Dispatches from GFSC 2016 in Berlin
TÜV SÜD: There should be harmonisation of results
Many standards and regulations go in the same direction even if they use different ways but there should be harmonisation on the results, according to TÜV SÜD.
Archives for March 16, 2016
Peru approves US beef imports
The US trade mission to South America has kicked off positively after politicians successfully negotiated the removal of Peruvian trade barriers on US beef.
Expo West 2016
Gen Mills 301 Inc: ‘There is a clear trend towards early stage engagement’
As 301 Inc’s recent investment in start-up Good Culture demonstrates, large CPG companies are placing bets in promising food companies earlier than ever as the natural & organic food market heats up, says general manager John Haugen, who is looking to do...
Zemas founder serves up ancient grain goodies
With a tagline that goes “Treat Yourself Well,” Zemas Madhouse Foods founder Jill Motew wanted to create healthy snacks that tasted great so her children won’t “feel like they’re missing out.”
Australia
Slurpees and Slushies gain in popularity as other soft drinks wilt
Frozen drinks such as Slurpee and Slushie have gained in recent popularity, placing them among the few cold beverages to have done so, market research suggests.
Probiotic company adds antioxidant claim based on carotenoids produced by spore forming bacteria
Thrive Probiotics is bringing a message of diversity to the probiotics sphere. It’s necessary, the company believes, to increase the number of species in the gut for maximum health.
GUEST ARTICLE: What’s in your Parmesan, (wood) pulp fiction or fact?
Eating Parmesan is not going to leave you swallowing splinters. But you’d never know it after reading articles such as, ‘The Parmesan You Sprinkle on Your Penne Could be Wood,’ ‘FDA Warns the Parmesan You Eat May Be Wood Pulp,’ and ‘Yes, Parmesan Cheese...
Breaking news
Back to square one on federal GMO labeling, as Pat Roberts' bill is defeated in the Senate
Sen. Pat Roberts’ GMO labeling bill (S. 2609) has been defeated in the Senate (48:49), as lawmakers proved unable to hammer out a compromise that all stakeholders could get behind in the race to create a federal GMO labeling standard before new laws take...
Coconut Beach founder: “We’re the anti-$8 coconut water”
The founders of Coconut Beach credit their affordable price to familial relationships with coconut growers in Thailand, and they want their product to reach the masses.
FDF speaks on Brexit: ‘We should remain an EU member!’; FDE agrees
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has finally taken a position on the possibility of Britain leaving the EU, known as Brexit, as 71% of its members "overwhelmingly endorse" the decision to stay in the EU.
Italy raises red flag once more over UK's traffic light label
Italy has once again called on the European Commission to act against the UK’s traffic light nutrition label, which it says is unfairly hitting Italian trade whilst also failing to protect public health.
UK government shocks with sugar tax announcement
The British government has announced a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, giving companies two years to reformulate.
myfood24 – the online tool helping researchers get teenage kicks?
An online method of collecting diet data could help unlock intake information for teenagers, a group often neglected in government policy, say UK researchers.
PHE reveals results of pilot E. coli proficiency testing scheme
Public Health England (PHE) has published the results of a pilot survey on the proficiency testing (PT) of Shiga toxin producing E. coli.
Australia
Resistant flour could defend against malnutrition and diarrhoea
A low-cost, flour-like substance could hold the key to reducing infant mortality rates from malnutrition and diarrhoea.
Experts take sides as NZ prepares to promote Health Star labelling
Next week will see New Zealand embark on a three-month awareness campaign to promote the voluntary Health Star labelling system in a move championed by the country’s food industry and retailers.
Expo West 2016
Beyond Meat to unveil 'the first plant-based burger that will be placed in the meat counter'
Beyond Meat – the California-based maker of plant-based ‘meat’ – is preparing to test market what it claims is “the first plant-based burger that will be placed in the meat counter”, according to executive chairman Seth Goldman.
Romanian cheese on European protected register
The European Commission has approved the addition of the first Romanian product to the register of Protected Designations of Origin (PDO).
Russian body expresses alarm over safety of sausages
About 75% of sausage products on Russia’s grocery shelves not only fail to meet quality standards, but could be dangerous to public health, according to a study by consumer protection organisation Roscontrol.
Europeans want farm animal welfare
An overwhelming majority of European citizens want the political establishment to do more to improve the welfare of animals slaughtered for human consumption, according to a public opinion survey by Eurobarometer.
Nestlé chief: Reduce sugar now before it’s mandatory
At the World Food Innovate conference in London, Stefan Catsicas, chief technical officer of Nestlé described how the food giant is meeting the challenge of making foods healthier without causing a drop in sales.
This week Down Under
Study: Binge drinking increases likelihood of committing crime
Australian binge drinkers are up to three times more likely to commit crimes or engage in antisocial behaviour—though rates for these have been declining in all sections of society, except for baby-boomers.