Vion agrees management buyout for UK business
Dutch-based meat processing company Vion NV has agreed a management buyout of its UK pork business nearly one month after it was announced operations in the country would be sold.
Archives for December 14, 2012
European gluten-free thresholds are working to protect coeliacs, study finds
A maximum threshold of 20 mg of gluten contamination per kilogram of food marketed as gluten-free has been successful in protecting coeliac consumers in Europe, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Special edition: Reformulation
The lowdown on commodity prices, what they mean for food prices in 2013, and why 2012/13 is not going to be a repeat of 2007/8
“While you can look at one specific cost and you can say it's gone down, I could give you a story for another raw material where it's gone up”, observed Unilever’s chief financial officer Jean-Marc Huet when asked about commodity prices during the firm’s...
‘This is why I’m drunk’…and straight talkin' US beer trends in 2012
Journalists are loathe to credit rivals with originality, in terms of admitting you were beaten to that big lead or story, but I’m in a charitable mood, feeling a little fragile, the morning after our office Christmas party.
Ukraine given go-ahead for poultry exports to EU
Ukraine has finally been given permission to export poultry products to the European Union (EU), but it is only likely to send around 2% of its production to the Continent, experts say.
Monster hit with another suit over advertising, caffeine content
Monster Energy has been hit with yet another class action lawsuit, but not one that plows much new ground, according to attorney Justin Prochnow.
Coca-Cola FEMSA buys Coke’s Philippines bottling operation for $688.5m
Coca-Cola FEMSA has sealed a deal to acquire a majority stake in the Coca-Cola Company’s Philippines bottling operation in Mexico City, and hailed an import milestone in its history.
Far East in brief
Mitsui eyeing new food acquisition, Japanese still the healthiest
A round-up of the big stories coming from the Far East.
It’s official! There are 222 general function approved health claims in the EU; 1500+ rejected
From today food and supplement products marketed in the EU’s 27 member states must comply with the article 13, permitted list of health claims or face prosecution for misleading marketing.
FDA seeks public comment on setting thresholds for the big eight food allergens
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set up a Federal Register Docket requesting data and other information to determine whether it can establish threshold levels for the 'big eight' major food allergens.
Modified monellin protein may have industry potential, say researchers
A natural high potency, low calorie, sweetener known as modified monellin protein could have potential uses in the food and beverage industry, say researchers.
Food makers turn to natural antioxidant blends to manage price spikes
Food manufacturers looking to extend shelf life with natural antioxidants have started using blended ingredients in an effort to deal with spiralling raw material costs, according to Frost & Sullivan.
Celiac-safe wheat? Traditional grains may have gluten-free potential despite negative study findings
The production of celiac safe food products from non-commercial, traditional wheat strains has great potential, despite a recent study suggesting some are not suitable, say researchers.
Corn bran ingredient maker goes outside US to find non GMO stocks
Z-Trim Holdings, maker of the functional food ingredient Z-Trim sourced from corn bran, has added a non GMO version to its product line.
Nostalgia with a hint of spice: Bell Flavors unveils top 2013 flavor trends
Bell Flavors & Fragrances has unveiled its annual list of the top 10 flavor and fragrance trends to watch in the next 12 months, from comforting butterscotch and whipped cream for beverages to “nostalgic” rhubarb and peanut-butter flavors for desserts.
FDA names New Zealand as first country on par with US standards
This week, New Zealand has become the first country in the world to sign an agreement with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The pact recognises each other’s food safety systems as providing a comparable degree of food-safety assurance.