Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - Europe US edition

FSAI bans GM rice, US farmers sue Bayer

The FSAI is to implement a ban on the import of certain US long grain rice products unless certificates declaring them to be free of unauthorised GM rice accompany them.

Novozymes develops product to cut noodle costs

Danish enzyme company Novozymes says a new product under development in China could reduce costs for the booming instant noodle industry.

Cognis creates new cost-cutting baking agent

European ingredients group Cognis has developed a baking agent which claims to lower costs and improve performance in the baking of all yeast-based products such as croissants and buns.

Crop contamination risk downgraded

British farmers and bakery firms can breathe a sigh of relief as the risk of crop contamination from mycotoxins is low this year, according to an industry organisation.

Raisio to cut staff after 'unsatisfactory' performance

Raisio is set to implement further cost-saving measures following the Finnish group's 'unsatisfactory' performance last year.

Leatherhead launches new services for prebiotic ingredients

Leatherhead Food International (LFI) is launching a new service for industry to study in vitro the activity of potential and established prebiotics.

Bakery focus puts CSM back on track

CSM believes it is back on track after first half results revealed some strong improvement, breaking a three-year trend of declining results.

Guest article

Understanding food intolerance

Calling food intolerance a scientific void ignores existing scientific evidence, claims Food Intolerance Network co-founder Dr Howard Dengate.

'Sexy' chilli chocolate hits market

A UK food company has found a unique way to target the growing functional confectionery market, mixing aromatherapy with chocolate.

EU set to bring 'super cereal' to supermarkets

The EU is funding an innovative new research programme that could see the introduction of a highly nutritional cereal within the bloc.

Rice breakthrough promises secure future supplies

A major global scientific effort to enhance the efficiency of rice could have important implications in the supply of the world's most important food.

Booming enteral nutrition market offers ingredient opportunities

Aging populations and a growing demand for homecare are driving opportunities for the European enteral nutrition market, ranging from functional foods to microencapsulation.

More omega-3 in organic milk, say scientists

Scientists have called on Britain's food safety authorities to recognise the superior health qualities of organic milk, after a new study showed it contained higher levels of omega-3 than conventional milk.

Obesity Forecast 2010: who is to blame?

A new UK government report into obesity has reignited the debate over who should take responsibility for the growing epidemic.

Own label food sector set to rocket

Research analyst IGD claims that own label food and grocery products will account for more than a quarter of the market (26.8 per cent) across Europe within four years.

Weekly Comment

Some home-eating truths

As food manufacturers inch closer to the holy grail of low-calorie, trans-fat free flavor-fantastic products one has to ask how we veered so far from the common sense of fresh home-cooked meals.

Antioxidant-rich cider under the microscope

British researchers are starting a small trial to investigate if the antioxidant benefits of apples are passed on to cider drinkers, and could possibly lead to "functional" ciders.

Anti-GM movement calls for global US rice ban

Greenpeace has called for a global ban on imports of US rice after traces of unapproved GM rice was found in commercial batches.

Danisco buys Chinese CMC producer

Danisco, the world's biggest ingredients company, will start supplying the texturising agent CMC to customers, after acquiring one of Chinas leading producers for an undisclosed sum.

Novozymes welcomes enzyme patent ruling

Novozymes has welcomed last week's court ruling over a disputed enzyme patent, saying that it was 'very pleased with the decision'.

EC blocks 'illegal' GM rice imports from US

The EC adopted a decision this week requiring imports of long grain rice from the USA to be certified as free from the unauthorised GMO LL Rice 601.

Wrigley patents metallic gum

The world's foremost chewing gum producer, the Wm Wrigley Jr Company, is set to make inroads into the growing functional confectionery market with a new gum to combat bad breath.

Danisco withdraws enzyme product from market

Danisco division Genencor has voluntarily decided to withdraw its Spezyme Ethyl product from the market following a patent infringement ruling in a Delaware US court.

Special report

Soft drinks firms settle in benzene lawsuit

Two soft drink firms accused of using ingredients that could mix to form a cancer-causing chemical in drinks plan to sign a settlement with lawyers today, agreeing to change formulas and offer refunds.

Quest develops 'flexible' approach to snack flavours

Quest has developed what it calls its '3-D approach' to snack flavour development in order to offer customers greater flexibility and identify key trends earlier.

AB Enzymes launches white pepper processing enzyme

AB Enzymes is launching a new enzyme for white pepper production, which it claims will not only improve product authenticity and quality, but will also be better for the environment.

Coffee prices on the increase as shortage bites

The price of coffee has risen, and is expected to continue to rise, as a result of a shortage on the world market.

Functional drinks driving UK yoghurt boom

Sales of yoghurt in the UK are set to increase by 40 per cent over the next five years, and smash the £2bn barrier by 2011, with surging functional yoghurt drinks driving sales.

One hump or two? Camel milk ice cream is here

A leading dairy firm in the Middle East is attempting to trade on the health benefits of camel's milk by using it to make a lower fat, reduced sugar ice cream.

Japan natamycin approval opens door to Far East

Japan recently announced its approval of natamycin, an antimycotic used in cheese and meat production.

Flavonoid-rich GM tomatoes could boost heart health

Tomatoes genetically modified to have high flavonoid content could reduce the levels of a protein in a mouse that is associated with inflammation, diabetes and heart disease in humans, says a study by BASF, TNO and two universities in Holland and Germany.

Tate & Lyle's new venture arm targets health and renewable ingredients

Food and beverage makers could soon tap into a range of new ingredients with a healthy twist as sugar and sweetener firm Tate & Lyle launches a new venture capital arm to focus on next-generation ingredients.

BASF to field test GM potatoes in Britain

German chemical giant BASF is set to start field testing of its blight-resistant GM potatoes in Britain next year, a move that could open the way to more GM crop tests in the traditionally anti-GM country.

DNA used for cheese quality stamp

Scientists are using DNA extraction to build a quality 'ID card' for Andalusian goat's cheese, potentially offering a new way of proving the safety and quality of speciality products.

Werhahn snaps up ingredients maker

German bakery firm Werhahn has taken over British baking ingredients manufacturer GB Ingredients (GBI) in a bid to expand its reach into the international market.

Australia, NZ bakers face further fortification

Bakeries in Australia and New Zealand may be required to use only iodised salt in the future, if a proposal from the countries' food regulator is approved.

New scheme brings fruit, veg to UK women and children

The Healthy Start scheme, which offers vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, and infant formula to low income families and teenage mothers, has been a success in its pilot area of England, the Department of Health announced yesterday.

Frutarom has functional ingredients and acquisitions in the pipeline

Israeli flavours and ingredients supplier Frutarom has reported sales growth in Q2 2006 to US$72.3m. Although profits were impacted by price drops in natural raw materials and energy price hikes, new acquisitions are still on the horizon.

New Synergy cheese ingredients designed to enhance flavour, mouthfeel

Savoury ingredients supplier Synergy has launched a line of cheese ingredients designed to enhance flavour and mouthfeel while also providing manufacturers with some cost benefits.

Meta-analysis shows aspartame effective for weight loss

Incorporating aspartame-sweetened food products into the diet does result in weight loss, says a new meta-analysis that fills a gap in the science behind the sweetener.

Hunger state affects flavour preference, suggests obesity-related study

A liking or preference for sweetened beverages may be affected by hunger state, suggests a study from the UK that may have important implications in the fight against obesity.

Review reports kava anxiety efficacy, but safety questions remain

A review of studies using the herb kava to combat anxiety has reported some positive results and only mild adverse events, giving a much-needed boost to the herb's record despite the need for longer safety and efficacy trials.

Weekly comment

Food science for all

Food scientists are becoming a rare species in Britain, and things won't change unless schools and food firms start telling young people there is more to food than a supermarket depot.

UK to urge obese to be "personally responsible" for weight

A UK Government forecast is to predict that almost one third of the British population will be dangerously fat, with junk food and lack of exercise to blame, according to reports in The Independent.

German allergy experts to focus on prevention plans

Allergy experts in Germany met last week to develop a comprehensive strategy for combating the condition through spreading information and conducting further research.

Danisco's sugar production in line with new regime

Danisco has predicted that sugar production will be in line with EU quotas, despite the exceptionally hot and dry summer.

Turkish delight at maltitol potential in chocolate

The sugar alcohol maltitol is the most promising polyol sweetener to replace sucrose in chocolate, says new research from Turkey, a result that could lead to new types of sugar-free chocolate to the booming "diet" candy sector.

FDF 'baffled' by calls for more industry action on salt

A UK food industry body has claimed to be 'baffled' by the Faculty of Public Health (FPH)'s call for more food industry action in cutting salt from processed foods.

Cargill focuses on health and consumer trends

Cargill's focus at this year's Health Ingredients Europe exhibition will be on functional ingredient solutions and the identification of emerging market trends.

Flax patent makes Burcon more than a canola company

Burcon Nutrisciences has been granted a European patent for its flax oil seed-derived novel protein isolate and production, and signalled that it will continue developing technologies from sources besides its canola, which now forms the core of its business.

Novel ingredient approval sought for baobab extract

The UK's FSA has called for comments on PhytoTrade Africa's application to use baobab fruit pulp as an ingredient in smoothies and cereal bars.

Grape fibre could boost shelf life of meat products

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

Yeast extract product claimed to replace MSG

DSM Food Specialties claims that its Maxarome Select product - a natural high 5' nucleotide yeast extract - can effectively replace monosodium glutamate (MSG) in crisps without any loss of flavour or taste.

Walkers slammed for salt claims

One of the UK's leading crisp manufacturers, Walkers, has been reprimanded by an advertising authority for 'misleading' adverts detailing the reduced salt content in its crisp brands.

European patent laws a 'competitive disadvantage'

The EU has been urged to subsidise patent applications for young innovative companies in order to ensure that Europe's biotech and agricultural sectors remain competitive.

Danisco Sweeteners targets health-focused consumers

Danisco Sweeteners has developed a range of ingredients designed to help food makers create snacks with less than 100 calories.

'Edible paint' has food applications, claim scientists

Scientists at Cornell University have created an environmentally friendly, non-toxic, removable, edible paint that could be used in candy and dietary supplements.

Global consumer opinion split on GM

Anything that makes food taste better is fine, according to 62 per cent of South Africans who are familiar with GM foods.

Keeping sugar farmers sweet

British sugar growers can breathe a sigh of relief after learning that one of the country's foremost beet producers will not be closing facilities as originally thought.

Chr Hansen launches natural surimi colours

Chr Hansen has launched a new range of natural food colours targeted at global surimi producers.

EC forecasts lower cereal yields after July heat waves

This years European crop production has been significantly affected by last months heat waves, according to the European Commission, which expects decreased yields of commodities including soft wheat, winter barley and grain maize.

The obesity blame game- reader feedback

Last week's comment on the food industry's role in the rising obesity epidemic has generated a flood of responses from readers agreeing with or disputing our position that the industry deserves a break. Some of the comments received are published below.

Pork quality is a matter of pH

Scientists are proposing a new way to evaluate pork quality - its pH content.

Food industry dooms children to obesity, says scientist

A US paediatrician has said that childhood obesity is due to the high-calorie, low-fibre Western diets that cause hormonal imbalances that encourage children to overeat.

Scientist shortage threatens UK research

Britain is failing to recruit enough world-class scientists because the country's education system is not up to the job, the UK's Confederation of British Industry has warned.

Gene breakthrough could revolutionise rice crop

The discovery of a gene that enables rice to survive complete submergence could help overcome one of agriculture's oldest challenges.

Evaluating smell could spell success for food sector

US researchers have investigated how quickly mammals evaluate odours, pushing back the boundaries of understanding smell, and having implications for the food industry.

GM attitudes depend on food type

A recent study into public attitudes towards genetically modified foods has confirmed that attitudes change significantly depending on the type of food being considered.

Health and emerging markets propel Danisco Cultures growth

Danisco Cultures is ploughing research and innovation efforts into studying the health promoting properties of its strains - a shrewd move not only because of the impending EU health and nutrition claims regulation but also since cultures for the health and supplements sectors experienced 15 per cent growth in the last year.

Russian exporters gamble on wheat as crop threat persists

Russian traders are buying stocks of wheat at well above export prices in a bid to capitalise on a potential surge in prices, following a difficult summer for European grain production.

EC publishes food commodity income prospects

The EC has published prospects for agriculture markets and income from 2006 to 2013 - but the failure of the WTO talks could impact future growth.

Soy isoflavone could be edible oil antioxidant, suggests study

The soy isoflavone, genistein, could act as an antioxidant to prolong the shelf-life of bulk edible oils, suggests a study using linseed oil.

Conference tackles issue of EU food law changes

An upcoming EFSA-hosted conference will focus on recent legislative initiatives that will significantly impact the food sector.

CIAA bids to push up EU food R&D spend

CIAA has launched an online consultation designed to help pinpoint key challenges facing the European food industry and boost R&D spending.

White grapes just as heart healthy as red?

The flesh of grapes is just as heart healthy as the skin, says a laboratory study by Italian and US researchers, a result that may challenge the idea that red wine offers better cardiovascular protection than white.

Rich world to blame for Doha breakdown, says FAO

The Doha Round of global agriculture negotiations collapsed mainly because of infighting between large and powerful countries, corporations and lobbies, said the FAO this week.

Scientists solve sour taste perception

US-based scientists say they have identified two proteins responsible for the perception of sourness, a taste that up until now has been poorly understood.

Flavonoids linked to colorectal cancer protection

A diet rich in certain flavonoids, from eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by over 40 per cent, says a large observational study from Italy.

Novozymes reports a solid first half for 2006

Enzyme giant Novozymes has maintained a high earnings level throughout the first half of 2006, with growth in sales and operating profit of 8 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.

Quest taps research to uncover flavour trends

Quest has carried out extensive market research in order to develop snack flavours that tap the latest consumer lifestyle trends.

Givaudan looks to flavour innovation to boosts sales

Swiss flavour giant Givaudan hopes to boost modest flavour sales through innovation at its Global Flavour Research division.

Cargill takes control of gum venture in China

Cargill has taken full control of its xanthan gum joint venture in China, opening the way for it to take a bigger share of the competitive gums market.

Forum targets market access for sustainable palm oil

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) meets this month to discuss the critical issue of moving from a definition of 'sustainable palm oil' to defining its uptake and use in the market.

Quality not just quantity of cholesterol affected by fats, says study

Eating a meal rich in saturated fats inhibits the activity of so-called 'good' cholesterol to protect against inflammation, but a meal rich in polyunsaturated fats boosts its action, says a study from Australia.

Guest Comment

The challenges of implementing EC food law in Italy

Italy's vigorous application of EC food safety regulation 178/02 could be hampered by the country's legislative framework, according to an Italian lawyer.

Sainsbury's targets home-grown organic demand

Sainsbury's plans to launch what it claims is the UK's first ever 100 per cent organic supermarket box scheme.

Iron transporter research may deliver higher-nutrient crops

Research into the ways in which crops derive micronutrients from the soil could make it possibly to engineer higher-yield, nutrient-rich crops in poor quality soils and increase biomass in soils currently under cultivations, claim US scientists.

Weekly Comment

The obesity blame game

Laying the blame for a fatter world at the feet of the food industry has become a convenient mistake, and until this is recognized there is little chance of controlling the growing obesity epidemic.

Flavour scientists hold key to low-fat dairy, suggests review

The growing demand for healthier, low-fat foods is the biggest challenge for the flavour scientist, say the authors of a new review.

Givaudan flavour growth hit by ongoing streamlining

Swiss flavour giant Givaudan has reported growth in the first of 2006, despite the ongoing streamlining of commodity ingredients in both flavour and fragrance divisions.

UK supermarkets vow to kick out trans fats

The UK supermarket sector is finally getting serious about removing hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVOs) from their own-brand products.

EU food regs could be hijacked by politics, warns report

New powers that will enable the European Parliament (EP) to block Commission decisions will have serious implications for the food industry, warns a USDA study.

NutraSweet targets blended sweetener for best profile

Researchers from NutraSweet and Duke University are working in tandem to produce blends with more desirable sweetness profiles.

Lecture confirms organic food's mainstream status

The UK's 2007 City Food Lecture, sponsored for the first time by the FSA, will be given by Lord Peter Melchett of the Soil Association and will be on the subject of organic food.

Cognis no comment on sale reports

Cognis has refused to confirm reports in the German press that it is in advanced discussions with three potential purchasers, but the outcome of a strategic review will be made public before the end of the year.

Suedzucker predicts growth in sugar revenues

European sugar giant Suedzucker expects a revenue increase of 5 per cent in 2006 / 07, underlining the group's confidence in the future of the EU sugar sector.

Pigeon pea could boost pasta's sensory & nutritional content

Adding flour from pigeon peas, one of the world's oldest food crops, could lead to nutritionally enhanced pasta, with quicker cooking times, as well as boosting flavour, according to a joint Spanish-Venezuelan study.

EC: How to navigate proposed new additive regulations

The European Commission has issued guidance for food companies regarding proposed changes to additive, flavouring and enzyme regulations.

Danisco performance impacted by 'eventful' year

Danisco's takeover of Genencor International, the EU sugar reform and rising raw material prices feature prominently in the group's recently published annual report.

Baby-boomers may benefit most from flavanol-rich cocoa

The heart health of the baby-boom generation could benefit from flavanol-rich cocoa, reports a study co-funded by Mars, but independent experts warn against confusion with commercial chocolate snacks.

Snacking may be gene-activated, suggests study

Eating snacks outside of set meal times may be due to irregular switching on of genes in brain that 'expect' food at irregular hours, a result that has implications for obesity.

Curry and onion extracts could protect against colon cancer

Quercetin and curcumin, compounds found naturally in onions and curry, could reduce the risk of colon cancer, suggests a small clinical trial from the US.

Cognis launches healthier aerating agent

Cognis has launched a new aerating agent that it claims has the potential to improve the health value of baked goods.

Legal boost for French GM sector

Two recent judicial decisions could be the turning point for biotech cultivation in France, according to a new USDA GAIN report.

Guest Comment

Food industry must face the communication age

The food industry must face up to the challenges of modern communication if consumer confidence is to be regained - and costly mistakes are to be avoided, writes Keith Taylor.

Syngenta confident despite decreased sales

Swiss biotech giant Syngenta has reported overall decreased sales for the first half of the year, but is confident that growth will come on the back of newly launched products.

Food science should re-evaluate pleasure as obesity driver, says expert

A Unilever scientist has called for a re-evaluation of the link between over-eating and obesity by challenging the traditional view that the pleasure of taste is the driver for over-consumption.

Rad launches lemon balm antioxidant ingredient

A new natural lemon balm formula, claimed to be a powerful antioxidant, could help protect delicate tasting foods without effecting taste.

Tate & Lyle targets European stabilisers market

New stabilisers for white meats and egg-free dressings are set to hit the European texturising market.

Industry races to get green, GM omega-3 from plants

Industry giants are locked in a "fish oil arms race" to develop genetically modified crops that could challenge the supremacy of fish as the best source of omega-3 fatty acid, with both BASF and DuPont reporting progress in the field.

Contaminants regulation extends limits on metals, mycotoxins

The latest draft of a proposed EU amendment to the bloc's regulation on contaminants widens the scope of limits on heavy metals and mycotoxins in foods, as part of the changes.