New film could inhibit bacterial growth on conveyor belts
A film coated with nanoparticles of silver and calcium phosphate could be used in food processing plants and packaging to inhibit pathogen growth, claim Swiss chemical engineers.
Archives for August 19, 2008
Vitamin D deficiency increases hip fracture risk: researchers
US researchers have concluded lower blood concentrations of vitamin D increase the likelihood of hip fracture among menopausal women by up to 70 per cent.
Study sheds light on bee decline threatening crops
Researchers may be a step closer to explaining the mysterious decline in the bee population in the US which has caused alarm in the food industry over honey supplies and crops dependent on bees for pollination.
Natural preservative knowledge lags behind demand, warns authority
Research on natural food preservatives is lagging behind market demand for replacements for synthetic ones that have fallen out of favour with consumers, warns an expert, and a coordinated effort is needed to bridge the gap.
Draft US report reaffirms safety of BPA in food packaging
In a draft risk assessment, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that an adequate margin of safety exists for the chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA) at current levels of exposure from food contact uses.
Mushrooms can replace beef to help in obesity struggle: study
Formulating foods with mushroom instead of beef may reduce caloric intake by over 400 calories per day, according to new research.
EU-wide dietary guidelines not feasible, says EFSA
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a public consultation on its draft opinion on food-based dietary guidelines, in which it concluded that guidelines to span the whole of the EU would not be feasible.
Cargill weathers turbulent markets to report nearly $4bn profit
Agricultural giant Cargill has announced a 55 percent increase in profit over the last year, despite operating in what it describes as “the most volatile agricultural and energy markets in decades”.