Food safety

GUEST ARTICLE

Industry Insights from NIZO: Great flavour without compromise for plant-based food

26-Oct-2023 By René Floris, NIZO Food Research Division Manager

To successfully launch a plant-based product onto the market today, businesses have to go above and beyond in flavour to stand out. How can a new, more holistic flavour approach put an end to organoleptic compromise?

‘We want happy pigs’… welfare and health outweigh climate concerns for consumers

25-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Focusing solely on climate improvements in pork production is not what consumers care most about when buying pork, two studies reveal.

‘It has the potential to improve sustainability across the supply chain’: UK mulls regulatory changes to allow insects to eat your food waste

25-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Food companies can potentially cut their volumes of waste up to 75% using insect bioconversion, whilst at the same time creating valuable new revenue streams, FoodNavigator hears.

Eight crops endangered by climate change

19-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

From staple crops like potatoes and maize, to cash crops for wealthier customers like cocoa and coffee, climate change is having a widespread impact on global agricultural production.

How next-generation refrigerants hope to fight climate change

17-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Refrigeration and insulation technologies can be employed to save both food waste and energy, Honeywell Advanced Materials tells FoodNavigator.

COP28’s food system focus eagerly anticipated by experts

13-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Long ignored in global climate negotiations, food systems have been made a top priority at COP28 beginning on November 30 in Dubai.

‘It’s imperative to recognise that not all CBD is created the same’: CBD players digest potential ‘dagger-blow to the UK industry’

12-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

In a move that has potentially far-reaching implications for the CBD industry in the UK, the Food Standards Agency has issued new precautionary advice, recommending healthy adults should limit their consumption of CBD from food to 10mg per day, down from...

Fresh calls for ban on ‘forever chemicals’ in food packaging

11-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

European consumer group BEUC is urging for its calls for a ban on so-called ‘forever chemicals’ in food packaging to be adopted ‘as quickly as possible’ after a new compilation of recent product tests by its members found that everyday consumer products...

‘Synthetic vs natural’: Start-up targets fortification category disruption with organic plant-derived nutrients

06-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

UK-based BIOVIT is poised to launch plant-derived nutrient blends targeting fortified food and meal-replacement markets. Its vitamins and minerals, extracted from leaves, flowers, roots and fungi extracts, guarantees nutrient content, it claims, to boost...

Most of it comes from our homes… so what role, if any, can food manufacturers play in helping to minimise food waste?

05-Oct-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Thanks to collaboration, education and labelling innovation, brand influence can pass over the threshold to help shift consumer behaviour, Danone tells FoodNavigator’s Climate Smart Food​​ summit.

Cultivated meat ‘breakthrough’: Media supplement achieves full muscle maturation on scaffold within 48 hours.

26-Sep-2023 By Flora Southey

Having achieved muscle and protein gains in 2D environments, Profuse Technology is celebrating a ‘breakthrough’ in cultivated meat growth within 3D environments, CEO Guy Nevo Michrowski explains.

‘The only barrier now is regulation’: UK cultivated meat company urges urgent approvals overhaul to allow industry to flourish

22-Sep-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Ivy Farm Technologies sounded the warning it will look to open its first production facility in another country, likely the US, if the Food Standards Authority drags its feet on giving regulatory approval to this fledgling industry.

The FoodNavigator Podcast: Why avoiding terms like ‘vegan,’ ‘vegetarian,’ or ‘meatless’ may boost the plant-based market

20-Sep-2023 By Oliver Morrison

As arguments rage about the use of ‘meaty’ or ‘dairy-like’ names for plant-based versions of animal-based foods, we ask could plant-based sector momentum be improved if meat and dairy alternatives avoid imitating the names of animal-based products.

BPA above acceptable levels across Europe, EU warns after assessing 11 countries

15-Sep-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

The presence of Bisphenol A (BPA) in humans is above acceptable levels for health in many European countries, the EU's European Environment Agency (EEA) reports.

‘The risk we have here is enough to manage’: Athlete turned entrepreneur Floyd Landis discusses how regulatory uncertainty threatens the global CBD industry

15-Sep-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Regulatory bottlenecks are threatening to hinder CBD innovation on both sides of the Atlantic, the former professional road racing cyclist Floyd Landis tells FoodNavigator.

Prepare for a ‘new age of global economic instability’, food and beverage industry warned

13-Sep-2023 By Oliver Morrison

A new whitepaper explores the instability in the current macro environment and the risks and opportunities this will bring for the beverage industry over the next few years.

'The metaverse is a new digital battleground in the making', data researchers predict

12-Sep-2023 By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

As food service giants Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Starbucks enter the metaverse with their devised lands and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), we explore whether it is only a matter of time before manufacturers take a bite out of the metaverse experience.

Milk made from carbon dioxide and electricity backed by EU

06-Sep-2023 By Flora Southey

A four-year project aimed at developing whey protein from CO2 and electricity has been selected for investment by the European Commission via its innovation programme.

Maolac NPD: Gut support and anti-inflammatory activity targeted with AI and breastmilk

05-Sep-2023 By Flora Southey

Israeli start-up Maolac is launching two new products made from biofunctional proteins in breastmilk (sourced from colostrum) that can be used in functional beverages, sports bars and smoothies.

‘A strong vote of confidence’: Alt protein made from spent yeast backed by Lesaffre

04-Sep-2023 By Flora Southey

The world’s largest producer of ‘natural’ food ingredients derived from microorganisms is taking a 10% share in Israeli alternative protein maker Yeap.

‘Many businesses are not aware that there is a way to safely preserve these materials’: Trouw Nutrition on the business and environmental case for repurposing waste

01-Sep-2023 By Oliver Morrison

FoodNavigator caught up with Evelien van Donselaar at Trouw Nutrition to learn more about the ‘untapped’ opportunities for the food sector to explore circular production models.

Alternative protein research hub to be opened in UK

01-Sep-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

A new £15 million research hub will look to improve the UK’s alternative protein sector: how to improve taste and texture of alternative proteins, reduce the cost and scale up production of alternative proteins, and even improve best practice.

‘Green’ straws raise red flags: PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ identified in 90% of paper straws tested in Europe

31-Aug-2023 By Flora Southey

Single use plastic has long been vilified, prompting beverage makers to swap out plastic straws for paper alternatives. But fresh research warns paper straws in Europe contain ‘forever chemicals’, and that using such straws potentially contributes to...

‘Lack of clarity has left the industry in limbo’: UK CBD suppliers warn of ‘existential threat’

29-Aug-2023 By Oliver Morrison

UK CBD players are warning more products may be taken off shelves and have issued an ‘urgent’ appeal to the Home Office to protect the industry.

‘The traceability is appealing to many consumers’: Halal food increasing in popularity in UK and Europe

29-Aug-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Halal food is growing in popularity in the UK and globally, suggests a new report from food futurologist Lyndon Gee, on behalf of halal convenience food manufacturer TAKUL. The report suggests due to both a growing Muslim middle-class spending more on...

Using carbon offsets to cut your GHG emissions? It could all be hot air, scientists warn

25-Aug-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Millions of carbon credits are generated by overestimating forest preservation, study finds.

Superbugs and plastic pollution: Researchers link microplastics to antimicrobial resistance spread

25-Aug-2023 By Flora Southey

Concerning associations between microplastic contamination in soil and the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria have been identified by researchers.

‘The condition is very rare, but the impacts can be traumatic’: FSA to consider label warnings as protein shake death sparks debate

24-Aug-2023 By Oliver Morrison

After a death of a schoolboy, the UK Food Standards Agency is to look at whether labels on high-protein drinks and supplements should feature a warning about the potentially fatal risk of a sudden spike in protein for people with undiagnosed disorders.

New tool to boost fruit and vegetable shelf life and cut waste

21-Aug-2023 By Oliver Morrison

The technology – from Poland-based food-tech company Fresh Inset – promises to preserve freshness, vitamins and antioxidants.

GUEST ARTICLE

Industry Insights from NIZO: Are microorganisms responsible for your chemical spoilage?

16-Aug-2023 By René Floris, NIZO Food Research Division Manager

Industry should consider that the root cause of chemical spoilage might actually be microbial, believes NIZO Food Research.

‘It’s brilliant the industry has stepped up’: The technology allowing partially sighted shoppers to ‘hear’ what’s on a product label

16-Aug-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Partially sighted consumers are a growing demographic. Solutions are coming aimed at allowing these shoppers to more easily access key on-pack product information and nutritional details.

Extending shelf-life through packaging: The complexities and variations

16-Aug-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Food packaging has a number of key roles. Firstly, it aims to keep food safe from its environment, so it doesn’t get dirty or contaminated. Secondly, it makes it more convenient to transport. Thirdly, it can serve to extend food shelf life. It is this...

News in brief

‘Not suitable for under-4s’: New industry guidance issued on glycerol in slush-ice drinks

14-Aug-2023 By Oliver Morrison

The UK Food Standards Authority has issued new voluntary industry guidance on glycerol in slush-ice drinks, advising that they should not be sold to children four years of age and under.

Intake of plant compounds linked to lower COVID-19 risk

14-Aug-2023 By Olivia Haslam

Individuals who consume higher amounts of specific plant-derived compounds, such as polyphenols and particular types of lignans and phytosterols, are at a reduced risk of contracting COVID-19, a new study by authors from Poland has concluded.

Quality assessment: CBD in products far below advertised content

09-Aug-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Measured CBD concentrations of a broad range of UK-purchase wellness products fell substantially below what was advertised, with only five of 63 products analysed providing within 10% of advertised concentrations.

More Climate Smart Food speakers announced: Hear from Nestlé, BLUU Seafood and more

07-Aug-2023 By Flora Southey

FoodNavigator is pleased to announce the next wave of speakers for our Climate Smart Food Digital Summit: a three-day event investigating how industry can contribute to a more sustainable system of food production, with human and planetary health in mind....

Infant formula industry fights back at ‘misleading’ Lancet papers: ‘Advertising is not the main factor limiting breastfeeding’

04-Aug-2023 By Flora Southey

A series of papers on breastfeeding, published in The Lancet this year, gives the misleading impression that infant formula advertising is the main factor limiting breastfeeding, argues implicated trade associations.

Could eating insects slow weight gain in people with obesity?

02-Aug-2023 By Flora Southey

A new study suggests consuming insect protein slows weight gain and improves health status in obese mice. The findings are promising for humans, lead study author Kelly Swanson, interim director of the Division of Nutritional Sciences at the University...

Agricultural fertilizer can increase presence of parasitic infections, study finds

01-Aug-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

The removal of an aquatic vegetation known as hornwart along the Senegal River, Senegal has reduced the presence of parasitic infections in the area, which are carried by aquatic snails, and helped food production recover. The removal was part of a study,...

Plastic linked to cancer risk across production, use, and disposal: study

01-Aug-2023 By Flora Southey

In what is considered a landmark study, a team of international researchers has identified cancer risk – and other human health findings – associated with the production, use, and disposal of plastic.

'It's so, so terrible': The rise of food allergies and the cost-of-living crisis

31-Jul-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

It is well-known that food allergies are increasing. Amid a cost-of-living crisis, this is a problem.

Specialised peanut variety unveiled for allergy treatment

27-Jul-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Scientists in Israel have developed a peanut strain to treat peanut allergies.

First application for cultivated meat approval in Europe submitted

26-Jul-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Israel’s Aleph Farms has submitted an application for regulatory approval to the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) with the goal of selling Aleph Cuts in Switzerland.

Pork proteins produced in soy? Molecular farming tech produces pig-plant protein hybrid soybean

24-Jul-2023 By Flora Southey

Molecular farming company Moolec Science is combining plant-based and cell-based technologies to produce pork protein in soy.

Food and beverage companies ‘failing to protect workers from forced labour risks’: report

20-Jul-2023 By Oliver Morrison

The world’s 60 largest food and beverage companies have an average score of just 16/100 when it comes to tackling forced labour risks in their supply chains.

Research predicts significant disruption of cheese market with animal-free dairy

19-Jul-2023 By Flora Southey

Fresh research suggests that at price parity, animal-free cheese will capture a third of the UK cheese market.

‘A great achievement for the Dutch government’: First Member State approves pre-market tastings of cultivated meat

19-Jul-2023 By Flora Southey

The first government sanction in the EU for how cultivated meat tastings can be conducted has received national government approval in the Netherlands.

‘It doesn’t cost the earth but will help us protect it’: Why data is a ‘critical and untapped’ asset for the meat farming sector

19-Jul-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Europe's meat farmers face a host of burdens. They need to remain competitive in a global market, cut their environmental footprint, while all the while meeting consumer expectations for animal welfare standards.

Consumers warned of ‘potentially lethal’ protein powder on the market

18-Jul-2023 By Flora Southey

The UK’s food safety regulator is urging consumers to avoid a recalled protein powder containing 5g of caffeine per serve – the equivalent of up to 200 cups of coffee.

High-intensity sweetener uncovered in truffles ‘potentially game-changing’ for sugar reduction

17-Jul-2023 By Flora Southey

MycoTechnology says it is ‘standing on the brink of a sweet revolution’ having discovered a sweet protein derived from honey truffle. “Proteins are widely recognised as the future of sweeteners,” says MycoTechnology CEO Alan Hahn.