WHO calls for taxes and marketing restrictions to tackle child obesity
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for taxation and restricted marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks to children aged under 19 to help cut childhood obesity.
Archives for March 23, 2015
From soda bans to nutrient labelling: What really helps reduce obesity?
Trans-fat bans, and limiting the availability of sugary and fatty foods are the best ways to battle obesity, while nutrition information fails to deliver benefits, says a new review of anti-obesity policies.
Study rules out aspartame sensitivity
A double-blind study has found no evidence of aspartame sensitivity, reported by half of its participants.
Future of sugar industry ‘tricky’, says analyst
As sugar has become one of the most maligned ingredients within food, Euromonitor International research analyst Jack Skelly says the future may prove trickyfor manufacturers.
Fiber… Are you getting enough?
Can oatmeal save the cereal industry from slumping sales?
Manufacturers are rolling out a vast array of new oatmeal products in an effort to meet consumers’ growing demand for healthier fiber- and protein-packed breakfasts and to offset declines in cold cereal sales in the U.S.
Fat fighting microbes? New study backs GM probiotic to supress obesity
Intestinal bacteria that have been genetically modified to secrete appetite supressing metabolites could help battle obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to initial findings in mice.
Goal for IPA to become more agile, vocal in promoting probiotics, new director says
After a months-long interregnum, George Paraskevakos, the new executive director of the International Probiotics Association, formally takes up the reins pledging that the organization will become more agile and vocal in defending and promoting the...
Coalition recommends label declaration for use of nanotechnology
A coalition of NGOs has released a policy recommendation on how companies should move forward on the use of nanotech in foods and supplements. The document recommends corporate transparency and label declarations for the use of this technology.
Akuō founder: Innovation is just technical novelty unless consumers see value
Creating a successful new soft drink has more to do with connecting with consumers than its taste or nutritional profile, says co-founder of Akuō – Drink to Think Lukas von Grebmer.
NGO accuses EU company of illegal African land grabs
European food companies are illegally grabbing land from smallhold farmers in Africa as part of the G8 New Alliance project, says an Action Aid report published this month.
Visibility and flexibility through automating quality management system
Automating quality management processes can help firms meet compliance requirements and react quicker if there is a problem, according to Sparta Systems.
Green tea packs a stronger punch in China with new Bacardi spirit
Bacardi claims to have made a “breakthrough” in spirit production technology with a new liquor named TANG, that is distilled entirely from green tea leaves.
The Pacific
Agriculture almost wiped out in Vanuatu by cyclone Pam
Strong winds, heavy rains and floods in the wake of severe tropical cyclone Pam have caused extensive damage to agriculture across Vanuatu, including its main food and export crops, livestock and fisheries infrastructure, the Food and Agriculture Office...
Asia-Pacific
Asians prefer natural ingredients but don’t have time to eat clean
Consumers in China, Indonesia and Thailand have a striking awareness of healthy nutrition and a strong preference for clean labelling, according to a global study of consumer preferences.
Bizerba expands into food safety with Luceo acquisition
Weighing, slicing and labelling technology solutions company Bizerba has acquired the food arm of French company Luceo SAS.
Belgium hit by nuts in spices findings
Belgium has become the latest country to be dragged into the nuts and spices contamination issue.
WWF urges European action on sustainable food
WWF has urged the European Commission to take action on creating a sustainable European food system “beyond the reduction of food waste”.
Miratorg sees hike in profits as market structure evolves
Russian agricultural giant and one of the largest meat producers in the country, Miratorg, reported a 38% jump in revenue year-on-year to RUB74.06 billion (US$1.23 billion), which is a record figure for the company, according to its press service.
Glyphosate ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’, says IARC; conclusion ‘not supported by scientific data’, says Monsanto
Monsanto says the view of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization) that the herbicide glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic to humans" is at odds with the conclusion reached by “all regulatory agencies around...
Canadian beef on show in Vietnam
Canadian agriculture minister Gerry Ritz recently concluded a trade mission to Vietnam, where he was promoting the country’s beef.
Lawsuit v Hampton Creek Foods re-filed in Florida: 'Just Mayo is not mayonnaise at all'
A false advertising lawsuit filed – and then abruptly withdrawn – by Florida plaintiff Leah Davis against Hampton Creek Foods over its Just Mayo spread has been re-filed in a different court.
Judge tosses ‘no refined sugars’ case vs KIND Healthy Snacks, but attorney says it had a lucky escape
A judge in Illinois has thrown out a class action lawsuit against KIND LLC over “no refined sugars” claim on its Healthy Grains products, which contain evaporated cane juice, a form of sugar, and molasses.
New Chinese genetic technology against TB infection in cattle on track, says scientist
The Chinese scientist developing genetic technology to protect cattle against bovine tuberculosis (TB) has told GlobalMeatNews of the steps now under way to bring this innovation to market.