Global food prices hit four-year low
The FAO Food Price Index continued a five month downward spiral in August, reaching its lowest point in four years.
Archives for September 11, 2014
Food safety and quality control news you may have missed
Review of recalls, research, outbreaks and industry
As we enter the final few months of 2014, FoodQualityNews takes a look back at what has hit the headlines this year.
Norway stresses salmon safety in face of China virus fears
Chinese media reports are wrong and Norwegian salmon poses no danger to the health of consumers, the Norwegian Seafood Council has stressed after the Asian country’s government announced an end to imports.
Oxfam calls for greater controls on huge agri public–private partnerships
The increasing trend towards government investment partnerships with large multinationals threatens land rights, equality and the environment in Africa, an Oxfam report warns.
US, Europe and China key to Paraguay becoming world’s 5th beef exporter
Paraguay is now the world’s eighth top beef exporter, according to US government figures, ahead of meat superpowers such as Argentina (11th), but their aim is to be number five by 2020 and to have 20 million head of cattle available in that year alone.
Trendspotter: coconut inclusions
If it says ‘coconut’, it sells: Trailblazer Foods
As it ramps up flaked and shredded coconut production in anticipation of another holiday season, private label and branded grocery products manufacturer Trailblazer Foods says the growing popularity of coconut has resulted in a 12% increase in the amount...
Study points to positive effect of red meat for elderly
An Australian piece of research has suggested that a red meat-rich diet helps preserve the health of the elderly.
Weekly text reminder may help people ‘budget’ calorie intake
A weekly text message reminder of recommended daily caloric intake may help consumers make healthier food choices, according to a new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Lower saturated fats in new rapeseed strain
Determined food businesses working to lower fat content could benefit from a new strain of rapeseed that produces oil with lower than usual levels of saturated fat.
Fruit consumption could slash heart disease risk by 40%
Daily fruit consumption could cut the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by up to 40%, according to new research.
Mangos may lower blood sugar in obese adults: Study
Consumption of freeze-dried mango may reduce blood glucose levels for obese individuals, according to researchers.
Weetabix unveils Alpen bars for Chinese market
Alpen bars targeting busy professionals are the first Weetabix products to be formulated specifically for the Chinese market, following the UK company’s majority buy-out by Chinese conglomerate Bright Foods in 2012.
Commission hopes horse ‘passports’ will stop food fraud
Member states have endorsed European Commission proposals to tighten identification rules for horses as part of post horsemeat scandal efforts to clean up food chains.
DISPATCHES FROM GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY, MADRID
Changing food landscape: ‘I need a passport, food doesn’t’
The landscape of food safety is changing with shifting consumer diets, enhanced legislation, globalization and increased public awareness, according to 3M.
Investment in Canadian livestock genetics announced
The Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA) is to benefit from CA$1.6m-worth of government funding.
Coffee genome sequenced: Researchers drink to greater caffeine control
Reducing, enhancing or even eliminating caffeine content in coffee plants will be possible in the near future researchers are saying after completing the genomic map of the coffee plant Coffea canephora.
DISPATCHES FROM INTERNATIONAL WHEY CONFERENCE 2014
Russian embargo impact on Arla whey and lactose interests 'minimal': CEO
The Russian embargo on Western food imports will have little impact on Arla Foods Ingredients' whey and lactose interests, says CEO Henrik Andersen.