Scientists have identified a new gene in peanuts that codes for a
protein with no apparent allergic effects, research that opens up
the possibility of allergen-free GM nuts.
An EU scientific advisory body yesterday approved Bulgaria and
Romania's contingency plans forcontrolling outbreaks of avian
influenza, Newcastle disease, classical swine fever and
foot-and-mouth disease.
When the idea of fortifying staple foods with vital nutrients is
raised, the battlecry goes up from industry groups and advocates of
consumer choice: "Why should we bear the costs?" "Educate, and
let people make their...
Leading agri-business Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has announced it
will boost its North American oilseed crushing operations on the
back of an increased global demand for food and biodiesel.
Test results of oleic acid-rich soybean varieties are in, and the
results are very positive, say the researchers behind the new
varieties, giving industry access to new soybean oils with improved
health profiles.
Leading Mexican style fast food firm Taco Bell is the latest
foodservice chain to announce a transition to trans fat free
cooking oils, marking another step in the nationwide campaign to
remove the artery-clogging fats from the food...
As the makers of Perrier water absorbed the full consumer backlash
from recalling drinks containing benzene in the US, Cadbury
Schweppes quietly pulled one of its own products for the same
reason, new documents show.
The UK's food watchdog will next year present a project on ways to
share information internationally among industry and regulators in
a bid to prevent future outbreaks of disease.
Vitiva is introducing a new variant of its Inolens rosemary extract
aimed at boosting stability of carotenoids and other natural
colourings, without the need for synthetic preservatives.
Modifying wheat gluten protein with transglutaminase enzymes
improves the gelling, rheological and textural properties, claim
Chinese researchers - a result that may offer value-added solutions
for a wide range of food products.
Quest International, the flavour firm recently acquired by
Givaudan, has launched a new range of fruit flavours based on
components that 'precisely replicate the flavours of real fruit at
various stages of ripeness'.
EU stakeholders are moving closer to consensus over the setting of
maximum vitamin and mineral levels for the EU, said speakers at
Friday's EHPM/ERNA conference in Brussels, which unfolded without
major aggravation between participants.
The EC has called threats by Russia to ban all imports of EU meat
products into the country as "unjustified", as processors
and food producers in the bloc face the possibility of losing a
major market for their products.
Feeding small amounts of a food allergen to children could build up
tolerance and eventually lose their allergy, US-based researchers
have said based on a study on kids with egg allergy.
Ingredients group DSM has set up a North American center of
technical support for its Savory Ingredients business, designed to
bolster its technical strength within the region, the firm
announced last week.
Regulation introduced by the British government to protect children
from junk food advertising is far more effective than the voluntary
US approach, an American consumer lobby group has said.
West Europe's energy drink sales accelerated by 15 per cent to a
volume of 383 million litres and a value of over €3 billion in
2005, according to drinks consultancy Zenith International.
Probiotics are stepping out of yoghurts and into other food
categories, as companies develop new techniques to counter
stability and survivability issues that have previously stymied
innovation.
Hydrolysed caseins from goat's milk could lead to a novel
ingredient to prevent the development of high blood pressure, if
results from a rat study can be translated to humans.
Scientists in the US are looking into the potential of green tea
polyphenols to stop the Maillard reaction in thermally processed
dairy to prevent dark colours and off-flavours.
Irish shoppers regard health and nutrition as the most important
factor affecting their food purchase decisions ahead of price,
according to research published today.
The sugar industry must take greater responsibility to ensure the
successful restructuring of the EU market, said the European
Commissioner for agriculture.
A decontamination process for packaging chilled products reduces
the amount of chemicals needed for sterilization and increases
shelf-life, claims its manufacturer.
A new cold-water soluble carrageenan system claims to allow
manufacturers of dairy goods to achieve a creamy texture and smooth
mouthfeel in applications that cannot be heated.
The potential of the brain health nutrition market is only starting
to be realised, and Nestlé underlined its intentions yesterday to
get a head start on the competition with the signing of an
agreement with the Swiss Federal Institute...
Oilseed processor Bunge has appointed new leaders to a number of
its business units as part of a general reorganization strategy
designed to support the company's growth plans.
Most consumers have a general understanding of the term 'whole
grain', but they remain vague on the health benefits of these foods
and on ways to identify them in stores, according to a study
published this month.
A new wine flour manufactured from grape skins claims to allow
manufacturers of baked goods, pasta and snacks to naturally fortify
their products with healthy fatty acids and fiber.
Carbery presented new developments in whey protein ingredients at
HIE in Frankfurt last week as it recognises they are increasingly
desirable for mainstream healthy products, not just the sports
nutrition and infant formula markets.
Frutarom has released another strong set of financial results for
3Q, gathering greater clout in the natural ingredients sector
through strategic acquisitions, launches and licenses.
Researchers in the US have found a way to genetically engineer
cottonseed to remove toxins, making it a potential source of
protein for undernourished populations.
Europe's food safety authority has issued draft guidance for the
renewal of authorisations of existing genetically modified products
lawfully placed on the market.
A new sweetener supplier in the US claims to allow food and
beverage firms to access ingredient supplies from low-cost
manufacturing countries while maintaining Western standards of
quality and service.
The Food and Drug Administration has introduced two consumer tools
designed to help people understand nutrition facts panels so that
they are able to better control their food choices.
Until consumers lose the attitude that they deserve and have a
right to goods from all over the world, our food systems and the
environment are at peril.