Food safety & quality

Rethinking UPFs: New perspectives on chocolate

Is all chocolate a UPF?

By Natasha Jolliffe-Spencer

Controversy around ultra-processed foods (UPFs) continues to grow, especially with mounting scientific research as well as media attention scrutinizing the food group.

How risky are phthalates? Image Source: Getty Images/KevinDyer

Are phthalates linked to reduced fertility?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Phthalates are highly useful chemical compounds often used to soften plastic to make it more flexible. They have also been linked to a range of negative health effects.

Dairy cows are indirectly linked to deforestation through feed consumption. Image Source: Getty Images/John Giustina

Is dairy linked to deforestation?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Deforestation has been linked to a range of commodities including palm oil, soy, cocoa and cattle. But how close is its link with dairy?

Smart packaging that fights food waste. GettyImages/nadia_bormotova

Smart packaging that fights food waste

By Donna Eastlake

Packaging that lowers food waste? It seems too good to be true but scientists say it’s possible, in fact, it already exists!

In order to conform to the EUDR, cocoa must be traceable. Image Source: Getty Images/MilenaKatzer

How Nestlé is making its cocoa more traceable

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Nestlé is striving to make its cocoa traceable right back to the farm. Can the multinational give consumers confidence they’re eating sustainable cocoa?

The company aims to develop a raw egg for retail. Image Source: Getty Images/vikif

Plant-based egg separates yolk and white

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Already producing a plant-based egg alternative with separated yolk and white, Neggst plans to develop a raw egg for retail which may, eventually, have a shell.

How brands are capitalising on gut health. GettyImages/PeopleImages

How brands are capitalising on gut health

By Donna Eastlake

Gut health is proving to be hugely popular with consumers and enormously profitable for food and beverage manufacturers. In financial terms, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Baked snacks, such as baked crisps, are prevalent in the snacks market. Image Source: Getty Images/ugurhan

How healthy are baked snacks?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Baked snacks, from baked fruit to baked crisps, are a key part of modern snacking. But how healthy are they, really?

Soybean prices are falling. Image Source: Getty Images/Drs Producoes

Why are soybean prices falling?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Despite challenges from regulation and climate, soybean prices have spent the last year falling. What accounts for this?

Plant-based toxins pose danger to health. GettyImages/Tara Moore

Plant-based toxins pose danger to health

By Donna Eastlake

Plant toxins have always existed in plant foods but their potential health implications remain relatively unknown to consumers. Why?

Do emulsifiers increase the risk of diabetes? GettyImages/martin-dm

Do emulsifiers increase the risk of diabetes?

By Donna Eastlake

Emulsifiers are found in a whole range of foods, including yogurts, ice creams, chocolate bars, margarines and even some breads. But could this common food additive increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes?

How do vegetable crisps compare to potato crisps, nutritionally? Image Source: Getty Images/Jenifoto

Do vegetable crisps deserve their health halo?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Colourful and classy vegetable crisps are often sought after as a ‘better-for-you’ alternative to ordinary crisps. But how accurate is this perception?

Is seasonal eating making a comeback? GettyImages/alle12

Is seasonal eating making a comeback?

By Donna Eastlake

From Egyptian potatoes to Mexican strawberries, the European food system operates on a whatever you want, whenever you want it, basis. But are consumers turning away from international imports and instead embracing local produce?

Fava beans can grow in Europe, but several problems remain. Image Source: Getty Images/MEDITERRANEAN

Can fava beans grow in Europe?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Fava beans are a leading crop used for alternative protein products. They can also be grown in Europe, making for simpler supply chains. But what issues are producers contending with?

Understanding the Autoimmune Protocol diet. GettyImages/Hispanolistic

Understanding the Autoimmune Protocol diet

By Donna Eastlake

Health trends are huge at the moment, with new diets and ‘superfoods’ popping up on an almost weekly basis. Enter the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet.

Eco-friendly food colouring: How one company is cutting carbon. GettyImages/coldsnowstorm

Eco-friendly food colouring: How one company is cutting carbon

By Donna Eastlake

The food industry is coming under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and find more sustainable ways to operate. Food colouring manufacturer Exberry tells us how it's cutting carbon intensity, and improving water efficiency, for greener...

Using isotopic markers, the researchers developed a way of tracing hazelnuts to their geographical origins. Image Source: Getty Images/Daniel Grizelj

Tracing hazelnuts geographical origin: Isotopic markers

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

With food fraud widespread, the geographical origin of hazelnuts must be traced. A new study analysed their isotopic markers to find which ones could link them back to their origin.

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