All news articles for November 2007

Junk-free tops Mintels 2008 food trends

Cutting out the junk will be a major for manufacturers in 2008 said Mintel in its prediction of trends to shape food for the next 12 months, as consumers buy into natural and environmentally-friendly products.

Whirlwind around stevia could also include DNA protection

Stevia, the natural sweetener causing a whirlwind of interest around the globe, could also be a rich source of antioxidants and may protect against DNA damage and cancer, says a study from India published yesterday.

Enzymotec comes up with high purity brain ingredient

Enzymotec has said it can produce a 99 per cent pure form of its brain health nutrient phosphatidylserine (PS), which will make the product more attractive to manufacturers.

Bamboo prebiotics boost gut health in the elderly

The gut health of elderly people is positively changed by xylooligosaccharides, found in bamboo shoots, fruit, vegetables and honey, and was more efficient than fructooligosaccharides and inulin, Taiwanese researchers report.

Review casts doubt on isoflavone supplements

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in Germany has said the long-term intake of supplements containing isoflavones carries a risk to menopausal women.

Nutricia supports education to reduce toddler obesity

Nutricia has teamed up with child obesity group Mend in the UK to help improve the health of toddlers and boost infant diet by educating parents, but the move has been criticised as a conflict of interests.

Multivitamins and minerals benefits for weight and hunger

Multivitamins and minerals could reduce appetite in women on a weight reduction regime, while lower body weight and fat mass was more obvious in men, says new research from Canada.

Quarter of adults at risk of malnutrition, survey finds

The shocking state of malnutrition in Europe has been brought to the forefront by a UK report which says one in four adults are in danger of being undernourished.

Study reports no effect of calcium, dairy on weight loss

Increased intake of calcium from dairy or supplemental sources does not promote weight loss, reports a new study from Ohio State University.

Nutrition and health sales up for Cognis

Cognis has today reported a rise in sales for its nutrition and health arm in its third quarter result of 4.4 per cent to €251m.

Institut Rosell rolls probiotics into South America

Institut Rosell-Lallemand will enter the Chilean market with a product based on its well-documented probiotic strain lp299v through a partnership with Merck.

Less HDL cholesterol increases impact of stroke

People are at an increased risk of memory problems and greater disability after stroke if they have low levels of "good" cholesterol, according to a new study.

Algae extract aimed at cutting cardiovascular disease

An algae extract from fucus vesiculosus aimed at reducing the hardening of arteries, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, has been launched by Diana Naturals.

Zinc may boost cancer patients survival

A study has linked zinc supplements to boosting recovery in patients suffering from head and neck cancers.

Exclusive interview

The inventor of omega-3

It all started with a trip to Greenland in 1970. Three Danes, a couple of dogsleds, and several years of study later and the omega-3 was born. Since then, awareness and understanding of marine omega-3 has sky-rocketed.

Fibre could help cut type-2 diabetes, researchers say

Eating more cereal fibre may help reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes in women, while foods high on the glycemic index may increase the chances of developing the condition, according to two studies.

Nestle sells Novartis nutrition in Spain and France

Nestle has agreed to sell parts of Novartis Medical Nutrition to Fresenius for an undisclosed sum, just months after buying the company for some €1.7bn

Scientists connect DHA to warding off symptoms of Parkinson's

Scientists have linked what has become the brain health staple of the supplement industry - the omega-3 fatty acid DHA - to yet another application, this one for Parkinson's disease.

Naturex launches ash tree extract at weight loss market

France's Naturex is launching an extract from the fraxinus excelsior seed, known as the common ash tree, and has been linked to having a positive effect on weight loss.

Grain prices could rise by another 40 per cent says ING

Food and beverage processors will be fighting it out for an increasingly dwindling supply of grains sourced at ever higher prices, ING Group warned in a new forecast report for the sector.

Rulebook to help produce high quality supplements

A European wide set of guidelines has been developed by a team of technical experts to help companies comply with EU laws on producing and selling supplements.

Protein to help cut cardiovascular disease

Friesland Foods will be developing protein fractions aimed at preventing risk factors for obesity-related cardiovascular diseases as part of a team made up of businesses and academics in Holland.

Vitamin E boost for diabetics' heart health

Vitamin E supplements may halve the risk of cardiovascular events among diabetics, if they carry a particular version of a gene, says new research from Israel.

Weekly comment

Why all the fuss about stevia?

Over the past half year, stevia has been the focus of attention as the search for a perfect natural sweetener continues. But why are the birds circling when the ingredient has not been approved in the two major Western markets - the United States and Europe?

Grape-soy team-up enhances health benefits, says study

Teaming-up genistein from soy and resveratrol from grapes enhances the anti-obesity effects of the individual compounds, reports new research from the University of Georgia.

Simpler food legislation needed says EU report

While the harmonisation of the EU's food laws is supported by industry, legislation should be simplified to make it easier for small businesses to compete, according to a European Commission report.

Almonds could boost smokers' antioxidant defences

A big handful of almonds every day could boost the antioxidant defences of smokers, a group at risk of low antioxidant levels due to higher oxidative stress, by up to 35 per cent, says a joint Chinese-US study.

Nestle teams up with genomics super-league

Nestlé Research Center has joined a team of top companies and science institutes which will let it take advantage of new discoveries made in the field of genomics.

Marine algae offer bioavailable, economic iron

Farming selected species of marine algae could provide an economical, non-conventional source of iron to help boost intakes around the globe, suggests a new study from Venezuela.

LycoRed adds tasty iron to dairy foods

An iron fortification technique developed by LycoRed will help beverage manufactures add the important mineral without interfering with taste and colour, the company said.

Furfural rides the organic certificate boom

Botanical firm Furfural Español has said an organic certificate for its rosemary extract will help boost sales by some €3m.

Grape OPCs linked to preventing LDL cholesterol

New research has linked oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) from grape seeds to preventing the LDL cholesterol oxidation that can lead to atherosclerosis.

Natural trend raises Frutarom sales while profit tumbles

An increased demand for natural ingredients has led to a 23 per cent growth in Frutarom's sales for the third quarter, but profit is down because of rising raw material costs and the impact of acquisitions.

Flavonoids linked to better breast cancer survival

An increased dietary intake of flavonoids may enhance breast cancer survival by over 30 per cent, suggests a new epidemiological study from the US.

Infant nutrition rules are weak, group claims

The UK's proposed infant nutrition rules have failed to protect mothers and babies and bowed to "industry pressure", lobbyists have said.

Next generation of nutraceuticals researched by Irish agency

A wave of possible new functional ingredients is being developed by the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (Teagasc), some of which are derived from waste products.

Insufficient vitamin B levels may promote colon cancer

Moderate deficiency of folate, riboflavin, and vitamins B6 and B12 together may promote the risk of DNA damage and increase the risk of colorectal cancers, suggests a new study with mice.

Inulin, FOS and GOS assessed in Australia, NZ

Regulations concerning the addition of inulin, fructo oligosaccharides (FOS) and galacto oligosaccharides (GOS) to foods, both as a nutritive substance and as a sweetener, are being considered in Australia and New Zealand.

Food laws could unlock Asian market

European countries are showing a strong interest in the Asian health and nutrition market, which could be bolstered by the area's proposed harmonisation laws.

Speakers set out challenges for EFSA's future

Attracting top scientists, speed of assessment, and communication are vital in ensuring EFSA's success as Europe's food risk assessor, said speakers at the authority's fifth anniversary conference in Brussels yesterday.

Friesland partnership progresses whey production

Friesland Foods Domo and Novasep Process aim to accelerate production times while developing purification technologies and reducing cost for the functional foods and dairy markets through their new partnership.

LycoRed tie-up targets Iberian fortification market

Israel's LycoRed is continuing its global expansion with the announcement of an agreement with BTSA, Spain to enable penetration of Spain and Portugal's food and beverage fortification markets.

Chr Hansen attributes growth to clear focus

Chr Hansen has reported strong growth in 2006/07, which it takes as a strong sign that its strategy of focusing on key business areas is right on the money.

Pine bark extract shows arthritis benefits

Extracts from French maritime pine bark may reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis of the knee by about 40 per cent, suggests a new international study.

Functional magnolia gum could sweeten breath

Extracts from the bark of the magnolia plant formulated in mints and gums can effectively tackle dental bacteria, suggests a new study from the Wm Wrigley Jr. company.

Next generation antioxidant assay takes testing inside cells

Antioxidant testing of nutrients has taken a leap forward as Cornell University scientists report a new assay that moves the quantification of antioxidant activity from the test tube to measuring bioactivity inside cells.

Weekly comment

Are trade shows relevant?

The new crop of business cards yielded by another trade show season have been duly filed away. But the big question remains. Were the three days at FIE followed, for many, by another three at SupplySide West, really worth the blisters, the jet lag, and the not inconsiderable expense?

Provexis seals the deal with Coca-Cola

Provexis has confirmed an exclusive 12-month agreement with Coca-Cola for use of its tomato-based Fruitflow technology in beverages.

Frutarom buys RAD Natural Technologies for $4.1m

Frutarom has snapped up RAD Natural Technologies in its seventh acquisition of the year - a move that adds to its growing weight in the taste and health arena.

Price of vitamin E rises on back of production costs

DSM Nutritional Product has released specifics on its price increases for vitamin E, which have resulted from the rising cost of raw materials, energy and transportation.

Increased B12 levels could ward off dementia

Increased levels of vitamin B12, but not folate, may reduce the rate of age-related cognitive decline and dementia, suggests a new study from Oxford.

Court rules against Germany in the great garlic debate

Yesterday's landmark decision by the European Court of Justice, ruling Germany failed to fulfil its obligations concerning the free movement of goods by refusing to import garlic extract powder capsules, has paved the way for European harmonisation.

Vitamin C and dairy linked to less abdominal weight

An increased intake of vitamin C and dairy could reduce the accumulation of weight around the abdomen, reported to increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease, suggests a new study.

No safety concerns over neotame, says EFSA

Neotame has moved a step closer to being approved for use in the European Union as a sweetener and flavour enhancer, following a positive safety opinion from EFSA.

Unigen marches to Brussels with new office

Unigen announced it has established an office in Brussels, Belgium so as to facilitate its access to the European nutraceuticals market and have a hand in shaping harmonisation.

Low dose grape powder linked to colon protection

Low doses of freeze-dried grape powder could inhibit the development of colorectal cancer, suggests a new human pilot study from the US.

EFSA begins assessment on nanotechnology

The growth and complexity of nanotechnology in food applications poses new challenges for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which will meet next week to begin discussions on its regulation and risk assessment.

Scientists develop prebiotic, low-fat sausages

Inulin, the prebiotic fibre associated with improved gut and bone health, can be used as a fat replacer in sausages to cut energy by over 20 per cent without affecting the flavour profile, suggests new research from Germany.

Unilever, Provexis carve deal for Fruitflow spreads

Functional ingredient innovator Provexis has secured a new 12-month deal with Unilever to investigate the use of its Fruitflow technology in the multinational's spreads brands.

Milk thistle compound may protect against liver cancer

A flavanone compound in milk thistle, silibinin, may stop the growth and spread of liver cancer, suggests a laboratory study from the University of California, Irvine.

Citrus boosts tea's antioxidant punch - study

Combining citrus juice or vitamin C with green tea or its extracts could increase the absorption of antioxidants from the tea up to 13-fold, suggests new research.

NZ company explores kiwi nutricosmetic

A company in New Zealand is seeking to make inroads into the promising nutricosmetics market with a new kiwi-derived ingredient that comprises an extract that is not normally eaten or digested.

Cognis expands plant for odourless sterol esters

Cognis has expanded its sterol ester plant in Germany, enabling the global chemicals supplier to produce the functional foods ingredient in a finished form without any further processing needed.

Fish for brain health supported by trio of studies

Omega-3-rich fish consumption may improve brain function across a broad demographic spectrum, suggest three new studies from around the world.

Pea protein poised as soy alternative

Food and beverage makers can benefit from the nutritional profile and positive clean label message behind pea protein extracted by a clean water process, claims Roquette.

Health and wellness drives stabilisation solutions from CP Kelco

CP Kelco reacts to changes in the market with a range of solutions for the solubility and stabilisation for health-orientated functional ingredients.

Adaptable natural concepts target geographic taste profiles

WILD managing director Hans-Peter Voss explains how decades of experience in natural ingredients enables the firm to create targeted market solutions for beverage makers.

CNI brings healthy fibre to food makers

Colloides Naturels International targets natural market demand with a combination of a wheat fibre and an acacia gum fibre that provides non-soluble and soluble fibre for a wide variety of food applications.

Natural antioxidants for dairy, beverages launched

A basic pack of antioxidants on the market today targets beverage and dairy companies looking to meet the rising demand for healthy products derived from natural ingredients.

Black cohosh stops breast cancer growth in the lab

Extracts from black cohosh may stop breast cancer cells in their tracks, suggests a new laboratory study involving scientists from French botanicals supplier Naturex.

Long-term beta-carotene may slow mental decline

Men taking beta-carotene supplements for 15 years or more may experience a slower rate of age-related cognitive decline, according to a new study from Harvard.

Aker BioMarine joins budding krill oil market

Biotechnology company Aker BioMarine is launching a 100 per cent pure krill oil ingredient for dietary supplements, to help meet growing demand predicted for the ingredient.

Friesland ups capacity for healthy whey

Friesland Foods Domo has invested €6M in its whey protein plant in Workum, The Netherlands, allowing it to increase production of infant formula ingredients and produce its new low-fat ingredient for dairy applications.

Refocus and innovation lift Avebe out of the red

Dutch potato starch group Avebe has moved into the black this year after suffering a significant loss in the previous financial year, as a result of a three pillar strategy.

Antioxidants may stop fat cells formation, says study

Natural antioxidant compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids could inhibit the formation of fat formation from fat cells, suggests new research from Taiwan.

Nestle uses physics to explain complex food interactions

Scientists from Nestle and the University of California have developed a model which could help explain the texture as well the transport of flavours and nutrients in foods.

Norway spruce lignans cut hot flushes by 53 per cent - study

A daily supplement of lignan from Norway spruce (picea abies) could reduce the incidence of hot flushes by over 50 per cent, suggests a new clinical trial from the US.

IADSA fights for higher recommended levels of additives

Proposals on the suggested amounts of artificial colourings in food supplements are being drawn up for Codex because the current limits are too low, according to the International Alliance for Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA).

BLIS raises funds for global probiotic roll-out

New Zealand oral probiotics developer BLIS Technologies is to issue new shares to fund an expansion of its business into new international markets and to boost development efforts.

Barry Callebaut launches probiotic chocolate

Barry Callebaut announces the roll-out of probiotic chocolate to meet consumer demand for health and wellness foods.

Improved taste for healthier chocolate formulations, claims Cargill

Taste is a key challenge for makers of healthier chocolate: Henry Hussell, head of marketing at Cargill Sweetness, takes us through some of their solutions.

Hen eggs with high omega-3

The Nobel Foods company is launching a new hen egg in the UK which it claims has the highest ever level of long-chain omega-3.

Studies support phyto formula for inflammation

The publication of a round-up of studies on the safety and efficacy of Metagenics' NG440 formulation of rho iso-alpha acids (RIAAs) from hops, rosemary and oleanolic acid adds weight to its use in medical foods for inflammation.

Fruit anitioxidants develop with ripeness

Compounds in ripe fruit have been found to be highly active antioxidants, making them a potential source of health-promoting ingredients.

Live longer with vitamin D, study says

Vitamin D may help slow down the ageing process, scientists have found, adding further weight to the importance of adequate intake of the vitamin.

Codex to discuss health claims science

Codex members are due to sit down and vote on a series of far reaching rules governing nutrient compounds in foods - and crucially discuss whether health claims should be based only on clinical studies.

Dohler taps into superfruits trend

Herald Krug, head of ingredient systems at Dohler, delves into health claims, research and the role of superfruits in health and wellness.

DSM launches new ingredient for glucose control

DSM announces the roll-out of InsuVital, a new ingredient that actively attacks glucose peaks after meals.

New markets for appetite suppressant from pine nuts

Lipid Nutrition announces new markets for its satiety ingredient PinnoThin.

DSM and Kemin pledge lutein growth

Kemin has announced a deal with DSM to strengthen an agreement to supply lutein aimed at eye health around the world, which will see DSM step up supply of FloraGLO.

Pomegranate hailed king of the exotic fruits

Pomegranate, known as the royal fruit because of the 'crown' on top, is also the shining light for how to capitalise on consumers' growing interest in exotic fruits and ensure they offer benefits and not empty hype, say experts.

Citrus flavonoids and tocotrienols help cut cholesterol

A combination of bioflavonoids from citrus fruit and tocotrienols found in Sytrinol has had a positive effect in lowering cholesterol levels, scientists have found.

Buoyant baby market fills Numico's coffers

Baby food sales are up for Numico by more than 10 per cent - but product prices will be bumped up to offset rising costs.

Ocean Spray puts the cranberry into mooncakes

Ocean Spray's Ingredients Technology Group (ITG) claims its success in marketing cranberry-related food and drink ingredients in Asia has led to the launch of cranberry-flavoured Chinese mooncakes.

Beneo brand for Orafti, Palatinit and Remy

New Beneo group combines Orafti, Palatinit and Remy as it eyes up opportunities in the functional food market.

EHPM pleads to stop nutrient profiling of supplements

As the European Food Safety Authority prepares its opinion on the feasibility of nutrient profiling, the trade organisation EHPM has asked that food supplements should be exempted from the rule.

Soy could help reduce fat gene

The soy compound lunasin has been shown to inhibit the expression of a gene responsible for internal cholesterol production, Soy Labs' scientists have said.

Aronia berry extract launched by Kaden Biochemicals

Kaden Biochemicals has introduced an aronia extract which it says is an outstanding and economical alternative to other antioxidants on the market.

Probiotics have a role in paediatrics, say experts

Experts at a Nestle-sponsored symposium on probiotics and children's health have urged paediatricians to pay attention to emerging research on so-called good bacteria, although more research is needed on the mechanisms behind the benefit of specific strains.

Manufacturers make big sales growth for Callebaut

Barry Callebaut has reported growth in full year 2006/7 that outstrips the chocolate sector at large, largely driven by sales to food manufacturers with which it has several big new deals.

EFSA issues dossier warning to industry

Three hundred dossiers relating to nutrient substances in supplements and foods in the EU may not be assessed due to a lack of information submitted to the European Food Safety Authority.

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