Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - Europe US edition

Ulrick & Short adds to tapioca starch fat replacement range

Ulrick & Short has launched a clean label tapioca-based starch for fat replacement in cakes and muffins.

Certifiers consider options for organic protection in recession

UK organic certifiers are in early stage discussions over whether it could be feasible for organic farmers to feed some animals conventional feed for a limited period, without compromising their organic certification in the long term.

How will organic food hold up in the recession?

Market analysis have expressed concern that demand for organic food will shrink in the tight economic situation, as consumers become less willing to part with a premium.

CASH warns on salt in seasonal meals

Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) has warned that the average Christmas meal could contain over 11g of salt – almost twice the recommended daily limit for adults.

Video season's greetings from Decision News Media

The Decision News Media team would like to bring you its seasonal greetings in person and show you around the offices.

EFSA to investigate bee colony collapse

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is launching a 9-month project to investigate the causes of honey bee ‘colony collapse disorder’, and is encouraging all parties to share any data on the problem.

Australian government, industry to set salt targets

Salt reduction targets for food products sold in Australia are expected to be set in October 2009, subject to development and agreement between the government and the food industry.

Food companies warned about fake payment demand

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned the food sector to be on alert regarding a bogus letter which falsely identifies the sender as an agency official demanding payment for alleged breaches of food safety regulations.

Own Label Show to spur buoyant UK sector

The UK is set to have its first Own Label Show next November, billed as a forum for sourcing new product lines, finding partners and tracking developments.

2008 round-up: This year’s most read articles about sweeteners

As 2008 draws to a close, FoodNavigator has been reviewing which articles generated the most interest amongst you, the readers. Interest in sweeteners has been intense – from new science and market entrants in sucrose, to new possibilities for the market.

Melamine takes its toll on ingredient sales in China

The impact of this year’s melamine dairy crisis has rumbled through the food chain and although quality assurance measures can benefit responsible firms, downturn in Chinese dairy has still led to lost of ingredients sales.

Gum plus ions may cut fat and salt in meats: Study

A combination of gellan gum and magnesium chloride may lead to low-fat, low salt meat products, according to new research from Mexico.

Prepare for higher calorie count for fibre, say scientists

Scientists have warned that food manufacturers should move quickly if they wish to reformulate their products befor the official calorific value for fibre goes up next October.

News in brief

Dame Deirdre to step down as FSA chair

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) will have a new chair from next summer, as Dame Deirdre Hutton has announced she will step down at the end of her term in July 2009.

Exclusive interview

Sharing broccoli’s goodness with other plants

Everyone knows that broccoli is good for you, and advances in transgenic plant engineering by Danish researchers may soon see that goodness replicated in other plants.

Campina and Friesland get merger green light

Dairy co-ops Campina and Friesland are to become one at the end of this year, following competition clearance subject to conditions, and a favourable final vote by the councils of both.

Stevia sweetener gets US FDA go-ahead

The FDA has given the long-awaited green light for Reb A, the sweetener made from the stevia leaf, to be used in food and beverages - opening the flood gates for new product launches.

New enzyme promises higher yields to apple juice processors

Novozymes is introducing the first new technologies to be born out of its acquisition of Indian enzyme-maker Biocon, such as a new enzyme to increase apple juice yield and overcome apply supply issues.

Scientists set on busting the sugar-hyperactivity ‘myth’

An article published in the British Medical Journal today has dismissed the commonly held belief that sugar causes hyperactivity in children as a ‘medical myth’.

Girls lick boys on taste sensations: Study

There may be a shred of truth to sisters telling their brothers that they have better taste than them but we’re not talking about fashion or music, according to findings of a new study.

Chr Hansen targets Middle Eastern yoghurt tastes

Chr Hansen has introduced a new yoghurt culture specifically designed to meet taste and texture preferences of Middle Eastern consumers, and help producers make cost savings.

EFSA releases draft on scientific transparency

EFSA has released new draft guidance on transparency in the scientific aspects of risk assessment, building on previous guidance on the purely procedural side.

News in brief

Symrise CEO to stand down next year

Symrise has started the search for a new CEO to take the helm from October 2009, following CEO Gerold Linzbach’s decision not to renew his contract.

Food manufacturers mislead parents, claims BHF report

Manufacturers of children’s breakfast cereals and lunchbox snacks have been accused of misleading parents about high levels of salt, sugar and fat in a British Heart Foundation report.

Thrifty eating informs 2009 trend predictions

‘Tis the season for food trend predictions, but this year’s list from Thefoodpeople is marked by back-to-basic measures to reduce food spending in the recession.

Probiotic strain passes yoghurt culture test: Study

Canada-based scientists report the successful incorporation of Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, potentially offering a new probiotic product.

Hydrocolloids show potential for egg-less bakery: Study

Cutting the cost of cake-making by removing the use of eggs may be achievable by combining a hydrocolloid with a suitable emulsifier, says new research from India.

Sweeteners still a bitter pill for Danisco margins

Margin pressure in its sweeteners and Genencor business divisions has caused Danisco to lower its bottom-line outlook and take a long hard look at its production set-up for xylitol and other products.

News in brief

China compiles list of chemicals banned from food

China has issued a list of 17 substances not to be used in foodstuffs as part of its post-melamine scandal effort to clean up the food supply chain.

Soaring demand for spelt sees product launches up 130 per cent

The popularity of spelt has rocketed in recent years, leading to a 130 per cent increase in European product launches containing the ancient grain over the past three years.

Weekly comment

Why is food science the ‘baddie' for consumers?

It sometimes seems as if life is a pantomime, and food science is the baddie, complete with boos and hisses from the audience.

DSM cuts 1000 jobs in economic rough patch

DSM is introducing stringent cost-saving measures to withstand the economic slump despite a good performance from nutrition, including slashing 1000 jobs from across its businesses.

Root hair research could lead to crop yield increase

Scientists have made strides into understanding how to increase crop yields by boosting a plant’s intake of nutrients and water, which could help improve food sustainability.

Euro ‘cow tax’ talk is all hot air – says EDA

Ongoing talks in the US over a potential tax on methane emissions from dairy cows and other livestock farming is unlikely to be rolled-out globally and would not be welcomed within European dairy, according to one industry expert.

Prepare now for new additive and enzyme regulations

Companies should check now whether their additives, enzymes and flavourings comply with the EU’s new Food Improvement Agent Package, says Xavier Lavigne, food law manager with nutrition policy consultancy EAS.

ABF reaches acquisition agreement on Ebro Spanish sugar business

Associated British Foods (ABF) has announced that it has reached an agreement with Ebro Puleva for the acquisition of its Spanish sugar business, Azucarera Ebro, for €385 million.

Cut cocoa-butter for beta-glucan hydrocolloid, suggests study

Beta-glucan-rich hydrocolloids may be able to replace cocoa-butter in chocolate products, according to new research from the US.

Colours pose no health risk to Australians, says FSANZ

A survey into the levels of colourings in food products in Australia showed usage far below the maximum permitted levels (MPL); FSANZ says this shows there is no public health risk associated with their use.

Symrise invests in southeastern European growth

Symrise is expanding the capabilities at its site in Vienna in a bid to gain more traction in the southeastern European market, with a particular focus on fat-based products.

News in brief

CIAA appoints new Liaison Committee president

The Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the EU (CIAA) has appointed Tim Mobsby, area president of Kellogg Europe, as the new president of its Liaison Committee for large food and drink companies.

Low-carb diets may reduce cognitive ability: Study

Researchers at Tufts University have reported that low-carbohydrate diets may impair cognitive performance, following a study comparing an Atkins-type diet with a reduced-calorie regime.

Chicken innovation here to stay, says Maxavor maker

DSM has launched a new yeast extract for chicken flavours, as it predicts innovation in meat flavours will continue on the back of natural and authentic taste needs.

Dutch collaboration could lead to enhanced protein production

ProteoNic and Wageningen University have formalized their collaboration on the development and expression of enzymes in fungal host systems.

New bid for competitive EU food prices

The European Commission is proposing a package of ways to safeguard affordable food for consumers, including investigation of retailer payment practices, EU-wide price monitoring, and examination of commodity market regulators.

Vitiva pitches Inolens for citrus flavours

Vitiva is introducing a new version of Inolens rosemary extract to protect citrus flavours in food and beverage applications, without using chemical antioxidants.

Animal study suggests existence of sugar addiction, says scientist

Researchers at Princeton University claim that they have laid down the final pieces of evidence necessary to prove the existence of sugar addiction in animal studies.

News in brief

Defra announces food policy council members

The UK environment secretary has announced the government’s panel of food policy advisors, made up of experts from academia, farming, retail, community food initiatives, and consumer groups.

Saharan wind whips up cocoa supply fears

Troubles for West African cocoa supplies look set to continue following reports that the harmattan, a harsh, crop-damaging wind, has begun to sweep in from the Sahara.

Special comment

Irish pork: Bringing home the bacon on food safety

The Irish pork crisis has consumers staring at the prospect of an empty table at Christmas, and industry doing sums on how much the so-called ‘biggest meat crisis since BSE’ is going to cost. It’s no wonder new questions are being asked of food safety procedures.

Nut allergy fears becoming hysterical: BMJ

Fears over the dangers of peanut allergy, a potentially deadly allergy for certain people, are becoming sensationalist and hysterical, according to a Harvard professor.

Symrise expands in Asia with new spray drying plant

Symrise today inaugurated a new pilot plant for flavour encapsulation at its Singapore facility, which the company says is one more step in its expansion in the region.

How FIAP will affect the food industry

Danisco's director of regulatory affairs explains what the newly adopted legislation on food additives and enzymes means for industry, and the question marks that remain.

Black radish extract may replace sulphur dioxide for wine: study

An extract of black radish (Raphanus niger) may provide a natural alternative to sulphur dioxide for viticulturists, according to a new study from Greece.

Purple tomatoes may make UK hungry for GM, says USDA

A successful trial of biotech tomatoes with high anthocyanin that saw them increase the life-span of cancer-prone rats could help strengthen the positive side of the GM debate in the UK, says the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

Avebe launches fat-replacing potato starch for cakes

Avebe has announced two new applications in its Etenia range of potato starches, including as a means to reduce fat content in cakes by up to 30 per cent.

EU melamine controls on Chinese soy could affect supply, price

New measures to restrict the import of soy foods into the EU from China may have an effect on soy stocks already in the EU, and push up ingredient prices over the coming months, say industry experts.

Meat processors should review insurance terms, says law firm

Meat processors and suppliers should check the terms of supply arrangements and review their insurance policies in light of the Irish pig meat recall, claims a product liability expert from international law firm Eversheds.

News in brief

Euro Parliament pledges a billion in food aid

The European Parliament has voted in favour of a proposal to deliver €1bn in food aid to developing countries, but the funding will not come from CAP surplus as originally envisaged.

News in brief

Unilever completes Cote D’Ivoire oil-soap deal

Unilever has completed the sale of its edible oil business in Cote D’Ivoire and acquired Cosmivoire’s soap business instead – a deal that allows it to focus on its core West African businesses.

Roquette plans for an open, sustainable future

Marc Roquette shares his vision of a future where the glucose molecule, microalgae, and sustainability will figure large.

Synergy unites more ingredients under Saporesse

Synergy has re-vamped its Saporesse range by bringing more of its ingredients under the brand umbrella, so as to help manufacturers see clearly what formulation tools are at their disposal.

Science supports modified starch as fat replacer and creaminess enhancer

A potato starch-derived ingredient may enhance the creaminess of low-fat yoghurt to that of its full fat equivalent, according to new research.

Enzyme launched for low-lactose taste saving

The development of a new enzyme for low-lactose milk and dairy products can cut out the formation of off-flavours following processing, according to its manufacturer.

Weekly comment

Coping with health claim hurt

One of the most fiercely debated and amended pieces of European Union food law history is playing out before our eyes, and its effects are beginning to be felt.

Could consumers suffer from green logo overload?

Food and beverage manufacturers are adopting more sustainable practices and seek to communicate these to consumers. But are well-meaning consumers confused by the many different green and ethical logos in use?

News in brief

DSM gains Australian, NZ, approval for Preventase

DSM has been granted the go-ahead for its acrylamide-reducing enzyme in Australia and New Zealand.

Cranberry can inhibit E. coli growth in ground beef, says US study

The addition of cranberry concentrate to ground beef may serve as an supplementary hurdle to control potential E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks associated with ground beef, claims a new US study.

Arla aims for cost and taste ice cream protein potential

The ingredients arm of Scandinavia-based cooperative Arla Foods predicts there is further potential ahead for ice-cream innovation as it launches a new range of proteins it claims can reduce processor reliance on skim milk.

Definitive duties on Chinese MSG will not affect users much

The European Commission has imposed definitive anti-dumping duties on the additive from China, stating that the impact on firms using the additive will not be great.

Organic platform promotes more research and funding

The EU needs to channel more funding into organic research to counter the ills facing agriculture, say advocates at the launch of the new Technology Platform: Organics.

Roquette may bring more microalgae plants into the family

Roquette has plans to acquire more microalgae plants as part of its long-term strategy to become an important player in this emerging and interesting area of nutrition and health.

Oil price plunge boosting soy story

The plummeting price of crude oil is having a knock-on effect that is bringing benefits to certain food ingredients such as soy, according to a leading supplier.

Real Good Foods asks what ‘necessary’ means on reduced profits

The Real Good Food Company has forecast reduced profits and announced that it will move from its London office in order to cut costs.

Chinese citric acid duties will not halt imports

European producers of citric acid and monosodium glutamate have this week received long-term assurance that their prices will be supported against cheaper Chinese imports, but China is expected to remain a significant player in a more level field.

Organics offer market for burnt sugar colour

DD Williamson is launching a new organic burnt sugar to the European food sector, as its customers are seeking new hues suitable for organic products.

Tea yoghurt may expand healthy dairy options

Addition of green and black teas to yoghurt may boost the colour and flavour of the product, without affecting the starter cultures, says a French-Tunisian study.

Study shows antimicrobial effective against listeria in soft cheese

Enterococcus faecium WHE 81, a multi-bacteriocin producer, is effective as an antimicrobial against Listeria monocytogenes in Munster cheese, a red smear soft cheese, according to a French study.

Roquette splits open pea cells for new insoluble fibre

Roquette is extending its pea-derived ingredient offering with a new insoluble fibre from the interior of the legume, which can be used both as a fibre-content booster and for its emulsifying and gelling properties.

Givaudan gets cultural with chicken preferences

Givaudan has lifted the lid on its new approach to chicken flavours, as it takes its cue from consumers around the world and tips from top chefs.

Many manufacturing bases make much sense

Cargill's product manager for starches explains why the firm has a global manufacturing base, and the systems it has in place to predict raw material supply problems.

News in brief

FDF not unamused by Queen’s speech

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation is on-board with the Queen’s speech, delivered today, since it the Children, Skills and Learning bill she outlines would help bridge the skills gap.

EU policy change could double crop prices, study

New pest management legislation in Europe could result in crop production shifting to other countries and prices for commodities shooting up, a study has warned.

Model gut brings life-like stomach to the bench-top

Answering questions about food structure, the potential of bioactive ingredients, and general safety could be achievable in-house and on the bench top within 18 months, if development of the most advanced model gut continues as planned.

Solae raises soy ingredients prices across the globe

Soy ingredients supplier Solae is passing on its rising input costs by announcing a global price increases, effective immediately, for all of its ingredients.

CSM opens bakery fats innovation centre

Bakery ingredients company CSM has opened the third of its four planned innovation centres in Europe as part of the ongoing consolidation of its R&D facilities.

Industry salutes ‘deletion’ of national labelling schemes

The rapporteur’s report on the food information proposal has elicited a positive initial reaction from industry, but some sticking points still remain.

Weekly comment

Why farm support puts food on plates

“Four legs good, two legs bad.” When the pigs take over the land in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, they have no hesitation; any creature with four legs is beyond reproach and any human is bad, mad and dangerous to know.

Technology and good policy will safeguard food supply

More investment in science and technology, good policy, and cooperation with other industries are crucial to securing sufficient food supply for all in the next 15 years, a panel of experts has concluded.

Bringing an end to food allergy: New EU study

Food allergies could be a thing of the past, if new Europe-wide project achieves its goals of developing treatments for a condition that affects around 10 million EU citizens.

News in brief

More UK food in public sector meals, says Defra

The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has released new figures that show support for local food producers by buyers for the health service, ministry of Defence and prisons.

News in brief

Prince to award top nosh schools

The Prince of Wales will today award six UK schools judge to have the ‘best food culture’ at the inaugural Food for Life Partnership Awards.

News in brief

PureCircle taps Chiquita, Firmenich talent for top jobs

PureCircle has made two new appointments to bolster its management team, in advance of an anticipated boom for stevia-derived sweeteners.

News in brief

IFOAM gives growing info to organic sector

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) has developed a dedicated area of its website containing practical information on growing organic produce.

Additive-free leads beverage launches, says Mintel

The top claims used on beverages over the past four years reveal a distinct shift in focus towards drinks with no additives or preservatives, according to statistics provided by Mintel this morning.