Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - EuropeUS edition | Asian edition

Lycopene's use levels as a food colour up for review - EC

Current authorised maximum use levels of lycopene as a food colour are up for review with its use in fortified foods a critical factor, claims the European Commission following the publication of the revised exposure estimates for the cartenoid by EFSA.

Kellogg calls for industry wide engagement on salt reduction

Pressure to ensure customer taste preferences are continually met for leading breakfast cereal brands is a hindrance to achieving minimal salt levels, and an sector wide push is required to achieve this objective, claims Kellogg.

Special edition: Salt reduction

Sea salt rises on wave of premium tasting

In the fourth part of our series on salt reduction, we look at the rise of sea salt-flavoured products, predominantly in the snack-food area.

Food sector can help pull economies from recession

The food industry’s relative immunity to the effects of recession, and the strong links throughout the supply chain, mean it can play a part in reinvigorating the whole economy, say agricultural economists from Greece.

News in brief

Nordenia sell-off rumours

Owners of flexible packaging company Nordenia International are trying to sell the company for around €600m ($844m), according to media reports.

Danone's nutrient enriched yoghurt boosts satiety, study

Low-fat dairy yoghurt enriched with protein and guar gum fibre can significantly reduce short-term appetite, claims a new study.

Special edition: Salt reduction

Salt action varies across Europe

Salt reduction initiatives are underway in all the EU member states under the EU framework, but public awareness raising and reformulation are patchy.

Wild sells shares, plans global reach and IPO

Rudolf Wild GmbH has sold some shares to asset manager Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR) in preparation for an eventual public listing, and plans to form a global flavour business with its US affiliate this year.

Acrylamide formation higher in dry fat-rich foods: Study

Dry food containing low amounts of carbohydrates are at risk of increased acrylamide levels, says a new study sponsored by the European Science Foundation.

Food nutrition labels fail to impress European consumers

Less than one-third of European consumers look for nutrition labels when shopping, according to a new study by the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) published in the Journal of Public Health.

Purac raises lactic acid prices as raw materials rocket

Lactic acid supplier Purac has announced a price increase of between 0.10 to 0.15 Euros per kilo, as the company seeks to pass of some of the expense from rising raw material costs.

Special edition: Salt reduction

Moderate salt cuts could save billions in healthcare costs

In the second part of our focus on salt reduction, we look at startling new data from the US that suggests a modest nationwide reduction in salt intake could save about $24 billion in healthcare costs a year.

Special edition: Salt reduction

Science: Salt reduction benefits beyond the heart

In the first part of our series on salt reduction, FoodNavigator looks at the potential health benefits of salt reduction beyond heart health.

Study questions sucralose stability in bakery

Bakery formulators who use ingredients like glycerol or fats should exercise caution when using sucralose, suggests a new study from Canada.

Inulin could speed up baking time for breads, study

Adding inulin to white breads increases its nutrition quality but also accelerates the baking process and the crucial Maillard reaction, according to new research on the fibre.

EU steps up border controls to boost food safety

The European Union said measures to step up border controls on a range of imported foods of non-animal origin in a bid to boost food safety came into effect yesterday.

Allergen cross-contamination raises labeling concerns

Cross-contamination of allergens in food products may reach levels that are of public health relevance, says a new study from The Netherlands.

Industry working out details on new flavour regulation

The long lead time before regulatory changes become applicable means the flavour industry is prepared to support customers, says the president of the European Flavour Association (EFFA), though a few details are still being worked out.

Comment

Cheesed off – jingoism takes the spoils in the Cadbury battle

Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated, quipped Mark Twain. Predictions of the demise of Cadbury following the approval of Kraft’s offer are premature and are flawed by knee-jerk anti-Americanism.

IPO considered for Chr Hansen

The private equity owner of Chr Hansen, PAI Partners, is evaluating the possibility of publically listing the company, the Danish ingredients company has confirmed.

IFF scientists probe improved citral stability for beverages

A common flavour solvent may boost the stability of citral, one of the most important flavour compounds in citrus oil, and enhance formulations of beverage concentrates, says a new study.

News in brief

Sterol/stanol claim can be used with food supplements

General cholesterol reducing health claims can be utilised on all food products including food supplements even if the authorised specific cholesterol percentage reduction cannot.

Common thickener may mask polyphenol bitterness

Formulating foods with the common hydrocolloid carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) may mask the bitter flavour of health-boosting polyphenols, says new research.

News in brief

Flood moves to Wisdom Natural Brands

Stevia personality Angus Flood has been appointed EVP of strategic development at Wisdom Natural Brands, tasked with developing corporate strategy and building the company’s market share.

Competition clamp-down shows need for compliance culture, lawyers say

As the competition authorities are stepping up scrutiny of the food sector, all companies should ensure they have compliance structures in place and do not view national activities in isolation, say lawyers at CMS Cameron McKenna

Green tea antioxidants more bioavailable than thought?

The bioavailability of antioxidant catechins from green tea may be more than previously thought, says a new study from Italy.

More support, harmonisation of fair trade schemes needed

More resources and regulatory support are needed to develop fair trade schemes, says a new opinion from the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). Approaches should be harmonised where they agree, and their differences clearly communicated.

Kraft deemed winner of choc wars

Kraft is the overall winner in the battle for UK confectioner Cadbury, and it looks like the US food group has netted a bargain in the final price, claim US analysts Bernstein Research.

Rosemary extract beats synthetics for edible oil preservation

A carnosic acid-rich extract from rosemary may extend the shelf-life of sunflower oil, and perform better than synthetic preservatives, says a new study.

Slow progress on food labelling regulation

Progress has been painfully slow in the discussions over the new food information regulation, says food lawyer Owen Warnock of Eversheds, and many of the same big issues are unsolved after two years of debate.

City Food Lecture 2010

Political will needed to feed 9 billion by 2050

If our planet is to feed a projected population of 9 million by 2050, political will and judgement is needed to manage a confluence of factors that are impacting production, the UK’s former chief scientist has said.

There’s more to healthy eating than reformulation

Pressure to improve the healthy profile of foods focuses too much on the micro and not enough on macro factors that are affecting consumers eating habits, according to food business leaders.

Flavor and texture improvements needed for low fat cheese success

Producers of low-fat cheese need to improve the flavor and sensory aspect of their products if they are to achieve widespread consumer acceptance, says a new study.

Danes unite to mine infant formula prebiotics

Danisco and Arla are taking part in a €2.5m+ business/academia research project to isolate and develop some of the oligosaccharides naturally present in human breast milk for use in infant formulas.

Timeline: Cadbury and Kraft do battle

Kraft has struck an £11.7bn deal to acquire Cadbury in a move that could bring to an end months of fierce corporate battles, and Confectionerynews.com has constructed a timeline of key events in the takeover saga.

How the food industry can prepare for new government

A UK general election is looming in this year, and the food indusrty will be affected by the changing political agenda. Public debt will come under the microscope, and the culling of quangos could mean a refocus for the FSA under a Conservative government, says Julien Hunt of the Food and Drink Federation.

News in brief

Grain production levels down in Ukraine

Grain production in Ukraine decreased by 13.7 per cent last year compared to 2008 because of decreasing grain yields, according to Agrimarket Info.

Special edition: Weight managment

Asia proving growing market in weight control sector

As levels of obesity continue to rise on a global scale, Nutraingredients looks at the market for weight management dietary supplements, food and beverage products.

Cadbury recommends acceptance of new Kraft takeover bid

Kraft has struck an £11.7bn deal to acquire Cadbury in a move that could bring to an end months of fierce corporate battles.

Calls for processors to publish annual food waste figures

Food processors and manufacturers are among those who should be forced to report tonnages of food waste from their business on an annual basis, a UK parliamentary report has said.

Low-salt ready meals beat ‘the real thing’ in taste test

Commercial lasagne produced with reduced salt levels and salt substitutes scored higher on consumer tests than the ‘normal’ salt version, says a new study from Ireland.

France ups Reb A limits for food

The French government has approved the use of stevia sweetener Reb A in table top sweeteners, and raised the levels at which it can be used in a range of no added sugar food and beverage products.

Comment

Why Haiti must stay on the CSR agenda

50,000 and counting. We'll probably never know exactly how many perished in the 7.0 earthquake that brought Haiti, quite literally, crashing down last Tuesday, 12th January 2010, just before 5pm. But for those who survived and who make it through the hard days, weeks and months ahead, getting enough to eat will be a long term challenge.

Dairy sector challenges greenhouse gas report

Trade body Dairy UK has challenged the conclusions of a recent report assessing how the food industry can cut greenhouse gas emissions, claiming it included “dangerous” and “alienating” principles.

New campaign slams bad fats

Saturated fats in the UK diet are making headlines once more, as the FSA launches the second phase of its consumer campaign to cut down and doctors issue stark warning on the effects of bad fats.

Datem may boost gluten-free formulations

Datem emulsifiers with carefully chosen gums like xanthan may enhance the formulation of rice bread for the gluten-free market, says new research.

Price fixing in Dutch flour sector probed

A suspected cartel in the flour industry in the Netherlands is the subject of an investigation by the Dutch competition authority (NMa), with the spotlight being placed on the practice of both domestic and foreign players in the sector.

Sugar sweetens new year sales for ABF

Associated British Foods has started its new financial year with a surprisingly good performance from its sugar business, causing analysts to raise their eyebrows and their H1 expectations.

Salted foods may increase cancer risk: Japanese study

Increased intake of salt may boost the risk of heart disease, while increased consumption of salted foods may increase the risk of cancer, says a new study from Japan.

News in brief

Gene breakthrough unlocks pink tomatoes

Israel-based researchers have identified a gene in tomatoes responsible for a pink fruit, popular with Far Eastern diners.

New evidence of need for clearer COOL info

Consumers are confused about what country of origin labelling actually means, finds a new research synthesis that reinforces the case for greater clarity.

EFSA denies sterol/stanol claim expansion appeal

The European Food safety Authority (EFSA) rejected a submission from a Dutch plant sterol supplements firm calling for the EU approved, cholesterol-lowering health claim to be expanded to food supplements and other food categories.

Swedish salt study calls for clearer rules for food industry

Young Swedish men are consuming twice as much salt as recommended, says a new study which increases pressure on the food industry to curb the salt content of its products.

Resistant starch improves GI of foods – more support

Foods formulated with resistant starch are effective at lowering the glycemic index of the food despite formulation with high GI ingredients, says a new study.

Arla plans marketing and capacity increases

Arla is upping its marketing spend by 30 per cent in 2010, and plans to invest almost a billion DKK in more capacity increases and structural changes.

News in brief

FSA to host 10-year conference

The UK’s Food Standards Agency has announced the programme of a one-day conference to mark its tenth anniversary, focusing on strategies to ensure food is safe and boost healthy eating.

Retail ombudsman will shift power relations in food supply

UK plans to install a retail ombudsman to enforce a new code of conduct for retailer-supplier relations could shift the balance of power in the food supply chain back towards food manufacturers, says the BRC, which opposes the move.

Tagatose production expected by end 2010

Nutrilab expects to begin commercial production tagatose towards the end of 2010, pending agreement that it is substantial equivalent to chemically-produced tagatose, which already has novel foods approval.

Soy protein innovation may lead to functional food gel advances

Hydrogels made from soy protein could protect functional food ingredients through the gut, tapping the ever-growing health and wellness segment.

Callebaut confident in face of flat chocolate market

The worst of the global economic crisis on chocolate is over but global market volumes will remain flat throughout 2010, predicts Barry Callebaut – which itself is expecting to outperform the market.

Irish dairy trade body slams carbon tax

The Irish Dairy Industries Association (IDIA) has attacked a new carbon tax in Ireland saying that the measure will put jobs at risk.

News in brief

Study shows lunchbox less nutritious than school meals

A new study has indicated that packed lunches given to school children by parents in the UK do not meet the nutritional standards for meals provided by the educational establishment.

FSA seeks views on Wrigley’s magnolia bark

Magnolia bark extract could be used in chewing gum and mint confectionery to enhance their breath-freshening action, believes Wrigley, which has filed for novel foods approval in the EU.

Rosemary may stop carcinogen formation in cooked beef

Extracts from rosemary may prevent the formation of mutagenic compounds formed during cooking meat at high temperature, says a new American study.

Galactic introduces salt reduction solution for meat

Brussels-based Galactic is introducing a new ingredient to enable reduced salt in processed meat products, but without impairing the functional characteristics.

Erythritol may boost whey-sports drink formulation

Adding common ingredients to whey-based sports beverages may improve the clarity of the finished product and allow greater consumer acceptance of this type of sports beverages, says a new study.

Pine bark extract may ease haemorrhoid problems

Supplements of French maritime pine bark extract may reduce the intensity and duration of haemorrhoidal pain and bleeding, says a new study.

Neotame seeks a slice of the saccharine market

NutraSweet is positioning its neotame sweetener as a better-tasting alternative to saccharine, and expects it to compete with the world’s most used sweetener on cost.

Comment

Cold snap could last longer for food sector

“More snow on the way.” So say the weathermen, and Europe is stocking up and hunkering down for a long, cold winter. But while the fluffy flakes will halt, at least come Spring, for the food sector the chill could be felt throughout 2010.

Blueberries may boost memory in older adults: Study

Supplemental blueberries for only 12 weeks may boost memory in older people with early memory problems, says a new study from the US.

Calcium may boost flavour of low-sugar, -salt foods

Compounds that activate calcium receptors on the tongue may enhance the flavour of low-sugar or low-salt foods, thereby reducing the need for extra flavourings, says a new study from Ajinomoto.

Reformulated whey protein is effective egg replacer, says Arla

An improved formulation on an egg replacement whey protein based ingredient can enable a saving of up to 30 per cent on liquid egg costs for sponge cake manufacturers, claims Arla Food Ingredients.

Neotame wins approval in Europe

NutraSweet’s zero calorie sweetener neotame will be permitted for use in the EU from next Tuesday, following official authorisation by the European Commission.

Industry surprised by Romanian 'fat tax' plan

Plans to introduce a new tax on foods high in salt, sugar, and additives in Romania came as a surprise to the food industry, and the full impact will not be clear until after the details are hammered out over the next 10 days.

News in brief

EFSA completes smoke flavour review

The European Food Safety Authority has completed its review of 11 smoke flavourings in use in the EU, finding only two to have large enough safety margins not to give rise to safety concerns.

Oats may boost nutritional profile of gluten-free diets

Adding oats to a gluten-free diet may enhance the nutritional values of the diets, particularly for vitamins and minerals, as well as increasing antioxidant levels, say two studies from Scandinavia.

Industry ‘too secretive’ about nanotech research

Food manufacturers’ reluctance to disclose what research they are carrying out on products using nanotechnology risks a public backlash similar to that which occurred against genetically modified (GM) foods, The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has warned.

Cognis boosts its Malaysian presence

Cognis has set up an affiliate in Malaysia to maximise what it views as the growth potential for wellness products in that country.

More combo green methods in 2010

The coming year will be critical in adopting a more holistic approach to measuring and managing the environmental impact of food production, predicts a research organisation, as more information is required on products’ lifecycle impact.

Commission sets conditions for Kraft buying Cadbury

The difference between British and continental European chocolate preferences means the acquisition of Cadbury by Kraft would not present competition problems, the European Commission has said, as long as Cadbury’s concerns in Poland and Romania were sold to a third party.

Artificial sweeteners may trigger fullness hormones

The artificial sweetener sucralose may work together with glucose to stimulate the release of a protein that promotes a feeling of fullness, says new research from the US.

Unilever says: adopt EU term and break reformulation ice

Aligning the UK with Europe over definitions of ‘ice cream’ would give manufacturers more of an incentive to reformulate, Unilever has claimed.

WHO board to discuss guidelines on marketing to kids

The World Health Organization will this month discuss recommendations for governments to protect children from marketing of unhealthy food and beverage products that pay particular attention to international marketing.

Food for children a hot topic in London

A new conference is set to whip up new inspiration for developing and marketing foods for children, taking into account current trends, nutritional needs, and the hard business sense.

Meat not linked to prostate cancer recurrence risk

Consuming processed and unprocessed red meat, fish, total poultry, and skinless poultry does not affect prostate cancer recurrence or progression, says a new study from Harvard.

Chr Hansen eyes Halal market with meat cultures certification

Chr Hansen is now offering a range of its meat cultures with Halal certification, in an effort to help manufacturers meet the food needs of Europe’s 30 million Muslims.

News in brief

Scales tipped to help people eat less

A computerizsd weighing scale developed by Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet could discourage over-eating and obesity by giving real-time feedback on eating speed.

Nestle reopens Zimbabwe dairy factory

Nestle has reopened its dairy processing plant in Zimbabwe after receiving written assurance from the local government guaranteeing staff safety.

Sugar beet pectin edges closer to wider use in foods

A non-chemical and food acceptable process for sugar beet pectin may enhance its emulsifying performance, according to new research from Japan and the UK.

Alert widens over iodine-tainted soya milk

Ireland has become the latest country to issue a food safety alert over iodine-contaminated soya milk from Japan believed to have sickened 10 people in Australia.

Well-informed consumers can drive food change, Defra

Consumer power packs a punch when it comes to making food production more sustainable and healthier, says Defra chief, as the government publishes its priorities for changing the food system by 2030.

Fedima to pre-empt retailers with baked goods’ carbon calculations

The European bakery ingredients sector has made sustainability its highest priority, as political momentum gathers for a carbon taxation system and the labelling of carbon footprint on finished products.

Kraft sells pizza business to Nestlé to fund Cadbury offer

Kraft has sold its frozen pizza business to Nestlé to help fund its offer for Cadbury after Nestlé pulled out of the bidding for the British confectioner.

News in brief

FrieslandCampina develops responsible marketing standard

FrieslandCampina has brought in a new corporate standard for responsible marketing practices, with a view to helping children develop healthy eating habits and doing its bit to curb obesity.

Unilever explores vegetarian iron for fortification

Iron compounds from vegetable origin that mimic iron from animal sources may enhance the bioavailability of the mineral and boost fortification programmes, says a new study from Unilever.

Food sector sets out priorities for next six months

The CIAA has signalled its priorities for Spain’s six month presidency of the EU, with competitiveness, food information, novel foods revisions, research and sustainability topping the bill.

Egg foam may enhance gluten-free sourdoughs

Egg white foam may boost gluten-free sourdoughs enhance the structure of the resulting baked goods and extend the range of gluten-free products, says a new study.

Tea prices could prompt over-supply, warns FAO

Record world tea prices in 2009 could cause some tea producers to plant more crops and lead to eventual oversupply to the market, the FAO warns.