All news articles for October 2009

Talking point

Will health claims doom innovation in Europe?

Hope that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) might moderate its clinical-trial weighted approach for general health claims in the EU dried up on October 1, when it rejected 70 per cent of 500+ dossiers, including 181 of 181 probiotic dossiers.

Arla unites R&D resources with new milk protein centre

Arla Food Ingredients has opened a new application centre in Aarhus, Denmark, consolidating its R&D facilities as part of its plan to double milk protein sales by 2013.

Animal welfare labelling schemes up for discussion in Europe

The European Commission is mulling labelling to help consumers’ identify animal welfare-friendly products and incentivise producers to improve welfare. But campaigners say voluntary measures are not enough.

News in brief

Danone and Yakult confirm probiotics research grants

The Global Probiotics Council (GPC) has announced two $50,000 grants for young researchers in the field of probiotics.

Industry wants more moves on food sector competitiveness

Plans to help the smoothing the European food supply chain function more efficiently do not go far enough in addressing unfair practices, says the CIAA, and initiatives should be fully integrated with other efforts to boost competitiveness.

Rooibus extract may boost acai's health punch

Formulating açai products with extracts from rooibus tea may enhance the colour and improve the stability of açai’s healthy components, suggests a new study from Texas.

Climate change to strike UK food prices, claims report

The price of staple foods in the UK could soar to four and a half times above inflation by 2030 unless developed countries slash their greenhouse gas emissions, warns a new report from Friends of the Earth.

Commission tackles food price transparency and fair practices

The European Commission has laid out a series of steps to improve supply chain relations in the food chain, and has launched a new tool to help ensure price transparency between actors.

Inulin may offer low-sugar, tasty milk chocolate

Combining inulin with the bulking agent polydextrose may reduce the sugar and fat content of milk chocolate, without affecting consumer acceptance, suggests a new study.

NIZO management buy-out breaks with the past

The management of NIZO Food Research has reached an agreement with the NIZO foundation to buy out 100 per cent of the shares in the research company, bringing to an end over 60 years of connection to the dairy industry.

Australians need simpler salt labelling scheme: Study

Many Australian consumers are aware of the risk of high blood pressure due to excess salt intake, but a new study indicates that many have trouble interpreting labelling info that lists sodium, rather than salt.

New CSK strains to improve low fat cheese

CSK Food Enrichment has unveiled a new selection of strains to improve the texture and flavour of low fat cheese.

Novozymes retains positive outlook after Q3 results

Novozymes has reported a better than forecast profit in the third quarter of 2009, on the back of higher sales volumes and better productivity – although sales of food enzymes have fallen.

Meat linked to increased diabetes risk: Meta-analysis

High intake of processed meat may increase the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by 40 per cent, according to a new meta-analysis from Norway and the US.

Use sustainable palm oil or suffer consequences, warns WWF

Many manufacturers and retailers are not using sustainable palm oil as much as they should to stimulate supply and lead to long-term environmental benefits, says a damning report from the WWF.

News in brief

Borregaard received biorefinery funding

Borregaard has received research grants from the EU worth €4m to demonstrate biorefinery concepts in action.

Tate & Lyle to sell stakes in Saudi and Egyptian sugar refineries

Tate & Lyle has reached an agreement to sell its minority stake in sugar refineries in Saudi Arabia and Egypt to Saudi-based sugar refiner Savola, the companies have said.

Brands, retailers make 2015 palm oil pledges

Nestle and Marks & Spencer have this week made new pledges about their use of sustainable palm oil, with both ramping up to using only certified oil in products by 2015.

Maltodextrin boosts quality of gluten-free bread: Study

Formulating gluten-free bread with maltodextrin may beneficially impact on bread volume and boost crumb hardening during storage, says a new study from Poland.

New packaging 'triples' food shelf life

New food packaging can double or, in some cases, even triple the shelf life of certain foods for up to 24 months compared with conventional packaging, claims its manufacturer Superfos.

German guide advises on healthy, sustainable food

A new guide to help consumers make more sustainable shopping decisions places new emphasis on combining healthy and sustainable eating practices.

News in brief

Danisco commended for climate change disclosure

Danisco has been included in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) leadership index for companies that disclose their climate change impact.

Australia, NZ to review burden of food labelling laws

Australia and New Zealand are to undertake a review of food labelling laws and policy to reduce the regulatory burden on food companies without compromising health and safety.

Meat substitutes could combat climate change: Report

Meat and dairy substitutes could play a major role in cutting global emissions and present opportunities to food companies – but they need marketing investment to attract consumers, says a World Watch report.

Meat flavourings from brassica may offer veggie options

Enzyme treatment of Brassica proteins may give meat-like flavourings, allowing meat taste in vegetarian foods, suggests a new Chinese-Australian study.

Review pinpoints opportunities for pulse fractions

A new review of the nutritional and functional properties of pulses and their constituents emphasises the opportunities for industry to find novel uses for pulses and develop more ingredients that can be used in convenience foods.

Weekly comment

Tackling E.coli – legislation or self-regulation?

Everybody wants food to be safe - but the recent slugging match over how best to protect US consumers from E.coli-tainted meat highlights whether legislation or self-regulation is the answer to mending the country's flawed safety system.

Ethical food purchases set to rise

UK consumers are likely to become more interested in purchasing ethically produced foods as the country emerges from recession, according to research from IGD.

Consumer response to health claims varies by country: Study

Italians are unswayed by healthy messages and images on foods, whereas the Finnish respond to medical pictures and British consumers are more likely to buy foods making even a weak health claim, indicates new research.

EFSA recommends reduction of inorganic arsenic intake

Food manufacturers may wish to keep an eye on inorganic arsenic levels in ingredients and final products, after the EFSA panel on contaminants concluded that dietary exposure should be reduced.

News in brief

Chemists add soy sauce to ‘perfect’ gravy

The Royal Society of Chemistry in the UK has unveiled its recipe for the perfect gravy, which bears a striking resemblance to that of a 19th century cookbook writer.

Project bids to eliminate risk of botulinum in baked goods

A project aimed at quantifying and eliminating the risk associated with the growth of Clostridium botulinum in baked goods is being initiated by a UK research group.

Natural demand means ongoing growth for Naturex

Naturex is expecting the natural trend to deliver a slight increase in revenues this year, and a substantial improvement in operating margin, despite a macroeconomic environment that is still sluggish.

Cognis launches first sunflower oil-based whipping agent

Cognis claims to have hit on an industry first with a new whipping agent based on sunflower oil that promises a healthier fatty acid profile.

Study fails to find omega 3 benefit for depression

New research, contrary to previous studies, shows augmenting antidepressant therapy with an omega-3 fatty acid supplement does not result in improvement in levels of depression in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Study tests emulsifier vs. enzyme performance in bread

A new study has pitted use of a Datem enzyme against three generations of lipase enzymes, and found that action on bread volume is similar - but with some differences depending on fermentation times.

News in brief

Why white wines work with fish

White wine makes a good accompaniment to fish dishes because it has low levels of iron, report Japanese scientists.

Food processing added to Australia’s carbon cutting scheme

Plans to include food processors in Australia’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) but with special support have been welcomed by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC).

High protein diet may make brain lighter: Animal study

Eating a high protein diet appears to make the brains of mice lighter, report researchers who hypothesise that this could make them more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease.

News in brief

Gallani appointed FDF director, food science and safety

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has promoted Barbara Gallani to the post of director, Food Science and Safety.

New cultures to speed salami ripening

Chr. Hansen has developed a new range of meat cultures for Italian-style salamis which it says speed up the fermentation process while creating flavoursome, well-textured, and safer sausages.

Purac proposes lactic acid for stevia off-flavour masking

Beverage companies have a new tool to deal with the potential off-flavours associated with stevia sweeteners, as Purac is launching a new lactic acid ingredient.

Olive oil component could avert Alzheimer’s

A compound in extra virgin olive oil could deter proteins from disrupting nerve cell function that causes the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease.

Attitudes divided on BOGOF offers

UK shoppers are divided on ‘buy one get one free’ offers: Nearly three in ten say they create too much food waste, but nearly a quarter use them to try new products, according to specialist grocery researchers IGD.

GM maize approvals stumble at EU hurdles

The ping-pong of approvals for GM crops in Europe played another round yesterday, when the Commission failed to reach agreement on MIR604 and a Council vote on three others was inconclusive.

News in brief

UK sees surge in food and drink exports

New research from the Food and Drink Federation indicates that exports of UK-made foods and non-alcoholic beverages were up over 10 per cent in the first part of the year – and could break through the £10m barrier by December.

Consumer will is vital to sustainable consumption, says report

Overcoming consumer barriers is key to encouraging more sustainable consumption – and stimulating innovation by businesses serving them, says a new report.

Consumers mindful of best before dates

A high level of concern about best before dates in the latest survey from the Food Standards Agency could indicate that politicians’ talk on food issues influences those that remain top of mind for UK consumers.

Spanish research cites health worry as GM barrier

Spanish consumers report not knowing much about genetically modified foods, but being very concerned about potential effects on human health, says a new study that suggests more policies are needed to open up the market.

News in brief

Food Ethics Council shortlisted for BBC award

The UK’s Food Ethics Council (FEC) is on the shortlist for BBC Radio 4’s prestigious Derek Cooper Award.

Shoppers still prepared to pay for healthier foods, says research

Consumers are prepared to pay more for foods that note health attributes on packs, and are becoming more aware and sophisticated in their attitudes to diet and food labelling, according to research from Tate & Lyle.

Med diet cuts breast cancer risk in older women, says study

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet along with avoidance of Western-type foods may contribute to a reduction in postmenopausal breast cancer risk, claims new French study.

Weekly comment

Branded Corn Flakes are great for branding

Will we all be waking up bleary-eyed to bowls of tattooed Corn Flakes any time soon? Probably not, but by suggesting that we could, Kellogg’s has hit on a winning marketing ploy.

Nostalgia boosts UK food market growth

Nostalgic and ‘retro’ foods have helped drive continued sales value growth in the UK food and beverage market even as the country entered recession, according to a new report from Leatherhead Food Research.

Benefits of salt reduction clear, despite brain claim

Public policy to reduce salt intake has clear health benefits, despite claims that intake is physiologically determined and cannot be controlled by policy, says a UK expert.

Immune boosting product now low cost, says developer

A new process for the production of the human milk oligosaccharide Fucosyllactose that allows for large-scale production of the saccharide means the immune boosting food ingredient is now low cost, claims its German developer.

Special comment

Fat chance for action on World Food Day

‘Hunger down 50 per cent this year’, ‘Malnutrition eradicated in Africa’. Alas, dream headlines not gracing any newspapers this World Food Day. But if we hope to read them one day, governments, industry – and yes, individuals – need to stop thinking of their own interests first.

Korea deal a massive opportunity for EU food

The signing of a free trade deal between the EU and Korea has been hailed by the food and beverage industry, as it will unlock new market access for the sector.

News in brief

Food companies celebrate their community commitment

The UK Food and Drink Federation announced the winners of its 2009 Community Partnership Awards this week.

CoQ10 may protect against obesity problems: Study

Supplements of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may protect or retard the development of fatty liver related to obesity, suggest findings from an animal study.

UK skills council awarded new five-year licence

Improve, an organization set up to help develop medium- and long-term skills in the food and beverage industry, has been relicensed for another five years by the UK government, the group said yesterday.

Amaranth offers natural pigments for noodles: Study

Pigments from amaranth may boost the nutritional profile and colour of Asian noodles, without affecting the quality, says a new study from China.

World Food Week

Real-time food insecurity info would prompt action

A global monitoring scheme to measure food insecurity at individual and household levels would have more weight with policy makers and encourage preventative action, say anthropologists.

EFSA not reconsidering new preservative ADI

EFSA has found no grounds to justify a re-evaluation of preservative ethyl lauroyl arginate following the presentation of new information on toxicology – even though its ADI is lower than those set by other authorities.

CP Kelco innovation to give one-shot multi-layered desserts

A three layered dessert formulation from one processing stream that subsequently self-separates into layers has been developed by CP Kelco.

Danisco programme to make food for lowest earners

Danisco has launched a new programme to help manufacturers develop processed foods that are affordable by people on very low incomes, in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Green tea extracts may slow smokers’ lung damage

Daily consumption of a Chinese green tea extract may slow the damage of cigarette smoke in the lungs, according to results from a rat study from Hong Kong.

Symrise revamps colour range for new EU rules

Symrise has reorganised its natural food colourings range and is now offering tailored advice to manufacturers that want to avoid artificial hues that will soon require off-putting warnings on labels.

New gelatine product for ‘creamy’ fat-free ice cream

Gelita has developed a new gelatine product for fat reduction in ice cream which it claims gives a smoother, creamier mouthfeel than other low fat products on the market.

News in brief

Frutarom unveils symbolic new branding

Frutarom has launched a new branding image across its global operations, which aims to express its combined focus on health, innovation, creativity and excellence.

Novel foods rules harm development, report

Novel food regulation functions as an unintentional trade barrier to heritage foods and affects supply chain development and poverty alleviation in developing countries, according to a new report.

Spanish market holds promise for salt replacement

UK-based Alexander Foods has entered into an agreement with Exquim S.A. to distribute its salt replacement product in Spain in what it says is its first step into the wider European market.

Consumers want value for the long haul, says IGD

New habits die hard – at least, so the latest research on UK shoppers indicate, as more than half of those questioned by IGD said they will continue to be careful about spending even after the recession has ended.

Vegetarianism poses no bone health danger: Study

Consuming a vegetarian diet may result in slightly weaker bones, but not to a level that it becomes a clinical concern, says a new meta-analysis.

News in brief

RSSL offers GM linseed test

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) says it can now offer testing for GM linseed to companies in the UK, following the discovery of an unapproved variety in products in Germany.

Givaudan nine month results outpace market growth

Despite a slow start to its financial year, Swiss fragrance and flavours group Givaudan says business has picked up in the last six months, pointing to a recovery.

Friendly bacteria may blunt fibre’s anti-nutrient actions

Formulating bread with Bifidobacterium strains may reduce levels of a compound in high-fibre bread thought to be behind fibre’s impairment of mineral absorption, says a new study from Spain.

World Food Week

Invest now for food security in 2050

The West may be grappling with recession, but now is the time for businesses and governments to invest in agriculture and processing facilities around the world to stave off a massive food security problem by 2050, says the FAO.

Quality sustainable palm oil in short supply, says confectioner

Quality and supply problems stand in the way of buying palm oil entirely from certified sustainable sources, according to Nutella manufacturer Ferrero.

Tate & Lyle launches fat reducing starch for dairy

Tate & Lyle is introducing a modified starch that can be used to reduce fat levels in yoghurt by 30 per cent while still delivering a creamy texture – and can help keep costs down.

Weekly comment

Soda tax: A lot of froth over freedom

Is taxing soda really an evil plan to curb your individual freedom? Conspiracy theories aside, perhaps it’s simply a sensible scheme to tackle obesity when personal choice has failed.

News in brief

Poland agrees to Raisio marge sale

The Polish competition authorities have agreed to Raisio’s plan to sell its margarine business to Bunge, meaning the €80m deal can go ahead.

Kraft plans R&D centre for ex-Danone biscuit unit

Kraft plans to invest €15m in a new innovation centre for biscuits in France following the acquisition of the Danone biscuit business two years ago.

Brits’ love of chocolate feeds sales growth

British people spend more money on chocolate than any other Europeans – and sales continue to grow, according to new figures from Mintel.

Borregaard launches application-specific vanillin

Borregaard is launching four new vanillin ingredients for use in chocolate, bakery, dairy, and sweets, which are said to be better tuned to the taste of the product.

Heat foreign berries to kill norovirus, urges Finland

As an outbreak of norovirus in southern Finland has been linked to frozen raspberries from Poland, the Finnish food safety authority, Evira, says raspberries must be heated before use.

Vegetable oil mix may substitute for pork fat in meats

Polyunsaturated-rich oils may replace pork fat in sausages, suggests a new Spanish-Colombian study with implications for healthier meat products.

News in brief

Avebe wins big Valley prize

Avebe has won the 2009 Food Valley Award for its Etenia line of starches from potatoes, said to be an alternative to gelatine and an E-number-free natural texturiser.

Study links liquorice to mental health problems

Children whose mothers ate excessive amounts of liquorice during pregnancy are more likely to perform poorly in tests and have behavioural problems, according to new research.

Firmenich plans post-recession with partnerships, innovation

Sweet goods, snacks and soups were amongst the categories that performed well for Firmenich in a recession struck year in which sales fell 4.3 per cent overall

CSM pins bakery growth hopes on new ingredients

CSM expects new products to drive its bakery ingredients business to achieve a newly set organic growth target of 1- 2 per cent above the market.

Red meat again linked to cancer risk: Study

Increased intakes of red meat may increase the risk of prostate cancer, with the meat’s heme iron content one of the possible culprits, says a new study from the US.

Protests overshadow plans for dairy taskforce

Agriculture ministers heard plans for an expert group to study the future of the dairy sector at a meeting in Brussels on Monday - marked more by protests outside than events inside.

Zero waste a target for all, says Envirowise

Every company should be aiming at zero waste from their factory or production process, said speakers at the Sustainability Round Table – and better resource use can bring cost savings.

News in brief

Chinese market opens up to acrylamide enzyme

DSM has obtained approval for its Preventase acrylamide mitigating enzyme portfolio in the high potential chinese market.

ADM buys Czech oilseed plant

Archer Daniels Midland has made a new move to increase its precence in the Eastern European oilseed processing by acquiring assets of ViaChem Group in Olomouc, Czech Republic.

Seaweed harvest could yield new flavours and colours

One of Ireland’s natural resources - seaweed – could yield a range of new food ingredients, including colour, flavours and healthy compounds.

Med-style diet may battle depression

Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, fruits and nuts, olive oil, and legumes, may prevent depression, according to a new study from Spain.

Fibre may replace trans-fats for snack formulations

Inulin can replace trans-fatty acids in snack food formulations, turning it into a healthy snack with good consumer acceptance, says a new study from Brazil.

News in brief

Northern Foods results match expectations

The first six months of 2009 will match ‘management expectations’ for Britain’s Northern Foods, with strong performance in chilled products offsetting a decline in frozen.

Government support for UK food sector is 'a strategic priority': FDF

The next UK government must recognize that the food sector is “a strategic priority” by delivering greater “cohesion, clarity and consistency,” in policy-making, said the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

Synergy develops tomato saving natural flavours

Ingredients supplier Synergy is launching six natural tomato flavourings that promise to cut tomato use and capture complex tastes.

Weekly comment

Bad day at the EU health claims office

October 1 was not a good day for many in the functional foods and food supplements business in the European Union as the meaning of life under a highly restrictive health claims regime came more into focus.

Survey shows huge lack of salt content awareness

The UK’s Food Standards Agency is launching a new campaign to encourage people to check salt levels on food labels, as 77 per cent of people are not aware that bread and breakfast cereals are amongst the most laden products.

Lecithin may boost fruit juice, sauce quality: Study

Formulating processed fruit and vegetable products with soy lecithin may enhance not only the physico-chemical properties, but also the nutritional profile, says a new study.

New carrageenans to help jelly withstand the heat

Danisco is introducing two new carrageenan ingredients for use in powdered jellies and hot milk-based powdered desserts, said to provide a gelatine-like texture but withstand warm conditions better.

News in brief

Balchem hires de Boer to build Euro business

Balchem Corporation has hired a new European sales manager to manage its European choline business, and introduce new products and technologies.

Meta-analysis supports safety of soy, red clover

Phytoestrogens like soy and red clover isoflavones pose no safety issues with regards to heart health and breast cancer risk, according to a new meta-analysis from Austria.

Rice and pasta receive recession fillip

Higher prices in 2008 did not curb Brits’ appetite for rice and wheat-based pasta in 2008, despite the recession’s effects on shopping budgets, according to Mintel.

News in brief

New funds for UK bee research

A new £1m grant has been awarded to two UK research centres to investigate the decline of honeybee populations.

Enzymes could enhance oat-based gluten-free breads

Specific enzymes could lead to better quality oat-based bread for the burgeoning gluten-free market, says a new study from Ireland.

Nestle stops sourcing milk from Mugabe farm

Nestle has said it will stop buying milk from a Zimbabwe farm appropriated from white owners and now run by Grace Mugabe, as the dairy board will resume start buying the farm’s milk instead.

FSA opposes omega-3 claims that would ‘mislead consumers’

With the doors closed on an EC meeting due to decide the future of omega-3 nutrient content claims, the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has suggested it opposes the proposed labelling.

Could sweets every day as kids make adults aggressive?

As new study suggests that eating sweets every day in childhood could make adults more aggressive, the food industry warns against trivialising of complex social issues.

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