EFSA revises downward ADI for synthetic blue colour
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has revised downward the acceptable daily intake (ADI) level for synthetic food dye Patent Blue V (E 131) in light of the latest available data.
Archives for March 4, 2013
Intertek expands into Africa
Intertek has acquired a food safety firm to expand into Africa to meet global demands on food quality and auditing.
Monster attorney: Medical evidence does not support allegation that Maryland teen died from ‘caffeine toxicity’
There is “no medical or scientific evidence that would support a finding that the death of Anais Fournier was causally linked to consumption of Monster Energy drinks”, say experts hired by Monster to address allegations in a lawsuit filed by the Maryland...
Absolutely Fabuless? Pictures take Optimel Control outside EU health claim laws
Pictures are much more powerful than words when it comes to health claim marketing according to Dutch researchers who have completed a study of Dutch dairy Campina’s weight control yoghurt, Optimel Control.
Grape extract may help fight damage caused by high-fat diets: Study
Intake of grape seed and skin extract could be a valuable weapon in the fight against kidney disease caused by high-fat diets, say researchers.
Malty without the malt: Symrise maltless beverage targets Middle East market
Alcohol-free malt beverages are big business in the Middle East and there were plenty of varieties on show at Gulfood last week. Symrise brewmaster and category development manager Wilhelm Resanovic caught up with FoodNavigator at the show, where the...
EU-Peru FTA comes into force
A free trade agreement (FTA) between the EU and Peru came into effect on a provisional basis last week (1 March 2013), improving opportunities for meat exporters in both countries.
Horsemeat found in products from Taco Bell, Birds Eye and Brakes
The latest Food Standards Agency (FSA) tests have revealed four beef products sold by Bird’s Eye, fast food outlet Taco Bell and foodservice firm Brakes contained horsemeat above the 1% threshold.
Meat producer recalls products after HACCP failings
Byron Center Wholesale Meats has recalled more than 6,500 pounds of ham products that were produced without a Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan.
Dispatches from NCA Miami Conference
Mondelez chocolate chief pinpoints markets beyond BRIC
Brazil, Russia, India and China are not the only markets capturing the attention of the world’s leading chocolate company Mondelez International.
Herring caviar omega-3 form wins Oz-NZ distribution
Norwegian herring-sourced omega-3 specialist Arctic Nutrition has inked a distribution deal in Australia and New Zealand with Pathway International.
Niutang keeping up with demand through fourth expansion in five years
Niutang Chemical, China’s leading producer of sucralose and aspartame, has announced that its core product lines of folic acid, TGIC, sucralose and aspartame saw an 18% increase in sales. As a result of this sustained growth, the company will begin...
Australian research
Heading to the polls with new genetic horn test for cattle
The transition to a polled cattle herd–or one without horns–could soon be even faster with a new, highly accurate poll gene marker test from Australia that is due to become available this year.
Australian lamb gains access to India
Australian lamb has been granted quota-free access to India, Australian authorities have announced.
Givaudan opens flavour innovation centre in Mumbai
Givaudan, the fragrance and flavour major, has opened a new innovation centre in Mumbai in a bid to expand its capabilities and resources in India.
Concerns raised over Delhi abattoir
Hygiene at Delhi’s main abattoir in Ghazipur was severely criticised at the Meat and Poultry Summit, held by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) last week.
First there was Reb-A; Now there’s Reb-D... PureCircle prepares to commercialize natural sweetener with ‘one of the best sweetness profiles of any steviol glycoside’
The first products containing the steviol glycoside Reb D - which has “one of the best sweetness profiles of any steviol glycoside from the stevia leaf” - will be introduced in the US in the second half of this year, says PureCircle.
Junk food consumption in pregnancy may lead to childhood junk food addiction: Study
Tucking in to lots of junk food during pregnancy might help to ease those pregnancy pangs, but consumption of an unhealthy diet can pre-program unborn children’s preference for junk food in later life, warn researchers.
What caused the European horsemeat crisis?
As the horsemeat scandal continues to rage through Europe, policy makers and industry are starting to reflect on what caused the crisis, and how it can be avoided in the future.
Intralytix gains approval for phage-based salmonella control
Intralytix has received regulatory approval for one of its phage-based products for controlling salmonella.
EU approves Brazilian beef jerky imports
Brazil’s agriculture ministry (MAPA) has welcomed a decision by the European Union to approve imports of Brazilian beef jerky.
Firm fined after worker fractures skull
UK food manufacturer Cranswick Country Foods paid £10,000 in fines after one of its workers fractured his skull and was left partially deaf following a three-metre fall.
Dispatches from Dubai
Distributor’s view: ‘Everyone is eyeing this market’
Understanding and adapting to Middle Eastern consumer needs is crucial for introducing new brands in the region, according to food distributor Federal Foods.
ACC files lawsuit to block BPA listing
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has filed a lawsuit to stop California listing bisphenol A (BPA) on its Proposition 65 of reproductive toxicants.
Sweden’s Salinity brings all-natural mineral to US salt reduction market
A ‘unique’ mineral salt containing sodium chloride and potassium chloride is being launched in the US, offering to lower the sodium impact of any food product without sacrificing flavor or functionality.
Mintel Research: Shoppers are more concerned about how much sugar they are eating than whether it is from HFCS or sucrose
A new survey from Mintel Research Consultancy (MRC) suggests that consumers are paying a lot more attention to how much sugar is in their foods, but are less concerned about its source, with just a tiny fraction of those who look at sugar levels on...
Food safety
China's watchdogs might finally get more teeth
Sick of lurching from one food crisis to the next, it seems the Chinese authorities are planning to form one cohesive food safety unit based on America’s FDA model.
Weak Budweiser still complies with US law: Anheuser Busch InBev
Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) says that independent tests funded by CNN prove that Budweiser beer alcohol content complies with US law, despite results showing lower ABV levels than listed on labels.
COKE: MINUTE MAID AND SIMPLY ORANGE LABELING COMPLIES WITH FDA RULES
Coca-Cola Company slams 'meritless' Minute Maid false advertising action
The Coca-Cola Company has failed in its attempt to strike out 13 consolidated lawsuits alleging that Simply Orange Juice and Minute Maid products were falsely advertised as natural, but says it will fight what it claims is a 'meritless case'.