Argentine government under fire from beef producers
Argentina’s beef producers have claimed their government’s new trade complaint against the US over allegedly illegal American beef import controls is a spurious political smokescreen.
Archives for December 12, 2012
Sugar industry must be held to account for its false statements about HFCS, argue corn refiners
In the latest twist in their bitter legal dispute, corn refiners have accused sugar refiners of “seeking to evade liability for the false and misleading statements of their trade association [The Sugar Association]” about high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
Safety data for stevia extracts is ‘robust’: Cargill/Coke-funded study
All stevia glycosides are safe with respect to their genotoxic/carcinogenic potential, says a new review that seeks to silence doubts once and for all about the ingredient’s potential in food and beverage products.
Barry Callebaut to acquire largest cocoa supplier in Asia
Barry Callebaut is set to acquire the cocoa ingredients division of Petra Foods in a $950 million (€730m) deal that will see the firm ‘significantly strengthen its position in cocoa processing'.
Coca-Cola Amatil brews cider first as Swedish hit Rekorderlig joins 2014 portfolio
Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) has signed a deal to distribute Swedish cider Rekorderlig in Australia from January 2014, and said its sales and distribution strength would help consolidate the brand’s market-leading position.
India has a ‘bright’ confectionery future
India’s confectionery market has a ‘bright future’ and will be bolstered by a growing gifting culture and increasing rural consumption, a report suggests.
EC study: Do retailers’ own brands reduce consumer choice and industry innovation?
The European Commission (EC) has said it intends to conduct a study on whether expanded use of private label food and beverage products has restricted consumer choice and industry innovation.
FDA files motion to dismiss suit, defends FSMA implementation record
FDA has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit that sought to prod the agency into faster implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). But regardless of whether full implementation is accelerated, FSMA has already significantly altered the...
Abuse prompts further calls for ban on Australian live exports
Australia is facing renewed calls for a live export ban after campaigners released footage of Australian cattle and sheep suffering “shocking abuse” in an abattoir in Israel.
China in brief
Heinz bets big on sauces, cola-chicken crisps get green light
A round-up of the big stories coming from China.
‘Considerable’ lowering of trans-fat levels in Spanish bakery products
The level of trans-fats in Spanish bakery products has been ‘considerably’ lowered to levels that are well within those regarded as safe. As a result it is now important to update food composition databases to accurately estimate human intakes, say...
Unilever takes top spot on climate responsibility scorecard
Unilever has topped the Climate Counts scorecard for the second year running, as the corporate climate responsibility watchdog unveils a new ‘soaring’ tier in its scoring to reflect the nearly doubled average score since 2007.
Judge tosses yogurt identity lawsuit vs Yoplait Greek, but admits FDA position is not ‘a model of clarity’
A Minnesota federal judge has thrown out a class action lawsuit alleging that General Mills’ Yoplait Greek yogurts do not meet the regulatory definition of yogurt on the grounds that this is up to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to decide.
Continental Mills acquires Kretschmer brand, processing facility
Continental Mills, the privately owned manufacturer of Krusteaz and Ghiardelli-brand products, has acquired Sun Country Foods, Inc., the company announced Tuesday. The transaction includes the Kretschmer Wheat Germ brand and a manufacturing facility...
Partnership aims to assess nanomaterial safety
Two US agencies are working together in a research effort to assess the potential impact of nanomaterials on people’s health and the environment.
General Mills on a quest for all-natural label-friendly yeast and mold inhibitors
General Mills is seeking label friendly ingredients that prevent the growth of yeasts and molds in dry packaged fruit-based foods.
Cargill strikes deal to take Truvia stevia brand to Mexico
Cargill’s stevia brand Truvia has struck an exclusive deal with Grupo Herdez - a leading food producer and distributor - for the distribution and marketing of Truvia in Mexico.
The Twinkie tale: Hostess set to survive overseas?
Up-for-sale Hostess Brands has had strong interest from international firms looking to snap up its iconic brands, the company has said.
Halal conference looks at unification and opportunities
Some of the leading names in the halal meat industry have gathered in the UAE city of Sharjah to call for unified standards across the industry and to look at greater awareness of business opportunities from halal around the world.
Suntory plans share sale to fund M&A drive?
Multinational Suntory Holdings plans to sell shares in its non-alcoholic drinks business to fund a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) drive, according to unnamed sources cited by Bloomberg.
FDA, Chinese agency renew cooperation agreement
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has extended an agreement with a Chinese counterpart agency to work together on food and feed safety.
Neogen upgrades salmonella test
Neogen Corporation has upgraded its rapid lateral flow test for Salmonella Enteritidis targeting faster results for the poultry industry.
Government praises food manufacturers’ environmental record
The environment secretary Owen Paterson has praised the environmental record of food and drink manufacturers.
Canada’s XL Foods allowed to resume exports to US
The meat processor at the centre of Canada’s E.coli crisis has been granted permission to resume exports to the US.
Nestlé Canada recalls pizzas due to metal contamination
Nestlé Canada is recalling five of six varieties of Buitoni brand pizzas following two consumer complaints that the products contain pieces of metal.