All news articles for February 2007

FSA aims to cut mycotoxins from cereal ingredients

Codes of practice to help UK farmers reduce the levels of mycotoxins in cereals could improve the safety of the ingredient supply chain.

CSM reports strong sales on back of restructuring

CSM has reported increased sales for 2006 following a period of significant restructuring.

EFSA issues food additive info ahead of Codex

Europe's food safety authority has issued information on current food additive laws ahead of the upcoming Codex meeting in China.

Functional foods help Kerry through challenging year

Kerry has reported continued development of its food ingredients businesses despite 2006 being a 'difficult' year for the food industry – and its nutrition and functional food ingredient systems played no small part.

CASH maintain pressure on UK bakers

Over 35 per cent of commercial bread in the UK does not meet FSA targets for salt levels, says a new survey from the Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) that looks set to maintain pressure on UK bakers to reduce the salt content of their products.

Food ad lobby welcomes phased restrictions

The UK's food advertising unit has welcomed Ofcom's decision to phase in new restrictions on marketing food to children.

Treatt targets organic ingredients market

Treatt has formed a new strategic partnership in order to strengthen its position in the organic ingredients market.

Study questions garlic's cholesterol-lowering powers

A new trial from the US has reported that garlic may not decrease LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, raising questions over the cardiovascular benefits of garlic.

Lactose tolerance linked to early dairy farming

For the first time, researchers say they have direct evidence that Europeans' bodies evolved to digest milk much later and more rapidly than previously thought.

Opportunity knocks for Fairtrade suppliers

Fairtrade foods are coming in from the fringe with record growth and wider selection, says new research from the UK, highlighting growing advantages for food and drink firms choosing the ethical path.

Univar acquires Czech enzyme operation

Univar's Czech subsidiary has acquired the enzymes distribution business of Ekozym, a specialised business based on the distribution of Novozyme products.

Bread and snack brands top grocery chart

Despite health concerns climbing ever higher on the consumer agenda, snack and bread products dominate the top five grocery brands in the UK as manufacturers see reformulated products gaining in popularity, according to a new report.

British approach to junk food ads praised in US

The UK's crackdown on advertising junk food to children should serve as an example to food companies and broadcasters in the US, according to an influential pressure group in the nation.

Weekly Comment

Turning advertisers into educators

Instead of trying to hide confectionery from children by restricting advertising, chocolate-makers should be encouraging them to make the same health-conscious choices as adults when it comes to confectionery they're sure to buy anyway.

Non-GMO method for removing allergens from seafood?

A simple heat and irradiation treatment may reduce the levels of an allergenic protein in prawns that may make the seafood accessible to seafood allergy sufferers, Chinese researchers report.

Judicial Review favours FSA in GM contamination case

A High Court judge has ruled that the UK's Food Standard Agency (FSA) did not act unlawfully in its failure to act over illegal GM rice that entered the UK food chain late last year.

Kerry launches new dairy ingredient for shelf-life extension

Kerry Bio-Science has launched an improved version of its fresh-keeping ingredients for dairy products, which claims to deliver improved performance at a lower cost.

Danisco welcomes EU sugar quota cut

Danisco has welcomed the EC's decision to introduce a temporary sugar quota reduction as a "necessary step to restore the balance on the market".

Are UK consumers becoming more health-conscious?

Increasing consumer awareness in the UK over healthy eating suggests that government messages are finally getting through.

Olive leaf juice could be edible oil antioxidant

Olive juice, obtained by pressing olive leaves, may act as an antioxidant to prolong the frying life of frying oils, suggests a study using sunflower oil.

UK industry slams food ad restrictions

The UK food industry has criticised the country's advertising watchdog decision to extend food ad restrictions to young people.

Tate & Lyle appoints new R&D head

Tate & Lyle's appointment of a new head of global research and development underlines the company's focus on the value-added end of the ingredients market.

Wine waste could boost shelf life of fish

Antioxidant and fibre-rich waste from wine making could offer a cheap and healthy alternative to synthetic antioxidants to prolong the shelf life of fish meat, suggests a study from Spain.

UK firms missing out on R&D tax relief

UK manufacturers are missing out on tens of millions of pounds of research & development (R&D) tax relief because they are not investigating whether their activities qualify for the benefit.

Healthy performance for nutrition-focused Nestlé

In a year dominated by acquisitions and changes within its operational structure, Switzerland-based food group Nestlé has still exceeded expectations with full-year organic growth boosted by the company's focus on nutrition, research and core brands.

EC approves Givaudan's acquisition of Quest

The EC has concluded that the proposed acquisition of Quest by Givaudan poses no significant impediment to effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA).

Combined ingredients may cut cholesterol levels

Combining plant stanol esters and beta-glucan reduced levels of LDL-cholesterol by almost ten per cent, says a new study from the Netherlands.

Chewing simulator could optimise flavour release

A new device that mimics human chewing could have ramifications for food formulators by providing a more detailed understanding of mastication and flavour release.

EU Council backs Hungarian GM ban

EuropaBio has criticised the EU's Environment Council for 'failing to support the rights of Hungarian farmers wanting to grow GM crops'.

FAO looks to tap coconut water potential

A simple cold preservation process could help increase sales of bottled coconut water – a product yet to fully tap the growth of health and energy drinks.

Ethical food under threat from consumer confusion

'Ethically sourced' food, a niche market that has soared in recent years, could become susceptible to growing consumer confusion and scepticism.

FSA challenged in court over GM contamination

A pressure group plans to legally challenge the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) over its alleged failure to act over imports of illegal GM rice.

Cargill adds new chocolate product to portfolio

Food ingredients manufacturer Cargill has launched a new fine cocoa powder for use in the confectionery industry which can be marketed as a 'pure chocolate'.

Danisco ordered to pay over infringement case

Enzyme firm Danisco is set to pay out over $8m in damages over a patent infringement battle between its subsidiary Genencor and competitor Novozymes.

Clean safety profile for myristic acid as a food ingredient

A safety assessment of the widely used ingredient myristic acid has shown that everyday intake is well below any level that may cause safety concerns.

Givaudan reports solid finances after streamlining

Givaudan's full year results for 2006 indicate that the flavour and fragrance giant is profiting from the streamlining of its commodity ingredient operations.

Natural blue pigment from bacteria for food

Scientists have isolated a blue pigment from cultured soil bacteria that could offer a natural colouring with an excellent stability and toxicology profile for food.

Weekly Comment

Coming clean in crisis management

In the area of crisis management, companies seem keen to repeat history by making the same mistakes -- over and over again.

Codex meets to discuss fats and oils

The Codex committee on fats and oils (CCFO), which meets today in London, has a busy agenda ahead of it.

EC promises organic food sector framework

The EU's agriculture commissioner has promised to establish a framework within which the organic food sector can develop to its full potential.

Quest launches range of 'cooling' flavours

Quest International has launched a range of cooling flavours to meet fast-growing demand for 'refreshing' new foods and drinks.

Rhodia expands diphenols production for vanillin

French chemical giant Rhodia have announced the continued expansion of its China-based diphenol production with the third manufacturing site set to open in June.

Nestlé teams up with Barry Callebaut

Chocolate producers Nestlé and Barry Callebaut have joined forces to improve their respective positions in the competitive European market as the maker of Smarties chocolate hands over facilities and a supply contract to the Swiss processor.

EU food sector welcomes trade dispute thaw

The European food industry has welcomed the renewed impetus behind the achievement of a global agreement on agriculture.

Study underlines global organic growth

A study showing that nearly 31 million hectares are currently certified according to organic standards will be presented tomorrow at BioFach 2007.

EU unveils milk shake-up plans

The European Commission has proposed a raft of mini-reforms it says will simplify the EU market for milk and dairy products.

GDAs 'fundamentally flawed', claims health group

Food industry-backed front-of-pack nutritional signposting is 'fundamentally flawed', according to the National Heart Forum (NHF).

Tate & Lyle sells Canadian sugar business

Tate & Lyle's agreement to the sale of its Canadian sugar refining business represents another move away from the commodity end of the market.

Climbing costs hit German snack market

Hot weather, the rising cost of raw materials and a poor potato harvest have contributed to a downturn in the German snack market – threatening profits for producers balancing mounting costs with waning demand.

FSA to discuss EU food labelling policy

The UK's food standards agency is planning a comprehensive review of EU labelling at its annual board meeting this morning.

More protein and sugar from soy

Scientists in the US have developed a new technique that could enhance the release of protein and sugar by about 50 per cent, a potentially big boost for the soy industry.

Colloidosomes potential for controlled release of ingredients

Scientists are continuing to look into the potential of "colloidosomes", novel oil-on-oil particles in an aqueous emulsion, as encapsulators for food.

Health initiative Down Under targets unhealthy fats

A new collaboration between Australian and New Zealand food safety authorities is to target high levels of unhealthy saturated fats within their national diets.

Palm oil research targets food industry benefits

A new research centre in the UK focusing on palm oil research using latest molecular techniques could benefit the food industry.

Vitiva expands European rosemary extracts operation

Vitiva has expanded its sales operations into Cannes, France in order to better tap Europe's food ingredients market.

Innovation gives Valentine's market a boost

This Valentine's Day 43 per cent of British gift-buyers will opt for chocolate as the way to their other half's heart and, with spending expected to top the £2.4 billion (€3.5bn) mark, confectioners are jostling to grab their share of the lucrative market, investing in innovation and capitalising on consumer trends at the forefront of the industry.

DSM baking enzyme boosts batter, cuts costs

Ingredients manufacturer DSM has developed a new enzyme for the cake and pastry industry which promises to cut raw material costs while improving product quality.

EC urges US to implement 'sustainable' Farm Bill

EC commissioner for agriculture told an audience in the US that any Farm Bill must not be detrimental to the Doha Round of trade talks.

Study identifies top performing food sectors

AC Neilsen's latest market report, which examines the fastest-growing categories and product areas across 66 key markets around the world, provides an insight into the future direction of global food development.

Solubilised proteins may offer phosphate-free meats

Using solubilised proteins to replace phosphate to enhance the colour and texture of meat during storage may offer an alternative to phosphates, says new research.

Quest launches time release gum flavours

Quest has launched a range of timed flavour release chewing gums that it claims could revolutionise an already burgeoning market.

Cognis launches low trans-fat emulsifier

Cognis has launched a new emulsifier with low trans-fat content to help food makers conform with consumer health demands.

FAO predicts favourable 2007 cereal production

A favourable outlook for world cereal production in 2007 could help ease price pressures on the food industry.

Polymer blend may offer cheaper cumin encapsulation

A blend of gum arabic, maltodextrin and modified starch improved stability and flavour content of microencapsulated cumin, the spice flavour, says new research.

Raisio reports unprofitable 2006 food results

Raisio's food division experienced a 'deeply unprofitable' 2006, as the Finnish company struggled to cope with price increases and major restructuring.

Weekly Comment

Allergens: no room for mistakes

It would be a mistake for governments and industry to misinterpret the recent progress in food allergen labeling as a final solution: there is much that yet remains to be done, for the well-being of both consumers and manufacturers.

EFSA pushes EU-wide GM risk approach

EFSA has met with the four member states currently involved in GM environmental risk assessments in order to discuss the development of an EU-wide approach.

New obesity initiative targets 'multi-faceted' approach

A new way of tackling obesity through a family-based weight management project adds to a growing consensus that the obesity epidemic requires a multi-faceted response.

Barry Callebaut boosts Ghana cocoa production

Major Swiss cocoa processor Barry Callebaut has expanded operations at a factory in Ghana - doubling the facility's bean processing capacity.

Small amounts of guar gum for stronger whey gels, study

Adding about 0.1 per cent guar gum to whey protein gel boosted gel strength twelve-fold, says new research from Ireland.

Danisco launches green tea 'flavour protector'

Danisco is looking to benefit from growing interest in natural antioxidants with the launch of Guardian green tea extracts.

Hungary confident on retaining GMO ban

The Hungarian government is confident it will be allowed to retain a ban on a genetically modified maize crop approved for feed use in the European Union, when the issue - which could have signifcant affects for the wider food industry - is debated later this month.

Syngenta bullish despite lower sales for 2006

Swiss biotech giant Syngenta is bullish about its 2006 performance despite reported sales being one per cent lower at $8.05 billion.

Organic food sector under threat from new GM rules

New UK government proposals to allow up to 0.9 per cent GM in organic food without it being labelled threatens a highly lucrative industry, claim campaigners.

Royal Cosun announces indicative 2006 sugar beet price

Dutch firm Royal Cosun has announced an indicative sugar beet price of €48.25 per tonne of quota beet from the 2006 campaign.

Beta-carotene suitable to colour low-fat mayo

Beta-carotene, a carotenoid already extensively used as a colorant, improved the colour of reduced-fat mayonnaise using beta-glucan, without affecting texture, says new research.

Chinese anti-dumping tariffs unfair, says EU

The EU has expressed concern that new anti-dumping tariffs imposed on exports of its potato starch by China, are unfairly targeting producers within the bloc.

Confectioners urged to target French sugar-free market

Opportunities are rife within the French confectionery sector for those manufacturers willing to invest in innovation targeted at European consumers, according to a report by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

EU agriculture: opportunities and threats

A new agriculture report from the EC presents a mixed picture of both opportunities and threats for the food industry.

Codex additive levels up for debate once more, warns IADSA

The International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) is highlighting the need for industry to engage in debate over levels of additives in supplements under Codex guidelines to prevent the setting of levels too low for technical demands and posing a barrier to trade.

Raisio to drop Russian potato operation

Raisio plans to divest its food potato business in Vihanti and negotiate a withdrawal from its Russian flake mill project.

ADM launches functional wheat protein isolates

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has launched a range of functional wheat protein isolates designed to enhance the taste, texture and appearance of cereal products.

Key to salt-tolerant wheat uncovered

A major advance in breeding new salt-tolerant varieties of wheat could have important implications for future supplies.

IFST publishes salt information statement

The UK's Institute of Food Science & Technology has published an updated information statement on salt and salt reduction - one of the hottest topics in the food industry at the moment.

Quality key to future EU food profitability

Quality will be key to a strong European food sector, agriculture commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel told a Brussels conference on food quality certification yesterday.

Tate & Lyle targets dairy drink boom

A range of functional ingredients solutions has been launched by Tate & Lyle, as it looks to capitalise on consumer demand for healthy yoghurts and dairy drinks.

Snack body asks for action on commodity costs

With the increasing use of some of their raw materials for the production of biofuels, snack makers have called on the European Commission to take measures to ensure they do not face further price hikes for their supplies.

Marigot adapts Aquamin for broader beverage uses

Marigot is introducing a new version of its Aquamin ingredient, intended to facilitate calcium fortification in the burgeoning beverage market without impairing taste or colour.

Another victory for Parmalat

Parmalat has been awarded €25m from Banca Popolare di Milano as part of its ongoing fight to recover money from financial institutions allegedly implicated in the firm's collapse.

IFST publishes trans fat information statement

The UK's Institute of Food Science & Technology has published an updated information statement on trans fatty acids one of the hottest topics in the food industry at the moment.

Enzymes improve quality of French fries, says study

Using pectolytic and hemicellulytic enzymes to change the microstructure of potato cells in French fries improves the quality of the finished product, suggests research from Novozymes.

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