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

Palsgaard emulsifier 'doubles' bakery shelf life

A new cake emulsifier which lengthens shelf life to a minimum of 24 months has been devised by Danish ingredients manufacturer Palsgaard.

And finally... sweet success for Lyle's Golden Syrup

The famous Lyle's Golden Syrup tin, familiar to millions of UK consumers, has been named by the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest branding.

EU court throws out sodium gluconate cartel appeal

The European Court of First Instance has dismissed an appeal against the EC's decision in October 2001 to fine a global sodium gluconate cartel.

BASF confirms B2 food grade price increase

BASF has confirmed that it is increasing prices of its vitamin B2 for food products, three days after it announced similar measures for the same vitamin intended for animal feed.

WHO recommends global phasing out of trans fats

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that governments around the world phase out partially hydrogenated oils if trans-fat labelling alone doesn't spur significant reductions.

European Court upholds fines for citric acid cartel

The European Court of First Instance confirmed this week that Jungbunzlauer (JBL) and Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) engaged in an illegal citric acid price fixing cartel, and has as a result upheld the original fines imposed.

Palsgaard emulsifiers target low cost mayo production

Palsgaard has developed a range of emulsifiers and stabilisers designed to replace egg yolk and milk proteins in mayonnaise.

Fonterra uncovers secret to long life yoghurt

A new manufacturing process has the potential to extend the shelf life of yoghurts while preserving live and active cultures.

FSA welcomes 'constructive' dialogue with Commission

A meeting between the EC's directorate general for health and consumer protection and the UK's food safety watchdog was 'positive and constructive', according to FSA chair Deirdre Hutton.

Danisco invests in future of confectionery

Danisco Flavours has opened a new confectionery facility in Belgium in order to experiment with new combinations of texture, taste and functionality.

Fruit and vegetables cut heart disease risk, says study

Every extra of fruit or vegetable consumed daily could cut the risk of heart disease by four percent, says a meta-analysis of almost a quarter of a million people, giving people even more reason to seek out the nutrient-rich foods.

Europe needs a strong CAP

Europe needs a strong Common Agricultural Policy but this must reflect current realities, argues EC minister Mariann Fischer Boel.

European countries top list for business location

Switzerland, Finland and Sweden are the world's most competitive economies according to this year's assessment by the World Economic Forum (WEF) of the best places to do business.

Senomyx taste patents unlock flavour potential

A patent covering the use of the human bitter taste receptor to screen for compounds could give Senomyx a significant edge in the race to identify new flavour ingredients.

Tate & Lyle CEO to be voice of UK's food sector

Tate & Lyle chief executive Iain Ferguson's appointment as president of the UK's Food and Drink Federation (FDF) comes at a critical time for the industry.

Isomalt achieves Novel Food approval from China

The sugar replacer Isomalt has become the first non-Chinese food to pass the Novel Food approval process set by the Chinese Ministry of Health, according to maker Palatinit.

Scientists develop natural food colour from algae

Scientists have developed a method of extracting a natural red colorant from the micro-algae Porphyridium cruentum.

Dislike of veggies is in the genes

The reason why some people dislike vegetables such a broccoli and sprouts is due to the genetic defence mechanism to potentially harmful compounds in the plants, a result that deepens our understanding of taste.

Beta-carotene-rich maize boosts vitamin A in rodents

Maize, bred to contain high concentrations of the pro-vitamin A carotenoid, beta-carotene, did increase the vitamin A status in gerbils, and could be used to tackle vitamin A deficiency, says a new study.

Weekly comment

When vegetables become victims

The demonisation of spinach following last week's E.coli outbreak could give salad-dodgers the excuse they have been looking for to skimp on their recommended five to nine portions of fruit and veg a day. Without communication and a united front from industry, a longer-term public health crisis could be on the cards.

UK support for sugar reform revealed

The UK's food and farming minister has revealed how almost £500 million of additional support for sugar reform will be incorporated within the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) over the next seven years.

Cargill launches new textured soy protein

Cargill is launching a new soy protein in order to consolidate its position in the growing soy and meat-free market.

Small xanthan gum amounts boost gelling of proteins

Canadian researchers are looking into the effects of gelling of whey protein isolates with xanthan gum in concentrations well below that usually reported, and have already filed for a patent on the technique.

UK-French co-operation targets crop improvements

Three projects drawing on the expertise of researchers in both the UK and France could translate into practical improvements in crop and agronomic science.

FDF slams 'scare tactics' over fat levels in crisps

The FDF has accused the British Heart Foundation of 'scare tactics' over its newly launched Food4Thought campaign.

Ten years later: ISAAA reviews future of biotechnology

The next decade is set to see a global doubling in biotech crop availability, as countries become increasingly less sceptical and begin to see the benefits, according to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).

Study supports soy protein role in cholesterol reduction

A recently published meta-analysis of published studies provides support for the inclusion of soy protein in place of saturated and trans-saturated fats and cholesterol as part of a diet to prevent and lower high blood cholesterol levels.

EC agriculture spend up €5bn 2005

The European Commission spent nearly €5bn more on agriculture in 2005 than it did in 2004, according to the 'Allocation of 2005 EU expenditure by Member State' published yesterday.

FSA vitamin and mineral response ready for minister sign-off

The board of the UK's Food Standards Agency yesterday agreed the draft response to the EC discussion document on vitamin and mineral levels with only minor changes, paving the way to approval of the final response by government health ministers.

EU's food agency battles attempts to hijack science

Science and politics make poor bedfellows. Just ask Herman Koeter, deputy executive director at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which has felt the push and pull of national politics ever since the agency began operating four years ago.

New twist in bread fortification debate

The debate over folic acid fortification of bread took a new turn this week, thanks to a study from Sweden which suggests that low folate levels may guard against colorectal cancer.

Naturex reports strong sales surge for rosemary extracts

Naturex claims to have experienced a 20 per cent increase in rosemary extract sales in 2006 compared to 2005 (year-to-date), underlining the growing success of natural preservatives.

Insect study provokes questions over obesity causes

The fact that you never see a fat insect could have implications for the current obesity epidemic, according to scientists.

EC adopts 'overdue' banana support reforms

The European Commission has adopted 'long overdue' proposals to reform the support arrangements for EU banana producers.

Danisco announces ingredients shake-up

Changes to Danisco's ingredients division will lift the EBIT margin for the segment to above 15 per cent, according to the firm's announcement of Q1 2006/07 results.

Rousselot solidifies position in Chinese gelatin market

Rousselot has acquired a fourth gelatin plant in China in order to satisfy increasing demand within the Asian food market.

World Food Day to highlight declining food aid

The theme of this year's World Food Day, 'Investing in agriculture for food security', underlines growing concern that aid to this particular sector has been declining for years.

Acrylamide study points way to processing methods

A predictive model developed to determine final acrylamide levels in processed potatoes can be used to reduce the potential carcinogen in other products, says a researcher from Dublin.

GM bacteria key to cheaper xylitol production?

GM bacteria that eat hemicellulose in corn fibre could be used as a new, biobased method of making xylitol, a mint-flavoured sweetener used in chewing gum.

Chr Hansen cultures promise texture without the fat

Chr. Hansen has developed six new cultures that it claims can offer yoghurt manufacturers up to 20 per cent more texture.

Purac creates calcium for Asia's soymilk makers

Dutch lactic acid firm Purac is developing a product to fortify soymilks with calcium, helping companies offer a better alternative to milk.

Danisco enzyme cuts costs and crumbs

A new baking enzyme which aims to cut costs on the production line and increase the shelf life of bakery products has been launched by ingredients giant Danisco.

Indian demand for processed food driving preservatives growth

Growth in the demand for processed foods in India is driving the burgeoning preservatives market, according to a new market report.

Coffee prices hit record high

The coffee market was very volatile during the month of August, particularly with the explosion in Robusta prices, according to ICO executive director Nestor Osorio.

Weekly Comment

The functional food fudge

In today's competitive food industry, healthy products mean healthy sales but the scramble to keep up with the obesity backlash can have dangerous repercussions.

Grains summit examines new science and technology

The first ever World Grains Summit opened its doors in San Francisco yesterday, attracting visitors from throughout the food and beverage industries for four days of exploration of the latest developments in grain-based science and technology.

Sojaland ups soy capacity to meet demand

Wild-owned soy processor Sojaland is to double production at its plant in Germany, in response to growing demand for soy-based ingredients.

EU votes on GM canola seed approval

A certain type of Canadian canola seed could be approved today for import into the European Union by spring 2007.

Is China key to restarting global agriculture talks?

China could play a vital role in the resumption of the Doha Round of trade talks, according to the World Economic Forum's China Business Summit 2006.

EFSA: 'Insufficient data' for full GM risk assessment

EFSA's GMO Panel has said there is 'insufficient data to provide a full risk assessment' on GM rice LLRICE601.

Second food revolution needed to feed the world

The FAO has called for a second Green Revolution to feed the world's growing population while preserving natural resources.

China trade summit opens up opportunities

The third EU-China Business Summit in Helsinki was designed to strengthen economic cooperation between the two blocs, a move that will have a significant impact on Europe's food industry.

Raisio is less optimistic over 2006 outlook

Finnish food group Raisio has downgrades its expectations for full-year 2006 as it grapples with the weak performance by its Finnish, Swedish and Russian food business and diagnostics, and carries the costs of restructuring.

Chocolate lovers go straight to the source

Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Sprungli is the latest company jumping on the trend for greater consumer transparency in cocoa sourcing.

Healthy opportunity in Asian ingredients sector

Healthy ingredients, a must-have for any ingredient supplier these days, are just as relevant in Asia as western markets, say companies exhibiting at this week's Fi-Asia in Bangkok.

New petition filed as popcorn flavour cases continue

Another petition has been filed in recent weeks requesting immediate action to protect popcorn factory workers from the lung-disease causing butter flavour diacetyl.

Soya beverages evolve to reach mainstream market

Soya beverage makers are using more subtle marketing of their key ingredient and merging with more traditional segments like juice and dairy in a bid to bring their products into the mainstream, according to industry experts.

'Green' consumers push for organic cocoa

The burgeoning organic chocolate market is taking off thanks to an increase in ethical consumerism and the willingness of confectionery makers worldwide to exploit the trend.

EFSA faces the future at inaugural new board meeting

EFSA renewed its mandate of the Stakeholder Consultative Platform and discussed future strategic priorities at its inaugural new management board meeting this week.

Food allergies could be gone within a decade

Food allergies could be consigned to the history books within a decade if the combination of biotechnology and vaccines work as planned, Dutch researchers have told the BA Festival of Science in England.

Europe demands multi-sector approach to obesity

The results of the EC's public consultation on promoting healthy diets and physical activity, published today, suggest that most stakeholders favour a multi-sector approach to tackling obesity.

EC analyses GM rice contamination controversy

The EC's Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health has now discussed the possible illegal GM contamination of long grain rice imports from the US.

Sweet makers worry over sugar reform

Confectioners are wary of price hikes following the decision by major UK sugar processor British Sugar to pay beet growers more than the EU minimum.

Polysaccharides discovery could cut costs

A new study proving the efficacy of using beet molasses as a substratum to produce Xanthonomas and gelling polymers could be of great interest to the food industry.

'Oversimplifying obesity' creating consumer confusion

The oversimplification of the 'energy-in/energy out' equation is generating a fundamental public misunderstanding of the challenges of obesity, claims one scientist.

Avebe focuses on potato starch to boost results

Starch group Avebe believes that its programme of focussing on its core business, potato starch, will help boost the firm's economic performance.

New analysis needed for GM 'food risk', says scientist

A new approach to resolving GM trade conflict, one that drops the use of the word 'risk', is needed, according to new research.

Falling sugar prices hit Australia's CSR

CSR, Australia's largest sugar producer, downgraded its profit forecast last week, blaming falling global prices and adverse weather for an anticipated downturn.

Nitrites in cured meat linked to lung disease

People who regularly eat cured meats are 71 per cent more likely to have symptoms of lung disease than people who never eat this type of meat, says a new study from the US.

Weekly Comment

Sweet nothing for global trade

The transition to the new EU sugar regime is a reminder of what was lost when the Doha round of WTO trade talks collapsed.

Consumers want energy-based labelling says EUFIC

Most consumers prefer an energy-based approach to nutrition information on food labels, according to new research conducted by the European Food Information Council (EUFIC).

ABF blames sugar for predicted reduced earnings

Associated British Foods (ABF) said that it expects a reduction in earnings after tax in the second half of the financial year.

Plant extracts beat synthetics as meat preservatives, says study

Grape seed and pine bark extracts as additives in cooked meats performed better than the synthetic preservatives in oxidation and microbial effects, results that could be readily acceptable to consumers seeking ready-to-eat meat products with natural preservatives.

Oil cost squeezes Kerry's margins

The Ireland-based Kerry Group says difficulties in raising prices to recover the increased cost of energy slowed its growth during the first six months of the year.

Danisco eyes 1m tonne sugar harvest

Danisco has maintained its expectations for this years sugar output, and claims a one million-tonne oharvest is possible.

Appetite mechanics may boosts obesity understanding

With obesity continuing to grab the headlines, a joint US-Portuguese study of what affects the motivation to feed is said to contribute to a better understanding of how the brain responds to food stimuli.

Strong EU exports driving stable food and drink industry

Increased exports of certain food and drink products have revived the industry and helped to achieve an impressive trade balance.

Heart healthy chocolate tempts consumers to go dark

Europeans are more clued up than their American counterparts when it comes to the benefits of dark chocolate, according to a US company educating the market through their range of functional health-boosting cocoa products.

Overproduction linked to obesity, claims scientist

The recent failure of the WTO trade talks could have serious implications for our culture of obesity, and is an issue that must be dealt with urgently, claims a scientist.

Novozymes and DSM top Dow Jones sustainability index

Novozymes has taken the top position in Dow Jones Sustainability Group Index's biotech category, while DSM tops the list for the Chemical Industry sector.

Scientists find 'proof' for high protein diets

A key hormone in the human gut could be the reason why high protein diets enhance satiety and promote weight loss, British scientists have reported.

Reduced snack variety could cut obesity

Reducing the variety of snack foods available to consumers could reduce the pleasure associated with them, cut consumption, and help fight obesity, suggests a study.

Predicting the future of the world's food supply

The emergence of new agricultural production areas and changing diets will have deep consequences for the supply and demand of global food.

Obesity task force demands action on internet junk food ads

Children should be protected from exploitative marketing techniques used on the Internet, according to a new report from the International Obesity Task Force.

Use technology to tackle obesity, urges food industry insider

We desperately need to change the corrosive debate over obesity by looking for innovative solutions rather than just scapegoats, says a Danisco business development manager.

Obesity initiative targets English school food

A multi-million pound project designed to secure the future of healthy school food and tackle childhood obesity has been launched in England.

New hybrids drive Egypt's world-beating rice yield

Egypt achieved the worlds highest national average rice yield in 2005, with production boosted by hybrids developed locally under an FAO-led project.

Scientists look to carrageenans to boost egg white gelling

Adding carrageenans to egg white ovalbumin improves the gelling ability of the egg protein and could spark a "great interest using liquid egg as gelling agents", says research from Spain.

Finnish phytosterol success leads to Pirkka extension

Products containing Forbes Medi-Tech's Reducol plant sterols have proved popular in Finnish supermarket Kesko - so much so that it is expanding its Pirkko range to include a non-dairy margarine.

Vitiva growth stems from new rosemary markets

Slovenia's Vitiva has reported sales growth in excess of 200 per cent for the first half the year, as it continues to implement its rapid growth strategy and reach out into new business sectors.

ABF completes African sugar share acquisition

Associated British Foods' (ABF's) acquisition of Africa's largest sugar producer underlines the fact that the European industry is thinking globally.

FSA seeks opinion on additive, enzyme and flavour regs

The FSA is seeking comments on proposed European Commission regulations that would establish a common authorisation procedure for food additives, food enzymes and food flavourings.

Scientists deepen sour taste understanding

US-based scientists say they have identified a protein responsible for the perception of sourness, backing up a similar recent study into a taste that is still relatively poorly understood.

Obesity driving intense sweetener opportunities

Soaring obesity rates are creating opportunities for food and beverage manufacturers to expand the number of products that contain sugar substitutes, according to a new market report.

Weekly Comment

The truth is out there, in the middle ground

Food can polarise opinion more than most issues, but can we please have some balance and debate, rather than mudslinging and crop burning to get to the truth?

Doehler to tap healthy ingredient trend in Paris

Doehler Group's focus on naturalness and health at the upcoming SIAL exhibition in Paris will include natural sweeteners and neutral-tasting Omega 3.

FSA moves to block illegal GM rice

The UK's Food Standards Agency has taken action to ensure that testing and monitoring is carried out on consignments of American long grain rice in the UK.

Carotenoids boost iron adsorption, says study

Intake of the carotenoids lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin improved iron absorption from a meal and even reversed the inhibitory effects of coffee, says a new study.

Chr Hansen expands German cultures production

Chr Hansen's expansion of its existing lactic acid cultures facility in Pohlheim, Germany is designed to tap the rapidly growing market for meat cultures.

Genomics has potential to revolutionise food science

More efficient collaboration between the public and private sectors is vital if genomic technology is to truly have an impact in alleviating food insecurity and food shortages around the world.

New ingredients driving sugar-free development

The use of ingredients to improve the nutritional status of food products by replacing sugar is one of the major driving forces for new product development, according to Roquette.

Does donkey dairy contain the key to longevity?

Donkey milk has been hailed as the secret of long life by a family in Ecuador, but is there any science behind claims for milk that is supposedly the closest thing to human milk?

Scientist challenges anti-GM findings

An Australian scientist has challenged claims that a GM crop may produce dangerous herbicides in human intestines.

Lactalis targets African dairy with Celia takeover

French dairy firm Lactalis has bought out domestic rival Celia in its latest move to expand, giving the group a foothold in the emerging North African dairy market.