Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - Europe US edition

Irish food safety system condemned after pork dioxin scandal

The current system for monitoring and tracing Irish pork is inadequate and should be overhauled urgently, a highly critical report from the country’s Parliament has said.

Firmenich, Danisco find way for lower fat vanilla ice cream

Firmenich and Danisco have found a way to lower the fat content in vanilla ice cream by 40 per cent without distorting the flavour profile, a development that fits with the trend for healthier, luxury products.

Vinegar could be used for salt reduction: Study

Adding low concentrations of vinegar to foods may enhance perception of saltiness and enable food manufacturers to cut salt content without affecting taste, according to new research from Japan.

Cargill shows confidence in chocolate with €16m investment

Cargill has officially opened a new plant for chocolate fillings and coatings in The Netherlands, as part of a wider plan to grow its cocoa and chocolate operations.

Tate & Lyle to produce all its sucralose in Singapore

Tate & Lyle is to produce all its sucralose from its new plant in Singapore, ‘mothballing’ its facility in McIntosh, Alabama.

Ohly opens Shanghai application centre, sales office

Ohly is opening a new food application centre and sales office in Shanghai, as the its new yeast extract plant in Harbin nears opening.

News in brief

Northern Foods plans factory closure after contract loss

Northern Foods is closing its factory in Hull after losing the contract to make ready meals for its main customer, Morrisons.

Symrise develops sustainable process for citrus oil extraction

Symrise has introduced a new manufacturing process to improve the quality, solubility and sustainability of its citrus oils for flavouring beverages, dairy and sweets.

Frutarom blames currency and destocking for sales drop

Functional ingredients, fragrance and flavour supplier Frutarom has reported a decrease in sales and net income for the quarter but confirms growth plans.

Danisco looks to microbiology future with new research hub

Food safety and health and wellness concerns mean microbiology is playing an ever increasing role in the food industry says Danisco Cultures’ innovation chief, as the company opens a new BioScience Development Center in France.

Salt replacers in fish burgers pass taste test

Replacing sodium chloride with potassium chloride does not affect the sensory quality, or shelf-life of fish fillets, says new research.

Vitiva plans AquaRox launch for hot-filled beverages

Slovenian extracts firm Vitiva is gearing up for the launch of a new rosemary extract for clear, hot filled beverages next month, which it says has a neutral taste and colour.

News in brief

Danisco announces post sugar board changes

Danish ingredients firm Danisco has announced that three of its longstanding board members will not stand for re-election at the AGM in August.

Prebiotics to prosper in Europe: researchers

Many consumers remain confused about just what prebiotics are and what they do, but they are responding to the general gut health messaging surrounding various prebiotic forms, and seeking prebiotic products, according to Frost and Sullivan.

Round table: The growth of nanotech

Food and nutrition is a 'hot spot' for nanotechnology, experts have said. Stephen Daniells talks to two such experts and asks where the developments are, could it really lead to a removal colours from foods, and is nanotech really like GM?

Commission plans support for struggling olive oil sector

As demand for olive oil falls and prices follow suit, the European Commission is considering support that would let beleaguered producers tender for aid so they can store their surplus.

EFSA issues health claims help

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a Q&A (question and answer) in advance of its stakeholders meeting in Brussels on June 15, to help industry better understand the nutrition and health claims process.

Danone’s bid for €3bn cash rocks stocks

Danone has surprised traders with the announcement of a €3bn rights issue in a bid to reduce debts and have cash to hand for acquisitions.

News in brief

Plant gene session to assess funding options

Plant genetics experts are poised to take part in a meeting on strengthening the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture next month.

MSG: Review dismisses allergy concerns

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavour-enhancer, does not increase the risk of developing allergies, such as asthma and rhinitis, says a new review from the US.

Organic conversion label could enable price premiums

Developing an official ‘label’ for organic conversion-grade produce would let farmers secure price premiums while they are going through the organic conversion process, claims a new European study.

Weekly comment

Cheerios: Drugs for breakfast?

When is a breakfast cereal not a breakfast cereal? Well, when it’s a drug.

Arsenic rice study prompts new advice for parents

The UK’s Food Standards Agency is advising that infants are not given rice drinks as a replacement for cows’ milk, breast milk, or infant formula, following a new study that indicates potential to exceed maximum intake of arsenic.

News in brief

National Starch talks texture in five tongues

National Starch has developed a multi-lingual dictionary of texture called the ‘Texicon’, which its sales teams use to ensure manufacturers and food scientists understand the same thing from descriptive terms.

FSANZ disputes shock Australian salt intake claim

FSANZ says the majority of Australian adults are not exceeding its recommended maximum daily salt intake, following media reports that claim some Australians could be consuming 40g of salt a day – almost seven times the recommended max.

Orange juice shelf-life may be extended by natural chitosan

Using chitosan, an emerging ingredient extracted from fungi cell walls, may act as an anti-microbial ingredient for orange juice, and remove the need for pasteurization, says a new study.

News in brief

FAO launches livestock welfare web portal

A new internet portal dedicated to providing information on animal welfare legislation, research and standards, practices and policies has been launched by the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Acrylamide reduction not uniform across foods, EFSA

There is a general trend towards lower levels acrylamide in food products over time, EFSA has observed – but the decrease is not consistent across food groups and for some levels have actually increased.

Low-grade apples may give high-grade pectin for industry

Pectin extracted from low-grade ‘Golden Delicious’ apples may offer an interesting alternative for jams and confectionery, suggests new research from Mexico.

Nestle and Danone make R&D moves

Announcements of new R&D plans this week from Nestle and Danone indicate that major manufacturers plan to keep up the pace on nutrition research and innovation in the economic downturn.

Economic blues fuel health and wellness platform

A Euromonitor International report has highlighted the rising importance of prevention of disease and unwellness as opposed to treatment in the minds of large swathes of consumers.

Volac expands plant capacity, launches first lactose

Volac has expanded its dairy ingredients plant in Wales to offer lactose for the first time, and increase its overall production output by 50 per cent.

Wild makes fruit flavours last longer in cookies

Wild has developed a new line of flavours for baked goods that are said to be more stable than is usual and have a more intense fruity flavour and aroma.

Gluten-free diet not friendly to gut bacteria: Study

Following a gluten-free diet may be detrimental to gut health, which may also affect immune health, according to a new study from the Spanish National Research Council.

Dispatches from Vitafoods

Inside DSM’s quality commitment

Philipp de Simone, human nutrition and health regional sales director for the east, south east and middle east at DSM Nutritional Products, tells Shane Starling why DSM’s Quality for Life initiative reaches all the way from the factory floor to finished products.

Ahmed named Tate & Lyle CEO

Tate & Lyle has announced a new man at the helm later this year – Javed Ahmed, who will take over from Iain Ferguson in November.

UK unveils new salt reduction targets

The Food Standards Agency has unveiled updated salt reduction targets for the food industry up to 2012, trimming back levels once more in some 80 categories of foods.

Stevia will attract CSR scrutiny, expert

Stevia leaders must show corporate social responsibility, as sales of sweeteners derived from the plant take off around the world, says conference speaker.

News in brief

CIAA agrees with EFSA carb view

Europe’s food and beverage industry group has welcomed EFSA’s suggestion that the daily reference value for carbohydrates be raised from 230g to 260g.

Protein-fibre combo offers ‘promising’ gluten-free options

Adding protein and fibre sources like pea protein and Psyllium fibre may improve the physical structure of gluten-free dough, and boost the nutritional content, says a new study.

Weekly comment

Different shades of green: Looking beyond carbon footprints

You can try your best to avoid it, but when it comes to measuring carbon footprint, almost everything we do these days, either as a business or individuals, is likely to have a negative impact on the environment.

Chinese potential for Euro food firms

The European food and beverage industry could benefit from joint business opportunities in China, says Commissioner, especially for products that have already gained recognition on that market.

Probiotics may reduce eczema risk by 60 per cent

Daily supplements of a multi-bacterial strain food may reduce the risk of eczema by 58 per cent during the first three months of life, according to a new study from The Netherlands.

New culture to speed up curing meat naturally

Chr Hansen has developed a new culture for sausages and cooked, cured or fermented meats, which is said to provide improved taste and colour and to work faster.

News in brief

Chr Hansen signs service deal with ProteoNic

Chr Hansen has signed a service agreement with ProteoNic, which it says will enable it to increase its protein yield, save on production costs, and improve competitiveness in dairy enzymes.

Dairy could mask bitter taste of antioxidants

Milk could be the ideal functional food matrix for delivery of polyphenolic-rich antioxidant extracts, suggests new research from South America.

Normal US access for EU foods is in sight, CIAA

Open trade in food products between the EU and US is on its way following the agreement over the beef hormone dispute this week, industry believes – even though the stand off is not fully resolved.

News in brief

Small rise in minimum wage ‘prudent’, says FDF

The voice of the UK’s food and drink sector has expressed support for the relatively small rise in the UK minimum wage, of 1.2 per cent, saying it will help ensure the food and drink sector remains competitive.

Finding inspiration from bread tastes past

Puratos’ CEO talks about consumers’ tastes for bread and patisserie – past and present – and how to ensure the skills needed to work with ingredients are available in every global market.

Antioxidants needed by exercising populations: Nutritionist

Conclusions that supplements of vitamins C and E may blunt the positive effects of exercise are a "gross over extrapolation of the experimental findings", says a nutrition expert.

Stevia World puts stevia on the map as sugar replacer

Speakers at the first day of Stevia World have focused on the potential of stevia sweeteners as mainstream sugar replacers, as well as their role in tackling surging rates of diet related ill health, such as diabetes.

Raisio sells margarine business to Bunge for €80m

Raisio is to sell its margarine portfolio to Bunge, a move that will allow it to focus on its grain business and give it a powerful new partner for its Benecol plant stanols brand.

Whipping up a better cream: HPMC shows promise

The hydrocolloid hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) may boost the characteristics of whipped cream, says a new study from China.

Latin America’s appeal for food companies

Latin America presents growing opportunities for investment for food manufacturers, even as the economic crisis takes its toll on American and European markets, according to a new market report.

Study adds to stevia Reb A safety rep

Rebaudiside A does not pose any safety questions regarding genotoxicity, according to a new study that supports the safety profile of this up-and-coming sweetener.

Unilever’s ISP gets novel foods approval for ice cream

The European Commission has granted novel foods approval for the ingredient Ice Structuring Protein (ISP), used in ice cream to reduce fat content and improve stability.

Guest article

Appellation controllée for food comes of age

This month saw the final stage in the introduction of a Europe-wide system for registering and protecting geographical names for foodstuffs and drinks. Owen Warnock. food law partner at Eversheds, explains why we will see PDO/PDI labels on more foods in the future.

News in brief

Ghent goes veggie once a week

Ghent in Belgium is set to declare one day a week ‘vegetarian’, in recognition of the effect that meat-eating has on climate change.

Is obesity fuelling food allergies?

Rising childhood obesity levels may also be driving the increases in food allergies, suggests new research from the US.

Dairy market will find route to sustainability, Carbery chief

As the depressed dairy demand, falling commodity prices and less support from Europe take their toll, it will be down to the dairy market to find its way to sustainability, says Carbery’s big cheese.

News in brief

Gadot lauded for environmental efforts

Israeli ingredients firm Gadot has plans to invest an additional US$2m in environmental programmes in 2009-10, after being placed in the top tier for environmental transparency.

Enzyme launch targets beer cost concerns

Danisco is targeting shorter yet more efficient production times with an upgraded brewing enzyme it claims can better meet manufacturing concerns over cost output.

Commission takes action over nicotine mushroom mystery

The European Commission is taking risk management measures over the occurrence of high nicotine levels in wild mushrooms following an urgent investigation by EFSA, and implementing on-going monitoring.

Scientists map oil palm genome in quest for higher productivity

Researchers have created the first genetic blueprint of oil palms, an important step in improving the productivity and sustainability of oil palm production.

Denmark’s excessive salt intakes turns focus on food industry

Danish intakes of salt in Denmark are above current recommended levels, with processed foods the main source, according to new findings from Copenhagen.

US to shelve Roquefort tariff hike

Proposed US tariffs of 300 per cent for Roquefort cheese are to be shelved under a new arrangement between the US Trade Representative (USTR) and the European Commission (EC).

Weekly comment

The quiet potential of supplements and fortified foods

What do companies like Vitamin Shoppe, Johnson & Johnson, DSM, Whole Foods, NBTY and even Pfizer have in common?

Mediterranean diet may lower blood pressure: Study

Following a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in olive oil and fruit and vegetables, may improve vascular health and reduce the risk of hypertension, says a new study.

Symrise restructures as first quarter profits suffer

Symrise is closing a production facility in Spain as part of restructuring plans which aim to improve the company’s bottom line.

Traffic light-GDA combo best in UK labelling study

Latest round of research to identify the ideal front-of-pack labelling scheme indicates that a combination of traffic lights and GDAs is best understood by consumers.

Acrylamide has no link to brain cancer risk: Study

Dietary intakes of acrylamide are not related to increased risks of brain cancer, says a new study from Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

Unilever finds strength in emerging markets and innovation

Unilever’s activities in the developing and emerging markets and the US have proved key to growth in Q1, but private label presents a challenge to brands.

White tea extract has potential anti-obesity effect

An extract from white tea can reduce the number of new fat cells produced and break down the fat in existing ones, according to new research which could help in the battle against obesity.

Natra extends origin portfolio with Colombian co-operative cocoa

Broadening its portfolio of origin sources for cocoa formulations, private label player Natra will buy 50 tonnes of cocoa from Colombian co-operatives that have switched from cocaine to cocoa cultivation.

EFSA advises raising carbohydrate reference intake

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has given its view of proposed reference intake levels for energy, total fat, saturates, carbohydrates, sugars and salt – suggesting that the carbohydrate level be revised upwards.

News in brief

Researchers design choc-fuelled racing car

Researchers from the University of Warwick in the UK have come up with a model Formula Three racing car to run on chocolate oils – with a steering wheel made of carrots.

Competition helps steady food price inflation

Food inflation in the UK is falling for the first time this year, say the British Retail Consortium and Nielsen, as the grocery market is spurred by greater competition.

Danisco yoghurt focus eyes efficiency without costing quality

Cost efficiency remains key to the development of yoghurt products, but must not be the sole consideration for dairy manufacturers, according to one supplier of cultures and processing aids.

CIAA highlights industry progress on diet-related illness

The Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the EU (CIAA) has said that industry has made ‘important progress’ in its efforts to tackle obesity and other diet-related diseases over the past four years.

Companies look to Asia as an economic buffer

Food and beverage companies should look to Asia to bolster their business in times of economic crisis, while differentiating their products closer to home, according to a Frost and Sullivan analyst.

Cost cutting must not reduce safety, quality, says expert

Food firms looking to trim costs in the recession must be sure to complete due diligence in their ingredient sourcing and not compromise the long-term image of their brands by reduced quality, warns a food chain consultant.

Nestle ranks second in innovation index for Asian markets

Swiss firm Nestle ranks second in terms of innovation targeted at Asia's emerging markets, claims a fresh 'business vitality' index from the Global Intelligence Alliance Group (GIA).

Commission pledges support for more fair trade efforts

The European Commission has today adopted a communication on the importance of fair trade and non-governmental trade-related sustainability schemes, recognising their progress and pledging ongoing support.

News in brief

Cheaper wheat impacts pasta prices

Falling durum wheat prices this year have led to a 10 per cent reduction in pasta prices from Italy’s Barilla so far this year, but the market situation for H2 is still unclear.

Prospective buyers tight-lipped over Alpro sale

Food giants Nestle and Unilever are keeping their cards close to their chest over reports that they are both bidding to acquire the soy foods company Alpro.

Nutrition label use a pleasant surprise for FLABEL

A new survey by FLABEL indicates widespread listing of nutritional information on food products across the EU and Turkey, with 85 per cent of goods surveyed giving info back-of-pack and 48 per cent front-of-pack.

New enzyme to squeeze more oil out of soy, rapeseed gums

Danisco is introducing a new enzyme for vegetable oil refiners which is claimed to increase yield during refining and enable more sustainable use of water and energy.

Weekly comment

Food safety reform: Not a century too soon

On a summer’s day in 1906 Theodore Roosevelt pushed through new food safety regulation. The Food and Drugs Act passed that day over 100 years ago was the last time the US food safety system was modernized.

News in brief

Children’s Food Campaign leads to discontinued bics

Three biscuit products made by Cow & Gate are to be discontinued next month, after a survey of products for young children found they contain trans fats.