Tuesday, April 29, 2008
DSM Nutritional announces price increase for vitamins
4/29/2008-DSM Nutritional Products announced a global price increase for all fat soluble vitamins. After recent price increases announced for Vitamin E and A the remaining fat soluble Vitamins in the their product portfolio K1, Natural Source Vitamin E, Mixed Tocopherols and Vitamin D3- will now also increase in price for all newly contracted business. The increase is effective for all qualities of these vitamins marketed in the human nutrition and personal care industries and will amount to a minimum of 10%. According to the company, the price increase is necessary due to significantly higher costs of raw materials, energy and transportation.
Meat technologists: win $1 million
4/29/2008-People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has announced the offer of a $1 million prize to the first person to come up with a method to produce commercially viable quantities of in vitro meat at competitive prices by 2012. For more information, see http://www.peta.org/feat_in_vitro_contest.asp
Monday, April 28, 2008
FDA Director speaks on Chinese seafood safety
4/28/2008-The U.S. FDA Office of Food Safety Deputy Director Don Kraemer appeared before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Hearing on "Chinese Seafood: Safety and Trade Issues" For a copy of the presentation, see http://www.fda.gov/ola/2008/seafood042408.html
FDA issues regulation to protect against BSE
4/28/2008-The U.S. FDA has issued a final regulation barring certain cattle materials from all animal feed, including pet food. The rule further protects animals and consumers against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, also known as "mad cow disease"). The new measure builds on FDA's 1997 feed regulation, which prohibited the use of certain mammalian proteins in ruminant feed. For more, see http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01823.html
Wrigley to merge with Mars, Inc.
4/28/2008-The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company today announced that it had reached an agreement to merge with Mars, Incorporated, one of the world's leading confectionery and consumer goods companies. As a result of this transaction, Wrigley will become a private company. The combined organization will have a product portfolio containing some of the world's most recognizable confectionery brands -- including Orbit(R), Extra(R), Doublemint(R), M&M's(R), Snickers(R) and Mars(R) -- as well as leading food, beverage and pet care brands, totaling over $27 billion in global sales. Mars, Incorporated has agreed to pay $80 cash for each share of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of the Wrigley Company in a transaction valued at approximately $23 billion. The terms of the transaction have been unanimously approved by the Wrigley Board of Directors. Based on Wrigley's closing share price of $62.45 on April 25, 2008, and its three-month weighted average share price of $59.88, this price represents a premium of 28 percent and 34 percent, respectively, to the Company's stockholders. This price also represents 4.3 times Wrigley's 2007 net sales and over 35 times Wrigley's 2007 earnings per share. Mars, Incorporated, will acquire 100 percent of Wrigley's outstanding shares and all of its outstanding options will be cashed out. The Wrigley Company will operate as a separate, stand-alone subsidiary, keeping its headquarters in Chicago and continuing its civic and philanthropic involvement, both locally and in its communities around the world. Additionally, Bill Wrigley, Jr. will continue serving as the Company's Executive Chairman. As part of the transaction, Mars' non-chocolate sugar brands -- including Starburst(R) and Skittles(R) -- will be added to Wrigley's confectionery portfolio, joining such well-known brands as Lifesavers(R) and Altoids(R). "First and foremost, this is a great transaction at a great price that provides tremendous value to Wrigley stockholders," noted Bill Wrigley, Jr., Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board. "Additionally, in terms of Wrigley's ongoing business, the true value of this transaction arises primarily from enhanced growth opportunities, including the potential for cross-pollination of people, ideas and brands, and significant enhancements of sales, marketing and distribution infrastructures. We see this as an historic opportunity to preserve what is special about the Wrigley Company in terms of values and culture, while continuing to grow and develop our associates, invest in our brands and drive long-term generational growth. So, from every perspective, I strongly support the transaction." "Mars and Wrigley have much more in common than multi-generational family leadership and significant global footprints," commented Paul S. Michaels, Mars Global president. "We share common values and ways of doing business, including an emphasis on ethics and respect for people, focus on generational growth, and expertise in obtaining consumer insights and building enduring brands. This is not about being bigger -- it's about being the best, and providing leadership and innovation across the full range of confectionery categories." The merger unites two outstanding confectionery traditions. With the Wrigley Company being founded in 1891 and Mars, Incorporated being established in 1911, the combined enterprise will have over two centuries of experience in producing outstanding confectionery products, delighting consumers, and building great brands and strong businesses around the world. "This combination brings together two strong, complementary confectionery organizations," noted Bill Perez, President and Chief Executive Officer. "A big part of what attracted Mars to Wrigley was our proven track record in the marketplace and the talent of our people. As a stand-alone subsidiary of Mars, with our strong, global leadership team in place, we will have the opportunity to accelerate our already strong growth trajectory." Funding for the transaction includes approximately $11 billion from Mars, a $5.7 billion committed senior debt facility from Goldman, Sachs, and $4.4 billion of subordinated debt from Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. At closing, Berkshire Hathaway has committed to purchase a minority equity interest for $2.1 billion in the Wrigley Company subsidiary at a discount to the share price being paid to the stockholders of Wrigley. "Those of you who know me, know that I have been a big fan of Wrigley's business model for many years, and I love their products," said Warren E. Buffett, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway. "When you think of a business that's easy to understand, with favorable long-term economics, and able and trustworthy management -- you think of Wrigley. Bringing together these iconic, world-class companies combines Wrigley's strengths with the deep resources and proven brand-building savvy of Mars and will result in a powerful force for innovation and growth in the global confectionery marketplace." The proposed transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including stockholder approval and certain governmental regulatory clearances. Both parties are committed to working to close the transaction as soon as possible, with the merger expected to be completed within six to twelve months. For more and a copy of the e-mail Bill Wrigley, Jr. sent to employees, see Press Release.
Symrise completes acquisition of flavor business
4/28/2008-Symrise has successfully finalized its acquisition of Chr. Hansen's flavorings business The acquisition allows Symrise to keep expanding its business in the US: over 80% of Christian Hansen's sales in the flavoring sector come from North America. This move will help Symrise continue to become one of the leading suppliers on the largest flavor market worldwide. According to the company press release, Symrise will benefit from much more thorough market coverage and be able to offer its clients an even broader product portfolio. The additional production capacity will dramatically improve Symrise's competitive ability and service in North America. The two companies' client structures and core competences complement each other perfectly. In addition to its extensive knowledge of development and application technology, Chr. Hansen also works with technologies which are an excellent match for Symrise. In turn, Chr. Hansen's clients will profit from Symrise's global infrastructure, market knowledge and research expertise.
Holzminden/Frankfurt. Symrise has acquired the Dairy Flavors, Savory Flavors, Sweet Flavors and Seasonings sectors of the Danish manufacturer Chr. Hansen. The anti-trust authorities approved the transaction on April 25, concluding Symrise's largest acquisition to date.
Acheson to speak at IFT Food Laws luncheon
4/28/2008-IFTs Food Laws & Regulations Division annual business meeting and luncheon, on Monday, June 30 at the IFT Annual Meeting in New Orleans will feature David Acheson, M.D., the FDA Assistant Commissioner for Food Protection. Acheson is charged with offering strategic and substantive counsel to the FDA Commissioner on food safety and food defense matters. Acheson is an accomplished speaker and has been at the center of the FDA response to a number of food protection issues. One of Acheson's first projects has been the development of an agency-wide, visionary strategy for food safety and defense. The strategy will serve as the framework in helping the agency prioritize and address food safety and defense challenges. This is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased along with your Annual Meeting & Food Expo registration or on-site, up to two days prior to the event, at the IFT Ticket Desk in the Registration Area. For more, information on the Food Laws and Regulations Division, see http://www.ift.org/divisions/food_law/
Mars said to be in talks to acquire Wrigley
4/28/2008-According to news reports, confectionery giant Mars, may be near a deal to acquire Chicago-based Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. Wrigley primarily known for its chewing gum brands such as Extra, Orbit and Eclipse recently expanded into the mints market with the acquisition of Altoids. Mars has M&Ms, Snickers, Starburst, Skittles and Twix candy brands. However, Mars also makes other products such as Uncle Bens rice products and pet food. The deal valued at more than $22 billion, according to reports, would create one of the largest candy companies in the world.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Kraft to sell Spanish biscuit business
4/24/2008-Kraft Foods Inc. today announced it has signed agreements to sell the Artiach biscuits business in Spain to Panrico and the Balaton chocolate trademark in Hungary to Nestle. These actions follow last year's decision by the European Commission to clear Kraft's acquisition of Group Danone's global biscuits business, including LU Iberia and Gyori Keksz, conditioned upon Kraft's divesting a limited number of trademarks in Spain and Hungary. The actions announced today are expected to complete that regulatory requirement. The sale agreements are subject to regulatory approvals prior to closing, which is expected later this year. The divestitures will not affect Kraft's ongoing businesses in Spain and Hungary. Kraft's ongoing focus in Spain is to grow its strong portfolio of leading biscuit, chocolate, coffee, cheese, desserts and mayonnaise brands including LU, Oreo, Fontaneda, Milka, Saimaza, Philadelphia, El Caserio, Royal and Kraft. In Hungary, the company will continue to focus on developing its strong portfolio of leading biscuit and chocolate brands such as Gyori Edes, Pilota, Milka, Sport and others.
NutraCea to open La. facility
4/24/2008-NutraCea , a producer of stabilized rice bran, nutrient research and technology, today announced that it will host a grand opening ceremony at its Lake Charles, Louisiana facility on June 6, 2008.
This facility began production at the end of the first quarter and when fully operational will add approximately 30,000 tons of annual capacity to the Company's U.S. production. The facility also includes 25,000 square feet of warehousing and will be a central distribution center for NutraCea products.
Attending the ceremony will be state and local dignitaries, other invited guests and senior management from NutraCea.
"We are very pleased that our new facility is now on line and producing stabilized rice bran to service new and existing accounts," said Leo Gingras, Chief Operating Officer of NutraCea. "Completion of this project further expands our presence in the Southern U.S. rice growing region, which is an excellent shipping point for both domestic and overseas customers. We are especially proud to bring a new source of food ingredients on-line at a time of tight food supplies worldwide," continued Gingras.
Due to limited space, this grand opening is by invitation only. If you are interested in attending the grand opening event, please email us your name, address and phone number to grandopening@nutracea.com.
No butter in Japan
4/24/2008-The following statement in this editorial was of interest to me: "Japan, its leading food importers say, will inevitably take a step backwards in the food it eats. "The time will come," says Akio Shibata, ... one of Japan's foremost experts on food supply, "when the Japanese people will realize that they will not have the quality, taste and prices of food they are used to." For more, see London Times Online
Grupo Bimbo offers award for food science research
4/24/2008-As part of its commitment to the communitys health and well-being, Grupo Bimbo, the leading baked goods company in the Americas, invites professionals and young scientists to participate in the 2008 Bimbo Pan-American Nutrition, Food Science and Technology Award. All award proposals shall be registered online at: The Scientific Jury evaluating the awards consists of renowned researchers and experts in human nutrition, food science and technology chosen by Grupo Bimbo.
The award is in effort to promote research and knowledge in these areas, and to improve the quality of processed food and nutritional standards of the population. Prizes will be awarded in the amounts of $5,000 for the Professional category and $2,000 for the Young Scientist category.
http://premiopanamericano.grupobimbo.com from March 1st, 2008 at 00:01 (Eastern Standard Time) to October 31st, 2008 at 23:59 (Eastern Standard Time). The proposals not registered online will not be accepted, as well as those lacking the information requested or submitted outside the specified dates.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
UN says more than 100 million now face hunger
4/22/2008-The United Nations' World Food Program (WFP) has said that high food prices are creating the biggest challenge that WFP has faced in its 45-year history, a "silent tsunami" threatening to plunge more than 100 million people on every continent into hunger. This is the new face of hunger the millions of people who were not in the urgent hunger category six months ago but now are, said WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran, who is meeting British Government officials after addressing a UK parliamentary hearing in London. The response calls for large-scale, high-level action by the global community, focused on emergency and longer-term solutions, she said. Analysis being carried out by WFP supports World Bank estimates that about 100 million people have been pushed deeper into poverty by the high food prices. WFP expects to release figures next week estimating how many new people have urgent hunger needs. She said that like the 2004 tsunami, which hit the Indian Ocean leaving quarter of a million dead and about 10 million more destitute, the food price challenge requires a global response. For more, see http://www.wfp.org/english/?ModuleID=137&Key=2820
Dietary choice, not food miles, determines climate impact
4/22/2008-Despite the recent popular attention to the distance that food travels from farm to plate, aka food miles, Carnegie Mellon researchers Christopher L. Weber and H. Scott Matthews argue in an upcoming article in the prestigious Environmental Science & Technology journal that it is dietary choice, not food miles, which most determines a households food-related climate impacts. Our analysis shows that despite all the attention given to food miles, the distance that food travels is only around 11% of the average American households food-related greenhouse gas emissions, said Weber, a research professor in Carnegie Mellons department of civil and environmental engineering and engineering and public policy. The researchers report that fruit, vegetables, meat and milk produced closer to home rack up fewer petroleum-based transport miles than foods trucked cross country to your table. Yet despite the large distances involvedthe average distance traveled for food in the U.S. is estimated at 4,000-5,000 miles the large non-energy based greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing food make food production matter much more than distance traveled. The authors suggest that eating less red meat and/or dairy products may be a more effective way for concerned citizens to lower their food-related climate impacts. They estimate that shifting to an entirely local diet would reduce the equivalent greenhouse gas emissions as driving 1,000 miles, while changing only one day per weeks meat and dairy-based calories to chicken, fish, or vegetables would have about the same impact. Shifting entirely from an average American diet to a vegetable-based one would reduce the same emissions as 8,000 miles driven per year. Where you get your food from is a relevant factor in family food decisions, but what you are eating - and the processes needed to make it - is much more important from a climate change perspective, said Matthews, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering and engineering and public policy at Carnegie Mellon.
Chocolate bar may lower cholesterol
4/22/2008-The results of a University of Illinois study have demonstrated an effective way to lower cholesterol levels by eating chocolate bars. Eating two CocoaVia dark chocolate bars a day not only lowered cholesterol, it had the unexpected effect of also lowering systolic blood pressure, said John Erdman, a U. of I. professor of food science and human nutrition. The study, funded in part by Mars Inc., the company that makes the bars, was published in this months Journal of Nutrition. Erdman attributes the drop in cholesterol numbers (total cholesterol by 2 percent and LDL or bad cholesterol by 5.3 percent) to the plant sterols that have been added to the bar and the drop in blood pressure to the flavanols found in dark chocolate. Erdman says that some people will assume the study is flawed because of Mars funding role. I know that it was a double-blinded trial that wasnt skewed toward a particular result, said Erdman, who chairs the Mars Scientific Advisory Council. Moreover, the paper was peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Nutrition, which ranks in the top 10 percent of all the biological science journals. Mars has spent millions of dollars studying the biological impact of the flavanols found in cocoa beans and learning how to retain their benefits during the refining process, Erdman said. Forty-nine persons with slightly elevated cholesterol and normal blood pressure were recruited for the study. Those chosen for the double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study began the American Heart Associations Eating Plan for Healthy Americans (formerly the Step 1 diet) two weeks before the study started; then they were divided into two matched groups. Two types of CocoaVia bars were then introduced, one with plant sterols and one without. While remaining on the AHA diet, participants ate one CocoaVia formulation twice daily for four weeks, then switched to the other bar for an additional four weeks. Blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure, body weight, and other cardiovascular measures were tracked throughout the eight-week study. After the participants started the AHA diet, a lot of them began to lose weight, so we had to keep fussing at them to eat more. We didnt want a weight change because that also lowers cholesterol, said Ellen Evans, a U. of I. professor of kinesiology and community health and co-author of the study. After starting the CocoaVia bars, we saw a marked differential effect on blood cholesterol, with the sterol-containing products doing better than those without sterols, she said. A CocoaVia bar contains 100 calories.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Dean Foods to close dairy processing plant
4/18/2008-According to news reports, dairy processor Dean Foods will close a dairy processing plant in Belleville, Penn. About 80 people will lose their jobs when the Mifflin County dairy processing plant shuts down. The Fairmont Products dairy plant manufactures mostly cottage cheese and ice cream. The plant is owned by Dallas-based Dean Foods Co.
Tyson consolidates production; elimnates jobs
4/18/2008-Tyson Foods, Inc. is consolidating some of its prepared foods business, company officials reported today.
Production will be discontinued at the Tyson plant in York, Nebraska, and shifted to one of the companys other meat processing operations. The York closing will result in the elimination of 110 jobs.
Given the dynamics of the meat business, we must continually pursue ways to operate more efficiently, said Roy Slaughter, vice president of Poultry and Prepared Foods Operations for Tyson. After careful consideration, we have decided it will be more efficient for another, larger operation to absorb the work done at York.
The York plant produces uncooked meats such as flat iron steak and the Shaved Steak brand, as well as other sliced beef and pork items for various retail and foodservice customers. Tyson plans to move some of the equipment from York to the companys recently restructured meat processing operation in Emporia, Kansas, which employs more than 700 people. Company officials currently believe the existing workforce at Emporia is capable of handling Yorks production with very little additional staffing.
Sara Lee to cut 300 jobs
4/18/2008-According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, Sara Lee Corp. is planning to eliminate up to 300 jobs throughout its North American operations this week, including about 100 at its headquarters in Downers Grove, Ill. Sara Lee employs about 1,200 in Downers Grove and about 25,000 across North America. A Sara Lee spokesman said that the layoffs were focused in management and administrative jobs.
Global food crisis
4/18/2008-It is now being called a global food crisis. In countries that import a large share of their food; prices are rapidly raising. Across Globe, Empty Bellies Bring Rising Anger There are some indications that the short supply is being driven by speculation and hoarding in hopes of getting a higher price. The FAO is predicting that world cereal production in 2008 is forecast to increase 2.6% to a record 2,164 million tons. The bulk of the increase is expected to be in wheat following significant expansion in plantings in major producing countries. Coarse grains output is tentatively forecast to remain around the bumper level of last year. Rice production is foreseen to increase slightly reflecting production incentives in several Asian countries. However, much will depend on climatic conditions in the coming months. For the FAO report see http://www.fao.org/docrep/010/ai465e/ai465e00.htm The question remains are we getting close to our current food production limits?
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
We drive, they starve
4/15/2008-We drive, they starve, according to this editorial by Ambrose Evans-Pritchard in the UKs Telegraph. He does present at least one side of the argument, although beyond increased demand and grains used for biofuel production there is evidence that some stockpiling in the hope of higher prices is also occurring. See the latest USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates at www.usda.gov/oce/commodity/wasde
Monday, April 14, 2008
Poultry processor to reduce production by 5%
4/14/2008-Pilgrim's Pride Corp. today said it plans to reduce weekly chicken processing by approximately 5% in the second half of fiscal 2008 when compared to the same period a year ago, as part of its continuing effort to better balance supply and demand amid record-high costs for feed ingredients such as corn and soybean meal. The reduction began with eggs set earlier this month and should take full effect with weekly processing beginning in June. The company said the reduction will remain in effect until average industry margins return to more normalized levels. The 5% reduction includes the impact of the previously announced closing of the Pilgrim's Pride plant in Siler City, NC, which should be completed by June. "Soaring feed-ingredient costs fueled by the federal government's misguided ethanol policy has created a crisis in our industry, the true effects of which are only just now beginning to be felt by American consumers in the form of higher food prices," said Clint Rivers, president and chief executive officer. "Over the past two weeks, a growing number of smaller chicken producers have announced production cutbacks in an effort to manage these unprecedented increases for corn and soybean meal, which are expected to add billions of dollars of cost to our industry this year. It is clear that chicken producers of all sizes are feeling the tremendous financial strain from these additional grain costs. We have been encouraged by these public announcements, for they indicate that the production cutbacks this time are being shared more broadly across the industry, rather than limited to just the largest processors, as was the case last year. We believe the cuts we are enacting will strike a better balance between production and demand and strengthen our competitive position. As we have said in the past, reducing overall supply to better match demand is an important component in helping return the industry to profitability." The company also said it is continuing to review its production facilities for potential mix changes, closure and/or consolidation in response to current negative industry fundamentals. Pilgrim's Pride acknowledged that its processing complex in El Dorado, Ark., is among those being reviewed for possible closure. But the company emphasized that no decision has been made at this time.
Salmonella illnesses may be linked to recalled cereal
4/14/2008-The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 12 announced that at least 23 people in 14 states have been diagnosed with salmonellosis that was caused by the same strain of Salmonella that was found in the recently recalled unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereals produced by Malt-O-Meal. The recalled products were distributed nationally under the Malt-O-Meal brand name as well as under private label brands including Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw's, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality. The cereals have "Best If Used By" dates from April 8, 2008 (coded as "APR0808") through March 18, 2009 (coded as "MAR1809"). For more, see FDA Press Release.
CDC says foodborne infections leveling off
4/14/2008-According to its latest report, there has been little change in the incidence of some foodborne infections after a period of decline. And that leveling off of the rate of food poisonings casts into doubt the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's goal of reducing the overall number of foodborne infections by 2010. A 10-state report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed little change in the incidence of some foodborne infections after a period of decline. The findings are from 2007 data reported to the CDC as part of the agencys Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, FoodNet. FoodNet monitors foodborne disease and conducts related epidemiologic studies to help health officials better understand the epidemiology of foodborne diseases in the United States. Although the FoodNet population is similar to the U.S. population, the findings are used to detect trends in foodborne illness and should not be generalized for the entire U.S. population. For more, see CDC Press Release.
TNO Zeist developes search for health-promoting ingredients
4/14/2008-TNO Zeist has developed an integrated approach assisting manufacturers in their search for health-promoting ingredients. A very large number of fractions in food matrices can be screened in a short period of time, providing insight about the potentially health-promoting properties of these fractions.
TNOs screening platform can also be used to determine whether modification of the production process will preserve any health-promoting components. The platform can, for example, be applied to select novel health-promoting ingredients and ingredients for clinical nutrition and baby food, but also to upgrade residual flows from the vegetable, fruit and grain processing industries.
TNOs screening platform is composed of technologies derived from various fields, such as analytical chemistry, physiology, microbiology and molecular biology. The approach involves the food matrix being fractionated (this may or may not be preceded by an in vitro predigestion step) and the functionality of the fractions being determined in an artificial micro-gut system and then characterisation of the functional components. TNOs micro-gut system is the only multi-channel system in the world in which the intestinal flora can be cultured as well as kept in a stable condition. The artificial micro-gut system allows the simultaneous measurement of the effects of hundreds of food components - or combinations of them - on the composition and activity of the intestinal flora. Those components that prove to have beneficial effects on the composition of the gut flora are further characterised. If required, a predigestion step can be carried out prior to these assays, which gives manufacturers information on the bio-availability of the components and how this can be improved. Predigestion may, for example, be useful when studying components in crude plant extracts.
It is currently possible to analyse the effects of food components on the intestinal flora; in the near future it will be possible to study such effects on skin and oral flora as well.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Guggenheim Fellow to study diet and obesity
4/11/2008-Monell Center scientist Mark I. Friedman, PhD has been selected to receive a 2008 Guggenheim Fellowship to pursue his work on diet and obesity. The prestigious fellowships are awarded to established scholars in the fields of science, humanities, and creative arts on the basis of distinguished achievement in the past and exceptional promise for future accomplishment. Selected from a pool of over 2,600 applicants, Friedman is one of 190 recipients who will share a total of $8.2 million in awards. The Guggenheim Fellowship is a great honor, says Friedman. It will allow me to broaden my thinking about the etiology of obesity, extend my research perspective, and foster a more integrated approach to this critically important research. Friedmans research focuses on how energy metabolism affects eating behavior. Studies in his laboratory have established that the liver acts as an energy sensor, detecting and relaying information about the bodys fuel metabolism to the brain to control food intake. He has authored over 150 publications covering laboratory and theoretical work on appetite, hunger and satiety, food preferences, and obesity. The Guggenheim award will enable Friedman to expand his research on how diet composition in particular the interaction of dietary fat and carbohydrate affects metabolism to cause overeating and obesity. The findings will serve as the basis and provide direction for a larger program of research to elucidate the mechanisms that drive diet-induced obesity. A leading researcher in the field of eating behavior for over 30 years, Friedman has been a member of Monells faculty since 1982. In addition to his research program, he also holds administrative appointments as Associate Director of the Monell Center and as Chair of Monells Technology Transfer Program. Since 1925, the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation has granted over $265 million in Fellowships to nearly 16,500 individuals. This years Fellows represent eighty-one academic institutions and seventy-five different disciplines, from composers to sociologists to biologists.
Cereal prices forecast for sharp rise in coming year
4/11/2008-The cereal import bill of the worlds poorest countries is forecast to rise by 56 percent in 2007/2008. This comes after a significant increase of 37 percent in 2006/2007, FAO said today.
For low-income food-deficit countries in Africa, the cereal bill is projected to increase by 74 percent, according to the UN agencys latest Crop Prospects and Food Situation report. The increase is due to the sharp rise in international cereal prices, freight rates and oil prices.
International cereal prices have continued to rise sharply over the past two months, reflecting steady demand and depleted world reserves, the report said. Prices of rice increased the most following the imposition of new export restrictions by major exporting countries. By the end of March prices of wheat and rice were about double their levels of a year earlier, while those of maize were more than one-third higher, according to the report.
For more, see FAO press release.
UK food agency says remove certain food colors
4/11/2008-At a meeting on April 10, 2008, The UK Food Standards Agency advised the Uk government that food and drinks manufacturers should voluntarily remove a range of food colorings over concerns about their effects on the behavior of children. The advice follows the publication last September of research into these colors by Southampton University and in the light of the review of this work by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which was published in March. The Board agreed to advise UK Ministers that there should be voluntary action by manufacturers in the UK to remove these colors by 2009. In addition, there should be action to phase them out in food and drink in the European Union (EU) over a specified period. Deirdre Hutton, Chair of the Food Standards Agency, said, It is the Agency's duty to put consumers first. These additives give color to foods but nothing else. It would therefore be sensible, in the light of the findings of the Southampton Study, to remove them from food and drink products. UK industry has already taken great strides to remove these colors from food; this decision builds on the work already done and will encourage industry to continue down this path. The agency advice is: Parents of children showing signs of hyperactivity are advised that cutting certain artificial colors from their diets might have some beneficial effects. These colors are: Sunset yellow (E110) Food Standards Agency Chief Scientist, Andrew Wadge, said: This advice is proportionate and based on the best available science. However, we need to remember that there are many factors associated with hyperactive behavior in children other than diet. These are thought to include genetic factors, being born prematurely, or environment and upbringing. For more detail, see the UK Food Standards Agency release.
Quinoline yellow (E104)
Carmoisine (E122)
Allura red (E129)
Tartrazine (E102)
Ponceau 4R (E124)
Cargill opens new wheat processing plant in UK
4/11/2008-Cargill's new wheat processing plant at Trafford Park, Manchester, UK was officially opened on April 10. The plant, which has seen an investment of around 75 million to convert it from processing imported maize to domestic wheat, will process around 750,000 tonnes of wheat per annum to provide a full range of products including sweeteners for the food industry, proteins and texturisers for the baking industry sector and high quality feed ingredients for the dairy sector. As well as converting the plant to process wheat, Cargill has, over the last few months, consolidated a number of its food ingredients businesses at the Trafford Park site, which is now the hub for its UK food ingredients business, employing over 300 people. Speaking in Manchester, Frank van Lierde, who runs Cargills European sweeteners business, said: This is an exciting time for us as this investment, in a traditional food business, marks the culmination of a strategy put in place three years ago. This strategy was designed to best address the growing needs of our customers both in the UK and Ireland and across Europe in providing them with the right choice of quality products at competitive prices to service their own local manufacturing needs. The advantages of producing sweeteners from wheat, a reduced complexity of operation, efficiencies in milling and superior economies of scale allows Cargill to become the most competitive producers of sweeteners, effectively meeting customers product and supply requirements wherever they are. Martin Douglas, general manager of Cargills Manchester plant said; As with any project of this scale, its a great feeling to see it at completion as were very proud of what this means for our customers, who not only have a continued long-term supply of products from the plant, but can also see Manchester as a one stop shop for a range of other food ingredients products from Cargill. The Manchester site is one of a network of plants that make up Cargills starches and sweeteners operations in Europe. Together these plants supply a matrix of products either directly, or sourced from other network plants, at competitive prices to its customers in the food, drink, feed, paper and pharmaceuticals sectors across Europe.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Danisco expands Wisconsin plant
4/10/2008-More capacity and new facilities will go into operation this April at the Danisco cultures plant in Madison, Wisconsin, to meet the growing US demand for frozen Direct Vat Inoculants (DVI) cultures for cheese. The $9 million investment includes one of the biggest ultra-cold stores in the world and an automatic packaging line for handling frozen DVI cultures in pellet form. Danisco has also added two new DVI culture lines for parmesan and cottage cheese, The purpose of the investment was to develop new solutions to meet the unmet need for low cost-in-use DVI cultures for the US cheese market, says Patrick Veau, vice-president of the dairy & food cultures business unit at Danisco. As a big part of that, we have expanded our production capacity within deep-frozen pellets, which cheese manufacturers can use directly from frozen. The Madison expansion is the latest in Daniscos ongoing investment plan. Two years ago Danisco extended its plant in Niebll, Germany, in response to European market growth as well as Sassenage, France freeze-dried capacity for worldwide markets.
supplementing the existing lines for pizza cheese and American-style cheese.
Since launching the frozen DVI cultures, Danisco has experienced rapidly growing demand as more manufacturers convert from traditional bulk starter cultures to the more reliable DVI solutions. The new facilities are designed to meet demand expectations for the next five years.
Other investments are planned to reinforce our leading market position. And we have many new cultures to come, says Patrick Veau.
Danisco produces cultures at six sites around the world: Niebll in Germany, Sassenage, Dang Saint Romain and Epernon in France, Olsztyn in Poland, and Madison in the United States. The Madison plant supplies the dairy and health market with frozen and freeze-dried cultures, colours and flavor enzymes.
Genencor opens Shanghai R&D center
4/10/2008-Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S, today announced the opening of its state-of-the art R&D Center in Shanghai, China. The R&D Center is part of the overall expansion that Danisco is undertaking within Asia, with the Danisco Shanghai location as one of their premier new sites.
The Danisco Shanghai Center R&D facility is the latest addition to Genencors global R&D centres, presently located in the USA, Denmark, Finland, and the Netherlands. For both Genencor and Danisco, the opening of the Shanghai site marks an important strategic step towards establishing closer and dedicated ties to regional customers and their needs by providing them with tailor-made solutions.
As a biotechnology leader, Genencor continues to invest in its world-wide innovation excellence for its customers, and now Genencor can provide this expertise in China as well, says Mike Arbige, Executive Vice President of R&D at Genencor. In addition to having access to highly educated staff and first class universities, we also find a mature biotechnology network in China, which we can use to continually enhance our advantages in the field of enzyme discovery and protein engineering.
Since China is one of our strategic growth markets, we have been expanding our local operations considerably. We recently upgraded our manufacturing and applications plant in Wuxi, and now are proud to also offer R&D expertise to our regional customers, said Gregory Rood, Vice President, Genencor China. Having the R&D center consolidated with the other parts of Danisco in one site in Shanghai will also strengthen the entire Danisco groups value proposition to its customers. Our vision for the region is to bring Genencors world-class R&D expertise to the region and strive to be a leading biological and sustainable solution provider in China.
Frito-Lay launches low-sodium verisons of snacks
4/10/2008-PepsiCo's Frito-Lay North America business unit announced today the launch of Pinch of Salt, a low-sodium version of some of its most popular brands -- Lay's potato chips, Tostitos tortilla chips, Fritos corn chips and Ruffles potato chips. While Frito-Lay snack chips are generally moderate in sodium to begin with -- for instance Lay's Classic potato chips contain 180 mg of sodium per one ounce serving -- the Pinch of Salt product line provides individuals with a low-sodium snack chip that contains 75 mg of sodium per one ounce serving. Pinch of Salt products began to roll out nationally in mid-March. "The number one request from our consumers is for low sodium versions of the products they love most," said Jaya Kumar, chief marketing officer, Frito- Lay North America. "While consumers request low sodium versions of their favorite products, they aren't willing to compromise on taste. The Pinch of Salt line still gives consumers great-tasting snack chips they want, but with less sodium than their original counterparts." Depending on the Pinch of Salt product, sodium is 30 to 50 percent less than the original products. The Pinch of Salt product line fits strategically within Frito-Lay's health and wellness portfolio, which provides consumers a variety of options that fit into a healthier lifestyle. "While Pinch of Salt products meet the consumer need for low-sodium options, many people would be surprised to learn that most of Frito-Lay's core portfolio of snack chips have much less sodium than they think," said Rocco Papalia, senior vice president, research & development, Frito-Lay North America. "Since the salt is on the chip's surface, the salt flavor is prominent compared to foods where the salt is cooked within." "It's important for consumers to manage their sodium intake," said Georgia Kostas, a registered dietitian and author of The Cooper Clinic Solution to the Diet Revolution. "However the best way to do this is not to rely on 'taste,' because sodium is present in a lot of products in which you wouldn't necessarily taste the salt. Consumers need to turn to the Nutrition Facts Panel to determine how a product fits into their sodium goals." Pinch of Salt products are available nationally in grocery, retail and mass merchandise. The entire line will be sold for $2.29 for 6-1/4 to 8 ounces packages, depending on the product.
Rubbermaid introduces new produce "saving" containers
4/10/2008-According to Rubbermaid, Americans throw away an estimated $250 worth of spoiled fruits and vegetables per person each year, even as food prices soar. The company is introducting a new line of food storage containers, called Produce Saver, that it says will keep produce fresh up to 33% longer than traditional Rubbermaid containers.
"People are making healthy choices to eat more fruits and vegetables, and based on consumer insights we understand consumers' frustration with having to throw away spoiled produce only days after buying it," said Steve Pawl, vice president of marketing for Newell Rubbermaid's Foodservice Products global business unit. "While many Americans are battling the rising cost of groceries, a considerable amount of the fruits and vegetables purchased each year in the United States are lost to spoilage. We've designed Rubbermaid Produce Saver as a simple and affordable solution to maximize the life of produce while saving households money."
The new containers utilize features to combat the two factors that age produce quickly - moisture and lack of oxygen. They are designed with a vented lid that allows the produce to breathe and a tray that elevates food out of moisture.
The Produce Saver containers come in three sizes including 2 cups, 5 cups and 14 cups, and feature clear bases with green lids and trays. Produce Saver is microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe. The complete line is available at mass retailers and grocery stores in April at prices ranging from $2.99 to $6.99. Sets of four containers are available ranging in price from $9.97 to $12.99.
Higher prices forcing food product reformulation?
4/10/2008-Back in June 2007, the Newsletter asked readers if higher prices for basic commodities such as dairy or grain were forcing product developers to reformulate their food products? We have posted the survey again to gauge the response. The survey is anonymous and results are viewable after you respond. The same informal survey of food product developers taken in June 2007 indicated that 68% (83 respondents) were currently reformulating food products because of increased ingredient costs; 19% (23) indicated they have plans to reformulate in the coming year; and 12% (15) indicated that they are not reformulating or have no plans to reformulate based on costs.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Worldwide food crisis?
4/09/2008-Increasingly higher food commodity prices are contributing to social unrest, especially in emerging and developing countries. In those countries, the food-related expenditure of the poor is much larger as a share of household expenditure than for other income groups. The High-food-prices-to-stay situation in the Philippines is particularly acute. While the U.S. has promised the Philippines, the biggest buyer of rice, with as much as it needs after some of the world's largest exporters cut sales to safeguard domestic supplies. According to a presentation by Robert Zoellick, President of The World Bank, food prices have soared recently to all time highs. Since 2005, the prices of staples have jumped 80 percent. Last month, the real price of rice hit a 19-year high; the real price of wheat rose to a 28-year high and almost twice the average price of the last 25 years. To relieve social pressures from rising food prices, several countries have reduced import barriers and increased export taxes in an effort to maintain adequate domestic food supplies, thereby contributing to global market tightness. The IFT Newsletter first reported on the sharp rise in agriculture commodities back in 2006 and in May of last year. Corn, wheat, rice, and soybeans are all rising in price. Global food prices, based on United Nations records, rose 35 percent in the last year, escalating a trend that began in 2002. Since then, prices have risen 65 percent.
Symrise and Theranostics partner on nutraceuticals
4/09/2008-Symrise AG and Cambridge Theranostics Ltd have entered into a strategic partnership as of Dec. 2007. Under the agreement, Symrise will contribute up to 8 million euro in milestone-related payments towards the development and clinical evaluation of new health and medical food products. The partners will share the profits on products resulting from the collaboration. For Symrise, this step means expanding its activity into the health market. The company says that this is a logical extension of its investment in the nutraceuticals sector with the successful acquisition of Kaden Biochemicals GmbH early 2006. In addition, Symrise has invested 2 million euro in capital into the English company which specializes in the diagnostics and prophylaxis of cardiovascular diseases. Cambridge Theranostics, which was founded in 2002 as a spin-off from Cambridge University, will use its proprietary screen to select natural products from Symrises extensive libraries of extracts and compounds to identify high value compounds that can best protect plasma lipoproteins from oxidative damage and afford effective protection against cardiovascular diseases. Cambridge Theranostics will then perform pharmacokinetic and clinical studies with the aim of launching two products by the year 2010. Gerold Linzbach, CEO of Symrise, said, This alliance will enable us to enter our active ingredients into the high value healthcare sector. It is the next logical step in implementing our growth strategy by offering intelligent products which have an added value for consumers. Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances, flavorings and raw materials and active ingredients for the perfume, cosmetics and food industry. Its sales of 1.27 bn in 2007 place the company among the top four in the international flavors and fragrances market. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, Symrise is represented in more than 30 sites in Europe, Asia, the United States and South America.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Conference on foods contaminated by biological threat agents
4/08/2008-What should be done to dispose of large quantities of food contaminated with hazardous agents? Examples of hazardous agents that might find their way into foods via intentional contamination or corrupt practices include viruses, bacteria, biological toxins, chemicals, and radioactive compounds. While recall and traceability is required for one step forward and one step backward, little attention has been focused on disposal of this material, except by those who have struggled to deal with it. The Second Annual Conference on Treatment and Disposal of Food Products Contaminated by Biological Threat Agents will be held April 30 to May 1, 2008 at the University of Wisconsin Madison. For more and for registration, see http://biothreat.engr.wisc.edu/
Apple eating adults have reduced metabolic syndrome risk
4/08/2008-According to a study, presented this week at the Experimental Biology 2008 meeting, adults who eat apples, apple juice and applesauce have a significantly reduced risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of health problems that are linked to numerous chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study results were derived from an analysis of adult food consumption data collected in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Victor Fulgoni analyzed the data, specifically looking at the association between consumption of apples and apple products, nutrient intake and various physiological parameters related to metabolic syndrome. When compared to non-consumers, adult apple product consumers had a 27% decreased likelihood of being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Fulgoni notes, We found that adults who eat apples and apple products have smaller waistlines that indicate less abdominal fat, lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for developing what is known as the metabolic syndrome. In addition to having a 30% decreased likelihood for elevated diastolic blood pressure and a 36% decreased likelihood for elevated systolic blood pressure, apple product consumers also had a 21% reduced risk of increased waist circumference all predictors of cardiovascular disease and an increased likelihood of metabolic syndrome. Additionally, adult apple product consumers had significantly reduced C-reactive protein levels, another measurable marker related to cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, apple product consumers diets were healthier than non-consumers they had a greater intake of fruit and key nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium and potassium. These consumers also ate less total fat, saturated fat, discretionary fat and added sugars.
Monday, April 07, 2008
FDA posts new guide on food labeling
4/07/2008-The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for assuring that foods sold in the United States are safe, wholesome and properly labeled. This applies to foods produced domestically, as well as foods from foreign countries. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act are the Federal laws governing food products under FDA's jurisdiction. This guidance is a summary of the required statements that must appear on food labels under these laws and their regulations. To help minimize legal action and delays, it is recommended that manufacturers and importers become fully informed about the applicable laws and regulations before offering foods for distribution in the United States. For the new guidance, see U.S. FDA Food Labeling Guide
Rice shortage causing "social unrest"
4/07/2008-According to this article in Bloomberg, China, Egypt, Vietnam and India, which represent more than a third of global rice exports, curbed sales this year, and Indonesia says it may do the same. They are curbing exports because of increased local demand in their countries. Other countries, which are net importers of rice, may face social unrest because of increased food and energy costs. According to the World Bank in Washington D.C., 33 nations from Mexico to Yemen may face ``social unrest'' after food and energy costs increased for six straight years. According to the article, world rice stockpiles are at their lowest levels since the 1980s, and the United Nations forecasts that exports will drop 3.5 percent this year. Demand will increase 0.6 percent this year to 422.5 million tons, while production will rise about 1 percent to 422.9 million tons, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said March 11.
Rice is the staple food for half the world.
New public/private partnership on rice research
4/07/2008-A major new partnership between the public and private sectors was made official at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in
Los Baos, Philippines this week (3-4 April) with an aim to increase rice production across Asia via the accelerated development and introduction of hybrid rice technologies. The innovative new effort to increase rice production and support for rice research comes at a crucial time for Asia as the region struggles to deal with near record rice prices caused by stagnating yields.
Robert Zeigler, director general of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), which convened and hosted this inaugural meeting of the Hybrid Rice Research and Development Consortium (HRDC), said during the opening session that there is no question this meeting represents the first pages of an entirely new chapter in the history of rice research. Certainly, the success of hybrid rice in China is well known, added Dr. Zeigler, and the potential for hybrid rice to have an impact across the rest of the rice-growing world is something that we all believe is real.
IRRI and its partners in the public and private sectors have led research, development, and use of hybrid rice technology in the tropics for almost 30 years. Hybrid rice varieties have the potential to raise the yield of rice and thus overall rice productivity and profitability in Asia. Successful deployment of hybrid rice, however, requires a more effective cooperation between public research institutions and private sector companies to study ways to overcome the current constraints.
Paresh Verma represented one of the 19 founding private-sector company members (from seven countries) of the HRDC attending the inaugural meeting at IRRI. Director for research at DCM Shiram Consolidated Ltd., Hyderabad, India, Dr. Verma said, This is really a unique idea, which can strengthen public and private sector collaboration. In recent weeks, we have been noticing newspaper headlines around the world warning of a likely shortage of rice, the worlds most important food crop. We know that, in the last 20-25 years, the productivity of rice has not increased despite continuous increase in the population. Increasing rice productivity is really the biggest challenge before us as researchers and policy makers.
Participants in the 2-day gathering, which also included 15 public sector institutions from China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, considered it fortunate that this Consortium is beginning now. We have before us a world in which we see rice prices increasing dramatically, said Dr. Zeigler. Since rice is the food of the worlds poor, any increase in the price of rice has a serious impact on those poor. There is no question that we need technologies that will improve the productivity of rice and certainly hybrid rice is at or near the top of the list of technologies that will help us increase the availability of rice for the world.
The HRDC has the potential of being a trend-setting model on how the private and public sectors can amicably work together. This is an undertaking that will surely be watched very closely around the world.
Verma said his company joined the HRDC because he and his associates believe that, in the future, any significant increase in rice productivity will come through increased adoption of hybrid rice. Hybrid rice adoption will increase when we have products that better meet customer requirements, he added. This means that, in addition to high heterosis, new varieties must have better resistance to diseases and insects and, of course, the grain quality that farmers and consumers want.
During this first HRDC gathering, the participants learned about new plant genetic resources available or under development at IRRI, reviewed research on hybrid rice management, discussed new research priorities, and made decisions on other Consortium activities such as capacity building for both sectors.
According to Achim Dobermann, IRRIs new deputy director general for research as of April 1, rice farmers in Asia particularly will benefit from accelerated access to hybrid rice-based technologies such as more and better hybrids, quality seed, knowledge, and services that can be provided by this exciting and unique public-private partnership.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
World rice production is expected to increase
4/05/2008-World rice production is expected to increase in 2008 by 12 million tons or 1.8 percent, assuming normal weather conditions, FAO said on April 2. Production increases would ease the current very tight supply situation in key rice producing countries, according to the first FAO forecast for this year. International rice trade is expected to decrease, mainly due to restrictions in main exporting countries. Sizable production increases are expected in all the major Asian rice producing countries, especially Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand, where supply and demand are currently rather stretched. Governments in these countries have already announced a series of incentives to raise production. Production outlook is also positive in Africa, where high world prices may sustain a two percent growth, particularly in Egypt, Guinea, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Concerns about food import dependency in the region have led to a mobilization of resources towards the rice sector. Production is expected to recover strongly in Latin America. Rice production in the European Union is also expected to rise while it may contract in Japan, one of the few countries where producer prices fell last year. For more, see FAO report.
Competition reshapes the U.S. food marketing
4/05/2008-The past 20 years have brought significant changes in structure and competition in the U.S. food marketing system. Wal-Mart opened its first supercenter in 1988, offering food items as well as department store merchandise. Since then, the company has become the Nations leading retailer of grocery products. Warehouse clubs, dollar stores, drugstores, and natural and organic foodstores have also made their mark in the food industry, each with a unique mix of products, services, and pricing strategies. Foreign-owned retailers and restaurants and other foodservice options also are sources of competition for U.S. consumers food dollars. For more, see Twenty Years of Competition Reshape the U.S. Food Marketing System
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Peanut Lolita
4/03/2008-What the heck is this stuff? Peanut Lolita. It reminds me of a Chicago liqueur called Jeppsons Malrt
IFT Press books published
4/03/2008-Two new IFT Press books are now available from Wiley-Blackwell. High Pressure Processing of Foods, edited by Christopher J. Doona and Florence E. Feeherry (ISBN: 9-7808-1380-9441. 2008. 272 pp.), explains the scientific advancements that use molecular biology techniques to explore the biochemical mechanisms of spore germination and inactivation by high pressure. Nondestructive Testing of Food Quality, edited by Joseph Irudayaraj and Christopher Reh (ISBN: 9-7808-1382-8855. 2008. 384 pp.), discusses present industry advances and how to turn available instrumentation into valuable assets. The book begins with an overview of sensor technology, then discusses ultrasound, near-infrared spectroscopy, mid-infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, particle characterization, magnetic resonance imaging, electronic nose, z-nose, biosensors, and capacitance sensors. IFT Press books, developed in partnership with Wiley-Blackwell and crafted through rigorous peer review and meticulous research, serve as leading-edge handbooks for industrial application and reference and as essential texts for academic programs. IFT members receive a 20% discount on all Wiley-Blackwell books. For more information, call 800-862-6657, or visit www.blackwellfood.com/iftpress or www.ift.org and click on Publications. Manuscript proposals can be sent to Mark Barrett, Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave., Ames, IA 50014-8300 (phone 515-292-0140 ext. 613, e-mail mark.barrett@ames.blackwellpublishing.com)
High pressure processing can safely inactivate Clostridium botulinum spores and other potentially harmful microorganisms without affecting the structure and quality of the food product. The 11 chapters examine this, as well as how high pressure processing can inactivate other pathogens.
The contributing authorsinternational experts on the topicdiscuss the inactivation of different spore species as functions of processing parameters such as pressure, temperature, time, food matrix, and the presence of antimicrobials. Finally, the book presents the commercial aspects of high pressure processing and an assessment of the quality and sensory evaluation of actual food products preserved using the method.
The text provides examples of industrial and research applications that show the potential of the most dominant sensor technologies.
Topics of future books in the series include nutraceuticals and diabetes, hydrocolloids, thermal processing, whey processing, and fats and oils.
Microwave foods safely
4/03/2008-For many consumers, microwaving has become the primary method of heating food, providing convenience and time savings. But a food-safety expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences says recent outbreaks of foodborne illness have been associated with microwaved foods, and several factors may be responsible. Martin Bucknavage, food-safety extension associate in the Department of Food Science, points to a Centers for Disease Control report last year that linked 272 salmonellosis cases to the consumption of chicken pot pies, many of which were cooked in microwave ovens. For more, http://live.psu.edu/story/29226?nw=1
Choline may reduce breast cancer risk
4/03/2008-Choline, an essential nutrient found in foods such as eggs, is associated with a 24 percent reduced risk of breast cancer, according to a study supported by a grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), to be published in The FASEB Journal's print issue in June.(i) This study adds to the growing body of evidence that links egg consumption to a decreased risk of breast cancer.
In this new case-control study of more than 3,000 adult women, the risk of developing breast cancer was 24 percent lower among women with the highest intake of choline compared to women with the lowest intake. Women with the highest intake of choline consumed a daily average of 455 mg of choline or more, getting most of it from coffee, eggs and skim milk. Women with the lowest intake consumed a daily average of 196 milligrams or less.
"Choline is needed for the normal functioning of cells, no matter your age or gender," says Steven H. Zeisel, MD, PhD, University of North Carolina, who is an author of the study and a leading choline researcher. "Increasing evidence shows that it may be particularly important for women, particularly those of child-bearing age."
Only ten percent of Americans currently meet the recommended intake for choline, identifying a need to increase choline intake across the population.(ii) According to the Institute of Medicine, adequate choline intake is 550 milligrams per day for men and breastfeeding women, 425 milligrams per day for women, and 450 milligrams per day for pregnant women.(iii) One egg contains 125.5 milligrams of choline, or roughly a quarter the recommended daily supply, making eggs an excellent source of this essential nutrient.(iv) Choline is found exclusively in the egg's yolk. Other top food sources of choline include liver, wheat germ and cauliflower.
"While choline is an essential nutrient to the human diet, most people haven't even heard of it," says Gerald Weissmann, MD, Editor in Chief of The FASEB Journal and research professor of medicine and director of the Biotechnology Study Center at the New York University School of Medicine. "Given that in the U.S. there is a real need to understand how much choline we require in our diet, we hope that research, education and awareness about choline will increase as a result of this study published in The FASEB Journal."
IFT names new Congressional Science winners
4/03/2008-On Wednesday, June 4, 2008 IFT will honor two distinguished members of the United States Congress, Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and Representative Ed Whitfield of Kentucky with the 2008 IFT Congressional Support for Science Awards. Both Rep. DeLauro and Rep. Whitfield are being recognized for their outstanding contributions to science-based agriculture, food, and nutrition policies. An evening reception will be held in the Rayburn House Office Building. The Congressional Support for Science Award was established by IFT in 2001, first, to recognize outstanding contributions to science-based food policies and, second, to increase the role of science in policy development to enhance the safety, nutritional value, affordability, and variety of foods available to consumers. Each year, IFT honors two members of Congress, in recognition of their achievements and efforts in making food-related policies that are based on sound science. Last year, IFT honored Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR).