Saturday, September 30, 2006
Kraft to move European headquarters to Zurich
9/30/2006-According to a report in the Chicago Tribune on Sept. 30, Kraft Foods Inc. announced it will move its two European Union headquarters to Zurich, Switzerland, to reduce spending. The impact on employment hasn't been determined other than that Kraft is planning to have "several hundred" employees in Zurich, said Perry Yeatman, a spokeswoman for Northfield-based Kraft. The selection of Zurich follows last year's decision to bring sales management for the 25-nation EU to Switzerland's largest city. Relocating the European headquarters will start in the spring of 2007, with the move completed by the end of August 2008, the company said.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Tate & Lyle building new corn wet mill
9/29/2006-Tate & Lyle commemorated the groundbreaking for a new $260 million corn wet mill to be erected in Fort Dodge, Iowa on Sept. 27. According to the company, the new corn wet mill facility is the first of its kind to be erected in the United States in over a decade. The facility will be built in two equal phases. The first phase is a $260 million investment that, upon completion, will have a capacity of 150,000 bushels of corn per day. It will produce cationic starches for the paper industry and add 100 million gallons of annual ethanol capacity, doubling Tate & Lyle’s previously announced capacity. "In today’s environment, we have to look increasingly to bio-based solutions as a way to reduce our dependence on depletable resources such as oil and coal. At Tate & Lyle, we believe the corn fields of today will be the oil fields of the future. So what better place to be than here in the heart of the Midwest," said Iain Ferguson, chief executive of Tate & Lyle. Ferguson continued, "Supported by strong investment in R+D and in new manufacturing plants like Fort Dodge, our scientists are working hard to meet these demands and move towards an ever more bio-based economy. Fort Dodge is Tate & Lyle’s first plant in Iowa." The plant’s first phase is expected to be completed by March 2009.
Chr. Hansen expands lactic acid culture production
9/29/2006-On August 31, 2006, Chr. Hansen inaugurated the expansion of their existing Pohlheim site in Germany, which produces lactic acid cultures that are used in the meat and animal health industries. The new facilities will comprise state-of-the-art equipment capable of supporting future market growth in both areas. "Increasing quality demands and production volumes at our customers are requiring highest hygienic and quality standards at the ingredient suppliers end. In order to reach our ambitious goals and provide our customers with innovative and most optimal solutions, it is necessary to keep upgrading and adjusting our facilities on a continuous basis," says Thomas Reiner, country manager for Germany. The global market for meat cultures is rapidly expanding and more customers mean higher demands and thus a need for increased production capacity.
Gold in grease?
9/29/2006-Mike Haas, a chemist at the ARS Eastern Regional Research Center in Wyndmoor, Pa., is working with the Philadelphia Fry-o-Diesel company (PFOD) to demonstrate that trap grease -- the grease that restaurants and food companies collect from their drains -- can be converted into a clean-burning, renewable fuel source. In May, the Philadelphia Federal Executive Board awarded Haas a gold medal for his contributions to the project. Trap grease is currently unmarketable. According to PFOD, restaurants in southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey collect more than 2 million gallons of trap grease every month that must be removed at a cost of about 5 cents per gallon. Illegal disposal and sloppy collection can lead to clogged sewers and polluted water. PFOD enlisted Haas to help demonstrate trap grease’s potential as a marketable biodiesel feedstock. Haas and ARS biologist Karen Scott helped characterize trap grease samples, advised the company on operation design, and analyzed the products of trial runs as they explored and improved the reaction chemistry needed to produce biodiesel. How does it work? The scientists remove water and solids from the trap grease, then process the feedstock to produce biodiesel. Initial small-scale operations have successfully produced fatty acid methyl esters from trap grease. The esters will be tested to determine whether they meet accepted biodiesel standards. Removing impurities from trap grease is expensive, but as the cost of petroleum-based diesel rises, it’s becoming increasingly competitive. For more, see the USDA press release.
Strong link between weight and cancer
9/29/2006-According to new guidelines released Sept. 28 from the American Cancer Society, if Americans are serious about reducing their risk of cancer, they should watch their weight, eat a healthy diet, and stay physically active. For more, see the ACS Guidelines.
Horizon Milling begins operating in Canada
9/29/2006-Horizon Milling G.P., a partnership formed by Cargill and CHS Inc., has completed an agreement to purchase the Canadian grain-based foodservice and industrial businesses from Smucker Foods of Canada Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The J.M. Smucker Company. The purchase agreement was originally announced on July 20, 2006. The business in Canada operates under the name Horizon Milling G.P. and includes three milling operations in Montreal, Quebec; Port Colborne, Ontario; and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and three dry baking mixing facilities in Montreal, Saskatoon, and Burlington, Ontario. It also includes a research and development center and new Horizon Milling G.P. company headquarters in Rexdale, Ontario. Horizon Milling G.P. serves Canada’s foodservice, bakery and food manufacturing markets with flour, oats, and baking mixes. Horizon Milling G.P. also licenses rights to Robin Hood® brands in the Canadian, U.S. and Caribbean Basin foodservice and industrial markets. Through a co-packing agreement, Horizon Milling G.P. provides branded retail baking products, including Robin Hood® flour, to the The J.M. Smucker Company. "Horizon Milling is confirming its commitment to the baking industry in North America over the long term," said Guy Shoemaker, president, Horizon Milling. "This acquisition complements our broader bakery strategy to provide distinctive customer solutions in supply-chain optimization, product formulation and risk management. We’re pleased to have this opportunity to participate in the Canadian baking industry and to build on the contributions of The J.M. Smucker Company." The new business in Canada adds approximately 450 employees to Horizon Milling’s 900 employees based in the United States.
WHO forms Influenza Pandemic Task Force
9/29/2006-A group of 21 experts from different countries and areas of public health expertise have formed the WHO Influenza Pandemic Task Force. Their mandate will be to advise WHO on issues of international importance related to avian and pandemic influenza. The World Health Organization (WHO) Influenza Pandemic Task Force (IPTF) met for the first time on September 25 at WHO Headquarters in Geneva. For more, see the WHO press release.
FAO offers free access to food journals
9/29/2006-Over 100 of the world’s poorest countries will now be able to access leading food and agriculture journals for little or no cost with the launch of the second phase of the Global Online Research in Agriculture (AGORA) initiative, the FAO announced on Sept. 27. AGORA is a successful public-private partnership between FAO, 37 of the world’s leading science publishers, and other key partners including the World Health Organization and Cornell University. Introduced in 2003 and providing access to 69 low-income countries, AGORA now includes universities, colleges, research institutes, and government ministries as well as non-governmental organizations in an additional 37 lower-middle-income countries. AGORA responds to the needs of thousands of students, researchers and academics in poorer countries, who continue to face challenges accessing up-to-date information which is vital to their work. "We have seen from the first phase of this initiative that there is increasing demand for access to vital information by poorer countries. In less than three years, AGORA has already helped bridge the knowledge gap by providing 850 institutions access to over 900 journals in the areas of agriculture and related subjects," notes Anton Mangstl, director of FAO’s Library and Documentation Systems Division. Under the second phase of AGORA, 37 countries with a per capita GNP of between US$1000 and US$3000 will be eligible. Institutions wishing to register will have a three-month free trial period before they are asked to pay an annual subscription of US$1000. FAO will invest all subscription income into local training initiatives to help increase awareness and usage of AGORA amongst librarians and scientists.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Synthesis of diacylglycerols containing CLA
9/28/2006-Diacylglycerols (DAG) were prepared by esterification of glycerol with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in the presence of an immobilized 1,3-regiospecific lipase from Rhizomucor miehei and vacuum conditions. 1,3 -Diacylglycerols (1,3-DAG) are potentially attractive starting materials for numerous synthetic applications, such as the preparation of phospholipids, glycolipids, and lipoproteins. They are valuable as drug carriers and have been employed for the preparation of conjugates derived from various drugs. For more, see the Journal of Food Science.
PepsiCo acquires IZZE Beverage Co.
9/28/2006-PepsiCo, Inc. has acquired IZZE Beverage Company, maker of all-natural, sparkling fruit juices. The agreement was announced at a company-wide meeting at IZZE’s headquarters in Boulder, Colo. Founded in 2002, the company has built a passionate base of consumers, primarily through grassroots marketing and sales efforts. IZZE is now sold in Starbucks throughout the United States and Canada, as well as nationally in SuperTarget and Cost Plus World Market stores. It is also sold locally in Costco clubs, regular Target stores, Safeway, Whole Foods Markets, Wild Oats Markets, grocery stores, delis, and casual and fine dining restaurants across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and South Pacific. PepsiCo said that IZZE will remain in Boulder and continue to operate as a separate unit, reporting through Pepsi-Cola North America president and CEO Dawn Hudson.
Global warming and vineyards
9/28/2006-Is global warming changing where the great wines of the world will be grown? For more, see http://www.slate.com/id/2150160.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Group calls for reform of low-income feeding programs
9/27/2006-This afternoon, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs released a report by its Agriculture Task Force containing a detailed set of recommendations for reform of the nation’s food and agriculture policies in the 2007 Farm Bill. The report was designed to turn the 2007 Farm Bill debate toward a new generation of food and agriculture policies that are consistent with national public health objectives and bring federal feeding programs in line with the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The report calls for more balance in federal feeding programs between supporting food access and fostering improved nutrition. Federal hunger and nutrition programs comprise more than half of the USDA budget and serve one in five Americans.
“U.S. taxpayers deserve a bigger public health return on the $51 billion a year they’re investing in feeding programs,” said Catherine Bertini, Task Force co-chair and former head of the USDA division that managed the hunger and nutrition programs. “We have a moral and economic obligation to stop subsidizing diets that may cause serious chronic illnesses.”
The report points out that although the nutrition education programs available to some clients of the feeding programs are based on federal dietary recommendations, their impact on the choices and health of feeding program beneficiaries has been limited for a variety of reasons.
“Given what we now know about diet and health, it’s a luxury our society can no longer afford,” added Bertini. “Providing healthy foods is the first step towards better health for all Americans.”
The Food Stamp program is by far the nation’s largest single feeding program, costing more than $31 billion in 2005. To encourage a healthier mix of food choices, the Task Force recommended changes to the program that would, for the first time ever, directly link the program to federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
These recommendations included: 1) making the least nutritious foods, such as candy, ineligible for food stamp coverage; 2) using market incentives to encourage purchase of typically under-consumed foods, such as fruits and vegetables; and 3) discouraging purchases of “empty calorie” foods.
“If we can apply the federal dietary guidelines to the school meals program, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t apply them to the Food Stamp and WIC Programs as well,” said Task Force member Mike Espy, who was Secretary of Agriculture when USDA was developing dietary guideline-based nutrition standards for federally subsidized school meals.” “It’s time to bring the food stamp program from the 1960s into the 21st century,” added Espy.
The Task Force recommended that purchasing requirements and food availability in the Women Infants and Children (WIC) program also be changed to better reflect federal dietary guidelines. Proposed USDA regulations to add fruits and vegetables as an eligible category for WIC food purchases need to be finalized. “We started moving WIC along the road to healthier diets for low-income expectant mothers and children with the expanded Farmers Market Nutrition Program,” said Gus Schumacher, Task Force co-chair and former USDA undersecretary. “It’s now time to finish the job by greatly expanding WIC mothers’ access to fruits and vegetables, reducing high-fat foods and increasing foods emphasized in the dietary guidelines.”
The “Section 32” food purchasing program was also targeted for reform by the Task Force, which recommended that the program “put nutrition first”. Typically Section 32 funds, which are generated by import duty receipts, are used to purchase farm commodities for use in school meals and other feeding programs, based on a decision linked to the abundance and price of the commodity. The Task Force proposed that purchases using Section 32 funds should be reallocated, using nutritional goals instead of commodity support.
The report also contains recommendations that would improve the effectiveness of renewable energy development programs, rural infrastructure development, conservation programs, and federal global food relief initiatives.
Copies of the full report can be obtained at: http://www.thechicagocouncil.org/current_tf_list.php.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
FDA posts guide on record keeping
9/26/2006-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the availability of a guidance entitled “Questions and Answers Regarding Establishment and Maintenance of Records (Edition 4).” The guidance responds to various questions raised about the Public Health Security
and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 and the agency's implementing regulation, which requires the establishment and maintenance of records by persons who manufacture, process, pack, transport, distribute, receive, hold, or import food in the U.S.
For more, see Federal Register of September 26, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 186, Page 56006-56007).
Almond Board issues fifth annual product development challenge
9/26/2006-The Almond Board of California has issued its fifth annual Almond Innovations challenge to food science and culinology university students: create an indulgent almond treat that contains a maximum of 200 calories. The contest pits student teams of budding product developers against one another in a race to create a new product concept that best fits the Almond Board’s exacting criteria. It’s a tall order, but the rewards are great, with the Gold prize winning team splitting $5,000 in cash and sending a representative to showcase and sample their product concept at the Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) 2007 Food Expo. Silver ($3,000) and Bronze ($2,000) prizes will also be awarded.
By offering food science and culinology students an opportunity to test their product development capabilities, the Almond Board of California seeks to generate imaginative but practical almond-based solutions to important consumer food trends. This year’s product category selection aims to satisfy the public’s documented and ongoing demand for “guiltless indulgence.” Starting with almonds (in any form) as an integral part of the formulation, contest rules limit calories per serving to 200 and require at least one nutrition statement that accords with Food and Drug Administration guidelines.
Concepts will be judged according to a 100-point system, with finalists selected by highest overall scores based on use of almonds (25%), marketability (20%), originality (20%), feasibility (20%) and nutrition (15%). The deadline for entries is December 15, 2006. Finalists will be judged and winner announced on April 2, 2007.
For more information about the fifth annual Almond Innovations Contest, or to download contest rules and an entry form, visit www.AlmondsAreIn.com/studentcontest.
Almond sensory lexicon developed
9/26/2006-The Almond Board of California has introduced a new Almond Sensory Lexicon. The lexicon was commissioned to satisfy a need for a sensory tool among food formulators, according to Karen Lapsley, director of scientific affairs of the Almond Board of California.
Conducted by Sensory Spectrum, Inc., the study aimed to develop a comprehensive sensory lexicon that encompassed the attributes of appearance, aroma, flavor and texture of untreated and processed almonds. For a copy of the lexicon, contact To order a complimentary copy of the Sensory Attributes of Almonds, contact the Almond Board at info@almondboard.com, or by calling 209-549-8262.
Monday, September 25, 2006
New, biobased method for making xylitol
9/25/2006-Genetically engineered bacteria that eat hemicellulose in corn fiber and other sources could set the stage for a new, biobased method of making xylitol, a mint-flavored sweetener used in chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash and other products. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) chemist Badal Saha and collaborators developed the modified bacteria -- patent-pending strains of Escherichia coli -- through a cooperative agreement with zuChem, Inc., of Chicago, and the Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation in Peoria, Ill. Xylitol is produced naturally by many fruits and vegetables, and even to some degree by the human body. It is used as a sugar substitute because it has one-third fewer calories, imparts a cool mint flavor, helps fight cavity-causing bacteria, and can pass through the human gut without involving insulin. Commercial-scale quantities are derived primarily from birch-wood fibers that have been subjected to a combination of acids, high pressure and temperature, chemical catalysts, and a series of separation and purification steps. But the process is expensive, and the resulting xylitol must be imported, primarily from Finland and China, notes Saha, who works at the ARS National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria. In studies at the center's Fermentation Biotechnology Research Unit, Saha and colleagues used an approach called metabolic pathway engineering to retool the enzyme-making machinery of E. coli bacteria so that they could convert two hemicellulose sugars -- xylose and arabinose -- into xylitol. At the laboratory scale, the bacteria were kept inside special biofermentors and fed a "broth" of corn fibers or other hemicellulose sources. The xylitol they excreted was later purified from the broth as a white, crystalline powder. Under the cooperative agreement, Saha is helping zuChem develop a commercial-scale process that could cut xylitol's production costs and open the door to its manufacture in the Unites States from corn and other homegrown crops.
Blackberry compound may inhibit cancer-promoting agents
9/25/2006-A patent-pending compound isolated from fresh blackberries may inhibit the expression of genes that are associated with cancer-promoting agents. The purified compound, cyanidin-3- glucoside (C3G), inhibited tumors from growing and spreading when used in animal test models. Scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) collaborated on the study. ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific research agency. C3G may one day become a key natural ingredient in new products formulated for their anti-cancer properties. Cell biologist Min Ding, with NIOSH in Morgantown, W. Va., and plant physiologist Shiow Wang, with the ARS Fruit Laboratory in Beltsville, Md., conducted the research with colleagues at West Virginia University-Morgantown. The study appears in a recent issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry. C3G is among a series of plant chemicals that are a subclass of flavonoids —- water-soluble plant pigments known for their antioxidative and antimicrobial effects. In another experimental model with immune-system-suppressed mice, the researchers studied lung cancer cells because of their relatively high tendency to spread to other organs. They found that the purified blackberry compound not only significantly reduced the amount of cancer cell growth in the mice, but also inhibited the spread of the cancer cells to other organs.
For the study, the researchers tested mice that had skin tumors. In one group, they found a significant reduction in the number and size of skin tumors among the mice that had been supplemented with C3G, when compared to those that had not been supplemented.
IFT Education Division sponsors writing competition
9/25/2006-Are you a food science student who can write? In an effort to bring attention to and promote the development of communication skills, IFT's Education Division is sponsoring a writing competition for undergraduate students. Employees/entry level scientists who can communicate technical and non-technical concepts succinctly will be in a better position to achieve management status after entering the work force. Monetary prizes will be awarded to the authors of the top three papers. The winning entry will be published in the Journal of Food Science Education (JFSE) for dissemination to a world-wide audience. Competition Guidelines Topic: Any technical subject or latest development in the food science and technology field that may be important to the consumer. The article must be written in non-technical language such that someone reading your local newspaper can understand the article. Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are majors in departments that have undergraduate or graduate programs in food science, nutrition, meat science, or dairy science, at any two or four-year college or university are eligible. Undergraduate students who will graduate in May or June 2007 are also eligible. Criteria: 800 words maximum. At least three technical or scientific references (which you used to write your article) should be cited in your submission. Reference citations should follow the Journal of Food Science format. References are not included in the 800 word maximum requirement. Submission: Entries must be submitted by the end of the day June 1, 2007 (your local standard time). Written entries must be submitted via e-mail as a word document to Denise Skonberg at Denise.Skonberg@umit.maine.edu.
Chiquita's revenue hurt by fresh produce concerns
9/25/2006-Chiquita Brands International, Inc. today announced two initiatives designed to enhance financial flexibility and reduce debt, with the aim of investing the company's resources in ways that help to create long-term shareholder value. The company announced that concerns over produce, such as the recent ones with spinach, and weak banana demand in Europe are hurting its results. Chiquita's board voted to discontinue the food company's quarterly cash dividend of 10 cents a share, and redirect the $17 million it would have paid out to investors to trimming debt and increasing the company's financial flexibility. The company also said it is considering the sale and lease-back of its ocean-going shipping fleet, the sale or outsourcing of related shipping assets and container operations, and entry into a long-term partnership to meet its international cargo needs.
FDA updates news on raw spinach
9/25/2006-Updating its announcements about the recent E. coli outbreak in raw spinach, to date, according to the U.S. FDA, 171 cases of illness due to E. coli O157:H7 infection have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including 27 cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), 92 hospitalizations and one death. And, 25 states have reported cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection. On September 22, 2006, two more firms initiated voluntary recalls: Triple B Corporation, doing business as S.T. Produce, of Seattle, Washington and Pacific Coast Fruit Company of Portland, Oregon. The FDA has expanded its Lettuce Safety Initiative, which was developed in response to recurring outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 in lettuce, to cover spinach. The primary goals of the initiative are to reduce public health risks by focusing on the product, agents and areas of greatest concern, and to alert consumers early and respond rapidly in the event of an outbreak. This initiative is based on the 2004 Produce Safety Action Plan, intended to minimize the incidence of food borne illness associated with the consumption of fresh produce.
Friday, September 22, 2006
EU to reform aid for banana producers
9/22/2006-The EU European Commission has proposed a reform of the aid scheme to banana producers. The proposal aims to bring the system into line with reforms in the other agricultural sectors, while ensuring a fair standard of living for EU banana producers and taking account the particularities of the regions where bananas are grown. For more, see the EU press release.
New guide outlines dairy nutrition claims and labeling
9/22/2006-The National Dairy Council® (NDC) has developed the Quick-Reference Guide: Nutrition Claims on Dairy Products, a comprehensive guide to dairy product nutrition claims and labeling rules. The guide focuses on nutrition and health-related claims that represent potential opportunities for use with fluid milk, cheese and yogurt products. The guide offers readers: A review of key nutrition labeling terms associated with claims; Explanation of the types of claims that manufacturers can use with dairy products; and Clarification of the regulations for applying those claims. To download the guide as a complete pdf or learn more about specific topics, see www.innovatewithdairy.com/claims.
Tyson to open new R&D center in early 2007
9/22/2006-During a webcast presentation at the Bank of America Investor Conference on Sept. 20, Wade Miquelon, chief financial officer at Tyson Foods, said the company is focused on becoming even better at creating demand. "We've done a good job in areas like innovation and branding, but we can do more," he said. "One intervention example is the company's new 'Discovery Center,' a research and development facility that will be a hub of innovation and consumer insights." This new complex, scheduled to open in early 2007 at the company's headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, will include a building that will house 18 test kitchens. In addition, a USDA-inspected pilot plant is being built to provide a manufacturing environment for product development and new concepts to improve "speed to market." In July, the company announced a $200-million cost cutting program that included laying off workers and eliminating unfilled positions. It has also raised prices on meat products and closed plants. Tyson is the largest U.S. producer of beef and chicken, and second largest in pork.
Is satiety the new goal?
9/22/2006-According to this BusinessWeek report by Pallavi Gogoi, several food companies claim their new low-calorie snacks and drinks can help keep the weight off by making you feel fuller.
Arista launches new website
9/22/2006-Arista Industries, a supplier of specialty marine and vegetable oils, has announced the launch of their new website at www.aristaindustries.com. The site is designed to enable developers of food, nutraceutical, cosmetic and other types of products to select from Arista’s list of oils and request samples and information online. Arista’s marine oils include Omega-3s, Cod Liver Oil, Salmon Oil and many others. Vegetable Oils include a wide range of oils from seeds, nuts, vegetables and fruits. Arista also offers a variety of specialty oils and butters such as shea butter and cocoa butter. The site also provides technical information about many of these products, background on the company, and a description of Arista’s quality assurance process.
Cases rise to 157 as spinach E. coli investigation continues
9/22/2006-On Thursday, the U.S. FDA increased the number of cases from illness due to E. coli infection in raw spinach has increased to 157. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the cases included 27 cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), 83 hospitalizations, and one death. Illnesses continue to be reported to CDC. On Wednesday, RLB Food Distributors of West Caldwell, N.J., began a voluntary recall of eight products that may contain fresh spinach with an "Enjoy Thru" date of Sept. 20. Those are: Balducci's Mesclun Mix 5 oz., Balducci's Organic Baby Spinach 5 oz., Balducci's Mixed Greens 5 oz., FreshPro Mesclun Mix 5 oz., FreshPro Organic Baby Spinach 5 oz., FreshPro Mixed Greens 5 oz., FreshPro Salad Mix with Italian Dressing 4.75 oz. and FreshPro Salad Mix with Ranch Dressing 5.25 oz. RLB joined Natural Selection Foods of San Juan Bautista, Calif., which said Sept. 15 it's recalling all products containing spinach distributed with "Best if Used by Dates" of Aug. 17 through Oct. 1, and River Ranch, based in Salinas, Calif., which began recalling its packages of spring mix containing spinach on Sept. 17.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Frutarom to market extract to diabetes patients
9/20/2006-Flavor company Frutarom has signed a licensing agreement with D-Herb, of the NGT technological incubator in Nazareth, Israel, to produce and market a herbal extract for the reduction and stabilization of glucose levels in the blood of diabetes and pre-diabetes patients. The company claims that the extract reduces HbA1c levels in diabetes Type 2 patients. The claims, according to the company, are supported by clinical trials. Frutarom intends to market and sell this extract to the nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, functional food and health food industries, as part of its natural product portfolio.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
FMC BioPolymer announces price increase
9/19/2006-FMC BioPolymer, an operating unit of FMC Corp., announced today that effective November 1, 2006, it will increase prices for food and pharmaceutical brand products by 5-10%. Depending on the product line, increases will be applied to list pricing and as contracts permit. Additionally, FMC will continue to pass on increases levied by freight carriers to customers who have delivered pricing. According to the company, significant, sustained cost increases in energy, raw materials, and freight are the factors driving this action. Energy-related costs have increased significantly over the past several years, impacting plant operations and shipping. Costs of critical raw materials, including seaweed and pulp, have also risen dramatically during the same period.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Canadians also warn about spinach
9/18/2006-The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume various brands of fresh spinach, described below, packaged in the United States, because the products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 bacteria. For more
CFIA press release.
Pre-made lunches scored
9/18/2006-Slate has an article with some comments and scoring of pre-made lunches from Kraft, Norwegian Jake’s, Armour and others. We would have given those Smucker's Uncrustables a much higher score.
Dairy Crest may sell cheese operations
9/18/2006-Dairy Crest confirmed that it is in negotiations with First Milk regarding a possible sale of part of its retailer brand cheese operations. According to the company, these discussions are ongoing and there can be no certainty that this will result in a transaction. A further announcement will be made if appropriate.
FDA warns of botulism in carrot juice
9/18/2006-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers of the vital importance of keeping carrot juice -- including pasteurized carrot juice -- refrigerated. There are three cases of botulism in the state of Georgia associated with pasteurized carrot juice that may have been because the product was not properly refrigerated. FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and health authorities in Georgia have been closely monitoring and continue to investigate these three cases of foodborne botulism. For more, see the FDA press release.
FDA updates spinach warning
9/18/2006-On Sunday, September 17, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it will continue to provide the public with regular updates on the E. coli O157:H7 spinach outbreak each day until further notice. For more, see http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/spinach.html
IFT experts speak on spinach
9/18/2006-Several IFT Food Science Communicators provided insight to the food safety alert on fresh spinach issued late last week by the U.S. FDA and updated over the weekend. For more see:
Philadelphia Inquirer - Don Schaffner
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/states/pennsylvania/15536084.htm
New York Times – Dean Cliver
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/17/weekinreview/17basicB.html
Sacramento Bee - Dean Cliver
http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/24394.html
San Francisco Chronicle - Dean Cliver
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/09/16/SPINACH.TMP&type=health
ABC News Good Morning America – Roger Clemens
http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2447619&page=1
WABC TV 7 New York - Roger Clemens
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=7on_call&id=4572385
Time – Mike Doyle
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1535476,00.html.
Friday, September 15, 2006
GM rice not likely to pose safety concern
9/15/2006-The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) GMO Panel has evaluated the available scientific data on the genetically modified rice, LLRICE601. According to the statement of the Panel issued today there is insufficient data to provide a full risk assessment in accordance with EFSA’s GM guidance. On the basis of the available molecular and compositional data and the toxicological profile of a newly introduced protein, the Panel considers that the consumption of imported long grain rice containing trace levels of LLRICE601 is not likely to pose an imminent safety concern to humans or animals. The Panel Statement will now be forwarded to the European Commission and Member States who are responsible for risk management measures in relation to LLRICE601.
The Panel was asked by the European Commission to provide scientific support concerning the safety of the long grain GM rice LLRICE601 which had been inadvertently released in the United States (US) and exported to the European Union (EU). EFSA was asked to examine the scientific data available and inform the European Commission if these data were sufficient to carry out a safety assessment according to EU legislation.
For more see
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press_room/press_release/llrice601.html
PepsiCo reorganizes North American business
9/15/2006-PepsiCo announced today it has created a new structure for its North American businesses and that veteran leader John Compton has been appointed to the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer for North America, effective immediately. Compton will report to the corporation's President and CEO-designate, Indra Nooyi, who will assume the CEO role on October 1. Current PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Steve Reinemund announced his plans last month to retire as CEO on October 1 and to retire as Chairman in May, 2007. "This structure will provide even greater coordination across PepsiCo and is the logical next step in the 'Power of One' initiatives we have been pursuing for over a decade. It strikes the proper balance between the leadership and collaboration required to generate continued growth in our North American businesses while maintaining the independence of the divisions which has been such an instrumental part of PepsiCo's success," said Nooyi. "Our individual businesses are headed by extraordinary leaders who are doing an excellent job running their operations, yet there is unquestionably more value to be realized by approaching our consumers and retail partners as a fully integrated enterprise." PepsiCo's worldwide operations will now be organized into two entities reporting to Nooyi: the new North American division, and the existing PepsiCo International (PI) division, which was formed in 2003 and is led by Mike White. In addition to serving as CEO of PI, White is also Vice Chairman of the corporation and a member of PepsiCo's board of directors.
FDA warns of E. coli outbreak in bag spinach
9/15/2006-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing an alert to consumers about an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in multiple states that may be associated with the consumption of produce. To date, preliminary epidemiological evidence suggests that bagged fresh spinach may be a possible cause of this outbreak.
Based on the current information, FDA advises that consumers not eat bagged fresh spinach at this time. Individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming bagged spinach are urged to contact their health care provider.
“Given the severity of this illness and the seriousness of the outbreak, FDA believes that a warning to consumers is needed. We are working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local agencies to determine the cause and scope of the problem,” said Dr. Robert Brackett, Director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).
E. coli O157:H7 causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death. To date, 50 cases of illness have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including 8 cases of HUS and one death.
At this time, the investigation is ongoing and states that have reported illnesses to date include: Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin.
FDA will keep consumers informed of the investigation as more information becomes available.
Scripps and McDonald's to collaborate on obesity research
9/15/2006-The Scripps Research Institute and McDonald's announced a collaboration regarding research and educational initiatives to drive progress toward a solution to childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes. McDonald's will contribute $2 million to The Scripps Research Institute to address these critical health issues facing America's youth.
"More than 13 percent of children and adolescents in the United States are overweight and the number is growing at a critical rate," said Richard A. Lerner, M.D., president of The Scripps Research Institute.
"With obesity often comes debilitating, even fatal Type 2 diabetes. These are epidemics that America cannot ignore. The McDonald's and Scripps Research alignment represents advancement in the effort to change the landscape of these severe pediatric health issues, and to find solutions that will benefit future generations of healthy adults in America."
The relationship unites Scripps Research's world-renowned scientists committed to groundbreaking scientific research addressing pediatric health concerns with McDonald's 50-year legacy of supporting programs that promote children's health and wellness.
The biomedical research will be under the auspices of the newly created McDonald's Center for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity.
Novazone names new CEO
9/15/2006-Novazone, a provider of technology solutions for food and water including advanced, ozone-based applications, announced today the appointment of David Cope to the position of president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Previously, Mr. Cope held the company’s chief marketing officer position, and succeeds Paul White.
With more than 25 years of engineering, sales, marketing and executive management experience for high profile technology businesses, Cope joined Novazone in 2004 adding a new dimension and perspective to building a successful company. Under Mr. Cope’s leadership, the company will accelerate its focus on developing new and differentiated clean technology solutions that will enable customers worldwide to deliver high quality food and water products without the use of harmful chemicals.
Titanium dioxide as a color additive
9/15/2006-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is confirming the effective date of July 5, 2006, for the final rule that appeared in the Federal Register of June 2, 2006 (71 FR 31927). The final rule amended
the color additive regulations to provide for the safe use of titanium dioxide coated mica-based pearlescent pigments as color additives in the following foods: Cereals, confections and frostings, gelatin
desserts, hard and soft candies (including lozenges), nutritional supplement tablets and gelatin capsules, and chewing gum. For more, see the Federal Register.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Organic foods company expands operations
9/14/2006-Organic foods company, SunOpta today provided an update on a number of expansion projects within the Company's SunOpta Food Group operations.
In order to meet increased demand for healthy roasted snacks and ingredients, the Company has completed an expansion of its roasting and packaging facility, Dakota Gourmet, located in Wahpeton, North
Dakota. Dakota Gourmet had reached full capacity at the end of 2005 in this facility where the Company processes, roasts and packages organic and natural food snacks from corn, soy and sunflower. The expanded
facility will add approximately 50% further capacity and allow for continued growth in a market which is growing at 30% per year.
In order to meet continued demand for the Company's oat and soy fiber products, the Company has commenced expansion of capacity by an average of 20% at its fiber plants located in Louisville, Kentucky, Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Cambridge, Minnesota. Demand for oat and soy fibers continues to grow as many food products add fiber for fortification purposes, aimed at improving the nutritional content of foods in today's market place. These expansions will be implemented
over the next six months.
SunOpta also announced that it has signed a lease for a new 95,000 square foot organic grocery distribution center in Richmond, British Columbia required to accommodate strong growth in the Western Canadian
market in organic and natural food products. This new facility will feature 30 foot ceilings to increase efficiency and utilize state-of-the-art warehousing systems and innovative technologies and should be ready for occupancy in August 2007. These facilities will result in the consolidation of two locations currently leased by the SunOpta Canadian Food Distribution Group in the Vancouver area.
As a result of increasing demand for the Company's natural and organic dried fruit bars, an expansion of drying and processing capabilities at the Fruit Group's facility located in Omak, Washington, has commenced. This expansion will increase throughput by
70% and will be completed by December 2006.
Steve Bromley, President and Chief Operating Officer commented "We continue to strategically expand our operating capabilities in response to demand for our healthy product offerings. This is a most exciting time for SunOpta as healthy eating trends converge to create significant opportunities for the Company."
AACC names new editor
9/14/2006-AACC International announced that Daniel Best, president of Best Vantage, Inc., is the new executive editor of its publication, Cereal Foods World (CFW).
As executive editor, Best will direct editorial content and coverage of industry events. "AACC International has offered me a wonderful and timely opportunity to take the editorial helm of CFW," Best said. "I trust that the grain-based food industry will find me to be a committed advocate for evolution through innovation in our industry at a time of incredible global changes in the science, technology, and regulation of grain-based foods."
Best replaces longtime CFW executive editor, Jody Grider, who is moving into a new position at the association's headquarters.
Best has more than 25 years of experience in food science research, nutrition, product development, ingredient marketing, and new business development in the food and nutritional products industries. In addition to founding BEST VANTAGE, Inc., he co-founded Pasteurized Eggs Corporation (now National Pasteurized Eggs), and served for eight years as technical director/editor of Prepared Foods Magazine.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
McDonald’s posts corporate responsibility report
9/13/2006-McDonald's has posted its third Corporate Responsibility Report. Entitled "Open Doors," the report, according to the company, is a transparent look at the company's social responsibility progress. It focuses on the progress the company is making in three areas of the company's Plan to Win strategy - Products, People and Place. It covers subjects such as company’s relation to the environment, people practices, animal welfare, sustainability, philanthropy, employment and diversity. For more, see http://www.mcdonalds.com/corp/values.html
AACC approves glycemic carbohydrates definitions
9/13/2006-AACC International’s Board of Directors has approved definitions related to glycemic carbohydrates as part of a continuing effort to improve communication and understanding of how the carbohydrate content of a given food will affect blood glucose levels.
The association’s Glycemic (Net) Carbohydrate Definition Committee, led by Julie Miller Jones, utilized a scientific review process, feedback from open forums, and input from carbohydrate workshops and symposia and adopted the following definitions:
Available carbohydrate is carbohydrate that is released from a food in digestion and which is absorbed as monosaccharides and metabolized by the body.
Glycemic response is the change in blood glucose concentration induced by ingested food.
Glycemic carbohydrate is carbohydrate in a food which elicits a measurable glycemic response after ingestion.
Glycemic impact is the weight of glucose that would induce a glycemic response equivalent to that induced by a given amount of food
These definitions represent in vivo responses to food ingestion and are determined via carbohydrate concentration in the blood and/or degree of excretion from the body via feces or urine.
"The quality of fat type on nutrition has been a focus of nutrition for a long time and now the quality of carbohydrate and its nutritional impact has become important," said Julie Miller Jones, chair of the Glycemic (Net) Carbohydrate Definition Committee and professor of Food Safety and Nutrition, College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, MN. "The work of this committee was to try to define the terms so that food manufacturers might know what terms to use," Jones said.
The vigorous discussions of the committee regarding the usefulness of glycemic impact in health promotion and the validity of the measurement reflect discussions in the scientific community worldwide. Further research and more ongoing debate are needed in defining, measuring, and expressing the glycemic response to foods and in using this in selection of diets that promote health.
AACC International will hold an open forum to hear how the Glycemic (Net) Carbohydrate Definition Committee developed these definitions and gather input on further research needed. The Glycemic Carbohydrate Forum will be held during the World Grains Summit in San Francisco, CA, at the Moscone Convention Center on Monday, September 18, from 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. in Room 300.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Kraft reorganizes management team
9/12/2006-Kraft Foods Inc. announced a new executive team that will sharpen the company's focus on innovation, marketing and growth. The nine members of Kraft's executive team report to Rosenfeld, who was named CEO in June 2006. These management changes are effective immediately.
"Our new team will build a Kraft that is bolder, more agile, more creative and more focused," said Irene Rosenfeld, Chief Executive Officer of Kraft Foods. "We're putting more day-to-day decision-making in the hands of our North American sectors and international regions - the people closest to our consumers, customers and markets. And, we will focus more intensely on consumers' evolving food and beverage needs to take full advantage of our broad product portfolio and to accelerate growth."
Kraft is taking a number of actions to support these objectives.
Jeri Finard has been named to the newly created position of EVP & Chief Marketing Officer to lead Consumer Innovation & Marketing Services. This new group merges the company's Global Category Development and Global Marketing Resources & Initiatives (GMRI) functions. As a result of combining these two groups, Paula Sneed, EVP of GMRI, has chosen to leave Kraft after a transition period. During this time, she will advise the company on a number of marketing excellence initiatives.
Rick Searer has been named EVP & President of Kraft North America Commercial (KNAC). Under Searer's leadership, the Presidents who head the five North American sectors and North America Foodservice will have significantly more authority to run their respective businesses. He has been with the company for 25 years, most recently serving as Group Vice President & President, North America Convenient Meals Sector - currently the company's fastest-growing North American sector. Given the redefined roles within KNAC and a desire to pursue his own career aspirations, Dave Johnson, EVP & President of KNAC, has chosen to leave the company.
Some time ago, Hugh Roberts, EVP & President of Kraft International Commercial (KIC), informed the company of his intention to retire. An external search has been under way for his replacement. Roberts will stay on until early next year to assist with the transition.
David Brearton has been named EVP, Global Business Services & Strategy, which includes responsibility for areas such as information systems, business process improvement, and mergers and acquisitions. Alene Korby will continue in her role as EVP & Chief Information Officer, reporting to Brearton, while also assuming leadership for managing the company's outsourced and shared services. Linda Hefner, EVP, Global Strategy & Business Development, has expressed a desire to pursue an opportunity outside the company and will leave Kraft following a transition period.
Marc Firestone has been named to the newly created position of EVP, Corporate & Legal Affairs and General Counsel. He will lead the company's communications, government affairs, community involvement, law and compliance activities.
Continuing in their current roles are: Jim Dollive, EVP & Chief Financial Officer; Karen May, EVP, Global Human Resources; Jean Spence, EVP, Global Technology & Quality; and Franz-Josef Vogelsang, EVP, Global Supply Chain.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Aga Foodservice acquires Amana
9/11/2006-Aga Foodservice Group, the international manufacturer of foodservice equipment and cookers for home installation, has acquired Amana Commercial Microwaves from the Whirlpool Corp. for $49.25 million in cash.
Amana Commercial, a leader in commercial microwave oven sales, makes equipment specifically customized for many leading U.S. foodservice quick service and casual dining restaurant chains. It has a strong new product pipeline and is developing a new generation of combined-technology microwave and convection ovens that will compete in the growing accelerated cooking market. A quarter of Amana Commercial's's sales are now made outside the USA.
Based in the town of Amana, Iowa, Amana Commercial's administration and production facilities are currently integrated into Whirlpool's domestic refrigeration complex. As a result of its agreement with Aga, Amana Commercial will move to a new site within two years. A related $4 million investment program by Aga will endeavor to cut Amana Commercial's operating costs and raise efficiencies.
For Aga, the purchase of Amana Commercial represents just the latest step in an ongoing acquisition and expansion strategy. Aga will now be able to team Amana Commercial's category-leading technologies with those from Eloma, the German combi-oven maker acquired in February of this year, Stellar Steam, acquired last year, and rapidly growing Infinity fryers to offer specifiers and end-users a portfolio of prime cooking solutions at the cutting edge of foodservice equipment performance and design.
A.M. Todd appoints new president
9/11/2006-A.M. Todd announced the appointment of Raymond J. Hughes as President of its Flavors & Ingredients Division. Hughes has more than 26 years of experience in the flavor industry. Prior to his move to A.M. Todd, Hughes served as President at Symrise and formerly he headed the North American business for DRAGOCO following the DRAGOCO/ H & R merger.
“Ray’s move from Symrise delivers a wealth experience to A.M. Todd. His strategic abilities will help us transform our flavor division from a mint oil supplier to a leading provider of niche, technology-driven flavor solutions in the confectionary, oral care and beverage segments.” Said Henry W. Todd, Chairman and CEO, A.M. Todd Group, Incorporated.
Hughes adds, “A. M. Todd is an exciting company with global resources that stretch from agricultural level to the consumer. Its technology pipeline also makes Todd a perfect innovation partner for marketers. I am thrilled to be part of this team.”
What is the best time to pick grapes for wine?
9/11/2006-A Modesto winemaker is using the latest 21st century analytical chemistry technology to supplement the time-honored practice of tasting a mouthful of grapes to determine when the fruit is ready for picking.
The winery has turned to spectroscopy and chromatography to evaluate aroma, color, taste and mouthfeel of grapes, according to Michael Cleary, senior manager of grape and wine chemistry at E & J Gallo Winery, who described the firm's Grape Assessment Program at the 232nd national meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society. Annual California wine production is currently a $16.5 billion industry.
Chromatography is a laboratory process for chemically separating mixtures into their component parts. Using this process, grapes can be analyzed for their molecular makeup. Molecules indicative of aroma, taste and feel to the palate can be identified and the grapes then harvested when these molecules are at their highest concentrations, Cleary explains.
The purpose of using analytical chemistry testing, he says, is to complement historical time-consuming -- though still useful -- evaluation methods like chewing the grapes to best determine when to pick them. "It takes good grapes to make good wine and we're trying to improve our predictions of when to harvest," he says. The pharmaceutical, petroleum, food and beverage industries, and others also use technologies like chromatography to assess their products, he adds.
Cleary's presentation is one of four papers in a Chemistry of Wine symposium, that was held Sunday afternoon, Sept. 10, and sponsored by the ACS Younger Chemists Committee. The other papers deal with wine flavor chemistry, an overview of the chemistry of winemaking and the world of the winemaking consultant. For more, see Grape characterization in a production environment.
Cranberry juice compounds may be alternatives to antibiotics
9/11/2006-Compounds in cranberry juice have the ability to change E. coli bacteria, a class of microorganisms responsible for a host of human illnesses (everything from kidney infections to gastroenteritis to tooth decay), in ways that render them unable to initiate an infection. The results of this new research by scientists at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) suggest that the cranberry may provide an alternative to antibiotics, particularly for combating E. coli bacteria that have become resistant to conventional treatment.
The new findings, which were presented on Sunday, Sept. 10, at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Francisco, for the first time begin to paint a detailed picture of the biochemical mechanisms that may underlie a number of beneficial health effects of cranberry juice that have been reported in other studies over the years.
For more, see Effects of cranberry juice on the physicochemical properties of Escherichia coli and uroepithelial cells and Effects of Vaccinium macrocarpon on the adhesion activity of Escherichia coli to uroepithelial cells.
Omega Protein to purchase shares
9/11/2006-Omega Protein Corp., a leading producer of omega-3 fish oil and specialty fish meal products, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement with its 58% stockholder, Zapata Corp., to purchase from Zapata 9,268,292 shares of Omega's common stock at a purchase price of $5.125 per share. The aggregate purchase price for the shares, which represent 36.8% of Omega's outstanding common stock, will be $47.5 million. At the closing of the transaction, Zapata's two representatives, Avram A. Glazer and Leonard DiSalvo, will resign from Omega's Board of Directors.
Omega has received a commitment letter from Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. for the purpose of financing the purchase of the 9,268,292 shares. The commitment provides for a five-year, $35 million term loan and a five-year, $30 million revolving credit facility which will replace Omega's existing $20 million credit facility with a commercial bank.
Coca-Cola opens plant in Afghanistan
9/11/2006-On September 10, 2006, President Hamid Karzai inaugurated the a new Coca-Cola bottling plant in Kabul, Afghanistan. The non-alcoholic beverages production plant has been set up on a 60,000 square meters plot in the Bagrami Industrial Area.
The substantial investment of up to 25 million US Dollars made in the Coca-Cola Kabul Plant is seen as a significant endorsement of the Afghan Government's efforts to push ahead with the country's reconstruction on all fronts and to attract local and foreign investment.
The bottling facilities are operated under Habib Gulzar Non-Alcoholic Beverages Ltd, a company owned by a local businessman. Mr. Habib Gulzar, the Chairman of the Plant revealed that the production in Afghanistan will initially comprise of the core carbonated beverage brands of The Coca-Cola Company, namely Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite.
Both PET and returnable glass bottle production lines have been installed and are operational. The facility is designed to produce bottled water and other non-alcoholic beverages in the future in addition to the initial production of carbonated beverages.
Coca-Cola's business in Afghanistan will be managed by Southern Eurasia Region, headquartered in Istanbul. Mr. Selcuk Erden, President of Southern Eurasia Region of The Coca-Cola Company, described the significance of this investment as a global brand helping to bring commerce, jobs and normalcy in Afghanistan.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Microbiology meetings to be held in September
9/08/2006-The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today that the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) will hold public meetings Sept. 18 - 22, 2006. Issues to be discussed include: The Subcommittee on Determination of Cooking Parameters for Safe Seafood for Consumers will meet on Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 18 and 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Subcommittee on Assessment of the Food Safety Importance of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis will meet on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 20 and 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All subcommittee meetings will be held at the Aerospace Building, 901 D St., SW., Room 369, Washington, D.C. The full committee will meet on Friday, Sept. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the conference room at the south end of the U.S. Department of Agriculture South Building cafeteria, 1400 Independence Ave, SW., Washington, D.C. Further information on agenda items will be available prior to the meeting at: www.fsis.usda.gov/news/meetings_&events
The Determination of Cooking Parameters for Safe Seafood for Consumers; and
Assessment of the Food Safety Importance of Mycobacterium avian subspecies paratuberculosis.
Portion distortion may contribute to obesity
9/08/2006-New research shows that people's perceptions of normal portion sizes have changed in the past 20 years. A study from Rutgers University published in the September issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reports that "portion distortion" may be the cause. This phenomenon occurs when consumers perceive large portion sizes as appropriate amounts to eat at a single time. "It has previously been established that portion sizes of virtually all foods and beverages served at restaurants and packaged for single-serve have dramatically increased over the last two decades," said Jaime Schwartz, M.S., R.D., who was a graduate student at Rutgers at the time of this study and now works with food and beverage clients at Ketchum, a public relations agency. "Our study compared what people perceive to be a typical portion size now to what was perceived as typical two decades ago, before portions began to grow. We also compared current perceptions of typical portions to reference portion sizes, defined in this study as the serving size on the nutrition facts panel." This study replicated one that was done 20 years ago in which participants were asked to serve themselves the amount they considered to be a typical portion of each meal item on a buffet table. To follow this model, Schwartz and co-author Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, Ph.D., R.D., enrolled 177 young adults to participate. All were invited to attend one meal, selecting typical portions of a total of eight meal items at breakfast or six at lunch and dinner. Food and beverage choices mirrored the study of 20 years ago to permit valid comparisons between typical portions over time. Interestingly, most foods with drastically different portion sizes over the two decades were all served from and consumed from a cup or bowl. For example, typical portions of orange juice were more than 40 percent larger in the present day study than they were 20 years ago. In nutritional terms, this larger amount of orange juice provides 50 additional calories and could equal a five-pound weight gain over the course of one year if consumed on a daily basis. Participants in the present study served themselves nearly 20 percent more cornflakes and poured almost 30 percent more milk on their cereal than participants 20 years ago. On average, less than 45 percent of portions selected at the breakfast meal were within 25 percent of the reference portion size. For the lunch and dinner meals, around 30 percent of portions were within 25 percent of the reference portion size. This strongly suggests that the amount of food thought to be appropriate to eat at one sitting is different than what the nutrition facts panel indicates to be a single serving size. "With portions being distorted to this degree, it's no surprise that people's waistlines are expanding," Byrd-Bredbenner remarked. The good news is that efforts to educate the public to limit certain foods that add excess calories may have been successful. For example, the typical portion size of salad dressing was significantly smaller in the current study than typical portions selected in the study done 20 years ago. The message that even nutritious foods (e.g., tossed salad) can become less healthy when calorically dense items (e.g., salad dressing) are used excessively, may have become well understood over the past two decades. Although the causes of obesity are multi-factorial, the incidence of obesity has increased over the past two decades in parallel with increasing portion sizes, and portion distortion may be a contributing factor. "Our society wants the 'bang for our buck,' and when portions are served to us that we think are small we feel short-changed," commented Schwartz. "But we need to start 'undistorting' what we perceive to be a typical portion and begin to listen to our stomachs, not our eyes, to determine when to put the fork down."
FDA report on food allergen cross-contact
9/08/2006-The US FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has posted a report in response to the directive to the Secretary of Health and Human Services in section 204 of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004. The report addresses multiple issues relating to cross-contact with food allergens during food manufacture and distribution and the use of, and consumer preferences about, advisory labeling.
South Korea resumes beef imports
9/08/2006-South Korea on Sept. 7 announced that it would resume the importation of U.S. boneless beef from cattle less than 30 months of age. In a statement, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said, "Although the agreement was signed back in January, several months of cooperative effort between our two countries have been necessary, which included two visits by Korean audit teams to confirm the efficacy of the U.S. inspection system." Korea is an important beef market for the U.S. In 2003, the United States exported more than $814 million worth of beef to Korea, with boneless beef accounting for $449 million.
New CEO at Gelita
9/08/2006-On September 1, 2006, Michael Witzel was appointed new Chairman of the Management Board of Gelita AG. He takes over from Jörg Siebert, who retired from the company as from August 31, 2006. Witzel was previously Executive Vice President of Degussa AG and prior to that Member of the Management Board of SKW Trostberg AG. In both positions he was responsible for natural products in the areas of food additives, gelatine, and salt. Gelita AG, with headquarters in Eberbach/Neckar, is a manufacturer of gelatine and collagen hydrolysate and maintains production plants in Europe, North America, South America and in the Asian-Pacific Area. The group employs some 2800 people worldwide and generated a turnover of 428 million Euros in 2005.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Mitsui Foods signs agreement with Yantai
9/07/2006-Mitsui Foods, Inc. signed, as of August 10, 2006, an exclusive distributorship agreement with Yantai North Andre Juice Co., Ltd. (YNA), a leading Chinese processor in the apple and pear concentrate and by-product industry. This agreement provides MFI with exclusive distribution in the United States and Canada for YNA’s apple juice concentrate, pear juice concentrate and apple essence. MFI is a subsidiary of Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc., and an ultimate wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. of Japan -- one of the world’s largest corporations with 172 offices in over 72 countries as well as 582 subsidiaries and associated companies worldwide. The YNA products will be managed by MFI’s Ingredients Division where they will strengthen MFI’s product portfolio and supply base. The Ingredients Division will continue to focus its procurement and sales efforts in the ingredients and raw materials arena, particularly juice concentrates, organic juices and fruit products, essences, purees, citrus oils and flavor ingredients. The combined strengths of MFI and YNA will provide our customers with improved supply chain management and customer service. Commenting on the transaction, Gene Grant, Vice President and General Manager of the Ingredients Division, said, "The alignment with Yantai North Andre adds great value to the Ingredients Division. The supply chain capability that is forged by these alignments, and the strength that it brings to our portfolio, places Mitsui Foods, Inc. at the forefront of the apple and pear juice concentrate categories within the ingredients industry." Mitsui Foods, Inc. (MFI) has been a global resource in the food industry since 1953. MFI supplies a complete line of canned, pouch packed, glass packed, and frozen seafood, fruits, and vegetables to the foodservice, restaurant, and grocery trade. MFI’s products are sold under its flagship Empress brand, one of its other proprietary brands, or under a wide variety of national private brands. MFI headquarters are located in Norwood, New Jersey. MFI has affiliate offices on both coasts of the U.S., as well as supporting offices around the globe.
FAO presses for action on reducing hunger
9/07/2006-Reducing hunger and extreme poverty is a prerequisite for achieving the international community's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Dr Jacques Diouf, said in Rome today. Addressing a high-level advisory committee set up to help FAO respond more effectively to the challenge of meeting the MDGs by 2015, Dr Diouf said achieving the eight objectives "will test the international community's political will to deal with a number of global problems and unite behind actions required for solving them." "I believe you share my conviction that reducing hunger and extreme poverty is the key to achieving all the MDGs," Diouf declared. "We stand very little chance of achieving the rest of the goals -- environment, education, child mortality, maternal health, gender equality, HIV/AIDS -- unless the first MDG is achieved," he added. Diouf noted that, as the lead UN agency for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development, virtually all of the organization's activities -- including monitoring, analysis, resource mobilization, partnership building and field activities -- supported progress towards the MDGs. "But I have a sense that our efforts need to be more focused and participative to be really effective," he continued. In order to strengthen FAO's capacity to meet the challenge ahead, he had therefore initiated an extensive reform of the Organization, a process that was also intended to foster increased cooperation with the rest of the UN system.
Small explosion at MGPI packaging facility
9/07/2006-A packaging facility owned by MGP Ingredients, Inc. at 13th and Commercial Streets in Atchison, Kansas, was damaged by a small explosion that occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. yesterday. There were no injuries. According to company officials, the structural integrity of the building did not appear to be harmed. Products being stored in adjacent warehouse space are undergoing a thorough inspection, but so far show no signs of being damaged. The packaging facility is used for bagging the company's wheat protein and wheat starch products. It was constructed in 1987. "Although this accident has momentarily disrupted our packaging operations, we do not anticipate any significant or long-term impact on our business or on our ability to effectively supply customers," said Tim Newkirk, chief operating officer. "Most of all, we are extremely grateful and most fortunate that no one was injured." Newkirk praised workers for their alertness and also commended local firefighters for their immediate response to the situation.
The cause of the incident and the total extent of damage are still being assessed. The most visible damage is at the northwest corner of the structure, where sections of metal siding were blown out. Damage to equipment used for packaging is being evaluated but appears to be minimal.
Glanbia acquires major U.S. nutritional business
9/07/2006-Glanbia plc, the international dairy foods and nutritional ingredients Group, announced on Sept. 6 the acquisition of a California based nutritional business, Seltzer Companies Inc., (Seltzer). The total consideration is US$105 million including US$80 million cash on completion and US$25 million deferred payments, which are contingent on the achievement of specific profit targets over the medium term. The transaction is subject to approval by the US Federal Trade Commission and completion is expected in October 2006. Seltzer is a U.S. nutritional solutions company with expertise in the development of customized nutrient formulations and the distribution of speciality ingredients for the nutritional supplement, food, and pharmaceutical markets. It specializes in the development and supply of bulk fine nutrients (amino acids, minerals, and vitamins) and nutritional premixes. Seltzer employs 94 people and services a customer base from three facilities in San Diego County. The business will continue to be run by the existing management team, led by Wayne Seltzer. According to the Glanbia's press release, this is a "significant acquisition for Glanbia: • Seltzer has a strong reputation with major food and beverage, nutritional supplements and pharmaceutical customers and advances Glanbia’s market position in these market sectors Glanbia Nutritionals provides science-based nutritional solutions for products with enhanced health benefits. This business produces a wide range of specialty whey proteins, dairy derived nutritional ingredients, minerals and vitamins. Glanbia Nutritionals supplies ingredients for use in ready-to-drink/powdered beverages, nutritional bars, dairy products, snacks, and confectionary products across a range of sectors such as sports nutrition and weight management. Glanbia Nutritionals has operations in the U.S., Ireland, Germany, and the UK and sales offices in China, Brazil, and Uruguay. John Moloney, group managing director of Glanbia, commented, "Consumers world-wide are increasingly aware of the link between diet and health and as a result key sectors within the global nutritional market, such as functional foods and nutritional supplements, are growing very strongly. The acquisition of Seltzer Companies, Inc., combined with our existing Nutritionals business, which is performing well, gives Glanbia a strong growth platform to develop a global Nutritionals business and will be earnings enhancing in 2007. It also advances the international development of the Group into key global growth markets. We welcome Wayne Seltzer and his team to the Group."
• Seltzer creates the opportunity to extend Glanbia’s major investment in innovation and clinical research in nutritional products with science-based health benefits; and
• Seltzer’s growth prospects broaden the potential for the Group’s US and international nutritional solutions business where Glanbia is a key supplier of nutritional premixes and functional customized formulations.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
IFT Volunteer leadership nominations
9/05/2006-Are you interested in serving IFT in a nationally- elected position? Do you know someone else who might be interested too? Just complete the online Volunteer Leadership Nomination Form. Nominations for positions which begin September 2007 are being accepted through October 6, 2006. Go to: Leadership Nomination Form.
DSM appoints new director of Food Specialties
9/05/2006-DSM has appointed Alexander Wessels to be Business Group Director DSM Food Specialties effective October 1, 2006. He is currently Group Director - Group Industrial Products at Campina, where he is responsible for the B2B pharma, nutrition, and food ingredients business worldwide via the Group's companies: DMV-International, Creamy Creation, Nutrifeed, and Campina International. Wessels studied Molecular Sciences at the University of Wageningen, the Netherlands, as well as Business Administration at the Krannert Graduate School of Management, USA. In his new position he will succeed Rob van Leen who has been appointed DSM's Chief Innovation Officer as of January 1, 2006. DSM Food Specialties produces value-added ingredient solutions for the international food and beverage industries.