France faces EU pig welfare investigation
Animal welfare organisation Alsace Nature has filed a complaint with the European Commission against France, pointing to “regular and systematic breaching” of the EU directive on pig welfare.
Archives for March 1, 2012
PARNUTS revision
Industry backs vote to amend PARNUTs framework
European industry and consumer groups have broadly backed draft amendments to the much-debated specialised foods Directive known as PARNUTs.
Monthly career insider
Dairy NPD veteran: “Grass won’t grow faster when you start pulling the blades.”
In this month’s Career Insider, we get a taste of beverage development at a leading dairy ingredients company. It’s more than just a creative “fuzzy front end”…
Kikkoman natural flavor enhancer may cut sodium levels in Frankfurters
A modified form of soy sauce may act as a natural flavor enhancer in frankfurters and help food formulators reduce sodium levels by 20% without affecting taste, says a new study from Kikkoman.
PepsiCo/Frito-Lay looks to exploit premium and value snacks growth
PepsiCo has announced plans to consolidate its position at the top of the global snacks market by investing in the rapidly growing premium and value snack segments.
Maple Leaf reports strong 2011 earnings despite weak Q4
Canadian manufacturer Maple Leaf Foods has announced a 21% growth in 2011 adjusted operated earnings, reaching $259m despite an 18% drop in the fourth quarter.
NEEDNT list lacks context, says Kiwi food body
The top New Zealand food body has called the ‘NEEDNT’ list of foods limited in its use for everyday people as it targets individual foods rather than complete diets.
‘Speak Up and we’ll listen’, wounded Woolies tells suppliers
Amid a stream of supplier bullying accusations, Australian supermarket giant Woolworths has launched a new hotline where its clients can voice concerns and complaints.
Gelatine company Rousselot sets up a JV in Japan
Gelatine ingredients manufacturer, Rousselot, has set up a sales and distribution joint venture with a local Japanese company Jellice in a bid to strengthen its presence in the country.
China spurring growth in Asia’s emulsifier market
Asia Pacific will see a 9% CAGR in its emulsifier market until 2017, fuelled by China, driven by a sustained demand for natural emulsifiers and low-fat foods in a burgeoning processed foods segment, according to a report.
Lindt seeks foothold in new markets ‘as quickly as possible’
Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli has posted stagnant sales in its 2011 results and says it must look to new markets to foster growth.
Start-up ‘surprised and pleased’ by reaction to novel natural sweetener from oats
Industry reaction to a novel natural sweetener from oats has been extremely encouraging, says a start-up firm dedicated to bringing it to market.
General Mills boosts natural foods portfolio with gluten free snacks deal
General Mills has boosted its presence in the natural foods market with the acquisition of Massachusetts-based gluten free snack foods firm Food Should Taste Good for an undisclosed sum.
Canada improves meat inspection complaints mechanism
Canadian food safety chiefs have launched a new mechanism to provide businesses with an easier way to register complaints or appeals related to meat inspection decisions.
Jensen Farms Listeria monocytogenes contamination: Lesson learned?
US authorities are yet to establish regulations relating to third-party food plant auditors – six months after the start of an outbreak later attributed to lacklustre third-party inspection practices.
Brazil OJ exporters accept US carbendazim defeat
The Brazilian orange juice and concentrate industry has admitted carbendazim-related defeat, after efforts to increase allowable levels of the fungicide in orange juice product shipments were shot down by US food safety officials.
Gulf region rapid alert system for food to be introduced
A rapid alert system to warn authorities about foodborne outbreaks, contamination and recalls related to food is being developed to provide regional communication for the Gulf States.
Just Label It GMO labeling campaign attracts record number of comments
A petition calling for food manufacturers to state on labels whether their products contain genetically engineered ingredients has attracted more than 850,000 comments, claim organizers of the Just Label It campaign.
Wilmar secures majority interest in Goodman Fielder
Asian agribusiness, Wilmar International, has secured a 10.1% shareholder stake in Australian food giant Goodman Fielder, and will consider further investment.
Indonesian abattoirs under investigation
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is continuing to investigate a complaint of alleged animal welfare concerns at three Indonesian abattoirs.