘fast-growing demand’ from its Asian customers, the company said on Tuesday.

Snack Size Science: Crystal balls and salt crystals

FoodNavigator's Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week Nestle gives us a glimpse of the future with its research into hydrogels to deliver flavour and nutrients to food, and salt is back in the headlines with Swiss worries and Purac’s solutions.

US hearing on packaging chemical imminent

The US food safety regulator is set to provide more information to the public later this month about its safety review of Bisphenol A (BPA), the chemical found in packaging.

Recession requires rethink as spending power shifts

Opportunities are emerging for food manufacturers to target the increasing number of lower income shoppers as the economy slows, according to a report from Information Resources Incorporated (IRI).

News in brief

Coke shakes up US Dasani operations

Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) has announced it will be closing its Dasani mineral water production plant in Washington, Pennsylvania, as part of an efficiency drive in its operations.

Consumers choose kosher for safety reasons, says Mintel

Food quality, health and safety are the main reasons people buy kosher foods – not for religious reasons, according to a new study from Mintel.

News in brief

New database offers multimedia cereal research tool

AACC International has launched an online technical database for researchers studying grains and their uses.

More foodborne illnesses on horizon, says risk expert

Is the US food safety system really 'in the soup'? Dr Sandford Miller, with a long standing career focused on risk analysis and food, talks to FoodProductionDaily.com about the recent peanut paste recall, the potential for future foodborne illnesses and the evident weaknesses in federal regulation.

Weekly comment

No room for functional foods gloom

Last week’s withdrawal of a high-profile functional food in France is disappointing for the company concerned and maybe for the healthy/functional foods industry, but you may be led to think differently if you happen to be a reader of the UK broadsheet, The Financial Times.

Rising opportunity for fruit and veg ‘hide and seek’: Mintel

Boosting children’s fruit and vegetable consumption is emerging as a top trend for food manufacturers launching new products for children, according to a Mintel trend insight review.

News in brief

Pizza group suggests cheese is the topping of love

One Canadian Pizza retailer is relying on cheese to grab a share of Valentine’s Day spending, claiming the product leads a number of toppings as a key aphrodisiac, according to news reports.

News in brief

PCA knew peanut products contained salmonella, says FDA

The Peanut Corporation of America knew it had distributed peanut products tainted with salmonella as long ago as 2007, the FDA said on Friday.

Killer beetle threatens Florida’s avocado groves

Florida’s avocado industry could be severely affected if the invasive redbay ambrosia beetle continues its path south, according to a researcher at North Carolina State University who is tracking its progress.

Recession is rebalancing organic supply-demand

The price of organic food ingredients is expected to fall in 2009, as the recession reduces demand for organics back in line with available supply, according to predictions from a specialist organic research firm.

News in brief

Blue California notifies FDA of GRAS for its stevia ingredient

Blue California has notified the FDA of GRAS for its stevia-based Reb-A sweetener and has said that it is confident of receiving a letter of non-objection after two other companies received FDA non-objection last month.

Kellogg’s reviews suppliers’ safety assessment, faces lawsuit

Kellogg’s has said that its own inspections gave superior ratings to the Georgia peanut plant blamed for the salmonella outbreak, according to a USA Today report on Thursday.

Dairy team-up leverages research towards healthy ingredients

A newly formed collaboration could see US industry, government, academia grasp the opportunities in dairy foods and ingredients, particularly for health and nutrition.

Study reveals grocery shoppers’ purchasing priorities

The importance of healthy, environmentally friendly, and good value products has been put in the spotlight in a comprehensive new study by BrandSpark International.

Nestle explores thermogel emulsions for flavour, nutrient delivery

Self-assembled emulsion droplets encapsulated in carrageenan-based gels may one day be able to deliver flavours and nutrients in food, says preliminary research from Nestle.

News in brief

PCA claims peanut plant was regularly inspected

The company at the center of the US salmonella outbreak linked to peanut products has said that its Blakely, Georgia facility was inspected regularly by federal and state officials in 2008.

Mexicans seek high fiber for weight management

Mexicans are becoming more interested in healthy foods and dietary fiber, opening up new opportunities for food and beverage companies to launch high fiber products, according to research from Tate & Lyle.

US to lead global wine consumption

The US will dominate global wine demand within the next three years as the country’s drinking habits shift increasingly towards spirit and vintages, says new industry research.

Symrise introduces ‘market stable’ synthetic mint flavor range

Symrise has introduced a new line of synthetic mint flavors that it says offer a cost effective and market stable alternative to more expensive mint oils.

IFF is 'cautiously optimistic' for 2009 despite margin pressures

High raw material costs and lower sales take their toll on the bottom line at International Flavors and Fragrancesf (IFF).

News in brief

Colombian food giant to buy Mexican chocolate maker

Colombia's Grupo Nacional de Chocolates, purportedly the country's biggest food company, will buy Mexican chocolate manufacturer Nutresa for $95m.

Purac builds science for salt replacer in meats

A potassium lactate and sodium diacetate mix may reduce the sodium chloride content by 40 per cent, and significantly increase shelf-life, says a new study from Purac.

ADM plans strategy to beat lower demand on strong Q2 profits

Agricultural processing giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has reported strong second quarter results despite slowing demand, with profits up 24 percent compared to the same period last year.

US food sector outlook is ‘pessimistic’, say analysts

The US food industry faces a negative and worsening outlook, with falling demand for key brands and bankruptcies predicted by Moody’s.

CSPI rejects task force trans fat advice

The Center for Science in the Public Interest has urged Pennsylvanian officials to ignore the advice of a task force on trans fat, which concluded that a mandatory ban “could be more harmful from a health perspective”.

Obama and financial crisis drive new consumer values, says report

Food manufacturers need to better understand consumer tactics for dealing with the economic crisis and employ palatable strategies to answer to a fresh set of values, according to a report from Packaged Facts.

Edible fungus additive could eliminate grapefruit side effects: Study

Adding an edible mushroom-like fungus to grapefruit juice may help to reduce the serious side effects that can occur when people taking certain prescription drugs drink grapefruit juice.

Analysts say prospects look good for Crown

Crown Holdings reported a fourth-quarter loss as restructuring charges and other expenses impacted on its results but analysts say it is well positioned for growth.

Obama pledges ‘complete review’ of FDA

President Obama has said in a televised interview that his administration will conduct a complete review of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent future lapses in food safety.

Weekly comment

Nut so good - tainted US food system needs revamping

E. coli in ground beef, melamine in infant formula, and salmonella in peanut butter - what is next? Isn’t it about time the slices of the US food safety pie were taken back from the multiple federal agencies involved and surveillance placed under one roof?

FDA joins criminal investigation into Peanut Corporation salmonella

The US Food and Drug Administration joined the Justice Department on Friday in a criminal investigation of the PCA, the manufacturer at the center of a salmonella outbreak which has sickened 529 people and may have caused eight deaths.

Beta-glucan-rich fat replacers pass taste test for cookies: Study

Hydrocolloids containing beta-glucan could be used to replace fat in cookies and peanut spreads, according to a new study from the US and Korea.

News in brief

FDA provides recall information via Twitter

The FDA has started using the social networking site Twitter to communicate its recall updates, market withdrawals and safety alerts.

High quality tops consumer shopping list, say researchers

The market research organization The Hartman Group has released a report on emerging trends for the year ahead, with perception of high quality topping its predictions, despite economic uncertainty.