Unilever results leave analysts with mixed impressions; volumes hit in food
The volumes decline in Unilever’s food business of nearly 4% is a concern, claims an analyst adding that the full year results are slightly below expectations.
Archives for February 2, 2012
Salmonella cases halved under 10 years of EFSA
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recognised a decade of research by highlighting a reduction of human Salmonella cases by almost a half since 2004.
Hershey records growth as international markets shine
The Hershey Company has announced improved sales and gross profit in its fourth quarter (Q4) and end of year results as sales in emerging markets soared.
Food products to be in standardised weights and packets in India
Food and beverage manufacturers will be required to sell their products in standardised weights and packets beginning July 1 under an institutional order by the Indian government.
Pengxin gains extension on Crafar buyout
China-based Shanghai Pengxin Group has been granted an extension until February 7 to finalise the purchase of New Zealand Crafar Dairy farms, KordaMentha, the farms’ receivers announced today.
Industry body says olive oil imports are ‘not really’ olive oil
A new study sponsored by the Australian Olive Association (AOA) has said that imported olive oils being marketed in the country as extra virgin olive oil are anything but olive oil.
Watermelons linked to death in UK Salmonella Newport outbreak
Watermelons have been linked to an outbreak of Salmonella Newport that has sickened more than 30 people and killed one.
EU Parliament veto on nutrition claims is 'bitter pill' for industry to swallow, FDE
The European Parliament has blocked a proposal to amend food labelling laws that would have allowed new 'percentage less' claims on nutrition content, such as sugar, salt and fat - a move the food industry says is a bitter pill for the food sector to...
Nestle ups stake in Israeli firm Osem with €75m investment
Food giant Nestle has increased its stake in Israel-based food manufacturer OSEM by around 5% in a deal worth €75m (ILS 371.7m).
US meat leaders join forces against Philippine law
American meat industry associations have asked agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack to take action against what they think is an unfair trade deal with the Philippines.
IFT urges government to take a cautious approach to sodium reduction
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has submitted comments to government agencies suggesting that actions to reduce sodium should not go “too far, too fast”, and has raised concerns about consumer acceptance and the safety of reduced sodium foods.
US food processor fined over ammonia leak
An ammonia leak at a US plant that sickened over a dozen people has cost a salami processor nearly $7m in penalties and investment promises.
Aquaponics – a future for Asian food cultivation?
Aquaponics is being pegged as an alternative eco-friendly, sustainable and commercially viable business model for food manufacturers by experts in the field.
China food safety inspection results are ‘alarming’ - AsiaInspection
Over half of food processing and packaging firms on the Chinese mainland failed safety inspections in 2011 – a figure food quality control company AsiaInspection has called “alarming.”
Japan poultry ban: “Not on food safety or human health grounds”
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has suspended poultry imports and eggs from Australia following the bird flu outbreak in Victoria earlier this week.
Daily dose of diet soda may increase heart attack risk: Study
People who drink diet soft drinks could be at an increased risk of suffering from heart attacks or stroke, according to new research findings.
Some 'at-home baristas' see single-cup coffee as costly, Mintel
While single-cup coffee made using pods is still a popular choice among devotees of the drink in the developed world, recent Mintel research suggests that cost may be a barrier to further uptake of the technology.
US and Canada compromise on organic equivalency for certain meats, dairy
The United States and Canada have taken another step toward organic equivalency, with US organic standards for dairy, beef, sheep, goat and bison now considered equivalent to Canadian requirements.
McDonald’s stops using ammonia in burgers
Fast-food giant McDonald’s has stopped serving burgers containing ammonia-treated beef.
Bakers on sodium reduction: We can’t afford to make products consumers won’t buy
Reducing sodium is expensive and difficult, and many bakers are beginning to wonder whether it is worth investing millions into reformulating products that consumers do not want to buy, according to the Association of Bakers (ABA).
Low pathogenic bird flu threatens Australian exports
Japan and Hong Kong have suspended imports of Australian poultry products, including meat and eggs, following an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza on a duck farm in Victoria.