Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - Europe US edition

Europe targets harmonised enzyme regulations

The European Commission has proposed new legislation that would harmonise EU rules on food enzymes.

Could spices and spicy foods help in obesity struggle?

Spices have benefits beyond giving flavour to foods and drinks, say scientists from Holland and Canada, and could be considered as 'functional' ingredients in the struggle against obesity.

France moves towards GM - opposition remains

Anti-GM pressure groups are targeting France just as the country appears to be growing receptive to the technology.

Weekly Comment

WTO's failure is food industry's loss

The short sighted failure of greedy WTO trading partners to achieve any sort of meaningful agreement on global agricultural tariffs is bad for Europe's food industry.

Label all fats to cut heart disease, urge scientists

Food labels should list all fats to help cut heart disease, according to researchers from the University of Oxford.

ABF expands yeast extract capabilities

ABF Ingredients is expanding its yeast extracts and proteins manufacturing facilities in Europe and North America in order to tap growing demand.

Sensitive taste buds turn kids off veggies, says study

Kids who are overly sensitive to bitter tastes, caused by genetic variations, are more likely to eat less vegetables, says a study from the US.

Expert calls for kava clinical trial to establish safety

The only way to convince European governments on the safety and efficacy of kava kava and to restore the industry in the South Pacific is to conduct clinical studies and look further into the mechanism, says expert on herbal safety Dr Matthias Schmidt.

EC demands return of mispent CAP money

The EC has vowed to recover €161.9 million of unduly spent CAP expenditure, following a decision adopted yesterday by the European Commission.

EU food industry 'disappointed' in WTO talks failure

The EU food industry has expressed disappointment at the WTO's failure to achieve any meaningful agreement at the Doha round of agricultural trade talks.

DSM will not raise prices to meet costs - for now

DSM has said that it will not pass on rising costs to end markets straight away, despite an otherwise excellent Q2 blighted across the board by yet more increases in raw material and energy prices stemming from political tensions.

Blair demands food industry cooperation to tackle obesity

Government cannot be the only actor with responsibility over the current obesity crisis, said UK prime minister Tony Blair in a key note speech on public health yesterday.

CSM acquisition strengthens global bakery portfolio

CSM's $70 million acquisition of CGI Desserts, a supplier of thaw and serve bakery products, underlines again the firm's focus on the bakery market.

Could olive waste boost lard's health image?

Lard, the animal fat with a poor health image, could be stabilised by adding antioxidants from olive oil milling waste, boosting the shelf-life and adding nutritional value, says a study from Italy.

Health concerns drive sugar-free ingredient growth

Sugar-free alternatives are beginning to take off in a number of food sectors, driven by health concerns and product innovation according to new research.

FSA calls for comments on noni juice approval

The expert scientific committee that advises the UK's FSA on novel foods is calling for comments on its draft opinion of a noni juice product.

Watchdog finds increase in food related fraud

Food companies and administrative bureaucrats attempting to dodge the EU's laws better watch out - the bloc's fraud and corruption watchdog is on their trail.

Oily fish may benefit heart rhythms, suggests study

Eating omega-3-rich fish like tuna has beneficial effects on heart rhythms, and may offer protection against fatal arrhythmias, suggests a cohort study lead by Harvard researchers.

Kiwis could protect DNA from damage, says pilot study

Two to three kiwis a day could keep cancer at bay by helping to repair damaged DNA, suggests a pilot study from the home of the fruit.

Acoustic waves could be "electronic tongue" for flavour tests

Fundamental research from a UK-US collaboration could lead to development of a small, robust, low power flavour tester that can not only distinguish between the four basic tastes, but also umami and metallic.

Tea flavour extracts target new food sectors

French ingredients supplier Euringus has launched 13 new tea extracts, designed to add flavour not only in iced teas and tea-based beverages, but also in dairy, confectionery and soy products.

Chr Hansen chairman resigns

Chr Hansen chairman of the board of directors Jens Bigum has announced his intention to step down once the group's annual report and accounts are formally approved in December.

WTO food talks end in suspension and failure

Pascal Lamy will demand a suspension of the Doha round of agriculture talks this week, after WTO members failed to reach a meaningful consensus.

CSM to focus on bakery

Dutch ingredients producer CSM is poised to sell its lucrative sugar business to Royal Cosun in an effort to streamline their bakery portfolio and strengthen growth in pivotal areas.

New Tate & Lyle ingredient targets low calorie dairy products

Tate & Lyle has launched a new sweetener solution for dairy desserts, which claims to allow manufacturers to cut around a third of calories and half of total sugars from their product formulations.

Weekly comment

Vanity fayre: cosmetic foods are not nutraceuticals

Functional foods are generally defined as products imbued with additional nutrients with health-promoting properties. But the industry needs to be wary of foods that present no actual health benefit from piggy-backing on the popularity of the category and watering down its reputation.

WTO report calls for balanced food subsidies

Government subsidies can be useful instruments in correcting market failures and working towards social objectives but can also distort trade, warned the WTO.

Opus Dei, Parmalat and a dead Italian banker

A Milan banker linked to the collapse of Italian dairy firm Parmalat has been found dead, after disappearing on his way back from a meeting of conservative Catholic group Opus Dei.

European food giants to shun illegal Amazon soy

Europe's leading food manufacturers and retailers are expected to announce they plan to shun soy grown illegally in the Amazon that is resulting in depletion of the rainforest.

Tate & Lyle off to strong start, says chairman

Splenda manufacturer Tate & Lyle on Wednesday said it has made a strong start to the financial year, with first quarter results well ahead of last years figures.

Nestlé probe molecular physics of food to protect flavour, nutrition

Nestlé Research Center, in collaboration with the University of Bristol, are pushing back the boundaries of scientific knowledge for the food industry by using molecular physics to explore the properties of carbohydrates in food.

'Sweet tooth' could lead to more fruit, less obesity

The sweet tooth hypothesis, that people who prefer sweets eat more fruit, could be used to develop strategies to boost fruit and veg intake and tackle obesity, suggests fundamental research from France and the US.

Industry anxious over impending health claims legislation

With Europe-wide health claims regulation moving towards completion, there is some anxiety within the food industry on how to best to prepare itself - even though EFSA has not yet published submissions guidelines or come up with a work program on nutrient profiles.

Cereal prices forecast to rise as demand soars

A UN report warning of sharp declines in world cereal stocks, could foreshadow a potential supply problem - and increased costs - for food processors.

DSM takes taste-neutral yeast extract to US

Dutch ingredients firm DSM used the recent IFT trade show in Orlando as a platform to launch its new natural-tasting yeast extract ingredient on the US market.

Glanbia builds protein business in China

Irish dairy ingredients firm Glanbia is building a presence in the Chinese market with its expertise in heat-stable proteins.

Defra to consult on GM coexistence

The department of environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) has released a consultative paper seeking views on coexistence of GM crops alongside ordinary crops.

South of France wine brand gets green light

The 'South of France' wine brand, covering thousands of producers in France's biggest wine region, is set to hit supermarkets next year as winemakers look to regroup against the New World onslaught.

Which? report issues red alert for some breakfast cereals

A new Which? report on cereal nutrition, has found many popular breakfast cereals including those for the more health conscious palette to be high in salts, sugars, and fat.

Tate and Lyle set to double sucralose production

Global ingredients manufacturer, Tate and Lyle, has announced that expansion at its new artificial sweetener facilities is on target - heralding an imminent boost in supplies to manufacturers.

Gadot allies with UTEK in new technology hunt

Gadot Biochemical Industries is on the lookout for new ingredients in the health food sector, and has entered into a strategic alliance with UTEK Corporation to identify and evaluate emerging technologies from research institutes around the world.

French organic trade booming, says GAIN report

Trade in organic products in France is now valued at almost $2 billion dollars and imports from non-EU countries continue to increase, according to a USDA GAIN report.

Scientists look to fish gelatin as emulsion stabilisers

Food scientists are continuing to explore the potential of fish gelatin as stabilisers for food emulsions, in keeping with the trend to replace synthetic with natural emulsifiers.

EU should consider capping the CAP, says commissioner

Mariann Fischer Boel, EU commissioner for agriculture, said Monday that the commission could consider putting limits on the Single Payment Scheme if it is found that the scheme is not efficient.

Consumers can 'smell' words, say researchers

Some words are powerful enough to activate parts of the brain dedicated to smell, suggesting that food companies should pay closer attention to what they put on their labels.

'Sweet tooth' linked to binge eating and obesity

People with a 'sweet tooth', a strong preference for sweet tastes, associate the taste with mood improvements and have impaired control of eating more sweets, says research from the US.

French GM food on the rise, says report

France is set for an explosion in GM corn planting this year, according to a recent USDA GAIN report.

Curcumin's cholesterol-lowering mechanism proposed

Scientists from Germany report that they have identified how curcumin helps reduce bad cholesterol levels, findings that could extend understanding of the spice extract.

China tightens control on saccharin production

China is once again tightening controls on saccharin output, a move thought to be designed to boost its domestic sugar industry.

Drought threatens on-target EU cereal production

This year's total EU cereal harvest remains in line with the last five years, though droughts continue to put pressure on prices.

Cranberry reduces pathogens in minced beef say researchers

Adding cranberry concentrate to raw minced beef significantly reduces the growth of common food-borne pathogens, according to new research.

Cargill launches low fat, high protein soy flour

Cargill Texturising Solutions has launched Prolia, a defatted soy flour designed to provide cost and functional advantages to manufacturers.

Weekly Comment

Sex, pills and bad information

The Internet is offering a wealth of information to more and more people, but also an avenue for irresponsible businesses to exploit consumer health concerns.

Treatt launches '100% natural' raspberry flavour

Treatt has launched a natural new raspberry flavour that it says is wholly distilled from fresh fruit.

Unilever's revolutionary GM ice cream protein challenged

A group of scientists has claimed that Unilever's genetically modified (GM) fish antifreeze protein for ice cream should not be approved without further comprehensive tests.

Suedzucker shows confidence in EU sugar regime

Suedsucker's remains confident about the EU sugar industry's future, as its first quarter interim report, published today, revealed.

PL Thomas launches new cost-cutting carrageenan product

PL Thomas has launched a new carrageenan product in partnership with Spanish firm Ceamsa, which its claims cuts costs in half and eliminates the need for gelatin or locust bean gum.

UK scientists lift lid on how taste and aroma works

Nottingham University researchers have reported improvements to the method of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain to give scientists a more "natural" insight into the perception of taste and aroma.

EU researchers promise disease-free apples

European researchers have found that Yucca extract is effective at preventing and curing an apple disease responsible for major economic losses.

Last ditch struggle to save global food trade talks

The WTO is in crisis following the dismal failure of last week's agriculture talks in Geneva.

HVP ingredient sector predicts solid growth

The use of hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP) ingredients is on the rise, according to the Association Internationale de l'Industrie des Bouillons et Potages (AIIBP).

FSA issues voluntary allergy labelling guidance

The FSA has published guidance designed to help UK food firms improve their labelling advice for people with allergies.

Caffeine could protect against memory loss

University of Birmingham researchers have reported that caffeine can boost nerve cell activity in the brain, potentially protecting against memory loss.

Taste, aroma perception influenced by familiarity, says study

Being familiar with certain foods can impact on food acceptance and relates to the perception of taste, odour and aroma, say researchers from Nestlé.

Fruit genetics set to create new natural flavours

A vast bank of fruit genes identified by researchers in New Zealand is set to give rise to new nature-identical flavours for use by food makers.

Europe to harmonise erythritol food additive regs

Member states now have 18 months to approve erythritol as a food additive, after the approval process was finalised by the EC Council of Health Ministers last month.

Sudan still being detected in food supply

Illegal Sudan dyes in spices and other food products continue to be detected despite numerous clampdowns, according to the European Commission.

EU novel foods consultation nears deadline

An online consultation on the revision of novel food regulations, designed to take into account changes to the status of GM food in the EU, is nearing completion.

Soluble fibre could boost cheese making

Adding soluble fibres, guar gum and pectin, to skimmed milk could speed up the coagulation time, improving cost efficiency, and impart nutritional benefits, say Irish researchers.

EU food schemes given financial backing

The European Commission has promised financial backing for 31 food schemes, designed to promote agriculture products in the EU.

Irish health groups demand clamp down on junk food ads

The National Heart Alliance (NHA) and Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) have joined calls for tougher action on food marketing to kids.

Citric acid, glycine addition could cut acrylamide, keep flavour

Addition of citric acid and glycine could reduce the formation of acrylamide, but not affect flavour, suggests a model study from the UK.

Codex sets new standards for lead, cadium

The Codex Alimentarius Commission has set new internationalstandards on maximum allowed levels of contaminants, including lead, cadmium,and aflatoxins.

Weekly comment

Organic food is selfish

The rise of organic food is a knee-jerk reaction to consumer health fears, and threatens to unhelpfully steer us away from improving the quality of food generally.

Conservatives attack over EC vitamin, mineral upper limit failings

The UK government is coming under fire from the Conservative party for failing to have recommendations for a two-tier system of upper levels for vitamins and minerals heard by the EC.

No proven link between diet and learning, says FSA

There is not enough evidence to say that certain foods can benefit children's ability to learn, says Britain's food safety watchdog, underlining the case against Dairy Crest's omega-3 milk adverts.

EFSA launches GM food consultation

EFSA has launched an open consultation on the approach of its panel on GMOs in assessing hybrid genetically modified (GM) crops.

'Food for Life' driving EU food research forward

'Great progress' has been made on the European Technology Platform's Food for Life programme, according to chairman Peter van Bladeren.

IR could boost flavour perception understanding

New technology has ramifications for food formulators as Japanese scientists are pioneering the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to monitor brain responses to flavour.

Survey suggests a quarter of food cos are missing the health boat

The health and wellness trend in foods has moved well beyond the niche sector to become a major driving force in mainstream foods, according to Chr Hanson, but a recent survey showed that a quarter of companies are missing out for want of a strategy.

CP Kelco uncovers secrets of mouthfeel

CP Kelco claims to have developed new data that sheds more light on how 'mouthfeel' is developed in beverages.

Scientists to probe food's nano-structure to optimise ingredients

Scientists in Australia are "dragging food science into the 21st century" by using neutrons to probe the molecular structure of food and ingredients, and changes that occur during processing.

UK food industry responds to food marketing proposals

A coalition of UK food, soft drink and advertising industries have signed and submitted a response to Ofcom's consultation on food marketing to children.

IFT tackles global food regulations

The globalisation of the food industry is driving the harmonisation of ingredient regulations, though its still a jungle out there, as IFT conference delegates learnt last week.

Scientists make nano-organogels for food

Fundamental research from the US suggests that an enzyme could convert sugars in the presence of olive oil to form 'nano organogels' - potentially leading to novel delivery systems for food preservatives, flavours, and bioactive functional ingredients.

Fair trade vanilla answers consumer call for social responsibility

A fair trade certified pure vanilla is due to hit the US market, as a collaboration between flavor firm David Michael and fair trade certifier TransFair USA taps into the growing consumer interest in social responsibility.

DSM launches clear juice pectinase product

DSM has launched a new clarification pectinase for the apple and pear juice industry, which it claims promises a faster and more complete soluble pectin breakdown.

Conference navigates Chinese food ingredients sector

The Chinese ingredients industry, which is bursting with potential, remains a confusing place. An IFT seminar provided the opportunity for businesses to navigate this key market.

Acrylamide issue tackled at IFT

Acrylamide can be reduced or removed before cooking - but the issue remains a major challenge, scientists told last week's IFT conference.

Fears of breakdown as agriculture talks reach climax

The US is pushing to insert a special clause in trade negotiations in Geneva this week that would make its use of farm subsidies immune from prosecution, according to Oxfam.

CIAA to launch new voluntary labelling scheme

The CIAA is set to launch a common nutrition labelling scheme recommended for use by the food and drink industries across the EU tomorrow.

IFT: new flavour technologies uncovered

Delegates at last week's IFT conference heard why aromas are of such critical importance to consumer decisions - and how new technology could improve sales.

Rosemary may protect flavour in convenience meats

Adding a touch of rosemary to minced meat before high-pressure processing could stop the flavour loss associated with this anti-microbial treatment, say Brazilian and Danish researchers.

New EU-wide effort aims to reduce acrylamide

The food industry is working with European Commission officials on a programme to monitor and reduce acrylamide levels in their products.

IFT recognises leading innovators in food industry

The IFT's 2006 Fellows and Achievement Award winners were announced at the opening of last week's IFT conference in Orlando, Florida.

Weekly Comment

Cadbury's mistake

Chocolate has a nice feeling to it - tasty, fun, luxurious and slightly sinful. This is comfort food, accessible to all and epitomised in the recent film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Barry Callebaut on solid financial ground

Leading chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut has reported an increased operating profit (EBIT) of 14.6 per cent for the first nine months of fiscal year 2005/06.

DSM launches texture-improving cheese culture

DSM Food Specialties has launched a new culture designed to improve texture, mouth feel and increased moisture content in a range of cheeses.

Sweet, fat taste preference equal in men and women, suggests study

The preference of fat or sweet foods amongst obese adults is equal, and more related to personality type and eating behaviour than gender, suggests new research from Sweden.