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Thursday, July 02, 2009 Do you want to get more involved in IFT?
7/02/2009-IFT needs members to volunteer in a variety of capacities. Our workgroups benefit from the collective wisdom and experience of its members. Please take a moment to fill out the volunteer involvement form and tell us how you'd like to be involved. As opportunities for volunteer involvement are identified, we will match you with the volunteer opportunity that most closely resemble your interests. Please click here (you will be prompted to login first) to enter your area(s) of interest, how you would like to contribute, and your area(s) of expertise by July 13, 2009. We will retain this information and use it throughout the year to populate volunteer workgroups. Questions? Please email Erin Carter at ecarter@ift.org. Flavonoid may increase exercise endurance
7/02/2009-A study published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism shows that eating a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in the antioxidant quercetin may boost endurance. Quercetin is a compound that is believed to have multiple antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell-energy activation properties. It can be found in red apples, red onions, berries, cabbages, and broccoli, and green and black teas. To test whether quercetin supplements benefit energy production in humans, the researchers enlisted seven men and five women, an average of 23 years old, to participate in a crossover study. At the beginning of the study, investigators measured students’ maximum oxygen uptake and the number of minutes they could ride a stationary bike. For seven days, the participants followed their regular routines and diet, but drank Tang plus placebo, twice daily. For another seven-day period, the participants drank Tang containing 500 mg quercetin. The researchers then measured the volunteers’ maximum oxygen uptake and exercise endurance. This process was repeated after another seven-day period when participants drank similar tasting and colored Tang without quercetin. Compared with days of no supplementation, the quercetin supplement periods were associated with a modest (almost 4%) increase in maximum oxygen uptake. The researchers concluded that if their results are confirmed in further investigations, quercetin supplementation may become a beneficial endurance booster for regular exercisers and athletes alike.
Fonterra establishes new business unitFonterra establishes new business unit
7/02/2009-Fonterra has consolidated its core operations into a single strategic business unit and reorganized its senior management team accordingly. Fonterra’s CEO, Andrew Ferrier, said the changes were designed to drive greater efficiencies in the core business and to give greater focus to the company’s global ingredients business. The consolidated business unit, Fonterra Operations and Trade, brings together all functions from the farm gate through to Fonterra global trade customers. This includes Milk Supply, Shareholder Relations, Milk Collection, NZ Operations, Offshore Milk Sourcing and Processing (other than those activities already within existing business units), Supply Chain, Sustainability, Government Relations, and Global Trade. According to Ferrier, the new structure allows for a more intense focus on efficiency in the core business, enabling it to better serve Fonterra’s global customer base and strengthen global customer partnerships. The new unit will be led by Gary Romano as Managing Director of Operations and Trade. Romano was formerly Fonterra’s Director of Group Manufacturing and Supply Chain. He brings to his new role a strong track record of lifting performance across Fonterra’s Manufacturing and Supply Chain Functions, and 12 years experience in the New Zealand dairy industry. Andrei Mikhalevsky has been named Managing Director of Fonterra Global Ingredients and Foodservices. The Global Ingredients’ product portfolio ranges from commodities used in high-value markets to specialized dairy ingredients and foodservice products. He has been with Fonterra for two years, and has been instrumental in strengthening Fonterra’s relationships with key customers across its Ingredients and Foodservices businesses.
Eating healthy may lead to a longer lifespan
7/02/2009-A study published in The Journal of Nutrition shows that eating a healthy diet may lead to a longer life span. Researchers looked at information from a National Institutes of Health/AARP database including more than 350,000 men and women and evaluated the link between dietary habits and their risk of death during a 10-year follow-up period. They divided the participants into five groups, depending on how closely they followed the 2005 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The researchers asked the participants about six components of a healthy diet, including intake of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, lean meat and poultry, and fat. They noted that people did not have to eat perfectly to receive a top score. For example, if a person had five or six servings of vegetables a week, that would get them the top score for that question. The researchers found that those who had the highest fifth of these scores had a 20–25% lower risk of dying over the follow-up period. The researchers also found gender differences; women eating the healthiest reduced their risk of death by 25% and men reduced it by 20%. Women who were in the second-from-the-highest group on dietary scores were 20% less likely to die and men in that group were 17% less likely.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009 Trial to examine benefits of vitamin D, omega-3
7/01/2009-The potential health benefits of vitamin D and marine omega-3 fatty acids are receiving increasing attention in both the media and medical field; however, definitive evidence on the health benefits and risks of these supplements is not yet available. Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) will soon launch the largest randomized trial of vitamin D and omega-3s in the primary prevention of chronic disease. Of the trail—the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL)—the study’s co-leader, JoAnn E. Manson said, “Vitamin D and omega-3s are two of the most promising nutrients we know of for the prevention of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and many other chronic diseases, but we need large-scale randomized trials to clarify the benefits and risks.” There is epidemiological evidence that vitamin D and omega-3 may play a role in the prevention of disease, but larger primary prevention trials have not been conducted until now. For vitamin D, previous trials have generally tested low doses and, for omega-3s, trials have been done in high-risk populations. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will enroll 20,000 participants throughout the U.S. to determine whether moderate-to-high doses of these supplements can prevent colorectal, breast, prostate, and other cancers, as well as heart disease and stroke. Those eligible for the five-year trial, including women older than 65 and men older than 60 without a prior history of cancer, heart disease, or stroke, will be randomly assigned to take either one or both of the supplements or placebo. Additional studies will look at whether these nutrients have a role in preventing a wide range of other health conditions. The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health through the National Cancer Institute and the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, as well as through other institutes and agencies that are co-funding the trial.
Monsanto and Dole collaborate to bring innovations to vegetables
7/01/2009-Monsanto Co. has entered into a collaboration agreement with Dole Fresh Vegetables Inc. to develop new products that will enhance consumer vegetable choices. The five-year collaboration will focus on broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, and spinach. Plant breeding will be used to improve the nutrition, flavor, color, texture, taste, and aroma of these vegetables. Any new products realized from this collaboration could be commercialized by Dole in North America. Monsanto's agricultural expertise that improves the speed and accuracy of new and beneficial characteristics will be guided by Dole’s knowledge of consumer needs and marketing.
Confectionery industry forecast is sweet
7/01/2009-Experimenting with flavors, flexibility, and variety, confectionery makers are thinking outside the bar to provide consumers with chocolate and candy innovation that will drive consumer purchasing over the next five years, according to the National Confectioners Association's (NCA) Confectionery Industry Trend Report 2009. Even in economic uncertainty, the industry continues to post gains. In 2008 alone, more than 6,000 new confectionery and snack products debuted to meet consumer demand. Candy, chocolate, and gum continued to lead the snack category in sales and ranked third in food sales overall in 2008. And the confectionery industry posted a 3.7% gain for the 52-week period ending April 19, 2009. As classic candies remain tried and true favorites overall, a maturing American palate is trending toward twists, turns, and more innovative product creations. With in-depth insight from 40 industry experts, including top manufacturers, market researchers, award-winning chocolatiers, nutritionists, and confectionery makers, NCA’s Industry Trend Report captures the confectionery trends and influences that will foster growth of the industry through 2014. Experts believe that the next big trend in confections will be healthier confectionery options, specifically a growing demand for health benefits and ‘better for you’ ingredients, according to almost nine out of 10 (88%) experts. Already, we are seeing consumers embrace portion-control-sized treats and the potential heart health benefits of higher cacao content in chocolate. As consumers continue to lead healthy lifestyles, health benefits will heavily influence manufacturers to focus largely on developing ‘better for you’ confections, especially new types of enhanced chocolate treats. In chocolate, there will be more of an emphasis on global influences and flavor pairings, according to the survey. Forty-three percent of experts say consumers are going to become more open to chocolate and flavor infusions that include spices, salts, herbs, and floral flavors. For example, exotic fruit pairings such as mango will become more prominent and we’ll start to see ethnic flavors emerge in popularity with herbs being incorporated into chocolate dishes. Consumers can also expect to see sweet and savory combinations like chocolate and bacon, as well as chocolate and cheese duos appear in stores and on the menu. Snack supplier repackaged recalled pistachios
7/01/2009-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to eat California Prime Produce and Orange County Orchards brands of pistachios repacked by Orca Distribution West Inc., Anaheim, Calif. Orca received and repacked pistachios recalled by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc., Terra Bella, Calif. The pistachios may be contaminated with Salmonella. The FDA visited Orca as part of its audit checks to follow up on Setton Pistachio’s recall. The FDA found that products subject to Setton Pistachio's recall had been repacked and distributed by Orca under the California Prime Produce and Orange County Orchards brands. The products were distributed to retail locations in airports and hotels nationwide. The California Prime Produce and Orange County Orchards brands of pistachios were packaged in clear 6-oz, flexible plastic Ziploc bags, UPC number: 8 10826 01116 2 with sell by dates of 7/30/09 and 8/30/09. Tuesday, June 30, 2009 Colorado beef company expands recall
6/30/2009-JBS Swift Beef Co., Greeley, Colo., is voluntarily expanding its June 24 recall to include approximately 380,000 lbs of assorted beef primal products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. Together with traceback information and laboratory data, the recall is being expanded as a result of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in an ongoing investigation into 24 illnesses in multiple states, of which at least 18 appear to be associated. This investigation prompted the company to re-examine the effectiveness of their food safety system for the April 21 production of beef primals, and they are conducting this recall out of an abundance of caution as the safety of the products produced on a portion of that day could not be assured. The beef products were produced on April 21, 2009 and were distributed both nationally and internationally. The recalled products include intact cuts of beef, such as primals, sub-primals, or boxed beef typically used for steaks and roasts rather than ground beef. FSIS is aware that some of these products may have been further processed into ground products by other companies. The highest risk products for consumers are raw ground product, trim or other non-intact product made from the products subject to the recall. Coca-Cola opens two plants in China
6/30/2009-The Coca-Cola Co. and its bottling partner, COFCO Coca-Cola Beverages Ltd., continued their expansion in China with the opening of two new bottling facilities in less-developed central and western China. The new facilities are part of a recently announced $2 billion, three-year investment plan aimed at bolstering further growth in one of the world's largest and fastest growing beverage markets. One of the bottling facilities is located in China's westernmost province, Xinjiang, while the other is in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. The new investment has directly created 796 new jobs at the two bottling plants, and is more broadly expected to create an additional 8,000 jobs with upstream suppliers and a wide variety of service providers. “Our business in China grew 19% in 2008 and China is now our third largest market. By opening new plants in Jiangxi and Xinjiang, we will be able to increase our geographic presence, enhance our competitive edge in China, and support local community development by sponsoring jobs, local procurements, and education,” said Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Co.
U.S. court cuts off appeals in Monsanto alfalfa case
6/30/2009-According to Reuters, a U.S. appeals court on June 24 left in place an injunction barring Monsanto Co. from selling its Roundup Ready alfalfa seed until the government completes an environmental impact study on how the genetically modified product could affect neighboring crops. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals also said it would accept no more petitions for rehearing in the three-year-old case. “We are considering our legal options and one of them could include a request for review by the Supreme Court,” said Monsanto spokesman Garrett Kasper. Environmental groups and conventional seed companies, led by Geertson Seed Farms, sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Feb. 2006 to force it to rescind its 2005 approval of the Monsanto seed until it does a full environmental study. The plaintiffs claimed cross pollination of genetically modified crops could contaminate conventional alfalfa fields and overuse of the herbicide Roundup, which the seeds were bred to resist, could foul soil and groundwater or give rise to Roundup-resistant “super weeds.” The trial judge, U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer, ruled in 2007 that an agency study had failed to address those concerns. The Ninth Circuit affirmed that ruling twice. It is not known when the study will be conducted. Food distributor laying off 200 in Bloomington 6/30/2009-According to The Indianapolis Star, grocery merchant U.S. Foodservice plans to close its Bloomington, Ind. facility, eliminating 200 workers. The Ill.-based company said it expects the shutdown to occur on or around Oct. 3. A letter to the Indiana Dept. of Workforce Development detailing the cuts did not specify a reason. The cuts include 110 drivers and 49 warehouse workers. There's no word about how the closure affects the U.S. Foodservice operations located in Fishers, Ind. FDA confirms E. coli in Nestlé Toll House refrigerated cookie dough
6/30/2009-On June 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it found E. coli O157:H7 in a sample of prepackaged Nestlé Toll House refrigerated cookie dough currently under recall by the manufacturer and marketer, Nestlé USA. The contaminated sample was collected at Nestlé’s facility in Danville, Va., on June 25. On June 19, the FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned consumers not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestlé Toll House refrigerated cookie dough due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7. The warning was based on an epidemiological study conducted by the CDC and several state and local health departments. As of June 25, the CDC reports that 69 persons from 29 states have been infected with the outbreak strain. Thirty-four persons have been hospitalized, nine with a severe complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome. No one has died. Further laboratory testing is needed to conclusively link the E. coli strain found in the product to the same strain that is causing the outbreak. Nestlé USA has fully cooperated with the FDA and CDC investigation and has recalled all of its prepackaged Nestlé Toll House refrigerated cookie dough products. Monday, June 29, 2009 Meat consumption not linked to breast cancer risk
6/29/2009-A study published in the International Journal of Cancer shows that there is no link between eating meat—total meat, red meat, processed meat, or meat cooked at high temperatures—and the risk of breast cancer in older women. The researchers examined data from 120,755 postmenopausal women who participated in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. The women provided information on what they ate and how often they ate certain foods when they entered the study between 1995 and 1996. They also provided information on meat-cooking methods. Over the next eight years, 3,818 women developed breast cancer. According to the researchers, breast cancer risk was not associated with intake of total meat, red meat, white meat, processed meat, or meat cooked at high temperatures, or level of doneness of the meat. Study shows BPA may leach from plastic bottles
6/29/2009-In a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that participants who drank for a week from polycarbonate bottles showed a two-thirds increase in their urine of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA). The study, according to its authors, is the first to show that drinking from polycarbonate bottles increases the level of urinary BPA. The study participants—77 Harvard college students—began by drinking all cold beverages for seven days from stainless steel bottles in order to minimize BPA exposure. The participants provided urine samples during the seven-day period. They were then given two polycarbonate bottles and asked to drink all cold beverages from the bottles during the next week. Urine samples also were provided during that time. The results showed that the participants’ urinary BPA concentrations increased 69% after drinking from the polycarbonate bottles. In this study, the students did not wash their bottles in dishwashers or put hot liquids in them. The researchers noted that they would expect the levels to be even higher if the bottles were heated, as in the case of baby bottles. Abstract (pdf)
UK FSA to study anecdotal effects of aspartame
6/29/2009-In light of continued anecdotal evidence of ill effects upon consuming aspartame, including headaches and upset stomachs, the U.K. Food Standards Agency (FSA) will begin a new pilot study. The research will focus on people who have reported bad reactions to the artificial sweetener. The planned study will involve participants being invited on two occasions to consume a specially developed food product that may or may not contain aspartame in a clinical setting and under medical supervision. Researchers will then record any symptoms and take a blood sample to measure biochemical parameters. “This research is not to test the safety of aspartame—that is already established,” said Andrew Wadge, Chief Scientist at FSA. “The study will address consumer concerns, including anecdotal reports that have linked a range of conditions to aspartame. The Agency’s view remains that aspartame can be consumed safely and we are not recommending any changes to its current use. However, we know that some people consider they react badly to consuming this sweetener so we think it is important to increase our knowledge about what is happening.” This pilot study will start in July and could be used to inform the design and feasibility of a larger scale study that could be done at the European level. The FSA expects the pilot study to take 18 months and is currently in the process of identifying volunteers who are interested in taking part. Prospective participants should email aspartame@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk prints to register their interest and obtain further information. The FSA hopes to publish the results early in 2011.
Functional food growth slows
6/29/2009-Consumers are more proactive about their health, which spurred the U.S. retail market for functional foods and beverages to a 6% gain with sales totaling about $30.7 billion in 2008, according the Packaged Facts report “Functional Foods and Beverages in the U.S., 4th Edition.” However, this growth is slower than reported in 2007, in which the segment experienced an 8% growth to reach $29 billion. To some extent, the numbers reflect category maturation after an extended period of accelerated growth. Sales of the largest functional categories grew at a compound annual rate of 8% between 2003 and 2008 in retail outlets tracked by Information Resources Inc. The slowdown also reflects the weak economy in which consumers are not able to afford non-essential and more costly specialty items. Though the market has not proven to be recession proof, it has advantages that could prevent it from being as vulnerable as most other markets. Namely, in the short term functional products may save consumers money since these foods and beverages carry nutrients that shoppers would otherwise seek in expensive nutritional supplements. While in the long run, functional products save consumers money on medical expenses by helping to prevent illness and chronic conditions. During the five-year period from 2003 to 2008, several functionally oriented food and beverage categories performed well, including yogurt, energy drinks, nutritional snacks and trail mixes, milk substitutes and soymilk, and refrigerated blended fruit drinks, among others. Those showing significant declines included other snack/granola bars, refrigerated cranberry cocktail/drink, and juice/juice blends. Breakfast/cereal/snack bars and shelf-stable cranberry juices continued to show sales increases, however. Packaged Facts projects that total U.S. retail sales of functional foods and beverages will continue to grow at a steady pace through 2013, and reach approximately $43 billion.
Less than 20% of consumers trust the safety of food
6/29/2009-A new IBM study reveals that less than 20% of consumers trust food companies to develop and sell food products that are safe and healthy for themselves and their families. The study also shows that 60% of consumers are concerned about the safety of food they purchase. The survey of 1,000 consumers in the 10 largest cities in the U.S. shows that consumers are increasingly wary of the safety of food purchased at grocery stores, and their confidence in—and trust of—food retailers, manufacturers, and grocers is declining. Recalls: Eighty-three percent of respondents were able to name a food product that was recalled in the past two years due to contamination or other safety concerns. Nearly half of survey respondents (46%) named peanut butter as the most recognizable recall, while spinach came in a distant second, with 15% awareness nearly two years after the incident. Consumers are proving to be extra cautious in purchasing food products after a recall. In fact, 49% of the respondents would be less likely to purchase a food product again of it was recalled due to contamination. And 63% of respondents confirmed they would not buy the food until the source of contamination had been found and addressed. The rising concern of food safety has led to consumers changing their grocery shopping behavior, with 45% looking for fresher foods and 43% looking for better quality foods. In addition, the survey found that consumer appetite for information about food products has increased, with 77% wanting more information about the content of the food products they purchase and 76% wanting more information about its origin. The survey also found that consumers are spending more time poring over food labels to know which ingredients were used, questioning supermarkets and product manufactures about product detail, paying closer attention to expiration dates, and doing more in depth background checks on specific food brands and their origin. An estimated 76 million people in the U.S. get sick every year with foodborne illness and 5,000 die, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Food safety is top of mind for governments, retailers, manufacturers, and consumers alike, and in fact, President Obama’s proposed budget includes $1 billion for the FDA to spend on improving food safety. More than 600 bills addressing food safety have been introduced in state legislatures since Jan. 2009. Friday, June 26, 2009 Kellogg, Katalyst Media join forces to confront U.S. hunger
6/26/2009-Kellogg Co. has announced a partnership with Katalyst Films, a studio for social media, to raise awareness of the growing hunger epidemic in the U.S. and encourage consumers to donate to Feeding America. Recent reports show that one in eight Americans is struggling with hunger, and food banks across the country are challenged to keep up with rising demand. As part of its ongoing commitment to fight hunger, Kellogg has teamed up with Katalyst to spotlight the issue through a new online video, directed by Demi Moore. The video can be found on the KelloggCares Facebook. The goal of the video is to reach Americans through social media channels and encourage them to work together to help replenish food banks and feed the hungry by making donations to Feeding America. On the KelloggCares Facebook Page, consumers can become a fan, make a monetary donation to Feeding America, and find out about other ways they can help fight hunger in their local communities.
American consumers set to embrace the digestive health movement
6/26/2009-New research from Datamonitor shows that American consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the role of probiotics in digestive health, and therefore sales for probiotic food products, such as yogurts, are growing. “US consumers are now more knowledgeable regarding the relationship between fiber and digestive health and are seeking out more ways of safeguarding their health with functional foods,” said Mark Whalley, Consumer Markets Analyst, Datamonitor. ARS develops new cooking batter with less fat absorption
6/26/2009-A new rice batter product developed and patented by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is now being marketed by a Maryland company under an exclusive license from ARS. The batter, which is being sold by CrispTek, LLC of Columbia, Md., absorbs up to 50% less cooking oil than traditional batters. The technology was developed by chemists Fred Shih and Kim Daigle in the Food Processing and Sensory Quality Research Unit of ARS’ Southern Regional Research Center in New Orleans, La. Batters enhance the sensory quality of fried foods, so it’s no surprise they are popular both commercially and in the home. But high oil consumption from commonly used batters when fried can pose a challenge to healthy weight maintenance. Rice flours have the unique property of being resistant to oil uptake. The new batter, called ChoiceBatter, is based on a recipe of long-grain rice flour and small amounts of other specially modified rice ingredients, and absorbs only about half as much oil during frying than wheat batters. Vilsack announces $176 million to improve research at labs
6/26/2009-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) is distributing $176 million in Recovery Act funding to upgrade laboratory buildings and support facilities at research locations across the country. Not only will these projects further important research being conducted at USDA laboratories in 29 states, these funds will help revitalize local economies by creating jobs and supporting local businesses that supply needed construction products and services. “President Obama is committed to ensuring that USDA stays on the cutting edge of research in food safety, nutrition, producing food, and preserving the quality of our soil and water,” said Vilsack. “This funding will ensure that our labs can carry out the critical research that enables the U.S. to have the safest, least expensive food supply in the world.” The Recovery Act funds will improve the safety and health aspects of the laboratories, enhance the energy efficiency, and reduce the cost of operation and maintenance. These benefits will improve the working environment, resulting in improved productivity, and generate maintenance savings that will be captured and returned to directly support the research program. All of the projects selected are at locations conducting research of the highest priority. Nestlé sponsors research in bioplastics
6/26/2009-Nestlé is teaming up with diverse industrial partners to sponsor research in bioplastics at the Ecole des Mines in Paris. As part of its commitment to Sustainable Development and Creating Shared Value, Nestlé is co-funding a Chair in Bioplastics at Ecole des Mines de Paris, which includes six Ph.D. theses. This research program will study the properties of polymers derived from renewable resources, as well as their industrial application. Other industrial partners that are funding this Chair are Schneider Electric, PSA, Arkema, and l’Oreal. In addition to a financial contribution of €60,000 per year for five years, Nestlé will also bring its long experience in bioplastics and strong knowledge of packaging to this partnership. Nestlé and bioplastics: Nestlé is committed to continuously reducing the environmental impact of its products. Packaging materials derived from renewable resources like bioplastics are one way to reach this goal. Unlike petrochemical-based plastics that are derived from fossil fuels, the majority of bioplastics are made from renewable sources—plants, algae, or other biomass. This new research program complements Nestlé’s existing partnerships with material suppliers. Nestlé has already introduced bioplastic materials in selected products for a number of years. For example, Nestlé worked with the Indian Packaging supplier UFlex to introduce a PET film, in which 30% of the content is derived from molasses, a by-product of sugar. This is used in flexible sachets and pouches in India and some other countries in Asia in applications such as Maggi noodles, soups and sauces, and Kit Kat. Wednesday, June 24, 2009 Kraft Foods names Vernon President, Kraft Foods North America
6/24/2009-Kraft Foods Inc. has announced that W. Anthony (Tony) Vernon will become President, Kraft Foods North America, in mid-Aug. Vernon, 53, joins Kraft Foods from private equity firm Ripplewood Holdings, following a successful career at Johnson & Johnson. He will report to Chairman and CEO Irene Rosenfeld and become a member of the Kraft Foods Executive Team. Vernon replaces Rick Searer, who will retire at the end of Sept. Vernon is a 26-year veteran of the healthcare industry, principally in consumer businesses at Johnson & Johnson, and over the last three years as healthcare industry partner of Ripplewood Holdings. “Tony has an impressive history of building and sustaining iconic consumer brands. His strong track record of growth through consumer-driven innovation, world-class marketing, and strong retail relationships will help to further accelerate our business performance,” said Irene Rosenfeld, Chairman and CEO of Kraft Foods. Vernon earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Lawrence University and an MBA from the Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Frutarom acquires Chr. Hansen’s savory business
6/24/2009-Frutarom Industries Ltd. has signed an agreement to acquire the savory activity and assets of Chr. Hansen A/S in Germany for approximately US$ 7.3 million. Chr. Hansen’s savory business had 2008 sales (ending Aug. 31, 2008) of approximately US$ 7.7 million, and in just the last nine months, sales reached approximately US$ 7 million. The Savory Functional Systems activities of Chr. Hansen develops, produces, and markets savory solutions, including flavors, seasoning compounds, and functional ingredients for the food industry, with special emphasis on the fields of processed meat and convenience food. The acquired activity holds an extensive customer base, mainly among leading meat producers in Germany, and export activities to Scandinavia and the U.K. According to Frutarom, this business is extremely synergetic to Frutarom’s German activities—Gewurzmuller and Nesse—acquired in 2007 and 2006. The acquired activity has a production site in Holdorf, Germany, located 140 km from Frutarom’s production site in Nesse. During the following months, Frutarom intends to shut down the Holdorf site and transfer the production to its sites in North and South Germany, while achieving significant operational savings. “The acquired activity holds a significant market share among leading industrial meat customers in Germany, and it will strengthen Frutarom’s positioning and its market share among these customers,” said Ori Yehudai, President and CEO of Frutarom. “The acquisition considerably boosts both Frutarom’s technological capabilities and its product offering to customers worldwide in the field of savory flavors and functional products, as well as Frutarom’s extensive global customer base.” On restaurant menu, light items struggle against heavyweight norms
6/24/2009-Despite increased buzz about healthy dining and restaurant nutrition labeling, new findings from Mintel Menu Insights suggest healthy menu items still face a tough battle for acceptance. Surveying American diners, Mintel found that only one in five (20%) rank food health as an important factor when ordering dinner. Far more essential are taste and hunger satisfaction, selected by 77% and 44% of respondents, respectively, when describing what they look for on a dinner menu. And although over three-quarters of adults claim they would like to see more healthy items on the menu, barely half (51%) say they usually order them. Price remains a deterrent to healthy restaurant fare, especially as the economy weighs down people’s finances. More than half of Mintel’s survey respondents (54%) say eating healthy at restaurants is more expensive than not eating healthy. Additionally, even though restaurants are creating more nutritious food and drink, “healthy” items are still dwarfed by regular, and even anti-health, menu items. Mintel Menu Insights found that during Q1 2009, only 5% of new items carried a nutritional claim. But nearly one in five new food items was fried. Despite obstacles faced by the healthy food menu, pressure exists for restaurants to add more wholesome options. The government is trying to increase nutrition labeling on menus, and Mintel’s survey shows over three-quarters of diners want more menu transparency on food health. “Restaurants need to make ‘healthy’ food appeal on flavor, freshness, and satiety benefits, not just on calorie and fat information,” said Maria Caranfa, Director of Mintel Menu Insights. “People seek fresh ingredients and more vegetables in healthy food, both of which can be promoted in a positive way. Healthy dining should be as satisfying as ordering from the regular menu.” Study shows taste affects product liking over perceived health benefits
6/24/2009-A study published in the Journal of Food Science shows that flavor/taste experience superseded consumers’ perceived health benefits as the primary determinant of fruit juices’ overall liking. Overall liking, flavor, and perceived healthiness of one newly developed fruit juice with high açaí content (40% açaí) and five commercially available fruit juices with lower (4–20%) açaí concentrations were evaluated by consumers in Belgium. General trends for the overall sample were examined by means of analysis of variance, whereas individual consumer preferences were evaluated using internal preference mapping and hierarchical cluster analysis. The relative contribution of flavor and perceived health benefits as predictors of consumers’ overall liking of the six açaí-based fruit juices was estimated through linear regression analysis. The results showed a negative relationship between the juices’ overall liking and their açaí concentrations. Although the vast majority of consumers preferred the juices having a low açaí content (4–5% açaí), a small consumer segment liked the juice with 40% açaí. The impact of perceived health benefits on the overall liking of the açaí juices decreased with higher taste dissatisfaction. Responses to the open-ended question for describing the assigned evaluation shed some light on the reasons for the observed differences in the overall liking rating scores. With increasing açaí concentration, respondents evaluated the juices as getting a more dark-purple-brownish color, which negatively influenced their overall liking as they did not associate such dark colors with fruit juices. More granular particles, increasing viscosity, and a more oily appearance of the fruit juices were observed at higher concentrations of açaí, and were mainly described as unpleasant by participants. In addition, aroma and flavor seemed to be important explanatory factors for the juices’ overall liking. Most respondents mentioned a sweet, pleasant odor for the juices having low açaí content, whereas the juices with the highest açaí concentrations were perceived as having a strong, unpleasant odor. Kerry opens new customer-focused R&D center
6/24/2009-With Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Kerry officially opened its new 260,000-sq-ft Innovation and Technical Center in Beloit, Wis., on June 23. Built at cost of $50 million, the Kerry Center provides industry access to all Kerry ingredients and flavors technologies through dedicated customer-application suites, culinary theater, sensory services, analytical labs, and customer-application pilot production facilities. The customer-application pilot facilities—separate rooms with various processing equipment—are segmented by product categories and include sweets, beverages and sweet flavors, baking and chocolate, frozen sauces, dry blending, wet sauces/sweet fillings, cheese and dairy flavors, savory flavors, cereals, dryer technology, prepared meals, bars, dairy/frozen dessert, bakery, beverages, frying, and meat—raw, cooked, and ready to eat. The facilities allow Kerry technicians and scientists to work side-by-side with their customers and food companies to test and scale-up new products. Speaking at the official opening of the Kerry Center, Kerry Group Chief Executive Stan McCarthy said, “Our new customer-focused center of excellence builds on the Group’s ‘go-to-market’ strategy—leveraging Kerry’s unrivaled range of technology-based ingredients, flavors, and integrated solutions in food and beverage growth markets. “Kerry’s systems approach to innovation capitalizes on our breadth of ingredients and flavors technologies and unique end-use-market applications capability—working in collaboration with our customers to derive maximum synergies from this industry-leading expertise. This creates real value for our customers by way of quick delivery of consumer-relevant product development, product improvements, cost reduction, or process enhancement.” Three customer-application suites—residential, restaurant, and beverages—include a meeting room with multimedia capabilities and an adjoining kitchen and product demonstration room. A culinary theater enables Kerry’s culinary experts to demonstrate new product applications. Customers can record these demonstrations for later review. The center also includes two sensory areas, where Kerry’s employees—who are trained panelists—can provide instant feedback on new product concepts or reformulations. Located on about 175 acres, the new R&D center houses approximately 550 employees, including more than 200 food scientists. Tuesday, June 23, 2009 Green tea could delay prostate cancer 6/23/2009-A study published in Cancer Prevention Research shows that the active compounds in green tea may slow down the progression of prostate cancer by lowering levels of proteins that tumors use to grow. For the study, the researchers used capsules containing epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG—a green tea extract that has antioxidant properties—made by Polyphenon Pharma. Twenty-six male cancer patients, age 41–68, each took four capsules a day—equivalent to drinking 12 cups of green tea—for about a month before they had their prostates removed. Blood tests showed levels of three proteins associated with the growth and spread of prostate cancer fell. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) fell 18.9% on average, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) fell by 9.9%, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) fell by 10.4%. HGF and VEGF are produced when tumors spread and some patients showed “significant” reduction levels of more than 30%, said the researchers. Few side effects were reported and liver function of the patients remained normal. The researchers noted that the test was a small trial and bigger studies will be needed to confirm the results. Consumption of bone-building dairy products may decline in late teens
6/23/2009-A study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior shows that people may cut down on dairy products as they enter their 20s, reducing their calcium intake. In a study by researchers at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, a majority of the 1,500 participants reduced their calcium intake in high school and the years immediately following high school. More than half of the males and more than two-thirds of the females consumed less than the daily recommended level of calcium at the end of each of those time periods, the researchers found. Because human bone mass peaks when a person is in their 30s, consuming sufficient amounts of calcium, protein and vitamin D—all found in dairy products—during the teen and young-adult years is considered key to lowering the risk of osteoporosis and some other health issues in later life. About 1,300 mg of calcium a day is recommended for high school-age children and 1,000 mg a day for young adults. The researchers found that an increased availability of milk at mealtime, a proper attitude and approach to weight, health, and nutrition, and a taste for milk were linked to greater consumption of calcium during these years. Meanwhile, excessive television watching and lactose intolerance were tied to lower calcium levels. “The findings of this study indicate that future interventions designed to promote improvements in calcium intake should encourage the families of adolescents to serve milk at meals,” concluded the researchers.
Hormel, Herdez Del Fuerte launch MegaMex Foods
6/23/2009-Hormel Foods and Herdez Del Fuerte have announced a definitive agreement to create MegaMex Foods, a 50/50 joint venture to market Mexican foods in the U.S. The venture will significantly expand the existing agreement between the two companies and produces a portfolio with initial revenue of about $200 million. The comprehensive portfolio includes brands and products, such as Chi-Chi’s, Herdez, La Victoria, Embasa, and Doña María, among others, which resonate with Mexican-American and mainstream consumers of Mexican foods. “This expanded, long-term agreement with Herdez Del Fuerte is an example of how we continue to look to diversify our product portfolio,” said Jeffrey Ettinger, Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO at Hormel Foods. “MegaMex Foods will have the scale and skill set to establish leadership in Mexican foods and grow the category. The collaboration should allow us to better serve both the growing U.S. Hispanic population and the vast numbers of the general population who love Mexican food.” In order to provide focus to the business, MegaMex Foods will be a free-standing entity with an independent management team based in Chino, Calif. The organization of MegaMex Foods is expected to be completed around Oct. 26, 2009, which coincides with the start of fiscal year 2010 for Hormel Foods. Formation of the expanded joint venture is conditioned upon the parties reaching agreement on the joint venture structure and ancillary agreements relating to product manufacturing, management services, and product and trademark licenses, and upon other customary conditions. Nestlé Toll House cookie dough linked to E. coli infections
6/23/2009-The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to investigate an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. As of June 18, 65 persons infected with a strain of E. coli O157:H7 with a particular DNA fingerprint have been reported from 29 states. Of these, 23 have been confirmed by an advanced DNA test as having the outbreak strain; these confirmatory test results are pending on the others. Ill persons range in age from 2 to 57 years; more than 70% are less than 19 years old and 75% are female. While no one has died, 25 people have been hospitalized and seven have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). In an epidemiologic study, ill persons answered questions about foods consumed during the days before becoming ill and investigators compared their responses to those of persons of similar age and gender previously reported to State Health Departments with other illnesses. Preliminary results of this investigation indicate a strong association with eating raw prepackaged cookie dough. Most patients reported eating refrigerated prepackaged Nestle Toll House cookie dough products raw. E. coli O157:H7 has not been previously associated with eating raw cookie dough. CDC, the state health departments, and federal regulatory partners are working together in this ongoing investigation. Voluntary Recall: On June 19, Nestlé USA’s Baking Division initiated a voluntary recall of Nestlé Toll House refrigerated cookie dough products. The company has stated that while the E. coli strain implicated in this investigation has not been detected in its product, “the health and safety of the consumers is paramount so we are initiating this voluntary recall.” No other Nestlé Toll House products are impacted, including already baked Toll House cookies purchased outside the home, all varieties of Nestlé Toll House morsels, chocolate baking bars, or cocoa, and Dreyer’s and Edy’s ice cream products with Nestlé Toll House cookie dough ingredients. Sara Lee considers acquisitions to drive food growth
6/23/2009-According to Bloomberg.com, Sara Lee Corp. may consider acquisitions to fuel growth in its food and coffee divisions, said Chairman and CEO Brenda Barnes. The company plans to cut at least $250 million in costs over two years, and according to Barnes, this puts the company in the position to handle a large purchase. In addition, the company has simplified its technology systems, gotten out of underperforming businesses, and introduced better products based on consumer research during the past four years. Sara Lee is looking to expand its main food business to make its bread unit more profitable and increase the amount of higher-margin coffee it sells. The company, based in Downers Grove, Ill., also will consider expanding by geographic region, Barnes said. Currently, the company is in talks to sell its international household and body-care unit. Friday, June 19, 2009 Expected calorie content influences consumers’ reactions to nutrition information
6/19/2009-A study published in the Journal of Retailing shows that consumers may have a poor understanding of the calorie, fat, and sodium content of quick-service restaurant meals. In the first study, participants kept a diary of their fast-food purchases. They recorded restaurants visited, meal prices, specific food and drinks consumed, and ratings of meal satisfaction. After a seven-day period, they estimated the calorie, fat, and sodium levels for each restaurant meal recorded in their diary. The researchers then gathered participants’ opinions and perceptions about each specific meal purchased. Next, the participants visited restaurant Web sites to obtain objective calorie and nutrient levels for each meal. Several days after obtaining this objective information, meals were re-evaluated. The researchers found that when objective calorie levels were relatively low, consumers’ estimates, on average, were close to actual levels. For example, the participants did not grossly overestimate or underestimate the amount of calories in a garden salad with a medium diet drink. However, when objective calories were relatively high, consumers’ estimates were significantly less than actual levels. Consequently, the disclosure of actual calories had a strong negative effect on product evaluations. In a second study, 363 adult consumers provided their opinions via an online survey of and purchase intentions for three popular meals served by two quick-service restaurant chain. Participants were given a description of each meal. Some descriptions included calorie information; others did not. The third study employed a longitudinal experiment in which participants formed expectations, based on a fictitious restaurant review, about calorie levels and then were provided product information that either confirmed or contradicted initial expectations. The researchers found that when objective calorie levels were higher than expected, purchase intentions were lower. In addition, the percentage of consumers choosing less healthful menu items decreased when actual calorie levels exceeded expected levels. The percentage of consumers choosing healthier items increased when actual calorie levels were disclosed and those calorie levels were less than expected. However, when actual calorie levels were consistent with what was expected, consumers’ meal evaluations were not affected, even when the meal calorie levels were very high.
U.S. moves to improve food safety
6/19/2009-According to the Boston Globe, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the “Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009” (H.R. 2749) by a unanimous voice vote on June 17. It would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the power to force recalls of tainted foods, require food facilities to be inspected as often as once a year, and give the FDA expanded authority to impose civil penalties on scofflaw companies. The legislation would also require companies to keep better records of their activities to make it easier for federal authorities to trace the origins of outbreaks of food-borne illnesses. Food importers would have to register with the government. The FDA’s expanded responsibilities would be financed in part by a new $500 annual fee on food producers. Those fees would be capped at $175,000 annually for companies owning multiple facilities. The bill will now head to the House floor for a vote. The Senate has not taken up companion legislation. The House bill does not apply to meat, poultry, eggs, or other products regulated by the Department of Agriculture. U.S., Canada reach organic trade agreement
6/19/2009-Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced that a first-of-its-kind agreement has been reached between the U.S. and Canada that will expand opportunities for organic producers in both countries. The “equivalency agreement” follows a review by both nations of the other’s organic certification program and a determination that products meeting the standard in the U.S. can be sold as organic in Canada, and vice versa. Merrigan made this announcement at the All Things Organic Trade Show and Conference in Chicago, Ill., on June 17. “The production of organic foods is a vibrant growth opportunity for American agriculture, and by agreeing on a common set of organic principles with Canada, we are expanding market opportunities for our producers to sell their products abroad,” said Merrigan. “Today's agreement between the world’s two largest organic trading partners is an important first step towards global harmonization of organic standards.” Under a determination of equivalence, producers and processors that are certified to the National Organic Program (NOP) standards by a U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) accredited certifying agent do not have to become certified to the Canada Organic Product Regulation (COPR) standards in order for their products to be represented as organic in Canada. Likewise, Canadian organic products certified to COPR standards may be sold or labeled in the U.S. as organically produced. Both the USDA Organic seal and the Canada Organic Biologique logo may be used on certified products from both countries. The COPR goes into effect on June 30. Canada is the largest U.S. trade partner and largest estimated export market for U.S. organic products. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service office in Ottawa estimates that more than 80% of Canada’s organic consumption comes from imports, and approximately 75% of those imports come from the U.S. Organic produce and processed foods are estimated to make up the majority of U.S. organic products exported to Canada. Estimates of the total market for organic products in Canada range from $2.1 to $2.6 billion; meanwhile sales of organic products in the U.S. totaled $24.6 billion in 2008. Natural gas leak causes ConAgra plant explosion, output to resume in August
6/19/2009-According to Reuters, the North Carolina ConAgra Foods Inc. Slim Jim plant where an explosion killed three people last week is closed for now, with production not resuming until Aug. The packaging part of the plant will remain closed for the foreseeable future. Despite the explosion, ConAgra has stated that it expects to meet its previous long-term growth forecast for earnings per share from continuing operations of 8–10%. The accident is not expected to have a material adverse impact on results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity in fiscal 2010, or on the profit growth opportunities for its Consumer Foods business, it said in documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. ConAgra said it expects its business-interruption insurance to “substantially compensate” for any lost profits from the disruption. The company has continued to service Slim Jim product supply from inventory, although at reduced levels, according to the filing. Steps taken by ConAgra include shifting some Slim Jim production to other plants, increasing supply of certain products to existing third-party manufacturers, and establishing interim manufacturing arrangements with other manufacturers, according to the filing. The company expects production from the interim providers to begin within four to six weeks. Three workers died and more than 40 were injured on June 9 when an explosion caused a roof collapse at the plant in Garner, N.C. According to federal investigators, the explosion was the result of an accidental natural gas release. A new natural gas-fired hot water system was being installed at the facility at the time. Knowledge gap exists among public on meat, poultry handling, cooking, safety
6/19/2009-A new poll reveals a significant knowledge gap among the public about meat and poultry handling, cooking, and safety. Only a third (34%) of Americans correctly answered that a hamburger is ready to eat when the internal temperature has reached 160°F. One in five said that checking the middle of the hamburger to ensure that it is brown is the best approach—a practice that experts say is not an accurate indicator that a burger is thoroughly cooked. Likewise, 18% wrongly said that checking to see if juices run clear ensures food safety. The poll, which surveyed 1,000 Americans in May, found that many misconceptions remain, particularly when it comes to preparing and storing raw meat and poultry products. The survey, conducted by the American Meat Institute (AMI), found that men are much more likely than women to know how to identify when a hamburger is thoroughly cooked. While four in 10 (41%) men know that the internal temperature of a hamburger must reach 160°F before it can be consumed, only 26% of women knew this fact. Overall, younger Americans are less knowledgeable about proper meat preparation than older generations, the survey found. Only 16% of 18–29 year olds know to check the internal temperature of a burger. Consumers also were uncertain about proper storage temperatures. Only 36% of women are aware that refrigerators should be set at 40°F or below. An additional one-third (33%) of women simply admit that they don’t know the correct temperature for a refrigerator. Among members of Generation Y, only one-third (32%) of Americans age 18–29 know that refrigerators should be set to 40°F or below, compared to half of those age 30 and older. Thursday, June 18, 2009 Purdue sorghum researcher wins World Food Prize
6/18/2009-On June 11, Gebisa Ejeta, Distinguished Professor of Agronomy at Purdue University, was named the recipient of the World Food Prize for research leading to the increased production and availability of sorghum in his native Africa. Ejeta, a plant breeder and geneticist, developed sorghum varieties resistant to drought and Striga, a parasitic weed. Sorghum is a major food crop for more than 500 million people on the African continent. The award announcement was made at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and World Food Prize Foundation President Kenneth Quinn. Ejeta will receive his $250,000 award at an Oct. 15 ceremony in Des Moines, Iowa. Ejeta is the second Purdue professor to receive the World Food Prize in three years. Philip Nelson, the Scholle Chair Professor in Food Processing and former head of Purdue's Department of Food Science, won the award in 2007 for developing aseptic bulk storage and distribution, a technology for transporting processed fruits and vegetables without product spoilage. The World Food Prize is considered the Nobel Prize of agriculture. It is awarded each year by the World Food Prize Foundation to individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food worldwide. A native of Ethiopia, Ejeta witnessed the devastating effects of drought and Striga on sorghum crops in his own country and several others in eastern and western Africa. Five years of research in rain-starved northern Sudan produced his first breakthrough in sorghum research in the early 1980s, when Ejeta developed the drought-tolerant cultivar Hageen Dura-1, the first commercial sorghum hybrid in Africa. Hageen Dura-1 produced yields up to 150% higher than traditional sorghum cultivars. About 1 million acres of the drought-tolerant sorghum is grown in Sudan annually. Ejeta then focused on Striga. Commonly known as witchweed, the insidious weed attacks nearby sorghum through the plant's root system. The almost microscopic Striga seeds germinate and then send out rootlets, which find sorghum roots and work their way into the host plant. Once inside, the parasitic weed removes valuable nutrients. Striga is especially troublesome because the weed's seeds can remain viable for up to 20 years. Striga-related losses of 40% are possible in non-resistant sorghum crops. Working with late Purdue colleague Larry Butler, Ejeta identified the exudate from sorghum that is picked up by Striga rootlets. From there, he was able to develop a biological mechanism for interrupting the exudation process. In 1994, eight tons of Ejeta’s drought-tolerant and Striga-resistant sorghum seeds produced at a Purdue agricultural research farm were distributed to Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Farmers reported yields of as much as four times larger than traditional sorghum crops. Heinz realigns leadership of its North American and European businesses 6/18/2009- Wednesday, December 31, 1969
- Thursday, June 18, 2009 Senators reach agreement to provide nutrition information at chain restaurants
6/18/2009-A bipartisan coalition of senators on the Senate healthcare committees, as well as numerous public health organizations, and the restaurant industry have announced an agreement that would require chain restaurants to list calories on their menus and menu boards. The compromise combines key elements of the Menu Education and Labeling (MEAL) Act, sponsored by Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and the Labeling Education and Nutrition (LEAN) Act, sponsored by Senators Tom Carper, D-Del., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Ala. “The menu labeling agreement reached this week will not only help consumers to make informed decisions about their health when eating out, but is a critical part of a broader re-orientation to a society of prevention and health promotion,” said Sen. Harkin. Under the agreement, restaurants that are part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing business under the same name would be required to disclose: * On the menu or menu board, the number of calories per menu item; The agreement also requires the disclosure of calories per food item on vending machines owned by individuals operating 20 or more vending machines. This bipartisan compromise will not require individually owned restaurants or “mom and pop” operations to disclose nutritional information To ensure that consumers receive nutrition information in a consistent manner, the proposal establishes a uniform standard regarding which nutrition items are disclosed on menus and menu boards, and the manner of the disclosure. Similar consistency was established for the Nutrition Facts panels for packaged foods when Congress enacted the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990, the law that first established nutrition labeling for foods in grocery stores. Both the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Finance Committee will take up health reform legislation within weeks. The menu labeling compromise will be a component of the prevention and public health title of that legislation. Cottonseed oil consumption may boost vitamin E intake
6/18/2009-A new study shows that cottonseed oil consumption may increase vitamin E intake without affecting fat intake, according to nutrition researchers at Texas Woman’s University (TWU), Houston, Texas. The percentage of Americans consuming the recommended daily level (15 mg per day for adults) of vitamin E through diet alone is less than 7%. An adequate daily intake of vitamin E can promote health and may help prevent diseases such as heart disease, some forms of cancer, and cognitive decline with age. In this study, the researchers studied 10 healthy adult subjects (six female, four male), recording their regular diets for two weeks to establish a baseline for comparison. The subjects were then asked to consume two cottonseed oil-rich foods (one muffin per day made with commercially available cottonseed oil, and four servings of potato chips per week, fried only in cottonseed oil) for four weeks. The subjects who ate cottonseed oil-rich foods has a 34% higher vitamin E intake than their previous “regular” diet, helping them achieve 75% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults, versus just 53% prior to eating the cottonseed oil-rich foods. In addition, the increased cottonseed oil consumption did not impact fat intake. The researchers believe the cottonseed oil-rich foods naturally displaced other foods in the subject’s diets, thus helping them to receive all of the benefits of the added vitamin E, with no additional fat intake. “It’s important to note that the cottonseed oil-rich foods we provided—carrot muffins and potato chips—were extremely palatable. Subjects consumed 95% of both foods—an extremely high rate, and an added bonus to the research,” said John Radcliffe, Ph.D., RD and Professor of Nutrition and Food Sciences at TWU. “After all, what good does it do to identify vitamin E-rich foods that no one likes? The goal is to find vitamin E boosting foods that people will readily eat, and these cottonseed oil-containing foods certainly fit the bill.” The study is serving as a “pilot” to pave the way for a larger study to be completed later this year. Norovirus and Salmonella were leading causes of foodborne disease outbreaks in 2006
6/18/2009-Norovirus and Salmonella were the leading causes of foodborne disease outbreaks in 2006, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The report, based on investigations of foodborne disease outbreaks, provides the most recent report of how many illnesses were linked to specific types of foods. There were 1,270 reported foodborne disease outbreaks in 2006, which resulted in 27,634 illnesses and 11 deaths, according to the surveillance report prepared by the agency’s OutbreakNet team. Among these 1,270 outbreaks, 621 had a confirmed single cause; the cause was most often norovirus (54% of outbreaks), followed by Salmonella (18% of outbreaks). The analysis was done on data from the 243 outbreaks in which a single food commodity was identified and reported to CDC. Foodborne outbreaks of norovirus occur most often when infected food handlers do not wash their hands well after using the toilet; foodborne outbreaks of Salmonella occur most often when foods that have been contaminated with animal feces are eaten raw or insufficiently cooked. The food commodities associated with the largest number of cases of illness in 2006 were poultry (21% of all outbreak-associated cases), leafy vegetables (17%), and fruits-nuts (16%). The food commodity categories defined by the CDC are fish, crustaceans, mollusks, dairy, eggs, beef, game, pork, poultry, grains-beans, oils-sugars, fruits-nuts, fungi, leafy vegetables, root vegetables, sprouts, and vegetables from a vine or stalk. “Determining the proportion of outbreak-associated cases of foodborne illness due to the various food commodities is an important step,” according to Patricia M. Griffin, M.D., Chief of CDC′s Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch. “Identification of particular food commodities that have caused outbreaks can help public health officials and the food industry to target control efforts from the farm to the table.” The full report, “Surveillance for Foodborne Disease Outbreaks—United States, 2006” appears in the June 12 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. FDA Chief to focus efforts on produce safety 6/18/2009-According to the Associated Press, Food and Drug Administration’s new Chief Margaret Hamburg announced on June 16 that the FDA must set and enforce tougher standards for the riskiest products, starting with fresh fruit and vegetables. Hamburg sees this as a good place to start since recent outbreaks have been linked to spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers. “The number of recent outbreaks have underscored for the public and policymakers that things need to change,” Hamburg said. The FDA has asked Congress for a nearly 20% funding increase and new industry user fees to pay for more inspections. But Hamburg said there are too many food suppliers here and around the world for the FDA to physically inspect every location. Her goal is to focus on the riskiest foods and implement prevention strategies—what scientists call risk-based controls—to target the spots along the farm-to-store chain where contamination can occur. Monday, June 15, 2009 Nestlé opens Nespresso production site in Avenches
6/15/2009-Nestlé inaugurated its second Nestlé Nespresso Production and Distribution Centre in Avenches, Switzerland on June 10. Nestlé Nespresso produces premium portioned coffee. The new 400,000-m3, state-of-the-art facility in Avenches will fuel the company’s future growth, producing and distributing as many as 4.8 billion Nespresso capsules per year, a capacity which may double over the next three years. Wednesday, June 10, 2009 2009 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo® a Success!
6/10/2009-The 2009 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo® in Anaheim, Calif., came to a close yesterday, June 9. Despite the lagging economy, an estimated 14,500 people attended the event to take part in the educational programming, scientific sessions, and exhibitor visits on the expo floor. If you were unable to make it this year, you are in luck, because the IFT and Food Technology magazine staff were there to capture the event for you. You can find highlights of sessions, awards winners, products from the expo, and much more at IFT’s new electronic show daily—IFT LIVE. Here are just a few of the top stories from the event: Not only does the IFT LIVE offer in-depth articles covering the show, it also includes a photo gallery and videos taken at the show. This year’s new Trend Tours offered participants the chance to learn about exhibitors with products that fit into one of the four major trends identified—flavor and color innovation; ingredients for functional foods; naturally sourced ingredients; and weight management ingredients. Eight of the companies were chosen to be featured in videos that present the trend products. IFT LIVE offers these videos as a way to revisit the show. In fact, unlike the print show daily of years past, the new electronic format will be available for revisiting all year, allowing continued access to the information and events that took place at the 2009 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo®. We look forward to seeing you for next year’s event, taking place in Chicago, Ill., July 17 –21, 2010.
New trends in ice cream, coffeehouses, alcohol
6/10/2009-Just in time for summer, Mintel has released new findings about three of the hottest food and drink markets: ice cream, coffeehouses, and alcoholic beverages. Ice cream: It's a battle of the sexes in the ice cream aisle as Mintel finds seven in 10 men prefer plain ice cream flavors, like chocolate or vanilla, while 74% of women seek out those containing chocolate or candy bits. Still, each gender seems to enjoy the other’s taste preferences: 66% of women say they also look for plain ice cream, and 63% of men go for jazzed up flavors too. Fruit flavors don't bode well for either male or female ice cream-eaters. Less than one in three respondents told Mintel they look for fruit-flavored ice cream. Coffee: The 21st century question—Starbucks or independent?—remains unanswered. Mintel’s latest survey shows people firmly split between the coffee conglomerate and the shop next door. One in five respondents said Starbucks is their favorite, but another one in five chose an independent. America remains equally undecided on its preferred coffeehouse drink. Coffee with milk or cream leads in popularity—30% of respondents say they drink it most often—but black coffee, lattes, cappuccino, and iced coffees all enjoy near identical favor among respondents. Alcohol: An ice-cold brew beats out swanky cocktails and sophisticated wine in all domains, according to Mintel’s latest survey. More adults report drinking beer at home (46%), in bars (26%), and even in restaurants (27%) than any other alcoholic beverage. Wine is a close second at home and restaurants, while cocktails are the second most common choice at bars. Mintel found people are loyal to one or just a few different alcoholic beverage brands, and 70% agreed, “when it comes to alcoholic beverages, I like to stick with what I know.” Three killed in explosion at ConAgra facility
6/10/2009-According to the Associated Press, three ConAgra Foods, Inc. employees were killed after a roof at the company’s Slim Jim meat plant in Garner, N.C., collapsed following a mid-morning explosion on June 9. An additional 38 employees were injured in the blast, including four with critical burns covering between 40% and 60% of their bodies, officials said. Three firefighters also were taken to the hospital to be treated for inhaling ammonia fumes. "No words can express how saddened we are by these events today," said Gary Rodkin, ConAgra Foods CEO. "All of our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. ConAgra Foods will provide our people with all of the support they need, and we will continue to work with local authorities to identify the cause of this accident. We are deeply grateful for the work of our local team and the emergency and public safety officials in attending to our employees." The plant is the only facility in the nation to produce Slim Jim meat products, and employs about 900 people covering four shifts. Three hundred people were said to be in the facility at the time of the explosion. Global foodservice generally weak in 2008
6/10/2009-Among the effects of the worldwide economic downturn was fewer visits to foodservice outlets across the globe, according to The NPD Group. NPD reports that the last half of 2008 was particularly weak for global foodservice traffic, largely due to a sharp drop in demand in the fourth quarter. Broken down by restaurant segments, such as quick service, full service, and retail outlets, traffic to quick service restaurants fared well in most countries, but was strongest in Canada, the U.K., France, and Japan. FDA creates Transparency Task Force
6/10/2009-The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has created a Transparency Task Force and announced a public meeting to solicit recommendations on ways in which the FDA can make useful and understandable information more readily available to the public. The Transparency Task Force will be chaired by FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner Joshua Sharfstein and will include the Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs, Chief Scientist, Chief Counsel, and Center Directors. The Transparency Task Force’s mission is to: • Seek public input on transparency issues; The task force will submit a written report with its findings and recommendations to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg approximately six months after it convenes. The Commissioner will then confer with Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sibelius. The public meeting will be held on June 24, at the National Transportation Safety Board Conference Center in Washington, DC. The FDA is requesting those who wish to attend to register electronically at Transparency.Meeting@fda.hhs.gov by June 17. Interested persons may also submit written or electronic comments to the FDA no later than August 7, 2009. The FDA also plans to hold a second public meeting in the fall of 2009. Friday, June 05, 2009 House panel proposes new fees for food manufacturers
6/05/2009-According to Congressional Quarterly, House lawmakers have proposed food safety legislation in which food manufacturers would face more federal scrutiny and new government fees. The Energy and Commerce Committee draft is the latest in a string of attempts to move toward an all-encompassing food safety legislation. Sponsored by John D. Dingell (D-Mich.), the measure was also spurred by President Obama’s call in March for an overhaul of the nation’s food safety system. The panel will have a hearing on the bill June 3. The draft would create an up-to-date registry of all food facilities that serve American consumers and impose an annual $1,000 user fee on those facilities. Registered facilities would be required to pay the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any costs associated with re-inspections and food recalls. A separate bill, sponsored by Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Adam H. Putnam (R-Fla.), would only assess fees on manufacturers who violate the law or importers who voluntarily expedite inspections. Oregon passes calorie posting law; Connecticut nears same decision
6/05/2009-According to The Oregonian, in a 21-7 vote, the Senate passed House Bill 2726, which requires 181 Oregon restaurants with 15 or more outlets nationwide to post calories next to food and drink listings on menus and menu boards, including drive-through displays. Those that fail to do so face up to a $1,000 fine. Governor Ted Kulongoski has stated that he will sign the bill into law, in which case it would take effect on Jan. 1, 2011. The Oregon Restaurant Association questioned the cost and effectiveness of the proposal but withdrew opposition after legislators agreed to pre-empt local laws and extend the effective date to 2011, when a similar law in California kicks in, said Bill Perry, lobbyist for the group. Menu labeling legislation similar to Oregon’s has passed in Seattle and King County, Wash.; New York City; Philadelphia; Nashville, Tenn.; and Massachusetts, and it is under consideration in 15 other states. A bill requiring restaurants nationwide to display calorie counts was introduced in Congress last month. According to The Hartford Courant, the Connecticut House of Representatives granted final legislative approval June 1 to a bill requiring major chain restaurants to publish the number of calories for each food item on their printed menus and menu boards. As in Oregon, this bill would apply to national chains with at least 15 restaurants. However, in Connecticut the bill would go into effect in July 2010. The measure would not apply to mom-and-pop restaurants, delicatessens, grocery stores, and sandwich shops. Under the bill, the calories would not need to be listed for daily specials or for free items—like bread—that are placed on the restaurant table. After 3.5 hrs of debate, the House voted 89-60 for the bill, with more than 20 Democrats joining all 37 Republicans to oppose the measure. Governor M. Jodi Rell has not said whether she intends to veto the bill—instead waiting to see the legislation in its final form after it arrives on her desk. Cargill opens chocolate coatings and fillings plant in the Netherlands
6/05/2009-Cargill has officially opened its new plant dedicated to chocolate coatings and fillings in Deventer, the Netherlands. The investment in the new plant—made at a cost of €16 million—expands Cargill’s existing operations and capabilities at the site. The expansion doubles the production capacity of coatings and allows Cargill to produce a broader range of fillings, particularly for the chocolate industry. “As the chocolate and confectionery industries continue to respond to the needs of consumers and become more competitive, fillings and coatings are in turn becoming more and more complex,” said Jos de Loor, Managing Director of Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate business. “Cargill can draw from a broad range of product and technical expertise and has access to a large and diverse portfolio of ingredients. In Deventer we now use over 200 ingredients, many of which can be sourced within the Cargill network—including 30 different fats and oils. Our unique ability to combine Cargill’s expertise in cocoa, texturizers, flavors, sweeteners, oils, and fats allows us to create fully customized, value-added fillings and coatings to meet customers’ individual needs.” For many years, Cargill has produced a number of classic and specialty coatings and fillings in Deventer, for use by the bakery, biscuit, cereal, ice cream, and confectionery industries. This investment now enables Cargill to produce fillings for the chocolate industry as well. California Senate votes to ban BPA in food containers
6/05/2009-According to ConsumerAffairs.com, the California Senate narrowly voted to ban bisphenol A (BPA) from infant formula bottles, toddler sippy cups, and other food containers on June 2. A number of studies have suggested the chemical is a danger to normal childhood development, though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s official position is that small amounts are not harmful. It is unsure whether the bill, sponsored by Senator Fran Payley, will pass in the Assembly, as the industry mounts an all-out effort to prevent a ban.
Tyson Foods endorses pork industry’s ‘We Care’ initiative
6/05/2009-A program that formalizes and verifies pork industry efforts to operate responsibly has been publicly endorsed by Tyson Foods, Inc. The ‘We Care’ responsible pork initiative was developed by the National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) to help demonstrate that producers are accountable to established ethical principles. These principles include pork producers’ responsibility in such areas as the environment, public health, employee care, and community relations. The initiative also involves the Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) program, which provides pork producers with guidelines for enhancing food safety and animal well-being.
Thursday, June 04, 2009 IFT’s Web presence at the Annual Meeting & Food Expo®
6/04/2009-The 2009 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo® kicks off this Saturday, June 6, in Anaheim, Calif. If you are attending or exhibiting at the event, we look forward to seeing you there! For event coverage on each day of the show, make sure you visit IFT LIVE, which is IFT’s event daily in electronic form! You can access IFT LIVE from your PDA, your laptop, or the Internet Café terminals by going to ift.org/iftlive. If you aren’t able to attend the meeting this year, you can check out IFT LIVE to see what’s happening at the show via articles, news, videos, pictures, blogs, and much more. In addition, this year IFT is utilizing the social networking sites LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr to communicate about highlights and changes for the Annual Meeting & Food Expo® as well as to allow those on-site to engage in the virtual IFT community. On-site, Annual Meeting & Food Expo® staffers will be using Twitter to gather questions from the audience during the Keynote Session. In addition, for those attending the meeting, we will be having a treasure hunt using IFT09’s Twitter page, so keep checking Twitter at the show! As a part of the electronic show daily coverage, IFT will be blogging live from the event, reporting to you on interesting things from the show floor, sessions, panels, and networking events. Keep an eye on IFT’s ePerspective blog for these posts and participate in the discussion by posting your comments to the blog during the show.
FDA to study impact of nutrition symbols
6/04/2009-The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it will conduct an Experimental Study of Nutrition Symbols on Food Packages. The FDA uses the term “nutrition symbols” to refer to symbols used in food labeling that highlight a food’s overall nutritional profile or a particular nutritional attribute. Because of the growing popularity of nutrition symbol programs, the FDA held a public hearing in September 2007 and requested public comments responding to specific questions posed by the agency. Following the public hearing, the FDA released a memorandum reviewing the comments it received and outlining its next steps with regard to nutrition symbols. The FDA also has begun collecting consumer research regarding how consumers interpret and use nutrition symbols. Because the FDA does not currently have relevant information about the effects of nutrition symbols on consumers to make fully informed regulatory decisions on their appropriate use, the agency is undertaking its own consumer study. The proposed experimental study is intended to “assess quantitative consumer reactions to front-of-package nutrition symbols.” As part of the agency’s continuing efforts to enable consumers to make informed decisions about their nutritional intake and to “construct healthful diets,” the study will focus on consumer processing of a selected sample of nutrition symbols in the U.S. marketplace. The study will employ a Web-based survey of 2,400 adults in an online consumer panel. The FDA plans to sample subjects randomly assigned to groups in which they will view and analyze various labels. Based on those variables, researchers will focus on the following consumer reactions: (1) Judgments about a food product in terms of its nutritional attributes, overall healthfulness, health benefits, and other characteristics such as taste; (2) judgments about a label in terms of its credibility in conveying the product’s nutritional attributes and helpfulness in product choices; (3) identification of the more nutritious product in a pair of products; and (4) impact of the symbol on the use of the Nutrition Facts label.
Bunge partners with agribusiness firms
6/04/2009-Bunge North America, the North American operating arm of Bunge Ltd., has created a joint venture with ITOCHU and STX Pan Ocean to build and operate a state-of-the-art export grain terminal at the Port of Longview, Wash. ITOCHU is the second largest marketer of grain and food products in Japan, and STX Pan Ocean is one of the world's leading shipping companies of agricultural products. Called EGT Development, LLC, the project will be the first export terminal built in the U.S. in more than two decades. The terminal will be capable of handling grain, oilseeds, and protein meals. It features a rail loop track unloading system capable of holding four 110-car unit trains at any given time. The facility will include a highly efficient shuttle train unloading system as well as the capability to unload barges from the Columbia River. When it is fully operational, the facility will be able to handle more than eight million metric tons annually. Construction will begin this month with the facility accepting product for the fall 2011 harvest. “The Pacific Northwest is already the second largest export corridor in North America but additional capacity will be needed to meet the growing demand for agricultural products in Asia,” said Carl Hausmann, Bunge North America President and CEO. “All three partners currently ship to the Pacific Rim and this facility will be well-positioned to create a more direct and stable supply base so that we can better serve our operations and customers in Asia.” Release (pdf)
Danone Waters of America strengthens senior management
6/04/2009-Danone Waters of America has appointed two new vice presidents. Jerome Goure joins as Vice President, Marketing, North America and Steve Finn joins the company as Vice President, Retail Sales, U.S. Goure will oversee marketing and communications programming for all brands in the Danone Waters of America portfolio. Over the past nine years, Goure has held a number of positions within the Groupe Danone organization in both Europe and North Africa. He spent the last year as marketing director with Danone Dairy Algeria, staffing a local marketing team, setting portfolio and brand strategies, and building a network with key agencies. A former Danone executive, Finn is returning to the company to lead the U.S. retail sales organization for the Evian Natural Spring Water business. Finn spent the last three years with ConAgra Foods, most recently as Director of Sales, Costco Team Leader. From 1992 to 2002, Finn held a variety of positions within Danone Waters of America, with his latest position as Senior National Account Manager overseeing national accounts in the club, cash and carry, mass merchandiser, drug, and supermarket channels. He also held the roles of Western Division Sales Manager, Sales Planning Manager, Region Sales Manager and District Sales Manager during his tenure. Prior to that, he spent two years with The Pillsbury Co. Symrise appoints Heinz-Jürgen Bertram as CEO
6/04/2009-Symrise has appointed Heinz-Jürgen Bertram as Chief Executive Officer effective July 1. The appointment was approved by the company’s Supervisory Board on June 4. Heinz-Jürgen Bertram, age 50, succeeds Gerold Linzbach who, for personal reasons, has not asked for his contract to be renewed when it expires on Oct. 22, 2009. He is leaving Symrise by mutual consent after four successful years at the helm of the company. Bertram’s career began in 1987 when he joined Bayer AG. He moved to Holzminden in 1990 to work for Haarmann & Reimer GmbH, which was later absorbed into the newly formed Symrise Group in 2003. He held a number of managerial positions in the R&D area before taking over responsibility for the company’s global manufacturing operations in 2005. He has been a member of the Executive Board of Symrise AG since Oct. 2006 when he was appointed to head-up the Flavor & Nutrition Division, which contributed €648 million to total Group sales of €1.320 billion in 2008. “In Heinz-Jürgen Bertram, Symrise is gaining a Chief Executive Officer who is totally familiar with the company and the flavors and fragrances sector,” said Andreas Schmid, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. “As a result of his research background, innovation, and flexibility are among Bertram’s strengths; he enjoys the confidence of the Supervisory Board and will be able to use his own commitment to inspire staff to meet the challenges of the years ahead. We are convinced that he will use his leadership to sustain the successful development of Symrise and to strengthen the company with a new momentum.” Wednesday, June 03, 2009 ConAgra Foods revamps its look
6/03/2009-ConAgra Foods has revealed a new brand identity that highlights the appeal of its products to consumers. The new identity was created after research with multiple stakeholder groups, including customers, revealed lack of association between ConAgra Foods and its popular brands, such as Hunt’s tomatoes, Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn, and Healthy Choice meals. The logo itself features a new, more contemporary color palette along with a ‘spoon in plate’ icon designed to reinforce the company’s position as a leading food company. The tagline, “Food you love” reinforces the individual company brands that consumers love. “Our new brand identity is an articulation of the essence of ConAgra Foods—making great food,” said ConAgra Foods CEO Gary Rodkin. “We’ve changed the company fairly dramatically over the past several years to get these strong brands and products at the core of everything we do.” In 2008, the company sold its trading operation, exiting the commodity trading, fertilizer and ethanol businesses, and now focuses exclusively on branded packaged food sold at grocery stores and other retailers and food sold to restaurants and other manufacturers. The company introduced its new brand identity through a targeted advertising campaign that began June 2 in selected print, broadcast, and online outlets.
New Danisco R&D center opens
6/03/2009-On May 29, Danisco opened a new BioScience Development Center in its site in Dangé-Saint-Romain, France. Started in 2007, the building is now completed and hosts a 2000-sq-m center with up to 30 scientists and technicians. The new facility will contribute to improve the R&D capabilities of Danisco, especially for the activities related to process development, enhanced stability, and preservation of microorganisms. The goal of the group is to discover new benefits for human health, food protection, to create new textures and tastes, and to promote a natural and good quality food. “The Dangé Saint Romain site is to become a real competence centre in microbiology and biotechnology operating for the whole of Danisco worldwide,” said Doug Willrett, Executive Vice President of Danisco Cultures Division.
Compusense forms U.S. branch; names Dana Craig-Petsinger President 6/03/2009-Compusense, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, has formed Compusense U.S. and has appointed Dana Craig-Petsinger as President of the new location. Over the last decade, the diversification of Compusense into providing a full range of sensory and consumer research services has led to the business need to create a U.S. company. Craig-Petsinger has spent the last 20 years in the consumer packaged goods industry, most recently with the Kellogg Co. Her experiences in consumer research, sensory science, statistics, nutrition, R&D, and marketing give Craig-Petsinger a unique perspective into the needs of the industry. The U.S. operation will have full access to Compusense technology and support services with a strategic focus on insights into the product creation life cycle as a central area of expertise. Headquartered in Michigan, the business launches in July 2009. Dutch Collaboration Nurtures Innovation
6/03/2009-Food Technology magazine has published an online-only, 11-page supplement with the June issue that highlights food innovation in the Netherlands. Four articles detail how government investments in R&D are facilitating advancements in food product development, how food researchers in industry, academia, and government partner to turn ideas into commercial successes, how pilot plants and ‘living’ labs enable product developers to test and advance their concepts, and how research and technology are converging to detect and control foodborne pathogens in minimally processed foods. Online supplement (pdf)
FDA awards grants to three states to enhance food and feed safety
6/03/2009-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently enhanced its food and feed protection initiatives with the award of three one-year Food Safety and Security Monitoring grants totaling $1 million to the states of Arkansas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. The funds support cooperative agreements designed to create a national integrated food safety system through enhanced federal and state collaboration in food emergency response activities. The three states each received $350,000 to fund Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) chemistry laboratories. FERN labs are essential to the FDA’s regulatory efforts and the grants may be used for facility upgrades, training in current food testing methodologies, increased laboratory sample analysis capacity, and other activities. In the event of a large-scale event affecting food or food products, the grant recipients may be required to perform selected analyses of food samples collected by the FDA or provided by other government agencies through the FDA. “We are excited to partner with these states as they perform such critical roles in ensuring food safety,” said Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs. “The FDA is committed to investing in efforts that will better protect American consumers from food safety and food defense threats.”
Monday, June 01, 2009 IFT and FPSA to co-locate expositions in 2010
6/01/2009-On May 29, The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) announced a new agreement to co-locate the IFT Food Expo and FSPA Process Expo at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center beginning July 18–20, 2010. This brings together two premier events that will draw a range of food industry professionals interested in product development, processing, packaging, and the science of food. Each year, the FPSA Process Expo draws approximately 10,000 food processing and packaging professionals during its three-day meeting while the IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo® welcomes more than 18,000 professionals working in the food science and technology fields. In 2010, the two events will be held on separate expo floors but will be in close proximity within McCormick Place Convention Center to expand offerings for those interested in food science, food technology, packaging, and processing. “We are extremely pleased that we can generate new opportunities for both our exhibitors and show attendees,” said IFT Executive Vice President Barbara Byrd Keenan. “Food industry professionals interested in attending Process Expo will have an additional compelling reason to attend the 2010 Annual Meeting & Food Expo®, especially if their work is in the area of food engineering, processing, product development, packaging, quality assurance, or foodservice.” The partnership provides a unique opportunity to expand food safety education across the food chain. Exhibitors at both Process Expo and Food Expo have a shared commitment to food safety, and the agreement will generate new opportunities to develop educational programming that will expand food safety education throughout the food chain. In addition, the combination of both expos creates an additional value for corporate teams with interests ranging from product development to production. Study shows BPA may leach from plastic bottles
6/01/2009-In a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that participants who drank for a week from polycarbonate bottles showed a two-thirds increase in their urine of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA). The study, according to its authors, is the first to show that drinking from polycarbonate bottles increases the level of urinary BPA. The study participants—77 Harvard college students—began by drinking all cold beverages for seven days from stainless steel bottles in order to minimize BPA exposure. The participants provided urine samples during the seven-day period. They were then given two polycarbonate bottles and asked to drink all cold beverages from the bottles during the next week. Urine samples also were provided during that time. The results showed that the participants’ urinary BPA concentrations increased 69% after drinking from the polycarbonate bottles. In this study, the students did not wash their bottles in dishwashers or put hot liquids in them. The researchers noted that they would expect the levels to be even higher if the bottles were heated, as in the case of baby bottles. Abstract (pdf)
Functional food growth slows
6/01/2009-Consumers are more proactive about their health, which spurred the U.S. retail market for functional foods and beverages to a 6% gain with sales totaling about $30.7 billion in 2008, according the Packaged Facts report “Functional Foods and Beverages in the U.S., 4th Edition.” However, this growth is slower than reported in 2007, in which the segment experienced an 8% growth to reach $29 billion. To some extent, the numbers reflect category maturation after an extended period of accelerated growth. Sales of the largest functional categories grew at a compound annual rate of 8% between 2003 and 2008 in retail outlets tracked by Information Resources Inc. The slowdown also reflects the weak economy in which consumers are not able to afford non-essential and more costly specialty items. Though the market has not proven to be recession proof, it has advantages that could prevent it from being as vulnerable as most other markets. Namely, in the short term functional products may save consumers money since these foods and beverages carry nutrients that shoppers would otherwise seek in expensive nutritional supplements. While in the long run, functional products save consumers money on medical expenses by helping to prevent illness and chronic conditions. During the five-year period from 2003 to 2008, several functionally oriented food and beverage categories performed well, including yogurt, energy drinks, nutritional snacks and trail mixes, milk substitutes and soymilk, and refrigerated blended fruit drinks, among others. Those showing significant declines included other snack/granola bars and refrigerated cranberry cocktail/drink and juice/juice blends. Breakfast/cereal/snack bars and shelf-stable cranberry juices continued to show sales increases, however. Packaged Facts projects that total U.S. retail sales of functional foods and beverages will continue to grow at a steady pace through 2013, and reach approximately $43 billion.
Campbell, Coca-Cola Hellenic partner in Russia
6/01/2009-Campbell Soup Co. has entered into a long-term agreement with Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. for the distribution of Campbell’s Domashnaya Klassika (Campbell’s Home Classics) concentrated broth and other soup products in Russia. Under the terms of the agreement, Campbell will be responsible for consumer and market research, brand management, marketing, product development, and production. Coca-Cola Hellenic will be responsible for distribution, sales, in-store marketing, and trade receivables. Financial terms were not disclosed. Coca-Cola Hellenic is currently distributing Campbell’s Domashnaya Klassika products in the Moscow region and in August 2009 plans to expand distribution to over 100 cities and 12 regions of Russia, with further nationwide distribution to follow. Coca-Cola Hellenic is Russia's largest distributor and seller of beverages and is responsible for managing the sales and distribution of an extensive range of brands of The Coca-Cola Co. and other brands. The company operates 14 plants with distribution centers located across the country. Campbell entered the Russian market in 2007, launching in the Moscow region. Along with its parallel launch in China, the Russian initiative is part of Campbell's strategy to expand the availability of its products in new geographies. “Coca-Cola Hellenic has a world-class distribution network in Russia and its other markets, unmatched by any other distributor,” said Larry McWilliams, President, Campbell International. “Working with Coca-Cola Hellenic, we will be able to accelerate distribution throughout Russia, expanding more quickly into additional markets.” Soup consumption in Russia is more than double that of the U.S.; nearly 32 billion servings are consumed each year, or approximately 230 servings per capita, which are still predominately homemade. This makes Russia the world’s second largest soup consuming market after China. Campbell currently offers four varieties of its Domashnaya Klassika broth products: chicken, beef, mushroom, and beef & mushroom. Campbell developed these broths to meet Russian consumers’ high standards, while dramatically reducing the time it takes to prepare soup from scratch. Friday, May 29, 2009 Connecticut BPA ban moves forward 5/29/2009-According to Hartford Courant, the Connecticut State House unanimously approved a bill to ban bisphenol A (BPA) from plastic containers used by children and babies. The ban does not take effect until Oct. 1, 2011, and involves only a limited array of products, including reusable food and beverage containers, containers of infant formula and baby food, reusable spill-proof cups, plastic sports bottles, and Thermoses. The bill does not address products geared to the general population, beverage containers, and single-use jars and cans. Under the bill, the existing inventory for retailers can still be sold in stores. The state’s Department of Consumer Protection will be charged with enforcing the ban. Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to maintain BPA is safe. House panel proposes new fees for food manufacturers
5/29/2009-According to Congressional Quarterly, House lawmakers have proposed food safety legislation in which food manufacturers would face more federal scrutiny and new government fees. The Energy and Commerce Committee draft is the latest in a string of attempts to move toward an all-encompassing food safety legislation. Sponsored by John D. Dingell (D-Mich.), the measure was also spurred by President Obama’s call in March for an overhaul of the nation’s food safety system. The panel will have a hearing on the bill June 3. The draft would create an up-to-date registry of all food facilities that serve American consumers and impose an annual $1,000 user fee on those facilities. Registered facilities would be required to pay the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any costs associated with re-inspections and food recalls. A separate bill, sponsored by Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Adam H. Putnam (R-Fla.), would only assess fees on manufacturers who violate the law or importers who voluntarily expedite inspections. Meat consumption not linked to breast cancer risk 5/29/2009-A study published in the International Journal of Cancer shows that there is no link between eating meat—total meat, red meat, processed meat, or meat cooked at high temperatures—and the risk of breast cancer in older women. The researchers examined data from 120,755 postmenopausal women who participated in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. The women provided information on what they ate and how often they ate certain foods when they entered the study between 1995 and 1996. They also provided information on meat-cooking methods. Over the next eight years, 3,818 women developed breast cancer. According to the researchers, breast cancer risk was not associated with intake of total meat, red meat, white meat, processed meat, or meat cooked at high temperatures, or level of doneness of the meat. Salmonella’s sweet tooth may help vaccine development
5/29/2009-U.K. scientists have discovered that Salmonella feeds on glucose to survive and replicate during infection. This knowledge could provide a new way to vaccinate against Salmonella, and lead to vaccine strains to protect against other disease-causing bacteria, including superbugs. “This is the first time that anyone has identified the nutrients that sustain Salmonella while it is infecting a host’s body,” said Arthur Thompson from the Institute of Food Research. The nutrition of bacteria during infection is an emerging science. This is one of the first major breakthroughs, achieved in collaboration with Gary Rowley at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, U.K. During infection, Salmonella must acquire nutrients to replicate. In the research, the scientists focused on glycolysis, the process by which sugars are broken down to create chemical energy. They constructed Salmonella mutants unable to transport glucose into the immune cells they occupy and unable to use glucose as food. These mutant strains lost their ability to replicate within immune cells, rendering them harmless. The mutant strains still stimulate the immune system, and the scientists have filed patents on them that could be used to develop vaccines to protect people and animals against poisoning by fully virulent Salmonella. Glycolysis occurs in most organisms including other bacteria that occupy host cells. Disrupting how the bacteria metabolize glucose could therefore be used to create vaccine strains for other pathogenic bacteria, including superbugs. This research was funded by a Core Strategic Grant from Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Thursday, May 28, 2009 Dean Foods’ board changes 5/28/2009-Dean Food Co. announced May 21 that Pete Schenkel and Lewis Collens retired from the Dean Foods Board of Directors and Wayne Mailloux and Doreen Wright were elected as new members, effectively immediately. Mailloux retired from PepsiCo in 2004 after a long career as a senior executive with the company, and he currently sits on the Board of Directors for Black Bull Resources Inc. He brings a breadth of experience that will benefit Dean Foods as it implements its strategic growth plan of the next three to five years. Wright recently retired from Campbell Soup Co. where she served as Chief Information Officer from 2001 to 2008. Prior to joining Campbell, Wright was Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Nabisco. She currently sits on the Board of Directors of Conseco Inc. Prebiotic may suppress hunger hormone in overweight adults 5/28/2009-A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that daily consumption of prebiotic oligofructose may lead to weight loss by suppressing levels of hormones linked to hunger. In a randomized, double-blind study, 48 overweight or obese adults, with a body mass index (in kg/m2) > 25, were randomly assigned to receive 21 g oligofructose per day or a placebo (maltodextrin) for 12 weeks. Body composition (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry); meal tolerance tests, including satiety response; food intake; and subjective appetite ratings were determined. The researchers found that those receiving the prebiotic lost an average of 1.03 kg over 12 weeks, while the control group experienced an increase in body weight of 0.45 kg. The oligofructose was associated with lower levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, and higher levels of a hormone in the gut, peptide YY, which is linked to increased feelings of fullness. However, no effects were observed on the satiety hormone glucagon-like peptide 1. In addition, the participants taking the prebiotic oligofructose reported a reduction in self-reported caloric intake, and decreased levels of glucose and a mirroring effect on insulin concentrations. Gluten-free diet may decrease healthy gut microbiota 5/28/2009-A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition shows that following a gluten-free diet may lower populations of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, while raising counts for Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia coli. The researchers analyzed the gut microflora of 10 healthy subjects, average age 30, assigned to eat a gluten-free diet for one month. No significant differences in dietary intake were found before and after the gluten-free diet, except for reductions in polysaccharides. Analysis of the participants’ feces showed that Bifidobacterium, Clostridium lituseburense, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii populations decrease following the gluten-free diet, while populations of Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia coli increased. The researchers concluded, “The gluten-free diet may constitute an environmental variable to be considered in treated celiac disease patients for its possible effects on gut health.” Vinegar may enhance saltiness and enable lower sodium content
5/28/2009-Excessive intake of salt causes hypertension and the World Health Organization recommends that its daily intake be restricted to 6 g/d. It is a common practice to substitute part of salt with vinegar, which may make up the reduced saltiness. In fact, addition of some acid to a food is known to enhance its saltiness in case the salt concentration is low. A study published in the Journal of Food Science shows that the addition of vinegar to salt intensified the salty taste. Interaction of saltiness and acidity at the threshold level was studied employing 35 to 40 young female panelists. As a first step, the researchers measured the detection and recognition thresholds of salt, rice vinegar, and rice black vinegar for each panelist. To investigate the above interaction, the thresholds were again measured for each panelist of salt, but this time, vinegar at half the concentration of each panelist’s detection threshold was added to the salt solution. Similar measurement was performed for vinegars with salt at half the concentration of each panelist’s detection threshold. The data analysis was done in two ways, namely, (1) by using Student’s t-test to detect the significant difference in average between the data with and without the added ingredient, and (2) detecting significant deviations from zero in the individual shifts in two sensory tests among panelists who participated in the two measurements. The researchers found that both the detection and recognition thresholds of salt were decreased with the existence of the added vinegar ingredient. This tendency was more pronounced with rice black vinegar than with rice vinegar. However, no significant changes in the threshold of both detection and recognition were observed when salt at the half concentration of the detection threshold was added to rice vinegar. The researchers noted that was an interesting finding “since this breaks the symmetry of the enhancement/suppression between saltiness and acidity commonly believed.” Pistachio company continued shipments after Salmonella found
5/28/2009-According to the Associated Press, inspectors of Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. say that the California-based company continued to ship pistachios for at least six months after tests revealed evidence of Salmonella bacteria. In an inspection report released this week, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials said Setton first got results in Oct. showing some of its roasted nuts tested positive for Salmonella. But, officials say, it didn’t make proper adjustments to its processing procedures and kept shipping out nuts. The company only stopped shipping after the FDA issued a nationwide pistachio recall in late March 2009. More than 77 products sold under 21 brand names have been recalled this year because they contained nuts manufactured by Setton Pistachio. Products sold under brand names like Frito-Lay, Fisher, Planters, and Kraft, have all been affected by the recall, including standalone pistachio nuts, mixed nuts, trail mixes, and other products containing pistachio, like cakes and ice creams. No illnesses have been confirmed as a result of contaminated pistachios. Officials haven’t said whether Setton will face sanctions. On May 27, Setton Pistachio released a statement that adamantly disagrees with the findings of 483 inspection report. "Our company never knowingly shipped pistachios potentially contaminated with Salmonella," said Mia Cohen, Setton's COO. "All pistachios which tested positive were either reconditioned or held in quarantine and never hit the marketplace. Immediately after receiving the first positive in Oct. 2008, our company hired the American Council for Food Safety and Quality—known as DFA here in California—to review our operation and they conducted hundreds of tests from Oct. to Feb. and could find no evidence of Salmonella in our facility. There was never a suggestion from DFA not to ship." Wednesday, May 27, 2009 Obama administration launches food safety working group Web site
5/27/2009-Responding to President Obama’s directive to upgrade the nation's food safety system, the White House Food Safety Working Group, led by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, launched a Web site—foodsafetyworkinggroup.gov—to provide information about the group’s activities and progress. The Web site, foodsafetyworkinggroup.gov, will be an important resource for people who want to learn about the current food safety network as well as stakeholders and organizations which are working to upgrade America's food safety system for the 21st century. The site features social bookmarking tools including an RSS feed and a widget that can be downloaded to help stay informed. Last week, representatives from the White House Food Safety Working Group met and outlined principles to meet the President’s goal. In the weeks to come, the Food Safety Working Group will provide additional opportunities to engage stakeholders in conversations and help shape these principles. McDonald’s to study hen housing sustainability
5/27/2009-According to the Chicago Tribune, McDonald’s USA has announced its participation with leading animal welfare scientists, academics, non-government organizations, and egg suppliers in a commercial-scale study of housing alternatives for egg-laying hens in the U.S., including cage-free housing. The study, which expects to involve tens of thousands of hens, will look at the sustainability impacts of different laying hen housing environments on animal health and well-being, safe and affordable food, the environment, and worker welfare. The eggs produced during this study are expected to be used in McDonald’s U.S. restaurants, provided they meet stringent food safety and quality standards. The goal of the study is to understand the viability of alternate housing systems in the U.S., including cage-free and “enriched housing,” which includes nests and perches, as well as the housing environments used by McDonald’s current supply system in the U.S., which adheres to McDonald’s Laying Hen standards. Another goal is to provide scientific-based research that will assist McDonald’s and other companies in making more informed decisions on sustainable egg purchases, taking into account their independent company values and business needs. The research is being led by Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). Along with McDonald’s, the multi-stakeholder Coalition advising the study includes the American Humane Association (AHA), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Cargill Incorporated, and the Center for Food Integrity (CFI). Currently, research on the design and infrastructure of the study has begun in conjunction with MSU and UC Davis. The timeline and costs are being determined, as well as standards for each housing type, with input from participating experts. “This is a welcome initiative for egg purchasers like McDonald’s who want to consider all of the sustainability impacts when it comes to buying eggs—not just animal welfare, but environmental, food safety, and economic factors,” said Dan Gorsky, McDonald’s Senior Vice President, North America Supply Chain Management. “It is our intention for eggs produced as part of this study, including cage-free eggs, to partially supply McDonald’s USA by 2011.”
Foster Farms acquisition of La. facilities completed
5/27/2009-Foster Farms announces that it has completed the acquisition of the Farmerville, La. chicken complex from Pilgrim’s Pride. The process of hiring key management employees has begun and significant upgrades to the facility will soon be underway. “This facility, which includes both a chicken processing plant and a cooked plant, will enable Foster Farms to continue to grow and meet the expanding needs of our customers,” said company CEO Ron Foster. “Eggs have been set in company hatcheries and, when hatched, will be raised by experienced local growers. We intend to reopen the plant in mid-July.” While initial production will be about 50% of capacity, the company envisions a quick ramp up. Total employment at the facility is projected to exceed 1100 by Sept.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 Huber named President of Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products
5/26/2009-Charles Huber Jr., General Counsel and Secretary for Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., has been promoted to President of Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products. Huber will continue as Corporate Vice President of Ralcorp. Huber has been with the company since 1994. “Chuck’s 20 years of experience at Ralcorp, demonstrated leadership skills, and deep knowledge of Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products make him a great fit to lead the division,” said Kevin Hunt, co-CEO and President of Ralcorp Holdings and CEO and President of Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products.” Hunt will continue as President of Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products until a successor is named for Huber.
Kerry closes Ohio facility 5/26/2009-According to the Mansfield News Journal, Kerry Inc. will shutter its facility in Mansfield, Ohio, on July 31, putting 47 employees out of work. Thirty-two production workers and 15 administrative employees in the non-union shop will lose their jobs. The company began operating in Mansfield in 2002, after acquiring Mansfield-based manufacturer Stearns & Lehman Inc. in a $26 million deal. The plant developed specialty food products, including coffee and espresso flavorings, syrups, oils, and toppings, with sales of more than $20 million in 2002. New York Gov. proposes calorie count bill
5/26/2009-According to the Albany Times Union, New York Gov. David Paterson has proposed legislation that requires calorie posting in restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores that are part of chains with 15 or more locations. The proposal builds upon a successful New York City initiative requiring calorie posting by restaurants and mobile vendors, but extends the requirement to other food service operations that prepare ready-to-eat foods on site. Restaurants, mobile vendors, grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail stores belonging to chains that do business nationally and offer standardized menus will be required to post calorie counts for all items listed on menus and menu boards, including menu boards at drive-thru windows. Ground beef product recalls due to possible E. coli contamination
5/26/2009-Valley Meats LLC, Coal Valley, Ill., is recalling approximately 95,898 lbs of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced May 21. These ground beef products were produced on March 10, and were distributed to various consignees nationwide. The problem was discovered through an epidemiological investigation of illnesses. On May 13, FSIS was informed by the Ohio Dept. of Health of a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 infections. Illnesses have been reported in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
ConAgra expands snack foods plant 5/26/2009-According to the Chicago Tribune, ConAgra Foods is planning a $28 million expansion in Menomonie, Wis. that will create 30 jobs. The expansion to the company’s Snack Pack pudding production line includes a new pudding machine and should be finished by Dec. The new jobs will be in production, maintenance, and warehousing. Currently, the plant employs around 350 people. Thursday, May 21, 2009 Is food safety a consumer’s responsibility? 5/21/2009-The International Food Information Council (IFIC) has just released its 2009 Food & Health Survey: Consumer Attitudes toward Food, Nutrition, & Health—a nationally representative, quantitative study designed to gain insights from consumers on various food safety, nutrition, and health-related topics. Due to the number and relevance of food safety issues that have occurred in the past year, a key finding of the report deals with consumers’ perception of food safety and the precautions they take. Anthony Flood, IFIC’s Director of Food Safety Communications, explores how consumers are taking a more active role in food safety in the latest ePerspective post. Who do you believe is responsible for food safety in the U.S.? Should consumers take extra precautions in light of recent outbreaks? Join the discussion by visiting Food Technology’s ePerspective today! Tate & Lyle appoints new CEO
5/21/2009-Tate & Lyle PLC has hired Javed Ahmed as its new CEO beginning Nov. 15, 2009. Iain Ferguson, currently CEO of Tate & Lyle, will continue in that role until Ahmed’s arrival and ensure an orderly handover. Ahmed is currently Executive Vice President, Europe for Reckitt Benckiser plc. He is a member of the Executive Committee of Reckitt having held a number of senior leadership roles within the group over the last 17 years in both Europe and North America. “Following our earlier announcement that Peter Gershon will succeed me as Chairman by the end of the year, Peter and I are delighted that we are able to announce the succession arrangements for Iain Ferguson,” said David Lees, Chairman of Tate & Lyle. “We are most grateful to Iain for leading the transformation of the Group with such great skill and energy over the past six years. His contribution has been very significant and will continue as he leads the team in the next few months until Javed Ahmed joins us. We are confident that, in Javed, we have found a worthy successor to Iain to lead Tate & Lyle in the next phase of its development.”
How portion control, fine dining, pasta affected by current lifestyles
5/21/2009-Mintel has published three new food reports on portion control, fine dining, and pasta and pasta-based meals. The reports reveal how Americans shop and dine differently in the face of major issues like obesity, the recession, and time-strapped lifestyles. 100-Calorie packs a tough sell: Price and size deter hungry consumers Though weight and health are major issues in today's society, Mintel sees lagging interest in portion-controlled packaging. Only one in seven adults (14%) currently buy pre-measured packs, and the number one reason they do is convenience. Weight management comes second. Of people who don't buy 100-calorie packs, half say they just aren’t interested. Cost is another deterrent, and a third of people say they prefer measuring out their own snacks. Fine diners in it for the food, but women also crave intimate settings and experience Unsurprisingly, food quality is the most important factor to fine dining patrons. However, Mintel reports that women rank a leisurely experience and atmosphere nearly as high. Four in five women (80%) feel atmosphere is important, while 88% told Mintel they like not “feeling rushed.” Nearly three-quarters of fine diners also place importance on food presentation and staff knowledge about food and food ingredients. America still not tired of pasta’s cheap, tasty options From macaroni & cheese to spaghetti & meatballs, Mintel’s latest survey finds 92% of people eat pasta. One in six Americans say they're eating more pasta this year, with the number one reason being that pasta is an economical choice during challenging financial times. Nearly half of people who report eating more pasta are doing so because they just “don't get bored with pasta.” Ginger may ease nausea from chemotherapy 5/21/2009-According to HealthDay, a study to be presented at the 2009 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting next week shows that ginger may aid in the reduction of chemotherapy-related nausea. The researchers, supported by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, enrolled 644 cancer patients who had already experience nausea after chemotherapy. All participants had to still be facing at least three rounds of chemo. Participants were randomized to receive either a placebo or one of three doses of ginger supplement: 0.5 g, 1 g, or 1.5 g for three days before the start of chemo and three days after for the next two cycles. All participants also received traditional antiemetic drugs on the first day of treatment. While all doses of ginger helped with nausea, the researchers found that the largest reduction in nausea occurred with 0.5 and 1 g of ginger, which was about a 40% reduction in nausea. The effect tended to wear off over the next 24 hrs. EC study finds most labs capable of detecting melamine 5/21/2009-A new study by the European Commission’s (EC) Joint Research Center (JRC) has found that the majority of laboratories around the world are capable of effectively testing for the presence of melamine in food. This suggests that the global response to the Chinese contaminated milk scare of 2008 has been effective. The JRC asked laboratories from around the world to volunteer to put their measurement competence to the test for the study, and 114 analytical labs from 31 countries agreed to participate. Carefully prepared samples of contaminated milk powder and baking mix were sent to the labs for testing without revealing the known levels of melamine present. Participating laboratories measured the melamine content of these “blind” samples to the best of their abilities and reported their results back to the JRC. The researchers found that 74% of the 114 results for milk powder and 73% of the 112 results for the baking mix were within the acceptable range. The researchers also compared the labs’ results with the methods they used to reveal which measurement technique works best. In this case, isotope dilution mass spectrometry with a stable isotope labeled melamine was generally more accurate. A more detailed analysis of the influence of methods and instrumentation on the results is available in the report. Senate confirms Hamburg as FDA Commissioner 5/21/2009-According to The Washington Post, the U.S. Senate voted on May 18 to confirm Margaret Hamburg to run the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the agency that oversees a vast array of products from foods to prescription drugs and medical devices. At her confirmation hearing, Hamburg said her priorities would include improving the safety of medical products and foods. She also said she would see if more could be done to make flu-related medical products and laboratory tests available amid concerns about the new H1N1 swine flu strain. Wednesday, May 20, 2009 Brazilian food giants to merge?
5/20/2009-According to The Wall Street Journal, two Brazilian meat-processing companies—Sadia SA and Perdigão SA—are in discussions for a merger that would create one of the world’s largest frozen and processed food companies. The two companies together slaughter more than two billion chickens and other birds a year. Sadia, which makes frozen pizzas, lasagna, and chicken pockets, suffered last year after a billion-dollar loss caused mostly by risky exchange-rate bets against the U.S. dollar. And the losses piled up when Brazil's currency, the real, unexpectedly slumped in September. The merger would offer Perdigão a chance for it to take over its main competitor. With about $11 billion in combined annual sales, the resulting company would rank as the 10th largest food company in the Americas, just behind Heinz Co., according to consulting firm Economatica. Brazil’s government has been pushing domestic merger because it doesn’t want to lose business to foreign firms, which is why it is possible that the government could help finance this merger with as much as $750 million. Although a combination of the two companies would create Brazil’s dominant processed-foods firm, an antitrust challenge would be unlikely, analysts say, since the government appears to be on board with a merger. Only in a few areas—such as frozen pizza and margarine—could the firm be forced to sell product lines because of the size of the combined market share. Frieden named CDC Director
5/20/2009-On May 15, President Barack Obama appointed Thomas Frieden, currently Commissioner of the New York City Health Department, as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Frieden will begin his work at the CDC in early June. President Obama also announced that Acting CDC Director Rich Besser, who has led the CDC’s Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response for the past four years, will continue in this role. “America relies on a strong public health system and the work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is critical to our mission to preserve and protect the health and safety of our citizens,” said President Obama. “Dr. Frieden is an expert in preparedness and response to health emergencies, and has been at the forefront of the fight against heart disease, cancer and obesity, infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and AIDS, and in the establishment of electronic health records. Dr. Frieden has been a leader in the fight for health care reform, and his experiences confronting public health challenges in our country and abroad will be essential in this new role.” Coca-Cola introduces the PlantBottle
5/20/2009-The Coca-Cola Co. has unveiled a new plastic bottle made partially from plants. The PlantBottle is fully recyclable, has a lower reliance on a non-renewable resource, and reduces carbon emissions, compared with petroleum-based PET plastic bottles. Traditional PET bottles are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. The new bottle is made from a blend of petroleum-based materials and up to 30% plant-based materials. The PlantBottle is currently made through a process that turns sugar cane and molasses, a by-product of sugar production, into a key component for PET plastic. Coca-Cola is also exploring the use of other plant materials for future generations of the PlantBottle. Manufacturing the new plastic bottle is more environmentally efficient as well. A life-cycle analysis conducted by Imperial College London indicates the PlantBottle with 30% plant-based material reduces carbon emissions by up to 25%, compared with petroleum-based PET. Another advantage to the PlantBottle is that, unlike other plant-based plastics, it can be processed through existing manufacturing and recycling facilities without contaminating traditional PET. Coca-Cola North America will pilot the PlantBottle with Dasani and sparkling brands in select markets later this year and with Vitaminwater in 2010. “The PlantBottle represents the next step in evolving our system toward the bottle of the future,” said Scott Vitters, Director of Sustainable Packaging of The Coca-Cola Co. “This innovation is a real win because it moves us closer to our vision of zero waste with a material that lessens our carbon footprint and is also recyclable.” Sara Lee appoints interim CFO
5/20/2009-According to Reuters, Sara Lee Corp. has named Mark Garvey Interim Chief Financial Officer, while the company searches for a permanent replacement. Since Jan., Garvey has served as Senior Vice President of Finance. In Dec., the company announced that Chief Financial Officer Theo de Kool would be retiring at the end of the fiscal year. Probiotics may aid weight loss in post-pregnancy women
5/20/2009-A study presented at the 17th European Congress on Obesity and conducted by researchers from the University of Turku, Finland, shows that probiotic supplements taken by pregnant women may help prevent obesity following childbirth. Previous studies have investigated probiotics’ potential to aid in the prevention of intestinal diseases and more recent studies examined whether bacterial imbalances might lead to obesity. In this study, 256 women in their first trimester of pregnancy were randomly divided into three groups. The first group received dietary counseling consistent with recommendations for healthy weight gain and fetal development and was given daily capsules of probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The second group received the same counseling and placebo capsules, and a third group received placebo capsules and no counseling. The capsules were given until the women stopped exclusive breast feeding up to a maximum of six months after childbirth. The women were weighed at the start and the end of the study and additionally had their waste circumference and skin fold thickness measured at the end of the study, a year after childbirth. The researchers found that 25% of the women in the probiotics group were classed as having central obesity. This is defined as a BMI of 30 or more or a waste circumference of over 80 cm. This compared with 43% of women in the counseling-only group and 40% in the third group who received neither probiotics nor counseling. The researchers also found that the average body fat percentage in the probiotics group was 28% compared to 29% and 30% in the counseling-only and third group, respectively. One year after childbirth, the women who received the probiotics had the lowest levels of central obesity as well as the lowest body fat percentage. However, the researchers noted that additional research would be needed to confirm the role of probiotics in prevention of obesity. Release (pdf)
Monday, May 18, 2009 DuPont’s virtual event on sustainable packaging
5/18/2009-DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers (P&IP) has announced that in an industry first, winners of its long-running DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation will be announced via a global virtual forum that will include exchanges with leading industry experts on sustainable packaging as well as with the prestigious international panel of jurors who selected this year’s winners from over 120 entries from around the world. Registration has now opened for the DuPont Sustainable Packaging Exchange, which will take place May 28, 10:00–11:0 a.m. EDT. The DuPont Sustainable Packaging Exchange will kick off with the announcement of the 21st DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation winners and will be followed by scheduled sessions on the need for global packaging standards and on visions for end-of-life solutions. Available on-demand throughout the event will be the Sustainable Packaging Resource Center with downloadable information and links to useful tools, profiles of DuPont Award winners, including jurors’ evaluations, perspectives from the winners on improving the sustainability of their packaging, and open chat and chat rooms where participants can network and learn. Food Safety Working Group holds first Listening Session
5/18/2009-The U.S. White House Food Safety Working Group held its first Listening Session on May 13 led by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. In consultation with its partners on Capitol Hill, the Working Group is working on a set of principles and guidelines for improving food safety. The White House Listening Session was an opportunity to engage stakeholders in a conversation to help shape these principles. The Listening Session included remarks from Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) Tom Vilsack, the co-chairs of the Working Group, followed by smaller group breakout sessions with Administration and Congressional staff and stakeholders to discuss how to address major challenges and opportunities in this area. At the Session, Sebelius stated, “We know that change begins with one word: prevention. Today’s food safety system responds to crises. We need a system that prevents contamination in the first place. Building this system is a responsibility we all share.” Concerning the state of the nation’s food safety system, Vilsack said, “This issue will be one of USDA’s highest priorities. We are in the midst of reviewing all of our statutory authorities, as well as administrative and regulatory steps we can take, to ensure that our actions support public health and consumer safety to the fullest extent.” Food retailers experience sales decline in tough economy
5/18/2009-The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) has released its “2009 Food Retailing Industry Speaks: Annual State of the Industry Review” that shows that due to inflation and a weak economy food retailers’ sales declined in 2008. According to the report, supermarket industry sales actually increased 5.2% in 2008, but these gains were offset by the 5.7% food-at-home inflation rate. Adjusted for inflation, sales declined 0.5%. Industry net profits decreased to 1.43%, from 1.82%, as companies competed more intensely for fewer consumer dollars in a recessionary economy. Contributing to this decline were increases in the cost of goods, health insurance, and credit card interchange fees, among other expenses. Independent retailers (companies with 1–10 stores) posted the highest net profits at 1.90%. “The industry showed its resilience in the most challenging economy in modern history,” said Leslie Sarasin, FMI President and CEO. “Retailers aggressively discounted products and increased their lines of private brands to help American families lower their grocery bills. At the same time, they continued to control costs by improving efficiency and productivity, a hallmark of this industry.” Supermarkets are responding strongly to consumer demand for lower-cost foods in three ways. First, the research found a significant increase in companies emphasizing low prices as a competitive strategy—from 69.9% in 2008 to 78.4% this year. Second, retailers are featuring private brands more prominently. In fact, private brand products now comprise 9.7% of the items carried in a typical store—up from 8.1% in 2008 and 7.5% in 2007. Third, half of supermarkets (50.7%) offer savings through frequent shopper or loyalty card programs. ZMC, Farbest form alliance
5/18/2009-ZMC-USA and ZMC China have announced a strategic partnership with Farbest Brands to market ZMC’s line of high-quality beta-carotene products in the U.S. Leveraging its national sales and distribution network, Farbest Brands, Montvale, N.J., will exclusively market these products to the U.S. food and beverage industry. The companies will join forces to market ZMC’s beta-carotene to the dietary supplement industry, maximizing customer service and penetration. Through this alliance, Farbest and ZMC are responding to increasing consumer demand for beta-carotene and label-friendly colors when making food and beverage choices. Consumer interest in antioxidants such as beta-carotene continues to grow as information on their health benefits spreads. ZMC offers a complete portfolio of beta-carotene products specifically formulated for dietary supplements, foods, and beverages. Products are available in oil form and encapsulated powders for a broad range of applications, and they offer formulation flexibility to manufacturers. Chicago passes BPA ban
5/18/2009-According to The New York Times, on May 13, the Chicago City Council voted to ban the use of bisphenol (BPA) in plastic baby bottles and sippy cups for children under 3 years old. Mayor Richard Daley said he will sign the ordinance, in which case the ban will be implemented in early 2010. On May 7, Minnesota was the first U.S. state to ban BPA. Federal legislation, “Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2009,” to ban BPA in all food and beverage containers was introduced in Congress on March 20, 2009. The bills, which are identical, are sponsored by Representatives Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Six of the largest manufacturers of baby bottles recently decided they will no longer sell bottles made with BPA. In addition, retailers such as Babies ‘R’ Us, Safeway, Target, Toys ‘R’ Us, CVS, and Wal-Mart are in the process of or have already phased out selling baby bottles with BPA, and chemical giant Sunoco, acknowledging the safety concerns about BPA, recently announced they would restrict the sales of the controversial chemical in baby bottles and food containers for children under three. Several states, such as California, Connecticut, New York, and Michigan are also considering BPA bans. In 2008, the Canadian government banned its use in baby bottles. Thursday, May 14, 2009 Massachusetts passes nutrition labeling law
5/14/2009-According to Reuters, the Massachusetts Public Health Council approved statewide restaurant menu labeling rules on May 13, which require major chain restaurants to display the calorie content on the food they sell. The rules, which take effect Nov. 1, 2010, require restaurant chains with 20 or more in-state locations to post calorie counts next to each item on their menus or menu boards, including those at drive-throughs. In Sept. 2008, California became the first state to enact menu labeling rules for fast-food restaurant chains. In addition, a restaurant calorie information rule took effect in New York City last year, and more than a dozen other states are considering similar provisions. The Massachusetts law is more comprehensive than the California or New York rules, because it covers items at restaurant drive-through windows. Considering that about 65% of fast food is purchased at drive-through windows, the new rules have a broader reach to the public. In addition, unlike California, Massachusetts will not override regulations in municipalities that impose even stricter labeling rules at fast-food restaurants. Parents concerned, but confused about how to fix childhood obesity
5/14/2009-Research from Mintel shows today’s parents are feeling overwhelmed and worried as they try to prevent obesity in their own children. In a consumer survey of American parents, Mintel found confusion over whether diet or exercise is most important for keeping kids at a healthy weight. Nearly three-quarters of parents (72%) believe kids have too much access to junk food, while 69% feel that a lack of exercise is more to blame for obesity. In addition, two in five parents (40%) are concerned that their children might develop obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children aged two to 19 is significant at 12%. While there are hints that these rates are leveling, they have yet to decline. The government has set a goal of 5% incidence in obesity among children for 2010. According to Mintel, parents want help when it comes to promoting healthy eating with their children. While 95% feel that this is very or somewhat important, only 82% believe they are somewhat or very successful at doing so. Similarly, while 93% consider it very or somewhat important to limit their children's access to junk food, only 77% feel they have been very or somewhat successful at accomplishing this. Additionally, many parents blame kids’ sedentary lifestyles for obesity. According to parents, less than half of kids are physically active five or more hours per week—less than an hour a day. These sedentary habits are not enough to offset the caloric intake of kids with poor eating habits. More than half of parents (57%) are worried that their children don’t get enough information about healthy living at school, and 47% believe children should have ongoing diet and nutrition classes. “When it comes to placing the blame, most parents look to themselves,” said Marcia Mogelonsky, Senior Analyst at Mintel. “Seventy-eight percent of parents believe the fault lies with them, yet most seek more information on nutrition so they can improve their children's health.” Ferrara elected President of FEMA
5/14/2009-Joanne Ferrara, Senior Director, Research, Quality & Innovation at Gilroy Foods & Flavors, has been elected President of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA). The election marks two historical milestones—Ferrara is FEMA’s first president for the association’s second century and, importantly, the first female president. She will serve a one-year term as President. An active member of FEMA for more than 20 years, Ferrara was elected to the position at the conclusion of FEMA’s 100th annual convention. She first joined the Board of Governors in 2000 and has been involved with a number of committees, including the science and flavor labeling committees. As President, Ferrara will focus on providing services to members and leveraging new technologies to sustain the consistent exchange of ideas in today’s fast-paced flavor business world. She hopes to use new ways of working together, such as online message boards and dedicated webinars, to further align FEMA’s work with its members’ business goals. Ferrara works out of the Cranbury, N.J., Gilroy Foods & Flavors facility, where she directs the development of custom seasoning blends and savory flavor systems for key foodservice and food manufacturing customers. “I am very proud and honored to have been chosen by my peers to lead this great association,” said Ferrara. “FEMA must continue to work collectively as an industry to ensure our products maintain their reputation for quality and safety. This is the bedrock commitment our association makes to its members, and it is one I am committed to carrying out as president.” Release (pdf)
General Mills sells of Forno de Minas 5/14/2009-General Mills has signed an agreement to sell the Forno De Minas business to Laticínios Condessa, a supplier of food ingredients in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The sale includes the Forno De Minas brand, its production facility in Contagem, MG, and other assets associated with the Brazilian bread business. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. The company restructured on April 17 and stopped producing the bread products to focus on its faster growing businesses in Brazil. General Mills acquired Forno De Minas and Frescarini with its acquisition of the Pillsbury Company in 2001. Wednesday, May 13, 2009 Researcher wins grant to study childhood obesity
5/13/2009-Suzanne Johnson, Florida State University College of Medicine, has been awarded a four-year $2.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to explore the impact of school-based screening on student fitness and parent behavior. Johnson and her research team will monitor children at 12 Leon County, Florida elementary schools that have a high percentage of ethnic-minority students. The primary aim is to study the impact of BMI screenings and the three wellness programs that each school offers. The researchers will track the children to document how much their health changes and how much their parents take advantage of the wellness programs. Johnson was recently chosen to receive a Distinguished Research Professor Award from Florida State University, which honors outstanding research among full professors who have attained national and international visibility. Johnson previously held that distinction at the University of Florida and is the first from the young FSU College of Medicine research program to be selected for the honor. Nielsen-Massey donates 10% of profits to charity
5/13/2009-Nielsen-Massey Vanillas has announced it will donate 10% of its profits to The Nielsen-Massey Foundation, which the company created earlier this year. The Foundation will assist disadvantaged children and adults with education and leadership development, especially in the field of culinary arts. In addition, the Foundation will also consider requests for assistance in the development of sustainable environmental practices or for programs benefiting people in countries of need. “The Nielsen family sees the Foundation as an organized way to continue our charitable tradition,” said Beth Nielsen, President of the Foundation. “But more than just a tribute to our family’s history, this Foundation will be our legacy for future generations. The more our Foundation grows the more people we can help in years to come.” Elderly on protein-rich diets may preserve protein metabolism
5/13/2009-A study published in the Journal of Food Science shows that the protein turnover of healthy older persons under a protein-rich diet is positive during the fed state (the few hours after a meal) and has synthesis and degradation rates similar to those previously described in studies involving diet adaption periods. Some researchers have found that protein synthesis is reduced with aging, while others have stated that it is maintained and that degradation is increased. Here, the researchers aimed to add data to the understanding of protein metabolism of older populations, specifically healthy urban free-living older persons during the intake of a usual high-protein diet. In this cross-sectional study, seven participants, aged 60–70, with a mean daily protein intake of 1.34 g of protein/kg were studied. A 9-hr whole-body 15N-glycine single-dose study was performed after an overnight fast. During the study, each subject received six isoenergetic, isonitrogenous meals at 2-hr intervals based on their average intake. Ammonium, urea, and total nitrogen were quantified and analyzed by mass spectrometry, with the determination of total protein turnover rates by the 15N-glycine method. The researchers found that the protein turnover of healthy independent older persons on a usual Brazilian high-protein diet is similar to those described in other studies performed under controlled protein intake, reinforcing the concept that healthy older persons on protein-rich diets have their protein metabolism preserved. “This study contributes to the understanding of the finding that longer-term higher protein intake is associated with a better preservation of lean mass and highlights the need for further studies on the protein metabolism of elderly persons under different usual protein intakes,” said the researchers. EU and U.S. reach agreement on hormone-treated beef 5/13/2009-According to Business Week, the European Commission and the U.S. reached a provisional deal on May 6 regarding the EU’s ban on hormone-treated beef. The U.S. feeds hormones to cattle to make them larger and says that the beef is safe to eat. However, the EU believes that one of the hormones can cause cancer and others pose health risks. The deal states that the European Commission will give duty-free access to an additional 20,000 metric tons of hormone-free U.S. beef in each of the next three years, on top of the existing duty-free quota of 11,500 tons for U.S. beef. In addition, that amount will increase to 45,000 tons in the fourth year. In return, the U.S. won’t impose threatened sanctions of $79 million on a number of EU food products, including Roquefort cheese and Italian mineral water. The deal must now be approved by officials from EU countries and the U.S. congress. Tuesday, May 12, 2009 Senate considers tax on sugary drinks
5/12/2009-According to The Wall Street Journal, Senate leaders are considering new federal taxes on soda and other sugary beverages to help fund the health-care overhaul that President Obama wants to enact this year. The cost of the overhaul is estimated at around $1.2 trillion. The Center for Science in the Public Interest plans to propose a federal excise tax on soda, certain fruit drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, and ready-to-drink teas; the tax would not include most diet beverages. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that adding a tax of three cents per 12-oz serving to these sugar-sweetened beverages would generate $24 billion over the next four years. Proponents of such a tax say it would lower consumption thus reducing health problems and saving medical costs. On the other side, beverage companies, such as Coca-Cola Co. and PepsiCo Inc., believe that such a tax would unfairly hit lower-income Americans and wouldn’t deter consumption. New York Governor David Paterson recently dropped a proposal for an 18% tax on sugary beverages after facing uproar from beverage companies and the state’s citizens. Currently, the beverage tax is one of hundreds being considered to finance the health-care overhaul. The Wall Street Journal article
Minnesota bans BPA from bottles 5/12/2009-According to United Press International, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty signed legislation into law on May 7 that bans the use of bisphenol-A (BPA) in the manufacturing of sippy cups and bottles. Starting Jan. 1, 2010, manufacturers in the state may not sell products intended for use by children under age 3 that contain the material; the ban extends to all retailers in the state as of Jan. 1, 2011. The material, which is found in many plastics used in the food and beverage industry, has caused a lot of controversy in the industry regarding its safety. In Oct. 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that BPA is safe. However, this finding was widely questioned and the agency ordered the risk assessment be performed again. EFSA assesses health risks linked to nicotine in wild mushrooms
5/12/2009-The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has provided scientific advice to the European Commission on the risks of eating wild mushrooms following reports of nicotine contamination in samples from the 2008 crop of dried wild mushrooms, mainly from China. This follows an urgent request received from the Commission on April 27. It is not clear what caused the presence of nicotine in these mushrooms; it could be pesticide use or a number of other factors such as accidental contamination during the drying process. The EFSA evaluated the risks related to the presence of nicotine in fresh wild mushrooms up to 0.5 mg/kg and concluded that this level is not safe. Any effects of eating contaminated wild mushrooms are likely to be mild and would be short term, possibly including increased heart rate, dizziness, and headaches. The EFSA advised the Commission on risks associated with different levels of contamination in order to help risk managers decide on any appropriate follow-up action. To help risk managers establish safe levels protecting consumers, the EFSA used existing agreed methodology for the setting of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides in foods. EFSA proposed 0.036 mg/kg as the concentration of nicotine in fresh wild mushrooms that could be acceptable as an MRL. As the assessment was affected by a number of uncertainties and limitations on data available (contamination levels and the consumption of wild mushrooms in Europe), the EFSA recommended that the proposed MRL be considered on a temporary basis. The monitoring program recommended by the Commission will also be useful for deriving a more robust basis for exposure assessment and MRL setting. Food testing lab opens in China
5/12/2009-Eurofins has opened its food testing laboratory in Suzhou, China. The laboratory is an independent food testing laboratory in China that can provide a full international-standard service to both Chinese and overseas companies. The Suzhou laboratory will allow the food industry to draw on reliable testing for exports from China, mostly to Europe, the U.S., and Japan, prior to shipment. Eurofins also operates and organizes services to control the supply chains of its customers, by sampling, auditing, and inspecting the factories they buy from. The laboratory has received notification that it has passed the final audit for its ISO:IEC 17025:2005 accreditation from DACH of Germany, which includes testing for pesticides, toxic metals, microbial contaminants, melamine, etc. Equipment at the laboratory includes GC/MS and LC MS/MS equipment for measurement of pesticide residues (general screens and special analyses for tea) and other food contaminants. Further investment is planned in order to extend the laboratory’s capabilities. The next series of developments will be directed extending the scope of pesticide tests, veterinary drugs, illegal colors, nutritional composition, and mycotoxins. Calculator determines peanut storage ventilation
5/12/2009-The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Web site now offers a calculator that helps peanut handlers and processors determine the right amount of ventilation for their storage warehouses. Agricultural Engineers Chris Butts and John Smith (retired) at the ARS National Peanut Research Laboratory in Dawson, Ga., and colleagues conducted research to determine proper storage conditions. The result is an online tool to help peanut growers, shellers, and others calculate warehouse capacity, dimensions, and headspace ventilation requirements for safe storage of peanuts. When peanuts are harvested, the moisture content is too high for safe storage and they must be cured until the moisture content is below 10%. Curing normally occurs at a centralized facility capable of curing 50–200 individual loads at the same time. After curing, the peanuts are graded, unloaded and stored—still in the shell—in a large warehouse until they are needed at the shelling plant for further processing and sale to a peanut product manufacturer. A typical bulk storage facility will hold 2,000–10,000 t of in-shell peanuts with a value of $800,000 to $4 million. Under ideal storage conditions, the peanut value will decrease 2–3%, but under poor storage conditions, losses can be as high as 10%. Good storage practices include adequate ventilation of the space above the peanuts to remove moisture-laden air and prevent condensation. The calculator gives the recommended airflow rate based on changing the volume of air in the space above the peanuts once every 2–3 min. The calculator also provides the proper amount of inlet area. By selecting the peanut market type that will be stored in the warehouse, the tool adjusts its calculations to account for the differences among the types of peanuts. Monday, May 11, 2009 SK Foods files for bankruptcy protection
5/11/2009-SK Foods has filed voluntary petitions in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of California for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The company received notice of termination yesterday from the financial lending group, which includes Bank of Montreal, Wells Fargo Banking, and Bank of the West. This action forced the company to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy. SK Foods is currently marketed and actively for sale with a target sale date of late June 2009. SK Foods is a privately held company with operations in Kings, Colusa, Monterey, Solano, and Yolo counties in California with more than 400 full-time employees and 2,500 seasonally employed workers. SK Foods expects that Chapter 11 protection will enable the company to continue managing its operations in the ordinary course of business. “This was a difficult but necessary decision,” said Scott Salyer, CEO of SK Foods. “We have been focused on realigning our operations and improving our execution, and this filing will relieve the immediate pressure from our creditors and provide us time for an orderly exploration of our strategic alternatives, including a sale. This Chapter 11 filing is the next logical step in an ongoing process to address our capital structure.” Restaurant traffic declines for second consecutive quarter
5/11/2009-Rising unemployment, low consumer confidence, and severe weather conditions kept consumers from visiting restaurants this past winter, according to The NPD Group, a market research company. For the second consecutive quarter, restaurant traffic dipped below year ago levels as mounting job losses hurt lunch weekday visits and supper traffic declines continued. For the quarter ending February 2009, NPD’s Consumer Reports on Eating Share Trends (CREST), which tracks consumer usage of commercial foodservice, reports foodservice traffic declined to -1.5% from the same quarter a year ago, and total spending at commercial foodservice still rose but only by 0.5% as the average eater check size rose 2% over year ago levels. The quick service restaurant (QSR) segment experienced its first decline this quarter since winter 2003. Customer counts at QSR were down to -1%. Full service restaurants absorbed the steepest loss, and the rate of decline at casual dining accelerated. One bright spot for the restaurant industry this winter was that consumers, while cutting back on weekday visits, ate out more on the weekend, reversing a trend in previous quarters. As gas prices rose in summer 2008, consumers began pulling back on their foodservice visits on the weekend. This winter, as gas prices eased, customers began coming slowly back to restaurants on the weekend. PepsiCo files suit against Pepsi Bottling Group
5/11/2009-PepsiCo has filed suit in Delaware against the Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG) and certain of its directors. The suit alleges that the defendants intentionally failed to provide notice of a recent PBG Board meeting to the PBG directors affiliated with PepsiCo. At that meeting, the directors in attendance claim to have adopted a “poison pill,” implemented certain new executive compensation arrangements, and purported to amend the PBG bylaws in ways PepsiCo believes are detrimental to its rights as a shareholder. Because of the lack of notice and consideration by the full Board, PepsiCo alleges those actions by the Board at the meeting are invalid. PepsiCo further alleges that PBG and its Board breached their fiduciary duties to PBG shareholders by adopting the poison pill because it restricts PepsiCo’s rights as a PBG shareholder and constitutes an unreasonable and disproportionate response to PepsiCo’s constructive proposal. The suit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief. On April 19, PepsiCo made a proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock that it does not already own in its two largest anchor bottlers, PBG and PepsiAmericas (PAS), at a value of $29.50 per share for PBG and $23.27 per share for PAS. PepsiCo currently owns 33% of the outstanding shares of PBG and 43% of the outstanding shares of PAS. On May 4, PBG announced that its board had rejected PepsiCo’s proposal. In addition, PBG also announced that its board had approved adoption of a shareholder rights plan, commonly referred to as a “poison pill,” as well as retention arrangements for certain key employees, and amendments to PBG’s bylaws regarding notice and informational requirements for shareholder actions. Release (pdf)
FDA seizes adulterated food, food ingredients
5/11/2009-At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized more than $1.5 million worth of food products, including herbs and botanicals, stored under filthy conditions at the American Mercantile Corporation of Memphis, Tenn., on May 7. During an inspection of American Mercantile in March, FDA investigators discovered evidence of extensive rodent and insect infestation throughout the company’s warehouse. The company failed to correct these problems. Acting on a warrant issued by the U.S. District Court in Memphis, U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated food products exposed to rodent and insect contamination at the facility. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because they were held under insanitary conditions under which they may have become contaminated with filth. “FDA will not tolerate a company’s failure to adequately control and prevent filth in its facility,” said Michael Chappell, the FDA’s Acting Associate Commissioner for regulatory affairs. “The FDA is prepared to use whatever legal means are necessary and appropriate to keep potentially contaminated products out of the marketplace.” American Mercantile stores and processes food ingredients, which are then sold to and used in the dietary supplement and herbal tea industries. The seized articles include food products, such as sarsaparilla, spearmint leaves, cornstarch, sweet orange peels powder, licorice powder, sassafras, and salt. The FDA has no reports of illness associated with consumption of the products. New food safety technology for eggs
5/11/2009-The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have filed a patent on microfiltration technology that can protect pasteurized liquid eggs from food safety threats. These threats include both naturally occurring spoilage bacteria and pathogens. The new technology was developed by Sudarsan Mukhopadhyay, Peggy Tomasula, and John Luchansky, researchers at the ARS Eastern Regional Research Center (ERRC) in Wyndmoor, Pa. Current pasteurization technology removes heat-sensitive pathogens, but some heat-resistant spoilage microorganisms can survive. Consumers can avoid illness by properly preparing and cooking eggs before consumption, but the researchers have found that the new technology can compensate for the shortcomings of thermal pasteurization. The technology—crossflow microfiltration membrane separation (CMF)—removes more pathogens than thermal pasteurization. And it does so without affecting the eggs’ ability to foam, coagulate, and emulsify, meaning that CMF-treated eggs could be safely substituted for pasteurized eggs in angel food cake and other products where those characteristics are desired. In a pilot-scale study, CMF was shown to remove about 99.99% of inoculated Salmonella enteritidis from unpasteurized liquid egg whites. The technology can also be used to remove Bacillus anthracis spores from egg whites. This finding adds to previous work in which ERRC researchers used CMF to remove 99.99% of B. anthracis spores inoculated into fluid milk. Microfiltration can also protect milk from more common bacterial pathogens, potentially extending its shelf life. Although effective in its own right, CMF works best when used as an accompaniment to pasteurization, not a replacement for it. Combining the two processes significantly reduces the pathogen load. The research is published in Agricultural Research magazine. Friday, May 08, 2009 Serum folic may lower risk for asthma 5/08/2009-A study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology shows that higher blood levels of folate may reduce risk for asthma by 16%. Folate is found in foods such as chick peas and lentils, while folic acid is obtained from grain products following introduction in the U.S. and Canada of mandatory fortification in 1998. The researchers obtained data from the 2005–06 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in which serum folate and levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), the predominant antibody associated with an allergic response, were measured in 8,083 subjects ages 2 to 85. The researchers found that higher folate levels were associated with lower levels of IgE antibodies, as well as fewer reported allergies, less wheezing, and lower likelihood of asthma. In fact, the lowest average folate levels, defined as less than 8 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), were associated with a 40% increase in the risk of wheezing, compared to the highest folate levels, defined as more than 18 ng/mL. In addition, the lowest folate levels were linked to a 30% higher risk of elevated IgE antibody levels, compared to the highest folate levels. The researchers plan to conduct a placebo-controlled trial of folic acid placebo in people with allergies and asthma. J.M. Smucker promotes officers
5/08/2009-The J.M. Smucker Co. has announced the promotion of Corporate Officer John Mayer and the election of Jim Brown and Jeannette Knudsen as Corporate Officers of the company. Mayer, currently a Corporate Officer and Vice President, Customer Development, has been promoted to the position of Vice President, Sales, Grocery Market, effective June 1. Mayer, who has been with the company for 29 years, succeeds Don Hurrle who is retiring June 30 after more than 33 years with the company. Brown, currently Vice President, U.S. Grocery Sales, has been promoted to a Corporate Officer. Brown has been a Smucker employee for more than 20 years. Knudsen joined the company in 2002 and has been Acquisition and Securities Counsel and Assistant Secretary since 2007. She succeeds M. Ann Harlan as Corporate Secretary, a position Harlan has held since 2003. Harlan will continue to serve as Vice President and General Counsel. FDA not meeting food-safety inspection audit goals 5/08/2009-According to the USA Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is failing to meet its goals for auditing food safety inspections that states do on its behalf. State agencies do half of the FDA’s food inspections, but the FDA aims to audit 7% of those in order to make sure states do good inspections. The FDA fell short of its goal in at least 17 of 39 states it paid to do inspections in the 2007–08 contract year. In addition, the FDA did no audits in five states: Maryland, Wyoming, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska. However, it should be noted that this is an improvement over previous years. For the 2006–07 year, the audit goal was unmet in 21 of 37 states, and in eight states no audits were conducted. In 1998, the FDA did no audits in 21 of 38 states. FDA’s 2010 budget proposal focuses on food safety 5/08/2009-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting a budget of $3.2 billion to protect and promote the public health as part of the President’s fiscal year (FY) 2010 budget—a 19% increase over the current FDA fiscal year budget. One of the major initiatives of the budget falls under “Protecting America’s Food Supply,” which has a proposed budget of $259.3 million. The goal of this effort is to protect American consumers by preventing intentional and unintentional contamination. It would focus on foreign and domestic sources of ingredients, components, and finished products at all points in the supply chain, including their eventual use by the American public. Within this initiative, the FDA proposes to collect a total of $94.4 million in new user fees to register food facilities and increase food inspections, issue food and feed export certificates, and reinspect food facilities that fail to meet the FDA’s safety standards. Thursday, May 07, 2009 Salmonella remains most common cause of foodborne outbreaks in EU
5/07/2009-The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have published the “Community Summary Report on Foodborne Outbreaks in the European Union in 2007.” It shows that Salmonella remained the most common cause of foodborne outbreaks in the EU, followed by foodborne viruses and Campylobacter. A total of 5,609 outbreaks were reported in 2007, which affected almost 40,000 people and caused 19 deaths. Of the total number of outbreaks, 36% (over 2,000) were verified by laboratory detection of the pathogen in food or by epidemiological evidence showing a link between human infection and the food source. The majority of foodborne outbreaks in 2007 were outbreaks affecting more than one household. The contaminated foodstuffs were most commonly consumed in homes or in restaurants, cafés, hotels, or other caterers. In addition, outbreaks also occurred in schools, canteens, and hospitals or medical care facilities. The report showed that Salmonella continued to be the most frequent cause of foodborne outbreaks accounting for four out of every 10 reported outbreaks. Of the 2,201 Salmonella outbreaks reported, 590 could be verified by laboratory detection or by analytical epidemiological evidence. The rest were also likely to be foodborne outbreaks, but no conclusive evidence was available. These outbreaks affected 8,922 people and caused 10 deaths. Eggs or products containing eggs were the foods most frequently involved in the Salmonella outbreaks. The report is based on a new reporting system distinguishing between possible and verified outbreaks. While the data vary considerably between Member States, a high number of reported outbreaks do not necessarily indicate a particular food safety concern but may rather be indicative that an effective national monitoring system is in place. Report (pdf)
Fungus may help with vitamin A deficiency
5/07/2009-U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Geneticist Daniel Skinner is studying how the edible fungus Monascus purpureus might be able help with a major public health concern: vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Especially acute in Africa and Southeast Asia, VAD is a leading cause of preventable blindness in malnourished children and increases the risk of illness and death from severe infections such as diarrheal disease. Monascus' popularity in fermented rice, noodles, and other dishes—especially those eaten in poor, rural areas of Asia—gave Skinner the idea to replace the fungus' pigment-producing genes with two from another species that makes beta-carotene, which the human body readily converts to vitamin A. If possible, Skinner believes that a beta-carotene-producing strain of Monascus could be substituted for the one now used in Asian foods, thus offering a way to address VAD in people en masse. In studies at the ARS Wheat Genetics, Quality, Physiology, and Disease Research Unit in Pullman, Wash., Skinner and his colleagues used equipment popularly called a gene gun to fire two copies of beta-carotene genes from the fungus Blakeslea trispora into the DNA of Monascus, enabling it to make the orange-colored pigment. Cheryl Vahling, an ARS Molecular Biologist at Pullman, and Kamolnan Taweeyanyongkul of Mission College in Saraburi, Thailand, collaborated with Skinner. The researchers believe the modified Monascus can produce about as much beta-carotene as a carrot, under the right growth conditions. The research is published in Agricultural Research magazine. Dietary acrylamide not linked to brain cancer 5/07/2009-A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention shows that dietary acrylamide, which is found in several heat-treated foods, is not associated with brain cancer risk. In previous epidemiologic studies, positive associations with endometrial, ovarian, and renal cell cancer risk have been observed with acrylamide. In this study, the researchers used data from the Netherlands Cohort Study on diet and cancer in which a subcohort of 5,000 people were randomly selected to participate. Acrylamide intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire at baseline and based on acrylamide analyses in relevant Dutch foods. The acrylamide risk estimates were adjusted for possible brain cancer risk factors. After 16.3 years of follow-up, 216 brain cancer cases were available for analysis. The researchers found that the hazard ratios were not significantly increased when dietary acrylamide intake was analyzed as a categorical variable. USDA develops test for botulism
5/07/2009-Though cases of botulism food poisoning aren't common in the U.S., they're nonetheless of concern to food safety researchers. That’s why U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Biologist Larry Stanker and colleagues at the ARS Western Regional Research Center in Albany, Calif., developed a new, improved test for detecting what's known as “serotype A” of the toxin. According to Stanker, the botulinum toxin that causes botulism occurs in seven different serotypes—A through G. A and B are culprits in most of the foodborne botulism cases in this country. For decades, the “gold standard” of tests for detecting botulinum toxin has been an assay that requires laboratory mice. That assay takes at least four days to perform correctly, and is neither portable nor economical. In contrast, the assay that the researchers have developed relies on laboratory-built molecules known as monoclonal antibodies, which can bind to the toxin. Monoclonal antibodies that bind to serotype A toxin aren't new. But the ones the Albany team developed may be the most sensitive yet produced, capable of detecting the toxin in minuscule amounts. Stanker has formatted these antibodies into an assay that is 10 times more sensitive than the mouse assay, yet is easier to use and less expensive. Stanker described the work in a 2008 article in the Journal of Immunological Methods, and now expects to complete assays for detecting serotypes B and E sometime this year. Already, he is working with Safeguard Biosystems, Inc., San Diego, Calif., to package two of the serotype A antibodies into a dipstick-style test kit that looks and operates much like a home pregnancy test. The botulinum kit is intended for testing liquids, such as beverages, or clinical specimens, such as blood or urine. “Bashing Botulism: Scientists Sleuth World’s Most Powerful Toxins” is published in the May/June 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.
Nutrition labeling on a majority of EU products
5/07/2009-The European Union project Food Labeling to Advance Better Education for Life (FLABEL) has found that on average 85% of food products contain nutritional information on the back of the package, while front-of-pack nutrition information was found on average on 48% of products. The group conducted an audit of the penetration of nutrition information using data from more than 37,000 products from five food and beverage product categories in retailers across the EU 27 Member States, and Turkey. Nutrition labeling is voluntary in Europe except when a nutrition or health claim is made. Despite this, the research results show that the presence of nutritional information is higher than previously reported. By far, the most widespread format across all countries was the tabular or linear listing of nutrient composition on the back of packs, stating either the big four (calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fat) or the big eight (big four plus sugar, saturated fat, fiber, and sodium). Overall, breakfast cereals was the category with the highest penetration of nutrition information, displaying nutrition information back of pack on 94% of products and front of pack on 70% of products. Nutrition claims were on average on 25% of the products audited, ranging from 12% in Estonia to 37% in Ireland and Portugal. Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA) were on average on 25% of products, ranging from 2% in Turkey to 63% in the U.K. Nutrition claims and GDAs were the most prevalent forms of nutrition information on the front of pack. These findings provide a solid base for subsequent FLABEL studies involving attention, reading, liking, understanding, and use by consumers of different nutrition labeling formats.
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