ACC slams Californian plan to list BPA as developmental toxicant
A move by a Californian public health agency to list bisphenol A (BPA) as a developmental toxicant has been called “scientifically unjustified” by the American Chemistry Council (ACC).
Archives for January 28, 2013
McCormick CEO: We didn’t see as many new product launches from customers last year as we’d typically expect
Spices and seasonings giant McCormick says it is encouraged by the strong pipeline of new products that food manufacturers it supplies are developing this year, but admits that it had expected more new launches last year.
Healthy brands taste better in consumer's mind, researchers find
Foods sold under a healthy brand and marketing message are perceived to be tastier and more satisfying to consumers, according to new research findings.
New food engineering degree course calls for industry support
The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has called on food companies to offer student placements and guest lecturers to support a new accredited engineering Master’s degree dedicated to food and drink manufacturing.
Premier Foods boss Michael Clarke in shock exit
The boss of Britain’s biggest food manufacturer, Premier Foods, has quit the debt-laden company today (January 28) after only 18 months, in a move that surprised City analysts.
State of the industry
New Zealand winemakers talking tactics for China push
Recognising the newfound importance of the Chinese wine market, New Zealand’s vintners are pulling out the stops to make sure their exports have a place in Far East cellars.
Chemical contaminant linked to obesity in mice
Food chain contaminant tributyltin (TBT) causes transgenerational obesity in mice, according to researchers in California, suggesting it could raise similar concerns to Bisphenol A (BPA).
US senators call for action on EU trade barriers
Four US senators have called for EU barriers on US meat and other agricultural products to be addressed as a “priority” in trade negotiations.
EFTA pinpoints weakness in Icelandic import controls
Iceland needs to remedy potential shortcomings in its import control system and checks of products from animal origin, according to a European Free Trade Association (EFTA) report.
Wageningen and Singapore’s NTU partner on food science research
Wageningen University in the Netherlands has partnered with Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to boost food science and technology research, the universities have said.
PepsiCo cuts flame retardant BVO from US Gatorade but not Mountain Dew
A 16-year-old student is claiming victory after PepsiCo announced it will remove emulsifier Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) from Gatorade in the US, but the firm says it will continue to use the patented flame retardant in Mountain Dew.
Indian agriculture minister targets overseas GM producers
Sharad Pawar, India’s colourful and populist union agriculture minister, has blamed companies operating from overseas for the widespread opposition towards genetically modified crops in India.
'Scientific breakthrough'
India-led team decodes genome sequence of the chickpea
A global research project led by a Hyderabad institute claims to have sequenced 90 genomes of the chickpea, paving the way for improved grain yields, greater drought tolerance and enhanced genetic diversity.
Brazil and EU to co-operate on animal welfare
Brazil and the EU have signed an agreement to share knowledge and expertise on animal welfare.
Food tech centre seeks ‘foodwatchers’ to spot new trends for industry
Spanish food research technology centre AZTI-Tecnalia is developing an international community of ‘foodwatchers’ to detect trends and business opportunities for the food and beverage industry.
Evolving tool helps quantify sustainability of food
A longstanding diagnostic tool called Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) is increasingly being used to look at the sustainability bona fides of food products, according to a leading third-party certifier. Using the tool can help quantify all of the inputs that...
Horse meat from Poland didn't come from our site, says ABP Food Group
ABP Food Group has stressed that the horse meat identified in beef burgers, which has been found to come from Poland, did not come from its plant in the country as the site is not involved in processing the product.
Catering to the Middle East: Halal certification and alcohol-free labeling with Mondelez
Mondelez is expanding in the Middle East having recently signed a joint venture in Saudi Arabia last week. ConfectioneryNews.com asks the industry giant if halal certification and alcohol-free labeling have been factored into its growth plans.
Fakin’ it: fighting Listeria through simulation
Manufacturers can test the Listeria-killing potential of heat treatments in factories by using the enzyme amylase to simulate the behavior of the pathogen, scientists have discovered.
Ireland to take action on SBV
Schmallenberg has taken hold in the Republic of Ireland, with its agricultural department meeting farmers and vets this month to formulate a strategy after “numerous” cases emerged among early lambing flocks.
Irish food bodies identify source of horse meat burger scandal
Food safety officials in Ireland claim they have tracked down the source of horse DNA found in beef burgers produced by ABP subsidiary Silvercrest.
Chemical contamination
New Zealand reassures Chinese consumers in wake of Fonterra DCD crisis
New Zealand’s government has started a PR offensive to limit the impact of last week’s revelations that low levels of chemical residue were discovered in dairy products from the country, and Chinese consumers find themselves high on its charm list.