All news articles for September 2008

Guest article

EFSA’s harsh health claim regime

The European Food Safety Authority recently turned in its first health claim verdicts, rejecting eight of nine. European food regulations expert Lorène Courrège explains why EFSA’s tough health claim approach may stifle product innovation.

Study identifies optimal conditions for cranberry storage

As demand for cranberries grows around the world, a Canadian scientist has reported the optimal storage conditions to extend the shelf-life of one of nature’s super fruits.

Glucosamine-chondroitin ineffective for osteoarthritis: study

Supplements of chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine, alone or in combination, may not positively affect joint health, according to a new study from the US.

Number one confectioner emerges on green light for Wrigley-Mars deal

Wrigley shareholders have cleared the final obstacle in its merger with US chocolate firm Mars, creating the world’s number one confectionery company.

Russia's bullish food supplements market

Investment from local, Western and Chinese companies as well as wealthier, increasingly well-educated consumers are driving rapid growth in the Russian food supplements market.

Weekly comment

What to do when safety studies smell a rat

Using animals, and specifically rats, to build the science behind ingredients is vital, but dismissing conflicting studies just because a rat is not a human is not acceptable.

EFSA rejects Martek omega-3 infant health claim

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected a Martek Biosciences Corporation health claim submission relating infant brain and eye development with DHA (omega-3) and ARA (omega-6) consumption.

Plantextrakt hopes to infuse innovative tea demand

A German supplier of natural ingredients hopes to shake its presence in the Irish and UK tea-based beverage markets through a new distribution partnership in both countries.

ANH ups the fight for food law fairness

Pan-European law reform group, the Alliance for Natural Health (ANH), is taking part in an international emergency task force to fight the battle for more equitable food regulations.

Hot Topic

Industry after Smiling Bob: Your views

At the end of last month, the founder of US supplements firm Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals received the most severe punishment yet to be handed out for fraud in the industry: A 25-year jail sentence and $93,000 from his personal savings. The company was ordered to forfeit $500m.

Fish may reduce eczema risk in children: Study

Including fish in the diet of an infant before nine months of age may reduce the risk of developing eczema by 25 per cent, suggests new research from Sweden.

FAO calls for tighter scrutiny of infant formula markets

Infant formula manufacturers need to invest further in safety controls in order to regain public confidence after the Chinese melamine scandal, FAO has said.

Vitamin D again linked to breast cancer protection

Increased intake of vitamin D from the diet and from sunlight may reduce the risk fo breast cancer by over 20 per cent, says a new study.

Dark chocolate linked to lower risk of heart disease

Moderate consumption of dark chocolate can help to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to an Italian study published this week.

Omega-3 takes the spotlight for September’s science

Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids may decrease the risk of dementia, improve survival in older people, and protect against the damage from pollution.

Europe's first polydextrose production planned

Tate & Lyle has announced plans to build a new polydextrose line in The Netherlands, which it says will be the first facility for the manufacture of the prebiotic fibre and bulking agent in Europe.

AAK invests in functional infant oils

AAK has built a new specialty oils plant for providing infant nutrition products with additional health and nutrition benefits in Karlshamn, Sweden.

Isoflavone-rich supplement boosts artery health: Study

A dietary supplement rich in isoflavones may improve the function of arteries in stroke patients, according to new research from Hong Kong.

Vitiva positions rosemary extracts for acrylamide reduction

Vitiva is aiming at a new market for its rosemary-derived anti-oxidants, after test have shown positive results for the reduction of acrylamide in fried foods.

Brown rice bioactives identified by researchers

A joint US-Japanese study has identified the compounds in pre-germinated brown rice responsible for the potential health benefits of this emerging health food.

September new ingredient round-up

The ingredient launches are coming thick and fast. NutraIngredients presents a selection of this month’s most innovative debuts.

Dried plums offer natural antioxidants for beef: Study

Antioxidant-rich dried plums may be a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives for boneless beef roasts, suggests research from the Americas.

Poland's blossoming supplements market

Poland’s food supplements market was worth 1bn Polish zlotychs (€300m) in 2006 and is growing at 25 per cent, according to a new report.

Omega-3 and soy may protect against pollution harm: Study

Supplements of omega-3 or soy may protect the heart against certain damaging effects of air pollution, according to a new study from an international team of researchers.

Nano review calls for adequate regulatory controls

A new report aims to ensure consumers’ safety is protected in relation to developments in nanotechnology targeted at food and food packaging.

Beneo-Orafti in meat-branding prebiotic first

World-leading inulin and oligofructose supplier, Beneo-Orafti, has engaged in co-branding in meat products for the first time with its prebiotic ingredients.

Soy has staying power as healthy option

Consumers in the US are increasingly turning to soy as a healthy choice as they constantly change their eating habits to improve nutrition, according to a study from the United Soybean Board.

Weekly comment

Consumers fear the packaging - a BPA alternative is needed now

“I have a bad feeling about this.” Luke Skywalker’s warning in the movie blockbuster Star Wars could equally be applied to consumers’ concerns about Bisphenol A (BPA).

More fish during pregnancy boosts child development: Study

An increased intake of fish during pregnancy may enhance development of the infant at 18 months, says a new study.

Seaweed powder could give noodles formulation boost

Powder from green seaweed may offer the growing noodle market a new avenue for formulation, according to a new study from Taiwan.

Organic algal omega-3 close to world debut

A UK-based company says it is the world’s first to develop an algal-sourced DHA/EPA organic ingredient and is on the brink of launching in bakery, dairy and pharmaceutical products.

EU confident over melamine dairy protection

As some of the world’s leading dairy groups attempt to play down their potential involvement in the Chinese melamine scandal, the European Commission says that its existing import rules on the country’s dairy goods remain sufficient.

Vitamin C may protect elderly gents from bone loss

Higher levels of vitamin C from the diet may reduce the loss of bone mineral density in elderly men, says a new study from the US.

Fortified baked goods pick up steam

Bread and baked goods are increasingly stepping into the functional food arena, with the past month alone seeing a number of new developments designed to bring added health to the category.

Anthocyanins and colon cancer: Structure is key, says study

The structure of anthocyanins, the antioxidant pigments from a range of fruit and vegetables, is key to the cancer fighting abilities, reports a new study from the US.

Walmark builds sports nutrition presence

Central and Eastern Europe’s biggest food supplements manufacturer, Walmark, has taken 100 per cent control of fellow Czech sports nutrition specialist, Aminostar, in an undisclosed deal.

Is Spain the new Japan of functional foods?

One quarter of Spain’s foods are functional, making it one of Europe’s most dynamic and successful market, according to a report presented recently to the EU-funded European Functional Foods Net.

Hansen targets probiotic cheese market

Chr Hansen is refining its probiotic offerings with the intention of making cheese ‘the new yoghurt’ as a user-friendly, efficiacious probiotic medium.

Probiotic’s gut benefits get "omics" boost

Probiotic bacteria may work by beneficially changing the lipid profile in the intestine, suggests a new study from Finland.

Special comment: China dairy crisis

Choose your joint venture partner with care

The melamine milk crisis throws up some serious questions that foreign food firms must ask before they hop aboard a joint venture to take them into China. What food safety features is it fitted with? And are they robust enough to be life-savers if disaster strikes?

Long term effects of folic acid fortification questioned

Since the introduction of mandatory fortification of grain products in the US, circulating levels of folic acid have doubled, says a new study.

MEPs told food supplements safer than mobile phones and drugs

Mooted restrictions on high-dose food supplements by various pieces of European food law are disproportionate to the public risk posed, according to pan-European law reform group, the Alliance for Natural Health (ANH).

Dietary ALA sufficient to raise omega-3 levels, says study

A daily 2.4 gram dose of ALA-rich flax oil is enough to raise overall levels of omega-3 fatty acids, suggests a new study that supports inclusion of ALA-rich sources in the diet.

Omega-3 in infant formula world first

Friesland Foods Kievit has launched what it is calling a world first omega-3 (DHA) and omega-6 (ARA) encapsulated combination ingredient that can be incorporated into hypoallergenic infant formula.

Functional straw deal targets probiotic juice boost

A leading packager is spying a global roll-out for a new development in straws that it claims can grant an additional probiotic boost to juices and dairy beverages.

Acai-rich juice may reverse inflammation

An antioxidant-rich juice containing açai may reduce levels of markers of inflammation linked to conditions such as heart disease, says a new study.

Benecol targets overweight Indonesians

Raisio has entered its second Asian market by launching Benecol, in Indonesia, as it makes Asia a “region of focus” for its cholesterol-lowering brand.

Indian gooseberry battles smoking damage: researchers

Extract of the superfruit Indian gooseberry can combat the harmful effects of cigarette smoke, according to a new rat study.

Chamomile tea may prevent diabetes complications: study

Drinking chamomile tea may prevent blood sugar increases and other complications associated with diabetes, suggests a new study from Japan and the UK.

Naturex forms foundation to support sourcing communities

Naturex has set up its own corporate foundation to support local communities in parts of the world where it sources plant raw materials, as it looks to long term sustainability and putting its corporate values into action.

DSM takes fish to infant formula market

DSM Nutritional Products has launched an omega-3 fish oil powder aimed at a maternal and infant nutrition market that has tended to favour non-fish sourced forms of omega-3.

ASA clamps down on Ginkgo claims

A Guernsey-based company has been cautioned by the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for the second time since May for making false and misleading claims about its supplements.

Broccoli could promote lung health, study

New research from the Johns Hopkins Medical School in the US suggests that broccoli could help people with chronic lung disease.

Global growth potential lies in milk and water drinks - report

Global consumption of bottled water and milk-based drinks continues to rise amidst burgeoning demand in Asia, despite a number of challenges facing both industries, according to consumer analyst Zenith International.

Sustainability less influential than cost on consumer habits: study

A new survey has found cost, quality and healthiness influence consumers’ purchasing choices to a much greater degree than environmental factors.

Weekly comment

Dietary supplements win Olympic gold

To coin a phrase oft-used by winning athletes, Beijing was 'a good games’ for an increasingly mature dietary supplements industry.

European selenium and chromium levels under scrutiny

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has called for data on appropriate levels of selenium and chromium in foods and beverages.

InterMed to tap Malaysia's 'biodiversity hotspot'

German natural product innovator, InterMed Discovery, has joined with a Malaysian herbal specialist to “investigate and commercialise” botanicals in what is considered one of the world’s “biodiversity hotspots”.

DSM claims higher heat, bigger yield cheese advance

The manufacturer of a new peptide-based processing aid for cheese production claims its product can provide improved yields for dairy groups without compromising product texture or quality.

Sustainability should guide innovation, says Symrise VP

It is no longer enough for ingredients firms to look at their water and carbon footprint, says Symrise’s innovation chief, but sustainability should be a primary consideration for new product development.

Virgin olive oil polyphenols reduce platelet aggregation: rat study

Spanish researchers have shown that virgin olive oil (VOO) extracts can benefit heart and circulation health by reducing platelet aggregation in a study conducted on rats.

Energy drink big boys unfazed by Euro review

Red Bull says it is not concerned over an upcoming European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) review the use of ingredients like taurine and glucuronolactone in energy drinks and remains committed to EU expansion.

Science stacks up for Epicor’s immune health benefits

Supplementation with a yeast fermentate can aid the production of healthy red blood cells, and boost immune health, according to the results of randomised clinical trial.

Serdex secures membership with Ethical BioTrade

Active ingredients supplier Serdex says it has fulfilled the necessary requirements to make it the first member of the Union for Ethical BioTrade.

Opportunities for cocoa powder as study shows antioxidant levels

Confectioners may seek to develop new formulations that use cocoa powder and baking chocolate, as new evidence suggests these two chocolate foods deliver the highest levels of the health-busting antioxidant resveratrol.

Low calcium levels linked to being overweight

Low dietary intakes of calcium may increase the prevalence of overweight or obesity by 24 per cent, suggests a new study from Brazil.

Vitamin K2 linked to better heart health

Increased intakes of vitamin K2 from dietary sources may reduce the build up of calcium in arteries that leads to hardening of the blood vessels, says a new study.

Cognis banks quality standard at Bavarian plant

German ingredients giant Cognis has attained an ISO (International Standards Organisation) grading for a facility that produces sterol esters, CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) and fish oils.

Food scientists need not shy away from GM, says IFTS

Safety, environmental and ethical concerns surrounding genetically modified foods are being addressed, says the Institute for Science and Technology; and although more work still needs to be done, GM techniques will bring significant benefits in the future.

Genetics may influence B12 absorption, says study

Common genetic variations may interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12, and subsequently levels of the vitamin in the blood, suggests new research from Harvard.

EU food law fight must go on, says Irish MEP

The need for ongoing lobbying and industry effort has been reiterated at a Dublin health foods and supplements convention, with Irish right wing Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Kathy Sinnott, calling on the industry to up its game or face extinction.

Nestle expands further into beauty from within

Nestle has stepped into the beauty food and beverage market with a juice drink destined for cosmetics counters rather than supermarket shelves.

Prisoners given supplements in new trial

An Oxford University study being conducted in three UK prisons is investigating the link between nutrition and behaviour.

Vitamin B12 may protect against brain shrinkage

Vitamin B12 may protect against brain volume loss in older people, and ultimately reduce the risk of developing dementia, suggests a new study from the University of Oxford.

Omega-3: Lifelong intakes necessary for benefits in old age?

Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), may decrease the risk of dementia, and improve survival in older people, suggest three new studies.

Consumers’ moods can inform flavour development, says analyst

Food manufacturers are well aware that, in order for a product to succeed, they must understand consumer wants and needs. But according to a new paper from Frost & Sullivan, they need to delve even deeper into the link between flavours and emotions.

Frutarom targets elderly with ‘50plus’

Israeli supplier Frutarom has launched a ‘proactive concept’ targeting baby boomers that couples condition-specific ingredients with product templates and marketing assistance.

Meta-analysis supports milk proteins for blood pressure improvements

Peptides from milk may help to reduce blood pressure and ultimately the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new meta-analysis from China.

Burgundy expands science behind hibiscus extract for UTIs

An extract from hibiscus may cut the incidence of urinary tract infections by almost 80 per cent, suggests data from Burgundy.

Ice cream dominates dairy innovation drive

Ice cream is leading growth in the global market for innovative dairy products as consumers increasingly associate the segment as being more of an everyday, year-round household grocery, according to a new report.

Collagen formulas target smoothie market

French gelatine and collagen specialist Rousselot has launched a range of hydrolysed collagen ingredients that will target the European and international smoothie markets.

Weekly comment

Hurricane wake-up call for business and boy scouts

Louisiana was holding its breath when Hurricane Gustav made landfall last week. It promised to be the mother of all storms as it roared towards the Gulf Coast but fortunately the region, along with the food industry it supports, was spared.

Low GI pasta with banana flour, scientists report

A resistant starch-rich powder from banana powder could boost the nutritional content of pasta, report researchers from Spain and Mexico.

Hot topic

Cleaning up the supplements industry: Call for comments

At the end of last month, the founder of a US supplements company received the most severe punishment yet to be handed out for fraud in the industry: a 25-year jail sentence. NutraIngredients is calling for comments on this historic decision.

News focus: Omega-3

Markets: Who is buying omega-3 - and in what form

NutraIngredients examines the omega-3 marketplace in the final instalment of a series that has scanned the scientific, regulatory and supply issues surrounding an ingredient that would appear to have everything.

Energy drinks jump on ‘health bandwagon’

The energy drinks market is embracing natural ingredients and “sustainable, longer lasting energy” according to a new international report from Business Insights.

Sedge extracts may be natural additives for food

Extracts from sedge plants (Carex distachya) are rich in antioxidants and could offer industry an alternative to synthetic additives, says new research from Italy.

Vitamin B deficiency causes cognitive impairment in mice: study

American researchers have found a diet deficient in vitamin B can cause cognitive dysfunction and significantly reduce learning capacity.

Pectin coulis launch targets fruit-dairy innovation

A new pectin-based coulis formulation designed for use in dairy desserts can allow manufacturers to step up functional development in their goods without compromising product stability, according to its supplier.

Vitiva launches new rosemary extract

Slovenian herbal specialist, Vitiva, has debuted a high-concentrate rosemary extract it says is ideal for functional beverages.

News focus: Omega-3

Supply: Where omega-3 comes from

In the third part of a series on omega-3, NutraIngredients examines the supply for the three major sources of the nutritional lipid: fish oils, algal oils and plant oils.

Stevia is photo-stable in beverages, says Coca-Cola

Stevia, the natural sweetener causing a whirlwind of interest around the globe, does not degrade in beverages on exposure to light, says a new study from Coca-Cola.

Folate may protect colon from DNA damage: study

Low levels of dietary folate may increase the risk of DNA damage in colon cells, and ultimately the risk of cancer, suggests a new Anglo-American study.

EU regulations attract global attention

Imperfect as they may be, the European Union’s regulatory efforts in the food area have attracted the attention of regulators around the world, some of whom view what is being done in the bloc as a legislative template.

News focus: Omega-3

Regulation: Omega-3 ready for RDIs and further health claims

Regulations governing the omega-3 market vary greatly between regions but in common is the fact there is no official, government-recommended dietary intake (RDI) anywhere in the world and approved health claims are few.

Fonterra concentrates on Asian calcium market

New Zealand dairy and dairy ingredients giant, Fonterra, has launched its high-calcium dairy drink, Anlene Concentrate in Malaysia, after an encouraging year on the market in Thailand.

Industry decries too complex labelling proposal

The proposed regulation on food labelling is too complicated, makes unrealistic demands on font size, and will be burdensome for SMEs, a hearing has heard.

News focus: Omega-3

Science: Is omega-3 omnipotent?

From heart health to better brain function, from reducing the risk of cancers to improving people’s moods, is there nothing omega-3 can’t do? In the first part of a four-part focus on omega-3 fatty acids, NutraIngredients reviews the science behind the headlines.

Lipogen brain health ingredient makes European debut

The first products containing Israeli-based supplier Lipogen’s soy lecithin phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylserine (PS) combination PS-Plus (PAS) ingredient have been launched in a supplement on the Finnish market.

Naturex builds Powergrape energy claims

Naturex is upping the ante on promotion of the grape extracts business it acquired in January along with fellow French supplier Berkem by detailing claims it says are backed by clinical data.

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