Saudi $52m donation helps WFP resume Syria food aid
The World Food Programme (WFP) has restarted its support for 1.7m Syrian refugees following a US$52m donation from Saudi Arabia, along with funds from other governments and donors.
Archives for December 16, 2014
European countries unite on animal welfare
Agriculture ministers from Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands signed a declaration on improving animal welfare at European level, this week.
Olam International strikes 'transformational' deal to acquire ADM's global cocoa business for $1.3bn
ADM has struck a deal to sell its global cocoa business to Olam International Limited for $1.3bn.
Saudi and UAE put spotlight on organic products
Authorities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE say they are increasing inspections of organic products, both imported and home-grown, in order to protect consumers.
Trendwatching with Mintel, Euromonitor, Rabobank & Trailblazer Foods
From private label as a ‘strategic weapon’ to health, wellness and wearable technology: Four trendwatchers look ahead to 2015 in food culture
From the 'astounding' reinvention of popcorn as "Millennial friendly, cool and healthy", to the proliferation of apps & devices enabling us to track our calories, sleep and bowel movements, what have we learned about the food culture in 2014?
The microbes we eat: Study investigates bacteria in different diets
Researchers investigating the types of microbes found in foods from different dietary patterns have questioned whether the bacteria in our foods plays a role in the structure and function of our gut microbiota.
Supermarket loyalty cards are not delivering, says promotions expert
Whether supermarket loyalty cards actually drive loyalty, or provide retailers with killer consumer insights that give them a genuine competitive edge, has long been a source of debate. But the evidence is clear, according to one expert in promotions:...
Analysis
Aus-NZ regulator paves the way for GM corn approval
Having assured consumers that food derived from a genetically modified corn strain poses no health concerns, the antipodean food regulator is now calling on the public and industry to voice their opinions on whether it should be permitted for consumption...
Investigation
‘Fatally flawed’ review puts Aus research council’s methods in doubt
The methods of Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council have been panned after expert opinion branded its review of evidence on the effectiveness of homeopathy as “shoddy” and “fatally flawed” prior to its publication.
UK campaigners suggest London soda tax
A suggested 20 pence per litre tax on sugary drinks in London would benefit health and save up to £39 million in healthcare, say campaigners.
Birds Eye Foods faces fine after OSHA inspection
Birds Eye Foods has been fined almost $110,000 for exposing workers to extreme temperatures without the necessary equipment.
Opinion divided on Polish court’s ‘landmark’ reversal of non-stun slaughter ban
A secular organisation has called the Polish Constitutional Court’s decision to overturn a ban on non-stun slaughter ‘regrettable’, while a UK halal group says ‘common sense prevailed’.
Bird flu hinders attempts to open Chinese market to European poultry
The outbreaks of bird flu in Germany, the UK and the Netherlands are hampering efforts to create export markets in mainland China for these countries’ poultry and poultry products.
Cornell Food Systems Global Summit
Consensus building key to creating good agricultural practices to meet FSMA’s proposed produce rule
The Produce Safety Alliance, spearheaded by Cornell University and funded by FDA and USDA, is “on the cusp” of releasing a national good agricultural practices educational curriculum to meet the grower training requirement of the Food Safety...
Bruker pays $2.4m to resolve SEC charges
Bruker Corporation has resolved Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charges around providing non-business related travel and improper payments to Chinese government officials to try and win business.
Billionaire Al Amoudi injects $100m into Ethiopian rice farm
Saudi billionaire Mohammed Al Amoudi has revealed plans to pump US$100m into his stalled 15,000-hecatare Ethiopian rice farm project, as part of a US$500m investment plan.
Wessanen to acquire Abafoods for €52m
Dutch food company Wessanen has agreed to acquire Italian organic drinks company Abafoods for €52m, the company has said.
Review of bird flu safeguards urged to curb new outbreaks
All parties in the poultry supply chain, including feed producers, need to assess how they can help limit avian flu outbreaks, with no certainties about whether the spread of the disease will be checked in the coming weeks, says an industry specialist.