Event tackles critter contamination of food
Pest management is an increasing safety concern for food professionals; one event is geared toward eliminating the threat from creeping, crawling and flying contaminators.
Archives for January 20, 2014
New gout research indicates nation’s health: nutritionist
Food manufacturers, retailers and consumers are walking “blindly” into an obesity epidemic, independent nutritionist Dr Carrie Ruxton has said following a report outlining the UK’s soaring gout problem.
‘Gard’ against adhesive problems
Gard Chemicals is helping packaging and food manufacturers remove and prevent adhesive from sticking to surfaces.
Special edition: Plant-based diets
AIDP: Sprouted rice protein is giving whey a run for its money in ‘booming’ protein market
If its ‘sprouted’ form, non-GMO, non-allergenic and vegan credentials give consumers a warm and fuzzy feeling; its low price, amino acid profile and smooth texture are also winning over formulators, claims one firm promoting the latest plant protein on...
What’s kosher in Europe? Conference of European Rabbis launches database
The Conference of European Rabbis has introduced a database of kosher foods available in Europe.
Saudi Arabia revamps farming to cut water consumption
Saudi Arabia is overhauling its agricultural sector to reduce water consumption and improve efficiency, according to the chairman of the country's Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).
Conflict of interest? On the sugar payroll
A Channel 4 Dispatches programme to be aired in the UK this evening is to accuse scientists advising health ministers on sugar of a conflict of interest due to funds some receive from the food industry.
‘We exaggerated obesity crisis’: pressure group
Influential lobby group the National Obesity Forum (NOF) has admitted exaggerating the severity of the UK’s national obesity crisis and relying on anecdotal evidence, rather than scientific research, in its State of the Nation’s Waistline report...
Wolfish supps in beverage garb beware! Lowdown on the new FDA guidance
Food attorneys agree that energy shots responsibly marketed as dietary supplements not beverages should escape FDA censure after the agency updated guidance distinguishing the two, but warn firms against 'flicking the switch' between categories.
North American cocoa grind up 4% but health concerns may soon bite
A rise in the North American cocoa grind is a positive sign for the mature US chocolate market, but analysts predict health-concerns will challenge future growth.
Bega’s share shed paves the way for Saputo takeover of Warrnambool
The announcement today by Australia’s Bega Cheese to sell its stock in Warrnambool leaves the way clear for Lion to follow suit, while Canadian dairy company Saputo should now be free to take over the New South Wales cheese and butter business.
AB InBev splashes $5.8bn cash on Cass, buys South Korea’s No.1 brewer
Anheuser-Busch InBev will pay $5.8bn for South Korea’s largest beer player Oriental Brewery and says the deal provides a platform to export brands including Cass more widely.
Reaction to IOM's final report on caffeine meeting: More data needed, but new regs unlikely
Experts who have reviewed a report from the Institute of Medicine on a meeting on the safety of caffeine in foods and beverages have concluded that based on the information in the report, it’s unlikely that FDA will make sweeping changes to the way in...
Gusto recalls 67K lbs of ham in listeria scare
Gusto Packing is recalling 67,113 lbs. of spiral-sliced ham due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Chilean university testing accredited for four years
A department of the Universidad de Santiago has been certified to run scientific tests in chemistry and microbiology.
US hopes for Welsh lamb
A diplomatic visit from Welsh meat bosses may have helped open the door for exports of Welsh Lamb into the US market.
‘No NPD in 2014? You must be joking!’ Monster launches Punch line
Monster Beverage CEO Rodney Sacks has hit back at suggestions the firm doesn’t have any big 2014 launches and believes a new Punch Monster line could fly given broad consumer appeal.
Savory yogurt gamble pays off for Blue Hill: ‘We didn’t want to bring out another Greek or fruit yogurt; we wanted to be different’
With every man and his dog bringing out a Greek yogurt to cash in on the sector’s meteoric growth, Blue Hill president David Barber wanted to do something a bit different, and three months after launching his savory yogurts on an unsuspecting market, it...
Federal budget bill boosts FDA funding, according AHPA analysis
The new omnibus appropriations bill that surprisingly sailed through Congress recently contains significant budget increases for the Food and Drug administration. Whether those increases will match FDA’s expanded responsibilities under the Food Safety...
FAO calls for vigilance with avian influenza on the rise in China
Human infections with the influenza A(H7N9) virus are on the rise again in China and the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities provide opportunity for further spread and human exposure, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation has warned.
Weight Watchers to launch cake mixes and soups in India
India’s rapidly growing obesity numbers have finally attracted the Weight Watchers brand of food products, which will be launched in India soon, an official with company’s Indian partner confirmed.
Canola protein could replace soy-based emulsifiers: Study
Protein extracted from canola meal could offer the food industry with a natural alternative to soy-based emulsifiers, according to new research.
Antimicrobial nanocomposite films to stop food pathogens
Incorporating essential oils (EOs) into nanocomposite films could control food pathogens and maintain the necessary barrier properties, according to research.
Oz pizzas have more salt, sugar and fat than nutrition claims suggest
An analysis of Australian takeaway pizzas, including those from major national chains, supermarkets and gourmet outlets, showed more than half of those tested had more salt, sugar or fat in their products than stated on the company’s nutritional panels.
General Mills files patent to cut salt and fat in dough
General Mills has filed a patent for salt-flavored fat particles that enable cost effective sodium reduction and fat replacement in baked dough products.
New EU rules could boost Fair Trade
European public authorities will be able to preferentially choose Fair Trade products, after a majority of MEPs voted in favour of a new public procurement directive last week.
USDA study: American adults eating better, using nutrition info more
American adults are eating out less, using nutrition labels more, and are eating better at home, according to a new report from the US Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service.