Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Bad aftertaste in artificial sweeteners caused by sensory switch?
8/31/2005-What causes the bad aftertaste that many consumers sense when consuming artificial sweeteners? Michael Naim, a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has an idea.
After various experiments studying taste receptors in rats, Naim's team has hypothesized that certain bitter and articial sweet tastants somehow enter the taste bud cells, where they inhibit the natural termination of the taste-receptor signal, resulting in aftertaste.
In the experiments leading to this hypothesis, the researchers found that oral stimulation of rats by certain bitter and artificial sweet taste molecules (artificial sweeteners), are able to enter taste bud cells. In the test tube, these molecules interfere with the natural shutoff switch in taste receptors.
"...by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the taste sensors, the receptors continue to be active, and so we continue to taste what is often an unwelcome sensation to begin with," Naim said. "Of course there may be more than one mechanism at work and theoretically there are other possible approaches to this complex phenomenon," he concedes, "but so far this hypothesis has held up to experimentation."
The paper, "Inhibition of signal termination-kinases by membrane-permeant bitter and sweet tastants: potential role in taste signal termination", is in the August issue of the American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, published by the American Physiological Society.
See the press release for more information.
Polyphenols during roasting could limit off-flavors in oats
8/31/2005-Food scientists with Pennsylvania State University have shown that the amount of health-linked polyphenols present during roasting or baking influences the toasty aroma of oats, and might be used to limit the formation of off-flavors in oat products.
Polyphenols are naturally occurring plant compounds shown to have heart-healthy and anti-cancer effects.
Dr. Devin Peterson, assistant professor of food science and director of the study, says, "Our research has shown that polyphenols are key to aroma and flavor formation in oats during the Maillard reaction, which is the browning process that occurs when foods are roasted or baked. Polyphenols have not been identified as major flavor producers before or associated with the Maillard reaction." Peterson presented his results this week at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Washington, D. C.
Peterson and colleagues divided a batch of rolled oats into two samples. In one sample, they boosted the level of polyphenols (hydroxycinnamic acid, in this case), and roasted both samples. The sample with the added polyphenols developed a lower level of Maillard-type aroma compounds as measured by gas chromatography and a panel of trained human sniffers.
The polyphenols inhibit the Maillard reaction by tying up or quenching some of the sugars and other transient reaction products that the process needs to advance. Although the Maillard reaction can produce desirable changes, including a golden brown color and toasty aroma, it can also cause off-flavors and stale odors.
The study suggests that the presence of polyphenols may be beneficial not only during roasting and baking, but also during storage.
The study was supported by a grant from the USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Health and science group condemns acrylamide lawsuit
8/30/2005-The American Council on Science and Health (ACHS) has issued a press release condemning a California lawsuit against some food makers and restaurants who serve foods that contain acrylamide.
The lawsuit, brought by California Attorney-General Bill Lockyer, claims that the defendants, including McDonald's, Burger King, KFC and makers of several popular brands of potato chips, violate California's Proposition 65 because they don't warn consumers that their foods contain acrylamide. Proposition 65 requires that any items considered by the state to be or to contain human carcinogens carry a warning label.
Scientists with the ACHS say that all foods contain some amount of acrylamide, and placing warning labels on all of them would be counterproductive. They also say that scientific studies attempting to link acrylamide consumption to cancer have failed to do so.
GRAS 22 released
8/30/2005-The 22nd publication by the FEMA Expert Panel presents safety and usage data on 185 new generally recognized as safe (GRAS) flavoring ingredients, and describes an approach to assessing the safety of natural flavor complexes. GRAS 22 (pdf) is published in the August issue of Food Technology.
Making dark meat white
8/30/2005-Poultry and food scientist Daniel Fletcher, with the University of Georgia, hasn't found a way to make brown eyes blue, but he has discovered how to turn chicken's dark meat white.
By and large, Americans prefer white chicken meat over the more fatty and less versatile dark meat. Fletcher used centrifuge and other extraction methods to create white meat from what is often considered an underused scrap.
"We grind the meat up, add excess water and make essentially meat slurry," he said. "We then centrifuge it at a high speed, which breaks up the meat. What settles out are the raw, extracted layers" of fat, water and extracted meat.
When the modified dark meat is cooked, it looks and tastes whiter.
The "dark-meat project", as Fletcher calls it, is partly a training project for students, teaching them how to take apart and create new foods. Although the modified dark meat won't be on sale in the local grocery store, it could be used in prepackaged meals sold by restaurants and fast food businesses and in a market where other foodstuffs are scarce.
The market opportunity for the dark-meat project "is probably not now," Fletcher said. "But it could be a hot product tomorrow. Food shortages will occur again. It's a political issue, not an agricultural issue. It's always nice to have potential ways to keep the food market healthy and nutritious."
Coffee trumps fruits and vegetables
8/30/2005-Americans are getting more antioxidants through coffee than through any other food, according to a study described at the 230th national meeting of the American Chemical Society. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Scranton (Pa).
Coffee is the primary source of antioxidants in the American diet for two reasons: it packs an antioxidant punch in each serving, and it's consumed much more frequently than other antioxidant sources, such as dates or vegetables.
In the study, leader Joe Vinson, Ph.D., a chemistry professor at the university, and his associates analyzed the antioxidant content of more than 100 different food items, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, spices, oils and common beverages. The data was compared to an existing U.S. Department of Agriculture database on the contribution of each type of food item to the average estimated U.S. per capita consumption. Coffee came out on top. "Nothing else comes close," said Vinson.
Antioxidants have been linked to a number of potential health benefits, but Vinson cautions that high antioxidant levels in foods don't necessarily mean good absorption into and use by the body.
Regardless, the news is good for the coffee industry, which has seen an upswing in coffee consumption in recent years, with more than half of Americans sipping it every day. Coffee has also been linked to an increasing number of potential health benefits, such as protection against liver and colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. Of course, some studies also link coffee to health problems such as stomach pains, jitteriness, and high blood pressure.
Vinson and his colleagues recommend moderation, and admonish consumers to continue eating more fruits and vegetables.
Monday, August 29, 2005
BSE proteins detected in blood
8/29/2005-Researchers have found a way to detect in blood the malformed proteins, or prions, that cause "mad cow disease." The research was conducted at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB).
The discovery should lead to a more effective detection method for the infectious proteins responsible for brain-destroying disorders, including bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in humans.
A blood test would make it easier to keep BSE-infected beef out of the human food supply. Currently, brain tissue from cattle is tested for BSE post-slaughter, and then only if the animals exhibit symptoms of the disease.
"The concentration of infectious prion protein in blood is far too small to be detected by the methods used to detect it in the brain, but we know it’s still enough to spread the disease," said UTMB neurology professor Claudio Soto, senior author of the study, which will published online in Nature Medicine. "The key to our success was developing a technique that would amplify the quantity of this protein more than 10 million-fold, raising it to a detectable level."
Soto and the paper’s other authors, UTMB assistant professor of neurology Joaquin Castilla and research assistant Paula Saá, applied a method they call protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) to blood samples taken from 18 prion-infected hamsters that had developed clinical symptoms of prion disease. PMCA uses sound waves to accelerate the process that prions use to convert normal proteins to misshapen infectious forms.
Successive rounds of PMCA led to the discovery of prions in the blood of 16 of the 18 infected hamsters. No prions were found in blood samples that were taken from 12 healthy control hamsters and subjected to the same treatment.
The study authors feel a blood test is extremely important in gauging the potential extent of the diseases and preparing therapies.
Says Claudio Soto, "We need to know the extent of the problem, we need to make sure that beef and the human blood supply are safe, and we need early diagnosis so that when scientists develop a therapy we can intervene before clinical symptoms appear —- by then, it’s too late."
Ventura Foods acquires dressings and dips from Deans Foods
8/29/2005-Ventura Foods, LLC has acquired the Marie's(R) dressings and Dean's(R) dips businesses from the Deans Foods Company. Both brands are first in their categories and boast national distribution.
The $198 million transaction includes the Marie's(R) brand and manufacturing facility in Thornton, Illinois, and a long-term license agreement allowing Ventura Foods the right to use the Dean's(R) trademark on dips.
Ventura Foods CEO Richard Mazer says that an aggressive marketing program is under development to promote the newly acquired dressings and dips. Until it's implemented, the company will use a transition plan to provide continuity.
Ventura Foods currently markets edible oil products, including shortenings and cooking oils, mayonnaise, dressings, sauces, margarine and flavor bases, to the foodservice, retail, industrial and private label market sectors.
Friday, August 26, 2005
FDA promotes food safety practices for expectant mothers
8/26/2005-The FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has established a website explaining food safety practices and cautions to expectant mothers. The "Food Safety for Moms-To-Be" offers information on foodborne illnesses, which can pose special risks for pregnant women, and tips for safe handling of foods before, during and after the pregnancy.
ARS launches swine gene database
8/26/2005-A new online database from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will allow researchers to compare information on 2,600 annotated swine genes and proteins related to nutrition and immunity.
The new resource is called the "Porcine Immunology and Nutrition (PIN) Database". Because pigs and humans share anatomical and physiological features, pigs are useful for modeling the effects of nutrition on human immune function and response to disease. By providing information on pig genes and proteins, researchers can compare gene expression patterns in pigs with the more extensive information provided in human and rodent databases.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Frito-Lay expands line of nuts and seeds
8/25/2005-Two new snacks joined the Frito-Lay lineup yesterday -- Frito-Lay Jumbo Peanuts and Frito-Lay Pumpkin Seeds. The new offerings are the company's latest products in the Nuts & Seeds business, and arrive ready for the fall season.
"With continued high single-digit growth in the nuts and seeds category, Frito-Lay's Premium Jumbo Peanuts and Pumpkin Seeds are further additions to Frito-Lay's portfolio and another indication of our company's commitment to expand macrosnack offerings," said Stephen Quinn, chief marketing officer, Frito-Lay North America.
The Premium Jumbo Peanuts are the latest snack in the recently introduced Premium Nuts line. The oversized, shelled peanuts will be available in 5 oz. packaging for $1.59.
Frito-Lay Pumpkin Seeds will be offerd only through the end of October, in 2.25 oz. sleeves for $0.99.
Hormel reports third quarter earnings
8/25/2005-Hormel Foods Corporation's 2005 third quarter experienced a dollar sales growth of 17%, compared to 2004, and the diluted earnings per share went up 16% to $.37/share.
The growth was due in large part to profits from Hormel's Jennie-O Turkey Store, the Grocery Products business and the Refrigerated Foods busienss.
Jennie-O Turkey Store saw operating profits up 226% and dollar sales up 3%. These increases were caused in part by lower grain markets and efficiencies in production facilities.
The Grocery Products business also contributed to the company's solid third quarter, with a 10% increase in dollar sales, assisted by sales of SPAM and the newly acquired Mexican Accent products. The Refrigerated Foods business saw dollar sales increase by 28%, helped by a 40% increase in volume of case-ready products.
The integration of the four acquisitions that Hormel completed this year -- Farmer John, Mexican Accent, Mark-Lynn Foods, and Lloyd's Barbeque Company -- were moving along well, according to Joel W. Johnson, Hormel's chairman of the board and CEO.
New line of all-natural energy drinks aimed at students
8/25/2005-Could college students now pull a healthier all-nighter before exams? The Nutritional Institute, LLC has debuted a new line of high energy drinks and supplements that are all natural and targeted to young adults. The Student Formula(TM) products, including Brain Boost -- "Genius in a bottle," Green Latte -- "Momma would be proud," and Inside Out -- "Beauty in a bottle," are designed with students' nutritional needs in mind. The products will be sold at college bookstores around the country and online at www.studentformula.com.
"We have designed the products to make today's student feel better, get more energy, improve mental clarity and focus, sleep better, get better grades, be more relaxed -- even live longer," says Nutritional Institute CEO and President, Linda Slater-Dowling.
The Nutritional Institute offers eating tips for college students on a budget, as well as other nutritional information. Their goal is to "empower college students of all ages to become healthier, feel more confident."
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Pepsi launches Mountain Dew Pitch Black
8/24/2005-Pepsi-Cola North America today announced that it will launch Mountain Dew Pitch Black II for a ten-week period from now until November. It's Mountain Dew with a blast of black grape and a metallic silver label. It's just like last year's limited-time offer, Mountain Dew Pitch Black, but this time, with a sour bite.
Mountain Dew Pitch Black II hits stores nationwide this week in 20-ounce bottles, two-liter bottles, and 12-packs of 12-ounce cans.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Wrigley adding jobs in Chattanooga plant
8/23/2005-According to news reports, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. is expanding a candy plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. to shift production of Altoids mints from Britain. The company said the move will add 150 jobs and a $14 million, 60,000-square-foot expansion of a facility acquired in late June from Kraft Foods Inc. The reports said that the 161,000-square-foot plant, which has 140 full-time workers, already makes Creme Savers and Gummi Savers.
Hain Celestial to acquire Spectrum Organic Products
8/23/2005-The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., a organic food and personal care products company, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement and plan of merger with Spectrum Organic Products, Inc. Hain Celestial has agreed to pay approximately $0.705 per share, adjusted to reflect Spectrum's estimate of their expenses and the price adjustment provisions of the agreement, to Spectrum shareholders consisting of approximately 50% in Hain Celestial common shares and 50% in cash. The transaction, which is expected to close in November and to be accretive to Hain Celestial earnings, is subject to shareholder approval by Spectrum and other customary conditions.
Spectrum is a California-based leading manufacturer and marketer of natural and organic culinary oils, vinegars, condiments and butter substitutes under the Spectrum Naturals(R) brand and essential fatty acid nutritional supplements under the Spectrum Essentials(R) brand, sold mainly through natural food retailers. Spectrum reported sales for its last fiscal year of $49.9 million.
"Spectrum has been a well-respected producer of natural and organic oils in the natural food channels for many years, and adding their range of offerings in this category to Hain Celestial's existing portfolio gives us another opportunity to offer our customers additional category-leading products," said Irwin D. Simon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hain Celestial. "We look forward to expanding Spectrum Naturals, Essentials and Ingredients businesses as consumers increasingly seek healthy oils as part of a balanced diet and as recently recommended by the USDA Dietary Guidelines. Spectrum natural and organic products feature healthy oils that are mechanically extracted and free of trans fats and genetically engineered ingredients."
Cargill reports 18% increase in earnings
8/23/2005-Agriculture processor, Cargill today reported net earnings of $230 million for the 2005 fourth quarter ended May 31, up 18 percent from $195 million in the same period a year ago.
For the 2005 fiscal year, the company earned $2.1 billion, which included a noncash net gain of $578 million realized in the second quarter. Excluding the one-time gain, Cargill’s 12-month net earnings were $1.53 billion, up 15 percent from $1.33 billion a year ago.
Revenues for the full year rose 13 percent to $71.1 billion. Cash flow from operations increased 7 percent to $3.2 billion.
“Backed by strong performance across our diverse business and geographic operations, Cargill delivered increased earnings in fiscal 2005,” said Warren Staley, Cargill chairman and chief executive officer. “Today’s results are a tangible sign of the progress achieved in our company’s strategy to become a recognized leader in creating food and agricultural solutions that help customers succeed.”
Staley traced the year’s performance to Cargill’s development in 1999 of a new business model that called on the company to add proficiencies in supply chain management, food applications, and health and nutrition while continuing to grow its traditional strengths in trading, processing and risk management. “Through our employees’ initiative, we undertook many changes that are making Cargill today a more customer focused, innovative, collaborative and higher performing company.”
Among the contributors to Cargill’s earnings for the full fiscal year were its animal nutrition, beef, egg product, pork and poultry businesses worldwide; the risk management and financial segment; the global supply chain management network, which includes grain, oilseeds and other commodities and ocean shipping services; food ingredients in Europe; the U.S.- and Latin American-based salt businesses, which manufacture products for food, road deicing and other uses; and the U.S.- and Canadian-based agriculture services units, which offer an expanding family of grain marketing products that help farmers manage their price risk. Prior to its sale in November 2004, the company’s steel operations contributed significantly to operating earnings.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Codex Alimentarius Commission seeks comments on food additives
8/22/2005-IFT's Global Regulations and Policy Committee alerts you to a request of the Codex Alimentarius Commission for comments and technical information on several food additive provisions currently in the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) under consideration in the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants (CCFAC). If Codex does not receive comments on the technical justification for certain specific uses of several additives, the CCFAC will discontinue work on the GSFA provisions for these additives, resulting in deletion of the additives from the GSFA. Removal of additives from the GSFA could result in more restrictions on their use in the future. The Circular Letter requesting comments and information is accessible at www.ift.org/ccfac.pdf.
In case you were not aware, specific uses for several additives have already been deleted from the GSFA at the previous CCFAC session (April, 2005) because requested information was not received. For a list of the deleted uses see Appendix XII (pages 135 to 151) of the CCFAC Committee report at ftp://ftp.fao.org/codex/alinorm05/al28_12e.pdf.
Please send comments/pertinent information to Rosie Newsome at IFT, preferably electronically and no later than October 31, 2005. Let Dr. Newsome know if you have any questions about this Codex activity.
Rosetta Newsome, Ph.D.
Director, Science and Communications
Institute of Food Technologists
525 West Van Buren Street
Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60607-3814
Phone: 312-782-8424
Fax: 312-782-8348
Email: rlnewsome@ift.org
If desired, you may send comments to Dr. Dennis Keefe at FDA, U.S.
Alternate Delegate to CCFAC, also preferably electronically.
Dennis Keefe, Ph.D.
Office of Food Additive Safety
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Food and Drug Administration 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740
Phone: 301 436 1284
Fax: 301 436 2972
E-Mail: dennis.keefe@fda.gov.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
ConAgra to expand plant
8/18/2005-In order to increase production of its Banquet line of frozen foods, ConAgra announced Wednesday that it would enlarge its frozen foods plant in Russellville, Ark., by 50,000 square feet by October. The facility currently produces products under the Banquet, Healthy Choice, La Choy and Chun King brands.
ConAgra Frozen Foods in Russellville is one of 22 ConAgra Foods facilities in Arkansas.
Defensive bacteria may mean aggressive bacteria
8/18/2005-Human beings, and many other life forms, naturally produce disease-fighting chemicals, called antimicrobial peptides, to ward off harmful bacteria. When the bacteria sense a threat from these chemicals, they amp up their defenses, and sometimes become more virulent. But how do they do this?
Researchers at University of Washington and McGill University have revealed the molecular mechanism used by Salmonella to recognize its enemy and protect itself.
The body's antimicrobial peptides bind to an enzyme, PhoQ, that acts as watchtower and interceptor near the surface of bacteria cell membranes. The peptide binding activates PhoQ, which then sets off a cascade of signals. The signals turn on a large set of bacterial genes, some of which fortify the bacterial cell surface and protect the bacteria from death and destruction.
Learning how Salmonella fights back against the immune system may lead to new treatments that would confound the bacterial resistance built up by the deadly organism over the years. Certain strains of Salmonella are difficult to treat, and are cited as the cause of increased salmonellosis in people. Some scientists believe that virulent strains of salmonella will become more common throughout the food chain.
The study, led by Dr. Martin Bader, a University of Washington senior fellow in microbiology and genome sciences, was published in the August 12 issue of Cell.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Barry Callebaut to double capacity at Ghana plant
8/17/2005-Barry Callebaut has decided to install a second cocoa grinding line at its factory in Tema, Ghana, thereby doubling its current capacity from 30,000 to 60,000 metric tonnes annually. The new grinding line is expected to be fully operational in August 2006.
Swiss-based Barry Callebaut opened its facility in Ghana in November 2001. The factory, which employs about 70 people and is ISO 9001 certified, processes locally bought cocoa beans into cocoa liquor and nibs.
"Over the last years we have been very pleased with our relationship with Ghana and, in particular, with the Ghana Cocoa Board. We therefore see this investment as proof of our continued commitment to Ghana and of our strategy to geographically diversify our sourcing activities further," said Patrick De Maeseneire, Group CEO.
Virtual winemaking a reality
8/17/2005-In an age of virtual publishing, virtual libraries, and virtual conversations, comes virtual winemaking.
Crushpad, a San Francisco winery that helps serious wine lovers realize their dreams of making their own wine, now offers MyCrushpad, an Internet portal which will allow customers far from California to be fully involved in the winemaking process.
By logging on to the Crushpad website, winemaking customers can watch webcams, chat on discussion boards, or use a custom web application called Wine Manager to monitor vineyards, fermentation, pressing, aging, package design and bottling, and get expertise from Crushpad winemakers.
"When we started Crushpad last year, we wanted to support anyone -- regardless of where they lived -- with the dream of creating their own wine," said Michael Brill, Crushpad founder and CEO. "MyCrushpad is the result of over a year's work towards this goal. We're thrilled that Crushpad is in a position to help so many people act on their passion for wine."
Crushpad sources grapes from relatively small lots throughout California. Winemaking customers choose their level of participation and have complete control over key winemaking decisions, relying on Crushpad's winemaking expertise when needed.
The company was founded in 2004 by wine industry veterans and technology industry alumni determined to make winemaking accessible to anyone, from anywhere in the world.
Nestle has strong first half
8/17/2005-Net profits for the food and beverage giant Nestlé SA increased 32.4% between January and June of this year, compared to the same time in 2004. Nestlé reports its earnings every half year, rather than quarterly.
The profits were due in part to new accounting rules. Meanwhile, operating profit, which was unaffected by the new rules, climbed 3.4%.
Sales grew 2.4%, driven by North America, where sales blossomed by 7.2%, especially in the Nestlé Prepared Foods Company, and in recently acquired businesses including Nestlé Purina PetCare Company and Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream Holdings. Canada, Brazil and Mexico also exhibited strong sales growth.
Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, Chairman and CEO, said, "Nestlé's results for the first half of 2005 are in line with our forecasts and underscore the Nestlé Model of combining a good level of organic growth with a sustainable improvement in operating performance. These results have been achieved despite continuing input cost pressures and difficult trading environments in a number of markets. As such, they demonstrate the strength and depth of Nestlé's brand portfolio around the world, as well as the effectiveness of our long-term strategy."
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Miller to drop fruit-flavored malt beverage
8/16/2005-According to reports, Miller Brewing Company will not continue test marketing Brutal Fruit, their fruit-flavored malt beverage, after market testing in U.S. markets this spring and summer returned negative results.
The drink is fruit juice with 5% alcohol content, similar to beer, and is offered in strawberry, mango, litchi and kiwi flavors.
Consumers in South Africa have been enjoying the beverage since 2002, when it was introduced there by SABMiller, Miller Brewing Co.'s corporate parent. The company's sales of fruit-flavored alcohol in South Africa grew by 50% in 2004. The beverage is targeted to women between the ages of 24 and 35.
Miller Brewing's past dabbles in the flavored malt beverage market have not been successful. The company dropped Stolichnaya Citrona, Sausa Diablo, and Jack Daniel's Original Hard Cola in 2004, and has phased out production of Skyy Blue.
HACCP undergoing review
8/16/2005-The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is seeking comments on the financial impact of its Pathogen Reduction/Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations on small and very small plants.
All federal agencies are required, under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, to review existing regulations that have a significant impact on a substantial number of small businesses to determine whether the impact can be minimized.
Small plants are those which have between 10 and 499 employees and more than $2.5 million in annual sales. Very small plants have fewer than 10 employees and less than $2.5 million in annual sales.
The deadline for comments is October 11, 2005. See here for more information.
Feed with less phytate
8/16/2005-Phytate is a naturally occurring and abundant component in plant fibre that may possess antioxidant, anticancer and other beneficial properties. But the compound is also known to compromise the quality of corn and soybeans as animal feed, particularly when consumed by poultry and hogs. Now, a study from Duke University suggests that these plants can be engineered to be low-phytate; which news could be a boon to the hog and poultry industries.
Phytate compromises the nutrition in the animals that consume it by closely binding minerals such as calcium and iron, thereby making them unavailable to the animal. The phytate, along with valuable minerals, passes through the animal's gut is and is excreted. What's more, the execreted phytate contributes to environmental phosphororus pollution, washing into surface waters and causing abnormal growth of aquatic plant life (eutrophication).
Until now, creating low-phytate strains of feed grains was difficult because the biochemical pathways by which phytate is synthesized in plants was little known.
Researchers John York, Jill Stevenson-Paulik and colleagues drew on previous studies in yeast, which had enabled them to understand the biochemical pathways for producing phytate, and searched for counterpart genes in the mustard plant Arabidopsis.
Their analysis uncovered that two specific enzymatic regulatory switches, called kinases, were central to the final steps of phytate synthesis. Genetic mutations that "knocked out" both these switches nearly eliminated phytate production in the resulting mustard seeds.
Eliminating the two kinases did not affect seed yield and increased the free phosphate levels of the seeds.
"The amount of free phosphate in the double mutant is dramatically increased over what is found in nature," said Stevenson-Paulik, the lead author of the study. "And that has a great benefit in terms of nutrition, because it provides more available phosphorous for the animals..."
A patent on the low-phytate strains has been applied for, and discussions with feed companies have begun.
According to Duke University Medical Center, the study will be published August 17 in the online Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Assistance to dairy farmers
8/16/2005-Sign-up for the 2004 Dairy Disaster Assistance Payment Program began yesterday and will continue through Sept. 9, 2005. The USDA program will provide up to $10 million to assist dairy producers who experienced losses due to the 2004 hurricanes.
Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne severely damaged dairy producers in the southeastern U.S. Cattle were lost, milk-producing cows were stressed, milk was dumped due to lack of electricity, and containment equipment was damaged.
To be eligible, the loss must have occurred in a county declared a disaster by the President in 2004 due to hurricanes. This program is one of many disaster relief programs adminstered by the USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). More information is on the Farm Service Agency website.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Hershey acquires another premium chocolate maker
8/15/2005-The Hershey Company, the largest North American confectionery company and a leading snack food marketer, today announced that its newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary, Artisan Confections Company, has acquired the assets of Joseph Schmidt Confections, Inc., a premium chocolate maker.
Joseph Schmidt is known for its artistic and innovative truffles, colorful chocolate mosaics, specialty cookies, and handcrafted chocolates presented in distinctive packaging. These products are sold in select department stores and other specialty outlets nationwide, as well as in Joseph Schmidt's stores located in San Jose and San Francisco.
Hershey has also completed the previously announced acquisition of Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, Inc., one of the fastest-growing premium chocolate companies in the United States. Scharffen Berger, based in San Francisco, California, is known for its high-cacao-content, signature dark chocolate bars and baking products.
The combined purchase price for Scharffen Berger and Joseph Schmidt will be between $46.6 million and $61.1 million, with the final amount reflecting actual sales growth through 2007. Together, these companies have combined annual sales of approximately $25 million.
"The Scharffen Berger and Joseph Schmidt acquisitions are great strategic opportunities for Hershey to capitalize on the high-growth, on-trend premium chocolate segment," said Richard H. Lenny, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Hershey Company. "These companies provide two distinct platforms to broaden our presence in the $1.7 billion premium segment. Scharffen Berger is a leader in the high-cacao-content, distinctive dark chocolate arena, while Joseph Schmidt specializes in fine, handcrafted chocolate gifts. We look forward to capturing the immense growth potential of Scharffen Berger and Joseph Schmidt as we further extend Hershey's leadership position in the U.S. confectionery market."
Drought causes 12% reduction in U.S. corn yield
8/15/2005-In its latest crop production report, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) predicts that U.S. corn farmers will harvest 10.3 billion bushels this year, down 12% from last year's record harvest of 11.8 billion bushels.
While the USDA raised its one-month-old forecast of the average price of the impending corn crop by 5.3% to $2 a bushel, give or take 20 cents, that price is still 3.4% lower than the USDA's estimate of the $2.07/bushel average for the 2004 corn crop.
Despite the five-month-old drought, supplies of the nation's biggest crop -- corn -- are relatively ample following last year's record harvest. Many farms outside the drought zone are expecting good yields and the country as a whole is expected to produce its second-largest corn crop ever.
With the exception of Michigan, forecast yields are lower in all of the Corn Belt States as warm, dry weather throughout the growing season depleted soil moisture levels and stressed the crop. Across the U.S., yields are forecast lower than last year in 29 of the 33 published corn states. The largest decreases occurred in Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas. Farmers expect to harvest 74.4 million acres of corn for grain, unchanged from June but up 1% from 2004. For more see the USDA Crop Production Report.
FDA warns about "cake batter" ice cream
8/15/2005-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing the retail and foodservice industries that incorporating an ingredient intended to be cooked into a ready-to-eat food that will not be cooked, or otherwise treated to eliminate microorganisms, can pose a serious food safety risk.
A recent multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium has been associated with consumption of "cake batter" ice cream. For more see the FDA Bulletin.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Proton Labs and Weber Farms start joint research program
8/11/2005-Proton Laboratories Inc.,a biotechnology company that develops practical uses for electrolyzed water, unique byproducts of the electrolysis process and the use of the electrolysis process in direct and indirect applications, has started a joint research and applications development program with Weber Farms, which raises and markets potatoes, wheat and corn.
Weber Farms has agreed to work with Proton in various areas where Proton's electrolyzed water, with its unique efficacies, can be integrated into potato production and post-harvesting processes. Understanding that Proton's water brings about certain potato maintenance efficacies, environmental and worker safety, on-site production abilities and cost efficiencies, both parties are looking forward to a mutually rewarding relationship.
Mr. Bill Weber of Weber Farms stated that, "The management group at Weber Farms is always looking for innovative ways to improve its product and its pre-and-post maintenance processes and that Proton's water may provide those new approaches.
Carl Halterman, Vice President of Proton Laboratories, stated, "I have studied enough of the applications of Proton's water in various agricultural processes to realize that a totally innovative approach to some of today's agricultural concerns may be at work". Mr. Halterman also stated that once sustainable results are attained, through small-scale testing, well-qualified third party verifications will be made on the processes.
In 1979, Weber Farms built a fresh pack potato warehouse to ensure better quality and more oversight of the marketing of open potatoes to domestic and foreign markets. Eighteen years later, in 1997, they built a state-of- the-art potato storage facility capable of storing 50,000 tons. Weber Farm potatoes are sold as boxed and bagged potatoes in retail stores, hash browns, French fries and other retail products.
What makes a hot dog?
8/11/2005-This is the question:
What is a hot dog?
Trade restrictions shaped animal product markets in 2004
8/11/2005-Disease outbreaks and related trade restrictions continued to constrain markets in 2004. U.S. cattle and beef markets were most affected, although outbreaks of Avian Influenza affected poultry markets. Forecasts of 2005 U.S. animal-products trade reflect expected market responses. For more see the USDA Report.
Study looks at European peanut preference
8/11/2005-European peanut consumers gave two thumbs up to U.S. peanuts after evaluating peanuts from the United States, China and Argentina. The results of the consumer study coordinated by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) show that although U.S. peanuts come at a premium price, they also come as a premium product.
Timothy H. Sanders, research leader of the ARS Market Quality and Handling Research Unit in Raleigh, N.C., coordinated the project, which is called the European Peanut Consumer Research Study.
About 4.1 billion pounds of peanuts were produced by U.S. peanut growers during the 2003-2004 marketing year. Of that, just over one-tenth--516 million pounds--was exported.
The U.S. peanut industry will use the findings to maintain current purchase levels by overseas buyers. And U.S. peanut exporters will use the findings for outreach in foreign markets.
Europe is the United States' largest export market. The European flavor test was conducted with 100 peanut consumers--screened for being "regular" buyers of peanuts or peanut products--each from London, Berlin and Amsterdam.
The combined study data show that the likelihood of consumer complaints about the flavor of U.S. peanuts would be virtually none. The data also indicate that European consumers would likely identify about 70 percent of Chinese lots and 40 percent of Argentine lots as problematic.
International group finishes rice genome map
8/11/2005-Rice feeds more than half of the world's human population. Estimates indicate that the agricultural yield of rice will need to be increased by some 30% over the next two decades to meet projected increased demands. In the August 11 issue of the journal Nature, members of a 10-nation International Rice Genome Sequencing Project (IRGSP) report a highly accurate or "finished" map-based DNA sequence of the entire rice genome. The completed rice genome sequence, which reveals some 37,500 genes on the 12 chromosomes of rice, provides the raw material for many studies aimed at improving the agricultural yield of the world's most important food source.
Moreover, because the rice genome is closely related to that of other major cereal grasses--including corn, wheat, barley, rye, sorghum, and millet--the complete rice genome sequence is an extraordinarily useful resource for identifying genes of interest in a number of different crop plants that collectively supply two-third's of humanity's food supply.
"This study revealed thousands of genetic markers or signposts in the rice genome that are of immediate use to plant breeders and others working to improve rice agriculture," says Dr. W. Richard McCombie of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a co-leader of the study.
"This is also the first finished genome sequence we have from any crop plant, so rice is now a great model for how to use genome sequence information to improve many other aspects of agriculture," says McCombie, who adds that several programs are already under way to study the structure and function of rice genes as well as agriculturally relevant genetic variation among different varieties of rice.
The finished rice genome sequence builds upon earlier draft sequences published by the private companies Monsanto and Syngenta. Robin Buell, lead investigator of The Institute of Genomic Research's portion of the project, calls this a "nice model of a public-private partnership" and added that by donating their genome sequences to the IRGSP, the companies saved the public consortium both time and money.
By enabling scientists to identify genes that underlie agriculturally important traits, a previous IRGSP-generated rough draft of the rice genome sequence--made publicly available in 2002--has already spurred both biotechnological and conventional plant breeding approaches to increasing rice yields. The newly-reported, finished rice genome sequence has the potential to greatly accelerate these efforts.
"The genetic map will greatly speed the hunt for genes that increase yield, protect against disease and pests, or provide drought-resistance in rice and other cereal crops," says Buell.
Formally established in 1998, the Japanese-led International Rice Genome Sequencing Project comprises researchers from 32 institutions in Japan, China, India, Thailand, Taiwan, Brazil, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Major U.S. funding for the project was from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Energy, and the Rockefeller Foundation. U.S. Efforts were coordinated by the National Plant Genome Initiative.
Participating U.S. institutions were Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the University of Arizona, Rutgers University, The Institute for Genomic Research, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and Cornell University.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Cott acquires UK soft drink retailer
8/10/2005-Cott Corp., a retailer brand soft drink supplier, today announced that its U.K. subsidiary, Cott Beverages Ltd., has acquired 100% of the shares of Macaw (Holdings) Limited, the parent company of Macaw (Soft Drinks) Limited, for approximately $135 million USD ( pnds stlg 75.7 million).
Macaw is the largest privately-owned manufacturer of retailer brand carbonated soft drinks in the U.K. Its assets include six production lines - four carbonated soft drink, one dilute-to-taste, and one aseptic - in two manufacturing plants located in Nelson, Lancashire.
The acquisition significantly expands Cott's U.K. business and is expected to add approximately $100 million USD ( pnds stlg 55 million) in annual sales. It is expected to be earnings per share neutral in 2005 and accretive thereafter. The acquisition is being financed under Cott's global credit facility, which was increased from $100 million to $225 million in connection with this transaction.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Quaker offers new milk beverage
8/09/2005-There's a new addition to PepsiCo's non-carbonated beverage portfolio -- a line of flavored milk beverages called Quaker Milk Chillers. They're made with 2% reduced-fat milk and fortified with calcium and seven essential vitamins. Available in three flavors -- chocolate, strawberry and vanilla -- Quaker Milk Chillers will hit stores in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States beginning this week.
"Many people want the health benefits of milk but they don't like the taste of plain milk. Quaker Milk Chillers enable them to get many of milk's nutrients in the form of a great-tasting beverage without all of the calories and sugar found in most flavored milks," said Chad Dick, director of marketing innovation, Pepsi-Cola North America. "So when it's time for a snack, we hope people will reach for Quaker Milk Chillers rather than a cookie or a candy bar."
Quaker Milk Chillers will be available in 14-ounce single-serve plastic bottles in convenience stores, grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers, school vending machines and select foodservice accounts. They are sweetened with a blend of natural and no-calorie sweeteners including sucrose, sucralose (Splenda), and acesulfame potassium. They have a similar nutritional profile to plain 2% reduced fat milk and qualify for PepsiCo's Smart Spot(TM) symbol because they contain 45-50% less sugar than the leading flavored milks and are an excellent source of calcium.
In addition, because they are produced using leading-edge aseptic technology, Quaker Milk Chillers have a six-month shelf life, which is significantly longer than that of most flavored milks and plain milk products (which can range from two weeks to three months).
Pilgrim's Pride repurchases shares held by ConAgra
8/09/2005-Pilgrim's Pride Corp. announced that it has completed the sale of 15,443,054 shares of its common stock for total consideration to Pilgrim's Pride of approximately $522.9 million and completed the repurchase of all of the 15,443,054 shares of Pilgrim's Pride common stock held by ConAgra Foods, Inc. for approximately $482.4 million. The shares repurchased by Pilgrim's Pride have been cancelled and there is no increase in the number of shares outstanding.
As a result of this transaction, ConAgra Foods no longer owns any of Pilgrim's Pride's common stock. The net proceeds from the offering in excess of the amounts paid to repurchase the shares held by ConAgra Foods, approximately $40.5 million, will be used for general corporate purposes.
CHS will process Monsanto's low-linolenic soybeans
8/09/2005-Monsanto announced today that CHS will be a participating processor of Monsanto's VISTIVE(TM) low-linolenic soybeans in 2006 and will market VISTIVE oil for use by the food industry. VISTIVE low-linolenic soybeans will reduce or eliminate the need for partial hydrogenation of soybean oil, helping food companies reduce the presence of trans fatty acids (trans fats) in their products.
For the 2006 growing season, CHS will be contracting with growers in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa for up to 40,000 acres of VISTIVE soybean production. CHS will pay a premium for contracted VISTIVE soybeans, and then it will crush and sell the processed soybean oil to food company customers.
VISTIVE soybeans, developed through conventional breeding, contain less than 3 percent linolenic acid as compared to the typical 8 percent level found in traditional soybeans. The result is a more stable soybean oil, with less need for hydrogenation. Because soybeans with a lower linolenic acid level reduce the need for partial hydrogenation, their application in processed soybean oils will reduce the presence of trans fats in processed soybean oil.
The development of VISTIVE is significant because, beginning Jan. 1, 2006, all food products and dietary supplements bearing a nutritional facts panel that are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and sold in the United States will be required to list trans fat content.
"This is an innovative business solution for our food-grade oils customers," said Jay Debertin, Executive Vice President, CHS Processing. "But it is also an excellent example of creating a new market value for soybeans, which is what today's producers are looking for. CHS is excited to participate in a program that helps move soybeans higher up the value chain in today's market."
"We contracted all available VISTIVE soybeans in 2005, so we know that this product is in demand. We are very pleased to partner with an industry leader like CHS to ensure a successful expansion of VISTIVE soybeans in 2006," said Kerry Preete, Vice President of U.S. Crop Production for Monsanto. "VISTIVE not only supports growing consumer demand for healthier foods, but also represents an important investment in the future success of the U.S. soybean industry."
Monsanto expects that VISTIVE soybeans will be grown on nearly 500,000 acres in 2006. VISTIVE soybeans have the Roundup Ready(R) trait and maintain performance parity with leading soybean varieties. For 2006, VISTIVE will be available in Monsanto's Asgrow(R) brand, as well as Stine(R), Prairie(TM) Brand Seed. Latham(R) Seed, Kruger(TM) Seed Company, Croplan Genetics(R), FS HiSOY(R), LG(R) Seeds, Producers Hybrids(R), Midwest Seed Genetics(R), Crow's(R) and NC+(R) seed brands.
CHS will process contracted VISTIVE soybeans at its plant in Fairmont, Minnesota.
CHS ( http://www.chsinc.com/ ) is a diversified energy, grains and foods company committed to providing the essential resources that enrich lives. A Fortune 200 company, CHS is owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest and from the Canadian border to Texas, along with thousands of preferred stockholders.
Givaudan reports results
8/09/2005-In the first half year 2005, Givaudan maintained its sales in local currencies at the level of last year, despite the on-going reduction of commodity ingredients in both divisions. In Swiss Francs, this translates into a decline of 2.2%. The gross profit increased by one percentage point. Operating profit remained strong, at last year’s level, whereas net profit was slightly affected by higher net financial expenses. Fragrance sales grew 2.0% in local currencies, in line with the market. Sales in Swiss Francs remained at last year’s levels.
Flavor sales declined by 1.6% in local currencies and 3.8% in Swiss Francs against the previous year’s strong comparables. Sales were affected (half year impact: CHF 15 million) by our strategy to rationalize low margin flavor ingredients and by lower market prices for vanilla and citrus. Both, Asia Pacific and Latin America, had a good sales performance, whereas Europe and North America could not match last year’s strong performance. All regions grew during the second quarter reversing the first quarter’s decline.
How America eats
8/09/2005-The latest issue of U.S. News and World Report has a special report on “How America eats.” As the article points out we are obsessed with health and weight loss but face an unprecedented epidemic of obesity.
Frutarom strengthens position in East Asia
8/09/2005-Frutarom Industries Ltd. announced today that its subsidiary, Frutarom (UK) Ltd., has opened a sales and marketing office in Indonesia's capital city, Jakarta. The office is intended to strengthen Frutarom's standing and activity in East Asia.
The opening of this office is an additional milestone in realizing the rapid growth strategy successfully implemented by Frutarom in recent years. The strategy combines internal growth in core activities at levels surpassing the industry in which the Company operates, with strategic acquisitions of activities and knowhow in its main fields of activity and in strategic geographic locations.
Ori Yehudai, President and CEO, said, "Frutarom continually seeks to expand its core activities both through the development of unique products with high added value for its customers and by expanding its business to additional countries and markets in emerging countries, where the growth rates are substantially higher than the average for Europe and the United States. Last year, we established two subsidiaries and development laboratories in Romania and Belarus that will contribute significantly to strengthening our activity and our positioning in Eastern Europe. Indonesia is one of the largest emerging markets in the world, with over two hundred million residents. We believe that this office, which joins five other Frutarom sales and marketing offices in the Far East, will make a serious contribution to our continued growth in this developing region.
National Center for Technological Literacy launched
8/09/2005-Research indicates that most Americans don’t understand the technologies that surround them — the products and systems designed to fill a specific need. From water filtration to wheel chairs, from pens to PDAs, people use technology often without fully comprehending how these tools are designed, developed, and function. In response, the Museum of Science, Boston, has launched the National Center for Technological Literacy (NCTL) to enhance knowledge of technology nationwide, and inspire the next generation of engineers, designers, innventors, and innovators. NCTL works closely with educators, administrators, government officials, and industry leaders to integrate engineering as a new discipline in schools and to present technology as an equal partner to science. The web address is www.nctl.org
Monday, August 08, 2005
Resistant starch conference to be held in Chicago
8/08/2005-On September 27, Oldways Preservation Trust and National Starch Food Innovation are teaming up to present an international science and culinary conference: "Making Fiber Irresistible: Resistant Starch is a Natural." Industry and health professionals are invited to join leading food companies discussing how a new class of fiber with well-researched health advantages -- resistant starch -- is addressing America's growing fiber gap and solving related technical challenges.
The conference includes:
Research on how natural resistant starch influences weight, energy and digestive health from experts like Dr. Janine Higgins, Research Fellow, Center for Human Nutrition, University of Colorado, and Dr. David Topping, Chief Research Scientist, CSIRO (Australia).
Gain insight into which fiber-related health benefits consumers really want with proprietary research from Linda Gilbert, President, HealthFocus International.
Learn how leading manufacturers like Sara Lee and Perfection Bakeries are incorporating this invisible fiber into foods without affecting taste or texture.
See how Gale Gand, host of the Food Network's Sweet Dreams, creates delicious foods with natural resistant starch.
For over a decade, Oldways Preservation Trust has helped the food industry and nutrition thought leaders and decision makers translate the complex details of nutrition science into "the familiar language of food."
The conference is free to qualified industry and health professionals. To reserve your place today, visit
http://www.foodinnovation.com/5in1fiber/detail.asp?id=75 to download the brochure including the Registration Form. Questions? Contact Cynthia Harriman, Oldways, 617.896.4820, cynthia@oldwayspt.org
Masters appointed FSIS Administrator
8/08/2005-On August 1, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the appointment of Barbara Masters as Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), overseeing the regulation of meat, poultry and processed egg products, which constitute 40 percent of the American food dollar.
Masters has served as the acting administrator of FSIS since March 1, 2004. During that time, she has raised the scientific training investment in the 10,000-employee workforce to $20 million. She has also implemented documented management controls that have improved efficiency and effectiveness in the agency, which has 7,400 inspectors working in 6,200 slaughter and processing plants every day throughout the country.
Philippines will resume imports of U.S. beef
8/08/2005-Philippines will resume imports of U.S. beef and beef products.
Under the agreement announced on August 4, the United States will now be able to export boneless beef from cattle not older than 30 months to the Philippines. The estimated value of the Philippines market reopening to U.S. boneless beef is $2.5 million.
In 2003, the United States exported $4.9 million worth of beef and beef products to the Philippines. After the December 2003 discovery of the first BSE-infected cow in the United States, the Philippines adopted measures to restrict imports of certain types of U.S. beef, while allowing imports of U.S. boneless beef from cattle not older than 30 months with its memorandum order in January 2004. In June 2005, the Philippines imposed a temporary ban on beef and beef products from the United States following confirmation that a second U.S. cow had tested positive for BSE.
Anheuser-Busch offers Tilt
8/08/2005-Anheuser-Busch is kicking off the phased nationwide launch of Tilt, a malt beverage featuring an assorted blend of caffeine, guarana, and ginseng.
This "5 p.m. after-work drink," which offers a berry-flavor, is part of the emerging flavored caffeinated malt beverage category.
"From happy hour to a night out at a club, contemporary adults are looking for innovative beverages that fit into their fast-paced, highly-social lifestyles," said Pat McGauley, vice president, Innovation/New Products, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Tilt was developed with this in mind because it is suited to a variety of drinking occasions."
Tilt is brewed with two-row malt, natural grains, hops, yeast and water and infused with raspberry flavor, caffeine, guarana and ginseng at Anheuser-Busch's Cartersville Brewery. It is fermented at cold temperatures and allowed to develop natural carbonation as it slowly matures.
"The nationwide launch of Tilt demonstrates Anheuser-Busch's commitment to the development of innovative new alcohol beverages," said McGauley. "We recognize that contemporary adults have many choices in today's competitive market, but we expect the versatility of Tilt to accommodate a wide range of drinking occasions that will help us maintain and grow our share of the alcohol category."
Sold in individual, sleek 16-ounce silver cans, Tilt contains 6.6, 6, or 4 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) based on state laws. Now rolling out nationwide on a state-by-state basis, full distribution is expected by October.
Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer holding 50 percent of the U.S. beer market.
Borlaug scientists arrive in U.S.
8/08/2005-On Aug. 5, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that 10 agricultural scientists from Central America have arrived in the United States for training under the Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellows Program.
"This is the first time that Borlaug fellows from Central America have come to the United States for scientific training at our land-grant universities and research facilities," said Johanns. "When these scientists return to their countries, their newly gained knowledge will help to promote food security, raise agricultural productivity and create economic growth in the region. This training will also enhance support for local authorities in the development of regulatory frameworks that are consistent with international guidelines for the safe trade in agricultural products."
The Borlaug Fellowship Program helps developing countries strengthen sustainable agricultural practices by providing short-term scientific training and collaborative research opportunities to visiting researchers, policymakers and university faculty while they work with a mentor. The program targets developing countries and places participants at land-grant universities and 1890's colleges, government agencies, international research centers and other nonprofit institutions and private companies.
USDA worked in conjunction with the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) in Costa Rica to identify these 10 Borlaug fellows that represent some of the best research scientists in Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.
Chemistry plus grapes equal wine
8/08/2005-Pasteur got his start working with wine yeast. Chemistry plus grapes equal wine. But, does it taste good? Maybe Enologix can provide the answer. For more information, see the New York Times article.
Key to healthy diets?
8/08/2005-Eating fruits and vegetables is healthy, most agree. But scientists hoping to discover reasons for the health benefits have invited medical and horticultural researchers to a forum to exchange information.
The second International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruit and Vegetables will be Aug. 18-21.
Organizers expect more than 150 scientists from 28 countries to hear presentations about the effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on the prevention or cure of common diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative ailments, according to conference organizers.
"Our lifestyles have changed and so have (our) eating habits ... and not necessarily for the better," said Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M University's Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center. "Great interest has surged worldwide on the role fruits and vegetables have on health."
Patil is hosting the symposium with Yves Desjardins, academic director of Lavel University's Institute on Nutraceutical and Functional Foods in Quebec.
A list of speakers and the program, along with information on attending the conference, can be found at http://FAVhealth2005.org. Or contact the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center at (979) 862-4951.
Agriculture and dialogue to be World Food Day theme
8/08/2005-"Agriculture and intercultural dialogue" is the theme of this year's World Food Day, the FAO announced.
World Food Day is celebrated every year to mark the day on which FAO was founded in 1945. This year's observance will be held on Sunday, 16 October, at FAO Headquarters in Rome. It will be also observed in more than 150 countries.
The theme recalls the contribution of different cultures to world agriculture and argues that sincere intercultural dialogue is a precondition for progress against hunger and environmental degradation.
Throughout history, the intercultural movement of crops and livestock breeds has revolutionized diets and reduced poverty. For example, the potato, which can be grown quickly and economically, was introduced to northern Europe from South America in the 16th century helping free the masses from longstanding hunger.
Maize, which is originally from the Americas, now feeds much of Africa. Europe and Africa contributed their plants to the Americas, including coffee, grapes and wheat. The introduction of the camel to Africa from Arabia allowed people to live and travel in more extreme environments and added protein from meat and milk to diets.
With agriculture, intercultural dialogue takes place at meetings and trade negotiations and every time an expert from one culture shows another something new in the laboratory or field.
Iraq's seed industry not able to meet needs
8/08/2005-Iraq's seed industry has collapsed and the country is currently not able to meet farmers' needs for improved crop varieties, FAO warned today. The lack of high-quality seeds could seriously threaten Iraq's food security situation, the UN agency said.
High-quality seed is one of the most critical inputs for sustainable agricultural production. FAO has launched an appeal for a $5.4 million project to rebuild the national seed industry.
Iraq had a relatively stable and functioning public-sector controlled seed industry before the war in 2003. After the war, research and seed production facilities have greatly deteriorated.
Agricultural research centers were devastated and most of the equipment and machinery, including seed processing facilities and seed stocks, were damaged or looted. Some seed processing facilities were believed to house mobile units for biological weapons. Now, almost all generations of seeds of all crops, and much seed expertise, has been been lost.
As a result, Iraq can only cover four percent of the national demand for quality seeds from its own resources. Most seeds come from farmers' own seed reserves, which are of low quality.
Standards to be set for Muscadine grapes
8/08/2005-The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is soliciting comments on its proposal to create a voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) Grapes. AMS has received a request from an industry group representing muscadine grape growers to develop a standard for Muscadine Grapes. This proposal will provide a common language for trade and a means of measuring value in the marketing of muscadine grapes, thus promoting orderly and efficient marketing of muscadine grapes.
Comments must be received by October 7, 2005. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to the Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 1661 South Building, Stop 0240, Washington, DC 20250-0240; Fax (202) 720-8871, e-mail FPB.DocketClerk@usda.gov.
The proposed U.S. Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) Grapes are available at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbdocketlist.htm.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Technique offers new look at ancient diets
8/05/2005-A group of reseachers from Penn State and the Univeristy of Arkansas have developed new techniques that have generated insights into dietary divergences between some of our human ancestors, allowing scientists to better understand the evolutionary path that led to the modern-day diets that humans consume.
"Our new techniques are allowing us to get beyond simple dichotomies and helping us understand the processes by which dietary evolution is working," said Peter Ungar, professor of anthropology at the University of Arkansas.
Ungar and Robert Scott, postdoctoral fellow at the University of Arkansas, with colleagues at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Penn State, report their findings in the August 4 issue of the journal Nature.
The researchers, including Alan Walker, Evan Pugh professor of biological anthropology and biology at Penn State, investigated microscopic wear on the teeth of two species of ancient hominims -- Australopithecus africanus, which lived between 3.3 million and 2.3 million years ago, and Paranthropus robustus, which lived between 2 million and 1.5 million years ago. The pits and scratches found on the teeth offer a visual history of the type of food consumed by the tooth's owner. Pits indicate a diet of hard, brittle foods, like nuts and seeds, while scratches imply a diet of tough foods, like leaves and possibly meat.
Traditional examinations of these ancient teeth -- counting pits and lines on a black and white electron micrograph image -- suggested that A. africanus ate tough foods and P. robustus dined on hard, brittle fare. However, the researchers used a new technique developed by Ungar and his colleagues that combines engineering software, scale-sensitive fractal analysis and a scanning confocal microscope to create a reproducible texture analysis for teeth -- and the analysis tells a more complete story. The researchers looked at both roughness, or complexity, and directionality in the teeth they examined.
"Since food objects interact with teeth, we have different kinds of complexity in different diets. Directionality also correlates with diet," Scott said. Hard foods like nuts and seeds tend to lead to more complex tooth profiles, while tough foods like leaves lead to more scratches, which corresponds with directionality.
The confocal microscope and engineering software allow the researchers to take three-dimensional coordinates of the entire tooth and form a detailed image of the surface. When these images are combined, they can use fractal analysis to examine patterns in the tooth wear.
The analysis showed that the two species had significant amounts of overlap in their diets and that while P. robustus had more complexity in its tooth wear, indicating that it ate more hard and brittle foods than A. africanus, it ate tough foods as well.
The researchers believe that this indicates that the species frequently ate the same types of foods, but that in times of scarcity or seasonal changes, P. robustus changed its diet to include foods that differed from those of A. africanus.
"The difference in their evolution in terms of diet is not driven by their preferences, but by scarcity," Ungar said. "It gives you a whole new way of thinking about dietary adaptation."
The researchers credit the new method of examining microscopic wear on teeth with allowing them to gain new insights into dietary evolution.
"The old technique was subject to observer error, so we couldn't get a handle on whether the variation we observed was real or the result of observer error in data acquisition," Ungar said. "The new technique is free of subjective observer error, so the variation we see is real. This allows us to actually look at within-species variation. We can finally get beyond 'these differed' and start to understand how much they differed and overlapped, and what this means in terms of their adaptations and evolution."
Fake memories could help people choose better foods
8/05/2005-Elizabeth Loftus at the University of California, whose work focuses on false beliefs and repressed memories, subjected 228 undergraduate students to a food questionnaire and then gave them phony results. A "substantial minority"of the students believed some of the false results and said they would now be unlikely to consume strawberry ice cream since they know it made them sick when they were young.
In the abstract of the study (published in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science), Loftus believes that these findings will help "manipulate nutritional selection and possibly even improve health."
Eatem Foods expands operations
8/05/2005-Vineland, NJ-based Eatem Foods announced the purchase of acreage and a building to meet increased needs. The purchase of 4.2 acres of land located adjacent to the Eatem Foods corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility on Gallagher Drive, Vineland, New Jersey will double total resources. The 5,000 sq. ft. building will serve as the administrative offices for Eatem Foods. According to the company, the new acquisition is indicative of the expansive growth of the Eatem product line, which is found flavoring many popular branded food products. A new state-of-the-art corporate test kitchen was recently completed to offer increased support services to the many food companies using Eatem products. Eatem Foods, an innovative niche marketer and producer of specialty food bases, is privately owned and distributes products across the US and internationally.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Sensory Spectrum moves to new facility
8/04/2005-Sensory Spectrum, Inc., has moved from their old location to 554 Central Avenue in New Providence, NJ. The new facility houses both Sensory Spectrum and the brand new Spectrum Discovery Center. The Spectrum Discovery Center is expected to open in the fall of 2005. Sensory Spectrum is a management consulting firm which applies sensory evaluation techniques to the understanding of consumer products. The group’s consultants combine descriptive analysis, advanced sensory methodology, qualitative and quantitative consumer research, experimental design, and statistics to provide business and technical answers to important sensory questions.
Solae to operate soy protein plant in China
8/04/2005-The Solae Company, a global leader in soy protein research and application, expanded its partnership with Henan Luohe Shineway Industry Group, China’s largest meat processing company, to build and operate an isolated soy protein manufacturing facility in China.
By partnering with Shineway, The Solae Company aligns itself to be the preeminent provider of soy protein to China, while at the same time creates manufacturing efficiencies that will benefit food manufacturers around the world.
“Expanding our partnership in China makes perfect sense from a business, operations and growth standpoint,” said Tony Arnold, president and CEO of The Solae Company. “We are meeting our customer’s needs by providing the highest quality products at a great price.”
Shineway II will enable Henan Luohe Shineway to expand its local manufacturing base and offset shipping costs and other expenses. The Solae Company's participation in this partnership will enable higher quality, more functional soy protein products to be available in China, which will help grow both business and the economies of each country.
“Our customers will benefit from this partnership because they will be receiving a superior, healthier soy product,” said Mr. Wan Long, president of Shineway.
Shineway II expands The Solae Company’s existing partnership with the Shineway group. In April 2004, The Solae Company and the Shineway group agreed to expand overall manufacturing capability to meet the growing global demand for soy protein. The two businesses built an innovative facility to manufacture soy protein concentrate for Shineway’s use. The relationship between Shineway and its local government ties, coupled with Solae’s technology to create better tasting, healthier soy protein, continues to assist Shineway in meeting the growing needs for high-quality protein by the Chinese consumer.
Chr. Hansen ingredient business sold
8/04/2005-On April 29, 2005, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S entered into a conditional agreement with PAI partners to sell its ingredients business Chr. Hansen. The selling price totals DKK 8.2 billion.
The sale was subject to approval by the shareholders of Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, which was received at an extraordinary general meeting on May 31, 2005, as well as to approval by several competition authorities.
These approvals have now been received, and the sale was closed on July 29.
As previously announced, the transaction is expected to have a positive effect of approximately DKK 4.2 billion on the company's profit after tax.
Pursuant to the authorisation granted by the extraordinary general meeting on May 31, 2005, the Board of Directors of Chr. Hansen Holding A/S intends to distribute excess capital back to the shareholders as soon as possible following the audit which is carried out in connection with the preparation of the annual accounts for 2004/05. The Board of Directors will publish an announcement approximately two weeks before extraordinary dividend is paid out.
Executive Vice Presidents Lars Frederiksen, Leif Nørgaard, Peter Olesen and Hans Thorkilgaard have resigned from the corporate management of Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, but they will continue in the corporate management of Chr. Hansen A/S under the ownership of PAI partners.
Susanne Grøn and Svend Laulund, board members of Chr. Hansen Holding A/S elected by the employees, have resigned from the board of directors. Following the sale of Chr. Hansen, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S (and thus the Chr. Hansen Group) will be a pure pharmaceutical company in the area of allergy treatment through its subsidiary ALK-Abelló A/S. On this background, Erik Sørensen, President and CEO of the Chr. Hansen Group since 1995, will resign his position as of August 15, 2005.
As of August 15, 2005, Jens Bager, President and CEO of ALK-Abelló A/S, will also assume the position of President and CEO of Chr. Hansen Holding A/S.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Commitment to food research declining
8/03/2005-Despite the ever-present threats to the food supply posed by disease, spoilage and the specter of agroterrorism, commitment to and research in food and agricultural microbiology is on the decline, according to a report by the American Academy of Microbiology entitled Research Opportunities in Food and Agriculture Microbiology.
“The constant spread and evolution of agricultural pathogens provides a continually renewed source of challenges to productivity and food safety. However, research support over the last few decades has been lean and is, in fact, decreasing,” says Michael Doyle of the University of Georgia, a co-author of the report. Trouble recruiting and maintaining graduate students is also harming programs and will ultimately affect the field, says Doyle. “Reversing the decline in funding and recognition of the value of agricultural research requires fundamental changes, in addition to an infusion of financial support.”
The report is the outcome of a colloquium convened by the American Academy of Microbiology. Nineteen scientists with expertise in areas ranging from plant pathology to food microbiology to microbial ecology met to examine the future of food and agriculture microbiology. The report offers recommendations for research priorities and identifies barriers to a strong food and agriculture research agenda.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
WTO criticizes EU on banana tariff
8/02/2005-World Trade Organisation arbitrators while acknowledging the EU's use of the price cap methodology to arrive at a tariff level have criticised some aspects of its application in this case. Arbitrators were therefore not in a position to endorse the proposed tariff level of 230 EUR/tonne proposed by the Commission. The Commission will study carefully the arbitrators' report and examine available options for taking this process forward. The intention remains to have a tariff only system in place on 1 January 2006, as agreed at the WTO Doha Ministerial held in 2001. The Commission will shortly initiate consultations with the countries concerned and expects their constructive engagement in these consultations. For more information, see EU Press Release.
UK food agency setting targets for salt levels in foods
8/02/2005-The UK Food Standards Agency has published a consultation on proposals to set UK targets for levels of salt in a wide range of foods.
FAO renews appeal for funds in Niger
8/02/2005-The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization today renewed its appeal for $4 million for emergency agricultural assistance to respond to the ongoing food crisis in Niger.
Coca-Cola introduces new energy drink
8/02/2005-Coca-Cola North America introducing a new energy drink, called Sugar Free Full Throttle. The drink will hit shelves nationwide in mid-August, primarily at local convenience stores, with additional availability in other retail locations. Sold in 16-ounce cans and four-can multi-packs, the product will be competitively priced with other energy drinks on the market.
Compass Group to curb antibiotic use in pork production
8/02/2005-Food service company Compass Group North America announced with partners Environmental Defense and Smithfield Foods, Inc. a new purchasing policy to curb antibiotic use in pork production.
"Stop snacking" signal diminished by high-fat diet
8/02/2005-Rats fed a high-fat diet were less sensitive to a hormonal "stop eating" signal than rats on a low-fat diet when they were given access to a high-calorie, high-fat snack that the animals find yummy, according to a Penn State study. "When we gave the rats doses of a 'stop eating' hormone, the rats on the low-fat diet significantly suppressed their intake of the snack but not the rats on the high-fat diet," said Mihai Covasa, assistant professor of nutritional sciences and a member of the Penn State Neuroscience Institute who led the study. For more see, the UPenn Press Release.
What happened to Atkins?
8/02/2005-What happened to Atkins Nutritionals? Apparently, the company had to go up against all the major food companies once they began launching their own reduced carbohydrate products. Several sources are commenting on yesterday's announcement that the company would seek bankruptcy protection. See: Business Week; USA Today; and the Chicago Sun Times.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Catalina, Sunny Fresh form tortilla joint venture
8/01/2005-Catalina Specialty Foods, a leader in Hispanic foods technology and tortilla development, and Sunny Fresh Foods, Cargill’s value-added egg business, have created a joint venture that will produce flour and corn tortillas for the retail and foodservice markets. The venture will be known as Catallia Mexican Foods, LLC.
IFT Food Expo exhibitors make food donations
8/01/2005-Each year, exhibiting companies at the IFT Food Expo can contribute products to the local food bank at the end of the show.
Atkins Nutritionals files for bankruptcy
8/01/2005-Low-carbohydrate diet company Atkins Nutritionals Inc. on Sunday filed for Chapter 11 protection in U.S. bankruptcy Court in Manhattan.
Updated tables of commitments from more than 50 food companies and trade associations to reduce salt in a variety of foods have also been published.
These activities form a significant part of the activity to encourage progress towards achieving the Government's average population salt intake targets of 6g per day by 2010, as set out in the Agency’s Strategic Plan and the Government White Paper ‘Choosing Health’.
The proposed targets have been developed following detailed discussions with a range of stakeholders, and the Agency is now consulting widely with food manufacturers, retailers, trade associations, caterers, consumer groups and other interested parties to establish views on: the food categories for which targets have been proposed; the proposed targets for levels of salt in these foods; and how the Agency intends to assess progress by the food industry towards meeting these targets. For more information, see
According to the agency, funds are urgently needed to provide veterinary services and feed for livestock, which play a key role in the livelihoods and food security of many of the country's most vulnerable pastoralist households.
Livestock assistance is needed for more than 10,000 families who have lost their animals. Funds are also required to provide seeds for the next planting season starting in October to help around 95,000 vulnerable households get back on their feet. Without this assistance, the crisis could worsen and more food aid would be needed.
"Livestock are crucial to agro-pastoralist families in Niger, for income as well as food," said Fernanda Guerrieri, Chief of FAO's Emergency Operations Service. "The sale of livestock is often a measure of last resort, after families have already consumed all of their cereal stocks and require cash to buy food for the lean period before the next harvest. A loss of livestock or decrease in their market value can have a devastating impact on these families' food security."
Drought, exacerbated by the 2004 desert locust invasion, led to a poor harvest last October. This, combined with an economic crisis and sharply higher food prices, has brought Niger's already impoverished population to critical levels of food insecurity, with an estimated 2.5 million people, including about 800,000 children, at risk of food shortage. Severe child malnutrition, which already affects around 150,000 children, is rapidly on the rise.
The drink represents the next step for the Full Throttle brand, which has achieved a 7.8% share of the energy drink category, and is currently available in 78% of all convenience retail locations in the United States, according to AC Neilson Data through June 2005.
"The Full Throttle brand has consistently driven growth in the energy drink category since its introduction, and Sugar Free Full Throttle will keep our momentum going," said Mary Herrera, director of marketing for Sports & Energy Drinks, Coca-Cola North America.
A comprehensive marketing campaign continues to support the Full Throttle brand, including radio, print and outdoor advertising, as well as a national sampling program traveling to sporting events, concerts and college campuses.
In addition, the "Deal Me In with Full Throttle" summer promotion ties Full Throttle to the "World Series of Poker" and Maxim, the country's best- selling men's lifestyle magazine. The "Deal Me In with Full Throttle" sweepstakes offers consumers a chance to win a seat at the 2006 World Series of Poker, one of 10 trips to Las Vegas, one of five trips to a Maxim Music Issue Party in New York or many other prizes. Consumers can enter the sweepstakes by logging on to www.fullthrottleenergy.com, as well as pick up a free poker guide featuring an exclusive interview with Chris Moneymaker, winner of the 2003 "World Series of Poker," at poker-themed point-of-sale displays at participating retail stores through August 31, 2005.
The launch of Sugar Free Full Throttle continues a year of innovation for The Coca-Cola Company, which includes a range of offerings across all beverage categories.
The policy, which applies to Compass Group's U.S. operations, prohibits the purchase of pork in which antibiotics that belong to classes of compounds approved for use in human medicine have been used for growth promotion purposes. It also requires suppliers to report and reduce antibiotic usage over time. Similar requirements will apply to the company's purchase of chicken. The policy applies to all animals that are raised by suppliers for the duration of their lives.
"As a food service company, the quality and safety of our food supply and customer satisfaction is of paramount importance. We are pleased to be able to use our market position to introduce these improvements in our supply chain. This policy makes business sense for us, and we urge other companies to make the same commitment," said Cheryl Queen, Vice President, Corporate Communication, Compass Group.
"We are pleased to work with Compass Group and Environmental Defense on this important initiative," said Dennis Treacy, Vice President, Environmental, Community and Government Affairs for Smithfield Foods, Inc. "We have and will continue to focus our antibiotics use on ensuring the well-being of our animals."
Located in Inver Grove Heights, Catalina is serving foodservice customers in the United States and Canada, Catalina has been in the Hispanic foods business for more than 20 years.
Headquartered in Monticello, Minn., Sunny Fresh produces value-added egg-based foods primarily for the foodservice industry. A subsidiary of Cargill, Sunny Fresh has processing facilities in Monticello, Big Lake, MN. Lake Odessa, Mich., Mason City, IA., and Panora, IA.
"The Hispanic foods market is growing at a impressive rate, and we must be prepared to address the increasing demand for high quality, convenient, and authentic products,” said Cathy Cruz Gooch, president, of Catalina. “This joint venture will have the resources to serve that growing demand." Cruz Gooch, who co-founded a local tortilla brand in 1985, has been actively involved with Hispanic foods for much of her professional career.
Catalina is a private company that is certified as minority owned by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), one of the country's leading business membership organizations. The NMSDC was chartered in 1972 to provide increased procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes.
Catallia Mexican Foods will manufacture tortillas under a new brand name at a facility located in Eagan, MN. Sunny Fresh will have a minority equity ownership and has supply, food safety, processing systems and food service marketing expertise. Mike Luker, president of Sunny Fresh, said: “Our capabilities in risk management and distribution experience will enhance performance and responsiveness to a rapidly growing Hispanic market.”
Luker and Cruz Gooch said the joint venture partnership reflects a commitment by both companies to customer focus, cultural diversity and community development.
The following exhibitors made donations of more than 7,100 lbs of food to the Second Harvesters Food Bank in New Orleans, La. at the 2005 Food Expo: AM Purac, Tetra Pak, Golden Country, Patrick Cudahy, Technaal, Border Foods, Specialty Mineral, Traina Foods, Mushroom Canning, Kellogg's, Moark LLC, Domino, Budenheim, National Starch, FMC, Jon-Lin, Roquette, Richmond Baking, Blue Valley Foods, Sempio Foods, LePrimo, TH Foods, Balchem, Golden Peanut, Valley Research, Watson, Nitta, ADM, Barrington, Wild Flavors, Nutrinova, Custom Culinary, Innova NA, Baltimore Spice, Solae Company, Griffith, Tragon, Barry Callibaut, International Fiber, Hormel Foods, Comax, Kemin Health, and Cherry Management.
The number of companies that participated reached 45 with a total weight of 7,130 lbs. In Las Vegas in 2004, the number of companies participating reached 27 with a total weight of 6,575 lbs.
According to news reports, the company listed assets of about $300 million and debt of $325.1 million. Atkins and its lenders have agreed to the terms of a restructuring plan, which will allow the company to remain in business.
Atkins said it has cut its work force and downsized its operations to bring its expenditures in line with its reduced cash flow.