Nano group focuses on Wow emulsions

Leatherhead Food International (LFI) is investigating the potential of novel and emerging technologies for emulsions which could help food manufacturers reduce fat content of products without sacrificing mouth-feel.

Clean-label, cheap fat replacers developed by TNO

Spreadable gels made from superheating starch and then cooling it may lead to inexpensive fat replacers, scientists from TNO Quality of Life tell FoodNavigator.

News in brief

New food safety initiative in Asia welcomed

The US Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has welcomed moves to improve food safety in Asia Pacific with the launch of the APEC Partnership Training Institute Network.

Packaging that releases aromas could alter taste

A process that integrates aroma into plastic packaging enhances taste perception and reduces the need for unhealthy ingredients in food products, claims its US developer.

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Kellogg’s invests $35m in Michigan food research centre

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has announced that it will invest $35 million in a new development in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Early promise for almond’s prebiotic potential

Preliminary reports of a prebiotic potential of almonds are promising and intriguing, and impending human trials may reveal if the benefits can be translated from the lab to the layperson.

Fish and shellfish cause most foodborne illness outbreaks - CSPI

Fish and shellfish are more likely to cause foodborne-illness than any other category of food product, according to the US Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).

Industry response to additive, enzyme regulation adoption

Additive and enzyme associations have welcomed the adoption of the new FIAP package on additives, flavourings and enzymes – but concern remains about the Southampton colours warning.

Beverages meet legal preservative limits, says UK survey

Soft drinks on sale in the UK were seen to have a near 100 per cent compliance with maximum levels of benzoates and sorbates used as preservatives, a survey by...

US army awards funding for antimicrobial agent

A new phage-based technology aimed at eliminating or reducing contamination of red meat and fresh produce by E. coli 0157:H7 has received a development grant from the US Army, according...

Study backs dairy recommendations for weight loss

Cutting out dairy products during a weight loss programme may be misconceived, according to a new study from the US.

Oily fish may boost prostate cancer survival rate: Study

An increased intake of fish and omega-3-rich seafood may improve prostate cancer survival by 38 per cent, according to a new study.

Austrian ministry links GM corn to infertility

Consumption of genetically modified corn may lead to infertility, according to a new study commissioned by the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, and carried out by Veterinary...

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Heinz innovation pledge as it tops food poll

H. J. Heinz Company said it will continue to focus on taste, nutrition, affordability and convenience after it scored the highest US consumer satisfaction rating of any company in the...

Industry response to gum arabic calorie count decision

The notification by the FDA that it has no objection to the lowering of the caloric value of gum arabic in the US has met with a mixed response from...

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Fruit-a-day for Euro zone kids

An agreement has been reached amongst European agriculture ministers to provide free fruit to young school children, at a cost to the EU of €90m.

Mouth bacteria boost some flavours: Study

Bacteria present in the mouth may delay the flavour response for some fruit, vegetables, and wine, according to a new study from Firmenich.

ECJ hands anti-competition verdict to Irish beef processors

The Irish beef industry’s attempts to reform have been scuppered by an ECJ ruling, which has judged a scheme for some processors to leave the market so as to raise...

Global food markets ‘neither secure nor resilient’

 The UK has become increasingly reliant on imported food and its faith in the long-term surety of the global market is misplaced, according to research released by the Soil Association....

Antibiotic resistant E.coli could spread, warns Soil Association

A newly discovered antibiotic resistant strain of E.coli is at risk of spreading, the Soil Association has warned, as no restrictions have been made on the herd where it was...

Four-step plan for spotting emerging risks proposed

A simple four-part plan may lead to better early identification of emerging food safety issues, according to researchers involved in a EU-wide project.

Irish authorities deny bottle water scare

Irish food safety experts have rubbished reports suggesting consumers in the country may be at risk from alleged contamination of some bottled water brands.

China gains access to EU rapid alert system

Consumer safety heads of the EU, US and China signed a revised memorandum of understanding on product and food safety yesterday at a high-level summit that reinforced the political importance...

We need to talk about nanofoods, says UK group

UK-based Leatherhead Food International (LFI) has formed a focus group to foster industry-government communication about the use of nanotechnology in foods, beverages and “pharmafoods”.

FSA launches food fraud hotline

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has set up a new hotline to allow individuals and businesses to report fraudulent activity in food sales and marketing in a much quicker...

Studies say BPA exposure may affect fertility

 Bisphenol A (BPA) could prevent successful in vitro fertilization, or the ability of embryos to attach to the uterus, according to presentations at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's (ASRM)...

New fat replacer aims at lower fat sauces

Ulrick & Short is launching an addition to its Delyte range of fat replacers, this time targeting savoury sauces such as carbonara and béchamel.

FDA gears up for food safety rule revision

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it will bring current federal food processing safety rules up to date in an effort to provide additional protection against foodborne illness.

Research boost for allergen-free ginger

A manufacturer of confectionary ginger is developing a new processing system that eliminates the need to use sulphites as a preservative, making its ginger products allergy-free.

Ministers on board with ‘Southampton six’ phase-out

UK ministers have agreed with a Food Standards Agency proposal on voluntary phasing out of the ‘Southampton six’ food colours by the end of 2009, according the agency’s chief executive.

Vitiva pitches rosemary extract to counter rancid fish

Vitiva is introducing a new grade of its Inolens 4 rosemary extract which it says can be used as a natural preservative in fish products, which are at high risk...

FDF and DoH step up fight against obesity

New steps in food’s role in the fight against obesity in the UK are being taken by the DoH and the FDF.

Vacuum technology provides cost savings, says Konig

An upgraded vacuum cooling system for baked goods eliminates the need for storage freezing and refrigerated transport, claims Konig.

Processors can avail of testing using novel drying method

European processors can now test their products on equipment that employs a novel technique using light refraction to dry foods, claims the US manufacturer.

UK salt concern at a five year low, FSA survey

UK consumers have worried less about salt and additives this year and more about saturated fat in their food, according to the latest barometer of food views conducted by the...

Probiotic may prevent respiratory illnesses: study

The bacterial strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299 may protect intubated, critically-ill patients from pneumonia, suggests a small Swedish study.

EUFIC reveals results of European labelling survey

European consumers are generally aware of nutritional labelling systems and guideline daily amounts (GDA), according to a new survey – but not everyone actually looks for nutritional information on packaging.

EFSA opinion discounts French GM maize fears

French claims that a genetically modified maize product poses a potential health risk have been disputed by a newly published scientific report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Dispatches from Health Ingredients Europe

Solbar revamps Bontex for broader food uses

Solbar is exploring new applications for its Bontex steam textured soy proteins, and believes that attention to their nutritional benefits could make them attractive for bakery and confectionery goods geared...

Calls for food safety regulation overhaul

Extra food safety regulations could be introduced in Canada as pressure increases to tackle the problems associated with tainted food after 20 people died in a listeriosis outbreak.

Cocoa flavanols cut blood pressure, says study

The daily consumption of 17 grams of ACTICOA dark chocolate, containing 500 milligrams (mg) of cocoa flavanols, for two weeks helps to maintain healthy blood pressure, according to new research...

Image capture system improves defect detection tool, says firm

A new digital image capture system enhances the monitoring capability of optical sorters for food products, claims Key Technology.

News in brief

Alert over soup production error

General Mills is voluntarily recalling a single day’s production of Progresso Hearty Tomato soup because it was wrongly labeled and could put consumers allergic to egg, milk or soy at...

Hobs may reduce Clostridium perfringens in chickens, claims US study

Researchers from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in collaboration with a scientist from Farleigh Dickinson University, claim that the hob plant (Humulus lupulus) contains bitters acids which are powerful antimicrobials...

FDA criticised over BPA assessment

An advisory board to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that the agency ignored evidence that suggested bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles and formula cans could be...