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

The science of stevia

There has been much excitement about the promise of stevia as a natural alternative to artificial zero-calorie sweeteners. FoodNavigator.com summarises the science so far.

USDA puts organics in the spotlight

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the US Department of Agriculture will conduct its first ever large-scale survey of organic farming in the US this spring.

Wild Flavors discovers ‘holy grail’ of acid-stable natural blue

Wild Flavors Inc has developed a new acid-stable blue color for food and beverage, solving a quandary that has thwarted the US industry for decades.

News in brief

“All of humanity under threat”

The World Health Organisation has delivered its direst warning yet about the implications of swine flu stating that “All of humanity is under threat.”

Shoppers struggle to source sustainable products

More than half of American consumers consider environmental sustainability when choosing foods and beverages but companies need to communicate better about green issues, according to a new report.

News in brief

Symrise welcomes new board member

Symrise has appointed Bertelsmann CFO Dr Thomas Rabe to its supervisory board, bringing in new financial expertise.

Dietary acrylamide not linked to lung cancer risk: Study

Dietary intakes of acrylamide are not related to increased risks of lung cancer, says a new study from Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

California declares swine flu emergency

California became the first US state to declare emergency status as the number of its laboratory-confirmed swine flu cases reached 10 with 64 cases now identified across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

PureCircle quadruples stevia extract production in Jiangxi

Major Reb A supplier PureCircle has quadrupled production capacity of stevia extracts at its Jiangxi plant in China as interest in stevia-derived sweeteners continues to grow.

New food launches halve recession-stuck quarter, says Mintel

New data indicates that food manufacturers are opting not to invest in new food and drink product launches during the economic down turn, as budgets are cut from R&D to marketing.

News in brief

Go Healthy unveils plans to unite with large-scale retailers

Go Healthy has announced plans to enter into a leasing or joint venture agreement to use up to 1,500 square feet of floor space in large retail stores to promote its products.

Snack Size Science: Vitamin chips and mama's diet

FoodNavigator's Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we look at how chocolate-eating sheep may give us insights into childhood obesity, and how vitamins may protect against carcinogens hiding in your French fries.

Swine flu impacts global economy

The swine flu virus first identified in Mexico cannot be contained, warns Dr Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), as the economic impact of the outbreak continues to spread.

Cargill develops flavor solutions for stevia

There are now even more options for food manufacturers seeking to reformulate with stevia-derived sweeteners, as Cargill becomes the latest to launch a flavor range to deal with their potentially problematic aftertaste.

News in brief

Bunge acquires edible oils packaging business

Bunge North America has acquired the assets of New Jersey-based Mid-Atlantic Vegetable Oils, enabling it to gain better access to edible oil markets in the northeast.

Alfalfa sprouts are latest salmonella-tainted food

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have advised consumers to avoid eating alfalfa sprouts, saying they are the source of a salmonella outbreak.

Weekly comment

Supplements: Time to change the nay-saying record?

As yet another TV show concludes that supplements are unnecessary, is the ignorance of the mainstream media few putting the health of the many at risk? Isn’t it time to change the record?

Swine flu sparks global health emergency

The World Health Organisation has declared “a public health emergency of international concern,” following the outbreak of a new strain of swine flu which has killed at least 103 people in Mexico.

Even at-risk patients struggle with low-sodium diets

New research from the American Heart Association has shown that heart failure patients who are actively trying to reduce sodium intake still consume more than is recommended even for healthy people.

News in brief

Kellogg’s donates one day’s cereal production to food banks

The Kellogg Company has announced that it will donate a full day’s production of its cereals to the Feeding America food bank network.

More work needed on American whole grain message

Despite some progress, American consumption of whole grains is still way below government recommended daily amounts, according to new research from The NPD Group.

News in brief

US rice group promotes eco-friendly claims

The USA Rice Federation has been talking up the green credentials of American rice, claiming that it helps sustain wildlife, conserves water and reduces the nation’s carbon footprint.

Glanbia ‘collaboration center’ targets more customer involvement

Glanbia Nutritionals has opened a new R&D facility and pilot plant in Idaho, which will allow closer collaboration with customers on the development of nutritional products, as well as speed up delivery of prototypes.

FDA relaxes prior notice rule for food imports

The FDA’s Department of Health and Human Services has published a new guide on the Prior Notice rule for small companies involved in the import and export of foods in the US.

Organic apples beat conventionals on antioxidants

Organically produced apples have a 15 per cent higher antioxidant capacity than conventionally produced apples, says a new study from Germany.

Reb A could face organic market challenges

The potential of stevia-derived sweeteners for use in organic foods could be limited because of the plant’s diversified cultivation and Reb A’s processed nature, according to Euromonitor International.

Kraft assesses sustainability goals to 2011

Kraft Foods has published a report summing up where it stands on the sustainability goals it set for itself in 2005 – and aims to meet by 2011.

Fatty fish may slash men’s heart failure risk

One portion of fatty fish per week may reduce a man’s risk of heart failure, according to new research from the US and Sweden.

Walnuts and fish affect heart health differently

Including both walnuts and fish products in the diet is required to reduce risks of coronary heart disease, says a new study funded by the California Walnut Commission.

FDA GRAS for sucromalt will widen market appeal, says Cargill

Cargill has claimed that the market for its sucromalt sweetener will widen after acheiving FDA generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status last week, and as consumers increasingly demand healthier foods.

News in brief

Contest supports childhood feeding programs

Colgate-Palmolive has partnered with Share Our Strength to promote an online contest designed to raise awareness of summer childhood feeding programs across the US.

Obama nominates USDA nutrition and research undersecretaries

President Obama made two appointments within the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Friday, to run the department’s public nutrition programs, and to oversee US agricultural research and education.

Private label purchase trend runs deeper than recession

Almost every household in America buys private label foods but their success is not as tied to the current economic crisis as many might think, according to new research from The NPD Group.

Anti-fructose science may be swaying public opinion

Consuming beverages sweetened with fructose leads to weight gain and a build up of abdominal fat, and impairs insulin sensitivity, says a new study.

Cut out BPA use or risk market exclusion, urges new report

Continued use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food and beverage packaging poses unnecessary competitive, reputational and potential market exclusion risks for food and beverage manufacturing companies, claims a new report.

News in brief

Barry Callebaut appoints Americas president

Barry Callebaut, the world’s largest producer of cocoa and chocolate products, has appointed David S. Johnson as president and CEO of its Americas division.

Is stevia’s market potential limited by cost?

Stevia’s expense compared to other sweeteners is a major market limitation, according to a new paper on the stevia market, although industry players say they are working to bring its price down.

Organic annatto extract offered as food color

DD Williamson has succeeded in sourcing certified annatto extracts for use as food colors, opening up new possibilities for manufacturers to make organic claims on foods.

Soft drink shake-up called for amidst obesity fears

American consumers may require re-education about beverage intake to wean them off sugary drinks, with some health researchers calling on the industry to develop a new class of reduced calorie soft drinks.

Vitamin B3 may reduce acrylamide formation: Study

Vitamin B3 may inhibit the formation of acrylamide in French fries by over 50 per cent, according to a new study from China.

Healthy lifestyle trend influences machine design

Increasing consumer demand for less processed food was a driver for the enhancement of an existing horizontal flow wrapper to allow it to be used for the packaging of fruit and vegetable products, claims Bosch Packaging Technology.

News in brief

Bakery ingredients supplier BakeMark USA launches tri-lingual website

Shortening and glazes supplier BakeMark USA targets its polyglot bakery customers with the launch of a new tri-lingual website.

Fanta gets on the natural bandwagon

Fanta Orange is the latest beverage to be reformulated with 100 percent natural flavors in the US, catching the wave of consumers who have become increasingly skeptical of artificial ingredients.

Are ethics behind halal and kosher sales?

Interest in ethical consumerism is rising, and with it so will sales of halal and kosher-certified meats, predicts a Packaged Facts report, but animal welfare charity Compassion in World Farming disagrees.

Salt reductions more challenging in low-fat formulations

Reducing the salt content of low-fat cheese has a greater impact on the flavour than similar reductions from high fat cheese, suggests new research from France.

News in brief

Vegetable juice may aid weight loss: Study

One glass of a reduced salt vegetable juice a day may help overweight people with metabolic syndrome lose more weight, according to a new study.

Weekly comment

Who’s hoodwinked by a healthy halo?

What does health taste like? As a kid, I was encouraged to hold my nose and swallow down broad beans and cod-liver oil. If they tasted bad, it was only ‘cos they were good for me.

Talking organics to the occasional buyer

FoodNavigator talks to Peter Melchett, policy director at the Soil Association, about communication efforts to help more consumers understand and engage in organics, and the all-important issue of climate change.

Recession raises direct-to-vat cottage cheese culture sales

Chr. Hansen has said that sales of its direct-to-vat cottage cheese cultures have been boosted by the global recession, as manufacturers seek ways to raise productivity.

New report calls for stronger local-level food safety systems

Holes need to be plugged in local and state-level food safety programs in order to effectively protect the public from foodborne illness, says a new report prepared with input from regional health officials.

Polysaccharides may give edible coatings for cheese

The days of cheeses coated with synthetic substances may be drawing to a close as new research suggests that natural polysaccharides may provide edible coatings for household favourites.

Consider kosher and halal for wider appeal, says market research

Kosher and halal foods hold consumer appeal that goes far beyond any ethnic or religious niche, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.

'Fishy' omega-3 DHA leads to the courts

A US candy and snack bar manufacturer has been saddled with a bill of almost $100,000, after a DHA fortification attempt went wrong.

Sucralose market still not a free-for-all, says distributor

Tate & Lyle’s loss of its sucralose patent case last week may have broken its monopoly of the sucralose market, but is unlikely to throw the doors wide to competitors, says one of the companies cleared in the case.

Shredded Wheat celebrates simplicity and ‘lack of innovation’

Ralcorp subsidiary Post Foods has announced a new marketing campaign for its Shredded Wheat cereal, pitting it against ingredient innovations in the food industry and hailing its ‘lack of innovation’.

News in brief

Network seeks healthy investment for small companies

An organization dedicated to raising capital for small companies in the fields of health, wellness and green, natural and organic nutrition has announced its fourth investors’ meeting, due to take place in New York City on April 21.

Cyclodextrin could mask bitter flavours in beverages: Study

The bitter taste that amino acids give to beverages could be masked by adding alpha-cyclodextrin, according to new data from Brazil.

News in brief

IFT to host IP swap shop

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has announced a new event at its annual meet next month to stimulate the purchase or license of intellectual property rights.

Land O’Lakes targets healthier formulation with process cheese

Land O’Lakes has introduced a reduced fat, reduced sodium process cheese designed to aid manufacturers in improving the health profile of their products, without compromising taste or functionality.

Economists question future of CBOT futures market

The Chicago Board of Trade’s wheat futures market is in danger of losing its relevance as the gap between future prices and cash prices has widened, say the authors of a new University of Illinois study.

NY nutritionists list top 5 functional foods

A selection of “whole foods” have been chosen in a top five top functional foods selected by the New York State Dietetic Association (NYSDA), with probiotic, low-fat yogurts being the only truly technical, fortified food.

Virginia Dare taps tea’s healthy image for extract range

Virginia Dare has renewed a marketing push for its range of natural tea extracts and concentrates on the back of growing consumer perception of tea’s health-giving properties.

You are what your mother eats: High GI diets may give obese kids

Snacking on foods with a high glycaemic index like white bread and chocolate during the later stages of pregnancy may increase the likelihood of obesity in the offspring, says a new study.

Data shows no decrease in rate of US food related outbreaks

Progress in the prevention of foodborne illnesses in the US has stalled, admits the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

News in brief

Campaign aims to increase awareness of organics

The Go Organic! for Earth Day campaign has announced plans to piggyback on Earth Day activities for the fifth year running on April 22.

Researchers call for direct, personalized recall advice

The Rutgers Food Policy Institute (FPI) has called for clearer food recall information after it found that although Americans believe recalls are important, many think they do not apply to them.

Cargill counts recession costs, despite caution

Cargill has taken a heavy hit to its earnings in all its business segments in Q3, as the effects of the global downturn hit home, but remains confident of a bounce-back when conditions allow.

Research and marketing savvy vital for the rise of ‘superveg’

As manufacturers clamor to discover and make use of super fruits in their functional food formulations, consumer perception and limited research are currently preventing the advent of ‘superveg', according to some experts.

North American meat sector target of Listeria technology

Netherlands based company, EBI Food Safety, has announced that it has teamed up with US distributor World Technology Ingredients (WTI) to accelerate the penetration of its GRAS approved phage based product, Listex, into the North American meat and poultry sector.

Textured whey protein could ease use of heat-sensitive ingredients

A textured whey protein concentrate can stabilize a cold-setting gel over a wide range of temperatures, according to new research from the US.

Weekly comment

Food supplements proving recession-proof

The ongoing slide of global capitalism is decimating industries, but the food supplements industry is not one of them as fraught consumers turn to its potential low-cost, anti-medical, wellness promise.

News in brief

USDA to provide mite-resistant honeybees for White House garden

USDA will provide two types of parasite-resistant honeybees to pollinate the White House garden this July.

Soluble fiber to beef up processed meats’ nutritional profile

AHD International has extended its LuraLean line to reduce fat, increase fiber and lengthen shelf life in processed meat products.

Anti-adulteration actions aren’t working, says FDA

The US Food and Drug Administration has said current regulations are not working to prevent deliberate contamination of food and pharmaceutical products and has called a public meeting to address the issue.

Snack Size Science: Air bubbles and peanuts for all

FoodNavigator's Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we look at how air bubbles may mimic fat and help with weight loss, and how antioxidant compounds may neutralise the allergens in peanut butter.

Pistachio recall takes lessons from peanuts

The pistachio industry has learned lessons from the previous peanut-related salmonella recall – and so has the FDA, says the Western Pistachio Association.

ICM set sights on dairy for anaerobic digestion potential

A processor of anaerobic digestion systems says it has developed a product that can now create energy from lactose-rich wastewater leftover from dairy production to meet global industry need for greener technology.

Frozen foods renaissance could continue after recession

As consumers tighten their belts, many are stocking up on cheaper, longer-lasting frozen foods, rather than buying fresh foods that could end up being wasted – and market researchers say this is set to continue.

Food ingredient database aims to empower consumers

An Australian company that created a database analyzing foods for allergens and additives has landed in the US, offering American consumers an online tool for comparing thousands of manufactured foods.

News in brief

Unilever closes Massachusetts ice-cream plant

Unilever North America has announced that it is to close its Massachusetts-based Breyers ice-cream plant in Framingham, incurring 201 job losses.

Gum kondagogu’s potential awaiting exploitation

Gum kondagogu, a ‘novel natural biopolymer’ from the tree Cochlospermum gossypium, is a ‘good emulsifying agent even at low concentration’, say Indian researchers.

Talking Point

Is the food industry following in tobacco’s footsteps – your views

FoodNavigator-USA.com asked readers for their views on a recent joint study from Yale University and the University of Michigan that compared the food industry’s marketing strategies to those of the tobacco industry.

US research project focuses on gut health and malnutrition

The US government has launched a research initiative to investigate the link between child malnutrition and intestinal infections, with the goal of developing intervention strategies that could promote the health of children around the world.

News in brief

Higher fiber and lower sugar found to have diabetes benefits

Increasing fiber intake and reducing sugar intake could improve the risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes in Latino adolescents, according to a new study.

FDA issues warrant to inspect snack company for salmonella

FDA authorities finally served an inspection warrant on a New Jersey snack manufacturer on Wednesday 18 days after it refused to recall products containing peanuts supplied by the Peanut Corporation of America.

Soft drink tax could save money, says NYC health commissioner

Taxes on sugary soft drinks could actually save taxpayer money through improved health, according to a journal article penned by the New York City health commissioner and a Yale University professor.

News in brief

Website lists pistachio products unaffected by salmonella scare

The CAL-PURE co-op of Californian pistachio growers and the Western Pistachio Association have launched a website to advise consumers of pistachio-containing foods that are safe to eat.

Edible carrageenan films enhance flavour encapsulation

Combining fat and iota- carrageenans could form edible films for flavour encapsulation, says fundamental new research from France and Spain.

Ajinomoto seeks FDA approval for new sweetener

Ajinomoto has submitted a dossier to the FDA for approval of a new no-calorie sweetener derived from the same amino acids as aspartame, and vanillin.

Abrupt end to Givaudan collaboration with Redpoint Bio

Givaudan has terminated its alliance with Redpoint Bio Corporation to develop novel sweetness enhancers and bitter blockers because it said a key milestone has not been achieved.

Bioexx set to roll out ‘unique’ canola proteins isolates

Canada’s Bioexx has announced the successful pilot plant production of a canola protein isolate and hydrolyzed protein concentrate for foods.

Mintel revises forecasts to take account of global crisis

Mintel has revised its forecasts from the past two years to more accurately reflect the unprecedented global economic situation and highlight which sectors are growing during the crisis.

News in brief

USDA launches Spanish food safety podcasts

A new food safety podcast series in Spanish has been launched by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

'First’ organic chia enters US market

‘Superfood’ firm Navitas Naturals has launched what it claims to be the first organically certified chia seed product available on the North American market.

Fibre-enriched gluten-free bread gets formulation boost

Oat and corn fibre may boost the fibre content of gluten-free bread and enhance the colour, texture and volume of the loaves, says a new study from Greece.

Sucralose supply set to expand as Tate & Lyle loses patent case

Tate & Lyle has lost its sucralose patent case as the International Trade Commission gave its final ruling on Monday that Chinese manufacturers did not infringe the sugar giant’s patents.

Ethnic foods heeding private label and organic opportunities

The future of the US ethnic food market is expected to be increasingly reliant on demand for more private label and organic options, but should survive the challenges posed by the economic downturn, say some industry groups.

Ethnic obesity divide already evident in four year olds: Study

A fifth of American four year olds are obese but the proportion is greatest amongst American Indian four year olds, of whom one in three is obese, according to a new study.

Oat and quinoa possible semolina replacers in pasta

Formulating pasta with oats or quinoa may offer pasta manufacturers alternatives to traditional semolina, and open up opportunities in the gluten-free market, says new research from Italy.

Weekly comment

Could clones be hiding out in ice-cream?

Ben & Jerry’s campaign to ensure produce from clones is detectable in the food chain shows that bundling biotech in with conventional produce remains unacceptable – but lessons from GM do not seem to have been learned.

Pistachio recall expands to New York plant

The pistachio recall that originated at California-based Setton Pistachio has expanded to a related plant in Commack, New York that failed a state inspection last month, according to the FDA.

News in brief

PepsiCo field test climate-friendly vending machines

All natural refrigeration systems in Pepsi-Cola vending machines will be trialed this month in Washington DC, as the company seeks to reduce its environmental footprint.

Ingredia snaps up Kantner Ingredients assets

IDI Inc has acquired assets of Ohio-based Kantner Ingredients, in a deal expected to increase the new owner’s presence in the US and its export capabilities.

Survey shows consumer concern about preparation, not supply

American confidence in supermarkets’ food safety has slipped steadily over the past five years but this does not necessarily reflect lower confidence in the food supply, says The NPD Group.

‘Air filled emulsions’ could reduce fat, ease obesity: Study

Fungal proteins could produce aerated emulsions with the potential to act as fat replacers in foods, according to promising results from England.

New wave of authentic Latino flavors hits the US

American Latinos and non-Latinos alike are driving a ‘new wave’ of authentic Latin American foods and flavors set to enter the mainstream in the US, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.

Kraft puts prevention, not testing, at heart of contamination battle

Amidst ongoing amendments to improve food safety after recent US contamination scares, Kraft Foods says that system design and prevention remain central to its hygiene plans as opposed to heightened testing.

News in brief

Hands-on conference focuses on food for healthcare

The semi-annual Healthy Kitchen, Healthy Lives conference kicked off in California’s Napa Valley on Thursday, bringing together experts from the fields of nutrition science, health care and the culinary arts.

US and Canada to agree on organic equivalency by summer

The US and Canada have agreed to finalize negotiations on organic equivalency standards between the countries by this summer, according to the Organic Trade Association.

Farmers and food processors lobby for looser Made in Canada laws

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has teamed with Food Processors of Canada in an attempt to relax strict laws governing Product of Canada labeling implemented at the beginning of the year.

Amaranth may extend gluten-free bread shelf-life: Study

An extract from amaranth may extend the shelf-life of both gluten-containing and gluten-free breads, according to new research from Italy.

Talking Point

Is the food industry following in tobacco’s footsteps?

FoodNavigator-USA.com asks its readers whether it is justified to compare the food industry with tobacco.

Carbonates dipping in US soft drink shift - report

The notion of the traditional soft drink as a carbonated, high-calorie fizzy drink may have had its day in the US, according to new research suggesting consumers are flocking en masse to seemingly lighter options.

Campbell’s seeks outside help with innovation

Campbell Soup Company has opened up to outside innovation for the first time and is seeking ideas for new products and processes from scientists, entrepreneurs and inventors from the general public.

Whole grain sales set to rise on ‘sound nutritional science’

Whole grain sales have risen as consumers have become more aware of their nutritional benefits, a trend that looks set to continue for at least the next five years, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.

News in brief

Tropicana replaces artificially sweetened juice with Reb A drink

PepsiCo-owned Tropicana has replaced its artificially sweetened Light n’ Healthy orange juice drink with Trop50, naturally sweetened with Reb A stevia extract.

Benefits and detriments of vegetarian diets may not balance out: Report

A report published today adds evidence to the argument that the health benefits of adhering to a vegetarian diet may not outweigh the potential detrimental effects.

Obama administration upholds GM sugarbeet deregulation

The USDA has chosen not to change laws on genetically engineered sugarbeets in a lawsuit filed by the Center for Food Safety and Earthjustice requesting a review of deregulation for the beets last month.

Taste seen as key development for frozen food emulsions

Ongoing development of a range of emulsions designed to protect precooked frozen foods in storage is increasingly focused on taste quality and reducing fat content, according to the ingredients’ manufacturer.

Health drive leads to sweetness enhancer for reduced calories

Increased reformulation towards healthier products has led to the development of a sweetness enhancer from Comax Flavors to reduce calories from sweeteners without compromising flavor.

Ben & Jerry's stunt highlights concern over clones in food chain

Ben & Jerry’s has fessed up to creating an online presence for a fictitious company selling cloned milk as a publicity stunt, as campaigners believe that the offspring of cloned animals have already entered the food chain.

News in brief

IBS awareness month intensifies educational focus

The thirteenth annual national awareness month for irritable bowel syndrome is underway, with the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders planning a month of health messages through media outreach.