Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - Europe US edition

EFSA rejects concerns over Monsanto maize

The European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) GMO panel has no safety concerns after reviewing data from French scientists suggesting toxicity concerns in rats fed the MON863 variety of GM maize from Monsanto.

BASF disappointed at Amflora decision delay

BASF is standing by the safety of its Amflora genetically optimised starch potato as the EU Council of Ministers postpones its decision on commercial optimisation, and urges swifter adoption of new technologies for the bloc.

Raisio mulls Nokia mill closure

Raisio has revealed that it is considering shutting down its grain mill in Nokia, Finland, to raise profitability in the face of changing market conditions.

Experts to debate the great food-health conflict

Food industry experts and academics are to convene next week to debate the conflicts between modern food provisions and healthy living, and how these could be considered in devising food marketing strategies.

Go green and profit, says Fonterra

Fonterra, New Zealand's largest food group has pledged to step up its commitment to tackling climate change amidst new findings from the country suggesting businesses could profit from greater environmental concern.

Scientists offer predictions for sour taste in acid foods

The sourness of acidified beverages is related to concentrations of hydrogen and organic acid species, says a new study from the US that may offer an easy method for formulators to test sourness.

Novel foods relaxation would boost trade

A proposal by the European Commission to ease novel foods regulation for foods with a safe history in other parts of the world is eagerly anticipated by industry experts, who believe it will have a positive effect on EU trade and innovation.

Industry's Article 13 list expected by July

European trade associations for health products and food supplements have announced that the EU-wide industry list of hundreds of Article 13 health claims for authorisation should be finished by the end July.

Raisio halts Russian margarine production

Raisio is to cease production of margarine at its plant in Istra, Russia from September, when it will transfer the operation to a subcontractor in an effort to reduce over-capacity and boost profitability.

Food Valley attracts first Japanese food company

Nippon Suisan Kaisha has become the first Japanese food company to set up R&D operations in The Netherlands' Food Valley to cater to the European consumer - and others are expected to follow suit.

Plan to use plants to boost EU competitiveness

The EU's Plants for the Future Technology Platform this week released its strategic research agenda, highlighting the need for farmers to diversify and grow environmentally-friendly crops to ensure future competitiveness.

Fungi seen as cost-effective lactic acid source

Fungal species of Rhizopus could offer a valuable alternative source for lactic acid production, with significant advantages over bacterial production, says a new review from Australia.

Quinoa - meat analogue of the future?

Quinoa, dubbed the mother of all grains, is starting to put in an appearance as a meat analogue in vegetarian foods, with Israeli company Soglowek launching quinoa-based patties to the international market.

DSM, Buhler to start production of fortified NutriRice kernels

DSM and Buhler today announced the opening production facility of their Chinese joint venture Wuxi NutriRice Co, marking the imminent start of the first commercial production of nutritionally-enriched rice kernels for mixing with natural rice.

Happier outlook for the folic acid debate

Adding folic acid to bread could help fight depression, according to new research by the University of York and Hull York Medical School.

Cinnamon again linked to better blood sugar

Using cinnamon as a functional ingredient may lead to slower emptying of the stomach and reduce the rise in blood sugar after eating, says a new study.

GM tomato comes up smelling of roses

What do you get when you cross a tomato with a lemon basil plant?

Food industry hailed as example of a health partner

The food industry last week received a pat on the back for its partnership with UK government initiatives aimed at improving public health and lifestyles - a commendation welcomed by industry groups.

New wheat identification process developed

A new wheat verification process that identifies proteins is faster than other methods, its developer claims.

New study reignites aspartame cancer concerns

Concerns over the safety of aspartame could be reignited after a new study with rats linked regular intake of the sweetener with increased risk of leukaemia, lymphomas and breast cancer.

Weekly comment

Clinical trials - gold standard or white elephant?

Randomised clinical trials are the ultimate. Forget what the observational studies tell us, if the RCT gives us an answer it must be the final word, right? Wrong.

Synergy pastes to counter 'bland' taste of health

Synergy is expanding its ethnic flavours offering with a new line of pastes intended to help manufacturers counter the perception that healthy foods are bland by definition.

Study gives NOAEL level for soy

The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for soy in Europe should be two milligrams, says a new study from Switzerland, Denmark and Italy.

Smoke flavouring found to be unsafe

FF-B, a smoke flavouring, can damage the genetic material in cells, the Europe's food safety agency warned on Friday.

Let's get back to basics on Doha, says Lamy

Following the collapse of G4 talks on the Doha trade round on Thursday, WTO director general told the trade Negotiations Committee on Friday that it is time to reassert the basic principles of the round, and that the target has not changed.

Global trade deal looks cloudy as Doha collapses - again

The latest negotiations to try to build a global trade agreement have collapsed two days ahead of schedule.

EU to rule on GM maize imports

European Union experts will decide on Monday whether imports of Herculex RW, a genetically modified maize variety developed by the multinational seed company Pioneer, should be allowed into Europe.

More omega-3, less omega-6 better for prostates

Increasing omega-3 fatty acid levels, and decreasing levels of omega-6, could reduce the risk of prostate cancer risk in individuals with a genetic predisposition to cancer, if results from an animal study can be translated to humans.

Pitaya fruit may offer red colouring for food

The use of pitaya as a source of red colours for foods is in its infancy, but the potential of these fruits to offer alternatives to re beet is growing, say the German scientists working on bringing the pigments from the lab bench to industry.

Chr Hansen streamlines through paprika business sale

Chr Hansen has sold its paprika business activities and production facilities in Spain and India to allow it to focus on value-added activities, the company announced on Thursday.

Guar gum - science builds for health benefits

Guar gum, extensively used as an emulsifier, thickener and stabiliser, may also have potential as a health ingredient for lowering cholesterol levels, suggests new research.

Novel lycopene encapsulation method reported

Using a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process to encapsulate lycopene could lead to greater stability and offer important advantages over the conventional method of encapsulation.

Danisco blames revenue dip on EU sugar reform

Danisco suffered a 3 per cent drop in revenue in the 12 months to 30 April, blaming the fall on the EU's decision to cut subsidies for sugar.

UK organic sector fights GM contamination

Representatives from the UK organic sector have today urged the UK environment minister David Miliband not to allow organic food to be contaminated by genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Guidance sets out processing strategy on salt

A new guidance from the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) is designed to help manufacturers cut down on salt in their products without compromising quality and safety.

G4 makes last ditch attempt to save Doha

Ministers from the European Union (EU), India, Brazil and the US have begun five days of talks with the aim of finding some common ground on which a Doha Round agreement can be built.

Fats - quality more important than quantity?

Replacing unhealthy fats with healthy alternatives reduces risk markers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) more than reducing the quantity of fat, suggests new research from the US.

Appetite reduction is key for weight management - consumers

When consumers think about weight management and foods, appetite-suppressing ingredients are key, suggests new independent consumer research.

Australia gives go-ahead for GM wheat testing

The first ever Australian field trials of genetically modified wheat will take place in Victoria this year, as the government aims to fight possible food shortages caused by drought.

Palsgaard quintuples emulsifier production

Danish ingredients manufacturer Palsgaard said on Tuesday it had opened a new esterification plant, increasing its production of these types of emulsifiers by 500 per cent.

UK firm develops natural smoke flavour

A UK company claims it has developed a natural alternative to traditional flavourings for food manufacturers wanting to give their products a smoky taste.

Add methyl cellulose for healthy battered food

Making batters with methyl cellulose could remove the need for pre-frying of fried foods and boost the healthy image of battered foods, suggests new research from Spain.

Nutrinova raises price of sorbates

German ingredients firm Nutrinova has increased the price of its sorbates products by an average of 10%, the company announced on Monday.

Courts continue to favour Parmalat

Italian dairy group Parmalat continues its fight back from insolvency after emerging victorious yesterday from another set of legal disputes over responsibility for its financial collapse in 2003.

Food allergies rise 12-fold in Australian children

Food allergies in Australian children have risen 12-fold since 1995 and there is an "urgent need" for further research into the trend, according to a new study.

Tate & Lyle completes Hahn acquisition

Tate & Lyle has completed its majority stake acquisition of the German family-run specialty ingredients firm GC Hahn - a further step in its plans to focus on value-added ingredients over commodities.

Vitamin C's antioxidant activity boosted by edible film

The nutritional and shelf life-boosting activity of vitamin C can be boosted by incorporating the ingredient in a gellan film, suggests new research.

Consumers demand functional "low and light" products

The market for "low and light" products continued to grow in 2006, but some consumers have started to opt instead for probiotic and wholegrain foods, according to research published by Leatherhead Food International.

Weekly comment

A sobering thought for the alcohol industry

Much against my own better judgement, there are some issues it seems, where corporate social responsibility must really live up to its name and truly look after its consumers.

EU export subsidies revoked as dairy prices rocket

The EU's dairy management committee last week revoked subsidies on all exported dairy products for the first time in 40 years, as increased demand amongst processors and consumers continues to drive up prices.

Barry Callebaut moves to expand US presence

Chocolate ingredient manufacturer Barry Callebaut has announced the opening of its new North American head office in Chicago, which it claims is a step towards becoming the top player in the sector.

Is organic food really more nutritious?

The overall body of science does not support the view that organic food is more nutritious than conventionally grown food, says a new review from the British Nutrition Foundation.

Imcopa to supply non-GM soy lecithin direct to Europe

Brazilian soy crusher Imcopa has set up operations in The Netherlands with the aim of supplying the European market with non-GM soy lecithin directly and building awareness of its own brand amongst food manufacturers.

Trade commissioner defends EU approach on GM

Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson yesterday delivered a strong exhortation to the EU to take a lead in shaping global rules on GM trade - particularly in defending objective science as a benchmark - or suffer the economic consequences.

Folic acid in the UK: Bread vs flour debate unresolved

The board of the UK's Food Standards Agency yesterday gave the go-ahead for the recommendation on mandatory folic acid fortification be made to health ministers, but it remains unclear whether the nutrient will be added to flour or bread.

Cognis updates Lametop bakery emulsifier line

Cognis has developed a new Lametop 500 line of emulsifiers for the European bakery industry that it says is more sophisticated than previous offerings and can improve product volume at a lower cost.

EU has opened door to GM in organics, say activists

Environmental groups have hit out at the new organic regulation on which EU agriculture ministers reached political agreement this week, claiming it opens the door for GMOs in organic foods.

Is Down Under the new Amazon for superfruits?

Scientists in Australia are scrutinizing the country's flora for fruit with the potential to tap into the growing trend of exotic fruits as sources of colours, flavours and health ingredients.

Agriculture ministers unanimous over fruit and veg reforms

EU agriculture ministers this week voted unanimously in favour of reforms to the Common Market Organisation for fruit and vegetables, which is expected to improve competitiveness, reduce crisis-driven fluctuations, and promote consumption.

Special edition: Climate change

Climate and changes in the food supply

The world is changing - that much few now deny. While businesses of all sorts are striving to clean up their act, the food supply is one area where the impact of climate change could be felt most keenly.

FSA gives draft opinion on Croda's echium oil

The UK's Food Standards Agency has issued a draft opinion on that would grant refined echium oil the go-ahead to be marketed in Europe as a novel food and is seeking comments prior to its final decision.

DSM launches breakthrough enzyme for white bread

DSM Food Specialities is introducing a new enzyme in its Let's BakeZyme range, this time targeting dough development, crumb colour and volume in white bread

Ministers vote favourably on new EU organic regulation

European agriculture ministers yesterday reached agreement over new organic regulation and labelling that will simplify the sector for farmers and consumers and is expected to help drive further development.

Gelatin combo eyed for tomato waste encapsulation

Researchers from Taiwan are eying a combination of gelatin and poly(-glutamic acid) (-PGA) for the encapsulation of lycopene from tomato pulp waste, offering alternatives for the ingredient increasingly in the consumer's eye.

Processors nix proposal to charge fees for risk assessments

The EU's processors have called on the bloc's administrative arm to drop a proposal that would allow the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) to charge companies fees for assessments.

Novel foods opinion brings baobab closer to market

Fruit from the African baobab tree moved a step closer to approval for use as a food ingredient in the EU yesterday, with the publication of a positive opinion from the FSA's novel foods committee.

Stakeholders meet for health claim discussions

Stakeholders in the new European health claims initiative have met to discuss the technical and scientific aspects the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) draft guidance to applicants on the submission of health claims.

Tate & Lyle reveals first Promitor product: resistant starch

Tate & Lyle has revealed the first product in its new line of Promitor branded fibres - a prebiotic resistant starch said to have superior process stability, resulting in greater cost-efficiency.

Addition of folic acid at milling stage shifts cost burden

A UK food safety panel is recommending that the mandatory addition of folic acid should be made at the milling stage rather than at the manufacturing stage, shifting the cost burden to suppliers.

Betalains research to drive colourants future?

Swiss chard and cactus pear could offer significant opportunities for novel sources of colourants for food, says a new review from Germany, but industry and academia must focus research and resources to fully exploit the potential.

EFSA issues opinions on allergen-derived ingredients

The European Food Standards Authority has issued opinions on the likelihood of certain ingredients and additives causing allergic reactions, underscoring the importance of including full scientific data in dossiers to allow the panel to make a full assessment.

Scientists propose better profiling for GM crops

A new technique could result in better nutritional and safety profiles for the coming generation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Spanish scientists have reported.

Oxygen treatment found to extend shelf life

A week long pre-treatment of organic produce with low levels of oxygen can extend shelf life dramatically, according to new research.

Council to vote on fruit and veg reform compromise

The Agriculture council is gearing up for a vote on CAP reform for fruit and vegetables, hoped to take place tomorrow afternoon, following the circulation of a compromise paper that was adopted in plenary by parliament last week.

EU forum mulls alcohol ad reform

European alcohol producers will come under increased pressure to amend the way they target consumers, with the formation of a new EU health forum late last week.

Germany issues warning on Internet apricot kernels

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) yesterday warned consumers about buying potentially poisonous apricot kernel snacks over the internet.

Tate & Lyle unveils Promitor to help bridge fibre gap

Tate & Lyle has announced the introduction of a new line of branded fibre ingredients called Promitor, which can be used in a broad range of food products to help consumers meet fibre intake targets.

EU dairy undergoes CAP reform benefits

The European dairy industry is on course to rebound from a difficult 2006, as the detrimental affects of CAP reforms on milk production in 2003 begin to lift, says a new report by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Chardonnay, raspberry show promise as fish oil preservatives

Seed flours derived from Chardonnay grapes and black raspberries could be used to develop natural preservatives to improve stability and consumer acceptance of fish oils, report researchers from the US.

UK Dairy Council conference spreads health message

UK's Dairy Council yesterday held a Diet & Health conference geared at getting the message of the diverse health-promoting properties of milk out to health professionals and as such on to consumers.

Let's work together and build trust, FSA tells industry

The chair of the UK's Food Standards Agency has underscored the importance of building consumer trust in food, and laid down a number of challenges faced by the industry, the agency, and the two sides in partnership.

Nestle sets out 10 year health and wellness model

Nestle is eyeing organic growth in health, wellness and nutrition of five to six per cent over the next ten years, the chief financial officer was due to told investors at a seminar today.

Cadbury buys Turkish gum maker for 333m

Cadbury today announced the purchase of Intergum, a Turkish gum maker, from the Amram family in a deal worth $450m (€333m) in cash and assumed debt.

Calcium link to prostate cancer risk, study

Too much milk and cheese appears to increase the risk of prostate cancer in male smokers, say researchers from the US National Cancer Institute.

Agricultural methods threaten genetic resources, FAO

The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization has warned that the intensification of agricultural methods and standardisation of products putting genetic diversity at risk, which could compromise food security in the future.

Raisio completes potato sale; supplies rapeseed oil for biofuel

Raisio has completed the sale of its Russian potato food business to Profood Oy, the latest move aimed at streamlining its business operations to improve financial performance.

Vitiva launches acrylamide and rancidity reducer for oils

Vitiva is introducing a new addition to its Inolens 4 line of rosemary extracts, which it says can protect against rancidity in edible and frying oils and reduce the formation of acrylamide in the production of carbohydrate-rich foods.

Frutarom to buy Israeli flavour firm Raychan

Frutarom has signed an agreement to acquire fellow Israeli firm Raychan Food Industries - its third buy in flavours arena this year and one that will allow it to expand its offering to existing clients on a worldwide basis.

Healthy starch advances for processed foods

The search for low glycaemic and slowly digestible starch continues, with scientists from Purdue University reporting a new starch that may lead to smaller spikes in blood sugar and perhaps ease hunger pangs.

Meat-free market poised for more growth, says Prosoy

The European meat-free foods category is ready to enter growth phase following a period of consolidation, says Prosoy, just as consumers are becoming more aware of health benefits of soy and are more prepared to meat-free meals on occasions.

DSM launches Sensarite taste potentiators for bakery, dairy

DSM Food Specialities is launching a range of yeast-derived taste potentiators called Sensarite, aimed at maintaining an authentic taste profile in bakery and dairy products reformulated to be better for health and nutrition.

Malt recovery drives ingredients growth for Greencore

Irish food group Greencore has reported impressive growth for its ingredients and agribusiness in the half year ended March 30, largely thanks to recovery of malt markets.

Europe remains cautious on use of irradiation

Europe continues to lag behind in the use of irradiation, with only 10 member states approving facilities to process foods, according to the latest European Commission report released yesterday.

Gum arabic suppliers: Sudan threats are not serious

Ingredients suppliers say threats by Sudan's US ambassador to cut off gum arabic supplies from the country are not serious, and an embargo would not have a catastrophic effect on the world supply.

Weekly comment

Could organic eat itself?

Just when organic food has begun to make a noticeable dent in the overall food market, air freighting - a measure that solves the segment's biggest current problem - is facing potential prohibition.

Sudan threatens industry with gum arabic withdrawal

The Sudanese ambassador to the US has threatened to withdraw the supply of gum arabic, an emulsifier and stabiliser used by the food industry, in response to a pledge to impose sanctions to help bring an end to the bloodshed in Darfur.

Orange cauliflower could lead to more nutritious crops

Scientists who identified the gene mutation behind orange, beta carotene-rich cauliflower are investigating ways to apply their knowledge to transgenic potatoes, with a view to developing more nutritious stable foods.

Commission adds to guidance on animal by-products

The European Commission has added more details to its guidance for industry on the EU's animal-byproducts directive.

Australia launches logo for home-grown foods

The Australian government last week unveiled a new logo for food products either produced or grown in the country.

Chr Hansen to sell coatings and excipients division

Chr Hansen has announced plans to divest its coatings and excipients business in order to focus on core activities in cultures, enzymes, natural colours and flavours.

CSM sells frozen bread operations for 7.7m

CSM has announced that it is selling its French frozen bread operations to Neuhauser for €7.7m, a move that follows heavy restructuring to improve efficiency of its European bakery supply unit.

Protein quality more important than source, say scientists

It does not matter so much whether protein is sourced from animals or vegetables as whether it is of sufficiently good quality and has the functional characteristics that enable it to be used in food applications, scientists said at a debate hosted by Solanic.

Innovation hampered by Euro organic dairy shortage

The shortage of organic milk in Europe is stymieing product innovation, according to Organic Monitor, while the opposite is true in the US thanks to farmers' earlier compliance with new regulations.

Food and drink counterfeit seizures fall

The amount of counterfeit food and drink products seized at the EU's borders decreased by 77 per cent in 2006, the European Commission said yesterday.