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EC comments on Codex draft food additives standard

The EC has commented on Codex's draft standard for fat spreads and blended spreads - food additives section.

Danone set to build on profits growth

Groupe Danone presented what it described as a "solid track record of profitable growth" at this week's annual investors seminar in New York.

'Illegal' GM rice strain gains approval

As expected, the US has approved the genetically modified rice variety at the heart of a contamination scandal in Europe.

Amidated pectins to boost fish gel properties

Ammonia-treated pectins could boost the mechanical and functional properties of fish gels, with no perceptible colour changes, and enhance the nutritional profile of underutilised fish species.

Fruit and veg gaining value for China

China, producer of half the world's fruit and vegetables, is set to overtake the Netherlands in the next two to three years to become the world's third biggest fresh produce exporter in value terms, predicts a new report from agriculture specialists at Rabobank.

Wild targets low sugar fruit drinks sector

Wild has launched a new beverage concept designed to tap demand for less sweet alternatives to traditional soft drinks.

Danone's beautiful designs for functional yoghurts

Danone is planning to introduce a new line of cosmetic yoghurts next year, according to press reports, as it seeks the next level of differentiation in the increasingly competitive functional dairy market.

'Record' year for cocoa crops

The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) has revised its gloomy cocoa estimate of a 5,000 tonne deficit to predict a global surplus of 80,000 tonnes of cocoa in the coming year, assuring manufacturers of a steady supply.

Vitiva makes Inolens as carotenoid stabiliser

Vitiva is introducing a new variant of its Inolens rosemary extract aimed at boosting stability of carotenoids and other natural colourings, without the need for synthetic preservatives.

Peanut gene breakthrough may lead to allergen free nuts

Scientists have identified a new gene in peanuts that codes for a protein with no apparent allergic effects, research that opens up the possibility of allergen-free GM nuts.

Weekly comment

Folic acid: Sisters aren't doing it for themselves

When the idea of fortifying staple foods with vital nutrients is raised, the battlecry goes up from industry groups and advocates of consumer choice: "Why should we bear the costs?" "Educate, and let people make their own decisions". But when evidence for the benefits is overwhelming, neither the state nor the individual can afford to let their interests be shouted down.

Purac announces lactic acid price hike

Purac has announced sales price increases for lactic acid, lactates, gluconic acid, gluconates and lactitol.

Oleic acid-rich soybeans offer trans-fat free alternatives

Test results of oleic acid-rich soybean varieties are in, and the results are very positive, say the researchers behind the new varieties, giving industry access to new soybean oils with improved health profiles.

Countries accused of 'hypocrisy' over global free trade

Developed countries - with the notable exception of the UK - have been paying lip service to the notion of free markets, claims the UK's CBI.

Enzyme breakthrough could help protect crops

An antibiotic-producing enzyme in oats could be used to protect major cereal crops from fungal diseases.

Enzymatic modification to boost wheat gluten gelling

Modifying wheat gluten protein with transglutaminase enzymes improves the gelling, rheological and textural properties, claim Chinese researchers - a result that may offer value-added solutions for a wide range of food products.

Quest launches 'real fruit' flavour range

Quest International, the flavour firm recently acquired by Givaudan, has launched a new range of fruit flavours based on components that 'precisely replicate the flavours of real fruit at various stages of ripeness'.

Synergy expands added-value ingredient potential

Synergy has completed a €5 million production facility investment in order to meet growing demand for a number of value-added ingredients.

Vitamin and mineral levels: moving calmly towards concensus

EU stakeholders are moving closer to consensus over the setting of maximum vitamin and mineral levels for the EU, said speakers at Friday's EHPM/ERNA conference in Brussels, which unfolded without major aggravation between participants.

UK food ad restrictions 'could affect sales'

New food advertising restrictions in the UK will have a major impact on the market and could affect sales, according to law firm Eversheds.

Scientists look to 'desensitise' kids to food allergens

Feeding small amounts of a food allergen to children could build up tolerance and eventually lose their allergy, US-based researchers have said based on a study on kids with egg allergy.

DSM Savory Ingredients launches US technical support center

Ingredients group DSM has set up a North American center of technical support for its Savory Ingredients business, designed to bolster its technical strength within the region, the firm announced last week.

Parmalat banks instructed to reach settlement

Banks and auditors accused of contributing to Parmalat's €14 billion accounting scandal have been ordered to discuss reaching a settlement.

Energy drinks market continues to sparkle

West Europe's energy drink sales accelerated by 15 per cent to a volume of 383 million litres and a value of over €3 billion in 2005, according to drinks consultancy Zenith International.

FDF criticises new food marketing report

The UK's Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has criticised a newly published report on food marketing, claiming it is 'not in the spirit of partnership'.

Culture companies air next generation probiotic foods

Probiotics are stepping out of yoghurts and into other food categories, as companies develop new techniques to counter stability and survivability issues that have previously stymied innovation.

Wild flavours target growing beer mix drinks market

Wild is targeting the growing market for mixed beer beverages in Germany with a range of ingredients and flavours.

Unilever announces major food R&D reshuffle

Unilever plans to reshape its European foods R&D organisation in order to 'further enable differentiated innovation'.

Green tea flavonoids: Anti-browning additives for dairy?

Scientists in the US are looking into the potential of green tea polyphenols to stop the Maillard reaction in thermally processed dairy to prevent dark colours and off-flavours.

'Health and nutrition' driving Irish food purchases?

Irish shoppers regard health and nutrition as the most important factor affecting their food purchase decisions ahead of price, according to research published today.

EC calls for greater "responsibility" over new sugar reforms

The sugar industry must take greater responsibility to ensure the successful restructuring of the EU market, said the European Commissioner for agriculture.

HIE: Opportunity knocks for whey protein sector

The growing popularity of whey protein is creating new opportunities - though relatively low consumer recognition must still be overcome.

Flavour giant Givaudan acquires Quest

Givaudan's £1.2bn acquisition of Quest International underlines the Swiss firm's ambitions in the global flavour industry.

Nestlé teams up with EPFL for food-brain research

The potential of the brain health nutrition market is only starting to be realised, and Nestlé underlined its intentions yesterday to get a head start on the competition with the signing of an agreement with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) to expand the role of nutrition in cognitive function.

UK food ad ban a 'public health fudge'

Food and advertising groups might be up in arms about stringent new UK food ad regulations but some believe the measures don't go far enough.

Frutarom product mix shift shows results

Frutarom has released another strong set of financial results for 3Q, gathering greater clout in the natural ingredients sector through strategic acquisitions, launches and licenses.

HIE 2006: Communication key to healthy profits

HIE 2006: Food firms must successfully communicate the beneficial effects of their products if they are to get ahead of the pack.

UK's ad sector joins backlash against food ban

The UK's advertising sector has joined the food industry in condemning Ofcom's 'retreat from an evidence-based solution' to obesity.

GM cottonseed could counter malnutrition, claim researchers

Researchers in the US have found a way to genetically engineer cottonseed to remove toxins, making it a potential source of protein for undernourished populations.

EFSA issues draft guidance on GM approvals

Europe's food safety authority has issued draft guidance for the renewal of authorisations of existing genetically modified products lawfully placed on the market.

Weekly Comment

Self-entitlement and food: the globally irresponsible spiral

Until consumers lose the attitude that they deserve and have a right to goods from all over the world, our food systems and the environment are at peril.

DSM promotes salt-reducing taste enhancer

DSM was at the HIE show in Frankfurt to demonstrate how an innovative flavour enhancer could help manufacturers cut out salt.

Experts address measures to curb rise in food allergies

The growing number of people suffering from allergies is due to changes in European diets over the past 30 years, says a new review from the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN).

FDF slams 'over the top' food ad ban

The UK's Food and Drink Frederation (FDF) has slammed stringent new restrictions on TV food and drink advertising.

Chr Hansen positive about ingredients future

Chr Hansen, which experienced growth in all business areas and regions in 2005/06, expects to continue its upward trend.

The ingredient potential of peanut protein concentrate

Peanut protein concentrate (PPC) could provide the food industry with a cost-effective and alternative emulsifying ingredient, suggests a study by US scientists.

Beating obesity: EC challenges society to change

Changes must be introduced throughout society if obesity is to be properly tackled, claims the European commissioner for public health.

Matcha green tea tipped as luxury flavour of the future

A Japanese firm is confident that a traditional form of green tea is about to take off as a luxury flavour category in Europe.

Hydrolysed whey protein may lower blood pressure

A daily supplement of hydrolysed whey protein successfully lowered blood pressure in hypertensive people, says a new study that backs up results from animals.

Limagrain promotes salt-free snack pellet breakthrough

French firm Limagrain Cereales Ingredients was at the HIE show in Frankfurt to promote its patented method of making salt-free snacks pellets.

Fines highlight uncertainty in EU sugar markets

Sugar processors in the EU are facing further uncertainty over their futures following the announcement of EU fines for failing to reduce stockpiling in the declining sector.

LycoRed expands facility for formula focus

LycoRed is bolstering its UK premix capabilities with a new lipid formulation facility at its plant in Kent that will extend its scope from powder blends for cereals to infant formula and other oil based products.

Roquette promotes sugar-free chocolate at HIE

Roquette's promotion of sugar free luxury chocolate underlines the growing shift in what consumers want from indulgence food products.

Global organic sales soar but supply is strained

Soaring global organic food and drink sales are driving demand, but undersupply of organic ingredients is undermining the long-term stability of the sector, says a new report from Organic Monitor.

Myanmar edible oils sector gets funding boost

Myanmar's edible oil crop is set to expand with a US$12.3 million loan to increase productivity and quality.

Western firms size up Chinese gelatine market

PB Gelatins, the gelatin activity of Tessenderlo Group, is setting up a joint venture to be known as PB Gelatins (Pingyang), near Wenzhou in south-eastern China.

Omega-3 fatty acid may slash dementia risk - study

Increased bloods levels of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenioc acid (DHA) could slash the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, suggests a new study from the US.

Dark chocolate acts as aspirin, study

Cocoa can function in the same way as aspirin in preventing heart attacks, according to a new study investigating its effect on blood platelets.

UK backs voluntary approach to food ads

The UK's minister for public health has reaffirmed the government's "commitment to work in partnership with industry on key areas such as advertising, labelling and education".

'Growth and leadership' top priority, says Monsanto

Monsanto has told European investors that 'growth and leadership' are the decade's top priorities.

Red meat linked to increased breast cancer risk

A new study from Harvard has reported that pre-menopausal women who eat more that one and a half servings of red per day may double their risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, compared to women who eat less than three servings per week.

Sudan Red found in Chinese duck eggs

Duck eggs containing the carcinogenic dye Sudan Red IV have been pulled from shelves in Beijing, in the latest food scare to hit the city.

Enzyme-modified soybean sugar - another gum arabic replacer?

Soybean soluble polysaccharide (SSPS) modified by a rhamnogalacturonase (RGase) enzyme could be used in flavour emulsions, and is a potential replacement for gum arabic, say researchers from Fuji Oil Company.

EC 'names and praises' committed food firms

The EC has publicly 'named and praised' major food and drink firms that have made commitments to tackling obesity.

Lupin-enriched bread could boost satiety, reduce energy intake

Bread enriched with lupin kernel flour at the expense of wheat flour reduced energy intake and increased the feeling of fullness, says new research from Australia that may have important implications for weight management.

Consumer understanding of obesity improving, says study

Most Europeans consider themselves to be in good health, but 38 per cent feel they are overweight, according to new Eurobarometer results.

Weekly Comment

Why climate change cannot be ignored

Ignoring climate change will cost countries billions and lead to food scarcity.

Harvest green lipped mussels in spring for max omega-3, say scientists

New Zealand green lipped mussels, marketed under the Greenshell mussels trade name, should be harvested in spring for optimal omega-3 content, scientists have reported.

EFSA welcomes health claims work but concerned about time frame

EFSA is regarding its role in implementing the new European nutrition and health claims regulation as both an opportunity and a challenge, but is concerned about the timeframe it will have to evaluate.

CIAA launches consultation on 'Food for Life'

The CIAA has launched an online web consultation questionnaire as part of its development of the European Technology Platform (ETP) Food for Life.

Counterfeit food a 'serious threat' says EC

Latest customs statistics show that food counterfeiting and piracy continues to be a growing threat in Europe.

Roquette sues to protect maltitol patent

French ingredients firm Roquette has filed a suit over an alleged patent infringement of its maltitol product.

CaraGum launches cost-effective gum Arabic emulsifier

A French company has developed an Arabic gum-based emulsifier that it claims can be used in much lower concentrations than conventional products.

EC applauds food industry efforts against obesity

European food makers have welcomed the EC's efforts to recognise companies that have made commitments to combat obesity.

Fonterra salt replacer eases pressure on food firms

Manufacturers will have another opportunity to reduce salt in their products thanks to a new dairy-based ingredient from New Zealand co-op Fonterra, which claims to replace salt and maintain flavour.

Mint additive could extend shelf life of meat products

Mint with lamb is a favourite combination on many British dinner tables, and could become even more closely linked after new research has reported that the herb spares the meat from the detrimental effects of irradiation.

One in 20 EU pesticides fake, claims study

More than one in 20 pesticides sold in the EU could be fake, potentially endangering food safety and human health, according to the Society of Chemical Industry.

Future fortunes of cereal, dairy snack sectors analysed

Cereal and dairy snack innovations that respond to lifestyle changes will be key to the future profitability of these sectors, according to Leatherhead Food International.

Finnish study links salt intake to obesity

Scientists from Finland have claimed that comprehensive salt reduction would be a potentially powerful means to combat obesity, linked to lower consumption of high-energy beverages.

Soil condition crucial in acrylamide production, study

Flour made from sulphur-deprived wheat contains higher levels of acrylamide, according to new research.

EU ministers to search for obesity solution

EU ministers of health from 53 European countries are due to meet in Istanbul next week to develop a strategy to tackle obesity.

New Palatinit launch focuses on energy drinks market

Ingredients company Palatinit is to launch its palatinose slow release carbohydrate in the Russian food sector as it looks to exploit growing demand for energy drinks and snacks in the country.

Climate change linked to food availability

Climate change will directly affect future food availability and make feeding the world's rapidly growing population extremely difficult, said the FAO.

Casein offers natural nano-encapsulation potential

The natural ability of the milk protein, casein, to form nano-sized micelles offers huge potential to nano-encapsulate sensitive ingredients, say researchers from Israel.

Galactic raises global lactic acid prices

Lactic acid producer Galactic has announced a round of price increases designed to cope with rocketing production costs.

ABF blames profit drop on sugar shake-up

Associated British Foods (ABF) yesterday blamed a 21 per cent drop in operating profit on European sugar industry reform and significantly higher energy costs.

Danisco sees promise despite tough sugar conditions

Danisco's sugar beet seed business in Denmark is bracing itself for tough new market conditions following the implementation of the EU sugar reform.

Complaint over Kellogg's TV cereal ad rejected

The UK advertising watchdog's rejection of a complaint over a Kelloggs Rice Krispies TV advert has been criticised by Which?

Soil Association questions school meal claims

The UK's Soil Association has questioned a BBC News survey that claims that moves to improve the quality of meals in England has resulted in fewer pupils taking them this term.

Dried plums offer natural antioxidant alternatives for meat

Scientists in Texas are investigating the potential of dried plums as a natural alternative for processed meats, slowing oxidative spoilage as well as imparting flavour and aroma.

Price not enough to stymy omega-3 growth in Asia

Price is the most significant barrier to companies looking to market omega-3 fortified products in Asia, says an analyst, but it is not big enough to prevent growth in demand.

Weekly Comment

Transparency is the key to the science kingdom

In the food and nutrition world, science is king. So when journals do not force scientists to fully disclose financial support and potential conflicts of interest, they are not helping anyone.

National Starch raises US ingredients prices

National Starch Food Innovation is to raise food ingredient prices in the US across its entire product portfolio, with corn-based ingredients set to see the highest hikes.

Cargill targets Russian ingredients growth

Cargill's presence at Ingredients Russia next month underlines the growing importance of this emerging market to food manufacturers.

Novozymes develops alternative to chemical baking additives

Novozymes has developed what it describes as a 'cost-effective new baking enzyme' that can replace chemical emulsifiers and reduce costs.

Jungbunzlauer increases ingredients prices globally

Citric acid leader Jungbunzlauer has jumped on the price hike bandwagon, announcing last week that it is to up the stake on citric acid, GdL and xantham gum in all markets where it operates

Scientists propose new alpha-amylase source for food

Scientists in Pakistan and Canada have used a novel bacterial strain to produce thermostable alpha-amylase for use in starch processing, brewing and sugar production.

Croda tightens up testing for dioxin-like PCBs in omega-3

Croda is taking steps to assure customers of the purity of its omega-3 concentrates, certifying that dioxin-like PCB levels in Incromega are more than 60 per cent below the new EC limits due to come into force this month.

UK organic food boom driven by health, says report

The UK organic food market is continuing to escalate as consumers embrace what they consider to be healthier eating habits, according to a new report.

Limagrain launches 'world's first' instant waxy wheat flour

Limagrain plans to launch what it claims is the worlds first instant waxy wheat flour at the HiE in Frankfurt this month.

Major gaps in food nutrition labelling knowledge

There appears to be widespread consumer interest for nutrition information on food packages but the industry still knows next to nothing about how such labelling is actually used on a day-to-day basis.

Tate & Lyle hails 'excellent' ingredients performance

Tate & Lyle's unaudited interim results have given the firm reason to be confident that stronger growth can be expected in the near future.

Global food liberalisation central issue at WTO

The suspended WTO farm talks featured in the organisation's agriculture committee's meeting yesterday, with members' failure to supply up-to-date information a source of frustration.

DSM anounces major ingredients reorganisation

DSM has re-organised its dairy ingredients division into two distinct categories, reflecting growing demand from customers for both added value and efficiency-boosting products.

Frutarom targets emerging new flavour markets

Israeli flavour firm Frutarom is continuing its rapid growth strategy through its expansion into Latin America.

Limagrain, GRDC to bring GM healthy wheat to market

A genetically modified wheat variety that has significantly more resistant starch than regular wheat could reach the market in five years, say Australian scientists who have won financial backing to commercialise the crop.