A European project has reported success in controlling aflatoxin
contamination in peanuts, a product that has seen its export value
fall in recent years.
Leading US gum manufacturer Wrigley is to launch a new sugar-free
chewing gum with mouth-freshening and long-lasting flavour
properties and designed to target the big-spending teen market.
Scientists studying the effects of ingesting fructose syrup have
reported a possible mechanism that may explain the alleged link
between rising obesity and sweetened beverages.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has revealed that it will review the new data presented by French scientists that revealed toxicity concerns in rats fed the MON863 variety of GM maize from Monsanto.
Cadbury Schweppes has said it will separate its confectionery and
US soft drinks businesses, sending ripples of speculation across
the financial sector about the firm's motives.
Drinks giant Coca-Cola is feeling the squeeze of higher corn
prices, but the impact on its soda formulations - largely sweetened
with high fructose corn syrup in the US - remains unclear.
Monsanto's genetically modified maize MON863, authorised for human consumption since 2006, showed signs of liver and kidney toxicity in a rat study, raising concerns about its safety.
Calcium from dairy sources, but not supplements, decreased excess
levels of fat in the blood after eating, says research from Denmark
that is yet another twist to the calcium-dairy weight loss debate.
Ethnic flavors are expected to expand this year, together with an
increased consumer demand for bigger, bolder tastes, according to a
new flavors and ingredients report.
Mergers and acquisitions in the food industry in 2006 took a turn
up compared to the year before, with almost one third of all
activity occurring in the food processing sector, according to a
new guide by the The Food Institute.
Using GM techniques to change the activity of a plant enzyme could
convert unsaturated oils in the seeds of a temperate plant to the
more saturated kind usually found in tropical plants like palm oil,
new research suggests.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been accused of failing
to protect the nation's food supply, following last week's
withdrawal of a long-grain rice seed after possible contamination
with genetically modified material.
The release of flavour from food is dependent on the oil content of
the emulsion, says new research from Canada that offer insights
into better formulation and flavour.
Milk producers in the UK have given a cautious welcome to milk
price rises announced by Tesco this week, in the latest development
on dairy farmer incomes.
A bill designed to set nutritional standards for foods sold in
schools was last week re-introduced, after gathering strong support
from scientific and education communities.
Glanbia's nutritionals activities were a positive force in 2006,
driving gains in operating profits for its ingredients division and
staving off the impact of another challenging year for dairy.
Bakery ingredients manufacturer Royal Cosun has added to its global
businesses with the acquisition of supplier Atlanta Dethmers -
allowing the Dutch company a bigger share of the ingredients
market.
Tate & Lyle's new Australasian subsidiary is set to assume
responsibility from Danisco for the distribution of Krystar
crystalline fructose in the region.
Trehalose, a sugar found naturally in mushrooms, honey, lobster and
shrimp, improves the aroma and quality of dried fruit ingredients,
suggests a new study.
A new taste modification platform from Wild Flavors claims to allow
manufacturers of savoury goods to add the distinct umami flavor -
and mouthfeel - to their products.
Premium crisp manufacturer Kettle Chips has launched a new variety
of an old classic to tempt lovers of the traditional best-selling
cheese & onion flavour.
Genetically modified rice containing human genes has received
preliminary approval in the US, sparking new concerns and fears on
both sides of the Atlantic.
A new laser sorter system uses digital rather than analogue methods
to more accurately remove foreign materials from frozen vegetables,
according to its manufacturer.
A new Mediterranean diet symbol is set to be launched in coming
months, allowing US manufacturers to flag up products that fit into
this increasingly influential diet plan.
Modifying vegetable protein with transglutaminase enzymes improves
the gelling properties, claim German researchers - a result that
may offer value-added solutions for a wide range of food products.
Executives at two food processors face criminal prosecution while
many others are under investigation for using unlicensed labour,
says the regulator responsible for enforcing the UK's gangmaster
law.
Vanillin mixed with a commercial available post-cut dip solution
could help prevent fresh cut produce from becoming contaminated
with pathogens, according to new research.
All adverts for food and drink in France must now carry healthy
eating messages or companies will face fines, under rules launched
by the government (Thursday) to tackle obesity.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a list of
consistent definitions for food ingredients, providing a concise
point of reference for food and beverage manufacturers.
