Top Headlines

In vitro data still has an important place in EFSA dossiers, says expert

Industry must not drop interest in mechanism focused, lab-based, in vitro studies in favour of chasing human trial data, according to Dr Charles Czank of Leatherhead Food Research who argues that both in vitro and in vivo data are vital for a health claim.

News in brief

Optimal synbiotics – new study unlocks the ideal pre- and probiotic combinations

A team of researchers may have taken a large step towards designing the optimal synbiotics for gut health as a new screening study reveals the best match between pre- and probiotics.

UK herbal players unite as government buckles under EU pressure

An special interest group made up of leading players in the UK herbal industry has come together to request an urgent meeting with UK ministers amid reports that the government will back-track on its promises to regulate herbalists under UK rather than EU law.

Dispatches from VitaFoods Europe 2013

EFSA sets standard for study rigor, consultant says

Differing regulatory environments can play havoc with a company's research plans, say consultant Joerg Gruenwald, PhD. But recent, sometimes bitter, experience with the European Food Safety Authority has shed some light on how to negotiate this tangle, he said.

Healthy hydrocolloids: Designing foods with a healthier structure

The ability to modify the micro- and macro-structure of food products using hydrocolloid science offers the food industry a plethora of opportunities to make healthier and better tasting foods, say experts.

EPHA calls for healthier foods in EU Most Deprived Fund

Fresh, locally-sourced fruit, vegetables and legumes must replace foods high in fat and sugar in the EU’s fund for Most Deprived, says the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA).

Global Industry News

Vitafoods 2013

Omega-3 brain and vision benefits could boost food firms from FoodManufacture.co.uk

By Gary Scattergood

The brain and vision benefits of omega-3 are offering vast opportunities to food manufacturers on the back of positive European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) health claims rulings.

Warning letter gives look at how FDA views supplement-beverage divide from NutraIngredients-USA.com

By Hank Schultz

Among recent warning letters sent by the US Food and Drug Administration to supplement manufacturers one stood out from the rest as it bears upon how the agency view the differentiation of beverages and supplements, according to Justin Prochnow, an attorney who represents supplement and food companies.

EFSA issues guidance on GM animal risk assessment from FoodNavigator.com

By Caroline Scott-Thomas+

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued guidance on how to evaluate the introduction of genetically modified (GM) animals in the European Union.

Galactic microbiological shelf life project set for launch from FoodQualityNews.com

By Rod Addy+

Biotech firm Galactic is working on food safety tools that will enable food and drink manufacturers to better predict and control product shelf life based on pathogen growth models.