Nuts in spices scandal shows no signs of slowing down
Undeclared almond prompts recalls in EU countries
The nuts and spices contamination scandal is continuing to affect companies across Europe.
Archives for April 12, 2015
Sunwarrior increased sales, lowered costs and improved sustainability by switching to square tubs
Turns out being square isn’t such a bad thing, protein powder company Sunwarrior discovered when it ditched cylinder tubs for ones with four corners.
60-second interview: Mark Singleton, outgoing chairman of the Snack Food Association; vice president of sales & marketing, Rudolph Foods
SFA outgoing chairman: The lines between meals & snacks are blurring; we’ve seen remarkable changes in consumption patterns
According to the March 2015 report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, most Americans now consume two or three snacks a day - news that came as no surprise to the outgoing chairman of the Snack Food Association, Mark Singleton. Elaine Watson...
McDonald’s Japan underlines beef quality
Videos looking at Australian beef farms have been produced by McDonald’s Japan to promote its burgers to customers, in an attempt to restore the fast food chain’s reputation.
Scottish beef market under pressure
Scottish beef producers are suffering severe pressure on price and experiencing marketing delays during the crucial spring months, according to the National Farmers’ Union Scotland (NFUS).
Cargill recalls beef due to string contamination concerns
Cargill Meat Solutions is recalling almost 8,300 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with blue string, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS).
Changing food porosity could cut salt and fat
Salt and fat content in processed food could be reduced by altering food pore size - without affecting the taste, say scientists.
Stress can lead to disease in pigs, finds UK study
Scientists in the UK have found stress can make pigs more likely to suffer from Porcine Circo Associated Diseases (PCVAD).
Firing on all flavours: Treatt opens new beverage centre to develop future flavours
The scale of innovation in the beverage industry, coupled with consumers’ constant appetite for something new, is boosting the evolution of flavours, according to Treatt.
Research and consumer advice recommended on foodborne viruses
Molecular diagnostics, typing and quantification should be used to better understand the burden of virus contamination in foodstuffs, according to an advisory group.
Nutrition
Majority of packaged foods found to be unhealthy Down Under
Less than half of all packaged foods available in New Zealand and Australia in 2012 met nutritional criteria to carry health claims, according to recently published research from the University of Auckland.
Chinese suppliers angling to snare bigger share of natural astaxanthin market
Demand for astaxanthin continues to rise and new suppliers are stepping to the fore to meet that demand. Among the newer players in the market are BGG and InnoBio, both Chinese companies extracting astaxanthin from algae grown in closed systems.
Moody microbes? Gut bacteria found to play key role in serotonin production
Our gut microbiota may play a vital role in driving our mood by regulating the production of serotonin in the intestines and blood, say researchers.
What does ‘responsible innovation’ really mean?
Many food firms talk about the need for ‘responsible innovation’, but what does this buzzword actually mean to the consumer and the industry?
Malaysian palm oil industry denies deforestation claims
The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has denied claims of corruption and widespread export of palm oil from illegally deforested land.
Demand for ‘natural’ drives Europe’s food colouring growth
Growing demand for natural food colourings by manufacturers and consumers will continue to drive the Western European market in the near future, according to a new report by Future Market Insights.
Report and industry clash over artificial sweeteners' role in childhood obesity
A new research report has said that artificial sweeteners may not help reduce obesity in children – a claim that the industry has dismissed.
Vietnam grants full access for US beef
Vietnam has removed all cattle age restrictions on imported beef from the US.
Lentein has more essential and branch chain amino acids than any other plant protein
Could the water lentil be the next big thing in plant-based protein?
A new form of non-GMO plant-based protein boasting an amino acid profile comparable to whey, plus high levels of calcium and other nutrients, is now available in commercial quantities from Parabel Ltd, which has developed a proprietary process for...
Flavors & fragrances giant IFF strikes deal to acquire Henry H. Ottens Manufacturing Co
New York based International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) has struck a deal to acquire privately-held flavor firm Henry H. Ottens Manufacturing Co in Philadelphia, PA, for an undisclosed sum.
Surging interest in edible insects prompts safety review
A pan-European list outlining the pros and cons of different insect species, their nutritional content and environmental impact is needed says ANSES.
Australia
Back to the future: When hi-tech turns to old-fashioned viticulture
A South Australian vision of a vineyard of the future is already producing results in viticulture today.