Gum derived from cress seed could have thickener potential
Cress seed gum (CSG) could be an interesting and promising thickener in food formulations, finds a new study from Iran.
Archives for January 9, 2012
FDA hails ‘significant progress’ under year-old food safety law
The Food and Drug Administration claims it has made significant progress with regulatory developments related to the Food Safety Modernization Act since the bill was signed into law a year ago, according to its one-year progress report.
Shark fin sales halted after provocative supplier comment: Singapore
Shark fins will cease to be sold in Singapore’s largest supermarket chain following an inflammatory online comment by one of its suppliers.
Tangerine Confectionery acquires Smith Kendon brands
UK-based Tangerine Confectionery has added two Smith Kendon brands to its portfolio as it continues to expand through brand acquisitions.
Industry lobbyists urge Danish presidency to bin food taxes and tighten up trade
A Brussels-based food industry body, setting out what it sees as priorities for the new Danish Presidency of the EU Council, again calls for an end to food taxes, greater support for SMEs, tighter trade relations and a more transparent commodities market.
'Smart barcodes' to replace eco labels as consumers become more information savvy
Industry must embrace and provide for mobile technologies, as ‘smart barcodes’ look set to replace the confusing mass of eco labels currently found on food products, says Organic Monitor.
Uncertainty ahead as maize market to dictate wheat prices in 2012 – analyst
Wheat prices in 2012 are likely to be volatile and will be dictated by the global maize market and weather conditions, according to an analyst at the UK’s Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
International row brews over Codex draft melamine limit
Costa Rica has suggested that a note attached to a proposed Codex draft seeking to set maximum limits (MLs) on melamine in liquid formula risks undermining the ‘spirit of international standard setting’.
Sucralose may not affect blood sugar or insulin resistance, study suggests
Sucralose may not raise levels of blood sugar or increase the likelihood of insulin resistance, according to the results of a new study published in the journal Nutrition Research, comparing the body’s response to sucralose and sucrose.
Giant multi-nationals to dominate food production
The balance of power in global food production is shifting away from national governments to multi-national firms and from western economies to emerging nations, warns a new report from SAC’s Rural Policy Centre. In the first of a two-part series, we...
Unilever strikes inevitable as pension row continues
Only a last minute change-of-heart from consumer giant Unilever will prevent hundreds of its workers hitting the streets of London tomorrow to demonstrate over changes to their pensions.
Revolutionary ethylene absorber is ‘berry’ good - Marks and Spencer
Marks & Spencer (M&S) said it has become the first retailer to use a “revolutionary” ethylene strip in strawberry punnets at the point of sale that will extend the shelf life of the fruit by up to 50%.
Indian biscuit maker takes aim at soy market
Maker of the Priya and Priya Gold brands of biscuits, Kolkata-based Priya Food Products is set to enter India’s packaged soy food products market.
New Zealand can triple exports over next 15 years: Report
New Zealand’s food and beverage sector does have the growth potential to reach government targets of tripling exports over the next 15 years, with opportunities in processed foods and beverages, according to report.
IFF and Mane settle patent infringement case
Flavor firms International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) and V. Mane Fils have settled a patent infringement case over the cooling flavor compound monomenthyl succinate (MMS), with IFF making a $40m payment to Mane.
Positive outlook for US beef exports
American beef exports have reached pre-Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) levels for the first time since the disease was discovered in the country. Trade has been helped by exchange rates, and expansion to new markets, according to USDA chief...
Faster detection key to improving food safety, says GFPI boss
Firms that can improve sample collection and preparation and make pathogen detection faster and cheaper will secure the first cash injections from the Global Food Protection Institute’s (GFPI’s) Emerging Technology Accelerator (ETA) initiative this month.
Red meat link to kidney cancer
Red and processed meat consumption can increase the risk of kidney cancer, according to a new study by US researchers.
Nestlé and Coke ice Indian tea JV
After being put on the backburner in October last year, it appears that the joint venture between Nestlé and Coca-Cola for the ready-to-drink (RTD) tea segment in India has been put permanently on ice.
Swiss flavour house builds Southeast Asian presence
Swiss flavour and fragrance giant, Firmenich, will be able to better serve Southeast Asia’s market as it will be closer to clients and consumers with its new flavour production facility in Indonesia, according to the company.
Mengniu fall out will not indefinitely benefit Nestlé or Danone
China’s latest milk contamination scandal involving local player Mengniu will cause consumers to switch to other brands in the short-term, but not necessarily to Nestlé or Danone, says an analyst.