Tuesday, July 31, 2001

Domino Sugar sold

7/31/2001-Tate & Lyle PLC has agreed to sell its North American sugar operations with the Domino Sugar brand for $180million to an investment group led by a Florida family. An investment group led by Fanjul family will purchase the operation which includes the Domino brand name and Domino's plants in Baltimore, New York and Chalmette, La. Domino will be combined with Refined Sugars of Yonkers, N.Y., a refinery in which the Fanjuls have an interest. The combined operation will be called Domino Sugar. The companies controlled by the Fanjuls will own 61% of Domino Sugar, and Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida will own the other 39%. The combined operation will produce more than two million tons of refined sugar and specialty products a year and have annual revenues of more than $1 billion.

Study finds no benefit for CLA supplements

7/31/2001-Conjugated linoleic acid, or "CLA," may provide more health benefits for animals than for humans. ARS research chemist Darshan S. Kelley at the ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center at Davis, Calif., and colleagues were unable to find any significant, positive benefits of CLA supplements in their three-month-long test of 17 healthy, nonsmoking women, age 20 to 41. In animal studies conducted elsewhere, CLA stimulated the animals' immune systems, protected against some kinds of cancer, reduced body fat and improved cardiovascular health. In the ARS study, however, Kelley found no significant change in more than a dozen indicators of volunteers' immune system activity. For more information, see the USDA ARS Press Release.

Phages punish pathogens on produce

7/31/2001-USDA Agriculture Research Service plant pathologists Britta Leverentz and William S. Conway at the Produce Quality and Safety Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland have reported on the use of phages to infect and kill food-borne pathogens on fresh-cut produce. Leverentz and Conway are investigating the potential of phages to reduce pathogens on fruits and vegetables-both whole and fresh-cut. They are working under a cooperative research and development agreement with Intralytix in Baltimore, Maryland, which is providing known phages for Salmonella enteritidis. A patent application has been filed on the use of phages with produce. For more information, see the USDA ARS Press Release.

CDRF launches whey research site

7/31/2001-The California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) has set up a new Web site, www.healthywhey.org, to educate the public about the extraordinary developments in whey research. Visitors to site will find information about ongoing whey research projects funded by the CDRF.

Monday, July 30, 2001

Possible Listeria contamination prompts recall

7/30/2001-Sargento Foods Inc. has voluntarily recalled 8-ounce packages of Sargento Fancy Shredded Mozzarella and Sargento 6 Cheese Italian Blend Shredded Cheese because they have the potential to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. The recalled products were distributed nationally in retail stores. Products with with code dates 19OCT01 or 20OCT01 are included in the recall. No other Sargento products are affected by this recall.

New World Pasta acquires Borden Foods' pasta businesses

7/30/2001-Borden Foods Corporation has sold the remainder of its pasta business to New World Pasta Company, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa. The acquisition includes the popular Creamette® and Prince® brands, other U.S. brands, and pasta-related subsidiaries in Canada and Italy. Aggregate annual sales are approximately $210 million. Associates in Borden Foods' pasta business in the U.S. will become employees of New World Pasta, while associates in Canada and Italy will continue with their respective entities as New World Pasta subsidiaries.

ADM to expand ethanol distribution network

7/30/2001-Archer Daniels Midland Co. announced today that would in December begin selling ethanol in the New York market from a new distribution center located in New York Harbor. The largest U.S. producer of the mostly corn-based fuel additive said the Dec. 1 opening of the facility at Motiva Enterprises LLC, located in Sewaren, New Jersey, would allow ADM to increase significantly the supply of ethanol to gasoline refiners and blenders throughout New York and other Eastern cities. Ethanol will be available for delivery by barge or truck from the New Jersey facility, as well as by rail from the Midwest, ADM said. ADM said Friday its ethanol production would reach an annual rate of 950 million gallons late this year. In 2000, ADM produced 797 million gallons of ethanol.

Ragu to launch new "Express" line

7/30/2001-Ragu® Express™ is the first, ready-to-heat-and-eat product launched by the company. The product is packed in shelf-stable, single-serve portions and takes 3-1/2 minutes in the microwave to cook. Ragu Express will be offered in the following flavors: Traditional Tomato, Sweet Tomato & Garlic and Classic Meat Flavor. The suggested retail price is $3.00-3.49 per box. Ragu plans to launch the Ragu Express line this September.

Friday, July 27, 2001

FDA launches new dietary supplement newsletter

7/27/2001-The FDA's Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements will start a new electronic newsletter, "FDA-DSFL" (Dietary Supplement/Food Labeling Electronic Newsletter), which will publish on a quarterly basis, or as needed. The goal is to provide information and updates about regulatory actions related to food labeling, nutrition, and dietary supplements, as well as educational materials and important announcements. The group expects to publish the first edition of this newsletter in late July or early August and include current issues and actions. If you are interested in subscribing to the newsletter FDA-DSFL, you will need to access the Electronic Information Networks on the Internet and follow the instructions.

Workshop on the allergenic potential of GMOs

7/27/2001-- The National Toxicology Program (NTP) in cooperation with EPA and FDA will conduct a Workshop on "Assessment of the Allergenic Potential of Genetically Modified Foods" during Sept. 24-26 in Durham, N.C. The meeting will gather experts in food allergy, GM crops and the regulatory aspects of these products, along with bench scientists and clinicians, to examine the current state of knowledge in the area, identify the critical issues regarding these materials and develop testing strategies to examine the allergenicity of these compounds. For the draft workshop agenda and registration information, visit the following NTP www site: NTP GMO Allergenic Potential Workshop

ADM to expand ethanol capacity

7/27/2001-With the completion of several projects at its corn refining plants, Archer Daniels Midland Co. will have by the fourth quarter of 2001 the capacity to annually supply up to 950 million gallons of fuel ethanol. These projects enable the company additional flexibility in shifting production between ethanol and other starch-based products including sweeteners and lysine to meet market demands. Plans are under consideration for similar projects in the coming year.

Thursday, July 26, 2001

Danisco Cultor opens new confectionery lab

7/26/2001-After a year of planning and building, Danisco Cultor's new confectionery and fruit prep laboratories in Kansas City are now open. The new labs give Danisco Cultor's confectionery and fruit prep group approximately four times more lab space than they previously occupied. Included in these new labs is a 450-sq. ft. temperature and humidity controlled dry lab which allows Danisco to work with low-moisture products, such as chocolate and panned confections, year round.

"Now more than ever, customers can take advantage of our labs, our ingredients and our experience," said Mike Regan, Confection Industry Manager. "We can work with our customers in their plant, or they can come in and work side-by-side with us in our labs. In addition to the confectionery labs experience, we can tap into our technical personnel worldwide who specialize in emulsifiers, textural ingredients, flavors, sweeteners, and antioxidants."

Stapleton-Spence and Sunsweet announce partnership

7/26/2001-Stapleton-Spence Packing Co., San Jose, Calif.-based dried fruit and nut processor, and Sunsweet Growers, a dried plum grower cooperative, have announced a partnership covering foodservice dried plum products. Under this arrangement Stapleton-Spence will handle sales, marketing, and manufacturing of foodservice private label and "Sunsweet" branded items including canned prunes, prune juice, bulk prunes, and assorted dried fruit.

USDA develops more potent chromium supplement

7/26/2001-USDA Agriculture Research Service (ARS) scientists have developed a new chromium formulation that allows people to absorb it more readily into the bloodstream. The technology is now available for licensing.
Some studies have demonstrated that taking extra chromium daily in the form of a supplement may improve glucose tolerance in people whose blood sugar levels range from slightly elevated to full-blown diabetes. Typical Western diets barely supply the new adequate intake (AI) for chromium-35 micrograms (mcg) daily for men, 25 mcg for women. And high sugar intakes, trauma and hard exercise can increase chromium excretion. Because the mineral improves insulin function, a shortfall can impair the cells' ability to remove excess sugar from the blood stream. The new formulation, developed by scientists with USDA's Agricultural Research Service, is a complex of chromium and the amino acid histidine. It is absorbed at least 50 percent better than chromium picolinate, according to its developer, Richard Anderson, with ARS' Beltsville (Md.) Human Nutrition Research Center.
USDA Press Release

Technology Flavors and Fragrances reports results

7/26/2001-New Jersey-based Technology Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. announced its results of operations for the
second quarter ended June 30, 2001. Net sales decreased to $4,126,000 for the second quarter of 2001 from $4,472,000 for last year's comparable quarter and decreased to $8,313,000 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2001 from $8,688,000 for the six-month period of the prior year. Commenting on the results for the second quarter of 2001, Philip Rosner, TFF's Chairman and CEO, said, ``The second quarter results were impacted by the continued weakness in our industry and the general economy as compared to last year's results. However, we are working on several new products that we expect our customers to launch later in the year and, coupled with an expected increase in product orders from our existing customer base, we believe we'll show a growth in sales during the next six months over last year`s comparable period and achieve our current objectives.''

Heinz forms alliance with Japanese ketchup maker

7/26/2001-H. J. Heinz Co. and Kagome Co. Ltd. of Japan have signed agreements for a strategic alliance whose goal is to enable Heinz and Kagome, the leader in ketchup and vegetable juices in Japan, to explore ways to align their global operations and product portfolios to accelerate sales growth and reduce operating costs. Kagome is one of the most prominent food companies in Japan, with annual sales of more than US$1 billion. Both companies expect to improve growth by sharing Kagome's expertise in sales and distribution within Japan and by leveraging Heinz's global brands. Heinz is the world's number-one producer of processed tomato products; Kagome is the top tomato processor in the Pacific Rim. Heinz Japan has a premier foodservice business as well as a growing retail business in frozen meals and snacks and Heinz ketchup and sauces. Kagome has leading market positions in condiments, tomato juice, vegetable juice, barley tea and carrot juice.

Wednesday, July 25, 2001

U.S. agricultural trade surplus still climbing

7/25/2001-U.S. exports of high-value products, $24 billion to date and $1.8 billion more than last year, are driving up the U.S. farm trade surplus, according to the Agriculture Department's July U.S. Agricultural Trade Update. U.S. agricultural trade is now $2.1 billion ahead of the first eight months of fiscal 2000. USDA economists attribute this gain almost entirely to non-bulk products, mainly livestock, feeds and fodders, and horticulture. Each month this year, exports have been higher than last year and imports have generally remained unchanged from last year. The overall decline in U.S. agricultural import value year-to-date is attributed to low prices of coffee, cocoa, and rubber along with
reduced demand for vegetable oils. A full report is available on the web at: www.ers.usda.gov.

New biotechnology and food labeling laws in Europe

7/25/2001-David Byrne, EC Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection, presented two new laws today regulating GMOs in Europe. According to Byrne, "These laws will significantly improve the information available to consumers on GMOs and give them the possibility to make an informed choice. ... As European Commissioners, we too are taking precautions in our new laws to make sure that GMOs do not present any risk to public health or to the environment. That is why we will have the European Food Authority examine in detail applications for the use of GMOs in food or in feed for animals." Byrne also stated that "clear information" on allergens will soon be added food labels. A copy of Commissioner Byrne's complete July 25 statement is posted at: http://europa.eu.int. In addition, 13 page EC document, Titled: "Question and Answers on the regulation of GMOs in the EU" is posted online.

Chiquita reports second-quarter loss

7/25/2001-Chiquita Brands International Inc. reported Tuesday a second quarter loss of $11 million. The company blamed the loss on the strong dollar and higher production costs caused by heavy rainfall in Central America. The banana exporter reported sales of $595.4 million for the quarter that ended June 30, down from $601.5 million a year ago. But it said sales were stronger than a year ago when taking into account divestitures from the last year. The company said banana prices and sales were higher in Europe, but it was not enough to offset the dollar's strength. The company said if the exchange rate between the dollar and European currencies remains stable, comparisons in the second half of the year for Chiquita should be more favorable.

Starbucks to open first Israel branch

7/25/2001-U.S. coffee shop chain Starbucks will open its first Israeli cafe in Tel Aviv on September 1, its majority shareholder said on Wednesday. Starbucks Israel will open a second Tel Aviv branch four days later, Delek Fuel Corp , which holds 80%, said in a statement. The coffee chain plans to open a total of five branches in the Tel Aviv region by the end of this year and 20 in the whole of the country by the end of 2002. Starbucks International owns the remaining 20% of Starbucks Israel. Delek, which owns fuel, real estate and investment companies, said in May it would provide the venture with a minimum of $9 million in equity and loans over the next four years.

Tuesday, July 24, 2001

Food biotech dialogue to be webcast on July 26

7/24/2001-The Pew Charitable Trust Initiative on Food and Biotechnology will host a dialogue intended to probe the question of how religion, morals, and ethics play into the debate over genetically modified foods, animals, and plants. The dialogue will take place on Thursday, July 26 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. The dialogue will be webcast live on www.pewagbiotech.org.

Blended products in School Lunch Program

7/24/2001-The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service has finalized a rule addressing the use of products or dishes containing more than 30 parts fully hydrated vegetable protein to less than 70 parts beef, pork, poultry or seafood in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Participating school food authorities must identify such blended products or dishes in a manner which does not characterize the product or dish solely as beef, pork, poultry or seafood. This provision is intended to ensure that program participants are not misinformed regarding the use of blended products and dishes. For more information, see the Federal Register of July 24, 2001.

Praxair introduces new ozone technology

7/24/2001-A new ozone technology that is said to improve the quality of fresh cut fruits and vegetables was announced today by Praxair, Inc. The first unit has been installed and is in operation at a major supplier to McDonald's Restaurants. The ozone technology replaces the use of chlorinated water that is commonly used to disinfect produce. The U.S. FDA has recently approved ozone as an antimicrobial agent for washing fruits and vegetables. The use of ozonated water compared to chlorinated water is claimed by Praxair to increase shelf-life by 50%.

EPA makes changes to GMO plant regulations

7/24/2001-An EPA final ruling changes the name of plants that have been genetically engineered to express pesticidal properties from "Plant-Pesticide" to "Plant-Incorporated Protectant (PIP)" and makes other changes in the Agency's PIP regulatory scheme. EPA finalized certain of the proposed rules published in 1994, 1996, and 1997. It changed the name of this type of pesticide from 'plant-pesticide' to 'plant-incorporated protectant'; clarifies the relationship between plants and plant-incorporated protectants under FIFRA; exempts from FIFRA requirements plant-incorporated protectants derived through conventional breeding from sexually compatible plants; and establishes a new part in the Code of Federal Regulations specifically for plant-incorporated protectants. For more information, see the Federal Register of July 19, 2001.

New healthful soybean oil evaluated by USDA

7/24/2001-A new soybean bred by USDA's Agricultural Research Service scientists for the Southeast fulfills two of the food industry's wishes for heart-healthy soy oil. Oil from the new soybean has half the saturated fat of traditional varieties--specifically, the undesirable palmitic acid. And its portion of the highly unstable polyunsaturated fat, linolenic acid, is at least 40% lower. That should reduce or eliminate the need for hydrogenation in many frying and food-processing applications. For more, see the press release.

Monday, July 23, 2001

FDA changes chewing gum base specifications

7/23/2001-The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the food additive regulations to provide for a change in the softening point specifications of currently listed gum or wood rosin derivatives and to provide for their safe use as plasticizing materials (softeners) in chewing gum base. This action is in response to a petition filed by Hercules, Inc. For more information, see the Federal Register of July 23, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 141).

Obesity worse than smoking, drinking, or poverty

7/23/2001-In a report published in the current issue of the British journal Public Health, two RAND researchers find that obesity is associated with higher rates of chronic medical conditions and with worse physical health-related quality of life than are lifetime smoking, problem drinking or poverty. Their study, the first to compare the effects of these major health risks on morbidity, also provides new estimates indicating that three of every five adult Americans are either overweight (36%) or obese (23%). In fact, far more people now are overweight or obese than are, collectively, daily smokers, problem drinkers and below the federal poverty line. The study is likely to reinforce the growing concern that obesity has become epidemic. It also underscores the top priority the Surgeon General is giving this year to developing a national action plan to reduce obesity's prevalence. See the RAND press release.

FDA seeking comments on lab practices

7/23/2001-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking public comments by August 20 on Extension of an Existing Information Collection Request, Titled: "Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) Regulations for Nonclinical Laboratory Studies--(21 CFR Part 58)," OMB Control Number 0910- 0119. FDA stated that the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require manufacturers of food additives, human drugs and biological products, animal drugs, and medical devices to demonstrate the safety and utility of their product by submitting applications to FDA for research or marketing permits. Such applications contain, among other important items, full reports of all studies done to demonstrate product safety in man and/or other animals. The regulations specify minimum standards for the proper conduct of safety testing and contain sections on facilities, personnel, equipment, standard operating procedures (SOPs), test and control articles, quality assurance, protocol and conduct of a safety study, records and reports, and laboratory disqualification. For more information, see the Federal Register of July 19, 2001.

Friday, July 20, 2001

EPA exempts methyl bromide

7/20/2001-EPA is taking interim final action to amend the accelerated phaseout regulations that govern the production, import, export, transformation and destruction of substances that deplete the ozone layer. The EPA is creating a temporary exemption, through December 31, 2002, from the consumption and production phaseout for quantities of Class I, Group VI controlled substances (methyl bromide) that are used for quarantine and preshipment. EPA is also actively pursuing a separate notice and comment rulemaking, with
stakeholder involvement, to establish methyl bromide exemptions for critical uses and emergency uses beyond the phaseout of production and import on January 1, 2005. For more information, see the Federal Register of July 19, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 139).

Sensient Technologies reports on earnings

7/20/2001-Sensient Technologies Corp., a Milwaukee-based flavor manufacturer, announced that revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2001 were $203.9 million, compared to $204.1 million a year ago. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $.38, compared to $.36 for the same quarter of the prior year. The company reported solid progress in executing the four-part profit improvement plan announced last April: Sensient's workforce has already been reduced by approximately 300 positions. The completion of the program in 2001 will generate annualized savings of more than $20 million beginning in 2002. The Specialty Vegetable business introduced price increases and recorded double-digit volume increases during the second quarter. The company has accelerated its efforts to open new markets, introduce new products and expand technologies through strategic acquisitions.

Thursday, July 19, 2001

New online federal nutrition resource

7/19/2001-NUTRITION.GOV, a new federal resource, provides easy access to all online federal government information on nutrition. This national resource makes obtaining government information on nutrition, healthy eating, physical activity, and food safety, easily accessible in one place.

Nutrinova launches redesigned web site

7/19/2001-Nutrinova, a supplier of sweeteners, preservatives, and dietary fibers, has launched its redesigned web site: www.nutrinova.com. Nutrinova's site offers information on the company and it product range for both specialists in the food and beverage industry and consumers. In addition, Nutrinova's latest press releases, newsletters and publications can be downloaded at the Media Center. A Career Service area keeps applicants informed on Nutrinova's job opportunities.

Sara Lee recalls luncheon meats

7/19/2001-Sara Lee Foods announced today that it is voluntarily recalling specific lots of Sara Lee and Quality Packing Co. pre-sliced, packaged luncheon meats because these products may potentially contain the bacteria Salmonella. The company is taking immediate action as a result of a single reported illness. Approximately 13,600 pounds of product are being recalled. Since the products have a "sell by" date of June 27 or July 4, most of the product should already have been consumed or thrown away.

Wednesday, July 18, 2001

Seafood HACCP records guidelines released

7/18/2001-The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of guidance for industry entitled "Refusal of Inspection or Access to HACCP Records Pertaining to the Safe and Sanitary Processing of Fish and Fishery Products." This guidance sets forth the agency's interpretation of its Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations for fish and fishery products as they pertain to the inspection of facilities and records. This guidance is for domestic processors and for foreign processors that export fish and fishery products to the United States. For more information, see the Federal Register of July 18, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 138).

CFSAN requests program priorities

7/18/2001-The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting comments concerning the establishment of program priorities in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) for fiscal year (FY) 2002. As part of its annual planning, budgeting, and resource allocation process, CFSAN is reviewing its programs to set priorities and establish work product expectations. This notice is being published to give the public an opportunity to provide input into the priority-setting process. For more information, see the Federal Register of July 18, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 138).

U.S. agriculture trade surplus up

7/18/2001-During the first half of FY 2001 the surplus in U.S. agricultural trade grew to $9.4 billion, almost $2 billion more than in the same period last year, according to the latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Update, produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service. Year-to-date exports of $32.4 billion are $1.8 billion higher than they were during the same time period last year, due primarily to $1.5 billion more in shipments of high-value products. Meanwhile, cumulative imports slipped by $29 million compared with 2000. U.S. exports of high-value products to date are almost $21 billion, primarily attributed to significant growth of livestock products, mainly hides and skins. Shipments of horticultural products also are up, as are live animals and feeds and fodders. Among the horticulture exports, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and sugar and tropical products showed increases, despite a strong dollar exchange rate. The figures showed a slight decline to date in U.S. agricultural imports to $23 billion. This was mainly due to a sharp drop in coffee purchases, down 41 percent in value from 2000, with volume from 2000 down 16 percent. Cocoa and rubber imports were also down in both value and volume. The full text of the U.S. Agricultural Trade Update is available on the ERS website at http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/so/view.asp?f=trade/fau-bb/.

Tuesday, July 17, 2001

Campbell appoints president of new beverage unit

7/17/2001-Campbell Soup Co. Camden, N.J., announced the appointment of Jim Goldman as President of its North American Beverages and Sauces business unit. Goldman, 42, will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Douglas R. Conant and lead the newly formed business unit, created to heighten executive attention to the company's beverage, sauce and prepared foods brands, including V8 and V8 Splash, Prego, Pace and Franco-American. Goldman will also be responsible for managing Campbell's portfolio in Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. Campbell previously announced the reorganization of its North American grocery operations into two separate business units, North American Soup and North American Beverages and Sauces. This is part of Conant's revamping of Campbell's corporate structure since he became CEO on January 8.

P&G recalls Pringles in Japan

7/17/2001-The Japanese unit of Procter & Gamble Co (P&G) has announced that it would recall some 800,000 packs of its Pringles potato chips that were found to contain unapproved genetically modified (GM) potatoes. Procter and Gamble Far East Inc said it was voluntarily recalling the snacks produced in the U.S. between last August and April this year and imported to Japan. The GM potatoes-- NewLeaf Plus and NewLeaf Y-have been approved for use in the U.S. but not in Japan

Read the July issue of Food Technology

7/17/2001-The July issue of Food Technology is now available.

Monday, July 16, 2001

USDA biotech committee to meet

7/16/2001-The USDA Advisory Committee on Agricultural Biotechnology (ACAB) will meet on August 1 and 2 in Washington, D.C. The topics to be discussed will include: (1) USDA biotechnology budget priorities for the FY 2003 budget; (2) continued discussion on a draft ACAB report on the future of public plant breeding programs; and (3) continued discussion on gene flow from transgenic crops to other plants and current and potential USDA roles in addressing the issues presented. There will in addition be several updates on current biotechnology developments and on ongoing USDA biotechnology-related activities. For more information, see the Federal Register of July 16, 2001.

Cornell team wins National Starch contest

7/16/2001-A team from Cornell University won the 2001 Novation starch contest. Han Tutananthorn, Kwan-Han Jimmy Chen, and four other team members developed a dual-texture, yogurt-based gelatin snack using native starch (Novation 3600) from National Starch and Chemical Company. This winning products, called Joystix, combines the texture of a gelled dessert with those of a creamy pudding in a squeezable plastic tube. The product is rich in probiotics and protein sources. The team developed several flavors in the preliminary formulation stage, including: strawberry, honey, honey dew melon, citrus orange, and Thai-style pandan coconut. Strawberry received the best preference rating in taste tests.

Kellogg introduces new Pop-Tart

7/16/2001-The first new Pop-Tarts® product released in nearly ten years, Kellogg's Chocolate Chip Pop-Tarts® are now in grocery stores nationwide. The Chocolate Chip Pop-Tarts® feature creamy fudge filling, surrounded by a chocolate chip cookie crust and topped with a drizzle of chocolaty frosting. The variety also contains seven vitamins and minerals. Each eight-count box has a suggested retail price of $1.79.

Heinz completes acquisition of sauce, soup and bouillon

7/16/2001-H. J. Heinz Company has completed the acquisition of the pasta sauce and dry bouillon and soup businesses of Borden Foods Corporation. This acquisition brings to Heinz Classico® pasta sauces, Aunt Millie's® pasta sauce, Mrs.Grass® Recipe soups and Wyler® bouillons and soups. In addition, Heinz now has the Canadian brands, Catelli®, Gattuso® (under license) and Bravo® pasta sauce. Sales of these businesses total more than US$270 million. Terms of the transaction, which was first announced in a news release on June 6, were not disclosed.

Friday, July 13, 2001

EPA to publish regulation of GE plants

7/13/2001-The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to publish in the Tuesday, July 17 Federal Register three final rules that explain EPA's framework for federal oversight of plant incorporated protectants, which include plants engineered through biotechnology to express pesticidal properties. These rules were originally announced by EPA in a
January 17, 2001News Release

Regulations on shipments to Cuba published

7/13/2001-The Bush administration on Thursday published new regulations regarding U.S. sales to Cuba of food, soft drinks, tobacco, cotton, and other agricultural commodities. The regulations carry out a law enacted by Congress last October to loosen Washington's nearly 40-year-old economic sanctions against Havana. The U.S. Agriculture Department has issued a 36-page list of products that will be eligible for shipment to Cuba. The new rule said that after obtaining a written sales contract, U.S. exporters have one year to ship agricultural commodities to Cuba. Exporters must fill out an application with the Commerce Department's Bureau of Export Administration. The Defense and State Departments then have nine business days to consider if the shipment might promote international terrorism. If no government agencies raise objections within that period, the Commerce Department will confirm that the shipment may be made. The Commerce Department's regulations, which take effect July 26, had been anticipated since February.

Thursday, July 12, 2001

Research develops low-fat fries from rice

7/12/2001-A USDA Agricultural Research Service scientist is developing a new kind of french fry for health-conscious consumers. The fries are made from rice flour mixtures, rather than potatoes. As a result, the rice fries absorb less fat during cooking, according to Ranjit Kadan, a scientist at the ARS' Southern Regional Research Center in New Orleans, La. Rice is also hypoallergenic, nutritious and easily digested, and it stores well, notes Kadan, who is in the center's Food Processing and Sensory Quality Research Unit. The low-fat fry research is scheduled to be published in IFT's Journal of Food Science. For more information, see the Press Release.

Wednesday, July 11, 2001

New soy process promises nutrition and taste

7/11/2001-Japan Cellfoods announced the development of a safe, environmentally friendly method of processing soybeans that is said to preserve nutritional value while eliminating the unpleasant taste and smell often associated with soybeans. The Takarazuka, Japan-based company expects that their product, called UniCell soybeans, will help expand acceptance and consumption of soy in the U.S. Japan Cellfoods uses an enzymatic process (patent applied for) to break soybeans down into their individual cells, which remain intact even after spray drying. In addition to supplying the consumer and institutional markets (including school lunch programs) in the U.S., Japan Cellfoods intends to cooperate with U.S. firms to produce UniCell soy in this country for export to Japan and elsewhere.

USDA establishes Marketing Resource Center

7/11/2001-The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $5 million multi-state grant to establish the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AMRC), a dynamic collaboration of university research and outreach specialists focused on collecting and interpreting information and creating new research to support value-added agricultural activities. For more information, see the Press Release.

M&M/MARS to release new dulce de leche flavor

7/11/2001-M&M/MARS announces the release of its new M&M's® variety: Dulce de Leche-Caramel Chocolate Candies. The flavor was inspired by the popular Latino ice cream dessert, dulce de leche. The new candy will feature a swirl of rich chocolate and creamy dulce de leche-caramel, blended in a traditional M&M's® Colorful Candy Shell. Initially, the new M&M's® Dulce de Leche-Caramel Chocolate Candies will only be available in five cities (Los Angeles; McAllen-Brownsville, Texas; Miami; San Antonio; and San Diego). The launch will be supported by a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign focusing mostly on Spanish-language media in the selected markets.

Tuesday, July 10, 2001

New survey examines nutrition claims

7/10/2001-University of Maine researchers have launched a new survey on the Internet to assess food professionals' knowledge and attitudes about nutrition claims for both foods and dietary supplements. The confidential survey takes less than 15 minutes to complete, and completed surveys will be entered into a drawing for four $50 awards. Results will be shared with survey participants and presented at the 2002 Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting. The survey is available on the Internet until July 28, 2001 at http://websurveyor.net/wsb.dll/5729/camireift.htm.

Contact: Mary Ellen Camire, Univ. of Maine, Dept. of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Orono, ME 04469-5736
Phone: 207.581.1627 Fax: 207.581.1636

Nationwide recall of fresh mozzarella

7/10/2001-BelGioioso Cheese, Inc. of Denmark, Wi., is recalling 3,900 pounds of its 8-ounce bags of vacuum pack Fresh Mozzarella because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The product comes in an 8-ounce, printed package marked with an expiration date of 7/23/01 printed on the package. The possible contamination was noted after routine testing by the Food and Drug Administration. The recalled bags were distributed throughout the U.S.

Mars buys stake in French pet food company

7/10/2001-Mars Inc. said today that it has agreed to buy majority stake in French pet food company Royal Canin for about $730 million and plans to take full control in 2003. Mars purchased BNP Paribas' (a French bank) 56.4% stake in Royal Canin. Mars, based in McLean, Va., is best known for its candy. However, the company holds the top position in Europe's pet food market with products such as Pedigree dog food and Whiskas cat food. Royal Canin posted profits of $26.3 million (US) in 2000, a 20% rise over 1999.

Coca-Cola announces acquisition and webcast

7/10/2001-Coca-Cola Enterprises announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Hondo Incorporated and Herbco Enterprises, Inc., collectively known as Herb Coca-Cola. The total value of the transaction (purchase price and acquired debt) was approximately $1.4 billion. The purchase price was comprised of $1.3 billion for the bottling operations and $100 million for the value of incremental tax benefits associated with the structure of the transaction. Coca-Cola Enterprises also announced that it will release its second quarter results the morning of Tuesday, July 17. The public can access the results via a live webcast through the Company's Website.

Monday, July 09, 2001

IFT launches FIRST online weekly news digest

7/09/2001-IFT's Department of Science and Communications has launched a new service now available on the IFT Website. The Food Information Related to Science and Technology (FIRST) Digest is an online news digest designed to inform IFT Food Science Communicators, IFT members, and others with an interest in food science and technology. The content covered in FIRST includes: scientific research on food issues, actions by federal regulatory agencies that have significant implications related to food science and technology, and news stories by major media outlets that address food issues. Previous editions of the Digest will be archived by topic to facilitate easy retrieval. To access the new FIRST Digest, go to www.ift.org/press/alerts/FIRSTDigest.shtml.

ConAgra forms joint venture with Sigma

7/09/2001-ConAgra Foods is acquiring 50% of Sigma Alimentos' frozen prepared foods subsidiary, Sigma Alimentos Congelados, S.A. de C.V., as part of the joint venture. Sigma will retain ownership of the other 50%. The joint venture will market frozen prepared foods across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America. ConAgra Foods will bring in product development and manufacturing expertise and its American and Canadian distribution network. Sigma brings its Linares, Nuevo Leon, plant, authentic Mexican food formulation expertise, Mexican customer base and established Mexican, and Central American distribution network. In addition to Sigma's existing Mexican brands, the new joint venture company will market and distribute ConAgra Foods' Banquet, Healthy Choice, and other ConAgra Foods' frozen products, throughout Mexico and Central America. Sigma, a subsidiary of Alfa, S.A. de C.V. is the leading Mexican refrigerated food company, operating in the Mexican processed meats, yogurt and cheese segments. ConAgra Foods, Inc. is North America's largest foodservice manufacturer and second largest retail food supplier, with annual sales in excess of $27 billion. See the ConAgra Website for complete press release.

McCormick launches organic fruit flavors

7/09/2001-McCormick Flavor has launched six certified organic flavors which may be used in organic fruit purees, yogurt, beverages, cereals, and desserts. The new flavors were developed to meet the need of industrial food processors that want to fulfill the growing consumer demand for organic products in the marketplace. The all-natural flavors are certified organic through the Oregon Tilth Certification Program. The new line includes: blueberry, banana, strawberry, apple, peach, and raspberry.

Reading food labels may lower fat intake

7/09/2001-A recent study found that reading food labels tends to lower people's consumption of fat. Researchers at the University of Washington's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center reported, "very little is know about what motivates the general population to instigate dietary change." A random telephone survey was conducted in 1195-96 and a follow-up survey in 1997-98. By the time of the second survey, participants had lowered their fat intake by about 2%, and slightly increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables. The surveys also found fat reductions among women were twice as large as among men. The complete research results appear in this month's issue of the Journal of American Dietetic Association.

Friday, July 06, 2001

Interstate Bakeries profits rise 94 percent

7/06/2001-Interstate Bakeries Corp., maker of Hostess Twinkies, said on Friday that fiscal fourth-quarter profits rose 94%. The rise is said to be a result of new baking operations that improved cost controls and recovery from a strike that hurt business in the year-ago quarter. Interstate, which is the largest U.S. wholesale baker, also said improved pricing and a moderate increase in adjusted net sales helped boost earnings. Profits for the quarter, ended June 2, rose to $35.3 million from $20.1 million a year ago. The company's national and regional brands include Dolly Madison and Wonder bread. Interstate has 63 bread and cake bakeries.

Sunny Delight launches new Caribbean flavor

7/06/2001-Sunny Delight® has announced its first flavor since 1993 - Sunny Delight Caribbean Style. The new tropical flavor is a blend of five fruit flavors, including passion fruit, tangerine and orange. Supporting the launch of Caribbean Style, a 30-second TV spot featuring Caribbean spokesperson, "Dr. D.," will air July 2, 2001. Sunny Delight will also re-launch its web site on July 2. The Sunny Delight Caribbean Style is fortified with Vitamins A, B-1, and C. The drink will be available in three product sizes, is expected to sell for $1.49 (64 oz.), $2.49 (128 oz. multi-serve bottles), and $2.49 (8-pack of lunch box sized 6.75 oz.). Procter & Gamble acquired the Sunny Delight brand in 1989 from Sundor Brands.

Thursday, July 05, 2001

Exhibitors donate over 17,000 pounds of food

7/05/2001-Every year, IFT and the Freeman Companies work with a local food bank by encouraging exhibitors to donate leftover food items. At the 2001 IFT Food Expo, 80 companies donated 17,185 pounds of food to Second Harvesters Food Bank in New Orleans. The top donor this year was Kraft Food Ingredients, donating 2,140 pounds of meat, soup, and miscellaneous food items. IFT would like to acknowledge Freeman Companies and Sullivan Transfer for their generous time and labor collecting and transferring the food items. A very special thank you goes out to this year's donors:

ALMOND BOARD
CLOVER CORP.
AM FOOD INGREDIENTS
ASE DELI
ASSOC. MILK PRODUCERS
AUSTRALIAN MACADAMIAS
BELL CARTER
BELL FLAVORS
BIOMERIEUX INC.
BURDOCK
CALIFORNIA DATE COMM.
CALIFORNIA DRIED PLUM
BARRY CALLEBAUT
CALPIS CO. LTD.
CENTRAL SOYA
CERESTAR USA
CHERRY MARKETING
COMAX FLAVORS
C P KELCO
CUSTOM INDUSTRIES
CROC' DOR FOODS
DAIRICONCEPTS
DAVISCO FOODS
DIVERSIFIED FOODS
EMZYEMES DEVELOPMENT
GLANBIA
GRACELAND FRUIT
GRAY & CO.
GRIFFITH LABS
FOOD INGREDIENTS
FOOD PRODUCT DESIGN
FORAN SPICE
FOREMOST FARMS
FORTITECH
GREY HOUSE PUBLISHERS
INGREDIENTRADE
INNOVA
ANDRE KLEIN
KRAFT
LAND O' LAKES
JON LIN
MANE INC.
METARON
DAVID MICHAEL & CO.
MIDWEST GRAINS
MITSUBISHI
MOODY DUNBAR
NAGAOKA PERFUMERY
NATIONAL STARCH & CHEM.
NEWLY WEDS FOODS
NORPAC FOODS
NORTHLAND CRANBERRIES
OCEAN SPRAY
ORGANIC COMMODITY
OTTENS FLAVORS
PACIFIC FOODS
PETER'S CHOCOLATE
PHILLIPS FOODS
QA PRODUCTS
ROBERTET FLAVORS
ROQUETTE AM INC.
SABROSO COMPANY
SAN FILIPPO
SARGENTO
SARTORI
SESMARK FOODS
SHOEI FOODS
J R SIMPLOT
SPECIALIST'S MINERALS
SUNRICH FOODS
TABASCO BRANDS
TATE & LYLE
UNILEVER BEST FOODS
USDA
VIRGINIA DARE
WASHINGTON RED RASPBERRY
WESTERN COMMERCE
WIXON
J R WOODS

The Natural History of The Chicken

7/05/2001-On a lighter note, 'The Natural History of the Chicken,' will make its broadcast premiere this Wednesday on PBS. The Natural History of the Chicken focuses on "ordinary people telling stories about extraordinary chickens." The latest film from writer and director Mark Lewis, received with critical acclaim at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival and touted as ``wildly entertaining'' by Variety. The film is said to be humorous, touching, and enlightening. The Natural History of the Chicken will air Wednesday, July 11 on PBS at 9:00 p.m. ET (check local listings).

Nationwide recall of frozen biscuit products

7/05/2001-The Pillsbury Company has voluntarily recalled a number of frozen biscuit products bearing specific production date codes because the frozen biscuits may contain plastic strands. These strands were found in a limited amount of product during the manufacturing process. The affected product was distributed nationally to retail stores. This voluntary recall does not include any Pillsbury refrigerated biscuits sold in the dairy case. See SafetyAlerts.com for the UPC and delivery date codes affected by this recall.

FDA amends bottled water quality standard regulations

7/05/2001-The Food and Drug Administration is amending the bottled water quality standard regulations by establishing allowable levels for three residual disinfectants (chloramine, chlorine, and chlorine dioxide), and three types of disinfection byproducts (bromate, chlorite, and haloacetic acids), and revised the existing allowable level for the disinfection byproducts total trihalomethanes. The direct final rule also revised, for the three residual disinfectants and four types of disinfection byproducts only, the monitoring requirement for source water found in the current good manufacturing practice regulations for bottled water. The FDA has confirmed the effective date of January 1, 2002, for the direct final rule that appeared in the Federal Register of March 28, 2001.

Tuesday, July 03, 2001

USDA launches new food safety research web site

7/03/2001-The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched a new Web Site aimed at providing a database of food safety research projects to the research community and the general public. The Web site provides detailed information on food safety research projects, spending, and accomplishments by U.S. Federal agencies, along with links to other important food safety research information. The searchable database provides information on nearly 500 food safety research projects dating from 1998 to the present including research done or funded by: USDA Agricultural Research Service; USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; the Food Safety Consortium (researchers from the University of Arkansas, Iowa State University, and Kansas State University); and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Food and Drug Administration.

RQA Inc. establishes Product Dynamics Division

7/03/2001-The principals of RQA, Inc, Chicago, Ill., announced the creation of Product Dynamics, a Division of RQA, Inc. The company stated that this expansion will bring together the critical components of global reach and more than two decades of experience in the area of product development and sensory services. Pamela Eitmant, former President of Product Dynamics, will continue as the Managing Director of the new division. RQA is a provider of retail quality evaluation services and Product Dynamics provides sensory evaluation services.

FSIS reopens comments on processed meat standards

7/03/2001-The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is reopening and extending until September 10, 2001, the comment period for the proposed regulations concerning ready-to-eat and partially heat-treated meat and poultry products that closed on June 28, 2001. As of June 28, 2001, FSIS is reopening and extending the comment period in response to a request from a consortium of trade associations. For more information, see the Federal Register of July 3, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 128). Comments on the proposed regulations must be received on or before September 10, 2001.

Monday, July 02, 2001

FDA corrects media reports on egg safety

7/02/2001-Contrary to some mistaken recent media reports, the 1999 FDA Food Code does not prohibit restaurants from serving sunny-side-up or over-easy eggs. The Food Code, which is FDA guidance on restaurant safety, says that if less thoroughly-cooked egg dishes are served in restaurants, consumers should be provided with an advisory -- on menus, brochures or other written materials -- that there is an increased risk associated with eating undercooked eggs especially for vulnerable consumers. For more information, see FDA News Release.

Dean Foods appoints new Research Director

7/02/2001-Dean Foods Co. announced that effective August 1, 2001, Tom Gruetzmacher has been appointed Director, Research and Development and Quality Assurance, replacing George Muck, who is retiring. Gruetzmacher will be responsible for Dean Foods Research and Development and the Quality Assurance areas, and will also represent the company in dealings with federal and state regulators.

Sara Lee to acquire Earthgrains

7/02/2001-Sara Lee Corp., Chicago, Ill., announced today that it has signed an agreement for the acquisition of St. Louis-based The Earthgrains Company for $40.25 per Earthgrains share, payable in cash. The total value of the acquisition, including the assumption of Earthgrains' outstanding debt, is $2.8 billion. With the acquisition of Earthgrains, Sara Lee more than quadruples its annual bakery sales to become the nation's second-largest
fresh bread company, and gains a strong distribution system to extend its Sara Lee brand franchise. Earthgrains operates fresh bakery and refrigerated dough businesses with leading market positions in the United States and Europe. During Earthgrains' fiscal year 2001, ended March 27, 2001, the company generated sales of $2.6 billion. The company manufactures and markets its bread, buns, rolls, bagels and other bakery products in the United States. Earthgrains also enjoys leading positions in Europe with both its Bimbo and CroustiPate brands.