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EFSA health claim opinion

EFSA rejects ‘poor quality’ cranberry health claim

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has dismissed a second article 14 urinary tract infection (UTI)-cranberry extract health claim.

Food landmarks 2009: Stevia in Europe

As the old year draws to a close, we review the significant waypoints of 2009 and look ahead to what is likely to dominate next year’s news. Join us now for a whistle-stop tour of the news topics that made the headlines on our flagship food and nutrition websites in Europe and North America.

News in brief

Infant nut risk prompts call for packaging warnings

The danger of suffocation for infants from swallowing nuts is far higher than that from toys, said the German risk body as it called for warnings to be printed on food packaging.

Nestlé closes Zimbabwe operations after government pressure

Intimidation by the Zimbabwean government has forced food giant Nestle to suspend its operations in the country.

More research needed on Monsanto maize, says French biotech council

More research is needed to assess the environmental impact of Monsanto’s genetically modified MON 810 maize, according to the French government’s advisory council on biotechnology.

Recession fails to stop organic food growth

Organic food sales in much of Europe have held up in the recession, bucking fears that the price premium would put off consumers, according to Organic Monitor.

Seasonal Video Greetings From Decision News Media

Welcome to this seasonal holiday video from Decision News Media. As we prepare to celebrate our tenth anniversary next year and first year as part of William Reed Business Media, we present 10 fun number facts about our company. And, later this week, the holidays begin.

Electronic nose sniffs out food aroma quality

Reliable electronic noses capable of consistently detecting different food aromas moved a step closer recently with the invention of a new statistical methodology by Spanish researchers.

News in brief

Syngenta receives GM corn approval in Argentina

Syngenta has received approval for its double-stacked trait for genetically modified corn in Argentina, combining herbicide tolerance and pesticide resistance, the company said on Tuesday.

Brits choose food as preferred little luxury: Survey

A third of British people buy food and beverage items as their favourite ‘little luxuries’ – while the Dutch are most likely to shun luxury products altogether, according to a global survey from Synovate.

Comment

Time to speed sustainable palm oil supply

Global food giants have vowed to source all their palm oil sustainably by 2015 – but consumer pressure could grease the wheels for more rapid change.

Food industry attacks weak Copenhagen climate change deal

Industry and NGOs alike have expressed disappointment and anger at the failure of the Copenhagen climate summit to produce a substantive deal.

Volume sales of UK chocolate confectionery hit, report

Brands such as Kit Kat and Wispa are performing well but new data shows the UK chocolate confectionery market appears to be taking a hit from the economic downturn

British Heart Foundation survey sparks festive food spat

UK food manufacturers have slammed the latest report from the British Heart Foundation which alleges they are misleading mothers with false information about the fat, salt and sugar content of their children’s foods.

Soft drink changes to drive flavour growth, says Leatherhead

Changing soft drink habits are expected to be a key driver for future growth in the flavours market in Western Europe, according to a new report from Leatherhead.

DSM launches new natural beta-carotene colour

A new, natural-source beta-carotene formulation for colouring and fortifying food and beverages has been launched by DSM Nutritional Products.

Dispatches from the NI Health Claims 2010 conference

Trade groups gain long awaited EC health claims hearing

Europe's leading trade groups are set for a meeting with the European Commission to discuss their concerns over the health claims assessment, and EFSA's reluctance to engage in dialogue.

Front-of-pack ‘traffic-lights’ ineffective for health choices: Study

Traffic-light labelling on the front of food packages do not change the relative healthiness of consumer purchases, says a new study from Oxford University.

Bakery ingredient supplier recalls linseed products on GM discovery

Sweden-based firm, Lantmännen Cerealia, said that it has withdrawn some crushed linseed products manufactured under the GoGreen brand in Finland and Sweden after a batch of crushed linseed it had sourced from Russia tested positive for GM traces.

Pinning down European food policy debate: Report

Globalised food safety issues, demand for sustainable production, new technologies and Europe-wide food labelling will shape upcoming food policy debate, according to a new report.

New UK site to process 2m birds weekly

A joint venture between Banham Poultry and Vion could create the “most advanced” chicken plant in Europe, reports sister publication Food Manufacture.

Danisco sweetener sales leave a bitter mark on profit forecasts

Danisco plans to write-down the remaining goodwill of DKK 700m in sweeteners, after the division recorded another big drop in quarterly revenues.

Anti-hunger aromas have real potential in obesity fight

The concept of using aroma to produce anti-hunger feelings during chewing is “promising and appealing”, says a timely review of the science-to-date.

Nestlé and Kraft probe palm oil sources after sustainability claims

The globe’s two biggest food firms, Nestlé and Kraft, have launched internal investigations after a Greenpeace report claimed both purchase palm oil from Indonesian company PT Smart whose parent group Sinar Mas allegedly engages in widespread illegal deforestation and peatland clearance in Indonesia.

Genetic contribution to obesity smaller than thought: Study

The contribution of genetics to the development of obesity is smaller than previously thought, says new research that puts the spotlight firmly back on lifestyle and diet.

Monitoring inadequacies hamper bee population analysis

An EFSA-funded report on bee mortality has concluded that the poor quality of surveillance systems in Europe makes it hard to even assess the rate of colony loss.

News in brief

Mars takes on political heavyweight, report

Confectionery giant Mars has appointed a new sustainability and science communications director who up until now has been serving as a special advisor to the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Miliband, according to media reports.

Moderate and ethical spending key trends for 2010, says Mintel

Consumers will demand greater transparency and ethical responsibility from food and beverage makers in the year ahead, according to a trend forecast for 2010 from market research organization Mintel.

Fortitech expects quick return on Russian venture

Expansion into Russia is expected to yield returns by 2010, says Fortitech, as the company sees commonalities between business in Western Europe and Russia.

Coca-Cola adds stevia to Fanta Still in France

Coca-Cola France has reformulated Fanta Still with stevia only three months after the French government approved a form of the natural sweetener.

Fast food intake may boost salt preference: Study

A preference for fast food may enhance our preference for salt, says a new study from Korea with important implications for salt reduction targets around the world.

EFSA reaffirms safety of Monsanto rapeseed oil

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reaffirmed the safety of Monsanto's genetically modified (GM) GT73 oilseed rape, stating that it is unlikely to have a detrimental effect on human or animal health or the environment when used for food and feed uses.

Green projects proving earners for cereal and snack makers, report

Cereal, bakery and snack makers are increasingly working to reduce their carbon footprint, reaping cost savings in the process and plugging into new business opportunities, according to a new report from UK industry representatives, the FDF.

Lactic acid improves stevia flavor, says Purac

Purac has become the latest company to release a natural flavor masker to help drinks makers deal with the reported bitter or licorice-like aftertaste sometimes experienced with stevia sweeteners.

News in brief

German organisation BfR explains food risk assessment process

The German risk assessor Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR) has released a brochure assessing cadmium intake through foods as an example of how food risks are scientifically reviewed.

Unilever acts over Greenpeace’s palm oil claims

Unilever has halted all purchases of palm oil from Indonesian company PT SMART after a Greenpeace report alleged that its parent group Sinar Mas is engaged in widespread illegal deforestation and peatland clearance in Indonesia.

EFSA gives polyol bulk sweetener a positive opinion

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has delivered a positive scientific opinion on polyglycitol syrup, a common bulk sweetener used in bakery products.

Calorie-restriction may change protein levels: Study

Restricting calorie intake may lead to changes in the levels of certain proteins, says a new study that deepens our understanding of how low-cal diets may improve health.

Comment

Bisphenol A becomes test of leadership for FDA

Each day the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) dithers in delivering its verdict on the safety of bisphenol A (BPA), its authority is diminished and its credibility wanes.

Leatherhead members back food quality study

Leatherhead Food Research has revealed six research projects chosen by its members for 2010-2011, with strongest support for a study into freshness and food quality indicators.

Big changes needed to make diets sustainable, report

Reducing meat and dairy consumption, eating fewer fatty and sugary foods, and wasting less food are the three changes to consumption habits that will have the biggest impact on making diets more sustainable, says a new report.

COP-15 must agree on funding for agriculture

IFPRI's Gerald Nelson explains the importance of leaders reaching a political agreement at the COP-15 climate talks that would channel resources from the developed to the developing world, and protect farmers and the food supply from the effects of climate change.

News in brief

SCP roundtable gets critical mass

The Sustainable Consumption and Production round table has seen its membership swell in the 6 months since its launch, with nine new-comers announced this week.

FrieslandCampina plans 942 job losses in production shake-up

Dutch dairy co-operative FrieslandCampina has announced six site closures and 942 fresh job losses a year after its formation.

China uncovers more melamine-tainted milk powder

Employees from a Chinese dairy company have been taken into police custody on suspicion of selling tonnes of melamine-tainted milk powder.

Cadbury’s union moves to block Kraft takeover

British and Irish workers at Cadbury have announced a campaign to resist Kraft’s hostile ₤9.8bn ($16.3bn) takeover bid by appealing to shareholders and politicians to block the deal.

Climate and food: The view from Copenhagen

Danisco’s CEO talks of his optimism that a political agreement will be reached during the Copenhagen climate talks, and for subsequent rules and regulations to enable an even playing-field for competition globally.

UK flags new rules to strengthen meat traceability

New supply chain regulations designed to beef up the ‘farm to fork’ traceability of cattle, sheep and goats sent to slaughter will come into force in the UK from the beginning of next year.

News in brief

Beneo-Orafti gets top marks in safety audit

Beneo-Orafti’s factory in Oreye, Belgium, has received a higher level International Food Standard (EFS) certification after scoring 97 per cent for safety across all its product lines in an audit.

Christmas survey reveals progress on salt reduction

Christmas themed treats in UK supermarkets contain a fraction of the salt found in equivalent products in fast food chains and coffee shops, according to a new survey.

No fear of trans fats in Finnish margarines

The Finnish food safety body has concluded that trans fats are not a problem in margarines and spreads on the Finnish market, after examining products’ composition.

News in brief

Kraft’s Cadbury bid review deadline delayed

European regulators have pushed back the deadline for their review of Kraft’s $16.1bn bid for Cadbury after the American company offered concessions, they said on Wednesday.

Industry views on organic logo implementation

The timescale for confirming the new EU organic logo will leave companies with a short lead time to use it on new products, but industry will benefit from an 18-month period to phase out labels bearing old logos.

Spices may boost breast health: Study

Compounds found in spices may reduce the risk of breast cancer formation by stopping the growth of the stem cells that spawn the tumours, says a new study.

News in brief

Bananas outsmart economic crisis

Bananas are the agricultural commodity in the best shape to resist the impact of the financial crisis, says the FAO, with a slim decline EU and US imports this year but a boom in developing countries.

Food prices rising again, FAO warns

Global food prices are on the rise again, the FAO warns, but a repeat of the 2007/08 spike does not look likely without the same disastrous confluence of factors.

FSA drops specific targets in latest 5-year plan

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has avoided specific targets in its latest strategic plan for 2010-2015, opting instead for five simple safety and health goals.

Public voting opens for organic logo hopefuls

The European Commission has taking votes on the three finalists in its contest to design the new EU organic label, all copyright checked to ensure they do not infringe existing designs.

News in brief

Palsgaard awarded for CO2 reductions

Emulsifier and stabilier firm Palsgaard has received an award from a building society for its efforts towards reducing CO2 emissions.

EFSA signs co-operation pact with Japan

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has signed a co-operation agreement with its Japanese counterpart as part of a strategy to boost its knowledge pool and ability to track food across the globe.

Wheat emulsifier allows clean labels for cheap sausages

Ulrick and Short developed a new wheat-derived functional binder and emulsifier for use in economy sausages and burgers, enabling clean label claims at a lower price point.

Scientists determine safe acrylamide levels

Tolerable intakes of acrylamide should be set at 2.6 micrograms per kilogram of body weight to avoid the cancer risk, says a new toxicology study from the US.

Treatt profits from strong dollar

Flavour and fragrance ingredients company Treatt has posted increased revenues during the 2009 financial year helped by the strength of the US dollar, and better results from Earthoil.

Comment

Counting the human cost of recession

Return to profitability. It’s a phrase that businesses have been yearning for, but as more of them are starting to use it, it’s time to ask: At what cost?

News in brief

Climate change action needed by industry

Climate crisis beings great opportunity for advanced technologies, but political leaders must push industry into actions, says Danisco’s CEO.

Product placement proposal raises junk food fears

A possible change in UK law to allow product placements in UK-made TV programmes is causing concern for children’s food campaigners, who fear it will increase kids’ exposure to marketing of unhealthy food and drink products.

Coming soon: Aspartame appeal on ‘nasty’ ruling

Three judges will consider an appeal against a High Court ruling over the rights to call aspartame a “nasty” early next year.

Majority of companies on board with reformulation, CIAA

The majority of food and beverage companies in the EU that can reformulate products to make them healthier have already done so, or are considering it, claims the CIAA.

Apple skin may boost fibre in bakery

Incorporating an apple skin powder, an under-utilised food-processing by-product, in bakery products could boost the fibre-content of the product, says new research.

EFFA to focus on flavours

The European Flavour and Fragrance Association is to become the European Flavour Association, following a decision to split its branches in light of new regulatory challenges.

Mint microemulsions may extend flavouring in foods

Microemulsions containing mint oil may protect the flavour compounds from degradation and extend the use of mint oil in foods, suggests a joint Sino-American study.

Historic banana deal on the cards

A bitter dispute between Latin American banana-producing countries and the EU looks set to come to a historic end today, as a new deal on reduced tariffs is on the table.

RQA develops DIY food recall plan

Food safety and product recall experts at RQA Europe have developed an online toolkit to help manufacturers plan for food product recalls.

News in brief

Danisco highlights climate-friendly foods online

Danish ingredients supplier Danisco has developed a website presence dedicated solely to climate-friendly foods.

Special edition: Cranberries

Supply: Cranberries, from bog to cereal bar

In the second part of our special on cranberries, FoodNavigator looks at the supply for the berry, and asks ‘what issues are bogging down cranberry supply?’

Eyeing European sucralose success

Head of JK Sucralose in Europe Leo Hokke talks to FoodNavigator.com about growth of the European sucralose market and why he thinks it is more appealing than other sweeteners for consumers and manufacturers.

Sustainability no less important in recession, survey

Most grocery manufacturers have either maintained or increased their investment in sustainability during the recession a survey has found, indicating the importance it will play for businesses in the coming decade.

Special Edition: Cranberries

Markets: cranberry goes mainstream

In the first of a four part special edition focused on cranberries, NutraIngredients looks at the market for the berry, with its entrance into the indulgence sectors an indication perhaps that health positioning is no longer the sole driving force behind the superfruit's continued success.

Scientists identify natural yellow in onions

Japanese scientists have identified a yellow pigment in onions, a discovery that appears to answer a long-standing question in natural colours for foods.

News in brief

Funding SMEs key to biotech sector

Lack of financing for innovative small and medium enterprises is holding back the biotech sector in the EU, according to EuropaBio, which has hosted a day of meetings with EU decision-makers.

IFF targets Russian tastes with new Moscow facility

International Flavors and Fragrances cut the ribbon on a new facility in Moscow, which will help it get closer to its customers and understand tastes in the high-potential Russian market.

Sustainability drivers for ingredients suppliers

Two food industry executives discuss the importance of people, planet and profits, the need to keep and eye on energy use and emissions, and how to ensure long term security of food supply.

News in brief

New guide for novel foods applicants

Brussels-based consultancy EAS has published a new guide on the best approach to applying for novel foods approval in Europe.

EU regulation will hinder FSA's fat reduction campaign, says FDF

The UK Food and Drink Federation claims a call from the Food Standards Agency to put more effort into the promotion of low fat and reduced fat products such as meat pies and savoury snacks will be limited by pending EU regulation on nutrition claims.

Sausages ideal carriers for eye health ingredients: Study

Sausages are a suitable carried for lutein, the carotenoid linked to eye health benefits, says a new study which reports higher lutein uptake than from vegetables.

EFSA suggests ways to strengthen GMO allergy assessment

The European Food Safety Authority has published a draft report on ways to strengthen existing methods for assessing allergenicity of genetically-modified organisms, and is seeking comments from stakeholders.

Irish like GDAs or traffic lights, but not both

Irish consumers find GDAs to be a useful tool for judging foods’ nutritional value, but a scheme combining GDA info with colour-coding is not popular, indicates a new FSAI survey.

Consumers want consistent portion info, IGD

Nutritional info should be given per portion not just per 100g, say new IGD guidelines to help food businesses provide consistent information on portion sizes.

Prices should reflect investment in food

Western consumers do not expect to pay high prices for their food today. But Yves Servotte of the Beneo Group believes food should be valued like any other hi-tech product, and prices should reflect higher production costs and quality controls.

Fruit extracts offer promise for acrylamide cuts

Extracts from apples may inhibit the formation of acrylamide in potato chips, offering formulators an alternative to reduce levels of the suspected carcinogen.

News in brief

Agriculture crucial to climate talks, FAO

Farming systems that capture and store carbon in the soil make for cost-effective action on climate change, says the FAO, but agriculture has been largely excluded from financing debates in Copenhagen.

EC approves Syngenta’s GM maize for food and feed

The European Commission has approved Syngenta’s genetically modified (GM) maize to be processed for food and feed use in the European Union – which could enable the resumption of soy imports for animal feed.