All news articles for June 2008

Self-assembling proteins offer golden food future

There is a big future for exploiting protein's natural tendency to self-assembly into micelles or nanotubes, says a leading researcher in the field.

Yeast suppliers to benefit bakers through 'application profiling'

The global shortage of molasses and competition from biofuels continue to put upward pressure on prices for yeast, but opportunities for yeast players lie squarely with the emerging market for speciality yeast products, and specifically clean label demands, predict market researchers Frost and Sullivan.

DHA boosts childrens' brain power, says Martek

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake can improve mental acuity among pre-school children, according to a Martek BioSciences-funded study.

Weekly comment

The food industry after Lisbon

In the face of another rejection of a European Union treaty, the bloc's food industry has one glaring path ahead: business as normal.

Omega-3 ALA: Industry reacts to review

Following publication of a review that said the omega-3 from plant sources, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), has been overlooked and misunderstood, industry sources have reacted.

Zeaxanthin science falls short for safe supplements use

The use of rising eye health phytonutrient, zeaxanthin, in food supplements in doses of up to 20mg has been rejected by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Sustainable action greening supply chain

Sustainable growth is proving to be a key concern for all players in the food supply chain, with a report this week from Danisco on its waste and energy saving initiatives and a US dairy industry-wide action plan on carbon emissions.

Natural sweetener race hots up with Nutrinova break-through

Nutrinova has announced progress in its mission to identify compounds that could yield new natural sweeteners for the food and beverage industry, in collaboration with BRAIN.

Omega-3 ALA: Industry reacts to review

Following publication of a review that said the omega-3 from plant sources, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), has been overlooked and misunderstood, industry sources have reacted.

Aloe vera thriving despite lack of science

The adage goes that if an ingredient is to gain favour with food and supplement makers as well as the public it should first get its scientific house in order.

Blending cardiology with cooking

If heart healthy jambalaya sounds too good to be true, think again. Careful selection of ingredients can make any food heart healthy, without affecting the flavor, says Dr Richard Collins, MD, the Cooking Cardiologist.

'Natural' retains ambiguous regulatory status

Natural ingredients are undefined in almost all global jurisdictions and no resolution is in sight for a category gaining attention as consumers turn away from the synthetic production of foods and beverages and the ingredients used in them.

Unlocking cocoa genome to relieve supply threats for chocolate makers?

Quality and supplies for the key ingredient in chocolate - cocoa - may gain from a new project that sees Mars link up with the US goverment and IBM to unlock the cocoa genome.

Omega-3 ALA - overlooked and misunderstood?

With marine omega-3 EPA and DHA often stealing the spotlight, ALA from plants has been somewhat ignored, but a new review reinforces ALA's unique and valuable benefits.

DSM vitamin plant gains green thumbs-up

DSM's Scottish vitamin manufacturing facility has won accreditation from a new UK-based carbon foot printing scheme that recognises green business practises.

Broccoli and co may protect women from diabetes

An increased intake of green leafy vegetables may reduce the risk of women developing type-2 diabetes, suggests a new study from New Orleans.

Fortified cheese as good as supplements for vitamin D: study

Eating cheese fortified with vitamin D results in the same blood rises in the vitamin as from supplements, reports new research from Canada.

Naturex goes multi-lingual with ingredients brands

Naturex has unveiled new websites for the branded health ingredients in its Nat'Life division, to give end consumers in Italy, Spain and Germany information on the brands in their own languages.

Omega-3 boosts satiety during weight loss: study

Obese people receiving supplements of omega-3 fatty acids while following a weight loss programme experienced a feeling of fullness for longer, says a new study.

Solutions abound for polyphenol-fortified milk: study

Adding fruit flavours and cyclodextrin to milk may boost consumer acceptance of polyphenol-enriched dairy, without the need for added sugar, report New Zealand scientists.

Probiotic criteria crucial for product quality, hears industry

The lack of a legal definition for the term 'probiotic' makes it crucial for US food and beverage manufacturers to meet certain criteria that would ensure the efficacy of their products, industry members heard yesterday.

Study backs dried plums for stronger bones

Polyphenol-rich dried plums may boost bone strength and density by up-regulating growth factors linked to bone formation, reports a new study from the US.

Danisco pledges research, acquisitions in healthy ingredients

Danisco plans to further strengthen its health and nutrition ingredients offering in areas in which it is not a market leader, as it positions to for a bio-based future.

Fish oil prices rise on back of vegetable hikes

The soaring price of vegetables is having a knock-on effect on the price of fish oils used by the nutrition industry, says Croda Heath Care, which today announced a double-digit increase in the price of its Incromega range.

Nizo kitchen applies ingredients to aid customer innovation

Food researcher group Nizo last week opened its new application centre with the aim of helping food manufacturers develop their own new recipes and product formulation.

More vitamin D for fewer heart-related deaths: study

People with low blood levels of vitamin D are more than twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease as those with high levels, suggests a new study.

EU health claim list trimmed to 1500

The European Commission has culled its gargantuan nutrition and health claims list from more than 40,000 to 1500 as the health claims process moves closer to fruition in January, 2010.

Taurine time for the French as Red Bull reformulates

French resistance to selling the Red Bull energy drink appears to be waning with the beverage soon to be reformulated in the country to include the controversial amino acid taurine for the first time.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Sourcing issues and ideas

Mango, banana, and pumpkin have all been mentioned as alternative pectin sources - but are they industrially viable? In the final part of an in-depth special series, FoodNavigator examines the potential of alternative sources of pectin to challenge citrus and apple.

Definition and regulation vital for probiotics future: expert

The boom in probiotics science and products is offering potential benefits for a range of health conditions, but the industry must produce products that adhere to the definitions to avoid damaging itself.

Weekly comment

GM: Breaking the stalemate

Food industry voices are joining those of politicians in the GM debate, hailing the controversial technology as the answer to the food supply crisis. But the hearts and minds of consumers must still be won.

Cereal and dairy groups eye nutrition push

A UK-based breakfast cereal association says it is teaming up with its dairy counterparts to this month kick off a new promotion scheme playing up the nutritional benefits of consuming the products.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Dairy replacer and micro-encapsulator

Replacing a dairy ingredient with one from citrus may not sound plausible, but rocketing dairy prices are prompting formulators to look elsewhere for ingredients. In the fourth part of an in-depth special series, FoodNavigator examines the potential of pectin to replace dairy proteins.

Chr Hansen launches standardised hibiscus extract

Chr Hansen is introducing a new natural hibiscus extract to give a bright red colour to beverages that also comes with a standardised anthocyanin content.

Blueberries reduce cholesterol levels, for pigs at least

Supplementing the diet with blueberries may reduce cholesterol levels by over ten per cent, suggests a new study with our porcine friends.

Pine bark extract may ease menstrual pains: study

An extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree may reduce the pain associated with menstruation, suggests a new study from Japan.

Cranberries, probiotics may fight ulcer-causing bacteria in children

Cranberry juice or probiotics clear the stomach of children of a bacterial strain known to cause ulcers and cancer, new research reports.

Green banana fibres could give noodles nutrient boost

Resistant starch from the green fruits of plantain and banana may boost the fibre content of foods such as instant noodles, suggests new research.

Conquering egg allergenicity without compromising functionality: review

The continuing prevalence of egg allergies, and its implications for food manufacturing and labelling practices, has led to a scientific review on methods to reduce product allergenicity.

Ingredient group chews on sugar free gum potential

Beneo-Palatinit says that the European market for sugar-free gum continues to prosper amidst a general innovation focus on embracing consumer health concerns.

France attracting overseas investment in functional foods, report

The functional foods industry in France is booming, according to a report from Invest In France that claims the sector attracted 7 per cent of all new foreign investment projects in the country between 2002 and 2007.

Antioxidant-rich fruit, veg linked to less gullet cancer: study

An increased intake of antioxidant vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene may cut the risk of Barrett's oesophagus, a precursor to oesophageal cancer, suggests a new study from California.

Innovation required to milk sheep and camel dairy potential

Milk derived from sheep, buffalo and even camels could open up promising new avenues for dairy processors, providing that innovation and investment is made to squeeze their potential.

Pilot study gives sign of fish oil for insulin sensitivity

A pilot study investigating the effects of fish oil supplements has hinted that there may be some benefits for insulin resistance which, if substantiated in bigger trials, could open up a new area of benefits for the healthy ingredient in the future.

DSM awards science with an eye on the future

The shores of Lake Lucerne in Switzerland played host to DSM's science and technology awards, with the winning project offering the potential for interesting emulsions and encapsulation.

High fibre barley provides bakers with health spin

Bakers designing muffin and bread formulations for the health conscious consumer can soon access a high-fibre barley grain as Australia's national science laboratory (CSIRO) signs a deal to bring large scale commercial crops of its Barleymax grain to food makers.

Tackling European trade barriers

A European Commission proposal for a Mutual Recognition Regulation will ease trade barriers across the bloc for food supplements makers, according to a European Commission official.

Science of slimming ingredients to get Berlin spotlight

Stepping out of the shadow of uncertainty cast by the US weight management market, slimming ingredients will get the spotlight in Berlin next week.

Anti-aging polyphenol launched for nutrition and cosmetics

Danish biotechnology firm Fluxome Sciences will join forces with CP Kelco to produce resveratrol for the food supplements and cosmetics markets.

Flavonols may slash colorectal cancer risk: study

An increased intake of antioxidant flavonols from tea, onions, beans, and apples may slash the risk of colorectal cancer by a whopping 76 per cent, suggests a new US study.

100s of UK herbals face ban as registration deadline looms

Hundreds of botanical products face removal from the UK market if their manufacturers do not submit applications to have them registered under the European Union Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD) directive.

Rosemary extracts to receive antioxidant status

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said rosemary extract is safe for use as an antioxidant in food, expanding application opportunities and increasing its natural appeal.

Irish health group welcomes 'no' to Lisbon treaty

Ireland's rejection of the European Union Lisbon Treaty has strengthened the resolve of the country's independent health store retailers as well as food supplement manufacturers and wholesalers in their campaign against EU regulations.

Costs to food business to rise if GM zero-tolerance prevails, warns CIAA

Europe's vast food industry calls for an end to 'uncertainty' over non EU-approved GM traces in foodstuffs, warning that new risks on the horizon could bring massive costs to the European supply chain.

Weekly comment

The value of hyperactive curiosity

For a little yellow flower, it's ignited a huge debate. Believe the headlines and St John's wort won't help hyperactive kids, but last week's study asks more questions than it answers. It's time to put funding disclosures in the dock.

Diabetics shouldn't forget their antioxidants: study

Vitamins C and E supplements may reduce memory loss in type-2 diabetics, a population at risk of increased impaired memory, suggests a new study from Canada.

Asia meets over health claims regulations

A seminar attended by key government and industry figures in Singapore has highlighted claim issues in south east Asia and given insights into managing the legislative change occurring in the region.

Arla ready to pay price over organic milk needs

Cooperative Arla Foods says it is looking to increase the supply of milk from its member farmers to tackle growing concern over organic supply, particularly in its Swedish and Danish markers.

Citrus extracts show promise for heart health: pilot study

Extracts from tree bark and citrus may boost the heart health and improve weight management among people with osteoarthritis, according to results of a pilot study.

Pomegranate extract may stop inflammation, says Bugs

A study with rabbits indicates that extracts from pomegranate may inhibit inflammation, and positively effect chronic disease risk.

Burgundy seeks herbals exposure after parent sells

Burgundy Botanical Extracts is continuing its transition from a third-party supplier of herbal extracts to a "name player" after its ownership was concentrated in the hands of one company.

Rice future dependent on science here and now: IRRI

As food prices and demand continue to dominate global politics, Dr. Achim Dobermann, newly appointed deputy director general for research at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), talked to FoodNavigator about the science and future of rice.

'Sino'vation powers patent explosion

The increasing sophistication of the Chinese economy is reflected in a massive increase in Chinese patent activity, including applications and approvals in the nutrition and wellness area.

Apple pectin may protect against metabolic syndrome

A highly methoxylated apple pectin (HMAP) may counter changes in metabolism and cardiovascular health associated with the metabolic syndrome, according to a study from Spain.

EFSA finds mineral sources safe for food use

Sources for calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc have been deemed safe for use in foods and food supplements by a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) panel.

Study hints at milk thistle's heart health benefits

A crude extract from milk thistle reduced the oxidation of LDL cholesterol by up to 86 per cent, indicating significant potential to boost heart health, says a new study.

Chromium ingredient may have diabetes benefits: study

Supplements of niacin-bound chromium (III) may reduce inflammation in diabetics and benefit heart health, suggests new research with rats.

ADHD not helped by St John's wort: study

Supplements of St John's wort may not be effective in improving ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Traditional snacks still top of kids' wish-list, survey

Children's favourite snacks are crisps, biscuits, cakes and confectionery but the healthy eating message is filtering through, according to a new survey.

St John's wort health claim puts Bioforce in good mood

Botanicals manufacturer Bioforce will be able to make mood-lifting and anxiety-combating claims for a St John's wort product that will be re-launched later in the year, after winning a Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD) registration.

Wild launches new Fruit Up with a confectionery spin

Wild is introducing a new version of its Fruit Up sweetener, specially designed for use in fruit jelly confectionery products and angled towards helping manufacturers tap the healthy confectionery market.

Low vitamin D levels may raise heart attack risk

Increasing vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of heart attacks, suggests a new study from Harvard School of Public Health.

Hopes high that novel food revision will improve innovation

In the lead up to this week's publication of the first draft report on proposed changes to the novel foods regulation, concerns have again been raised on how the current process restricts innovation.

Irish retailers oppose 'annihilating' Lisbon Treaty

Small to medium supplements manufacturers and retailers will be the victims of the European Union-wide efficiency and centralisation drive that underpins the Lisbon Treaty, according to the Irish Association of Health Stores (IAHS).

Genome maps out nutritional promised land

The convergence of technologies that will facilitate the nutritional promised land that nutrigenomics promises is moving closer to reality, according to Danish probiotics specialist Chr Hansen.

Omega-3 linked to healthy eyes: meta-analysis

A high intake of omega-3 fatty acids and fish may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by up to 38 per cent, suggests a new meta-analysis.

Weekly comment

Food crisis: Time to stop the squabbling

Bickering gets you nowhere. It's a lesson to be learned early in life, but which seems easily forgotten when it comes to tough political issues like measures to curb the food crisis.

Oat cholesterol claim woos Kraft in the Netherlands

Swiss-based CreaNutrition is demonstrating the value of approved health claims by inking a deal with Kraft on the back of recently approved oat-based cholesterol-lowering claims in the Netherlands.

Calcium pills beat fractures in new clinical trial

Daily supplements of calcium may reduce the risk of fractures in a healthy population by 72 per cent, according to results of a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Nestle-Indena team up to boost lycopene bioavailability

Bioavailable lycopene can be produced by a simple chemical process to tomato products, with stability maintained for over a year, according to researchers from Nestlé and Indena.

Rare sugar may replace sucrose for bakery and beyond

The rare sugar D-psicose may be an ideal substitute for sucrose, and have the added benefits of boosting antioxidant activity and boosting shelf-life, say Japanese researchers.

Chinese MSG exporters to EU to pay stiff anti-dumping tariffs

The European Commission has imposed anti-dumping tariffs of almost 40 per cent on monosodium glutamate (MSG) imported to the EU from China, following an investigation into the effects of lower-priced imports on EU industry.

EFSA: help wanted!

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is calling for Europe and the world's best scientists to come forward to assist it in processing its ever-increasing workload.

Niacin's cholesterol-lowering mechanism proposed

The cholesterol-lowering effects of niacin may by located in the liver, suggests new research that fills in the gaps in our understanding of the heart healthy benefits of the B vitamin.

Lallemand grows encapsulated probiotics suite

Institut Rosell-Lallemand and Lal'Food has added a fourth strain to its range of encapsulated probiotics as it looks to expand the range of functional foods, supplements and pharmaceutical applications into which it can be formulated.

Pomegranate extract shows joint health potential

An extract from pomegranate may suppress the inflammation and damage in joints linked to arthritis, if results from an animal study can be repeated in humans.

Cosucra hones in on satiety market with fibres and proteins

Pea and chicory supplier Cosucra Groupe Warcoing has banded its ingredients into a conceptual bundle targeting the weight management sector as it seeks to broaden its health messaging.

Trans fats harm may pass from mother to infant in breast milk: study

The potentially damaging effects of trans fats may also be passed from a mother to her child during breast feeding, suggests a new study that heaps more misery on the enfant terrible of the food industry.

Confectioners worry about EU biofuel targets

Talks on the European Union's draft Renewable Energy Directive should be postponed until after independent research into the effects of biofuels production, argues the confectionery and biscuit industry.

Export markets drive Martek profit growth

Omega-3 oils supplier Martek Biosciences Corporation has turned in a healthy second quarter, with profits surging above forecasts on the back of increased overseas sales and growing revenues in its core infant formula business.

Energy drinks safety questioned by German agency

Energy drinks have the potential to cause liver damage, heart failure and even death and should carry warnings for certain population groups, according to a German body.

Low-dose resveratrol may slow ageing: for mice at least

Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, may mimic the effects of calorie-restriction and inhibits various aspects of the ageing process, says a new study.

UK doctors told not to recommend omega-3s and plant sterols

The UK National Health Service (NHS) has published guidelines advising doctors not to recommend omega-3 food supplements and plant stanol and sterol functional foods to patients who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Olive oil-rich Med diet may protect against diabetes

Consuming a traditional Mediterranean diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, olive oil and fish, may reduce the risk of developing diabetes by a whopping 83 per cent, says a new study.

National Starch expands certified organic starch offerings

National Starch is extending its range of Novation functional native starches to include two new starches from waxy maize that are suitable for use in products geared towards the certified organic trend.

EU slaps anti-dumping duties on Chinese citric acid

The European Union has slapped anti-dumping duties on Chinese imports of citric acid after an investigation concluded two European producers have been injured by unfair competition.

Supplement breast-fed babies with vitamin D: study

US researchers have found more than 12 per cent of 365 healthy infants and toddlers in the Boston area had vitamin D deficiency, some of which were breast-fed, and recommended supplementation to compensate.

Probiotics may offer hay fever hope

A daily milk drink containing the probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) may modulate the immune response to grass pollen, and help hay fever sufferers, suggests a new study.

Frost & Sullivan rewards Indena for green tea research excellence

Italian botanical extracts leader Indena has been rewarded for more than 20 years of research in the area by winning Frost & Sullivan's 2008 European Green Tea Extracts Excellence in Research Award.

Health and wellness propels acquisition activity

The health and wellness trend is helping to drive consolidation in the food industry as firms link up to share expertise and stay ahead of the curve.

FSA issues guidance for clearer labelling

New labelling guidelines were issued this week by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) to help manufacturers in present vital product information in a clearer way.

Weekly comment

Yesterday's food complacency proves hard to swallow

For too long, the developed world has taken food for granted. For years, ample food stocks, a well-supplied export trade and rapidly rising agricultural productivity have confined food fears, in the west at least, to history and the memories of older generations.

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