Friday, March 30, 2007
MGP Ingredients moving to new corporate building
3/30/2007-Just 15 months after breaking ground, MGP Ingredients, Inc. (MGPI) has begun the move to its new corporate office building. The move is expected to be completed over the weekend.
Located at 100 Commercial Street in Atchison, Kansas, the new two-story brick structure will be occupied by executive management, finance and accounting, marketing, sales, and administrative staffs. In February, MGPI’s research and development and applications technology departments relocated to the company’s new technical innovation center directly west of the office building. Both structures are located in Atchison’s recently developed Riverfront area.
Each floor of the new office building consists of 9,000 square feet, while each level of the two-story technical innovation center encompasses 9,800 square feet of space. The two buildings combined will house up to 60 employees.
The company’s office headquarters have been located at 1300 Main Street since 1979. Following the move to the new facilities, that building will be converted to an operations and engineering center and also will house human resource and information technology personnel. Space in the former research laboratory facilities, located in the 1100 block of Main Street, is being converted to offices for quality assurance, plant supervisory and environmental safety personnel.
Ethanol demand to drive record corn planting
3/30/2007-Corn growers intend to plant 90.5 million acres of corn for all purposes in 2007, up 15 percent from 2006 and 11 percent higher than 2005. If realized this would be the highest acreage since 1944, when 95.5 million acres were planted for all purposes. Expected acreage is up in nearly all states as high corn prices are encouraging farmers to plant more acres to corn. The increase in intended corn acres is partially offset by lower expected acres of soybeans in the Corn Belt and Great Plains and fewer expected acres of cotton and rice in the Delta and Southeast. Illinois farmers intend to plant a record high 12.9 million acres of corn this spring, up 1.60 million acres from last year. North Dakota and Minnesota growers also expect to plant record high corn acres, up 910,000 and 600,000 acres respectively. Soybean producers intend to plant 67.1 million acres in 2007, down 11 percent from last year. If realized, this will be the lowest planted area since 1996. Acreage decreases are expected in all growing areas, except in New York and the Southeast. Large decreases in soybean Most of the increased corn production will be targeted to ethanol production. For more, see
www.nass.usda.gov/Newsroom/2007/03_30_2007.asp
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Cargill enters omega-3 food ingredient business
3/29/2007-Cargill has entered the omega-3 food ingredient business. According to the company, preliminary development studies show that incorporation of up to 150 mg of their omega-3 ingredient per serving can be added to products with no discernible change in flavor or shelf life. The ingredient will be showcased at the Vitafoods International Show in Geneva, Switzerland, May 8-10, 2007. To support the product’s entry into the global marketplace, Cargill has hired David Lewis as Omega 3 product manager. Lewis will report to David Henstrom, general manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Cargill Health & Food Technologies. Prior to joining Cargill, Lewis was business unit director for Lipid Nutrition in North America, responsible for its nutritional oil business. Prior to Lipid Nutrition, he worked in the soy protein isolate and milk protein businesses at PTI and NZMP, respectively. Lewis received his MBA from Western Illinois University. "David brings great experience in the nutritional oils arena, and specifically in Omega 3s," said Henstrom. "In addition, he brings solid, specialty ingredient sales and marketing skills to our business, all of which will help us help our customers succeed in meeting consumer needs." Lewis will be based in the company’s Minneapolis, Minn., office.
FDA considers health claim for corn oil
3/29/2007-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration set out the factors that it intends to consider in the exercise of its enforcement discretion for a qualified health claim with respect to consumption of corn oil and corn oil-containing products and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
For more, see the FDA press release.
Tate & Lyle to sell European food ingredients unit
3/29/2007-Tate & Lyle PLC said today that its full-year results have continued in line with market expectations and that is may sell its European starch unit in the coming weeks.
The food and industrial ingredients group said in a pre-close trading update that its performance since Jan. 23, when it last updated the market, has continued to "comfortably exceed" the same period a year earlier.
The company warned in January that full-year profit would be lower than expected due to a weaker-than-expected contribution from its sugar substitute Splenda Sucralose.
The company also announced that it would report within the next few weeks on the possible sale of its Food & Industrial Ingredients, Europe business.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Study looks at TV food ads for children
3/28/2007-Researchers with the Kaiser Family Foundation have put numbers to those warnings in a study of commercials aimed at children. "The vast majority of the foods that kids see advertised on television today are for products that nutritionists would tell us they need to be eating less of, not more of, if we're going to get a handle on childhood obesity," said Vicki Rideout of the Kaiser Family Foundation, which conducts health research. Overall, the foundation's researchers monitored 13 television networks. The viewing took place primarily between late May and early September 2005. They saw 2,613 ads featuring food and drinks that targeted children and teens. Policymakers in Congress, the Federal Trade Commission and agencies such as the Institute of Medicine have called for changes in the advertising landscape, and U.S. food and media industries are developing their own voluntary initiatives related to advertising food to children. To help inform this debate, the Kaiser Family Foundation released the largest study ever conducted of TV food advertising to children. The study, Food for Thought: Television Food Advertising to Children in the United States, combines content analysis of TV ads with detailed data about children’s viewing habits to provide an estimate of the number and type of TV ads seen by children. For more see http://www.kff.org/entmedia/entmedia032807pkg.cfm
Center for Foodborne Illness Research & Prevention founded
3/28/2007-Barbara Kowalcyk and Patricia Buck have founded a new non-profit, the Center for Foodborne Illness Research & Prevention (CFI), dedicated to preventing foodborne disease through research, education, and advocacy. Kowalcyk, the new director of Food Safety for CFI and the former president of Safe Tables Our Priority (S.T.O.P.), said that “CFI was founded to help America find innovative, science-based solutions for the food challenges of the 21st Century.” Buck, who is the Executive Director for the new group, commented that “food safety needs to become a top priority for America. I hope that CFI will generate new ways of engaging people, particularly those who provide food to vulnerable populations, in learning more about food safety issues and safe food handling practices.” Buck and Kowalcyk, a mother-daughter set of advocates, became active volunteers for food safety after the death of Kevin Kowalcyk, the two-year-old son of Barbara and Michael Kowalcyk, in 2001 from complications due to an E. coli O157:H7 infection. “What happened to my child was horrific,” said Kowalcyk, “and afterwards, I was appalled at how little attention is focused on this very serious public health issue that affects millions of Americans each year.” Buck agrees and adds, “America needs to recognize the serious issues that foodborne disease poses and become more knowledgeable about ways to improve food protection.” Buck, a teacher, and Kowalcyk, a biostatistician, have realigned their career goals and intend to dedicate all of their efforts to helping America find ways to prevent foodborne disease and improve food protection.
Salty snacks with buzz
3/28/2007-The latest Product Development Focus from Food Technology and Mintel's Global New Products Database focuses on new product launches generating buzz in the savory and salty snack category. Trends in the category reflect increasingly ethnic-inspired flavors and a focus on health. Among the product launches highlighted are habanero-flavored potato snacks in Japan and salmon teriyaki chips from Frito-Lay. For more, see the Product Development Focus: Salty Snacks.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Coca-Cola and Nestle refine joint venture agreement
3/27/2007-The Coca-Cola Company and Nestle are refocusing the activities of their Beverage Partners Worldwide (BPW) joint venture. Under the terms of the revised agreement: BPW will focus 100% on the total tea category and BPW will cease all activities in the United States. Coca-Cola Company has entered into a Master Sublicense Agreement (MSA) with Nestle for the Nestea and Enviga brands in the United States. The Coca-Cola Company and Nestle will be able to develop or acquire additional tea brands to compete more aggressively in the U.S. tea segment. Per the November announcement, the Coca-Cola Company and Nestle will be able to compete in coffee in any country after the closing of the agreement. All BPW coffee initiatives will revert to Nestle on a market-by-market basis during an orderly transition period ending no later than Dec. 31, 2008. "A joint venture focused on the total ready-to-drink tea category, excluding the U.S. and Japan, provides an opportunity to optimize value for all stakeholders," said Leslie Novos, CEO of BPW. The refined agreement enables both companies to independently compete in the fast growing tea categories in the United States. Consistent with the previous agreements, BPW will also refrain from operations in Japan. The transaction, which is subject to customary regulatory reviews, is expected to close by April 30, 2007. Beverage Partners Worldwide (BPW) is a 50-50 joint venture held by Nestle and The Coca-Cola Company.
USP seeks revisions to Food Chemicals Codex
3/27/2007-The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is requesting industry, academia, and stakeholders to submit revisions and monograph suggestions to the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) by April 30, 2007. Guided by stakeholders and the general public, FCC establishes internationally-recognized scientific standards for food identity and purity. This is the last call for the revision period, which began in August 2006 when USP acquired FCC. FCC stakeholders and users are encouraged to assist USP in developing a "Priority List" of new monographs and monographs needing revision that will be posted to the FCC Web site after review by USP's Food Additives Expert Committee. Proposed revisions to FCC 6th Edition will be posted for public comment in June 2007. There is no charge to access this initial public comment period. The public notice and comment period will be 60 days (June – July 2007), after which time the Food Additives Expert Committee will approve changes to the monographs. The approved monographs will subsequently be published in FCC 6th Edition in February 2008. USP’s standards are widely recognized as authoritative, science-based, and credible. They are developed through a process that is transparent and open to public comment. For more information on FCC, visit www.usp.org/fcc. Interested parties should submit new priority monographs and revision requests to Catherine Sheehan, director, Excipients and Food Chemical Codex, Division of Standards Development, at cxs@usp.or.
Boosting antioxidants in dough leads to healthier pizza
3/27/2007-Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a way to boost the antioxidant content of pizza dough by optimizing baking and fermentation methods. This could lead to a healthier pizza product. Pizza bakers have known for some time that longer-baking times and higher temperatures can enhance the flavor of pizza. The new study shows that these intense baking conditions also may boost antioxidant levels in dough, especially whole wheat varieties, the researchers say. Their findings were presented March 26 at the 233rd national meeting of the American Chemical Society. The results are good news for fans of deep-dish, Chicago-style pizza, whose longer baking time and thicker crust “may have the potential to deliver higher levels of antioxidants in comparison to other pizza styles,” says study co-author Jeffrey Moore, a doctoral student in food chemistry at the University of Maryland, College Park. Diets rich in antioxidants are thought to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. “We chose to investigate pizza dough because it’s one of the most popular wheat-based food products in the U.S.,” says Moore. “Making popular food more healthy using the tools of chemistry may have a larger impact on public health.” The study is part of an ongoing effort by researchers at the university to discover and develop new technologies that enhance the levels of natural antioxidants in grain-based food ingredients such as whole wheat flour. That effort is lead by Liangli Lucy Yu, Ph.D., an associate professor of food chemistry at the school and Moore’s graduate advisor. To demonstrate the effect of different baking conditions on the antioxidant levels in pizza dough, Moore exposed whole grain pizza dough from two different varieties of wheat to different baking temperatures, from 400 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, and to different baking times, from 7 to 14 minutes. A number of tests were used to measure changes in antioxidant properties. Longer baking times or higher temperatures generally corresponded to higher levels of antioxidants in comparison to less intense baking conditions, Moore found. Antioxidant levels increased by as much as 60 percent during longer baking times and by as much as 82 percent during higher baking temperatures, depending on the type of wheat flour and the antioxidant test used, the researcher says. The exact mechanisms involved are not yet fully understood, he says. Both baking time and temperature can be increased together at the same without burning the pizza, according to Moore, if the process is monitored carefully. As pizza dough is often allowed to ferment before baking, Moore tested the effect of different fermentation times, ranging from zero to 48 hours, on antioxidant properties. Longer fermentation times also boosted antioxidant levels, in some cases by as much as 100 percent, he says. The increase likely resulted from chemical reactions induced by yeasts, which had more time to release the antioxidant components that were bound in the dough, Moore says. Although only whole wheat pizza was used in this study, it is possible that these same cooking factors — longer baking time, higher temperature and longer fermentation — also will have an antioxidant boosting effect on refined pizza dough, but the effect will likely be less obvious, Moore says. That’s because most of the antioxidants in wheat are found in the bran and endosperm components, which have been largely removed in refined flour, he says. Funding for this study was supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Research Initiative, along with grants from the Colorado Wheat Research Foundation, Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board, the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station and the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station. This research was not funded by the pizza industry, Moore says.
New oil stabilizer from Clabber Girl
3/27/2007-New laws restricting trans fat use and consumer preference for healthy but tasty and less expensive foods have restaurants and other foodservice providers seeking a solution as they rework their recipes. Clabber Girl, known for its baking powder, has stepped in with a new oil stabilizer, OilFlex(TM). Replacing trans fats in some products could change the items' taste, texture, and cost. “Customers and legislation are dictating the elimination of trans fat,” says Jim Papanton, president of Scientific Oils. “The problem is that trans-fat-free oils are more expensive, less durable and break down quicker during frying. All of these will mean more expense to the foodservice professional.” Clabber Girl says that its new oil stabilizer will help restaurants make the move. OilFlex is an antioxidant oil stabilizer designed to extend the life of expensive trans-fat-free frying oils while also reducing the absorption of oil into foods, thereby making them healthier and promoting "oil management". “Added to frying oil, OilFlex reduces the amount of oil absorption into foods and slows down degradation of the oil,” explains Eric Gloe, vice president of sales and marketing for Clabber Girl. “For those operators who switch to the higher-priced trans-fat-free oils, OilFlex often allows them to see their overall shortening costs remain unchanged,” says Gloe, “because it promotes longer fry life and reduced loss through absorption.” The company says that OilFlex also eliminates the need for filter powders, filter pads, and boilouts. The product is one of the new products that Clabber Girl will showcase at the upcoming NRA show.
Why people eat what they do
3/27/2007-People purchase foods based on their income level, their perception of a food's health benefit, cost, and other environmental factors such as food advertising. This, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The study sample included 4,356 U.S. adults aged 20-65 years from two nationally-representative cross-sectional surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)—the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals and the Diet and Health Knowledge Survey. The study researchers looked at diet quality indicators like the amount of energy, total fat, and saturated fat in foods consumed. They also considered the quantity of fruits and vegetables, fiber, calcium and dairy products consumed, and the overall quality of people’s diet. Among the findings: When buying food, African-Americans with lower incomes saw food price as more important than Caucasions with the same income. Caucasians of lower socio-economic status ate more fat and saturated fat, while African-Americans showed no association bewteen income level and fat intake. Among all study participants, and independent of income, the perceived barrier of food price appeared to increase sodium intake while reducing fiber intake. Meanwhile, compared to men, women were more concerned about meeting food guidelines in order to improve their health. Women also had lower energy, energy density, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium intake than men. But this could be because men just ate more -- men also had higher intake of fruits and vegetables, fiber, calcium. and dairy products. "....Considering the growing obesity crisis, it is important to make healthy foods accessible to poor segments of the population and to empower them to eat a healthy diet by lowering the price of healthy foods and enhancing tailored nutrition education," said Youfa Wang, MD, PhD, co-author of the study and an assistant professor in the Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Department of International Health. "Programs that promote positive attitudes towards the benefits of healthy diets can improve diet quality for both genders and all ethnicities." The study authors noted that diets are affected by many factors other than just food price or the "perceived benefit of diet quality" and additional studies should be done to uncover the relationships between socio-economic status, nutritional knowledge, attitudes and perceptions, and dietary behavior and food choices. How do socio-economic status, perceived economic barriers and nutritional benefits affect quality of dietary intake among US adults Related article: What, When, and Where America Eats. Food Technology, January 2006.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. March 7, 2007, advance online publication
Leinenkugel taps Europe for latest summer brew
3/27/2007-This April, the 140-year-old specialty brewer will add a new summer seasonal, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, to its family of craft beers. The “shandy” (which is short for “shandygaff”) as it’s called in England and Germany, is typically a mixture of beer and soda or lemonade that has been enjoyed across Europe since the 17th century. Leinenkugel's version is a blend of select malted wheat and barley, lemonade flavor, and a hint of Wisconsin honey. The new summer seasonal is brewed in small batches at the company's brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Summer Shandy will be one of the cornerstones in a summer sampling program in markets throughout the Upper Midwest, encouraging consumers to “Taste the Adventure.” The program will also feature Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss, Leinenkugel’s Berry Weiss and Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat, which the company has rolled out into more than 30 new markets across the U.S. based on its success. Summer Shandy contains 4.2 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). It will be available where Leinenkugel’s is sold in 6, 12 and 24-pack bottles and on draft in 1/2, 1/4 and 1/6 barrels.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Power of blueberries
3/26/2007-Blueberries may help prevent colon cancer and lower cholesterol, according to two different studies conducted in part by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and announced at the American Chemical Society's (ACS) national meeting in Chicago. Scientists at Rutgers University and ARS found that the compound pterostilbene is a potent antioxidant in blueberries that could help prevent colon cancer. “This study underscores the need to include more berries in the diet, especially blueberries,” said study leader Bandaru Reddy, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Chemical Biology at Rutgers in Piscataway, N.J. Although the blueberry compound won’t cure colon cancer, it represents a potential new and attractive strategy for preventing the disease naturally, says Reddy, a leading expert on nutritional factors that influence colon cancer development. Along with scientists Nanjoo Suh, also of Rutgers, and Agnes Rimando of ARS, Reddy and his associates conducted a small pilot study to determine the effect of pterostilbene on colon cancer. The study included 18 rats that were given a compound (azoxymethane) to induce colon cancer in a manner similar to human colon cancer development. Nine of the animals were then placed on a balanced daily diet, while the other nine were given the same diet supplemented with pterostilbene (at a level of 40 parts per million). At the end of an eight-week study period, the rats that were fed pterostilbene showed 57 percent fewer pre-cancerous lesions in their colon in comparison to the control group. Pterostilbene also reduced colonic cell proliferation and inhibited certain genes involved in inflammation, both of which are considered colon cancer risk factors, the researchers say. Meanwhile, blueberry skins may be the key to controlling cholesterol. ARS chemist Agnes Rimando and collaborators found that feeding hamsters a diet extremely high in cholesterol, but supplemented with freeze-dried skins of rabbiteye blueberries, produced plasma total cholesterol levels 37 percent lower than those of hamsters fed a control diet. Levels of LDL--or "bad"--cholesterol were 19 percent lower in the blueberry-supplemented hamsters. Moreover, hamsters eating blueberry-enhanced food fared even better than hamsters augmented with the lipid-lowering drug ciprofibrate. Those hamsters exhibited a 17 percent decline in cholesterol, and 15 percent decline in LDL. Antioxidants may be responsible yet again for the results. Resveratrol and pterostilbene, oft cited for their antioxidant properties, are constituents of blueberry skins and can activate a protein involved in the breakdown and import of fats. For more, see the ARS press release.
Kiwis prove organic is healthier?
3/26/2007-Organic kiwis are healthier, apparently, than their conventionally-grown counterparts. This, according to researchers at the University of California, Davis, who say they have proven that organically grown kiwifruit contain more health-promoting factors than those grown under conventional conditions. The organically-grown kiwis had increased levels of polyphenols, a higher overall level of antioxidants, and higher levels of ascorbic acids and other important minerals. The organic fruits also had thicker skins and higher antioxidant activity. The authors say their study differs from other inconclusive studies because this one compared like-for-like -- the kiwis examined were grown next to each other on the same farm under the same environmental conditions. The press release on the study noted that some scientists are still cautious about whether the elevated levels of antioxidants and other compounds in organic fruits result in any real health difference, and note that there could be unknown negative effects. The research is reported in the Society of Chemical Industry's magazine Chemistry & Industry.
Dipstick test kits for foodborne bacteria
3/26/2007-Chemists at the University of South Carolina are developing a consumer test kit that people can use to quickly and accurately determine if food products are spoiled. Outlined at the 233rd national meeting of the American Chemical Society, the new diagnostic test, which researchers describe as a disposable “dipstick,” is capable of rapidly detecting the presence of chemicals formed by disease-causing bacteria. The researchers said that in preliminary studies, the test had a 90 percent accuracy rate. The dipstick test is still in development but could be on store shelves in two to three years, said study leader John J. Lavigne, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the school’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Lavigne envisions that consumers will be able to carry the dipsticks with them and use them anywhere, including homes and restaurants. The new test relies on the detection of a class of chemicals called nonvolatile biogenic amines. These compounds are generated during the bacterial decay of food proteins and are an indirect measurement of the extent of food spoilage. Lavigne and his associates developed special polymers that change color in the presence of these biogenic amines. In lab studies, these polymer biosensors were tested against a variety of fish samples, including fresh salmon, fresh tuna, and canned tuna. The polymers change color in the presence of increasing levels of these biogenic amines to indicate degrees of food spoilage. Specifically, the polymers changed from dark purple to yellow in the presence of badly spoiled fish, while the change was from dark purple to a reddish hue in the presence of mildly spoiled fish, he says. Depending on the degree of freshness identified, the consumer could then decide whether to eat the food or avoid it. To the consumer, the yellow color would clearly be an indication to avoid the fish, Lavigne says. The test is currently designed to be qualitative only and will not identify the specific pathogen present, he notes. Although fish were used in this study, a similar approach can be applied to other foods, including other meats as well as fruits and vegetables. Although many fruits and vegetables contain lower protein levels than meats, preliminary studies indicated the dipsticks are capable of detecting even small amounts of protein decay caused by bacterial activity, Lavigne said. More detailed tests on these other food types are planned. The researchers are working to improve the speed, sensitivity and accuracy of the new test. But Lavigne notes that no ‘freshness’ test will substitute for the importance of proper food safety, including optimal storage, cleaning and cooking. Funding for the study was provided by the University of South Carolina and Research Corporation, a private foundation that advances scientific research.
Food safety on NBC
3/26/2007-On Sunday, "NBC Dateline" highlighted the role of technology in food safety. Food safety has caught national attention in recent months since the spinach E. coli outbreak last fall and the peanut butter salmonella outbreak just a few weeks ago. Legislators have jumped on board and are now pursuing the idea of creating a single food agency. In an interview with MSNBC.com, "Dateline" expert Dr. Dennis Maki, professor of medicine and epidemiologist at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, says that industry is necessary to feed the number of urban and suburban dwellers in the U.S., but that there will always be some risk, particularly with fresh foods. For more, see the MSNBC.com article.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Hershey expands Goodness Chocolate portfolio
3/23/2007-Chocolate and confectionery giant The Hershey Company is adding Hershey(R)'s Antioxidant Milk Chocolate and Hershey(R)'s Whole Bean Chocolate to its Goodness Chocolate portfolio. The Goodness line of products focuses on the wellness benefits of chocolate. "Consumers are very interested in the goodness benefits of chocolate, including the antioxidants found naturally in dark chocolate," said Michele Buck, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, The Hershey Company. "This interest is driving explosive growth in dark chocolate. Now, Hershey's Antioxidant Milk Chocolate and Hershey's Whole Bean Chocolate bring the goodness benefits of dark chocolate to the broader milk chocolate category." Hershey's Antioxidant Milk Chocolate features more flavanol antioxidants than the leading dark chocolate (260 mg of flavanol antioxidants per 40 g serving, versus 110 mg in the leading dark chocolate). Hershey's Whole Bean Chocolate is made with the whole cocoa bean to create a "mildly sweet, smooth and delicious" chocolate that is lower in sugar (40 percent less than the leading milk chocolate bar) and high in fiber and antioxidants. One serving of Hershey's Whole Bean Chocolate has seven grams of fiber and 180 mg of flavanol antioxidants per 40 g serving. Hershey's Antioxidant Milk Chocolate and Hershey's Whole Bean Chocolate bars are available in 3 oz. take-home bars and 4.2 oz. pouches with a suggested retail price of $1.99 and $2.99, respectively. Both products are available at supermarkets, drug stores and mass merchants nationwide beginning this month.
Kraft Foods to join S&P 500
3/23/2007-According to this Bloomberg news story, Kraft Foods is set to join the Standard & Poor's 500 Index on March 30 after it is completely spun off from Altria. Kraft will be the largest company by market value to join the S&P 500 since Google jumped on board last year.
FDA finalizes report on spinach outbreak
3/23/2007-The FDA and California’s Department of Health Services (CDHS) today released a joint report on an extensive investigation into the causes of the E.coli O157:H7 outbreak last fall that was associated with contaminated Dole brand Baby Spinach and resulted in 205 confirmed illnesses and three deaths. The investigators successfully identified the environmental risk factors and the areas that were most likely involved in the outbreak, but they were unable to definitely determine how the contamination originated. The report details the detective work of investigators following the first reports of the outbreak. The probe initially focused on the processing and packaging plant of Natural Selection Foods, LLC in San Juan Bautista, CA, where the contaminated products had been processed. The next focus of the inquiry was the source of the spinach in 13 bags containing E.coli O157:H7 isolates that had been collected nationwide from sick customers. Using the product codes on the bags, and employing DNA fingerprinting on the bacteria from the bags, the investigators were able to match environmental samples of E.coli O157:H7 from one field to the strain that had caused the outbreak. Potential environmental risk factors for E.coli O157:H7 contamination at or near the field included the presence of wild pigs, the proximity of irrigation wells used to grow produce for ready-to-eat packaging, and surface waterways exposed to feces from cattle and wildlife. Because the contamination occurred before the start of the investigation, and because of the many ways that E.coli O157:H7 can be transferred -- including animals, humans, and water -- the precise means by which the bacteria spread to the spinach remain unknown. The report on the probe of the Dole spinach contamination, titled: Investigation of an Escherichia coli O157:H7 Outbreak Associated with Dole Pre-Packaged Spinach, is posted at www.dhs.ca.gov.
Bisphenol A in canned foods
3/23/2007-Earlier this month, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a report on how much bisphenol A (BPA) shows up in canned foods. BPA is a chemical compound that has been associated with birth defects and linked to cancer. Lab tests reported by the EWG revealed the compound's presence in more than half of the samples of canned fruit, vegetables, soda, and baby formula that were tested. The lab tested 27 national name brands and three store brands. BPA is an ingredient in plastics and the epoxy resins that line some food cans. The EWG says that low doses of BPA lead to a range of health problems, including birth defects of the male and female reproductive systems in laboratory animals. Jane Houlihan, vice president for research at EWG, says that the tests reveal how "badly our chemical safety system is broken". According to news reports, the Can Manufacturers Institute, a trade association of can manufacturers, is disputing the report's conclusions. They say that there is no scientific basis to believe that trace levels of the chemical are harmful to consumers.
Coca-Cola to launch enhanced Diet Coke
3/23/2007-Coca-Cola North America will launch Diet Coke Plus™, a sparkling, calorie-free beverage with vitamins and minerals. The new beverage will contain vitamins B3, B6, and B12, and the minerals zinc and magnesium. Each eight-ounce serving of Diet Coke Plus will provide 15% of the daily value (DV) for Niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, and 10% DV for zinc and magnesium. Niacin helps release energy from nutrients, while vitamin B6 helps the body to absorb and metabolize amino acids, to use fats, and to form red blood cells. B12 is associated with a healthfully functioning nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. Zinc and magnsium are both associated with boosting immunity and other bodily functions. The launch of Diet Coke Plus will be supported by an integrated marketing plan to drive awareness and trial. The product will at first carry the tagline “Great Taste Has Its Benefits”. Diet Coke Plus will be available throughout the U.S. in April in retail stores where other Diet Coke products are sold.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Consumer group says FDA wrong on cloned meat
3/22/2007-The consumer group Center for Food Safety (CFS) has issued a report critical of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) risk assessment on animal clones. CFS is calling on the FDA to issue a mandatory ban on the use of clones in food production until long-term studies demonstrate the safety of these foods and until the important ethical and animal welfare issues in cloning are resolved. The group says that the FDA's determination of the safety of cloned foods relies on faulty science -- "unsupported assumptions" based "more on faith than science". The CFS report "Not Ready for Prime Time: FDA's Flawed Approach to Assessing the Safety of Food from Animal Clones", was released March 21 during a public comment period on FDA's planned approval of food from animal clones that is slated to close on April 2. The Center and numerous other organizations have requested an extension of the comment period. In December 2006, the FDA issued a draft document on the safety of animal clones. In the draft risk assessment, FDA said that meat and milk from clones of adult cattle, pigs, and goats, and their offspring were as safe to eat as food from conventionally bred animals. FDA says the assessment was peer-reviewed by a group of independent experts in cloning and animal health. The Center for Food Safety, however, claims the FDA found "virtually no scientific studies to support the commercial release of these experimental foods". For example, the Center says that the FDA found no peer-reviewed studes on meat from cloned cows or their offspring, and just three peer-reviewed studes on milk from cloned cows. "FDA's flawed approach falls far short of providing the kind of rigorous scientific assessment that Americans deserve before these experimental animals are allowed into the food supply," said Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of the Center for Food Safety. For more information, see the FDA news release from December and the Center for Food Safety press release.
A heart of copper
3/22/2007-A new animal study in the March 19 Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that foods rich in copper may help aid an ailing heart. Retired physiologist Jack Saari participated in the study while with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota. Lead author Y. James Kang conducted the study at the University of Louisville Medical Center in Kentucky. In the study, researchers fed mice who had heart disease and enlarged hearts (cardiac hypertrophy) up to three times the human recommended amount of dietary copper -- an amount that was still just one-third of the equivalent safe upper limit for humans. The hearts of the mice receiving the extra copper returned to normal size and function. The scientists say confirmational, controlled human research studies are needed in which volunteers with hypertophic heart disease consume copper-rich diets. But the mouse model suggests that higher copper consumption may help people with hypertrophic, or thickened, heart muscle conditions. According to the USDA's National Nutrient Database, foods rich in copper include beef, mollusks, crustaceans like lobster, shiitake mushrooms, and trail mix. Click here for a full listing of copper-rich foods.
ConAgra grows, despite peanut butter losses
3/22/2007-ConAgra Foods has reported "strong results" for the fiscal 2007 third quarter. Third quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.38, which includes $0.06 per diluted share of costs related to the recent peanut butter recall. Gary Rodkin, chief executive officer of ConAgra Foods, commented, "I congratulate our team on a strong EPS performance, particularly in light of the fact that we were able to offset significant costs associated with the peanut butter recall, and still increase our marketing investment." Regarding the peanut butter recall, Rodkin said, "I want to assure our consumers, customers, investors and employees that that we are correcting the operational problems that led to this [recall], and are committed to the highest possible standards of food safety throughout our operations. We also intend to resolve all claims related to peanut butter fairly and expeditiously and do not believe the costs of resolving the claims will materially impact our future operating results." The company currently estimates that the cost of the peanut butter recall will approximate $50 million to $60 million, largely reflecting the costs associated with customer and consumer product returns, inventory write-offs, and projected legal costs. Of this amount, $48 million was recognized in the third quarter; most of the remainder is expected to be recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. Sales in the Consumer Foods segment were 2% below last year due to the peanut butter recall and the sale of a refrigerated pizza business, but overall sales in the segment increased 1%. Food and Ingredients segment sales were $852 million, an 8% increase over last year. The Trading and Merchandizing Segment and International Foods Segment also experienced steady growth, of 5% and 3% respectively.
General Mills reports third quarter growth
3/22/2007-General Mills, Inc., today reported that net sales were $3.05 billion in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, up 6% from the same time last year. Net earnings after tax rose 9% to $268 million, as the impact of a lower tax rate offset incremental stock-based compensation expense and higher interest expense. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) totaled 74 cents, up 9 percent from 68 cents in last year’s third quarter. Chairman and CEO Steve Sanger noted that the results were cause to increase consumer marketing and raise the company's earnings guidance for the year. The growth was driven by net sales in the Meals division, which grew 10%, led by double-digit growth for Progresso soups and gains for Helper dinner mixes and Green Giant vegetables. Meanwhile, Yoplait division net sales grew 9% as Yoplait Light yogurt saw strong growth. The Baking and Snacks divisions also grew, at 11 and 8 percent respectively. Small Planet Foods, the company's organic business, grew 15%, as did General Mills' international businesses, which also posted a year-to-date profit of $160 million.
Supermarkets freshen up
3/22/2007-The most recent ACNielsen report on trends in food and beverage products What's Hot Around the World -- Insights on Growth in Food and Beverage Markets sugests that the demand for fresh and healthier foods is up. The report reviewed food purchases in 66 markets around the world between mid-year 2005 and mid-year 2006. Key findings included the definite upswing in demand for fresh, convenient, and healthy foods, particularly as populations in developed markets age, while those in developing countries like China and India grow. Categories that saw growth included: drinkable yogurt, often with probiotics; fresh fish and seafood, particularly in the U.S.; and fresh herbs and seasonings. In her latest State-of-the-Industry Report in the March issue of Food Technology, Liz Sloan shows how supermarkets are taking advantage of these very trends identified by ACNielsen. If consumers want fresh, fast, and convenient, they may turn increasingly to the grocery store's sushi bar or sandwich bistro than to the freezer case. For more, see the article (pdf) in Food Technology.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Synergy Flavors acquires Brazilian flavor company
3/21/2007-In a move that the company said will strengthen its presence in South America, Synergy Flavors, Inc., of Wauconda, Ill., announced its purchase of the Brazilian-based American Flavors and Fragrance do Brasil (AFF). The deal was finalized March 15, 2007. “In keeping with our strategy to grow through acquisition, the purchase of AFF is an ideal compliment to our global offering,” commented Roderick Sowders, president and CEO of Synergy. “By purchasing a Brazilian based company, we are gaining better access to the local markets there and are able to continue to build on what we do best, providing localized service,” he finished. Brazil is considered the entryway to “Mercosur,” or the South American Common Market, including countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, and Venezuela and consisting of 350 million consumers. “Brazil is the number one consumer of distilled beverages in the world and third largest consumer of soft drinks in the western hemisphere. It also happens to be the largest market for bakery and confections in Latin America and the second largest manufacturer of candies in the world. With our business strengths and focus within all of those industries, the location consideration was natural,” Sowders added. Business operations will remain at the current site in São Roque, near Sao Paulo City, which is considered the business center of Brazil and South America. The AFF name will change to Synergy Aromas do Brasil. AFF, founded as an entrepreneurial venture of two local businessmen, has been in operation since 2003. The company was established to offer cutting edge flavor and product technology to a market that was gaining momentum in the flavors arena. Zilned Machado, one of the owners of AFF said in response to the merger, “This purchase is an exciting time for the business. Having the strength of Synergy Flavors, combined with our local knowledge, will allow us to become a fixed and vital resource for this market.” Synergy Flavors is a member of the Irish-based Carbery Group, an international food ingredients and cheese company. Synergy creates a full range of innovative flavors for the bakery, beverage, confectionery, dairy, and nutritional markets. In 2006, the company acquired Vanlab Corporation, significantly broadening its product offerings and market access.
ITI Tropicals moves to larger facility
3/21/2007-ITI Tropicals, Inc., an importer of tropical fruit purees, concentrates, and iQF pieces, announced that as their product line continues to grow, the need to support the growth of the company continues as well. As a result, the company is moving to a new, larger facility in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. The new building will accommodate more staff, as well as their new New Exotics And Tropicals (NEAT) Creations Center. The NEAT Center will focus on new R&D projects and support for their product line. Customers are welcome to visit the new office to work hand in hand with the company on new products and R&D concepts utilizing tropical and exotic fruits in a wide range of applications. The company started moving on Friday March 9th and expected to be fully operational again on Monday March 12th. For more information, see www.ititropicals.com.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Frutarom continues growth in business
3/20/2007-Frutarom today presented its 2006 full year and fourth quarter results. The company says 2006 was the seventh consecutive year in which it continued its trend of growth and expansion in sales and profits. According to Ori Yehudai, Frutarom oresident and CEO, Frutarom in 2006 continued to establish its position as one of the leading flavor and fine ingredient producers in the world, and attained one its goal to become one of the top ten flavor companies in the world. Frutarom continued to strengthen its position in the field of natural products with health and dietary values -- reduced calories, fat, salt and cholesterol --and functional food ingredients possessing scientifically proven benefits, such as disease prevention, boosting the immune system, and improving general well-being. In relating to the fourth quarter, Yehudai added that during this quarter of 2006, Frutarom achieved double digit organic growth in core activities in both the Flavors Division and the Fine Ingredients Division.
Carver elected VP of Research Chefs group
3/20/2007-Janet Carver, Culinary Group Leader for National Starch Food Innovation, has been elected vice president of the Research Chefs Association (RCA) for the 2007-2008 term. Carver has also been appointed Chair of the Institute of Food Technologists/RCA Culinology Demonstration Pavilion for the 2007 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo, which will be held in Chicago this July. In 2004, she served as a member of RCA’s Fine Dining Team along with David Burke of the davidburke & donatella restaurant in New York City during the RCA/IFT Food Challenge in Las Vegas. Carver began her career at National Starch in 1990, working as a member of the Technical Service Team, and attended Peter Kump’s NY Cooking School (now known
as the Institute of Culinary Education) in Manhattan to acquire her culinary degree in 2000. In 2003, she helped to create and manage the National Starch
Food Innovation Culinary Group.
Dean Foods introduces probiotic cottage cheese
3/20/2007-Dean Foods Company, a dairy processor and distributor, today introduced a probiotic cottage cheese. The product is rolling out in the Upper Midwest under Dean Foods’ three flagship brands: Dean Foods, Country Fresh and Land O Lakes. Probiotics promote the healthy bacteria in food, similar to that found in yogurt, milk and some cheeses. The new probiotic cottage cheese provides the following ‘friendly’ bacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus casei. The net effect is that probiotic bacteria inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote improved digestion, “Our research revealed that probiotics are one of the major new trends emerging in the food industry. We are excited about a great tasting cottage cheese that also delivers specific health benefits,” said Dave Haley, regional director of marketing for the Dean Dairy Group.
can boost immunity and, therefore, can increase resistance to infection.
Ethanol push to drive food costs higher
3/20/2007-Is a push to ethanol production driving up food costs? This article in the latest issue of Food Technology by Robert Wisner says that to provide enough corn for all the anticipated uses (food, feed, and fuel) in the coming years, corn production in Iowa (the largest corn producing state) will need to increase 70 to 80% from recent levels. This expanded demand for corn reduces land for other crops and hence potential higher prices for these crops as well.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Bill to boost offshore aquaculture
3/19/2007-The U.S. Commerce Department has announced a proposal for federal legislation to allow ocean farming for shellfish, salmon, and saltwater species in federal waters for the first time. According to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) press release, such a move would help meet the growing demand for U.S. seafood and help the U.S. compete in the global $70 billion per year aquaculture industry. The plan would let companies operate fish farms three to 200 miles offshore, but without some of the rules on size, season, and harvest methods that apply to other commercial fishermen. For more, see the NOAA press release.
USDA updates Food Availability Data System
3/19/2007-The USDA’s Economic Research Service food availability (per capita) data system includes three distinct but related data series on food consumption. Food availability data are now available through 2005 at the national level. Also included are data on nutrient availability in the food supply and data on loss-adjusted food availability. This latter data series uses dietary recommendations from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and its supporting guidance document MyPyramid Plan. For more, see Food Availability Data System
Americans still not eating enough fruits and vegetables
3/19/2007-Two studies published in the April issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine indicate that Americans still not eating enough fruits and vegetables. Researchers from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research in Baltimore analyzed NHANES data (National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys) to determine trends over time for fruit and vegetable consumption among American adults. Americans have not increased their consumption, with 28% and 32% meeting USDA guidelines for fruits and vegetables, respectively, and less than 11% meeting the current USDA guidelines for both fruits and vegetables. The study included 14,997 adults from 1988 to 1994 and 8,910 adults from 1999 to 2002 with complete demographic and dietary data. Approximately 62% did not consume any whole fruit servings and 25% of participants reported eating no daily vegetable servings. There was no improvement in Americans fruit consumption during this period and there was a small decrease in vegetable intake. Researcher, Tiffany Gary, states, "Low fruit and vegetable consumption with no indication of improvement between 1988 and 2002 as well as consumption disparities across ethnic, income, and educational groups should alarm public health officials and professionals. With two thirds of the U.S. adult population overweight or obese, the implications of a diet low in fruits and vegetables are extensive. New strategies, in addition to the 5-A-Day Campaign, are necessary to help Americans make desirable behavioral changes to consume a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables." The first article is "Have Americans Increased Their Fruit and Vegetable Intake? The Trends Between 1988 and 2002" by S. Casagrande, Y. Wang, C. Anderson, and T. Gary. The second is "Trends in Black-White Differentials in Dietary Intakes of U.S. Adults, 1971-2002" by A.Kant, B. Graubard, and S. Kumanyika. The commentary is "Still Not Enough: Can We Achieve Our Goals for Americans to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables in the Future?" by L. Nebeling, A. Yaroch, J. Seymour, and J. Kimmons, . All three articles appear in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 32, Issue 4 (April 2007)
Warming has effect on global food supply
3/19/2007-Warming temperatures since 1981 have caused annual losses of roughly $5 billion for the major cereal crops, a study has found. From 1981-2002, fields of wheat, corn and barley throughout the world have produced a combined 40 million metric tons less per year because of increasing temperatures caused by human activities. “There is clearly a negative response of global yields to increased temperatures,” said David Lobell, a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researcher and lead author of the study that appears online March 16 in Environmental Research Letters. “Though the impacts are relatively small compared to the technological yield gains over the same period, the results demonstrate that negative impacts of climate trends on crop yields at the global scale are already occurring.” For more, see Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory press release.
Food industry launches new advocacy group
3/19/2007-A group of food industry organizations are launching a new entity, The Center for Food Integrity, to advocate for understanding of the contemporary food system. The Center for Food Integrity is a combination of The Grow America Project and Best Food Nation, two national initiatives established in 2006 to increase public understanding about the food system. According to Andy Miller, Indiana Agriculture Director, the organization’s primary mission is to engage with stakeholders, model practices that build trust with consumers, and share accurate, balanced information about the U.S. food system. Miller said the new entity has support from more than 20 organizations representing each segment of the food chain, including farmers and ranchers, processors, and companies that deliver food products under local, regional and global brand names, and government. In the next few months, The Center for Food Integrity will coordinate teams to provide strategic leadership for addressing five important issues: 1) health and nutrition; 2) food safety; 3) worker care; 4) environment, and; 5) food animal well being. Within these areas, The Center for Food Integrity will work with its members to develop, recognize and celebrate responsible practices that build trust in our food system. “We know that we need to continually enhance our production methods to make sure they are aligned with societal expectations,” says McCloskey. “But most importantly, we want to establish a culture of trust and transparency that ensures the availability of safe, abundant and affordable food.” The Center for Food Integrity is supported by the American Egg Board, The American Farm Bureau Federation, Countrymark Cooperative, Elanco Animal Health, Fair Oaks Dairy Farm, Indiana Packers Corporation, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Maple Leaf Farms, Monsanto, National Chicken Council, National Council of Chain Restaurants, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council, National Restaurant Association, National Turkey Federation, Produce Marketing Association, Purdue University, United Egg Producers, and United Soybean Board.
“The Center for Food Integrity will be a resource where consumers and other stakeholders can find information about the food system and discuss important issues,” Miller says. “We are providing leadership in building consumer trust and confidence in the contemporary U.S. food system.”
Friday, March 16, 2007
EU opens three new reference laboratories
3/16/2007-The EU’s European Commission is setting up three laboratories to support national authorities in their efforts to keep food and feed free from dangerous substances. The three Community Reference Laboratories for heavy metals, mycotoxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) will be opened by European Commissioner for Health, Markos Kyprianou at the Commission's Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements in Geel, Belgium on 16 March. For more, see the EU press release.
ADM acquires Ukrainian sunseed crushing facility
3/16/2007-Decatur, Ill.-based Archer Daniels Midland Company has completed the acquisition of all outstanding shares in Ilitchevskiy Maslo Extractionniy Zavod joint stock company (IMEZ) from Risoil S.A. IMEZ operates a sunseed crushing facility close to the port of Odessa in the Ukraine. ADM and Risoil became 50/50 shareholders in IMEZ in 2004.
"The IMEZ facility at Illitchevsk complements our global asset base in an important origination location," said Mark Zenuk, ADM Vice President and Managing Director-Europe and Asia. "We look forward to working with Ukrainian farmers to help meet the changing needs of our food customers due to evolving global demands."
Ukraine is the second largest producer of sunseed in the world after the Russian Federation with harvests of approximately five million metric tons per year.
BLS: food prices increasing
3/16/2007-U.S. consumer prices increased 0.4% last month, led by higher prices for food, energy, shelter, and tobacco, the U.S. Labor Department reported on March 16. Wholesale consumer food prices are 6.8% above year-ago levels. February prices for "crude foodstuffs and feedstuffs" were up 18.8% above year-ago levels. Some note that the increases indicate that food companies may be more willing to pass higher costs to consumers. For more information, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index Summary.
New VP named at MGP Ingredients
3/16/2007-Ladd Seaberg, chairman and chief executive officer of MGP Ingredients, Inc. announced the planned appointment of Brian Cahill to the newly created position of executive vice president of the company’s distillery products business segment. Cahill has served as vice president of finance and administration and chief financial officer since October, 2002. He will remain in that position while a search for his successor is being completed.
Seaberg indicated it could be several weeks before a new chief financial officer is named and Cahill makes the transition to “another role of great significance” within the company. “Brian is a tremendous asset to MGP Ingredients,” Seaberg said. “His financial acumen, extensive management experience, attention to detail and vast knowledge of alcohol industry dynamics are qualities that will serve him and the company well in his new role. The distillery segment is a very important component of our business. With Brian’s leadership, we will be able to place greater focus on optimizing the strategic contributions from this area of the company.”
Wm. Wrigley Jr. introduces long-lasting flavor gum
3/16/2007-On March 14, the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company will introduce 5, a new sugar-free stick gum with "invigorating sensations you can feel as you chew." The product will be launched to U.S. consumers. "5 appeals to the senses and is the most exciting development in sugar-free stick gum since the launch of Extra(R) more than 20 years ago," said Bill Perez, Wrigley's president and CEO, while speaking to attendees at Wrigley's Annual Stockholders' Meeting Wednesday in Chicago. Available in Rain(TM) (a tingling spearmint flavor), Cobalt(TM) (a cooling peppermint flavor), and Flare(TM) (warming cinnamon flavor), 5 debuts in a 15-stick envelope package, a first for the gum category. "Teens, who are constantly seeking opportunities to experience something out of the ordinary, are also the most frequent gum chewers of any age group and account for one-third of all gum chewed in the U.S.," said Martin Schlatter, Wrigley's chief marketing officer. "In our testing, teens and young adults have told us they love everything about 5 - from the unique tingling, cooling or warming sensations that accompany its delicious and especially long-lasting flavors to its bold graphics to its sleek, revolutionary packaging. 5 delivers an amazing new gum experience."
Americans not eating their fruits and veggies
3/16/2007-A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that Americans are not eating enough fruit and vegetables.
The report assessed data from the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
The report describes the results of that analysis, which indicated that 32.6% of adults consumed fruit two or more times per day and 27.2% ate vegetables three or more times per day. The results underscore the need for continued interventions that encourage greater fruit and vegetable consumption among U.S. adults.
For more see
MMWR of March 16, 2007 / 56(10);213-217
Researchers create dress from wine
3/16/2007-Fashion and food have often meshed, but perhaps never quite like this interesting application of a wine byproduct: www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/2007/1872191.htm
Looking for E. coli in all the wrong places
3/16/2007-Michigan State University's National Food Safety and Toxicology Center is offering a free webcast recording of "Looking for E. coli In All the Wrong Places"
by Lonnie King, Director, National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
The seminar can be accessed via the following link:
http://foodsafe.msu.edu/news_events.html.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
EFSA proposes maximum pesticide residue levels
3/15/2007-The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued an opinion on the possible health risks from certain proposed residue levels of pesticides in food and feed. This is one of the first steps in the full EU harmonisation of national maximum residue levels for pesticides in the Member States. For more, see the press release.
Food spending in American households
3/15/2007-Average yearly expenditures on food in U.S. urban households increased between 2003 and 2004. Over the period, annual per capita spending on food rose from $2,035 to $2,207. The 2004 average comprises $1,347 spent on food consumed at home and $860 spent on food consumed away from home. These amounts reflect a year-to-year increase of 7.9 percent in food-at-home expenditures and 9.3 percent in food-away-from-home expenditures. Wealthier urban households tended to spend more than other urban households for both food at home and food away from home, and they spent a larger share of their food budget than other households on food consumed away from home. The share of the food budget spent on food consumed away from home varied from 30 percent for the poorest group to 44 percent for the wealthiest.
For more, see the USDA Report.
Phthalates may be linked to obesity
3/15/2007-Exposure to phthalates, a common chemical found in everything from plastics to soaps, already has been connected to reproductive problems and now, for the first time, is linked to abdominal obesity and insulin resistance in adult males, according to a study by the University of Rochester Medical Center. The research adds to the growing suspicion that low-dose exposures to phthalates and other common chemicals may be reducing testosterone levels or function in men, and thereby contributing to rising obesity rates and an epidemic of related disorders, such as Type 2 diabetes, said lead author Richard Stahlhut, M.D., M.P.H., a Preventive Medicine resident at the University of Rochester. The study was published today in the online edition of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. "Substantial declines in testosterone levels and sperm quality have been observed in the United States and other countries over the last several decades which and it urgently requires explanation," Stahlhut said. "While we can’t say yet that phthalates are a definite cause, I am certain they are on the list of chemicals that demands careful study." Phthalates have been widely used for more than 50 years, but only recently implicated as a possible health risk in people. Animal studies have shown consistently that phthalates depress testosterone levels. Recent human studies have found that phthalates are associated with poor semen quality in men and subtle changes in the reproductive organs in boy babies. This connection between phthalates and testosterone helped to establish a basis for the study, Stahlhut said. Stahlhut’s group hypothesized that phthalates might have a direct link to obesity, since low testosterone appears to cause increased belly fat and pre-diabetes in men. They analyzed urine, blood samples and other data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The NHANES is a large, multi-ethnic, cross-section sampling of the U.S. population acquired routinely by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers reviewed data from 1999 to 2002, the most recent years that phthalates levels were available. Of the adult men available in NHANES, 1,451 had data on phthalate exposures, obesity and waist circumference. Of these men, 651 also had fasting glucose and insulin levels required to calculate insulin resistance. The analysis found that, as expected, several phthalate metabolites showed a positive correlation with abdominal obesity. Indeed, men with the highest levels of phthalates in their urine had more belly fat and insulin resistance. Researchers adjusted for other factors that could influence the results, such as the mens’ age, race, food intake, physical activity levels and smoking. The phthalate family of chemicals is used in a variety of products from cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, lotions, lubricants, paint, pesticides, and plastics. Phthalates soften plastic tubing, PVC, and are also used in the coating of some timed-release medicines. More than 75 percent of the United States population has measurable levels of several phthalates in their urine, according to the study. "Unfortunately, there’s still a lot to learn about phthalates," Stahlhut said. "The more difficult issue is what combinations of common low-dose chemical exposures might be contributing to these problems."
Why we smell better when we sniff
3/15/2007-Unlike most of our sensory systems that detect only one type of stimuli, our sense of smell works double duty, detecting both chemical and mechanical stimuli to improve how we smell, according to University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine researchers in the March issue of Nature Neuroscience. This finding, plus the fact that both types of stimuli produce reaction in olfactory nerve cells, which control how our brain perceives what we smell, explains why we sniff to smell something, and why our sense of smell is synchronized with inhaling. “The driving force for such synchronization remained a mystery for more than 50 years,” says senior author Minghong Ma, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience. “These results help us understand how the mammalian olfactory system encodes and decodes odor information in the environment.” Researchers tested two different types of stimulation on olfactory neurons in mice: chemical stimuli, such as those used in making perfumes that have almond-like and banana-like scents, and mechanical stimuli, that is pressure carried by air flow to the nostrils while breathing. The group did this first by puffing a chemical stimulus into the nose. As expected, this produced a reaction in the olfactory neurons, the primary sensory neurons in the nose that perceive odors. Researchers then puffed a solution without the chemical stimuli into the mouse’s nose. This also produced a similar, but smaller reaction in the olfactory neurons. By decreasing pressure of the non-odor solution, they also found that the reaction in the olfactory neurons was less, confirming that it was sensitive to mechanical stimulation. When olfactory neurons respond to odor molecules, they transmit chemical energy into electrical signals, which then trigger a secondary molecular messenger cascade that generates electrical impulses to the brain, signaling that it is smelling something. The group discovered that chemical and mechanical stimuli both resulted in the same messenger molecule, cAMP, which acts like a gatekeeper of reactions in the olfactory neurons. Although this study was conducted on a mouse model, the researchers tested two different parts of the nose, one that humans have and one that humans do not. The first, the septal organ, is a patch of smell-sensitive tissue on the septal wall of the nasal cavity. The second, the main olfactory epithelium, is a smell-sensitive tissue inside the nasal cavity. The septal organ is only about 1 percent the size of the main olfactory epithelium and isn’t shared by all mammals. Mice, for example, have a septal organ. Humans do not. But in this study, Ma’s group found that 50 percent of the cells in the main olfactory epithelium are sensitive to physical stimuli, suggesting that mechanosensitivity of the olfactory sensory neurons exists in all mammals, even those like humans, without the septal organ. The mechanosensitivity of our olfactory neurons has two possible functions, suggest the investigators. The first is that it increases our ability to smell, enhancing the detection of odorous molecules in the air. The second is a peripheral drive in the brain to synchronize rhythmic activity, which is the concurrent firing of neurons in the olfactory bulb with breathing. “The mechanosensitivity may increase the sensitivity of our nose, especially when stimulated by weak odors,” says Ma. “It helps the brain make better sense out of odor responses when it integrates airflow information. We still don’t know how it happens, but sniffing is essential for odor perception.”
Wrigley Company reviews 2006 accomplishments
3/15/2007-The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company hosted its 104th Annual Meeting of Stockholders today, with the leadership of this company recapping the previous fiscal year as well as highlighting future opportunities and a roadmap to achieve future growth.
"We are doing the right things to drive the business forward, and I believe that our strong performance in terms of record volumes, strong sales increases, impressive cash flow, solid earnings per share, and growth delivered consistently over time will translate into increased shareholder value," said William Wrigley, Jr., Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board. "We will continue to lead the Wrigley Company to new heights -- not just as a stronger company -- but as an even more powerful and growing force in the global confections industry."
In his first Annual Meeting as Wrigley President and CEO, Bill Perez reflected on the strengths and opportunities that attracted him to join the Company last October. "With the Wrigley Company, there is a lot to like -- including our culture, brands, distribution infrastructure, front-end merchandising expertise, geographic presence and innovation pipeline, as well as the strength of the gum category. At the same time, we have a number of opportunities to take Wrigley's performance to the next level, and our team is committed to addressing the challenges and fully leveraging our strengths."
Citing innovation as one of those strengths, Perez took the opportunity to preview a breakthrough new gum brand -- 5(R) -- that Wrigley will introduce in the U.S. this summer. This exciting new sugar-free stick gum combines mouth- freshening, long-lasting flavors with invigorating sensations that you can "feel as you chew." Appealing to the five senses, 5 delivers mild tingling, cooling, or warming sensations along with great flavors and features revolutionary packaging and graphics that tested tremendously well with consumers, particularly teens and young adults. Perez said, "5 is a big idea, and the most exciting development in sugar-free stick gum since the launch of Extra(R) over 20 years ago."
Wrigley further commented about the importance of the two-pronged strategy for long-term growth, with organic brand development and strategic acquisitions both adding significant strength to the Company's overall portfolio. Organic growth accounted for 8% of the Company's 13% sales increase in 2006, fueled in part by continued development of the top-selling Orbit(R) brand in the U.S., the successful launch of bottle packaging, and the global rollout of Eclipse(R) mints. At the same time, he noted that the Company's acquisition program added substantially to the $700-million dollar non-gum confectionery business built up by Wrigley over the past four years.
Zeroing in the United States, Wrigley highlighted recent successes of some of the Company's recently acquired brands. New LifeSavers(R) innovations -- such as Fruit Tarts(TM), Gummies Fruit Splosions(TM), and two new mint flavors -- have reinvigorated the brand, helping to drive up sales almost 11% in the past 52 weeks and more than 22% in the last 12 weeks. Altoids(R) Dark Chocolate Dipped Mints have received solid consumer acceptance, becoming the category growth leader with a 5.7% share after just over two months in the marketplace. Wrigley also mentioned the strong progress of the Sugus(R) brand across China, as well as its more recent successful introduction into Vietnam.
He also touched on the Company's excitement about its recent acquisition of A. Korkunov(R) in Russia. In addition to adding an outstanding premium chocolate brand to the Wrigley portfolio, it provides the Company an entree into a category with attractive growth prospects at good margins.
Perez led off his comments praising the quality of Wrigley's people and culture. He then highlighted the breadth of Wrigley's distribution and the depth of its global presence, noting that Wrigley is the #1 gum company in the world and, with the exception of Latin America, the leader in chewing gum in every region of the world. He specifically cited the Company's marketplace presence in Russia and China as two truly extraordinary international assets:
Russia is now Wrigley's third largest business in the world, and Wrigley became the second largest confectionery company in Russia in 2006 with the success of Orbit and Eclipse gum brands and confectionery products like Orbit Drops and Juicy Fruit(R) Jellies.
Wrigley is the #1 gum and confectionery company in China with an average annual volume increase of 18% since 2000. Wrigley's products,according to syndicated data, are available in 2.2 million points of sale, tops among all consumer goods companies and twenty times the number being accessed by the company's leading multinational gum competitor.
Sara Lee to sell direct to in-store bakeries
3/15/2007-Sara Lee In-Store Bakery announced that, effective April 1, 2007, it will sell pies directly to in-store bakeries (ISB) nationwide, after serving the segment indirectly for many years. In addition, the company named Kevin Schwab, vice president, in-store solutions, to build and lead Sara Lee’s dedicated ISB sales and marketing team. Schwab, with more than 20 years calling on retail grocery customers, previously served as director, DSD bakery, for Sara Lee Food & Beverage and has held leadership roles within Sara Lee’s frozen and sweet goods business.
“Going direct to our in-store bakery customers demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the existing customer partnerships we have in other categories,” said Mike Knowles, chief marketing officer, Sara Lee In-Store Bakery. “Now, retailers across the country can buy great-tasting pies directly from Sara Lee for their in-store bakeries. We’ve also lined up some great broker partners who can bring significant resources to bear to support our customers’ growth plans. Coupled with Kevin Schwab’s proven track record in the retail industry, we are well positioned to be the direct supplier of choice for in-store bakeries nationwide.”
Fiber-optics-based system for food inspection
3/15/2007-A new light source based on fiber-optic technology promises to improve the inspection of food, produce, paper, currency, recyclables and other products. New research revealing this technology will be presented at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exposition/National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference (OFC/NFOEC), being held March 25-29 in Anaheim, Calif.
Currently, industrial processes for inspecting foodstuffs and other items often use "line-scan" cameras, which record images of objects one line at a time, just as fax machines scan documents on a line-by-line basis. Rapid electronic processors then detect whether there are any problems with the items and instruct mechanical actuators (such as air jets) to separate out unsatisfactory items. The problem is current line-scan cameras lack ideal light sources to image objects properly.
Now, Princeton Lightwave of Cranbury, N.J. and OFS Labs (a Somerset, N.J.-based division of Furukawa Electric) have introduced a fiber-optics-based solution, which they will describe in their OFC/NFOEC paper. In their design, a bright light source such as a laser sends light through an optical fiber. Along the length of the fiber is an ultraviolet-light-treated region called a "fiber grating." The grating deflects the light so that it exits perpendicularly to the length of the fiber as a long, expanding rectangle of light. This optical rectangle is then collimated by a cylindrical lens, such that the rectangle illuminates objects of interest at various distances from the source. The bright rectangle allows line scan cameras to sort products at higher speeds with improved accuracy.
The new fiber-based light source combines all the ideal features necessary for accurate and efficient scanning: uniform, intense illumination over a rectangular region; a directional beam that avoids wasting unused light by only illuminating the rectangle; and a "cool" source that does not heat up the objects to be imaged. Currently employed light sources such as tungsten halogen lamps or arrays of light-emitting diodes lack at least one of these features.
According to the researchers, this fiber-based device can be customized for a specific inspection application within 4 to 6 weeks, then manufactured for that application in 16 to 20 weeks.
Meeting Paper: G.E. Carver, K.S. Feder, P.S. Westbrook, "FBG Based Distributed Lighting for Sensing Applications," Presentation OThP1, Thursday, March 29, 3 p.m. PDT; longer paper available upon request from Colleen Morrison, cmorri@osa.org
Cadbury Schweppes to separate confectionery and beverage units
3/15/2007-Cadbury Schweppes announced that it intends to separate its confectionery and Americas Beverages businesses. The company's board is evaluating the options for separation to maximise shareowner value. Further information will be provided at the time of the trading update on 19 June. Sir John Sunderland, Chairman, said: "This decision is of great significance for the Board and the Company. It has been facilitated by acquisitions and disposals over the last decade designed to create a strong and potentially independent Americas Beverages business. In the same time, we have built the world's largest confectionery business. We believe now is the moment to separate and give both management teams the focused opportunity to extract the full potential inherent in these excellent businesses." In 1997, the company adopted a Managing for Value philosophy. Since then the company has substantially strengthened the position of both confectionery and beverages businesses through a series of acquisitions and disposals, and through organic investment. In confectionery, the acquisitions of Hollywood, Dandy, Kent and Adams transformed the confectionery business, giving them a broader category participation and geographic footprint in the global confectionery industry. In beverages, the company has built critical mass and strengthened their route to market, primarily through acquisition. In 2006, the company sold beverages operations in Europe, Syria and South Africa for £1.4 billion.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
FDA proposes guidelines for fresh-cut produce safety
3/13/2007-The U.S. FDA has proposed guidelines that advise processors of fresh-cut produce how to minimize food safety hazards common to production of fresh fruits and vegetables sold in a ready-to-eat form (such as shredded lettuce, peeled baby carrots, and cut celery stalks). Processing produce into fresh-cut product increases the risk of contamination because it breaks the produce's natural barrier. The new FDA guidelines aim to help the fresh-cut industry prevent or eliminate potential hazards, or reduce them to acceptable levels.
For more, see
FDA Press Release.
Fact Sheet
Also, the FDA Consumer magazine has published a related feature article called "How the FDA Works to Keep Produce Safe."
IFT debuts Food Expo Innovation Awards
3/13/2007-In conjunction with the upcoming IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo, July 28–August 1, 2007, Chicago, Ill., the Institute of Food Technologists has announced the IFT Food Expo Innovation Awards program, which will honor outstanding innovations in products, ingredients, technologies, instrumentation, equipment, and services. The program will be open only to exhibiting companies at this year’s IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo. The winners will be announced at the Sunday morning keynote session, just prior to the opening of the exhibit floor. The deadline for entries is April 30, 2007. For more information, see the entry form.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Dole launches product tracking site for consumers
3/12/2007-Dole Food Company, Inc. announced today that Dole Fresh Fruit International, Ltd., its fresh fruit division in Latin America, launched a new website (www.doleorganic.com) that houses several interactive tools aimed at bringing consumers closer to its organic banana operations. Via the system, consumers are able to find specific information about the farms where the Dole organic bananas are grown or purchased from growers. Key to the system is the Dole organic bananas’ label, which is printed with a unique farm code that corresponds to the specific farm where the product was sourced. When consumers enter the indicated code into the new Dole website, they gain access to the farm’s page, where they find information regarding the farm’s characteristics (country, location, certifications), have the opportunity to learn more about the grower, read stories about projects in the communities and look at pictures. Furthermore, the Dole website has a link to satellite image technology, enabling consumers to actually view the farm and the neighboring areas. "This new tool is both ground-breaking and interactive since consumers can now virtually visit the farms where the Dole organic bananas they buy are grown. It is an educational tool, which increases transparency and thus consumer confidence in our products and in our brand", says Frans Wielemaker, director of sourcing and development Organic Program of Dole Fresh Fruit International in San José, Costa Rica. Dole produces organically-grown bananas in its own farms and sources from independent organic growers located in Honduras, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Peru for the European, North American, and Japanese Markets and also in the Philippines for the Asian Markets.
Martek and Dean to supply omega-3s in milk
3/12/2007-Martek Biosciences Corp. announced today an agreement with Dean Foods Company to provide docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 in a line of nationally available organic milk. The new products containing Martek's life'sDHA(TM) will be launched in 2007 through the Dean Foods subsidiary, WhiteWave Foods Company under the company's Horizon Organic(R) brand. WhiteWave will also launch Rachel's(R) yogurt containing DHA, which will be available nationwide in selected channels.
Joseph Scalzo, president and CEO of WhiteWave said, "DHA is an ingredient that has been shown to provide important health benefits in young children and across the lifecycle. Horizon Organic(R) is the leading organic dairy brand with a proud history of pioneering in healthy, organic products and we look forward to the impact of this ingredient in enhancing our product offerings and once again pioneering our business into new arenas."
Under the terms of the new 15-year agreement announced today, the product categories have been expanded to include other dairy products, including organic milk and yogurt. Dean and WhiteWave have agreed to purchase all of their DHA omega-3 needs from Martek for their products in the United States and other designated territories, subject to limited termination rights. There are no minimum purchase requirements or other financial commitments to Martek. For all products containing life'sDHA(TM), Dean and WhiteWave will display the life'sDHA(TM) logo on the product packaging, and will also include the life'sDHA(TM) logo in related marketing, advertising and promotional materials.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) omega-3 is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a primary building block for the brain and the eyes and supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health. Scientific reviews have noted the importance of DHA omega-3 in proper brain and eye function, and there are studies currently underway to investigate its role in decreasing the prevalence of certain neurological disorders.
Cargill glucosamine used in Minute Maid OJ
3/12/2007-Cargill announced today that its Regenasure ® glucosamine was determined to be GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for specific food and beverage applications. The determination came after an independent evaluation by an expert panel of respected scientists. The GRAS status permits the product to be used in a variety of specific mainstream foods and beverages. This month, The Coca-Cola Company launched Minute Maid Active™ Pure Squeezed Orange Juice, which contains 750mg of the glucosamine per serving. According to a company press release, two 8 fl. oz. servings deliver 1500 mg of glucosamine, which is the typical daily amount of glucosamine that has been demonstrated in clinical studies to be efficacious in helping support joint function. The product is available nationwide.
Tate & Lyle to cease production of citric acid
3/12/2007-Tate & Lyle will cease production of citric acid in Selby, Yorkshire on March 31, 2007. The company said that the closure is a result of intense competition from Chinese imports and oversupply in the world market. Stanley Musesengwa, chief operating officer of Tate & Lyle, said, “I would like to extend my thanks to colleagues at Selby for their dedication and hard work over the years and in particular over the last month. This decision was not taken lightly. However, continuing pricing pressures and oversupply in the world market meant our UK citric acid business could no longer operate viably.” Tate & Lyle will provide local job shop facilities staffed by independent professional counselors. Existing supply contracts will be serviced from inventory in Selby and Tate & Lyle plants in the U.S., Colombia, and Brazil.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
ConAgra extending peanut butter recall
3/10/2007-On March 9, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed consumers that ConAgra has extended their recall of all Peter Pan peanut butter, and all Great Value peanut butter beginning with product code 2111, including peanut butter toppings, back to October 2004. Consumers who have purchased any of the products since October 2004 should discard them. FDA's advice to consumers continues to be not to eat any Peter Pan peanut butter or any Great Value peanut butter beginning with the 2111 product code. For more, see the FDA press release.
Friday, March 09, 2007
EFSA to look at cloned meat safety
3/09/2007-The EU’s European Commission has requested that the European Food Safety Authority develop an opinion on the possible implications of cloning for food safety, animal health, animal welfare, and environment in the European Union. For more, see the EFSA press release.
Wrigley names new Group Vice President
3/09/2007-The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company announced today that Mary Kay Haben has been named group vice president and managing director, North America, reporting to Bill Perez, president and chief executive officer. Haben will lead the growth and development of Wrigley's U.S. and Canadian businesses, effective April 16, 2007. In this role, she will also join Wrigley's Executive Leadership Team. Haben brings to Wrigley extensive experience in global management after a 27-year-career at Kraft Foods Inc., where she most recently served as senior vice president, Open Innovation, leading the company's new innovation processes targeted at bringing outside ideas into the company and driving innovation culture change globally. She has served in various executive positions at Kraft since 1979, including senior vice president, Global Convenience Meals, Grocery and Snacks Sectors from 2004 until 2006; group vice president and president, Cheese, Enhancers and Meals from 2001 until 2004; group vice president and president, Kraft Cheese, Mexico and Puerto Rico from 2000 until 2001; and executive vice president and president, Kraft Cheese Division from 1998 until 2000.
National Starch introduces new whole grain flour
3/09/2007-National Starch Food Innovation has introduced a new functional whole grain flour at Natural Products Expo West. According to the company, the flour delivers the highest dietary fiber content of any whole grain flour on the market while providing high antioxidant, vitamin A, and folic acid levels. Hi-maize® Whole Grain corn flour, made from a specialty hybrid high-amylose corn, provides a dietary fiber content of 33% per 100 grams, nearly triple the level delivered by whole grain wheat flour and whole grain oats. It also contains antioxidants comparable to levels provided in blueberries, nearly three times the vitamin A and one-and-a-half times the folic acid “Hi-maize Whole Grain makes it easier to formulate high fiber and whole grains into most low-moisture foods. Also, we have a unique dry milling process that extends the shelf life of the product to nearly twice that found in a typical whole grain,” said David Huang, senior marketing development manager for National’s Nutritional Flours business.
available in traditional whole grain sources.
Senomyx flavors granted regulatory approval in China
3/09/2007-Senomyx, Inc., a company focused on using proprietary technologies to discover and develop novel flavor ingredients for the packaged food and beverage industry, announced that the Chinese Ministry of Health has granted official regulatory approval in China for the company's savory flavor ingredients. The approval was granted via the 2007 List of Flavors Intended for Use in Food (GB 2760). These savory enhancers, discovered and developed by the company, are intended to allow the reduction or elimination of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and to augment the flavor of naturally occurring glutamate found in many food and beverage products. "Regulatory approval in China opens the world's largest MSG market to products containing Senomyx's proprietary savory ingredients," said Kent Snyder, president and chief executive officer. "Senomyx is primarily responsible for obtaining international regulatory approvals for the flavor ingredients that will be marketed by our collaborators. Achieving this status in China is important for our partners' future commercialization plans and broadens the company's potential royalty revenue base." In the U.S., Senomyx's savory flavor ingredients have been determined to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, administered by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Ethanol demand may mean higher meat and poultry prices
3/09/2007-Meat and poultry producers are facing rapid increases in the cost of the grain needed to feed their animals, and economists predict these higher grain prices will result in higher consumer prices, the poultry industry told Congress on March 8. Soaring demand for corn, the largest component of animal feed, from ethanol producers has doubled the cost of corn in recent months and driven up by 40 percent the feed cost of the chicken industry alone, a spokesperson told the livestock, dairy and poultry subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee. Matthew Herman, manager of a Tyson Foods chicken production and processing complex in Monroe, North Carolina, cited forecasts by Dr. Bruce Babcock, an economist at Iowa State University, on the impact of the corn prices on the poultry industry. The rate of growth of production has slowed, which will allow wholesale prices to rise to cover the increase in feed costs, which will eventually be reflected in higher retail costs, Babcock predicted. The country could actually face a shortage of corn, its most abundant crop, as ethanol demand -- driven by federal subsidies and mandates -- outstrips supply, Herman said. Animal agriculture has survived high feed prices in the past, but those were temporary conditions caused by bad weather or other problems, he said. The high prices facing the industry now are caused by ethanol subsidies and mandates set by law. The livestock and poultry industries normally purchase more than half of the corn produced in the country to make feed for their animals. However, the rapidly expanding ethanol industry consumed more than two billion bushels of corn, or 18 percent of production, in 2006 and will take as much as 3.5 billion bushels in 2007, Herman said. Herman said the National Chicken Council and North Carolina Poultry Federation had several recommendations on the ethanol crisis. They include: -Permit non-environmentally sensitive cropland in USDA's Conservation Reserve Program to be released without penalty and loss of program benefits; Increasing domestic production of energy is a "very worthy goal," but one that must be pursued in a "reasonable and rational way," Herman said. "The current approach and pace is full of risks to traditional users of feedgrains," he warned. "Without adequate safeguards for the unintended consequences, the future of U.S. animal agriculture is put in great jeopardy," he said.
-Permit non-environmentally sensitive cropland in the Conservation Reserve Program to produce grain and oilseed crops if the harvest is designated for use to produce bio-energy;
-Provide that any new mandates for renewable fuel standard should be sourced from bio-based materials (such as cellulosic material or methane) that do not adversely impact the availability of animal feed;
-USDA should prepare and have ready an effective plan of action in the event of a shortfall in a corn crop for the next few years;
-Provide for counter-cyclical subsidies for ethanol so that as the price of crude oil goes up, the subsidy for ethanol goes down;
-Provide an effective waiver to reduce or eliminate the renewable fuel standard when economic conditions, especially for animal agriculture, so warrant;
-Allow the U.S. import duty on ethanol to expire as scheduled on December 31, 2008; and
-Increase funding and support for projects that will result in methods that permit greater use of dried distiller grains with soluble (DDGs) for feeding single-stomach animals, such as poultry.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Monsanto, The Solae Co. combine on omega-3 technology in soybeans
3/08/2007-On March 7, Monsanto and The Solae Company announced an agreement to develop and market omega-3 products for a market that industry experts predict could grow to as much as $7 billion by 2011. The collaboration brings together research that Monsanto and The Solae Company, together with its majority owner, DuPont, have been conducting independently on soybeans containing high levels of Omega-3s, as well as Solae’s work on stabilizing oil for food applications. Any omega-3 products developed by the collaboration will be marketed through Solae. “There is a need to develop new solutions for delivering Omega-3 fatty acids in a wider variety of consumer products,” said Tony Arnold, president and chief executive officer of The Solae Company. “Our goal is to accelerate the creation of a convenient, affordable and sustainable source of Omega-3 ingredients.” Consumer demand for these nutrients is growing as research continues to show diets rich in Omega-3s play an important role in maintaining health, including heart health. The actual consumption of Omega-3s by humans is much lower than the recommendations of health associations all over the world. In the United States, consumption of long-chain Omega-3s is only one-fifth of American Heart Association recommendations. Market researchers have projected sales of Omega-3-infused foods will grow at a 60% compounded annual rate from 2002 to 2011, prompting concerns that demand could soon outstrip supply and threaten fish stocks. This collaboration seeks to cultivate a new, more sustainable source of Omega-3 products that can be used as ingredients in many different food applications. “Soybeans represent a renewable, land-based source of Omega-3s,” said Jerry Steiner, executive vice president of Monsanto. “We believe this collaboration will allow us to bring to market a variety of sustainable Omega-3 ingredients that will nutritionally enhance foods that consumers already enjoy. We’re excited about the possibilities.”
FDA renames Office of Food Additive Safety
3/08/2007-As a result of an FDA reorganization, the Office of Premarket Approval was renamed the Office of Food Additive Safety. In addition, FDA discovered that minor errors were inadvertently published in the CFR affecting its regulations that address food and color additives (parts 71, 73, 74, 170, 171, 172, and 180) and GRAS
substances (part 184). For more information, see Federal Register of March 8, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 45, Page 10356-10357.
Tyson Foods unveils new Discovery Center
3/08/2007-On March 6, Tyson Foods, Inc. officially unveiled its new “Discovery Center,” a research and development facility designed to enhance the company’s ability to create new foods and bring them to market more quickly. “The Discovery Center is much more than a building,” said Tyson President and Chief Executive Officer Richard L. Bond to reporters invited to tour the facility. “It’s about our passion to create new products designed to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s consumers. “It’s a hub of food innovation enabling us to combine consumer insights with culinary and food manufacturing expertise to develop great-tasting chicken, beef and pork products,” Bond added. “We believe there is no other research and development facility like it anywhere in the world.” The Discovery Center, which opened in mid-January, is located on the campus of Tyson’s world headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas. The 100,000 square foot facility is home to the food science and culinary professionals who are part of Tyson’s Research and Development team. The Center includes 19 specialized research kitchens, a multi-protein pilot plant, a packaging innovation lab, a sensory analysis lab and consumer focus group capabilities. “The Discovery Center is designed for joint value creation with our customers,” said Hal Carper, senior vice president of Corporate Research and Development for Tyson. “Here our food innovation teams collaborate with customers to research consumer needs, then design and test new products and packaging. We can then produce products on a test basis in a real-life manufacturing environment.” Tyson’s Research and Development team includes approximately 120 Team Members. More than 50 of them hold advanced degrees, including 11 with PhDs. About 65 Tyson technologists are training to become Research Chefs Association (RCA) Certified Culinary Scientists. Once they have completed the training, this means two-thirds of the world’s RCA Certified Culinary Scientists will be on staff at Tyson Foods.
Fortitech to invest $22 million in new facilities
3/08/2007-As part of its plan to strengthen customer service, client relations, and manufacturing/testing capabilities, Fortitech, Inc. has announced several major expansions in the United States, Malaysia, and Mexico. Fortitech, Inc. will be relocating its Fontana, California facility to a larger, state-of-the-art manufacturing and laboratory facility located in Ontario, California, about 14 miles from Fontana. Fortitech’s worldwide headquarter facility in New York will be adding 35,000 square feet of warehouse/manufacturing space to the existing 95,000 square foot facility. These expansions will make way for bigger blending capacities, enhanced technical capabilities, and increased customer service support. Fortitech, Asia Pacific will be constructing a brand new, state-of-the-art manufacturing and laboratory facility located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This major investment will allow the company to serve custom nutrient premix demands globally and will position the company to better serve rapidly growing markets such as China, Indonesia, and Australia. Fortitech Mexico will be relocating to a larger distribution office in southern Mexico City. The new location will be in closer proximity to the city’s business district and airport for enhanced commerce capabilities. Overall, these new facilities and upgrades will cap off a more than $22 million global expansion which includes the company’s new manufacturing and testing facility in Gadstrup, Denmark, which opened in 2005. The Ontario, California facility is expected to open late this summer and the New York expansion is anticipated to be complete by this fall. Fortitech, Mexico will be transitioned by early spring and the brand new Malaysia plant is projected to be fully functional by 2008. Founded in 1986, Fortitech, Inc. develops custom nutrient premixes for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, integrating functional ingredients from a comprehensive selection of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, nucleotides, and nutraceuticals.
Monday, March 05, 2007
New view on biology of flavonoids
3/05/2007-Flavonoids, a group of compounds found in fruits and vegetables that had been thought to be nutritionally important for their antioxidant activity, actually have little or no value in that role, according to an analysis by scientists in the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
However, these same compounds may indeed benefit human health, but for reasons that are quite different – the body sees them as foreign compounds, researchers say, and through different mechanisms, they could play a role in preventing cancer or heart disease.
According to the researchers, based on this new view of how flavonoids work, a relatively modest intake of them – the amount you might find in a healthy diet with five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables – is sufficient. Large doses taken via dietary supplements might do no additional good; an apple a day may still be the best bet.
A research survey, and updated analysis of how flavonoids work and function in the human body, were recently published in the journal, Free Radical Biology and Medicine.
"What we now know is that flavonoids are highly metabolized, which alters their chemical structure and diminishes their ability to function as an antioxidant," said Balz Frei, professor and director of the Linus Pauling Institute. "The body sees them as foreign compounds and modifies them for rapid excretion in the urine and bile."
Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds with some common characteristics that are widely found in fruits and vegetables and often give them their color – they make lemons yellow and certain apples red. They are also found in some other foods, such as coffee, tea, wine, beer and chocolate, and studies in recent years had indicated that they had strong antioxidant activity – and because of that, they might be important to biological function and health.
"If you measure the activity of flavonoids in a test tube, they are indeed strong antioxidants," Frei said. "Based on laboratory tests of their ability to scavenge free radicals, it appears they have 3-5 times more antioxidant capacity than vitamins C or E. But with flavonoids in particular, what goes on in a test tube is not what’s happening in the human body."
Research has now proven that flavonoids are poorly absorbed by the body, usually less than five percent, and most of what does get absorbed into the blood stream is rapidly metabolized in the intestines and liver and excreted from the body. By contrast, vitamin C is absorbed 100 percent by the body up to a certain level. And vitamin C accumulates in cells where it is 1,000 to 3,000 times more active as an antioxidant than flavonoids.
The large increase in total antioxidant capacity of blood observed after the consumption of flavonoid-rich foods is not caused by the flavonoids themselves, Frei said, but most likely is the result of increased uric acid levels.
But just because flavonoids have been found to be ineffectual as antioxidants in the human body does not mean they are without value, Frei said. They appear to strongly influence cell signaling pathways and gene expression, with relevance to both cancer and heart disease.
"We can now follow the activity of flavonoids in the body, and one thing that is clear is that the body sees them as foreign compounds and is trying to get rid of them," Frei said. "But this process of gearing up to get rid of unwanted compounds is inducing so-called Phase II enzymes that also help eliminate mutagens and carcinogens, and therefore may be of value in cancer prevention.
"Flavonoids could also induce mechanisms that help kill cancer cells and inhibit tumor invasion," Frei added.
BMI often not an accurate indicator of body fat
3/05/2007-Body mass index, or BMI, long considered the standard for measuring the amount of fat in a person’s body, may not be as accurate as originally thought, according to new research.
A research team from Michigan State University and Saginaw Valley State University measured the BMI of more than 400 college students – some of whom were athletes and some not – and found that in most cases the student’s BMI did not accurately reflect his or her percentage of body fat.
The research is published in the March issue of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine.
BMI is determined by this equation: A person’s weight divided by his or her height squared. Generally a BMI of 25 or above indicates a person is overweight; 30 or above indicates obesity. A person with a higher BMI is thought to be at a greater risk of heart disease, diabetes and other weight-related problems.
“The overlying issue is the same criteria for BMI are used across the board,” said Joshua Ode, a Ph.D. student in the MSU Department of Kinesiology and an assistant professor of kinesiology at Saginaw Valley. “Whether you’re an athlete or a 75-year-old man, all the same cut points are used.”
“BMI should be used cautiously when classifying fatness, especially among college-age people,” said Jim Pivarnik, an MSU professor of kinesiology and epidemiology. “It really doesn’t do a good job of saying how fat a person really is.”
The problem, especially among younger people and athletes, is that BMI does not distinguish between body fat and muscle mass, said Ode.
For more, see the MSU Press Release.
Long-term U.S. agricultural projections
3/05/2007-Each year, USDA makes 10-year economic projections for the food and agriculture sector.
Longrun developments for global agriculture reflect increased demand for biofuels, particularly in the United States and the European Union (EU). U.S. agricultural projections are for large increases in corn-based ethanol production, which affects production, use, and prices of farm commodities throughout the sector. Expansion of biodiesel use in the EU raises demand for vegetable oils in global markets. Additionally, steady domestic and international economic growth in the projections supports gains in consumption, trade, and prices.
On average, consumer food prices are projected to rise more slowly than the general rate of inflation over the next decade, although increases in meat prices push food prices up faster in some years.
For more, see USDA Long-Term Agricultural Projections
Ralcorp acquires Bloomfield Bakers
3/05/2007-Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Bloomfield Bakers, a manufacturer of nutritional and cereal bars and natural and organic specialty cookies, crackers and cereals sold to branded businesses under co-manufacturing arrangements and to private label retail customers.
Ralcorp has agreed to pay $139.6 million in cash for all ownership interests in Bloomfield and its affiliated entity, Lovin Oven, L.L.C. Bloomfield Bakers had net sales of $188 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Ralcorp will finance the acquisition primarily through borrowings under its existing $150 million revolving credit facility.
Bloomfield Bakers will become a part of Ralcorp's Ralston Foods business unit. Bloomfield's headquarters and management group will remain in Azusa and Los Alamitos, California, where it operates two leased manufacturing facilities and employs approximately 500 full-time employees.
Bloomfield Bakers is currently operated by Harold Rothman and William Ross, who have grown it from a small bakery into a leading producer of the highest quality nutritional bars, cereal bars and specialty cookies, crackers and cereal products.
Friday, March 02, 2007
USDA sees rising corn prices
3/02/2007-Keith Collins, Chief Economist, USDA, speaking at the 2007 USDA Agriculture Outlook Forum on March 1 said that adding demand for biofuels to the strong foundation for demand for food and feed, and U.S. agriculture faces very profound shifts in crop production in 2007. According to Collins, driving this change is the remarkable increase in corn prices, as the market revalues corn from its traditional feed and food uses to its value in biofuel production.
Collins said that for the current marketing year, the USDA expect corn ethanol use will reach 2.15 billion bushels and increase 50% to 3.2 billion bushels in 2007/08. This sharp increase in corn demand is reducing corn carryover and driving up corn prices.
For a copy of his speech see
http://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/2007%20Speeches/PDF%20speeches/KCollins_doc.pdf
For more on the Forum, which included presentations by Patricia Woertz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Archer Daniels Midland and Greg Page, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cargill, Inc. see http://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/2007%20Speeches/index.htm
Any food science blogs out there?
3/02/2007-IFT members and others in the food science/food technology community: Do any of you maintain personal blogs or other websites with a food science/food technology theme that you would like to highlight to our audience? Drop James Giese, IFT Internet Editor an e-mail at jhgiese@ift.org
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Salmonella found in the ConAgra plant
3/01/2007-As a follow-up to the recent Salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting an extensive inspection of ConAgra's Sylvester, Georgia processing plant. Samples collected by the FDA revealed the presence of Salmonella. The fact that FDA found Salmonella in the plant environment further suggests that the contamination likely took place prior to the product reaching consumers. Last week, tests by several states identified Salmonella in many open jars of Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter recovered from consumers. In these instances, the Salmonella found in the plant and in the open jars matched the outbreak strain recovered from consumers who became ill.
For more, see FDA Press Release.
Registration is now open!
3/01/2007-The 2007 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo, coming to Chicago’s McCormick Place South on July 28 – August 1.
IFT’s 2007 event promises to be our most exciting yet, featuring more than 1,400 presentations, 1,000+ exhibitors, and virtually unlimited opportunities for education and networking. New products and technologies, emerging trends, best practices, and the latest research...if it’s new, you’ll hear about it at the IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo!
Here are just a few of the unique things you’ll find at the 2007 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo:
More than 150 educational sessions, presented by experts from industry, academia, and government
Special sessions on “Health, Wellness, and Foods,” this year’s event theme
The Food Technology Trend Panel, a gathering of trend experts who’ll discuss their views on what’s coming within the industry
Non-technical Program sessions, designed to help food science professionals enhance their management skills
Specialty pavilions, reserved areas on the expo floor that showcase important industry trends
Pre-Annual Meeting Short Courses, one- and two-day courses offered prior to the event that provide focused, in-depth education on specific topics
Related events right at McCormick Place, including the Global Chinese Health Food Symposium 2007, the International Food Nanotechnology Conference, the Global Food Safety & Quality Conference, and more!
To learn more about the 2007 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo or to register, go to ift.org/amfe.