Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Villa Enterprises opens test kitchen
11/26/2008-Global restaurant franchisor Villa Enterprises has opened Villa Fresh Food Lab, its new test kitchen located at the company’s headquarters in Morristown, N.J. The facility serves as the company’s research and development center for flavor exploration, menu development, taste testing, etc. for Villa quick service restaurant brands (Villa Pizza, Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen, Banana’s, Green Leaf’s, and South Philly Steaks and Fries), as well as its full service restaurants located in the New York metro area. “What’s unique about Villa enterprises and the Villa Fresh Food Lab is that we can pull from our 44 years of culinary expertise across the breadth of our restaurant brands, both full and quick service,” explained Villa Fresh Food Lab Corporate Chef Travis Young.
USDA tracks dissemination of parasite
11/26/2008-The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Agriculture Research Service (ARS) has found that human travel led to the dissemination of the parasite Trichinella spiralis. Trichinella spiralis can be found in the muscle tissue of a wide range of mammals and can infect humans who consume undercooked meat contaminated with the parasite. While it is no longer a threat to the U.S. food supply, the problem persists in some European countries. Scientists at the ARS Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory in Betsville, Md. used Trichinella DNA collected from 28 countries on four continents to evaluate potential links between parasite hosts, geographic distribution and species diversity. Although T. spiralis is believed to be 20 million years old, the scientists were surprised to find that parasite samples from Europe, North Africa, and the Americas could be grouped into a single “Western” strain of the parasite. This suggests that the T. spiralis found in Europe first evolved after the domestication of swine. According to the scientists, “settlers on their way to the New World and elsewhere traveled with swine for food, and some of these pigs were infected with T. spiralis.” Thus, the team concluded that human travel was the primary source of disseminating T. spiralis throughout the New World.
Cereal for breakfast leads to healthier habits
11/26/2008-A new study shows that eating cereal for breakfast is associated with healthier eating and increased physical activity throughout the day. The study, “Consumption of breakfast cereal is associated with positive health outcomes,” looked at evidence from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study, which recruited 2,379 girls age 9–10. The purpose of the study was to examine three possible explanations for the documented association between cereal consumption and positive health outcomes. The results showed that cereal eaten at breakfast provided more fiber, iron, folic acid, and zinc and less fat, sodium, sugar, and cholesterol, compared with the nutrients in foods eaten during other breakfasts. In addition, eating cereal for breakfast appeared to facilitate milk consumption (leading to increased calcium intake) and to displace fats/sweets, quick breads, soda, and meat/eggs as breakfast foods. Along with this, it led to increased consumption of fiber and carbohydrates and decreased consumption of fats throughout the day. Finally, eating cereal for breakfast led to greater physical activity during the day. As the study concludes, “cereal consumption as a part of a healthy lifestyle may play a role in maintaining adequate nutrient intake and physical activity among girls.” The study was published in Nutrition Research.
Top Thanksgiving foods
11/26/2008-The NPD Group, a market research company, has listed the top Thanksgiving meal foods consumed. They are: 1. Turkey Interestingly, only 30% of households will actually prepare a turkey on Thanksgiving Day, but 82% of consumers eat it. In addition, the consumption of pumpkin pie on this holiday will make it the second most popular pie in America for the year. Apple pie is number one because people eat it more often.
2. Potatoes
3. Vegetables
4. Pie
5. Stuffing
6. Fruit
7. Rolls
8. Salads
9. Bread
10. Sandwiches
Transporting broiler chicken spreads bacteria
11/26/2008-A study conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found increased levels of bacteria on surfaces and in the air inside cars traveling behind trucks that carry broiler chickens. Typically, broiler chickens are transported in open crates on the back of flatbed trucks with no barrier to prevent release of pathogens into the environment. The study was conducted on the Delmarva Peninsula—a coastal region shared by Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, which has one of the highest densities of broiler chickens per acre in the U.S. The researchers collected air and surface samples from cars driving two to three car lengths behind the poultry trucks for a distance of 17 miles. The cars were driven with the air conditioners and fans turned off and with the windows fully opened. Air samples collected inside the cars showed increased concentrations of bacteria (including antibiotic-resistant strains) that could be inhaled. The same bacteria were also found deposited on a soda can inside the car and on the outside door handle. The strains of bacteria collected were found to be resistant to three antimicrobial drugs widely used to treat bacterial infections in people. The study’s findings support the need for further exposure characterization, and attention to improving methods of biosecurity in poultry production. The findings are published in the Journal of Infection and Public Health.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
USDA requests comments on genetically engineered corn
11/25/2008-The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking public comment on a petition to deregulate corn genetically engineered to produce a microbial enzyme that facilitates ethanol production. The petition for deregulation was submitted by Syngenta Seeds, owned by Syngenta AG of Basel, Switzerland. Comments must be submitted on or before Jan. 20, 2009. Once the comment period is over, APHIS will deregulate the genetically engineered crop as long as it can conclude that the organism does not pose a plant pest risk. If deregulated, the product could be transported and planted without the requirement of permits or other regulatory oversight by APHIS. According to APHIS, “the scientific evidence indicates that there are unlikely to be any environmental, human health, or food safety concerns associated with the GE corn.”
Jian Joins D.D. Williamson
11/25/2008-D.D. Williamson, Louisville, Ky., has hired He Jian, Ph.D., to its Science and Innovation team. The new food science position was created to add strength to Science and Innovation efforts and manage increased demand from customers for application projects. Jian received his Ph.D. in Food Science & Technology from Ohio State Univ., where he studied anthocyanin properties.
Kellogg expands, funds Battle Creek revitalization
11/25/2008-According to an article in the Battle Creek Enquirer, Kellogg Co. has announced plans to build a 122,500-sq-ft building in downtown Battle Creek, Mich. It will enable the company to relocate approximately 680 employees who currently work in the city’s Porter Street office complex. While the building plan is still contingent on securing local and state incentives, it is expected to be operational in late 2010. This expansion has sparked the beginning of a complete redevelopment of downtown Battle Creek by economic development firm Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU). The $85 million proposed plan will include physical improvements to the downtown landscape and also focus on making the city a national leader in food science. As a part of this, the plans include creating a food science and technology development and commercialization program in which BCU will collaborate with area educators and employers to establish internship programs that will allow area students the opportunity to increase their awareness of career options available locally. In addition, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has approved up to $35 million to fund the various components of the plan. “We’ve sat here and been watching Grand Rapids re-invent itself in the area of health care and Kalamazoo re-invent itself with pharmaceuticals,” said Jim McHale, Kellogg Foundation Senior Vice President for programs. “This is an opportunity for the greater Battle Creek area to re-invent itself.”
Sabra Dipping Co. plans for new facility
11/25/2008-Sabra Dipping Co., a joint venture between PepsiCo and Strauss Group, has announced plans to open a plant in Richmond, Va. The $61 million facility is expected to start production in mid-2010, and will facilitate further production and development of the company’s refrigerated dips and spreads. “Strauss continues to invest in the refrigerated dips and spreads market under the growing health and wellness trend, together with PepsiCo, our strong strategic partner in the U.S. Sabra Dipping Co., which continues to grow at a strong rate, has become a leading company in North America,” said Giyora Bar Dea, CEO of Strauss North America. “Given the success and high potential of this activity, Strauss and Frito-Lay, a business unit of PepsiCo, have decided to continue investing in Sabra Dipping Co. and establish a state-of-the-art plant that would utilize the most advanced production technologies available today.”
Half of Americans losing trust in food supply
11/25/2008-According to a recent national food safety and labeling poll conducted by Consumer Reports National Research Center, American consumers are concerned about food safety, and they want the government to inspect the food supply more frequently. While 73% polled currently regard the overall food supply as safe, 48% said their confidence in the safety of the nation’s food supply is slipping. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspects domestic food production facilities once every five to 10 years, and foreign facilities less frequently. Two-thirds of respondents said the FDA should inspect domestic and foreign food-processing facilities at least once a month. Additionally, eight in 10 consumers strongly agree that when food safety problems arise, the FDA should disclose to the public the location of retailers who sold the potentially harmful food, including fish, produce, and processed foods, as the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) is currently required to do for meat. On Nov. 19, the USDA’s National Organic Standards Board approved standards that would allow organic fish farmers to use wild fish as part of their feed mix provided it did not exceed 25% of the total. Yet, 93% of Americans agree that fish labeled as organic should be produced by 100% organic feed. Finally, while the FDA recently proposed allowing meat or milk products from cloned or genetically engineered animals to be sold without labels, 94% of those polled believe that meat and dairy products from cloned animals should be labeled as such. As Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., Senior Scientist and Policy Analyst at Consumers Union explained, “The American public wants to know more about their food, where it comes from, how safe it is, and will vote with their dollars to support highly meaningful labels.”
Monday, November 24, 2008
Probiotics research grants available
11/24/2008-The Global Probiotics Council (GPC), a committee formed by Groupe Danone and Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd., announced the availability of two grants for the second annual Young Investigator Grant for Probiotics Research (YIGPRO). Each grant will provide $50,000 over one year, and this year the grant focus is on the role of probiotics and gastrointestinal microbiota in health and disease. The grants are designed to contribute to the advancement of probiotics and gastrointestinal microbiota research in the United States and to attract promising, young researchers into this field of study. The deadline for applications is Feb. 10, 2009. “Groupe Danone and Yakult Honsha are committed to benefiting human health by advancing research on probiotics,” said Sven Thormahlen, Executive Vice President R&D, Danone Research. “We established the GPC to raise awareness of probiotics and their health benefits through science-based education.” Researchers applying for the grant must be interested in understanding the health benefits of probiotics and the relationship among probiotics, gastrointestinal microbiota, and the body.
Symrise grows dairy flavor business
11/24/2008-Symrise Flavors, Teterboro, N.J., has formed a strategic business alliance with First Choice Ingredients of Germantown, Wis. The relationship is designed to secure and grow Symrise’s dairy flavor portfolio, particularly in enzyme modified diary (EMD) flavors. EMD flavors are important to product segments such as snacks, savory, dairy, and prepared foods. Symrise’s goal is to better leverage the fermentation competencies into other lipid- and protein-based substrates to further expand its portfolio of natural fermentation-derived flavor offerings. “After our acquisition of the Chr. Hansen Flavor and Seasoning business, it became clear that we would benefit from working with First Choice Ingredients as our strategic partner,” explained Matthias Guentert, President of Symrise Flavor & Nutrition North America. “Doing so would allow us to ensure a flawless supply of the acquired dairy flavors to our customers, and also enhance our dairy team by adding the Milwaukee group to our staff.”
General Mills to expand Albuquerque plant
11/24/2008-According to an article in the New Mexico Business Weekly, General Mills is planning to invest $100 million in an expansion of its existing Albuquerque, N.M., plant. The facility currently employs about 190 people, but the new addition will add about 160,000 sq ft and employ 60. The addition will focus on manufacturing snack products. New Mexico Business Weekly article
PepsiCo to invest up to $3 billion in Mexico
11/24/2008-PepsiCo Inc., Purchase, N.Y., has announced plans to invest up to $3 billion in Mexico in the next five years to grow its beverages and food brands Sabritas and Gamesa. Approximately $2 billion of the investment will be spent on manufacturing, marketing, and R&D for the company’s foods businesses. The remaining $1 billion will be spent on marketing and advertising activities for Pepsi’s beverages over the next three years. With more than 40,000 employees in Mexico, PepsiCo is among the largest employers in the country. “For the last 100 years, Mexico has been a key market for PepsiCo, and today's news is the latest proof that we will continue to invest for growth here,” said PepsiCo Americas Foods CEO John Compton. “From the jobs we provide to the economic impact we have in the economy and through agriculture, PepsiCo's businesses in Mexico have developed great consumer loyalty to their brands—built through decades of investment.” The investment follows news earlier in November that the company will invest $1 billion in China over the next four years.
USDA seeks nominations for biotech committee
11/24/2008-The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service is requesting nominations for people to serve as members of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21). AC21 has two goals: to examine the long-term impacts of biotechnology on the U.S. food and agriculture system and USDA; and to provide guidance to USDA on pressing issues, identified by the Office of the Secretary, related to the application of biotechnology in agriculture. There are currently 20 members on the AC21 and the committee’s charter allows for flexibility to appoint up to a total of 25 members. Members serve terms of up to two years and can be reappointed to serve up to six consecutive years. Written nominations must be received by fax or postmarked on or before Dec. 21. Members will be selected by the incoming Secretary of Agriculture.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Proposition 65 regulatory update
11/21/2008-The State of California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is in the process of updating and improving the regulations that implement and interpret Proposition 65. As part of that effort, OEHHA formed a stakeholder work group to provide input concerning a possible regulation to provide guidance for food retailers on how to provide warnings for exposures to listed chemicals in foods. Based on the input received from the work group, OEHHA has developed a framework for a potential “safe harbor” regulation for exposure to listed chemicals in foods sold at the retail level. OEHHA has put together an outline of the basic components of a regulation that would address the main areas where guidance is needed. While not in the final form, the OEHHA is providing it to the public to get feedback. The main areas where guidance is needed are: 1. Clarify food retailer and manufacturer responsibility for providing warning materials to consumers. OEHHA has scheduled a public workshop on December 3 to discuss the drafted outline. All comments received at the workshop and in writing by January 16, 2009 (extended from the previous deadline of December 17) will be considered, after which the OEHHA will schedule another public workshop. All comments received at the second workshop or in writing will be considered as the regulatory language is re-drafted and a formal regulatory proposal developed. OEHHA expects to initiate a formal regulatory process by June 2009.
2. Establish specific safe harbor methods for providing warnings for food product exposures sold by retailers.
3. Specifying warning message content.
Controversy on labeling farmed fish organic
11/21/2008-On Nov. 19, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s National Organic Standards Board approved standards that would clear the way for farmed fish to be labeled organic, according to an article in the Washington Post. Under the approved standards, organic fish farmers would be able to use wild fish as part of their feed mix provided it did not exceed 25% of the total and did not come from forage species, whose numbers have declined due to the increase in fish farms. These standards serve as the basis for regulations to be issued by the Agriculture Dept. Many activists have questioned why up to 25% of fish feed could be made up of non-organic material, while all other animals certified as organic must eat 100% organic feed. “What we think is at stake is not just the integrity of a standard for fish but the whole organic standard and consumer confidence in it,” said Patty Lovera, Assistant Director for the advocacy group Food & Water Watch.
Contaminated meat may be causing illness
11/21/2008-According to a MSNBC article, a Univ. of Arizona scientist has found that more than 40% of 88 samples of retail packaged meats tested positive for Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Nearly 30% of the contaminated samples of ground beef, pork, turkey, and summer sausage were identical or closely related to a super-toxic strain of C. diff blamed for growing rates of illness and death in the U.S. C. diff has been known as a common bug usually associated with easily treated diarrhea. One of the more powerful strains, NAP1, produces about 20 times the toxins of ordinary strains. In worst cases, C. diff infection can destroy the colon and lead to blood poisoning and death. However, specialists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that the connection between the presence of C. diff bacteria and infection in humans has not been established and there’s not enough evidence to warrant public alarm. Also, scientists don’t know when C. diff exposure sparks infection in people, or how much of a dose is necessary to cause infection. Further research is needed to clarify the link between C. diff and infection in humans.
NutriSystem and Schwan’s Home Service to develop frozen foods
11/21/2008-NutriSystem, a provider of weight management products and services, has signed an agreement with Schwan’s Home Service for the development and distribution of frozen foods under the NutriSystem brand, according to an article on CNNMoney.com. This alliance will create NutriSystem Select, NutriSystem’s first frozen food offering in its portfolio of weight loss programs. The new line is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2009.
IFT debuts Web Exclusive on Natural & Organic Foods
11/21/2008-Are you looking for information on the natural and organic foods industry? Then visit a special page on the IFT Web site where you’ll find a plethora of resources on the natural and organic food and beverage marketplace, including market data and trends, regulatory news and information, consumer attitudes and buying habits, formulation tips, labeling, suppliers of natural and organic ingredients, and new food and beverage products.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
FDA sends inspectors to China
11/20/2008-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has opened its first overseas office in China to guard against contaminated animal feed, counterfeit drugs, toys made with lead paint, and dairy products containing melamine, according to an article in the Washington Post. This comes as a result of China’s growing role as an exporter to the U.S. and the recent food safety scares originating from the country. Most recently, melamine-tainted dairy products and animal feed from China killed four Chinese infants and sickened thousands, prompting last week’s FDA directive that all Chinese foods made with milk be detained at U.S. ports unless importers certify them melamine-free. The FDA contingent in China will have at least eight American employees, in addition to Chinese hires, in three offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The aim is to work more closely with Chinese regulatory agencies to set quality standards and to educate companies and their distributors.
Salmonella Saintpaul report provides recommendations
11/20/2008-A recent report released by the Produce Safety Project (PSP), an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts at Georgetown University, provides an in-depth review of the public record of the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak of 2008. The report, entitled “Breakdown: Lessons to be learned from the 2008 Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak,” calls for preventive safety standards for fresh produce, reform of the public-health system’s organization and outbreak response, and establishment of unified risk communication plans. According to the PSP, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) needs to use its existing statutory authorities to establish mandatory and enforceable safety standards for fresh produce. It is noted that the FDA has already used existing authorities to put in place preventative safety standards for seafood in 1995 and for juice in 2001. In addition, the PSP sees the need for organizational reforms throughout the public health system for a more coordinated outbreak response. The report raises questions about how timely and effectively data was shared between public health agencies and if it contributed to a delayed identification of jalapeno and Serrano peppers as a vehicle for Salmonella Saintpaul. Finally, the PSP expresses the need to have established and unified risk communication plans in place before an outbreak. According to the report, from the beginning of the outbreak, public-health communication to the media and the public was disjointed and confusing.
Keenan and IFT Members receive CIFST Friendship Award
11/20/2008-During the 14th World Congress of Food Science and Technology’s opening ceremony on Oct. 20, the Chinese Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) presented its inaugural Friendship Awards to industry professionals who have fostered growth in China’s food industry. Among the recipients is IFT Executive Vice President Barbara Byrd Keenan for her contributions to advancing the relationship between IFT and CIFST. Five other IFT members also received the award: • Mary Schmidl, former IFT President (2000–2001)
• Herbert Stone, former IFT President (2004–2005)
• Colin Dennis, Director General, Campden BRI, UK
• Walter Spiess, Director Emeritus, Universität Karlsruhe, Germany
• Alan Mortimer, Founder and Managing Director, ABC Blending, Australia
DSM Food Specialties expands yeast extract facility
11/20/2008-DSM Food Specialties, Delft, the Netherlands, has expanded its production facility in Delft and increased capacity by 35%. Operational since October, the expansion allows the company to meet the rising demand for yeast extracts. “Our improved facility will house new, state-of-the-art equipment that can successfully convert all our on-site grown yeast into extracts and will provide us the flexibility to produce new products. This will allow us to meet increasing customer demand for natural yeast extracts,” said DSM Food Specialties Business Unit Director of Savoury Ingredients Fedde Sonnema.
NSMA names Sonntag President
11/20/2008-The National Seasoning Manufacturers Association (NSMA) has named Tim Sonntag President for a two-year term. He was appointed the position at the 2008 NSMA Annual Meeting held during the IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo in New Orleans on July 1. Sonntag is the Vice President of Quality and Technical Services for Wixon, Inc., St. Francis, Wis., where he has worked for more than 22 years. In addition, Sonntag is the chairperson of the American Spice Trade Association’s (ASTA) Government Relations Committee, a member of the American Society for Quality (ASQ), and a member of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
IUFoST inducts new Fellows
11/19/2008-During the 14th World Congress of Food Science and Technology, held Oct. 19–23, in Shanghai, the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) inducted 25 new Fellows to the International Academy of Food Science and Technology (IAFoST)—a group of elected food scientists and technologists who collectively form a pool of scientific expertise in food science and technology from which IUFoST may draw non-aligned expert advice on scientific matters. Thirteen of the new Fellows are IFT Members: • Charles Bamforth, Department Chair, Food Science & Technology, University of California, Davis, USA In addition, IUFoST announced Luis Fernandez as President-Elect, term beginning Oct. 2008. He is a Professional Member of IFT. Fernandez has extensive industry experience previously with Danisco, Rhodia Food, DuPont Protein Tehcnologies and Sanofi Bio Industries. Currently, he works for Cargill as Applications Technology Leader for Europe-Middle East-Africa. 14th World Congress of Food Science and Technology
• Solke Bruin, Professor, Chemical Engineering, University of Technology, Netherlands
• Rui Hai Liu, Associate Professor, Department of Food Science, Cornell University, USA
• Albert McGill, Dean, Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology, Victoria University, Australia
• Laurence Melton, Professor, Chemistry Department, University Of Auckland, New Zealand
• James H. Moy, Professor Emeritus, Food Engineering, University of Hawaii, USA
• Bonnie Sun Pan, Professor, National Taiwan Ocean University, Taiwan
• Kwan-Hwa Park, Professor, Department of Food Science & Technology, Seoul National University, Korea
• Glaucia Pastore, Professor, Department of Food Science, State University of Campinas, Brazil
• Mohan Rao, Research Fellow, R&D, Frito-Lay, USA
• Peter Raspor, Professor, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Fidel Toldra, Department of Food Science, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Spain
• Gow-Chin Yen, Professor, Food Science & Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan
New mad cow case in Canada
11/19/2008-The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed a new case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a seven-year-old dairy cow from British Columbia on Nov. 17. “The animal’s birth farm has been identified, and an investigation is underway,” the agency said in a press release. “The CFIA is tracing the animal’s herdmates at the time of birth and examining possible sources of infection. The age and location of the infected animal are consistent with previous cases detected in Canada.” The case was detected through the national BSE surveillance program, which the agency said has been “highly successful in demonstrating the low level of BSE in Canada.” Canada remains a Controlled Risk country for BSE, as recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health. Accordingly, this case should not affect exports of Canadian cattle or beef. Canadian Food Inspection Agency
The agency said no part of the animal’s carcass entered the human food or animal feed systems.
Nestle opens R&D center
11/19/2008-Nestle Foodservices has opened a new customer innovation campus in Solon, Ohio, housing 67,000 sq ft of offices, conference rooms, culinary laboratories, and test kitchens. The facility is dedicated to the development of culinary food solutions for the away-from-home business, one of Nestle’s four strategic growth areas. According to the company, consumers are spending more on away-from-home food and beverages, a trend which is set to continue. Additionally, the $20 million center will be inviting chefs and executives to learn more about key consumer trends and to collaborate on the development of customized menu and food solutions. While the facility currently employs 30, this number is expected to grow to around 100.
Protient opens new research and applications center
11/19/2008-Protient, Inc., St. Paul, Minn., has opened a new 8,300-sq-ft industry research and applications center in Eagan, Minn. The center, which cost over $1 million to complete, includes an applications lab, chemical lab, sensory lab, processing room, sample storage and preparation area. In addition, the facility will house the company’s R&D and quality departments. “The new center is key to providing specific application support. It is a great resource and offers us more flexibility when developing functional ingredient solutions to our customers,” said Protient Vice President of Technologies Ewan Ha.
Thanksgiving dinner to cost more
11/19/2008-According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 23rd annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving dinner table, the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $44.61, a $2.35 price increase from last year’s average of $42.26. The main contributor to the overall increase in the cost was the price of a 16-lb turkey, which has risen by 9 cents/lb from 2007. “Food prices rode the energy price roller coaster up during the first half of 2008, and as the year winds down, energy prices have moderated somewhat but food prices have not come down,” explains AFBF economist Jim Sartwelle. However, despite the recent retail price increases, Sartwelle says American consumers have enjoyed relatively stable food costs over the years, particularly when adjusted for inflation. In fact, the real dollar cost of the Thanksgiving dinner has declined more than 8% since 1988.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
IFT DC Section addresses product traceability
11/18/2008-The Institute of Food Technologists DC Section hosted a webcast on Nov. 17 on Produce Food Safety and Traceability, featuring speakers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and United Fresh Product Association. Given this summer’s outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul in produce, Stephen Sundlof, Director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition, discussed the importance of improving product traceability. Currently, it could take anywhere from one to four weeks for a food contamination to be discovered, during which time distribution of the food continues, exposure continues, and more people get sick. In addition, due to inconsistencies in the industry for product traceability, it is sometimes very difficult and time consuming to trace a product back to the source. Sundlof expressed the desire to build more sophistication into the food tracing system in order to allow for rapid and earlier tracing, especially when multiple products may be implicated. Some of the attributes Sundlof described as necessary to facilitate this speed are: 1. A unique identifier that allows for connectivity Of course, there are challenges to face in reaching this more sophisticated tracing method. There are the technological barriers, the cost of implementation and maintenance, and the need for the system to be international. Most of all, however, Sundlof articulated that we are only as strong as the weakest link, and for any system to succeed, it is necessary to have the entire food industry’s support.
2. More consistent nomenclature for product throughout the supply chain
3. All points in the supply chain covered (farm to consumer interface)
4. Maximum utility of electronic records
5. Interoperable systems allowing for connectivity between those handling the product
New Food Processing Education Web Site
11/18/2008-Joe Regenstein, Professor, Food Science at Cornell University, and Daryl Lund, Emeritus Professor, University of Wisconsin, Madison, have established a section on Cornell University’s Web site featuring educational training video clips of the food processing industry. The site, www.vft.foodscience.cornell.edu, enables teachers to find relevant video clips (from 5 to 30 sec) showing unit operations and general overviews of food processing facilities. These clips are searchable and users can store clips for later review or class sharing. All videos have been supplied by the food industry and have been reviewed and edited. In addition, model active learning materials featured on the site suggest ways that instructors can use the site to optimize learning by engaging their students. Three active learning models have been developed. The first model is a PowerPoint-based detailed flowchart of a poultry processing plant with meta-links to the video clips. The other two models involve meta-links embedded within the text of a chapter and an outline on poultry processing written by Dan Fletcher, Chair, North Carolina State University. Cornell Virtual Food Science Field Trips
Tree Top acquires Sabroso
11/18/2008-Tree Top Inc., Selah, Wash., has completed an agreement for an undisclosed amount to purchase Sabroso Co., Medford, Ore. Sabroso is a processor and seller of single-strength and concentrated fruit purees, and supplier of dried fruit flakes and fruit preparations. It has manufacturing facilities in Medford and Woodburn, Ore., and Oxnard, Calif. Tree Top is a grower-owner cooperative known for its Tree Top brand of juices, applesauce and other fruit products. Tree Top also owns and operates Northwest Naturals, LLC, Bothell, Wash., which specializes in juice formulation and juice concentrate sales to the beverage industry. The acquisition aims to leverage all three product portfolios to provide the most extensive product support to all customers. However, each company will continue to operate their day-to-day business as normal. Of the acquisition, Tree Top Ingredient and Foodservice Sales Senior Vice President Tom Hurson said, “This agreement is great news for all three companies. It provides an expanded product portfolio, increased research and development capacity, industry leading fruit processing knowledge and technology, and decades of successful grower relationships.”
New IFT Foundation Vice President
11/18/2008-The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has named Robert A. Vitas Vice President of the IFT Foundation. In this role, Vitas will work to connect people, resources, and information to raise the standard of food science and technology in the world. Vitas earned his Ph.D. in political science at Loyola University of Chicago and is a Visiting Scholar at Northwestern University. In addition, as a Certified Fund Raising Executive, Vitas has worked in nonprofits and foundations for most of his professional life, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Great Books Foundation. He was co-chair of the Association Forum of Chicagoland’s Foundation and Development Shared Interest Group, a member of the Editorial Content Working Group, and currently serves on its Professional Practices Committee. He has published four books and more than 24 articles, chapters, and reviews in his field.
Study confirms soy protein lowers cholesterol
11/18/2008-A new meta-analysis conducted by Solae LLC, St. Louis, reconfirms that soy protein can lead to a reduction in blood cholesterol levels. Studies conducted over 10 years ago showed that soy consumption led to a lower incidence of heart disease, which led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of the health claim in 1999. However, in 2006, the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Nutrition Committee published a retraction of their year 2000 recommendations that highlighted soy protein as one of the dietary recommendations for the reduction of CHD risk, stating that the evidence for the recommendation “was minimal.” Recently, the FDA announced its intention to reevaluate the health claim and existing data on the relationship between CHD and soy protein. Solae’s research team reviewed and ranked more than 150 studies using the FDA’s 2007 evidence-based review guidance for scientific evaluation of health claims. Forty-six studies were deemed of high or moderate quality and were included in the final meta-analysis. The analysis found reductions in total cholesterol of 9.54 mg/dL and reductions in LDL cholesterol of 7.12 mg/dL (which is about 4% and 5%, respectively). Results showed significant reduction in blood cholesterol for individuals who had high and normal blood cholesterols. According to Solae, this new body of evidence justifies maintaining the currently approved health claim for soy protein and CHD risk reduction.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
2008 Farm Act: Where will the money go?
11/12/2008-The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service has published an article on how the 2008 Farm Act will be implemented. “The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Act), enacted into law in June 2008, will govern the bulk of Federal agriculture and related programs for the next 5 years,” the report states. “The Act’s 15 titles include administrative and funding authorities for programs that cover income and commodity price support, farm credit, risk management, conservation, export promotion, international food assistance and agricultural development, domestic nutritional assistance (including food stamps), rural development, agriculture and food sector research, accessibility and sustainability of forests, agricultural and rural renewable energy sources, and beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.” The article also states that more than “two-thirds of Farm Act-related spending will not go to farmers in fiscal years 2008–17, but to food and nutrition programs to help low-income Americans purchase food, and provide food to programs that serve children and the elderly. Less than a third of the funding (spending) in the legislation will benefit farmers through commodity programs, crop insurance, and conservation programs. The remainder (1 percent) goes to all of the other programs, such as trade promotion, farm credit, research, and energy programs. These and other USDA programs are also funded in part by annual appropriations and other legislation.”
Philadelphia to require nutrition menu labeling
11/12/2008-Philadelphia has become the latest U.S. city to require food establishments to list calories on their menus. Philly joins New York and Los Angeles in its move to make caloric information available to restaurant patrons. The city council approved an ordinance that requires food establishments with 15 or more outlets to list the total number of calories, saturated fat, trans fat, carbohydrates and sodium in foods and beverages for sale. Restaurants that fall under the ordinance must comply by January 1, 2010. Ordinance (PDF Download)
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Slimmer Twinkies hitting shelves
11/06/2008-Hostess launched a 100-calorie snack pack version of the iconic Twinkie. The snack packs will be called “Twinkie Bites” and will be available nationwide beginning Monday. The original Twinkie is 150 calories. In addition to the Twinkie Bites, Hostess also plans to add strawberry cupcakes to the 100-calorie snack line.
Low amounts of caffeine risky during pregnancy
11/06/2008-A new study finds that even consuming one cup of coffee daily could put pregnant women at a higher risk of having an underweight baby. Researchers in the United Kingdom found that pregnant women who drank from 100 to 199 milligrams of caffeine every day (the equivalent of one to two cups of coffee) had a 20 percent increased risk of giving birth to a baby with low birth weight compared to women who consumed 100 milligrams or less per day. For those who consumed 200–299 milligrams, the risk increased to 50 percent. The study found that the source of the caffeine didn’t matter. The findings appear in the British Medical Journal.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
NWFPA event to highlight navigating in changing times
11/05/2008-The 95th Annual NW Food Manufacturing & Packaging Exposition and Convention will feature a series of sessions and workshops designed to provide food processing company attendees with the latest information on trends and developments impacting their industry. The event will take place Jan. 18- 21, 2009, at The Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Ore. Workshops will cover industry topics, including energy and the environment, government affairs, food safety, and others. The Exposition also provides a venue for leading food processing industry suppliers to feature their products and services to this highly targeted group of food processor company decision makers. For more information, visit www.nwfpa.org.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Fonterra opens Chicago technical center
11/04/2008-New Zealand-based dairy co-operative Fonterra Inc. recently celebrated the grand opening of its Chicago Technical Center (CTC) near O’Hare International Airport. The $2.4 million facility houses advanced processing equipment, sample analysis lab, and an ingredient supply area. Utilizing the scientific innovations from Fonterra’s R&D hubs in New Zealand, the CTC and its 15-person technical staff will enable U.S. and Canadian customers, partners, and scientists to formulate retail and foodservice products using the company’s functional dairy proteins and specialty ingredients. Recently, Fonterra USA launched several products for the North American market. These include PowerProteins for improved functionality and flavor in bars, clear whey-based ingredients for beverages, specialty milk protein concentrates designed to improve yield and texture in cheese and yogurt, and several hydrolysates for pediatric nutrition products. Fonterra is the largest dairy exporter and fifth largest dairy in the world.