In the wake of the e coli outbreak due to contaminated spinach,
suppliers are rushing in toprovide processors with the tools they
might need to improve the safety of their packaged products.
A new sensory database for almonds claims to provide food
formulators with a tool to understand the range and importance of
all aspects of the nut's sensory characteristics.
Frutarom is acquiring Acatris Health for €10.5m cash in the latest
step in its rapid expansion programme - a move expected to bolster
its R&D and human resources, and create new cross-selling
opportunities.
Belgium-based Puratos has published research into the use of
dextrans in sourdoughs, producing an "innovative functional
ingredient for the bakery industry."
Restricting vending machine use or availability in schools is
crucial in the nation's efforts to drive down soda-related obesity,
according to a study published this month in the Journal of the
American Dietetic Association.
The UK's Soil Association has slammed the government for its
'complacent' claim that pesticides found in school fruit and
vegetables are 'broadly similar' to those found in supermarkets.
International Flavors & Fragrances has completed an internal
program designed for sodium reduction, which provides the firm with
a base of reference for its range of flavor systems for reduced
salt applications.
If the Chinese government gives in to mounting international
pressure to revalue its currency, it could spell the end of cheap
exports, a move that many anticipate would have a knock-on effect
on raw materials costs for the food industry....
Fruit supplier Chiquita is embarking on a number of debt-reducing
initiatives, including the sale of its shipping fleet, as the firm
struggles to find its feet after new EU banana import rules hacked
at its profits.
Over the last month, regulators, doctors and scientists have formed
communications networks toget a better fix on the problems
affecting food safety across the bloc.
US government scientists have launched a new online database that
allows for the exploration of the soybean's genetic makeup, which
makes it possible to compare current soybean genetic maps.
Supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) prevented
age-related bone loss in mice, says a new study that could offer a
dietary therapy for protecting against the ever-growing threat of
osteoporosis.
There is a huge gap in the food industry's understanding of how
nutrition information on label actually influences buying behaviour
in the supermarket, according to a EUFIC study.
Bakery ingredients firm Puratos is to construct a new sourdough
plant in the US, designed to address increasing demand for its
ready to use fermented sourdough line, which has until now been
produced exclusively in Europe.
BASF has confirmed that it is increasing prices of its vitamin B2
for food products, three days after it announced similar measures
for the same vitamin intended for animal feed.
By fitting an agitator to its range of volumetric depositors, food
processors can now mixdelicate products without having to buy a new
machine, says UK-based Turbo Systems.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that
governments around the world phase out partially hydrogenated oils
if trans-fat labelling alone doesn't spur significant reductions.
Danish enzyme firm Novozymes has announced that it is to increase
prices for a line of its brewing enzymes in the US, as the firm
struggles to retain profitability under growing market pressures.
Barley and rye are underutilized whole grains, and although they
are considered to be minor cereal grains they have major health
benefits, heard food scientists and manufacturers last week.
The European Court of First Instance confirmed this week that
Jungbunzlauer (JBL) and Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
engaged in an illegal citric acid price fixing cartel, and has as a
result upheld the original fines imposed.
ReGen Therapeutics has been tightening its belt to reduce costs as
it prepares for commercialisation of its Colostrinin nutraceutical,
but first half 2006 results indicate that prospects are good and no
further share issues are planned...
The trans fats battle is inching its way further into the
foodservice sector, with a new proposal announced this week to
remove almost all of the artery clogging oils from New York City
restaurants.
A meeting between the EC's directorate general for health and
consumer protection and the UK's food safety watchdog was 'positive
and constructive', according to FSA chair Deirdre Hutton.
Every extra of fruit or vegetable consumed daily could cut the risk
of heart disease by four percent, says a meta-analysis of almost a
quarter of a million people, giving people even more reason to seek
out the nutrient-rich foods.
Switzerland, Finland and Sweden are the world's most competitive
economies according to this year's assessment by the World Economic
Forum (WEF) of the best places to do business.
A patent covering the use of the human bitter taste receptor to
screen for compounds could give Senomyx a significant edge in the
race to identify new flavour ingredients.
UK food manufacturers and others are been asked to provide any
information on nanotechnologies they are working on, under a
programme launched this week by the government.
Obesity concerns and a lack of innovation have driven down sales of
fruit-flavored juice drinks in the US over the past five years, and
prospects to boost the market remain dismal according to a new
report by Mintel.
Most consumers are concerned about the use of carbon monoxide to
meats, according to a new survey, which rekindles an ongoing debate
between industry and consumer groups.
A new flat label can record time and temperature data on food
products for up to eight weeks,providing a record in case safety
has been compromised by improper storage.
Adding alginates or guar gum to baked goods and breakfast cereals
could be one way to increase the satiety these products provide,
allowing consumers to feel full longer, according to food
scientists at the University of Maine.
Ingredients company Danisco launches new concept out of its
Singapore office allowing processors to take advantage of the new
health trends in the market.
Tate & Lyle chief executive Iain Ferguson's appointment as
president of the UK's Food and Drink Federation (FDF) comes at a
critical time for the industry.
The sugar replacer Isomalt has become the first non-Chinese food to
pass the Novel Food approval process set by the Chinese Ministry of
Health, according to maker Palatinit.