IFT Daily News

U.S., China sign Plan of Strategic Cooperation in agriculture

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:01:00 -0600

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and China’s Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu have signed a Plan of Strategic Cooperation that will guide the two countries’ agricultural relationship for the next five years.

Price dictates meat purchases

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:00:00 -0600

The impact of the economy and higher prices for meat and poultry products are making a significant difference for consumers at the meat case.

Effect of flax addition on the taste acceptability of bagels

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:59:00 -0600

A study published in the Journal of Food Science shows that the taste and texture of cinnamon raisin bagels is not as affected by the addition of flaxseed compared to other types of bagels.

Majority of dairy-related disease outbreaks linked to raw milk

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:58:00 -0600

The rate of outbreaks caused by unpasteurized milk (raw milk) and products made from it was 150 times greater than outbreaks linked to pasteurized milk, according to a study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Mars to place calorie limit on its candy

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:55:00 -0600

According to Reuters, Mars Inc., the maker of Snickers and Twix candy bars, will stop selling chocolate products with more than 250 calories in them by the end of next year, a spokeswoman said on Feb. 15.

Pizza restaurants push value to keep sales up

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:53:00 -0600

Pizza restaurants continue to perform well, despite tough economic conditions. A new report from Mintel shows that pizza restaurants are focusing on “value” in order to draw in patrons and with this strategy expect to see a modest 2.9% sales increase in 2012.

High flavanol chocolate may increase brain performance

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:51:00 -0600

A study published in hysiology and Behavior shows that flavanols in chocolate may increase brain performance in healthy middle-aged individuals.

E.U. and U.S. agree to new organic trade partnership

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:39:00 -0600

The European Union and the United States announced that beginning June 1, 2012, organic products certified in Europe or in the United States may be sold as organic in either region.

Pepsi to cut 3% of workforce

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:47:00 -0600

Pepsico has announced that it is implementing a three-year productivity program that is expected to generate over $500 million in incremental cost savings in 2012, further incremental reductions in the cost base of about $500 million in 2013, and an additional $500 million in 2014.

Akoh receives Supelco/Nicholas Pelick-AOCS Research Award

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:44:00 -0600

The American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) has announced that Casimir Akoh, Distinguished Research Professor, The University of Georgia, is the recipient of the Supelco/Nicholas Pelick-AOCS Research Award, which recognizes outstanding original research in fats, oils, lipid chemistry, or biochemistry.

Downsizing options may deter overeating more than calorie labeling

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:42:00 -0600

A study published in Health Affairs shows that restaurants where servers ask customers if they want to “downsize” their meal may be a successful approach to deter overeating.

Adding sweets to breakfast may aid in weight loss

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:37:00 -0600

A study published in the journal Steriods shows that adding sweets to your morning breakfast may aid in weight loss.

Coconut water may match carb-electrolyte sports beverage for rehydration

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600

A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition shows that pure coconut water may be just as effective as coconut water from concentrate and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink at rehydrating after exercise.

Consumers, manufacturers prioritize food safety

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600

In a new global study from UL (Underwriters Laboratories), food manufacturers identified product safety as a top business priority, but the majority of consumers believe food manufacturers can do even better to earn their confidence.

Study: Trans fat levels in Caucasian adults decline

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that blood levels of trans-fatty acids (TFAs) in Caucasian adults in the U.S. population decreased by 58% from 2000 to 2009.

Barry Callebaut to acquire Mona Lisa Food Products

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:28:00 -0600

Barry Callebaut has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of Mona Lisa Food Products Inc., a leader in chocolate decorations products in the United States.

National Restaurant Assoc. ramps up Kids LiveWell initiative

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:26:00 -0600

The National Restaurant Assoc. (NRA) has announced that the number of restaurant companies participating in its “Kids LiveWell” program has more than tripled since the initiative’s launch last July.

Cargill to invest €20 million in German cocoa, chocolate facilities

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:22:00 -0600

Frutarom acquires Mylner

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:19:00 -0600

Frutarom Industries Ltd. has signed an agreement for the acquisition of the Brazilian Mylner Indústria E Comércio Ltda for approximately $15.7 million.

New nutrition standards to allow healthier options at schools

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:14:00 -0600

On January 26, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) published revised nutrition standards for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Now that the standards have been published, Joy Dubost, National Restaurant Assoc., offers a final opinion in the latest ePerspective post.

Walmart unveils new ‘healthy’ front-of-pack icon

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:11:00 -0600

A year after pledging to develop a front-of-pack label that would give its customers an easier way to identify healthier food, Walmart has unveiled the “Great For You” icon.

Sugar commentary sparks controversy

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:10:00 -0600

In a commentary published in Nature, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco state that sugar should be controlled like alcohol and tobacco to protect public health.

Green tea may reduce disability risk in elderly

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:09:00 -0600

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that drinking green tea on a regular basis may reduce disability risk in elderly adults.

Global food prices to ease in 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:08:00 -0600

According to Reuters, the World Bank has reported that global food prices are set to decline further in 2012 as a weaker world economy dampens consumer demand while food supplies rise.

IFT, FAO partner to address global food system needs

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:18:00 -0600

With mutual efforts toward achieving a safe, sufficient, and accessible food supply, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) have signed a “Memorandum of Understanding” (MOU).

Restaurant industry set to reach record sales in 2012

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:15:00 -0600

Despite sluggish recovery by the nation’s economy, the restaurant industry is projected to expand in 2012, according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast released Feb. 1.

List named AOCS Stephen Chang Award recipient

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:13:00 -0600

The American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) has announced that Gary List is the recipient of the 2012 Stephen Chang Award, which recognizes scientists or technologists who have made decisive accomplishments in research for the improvement or development of products related to lipids.

Wilmar International invests in Blue Pacific Flavors

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:10:00 -0600

Blue Pacific Flavors, a developer and manufacturer of natural and organic-compliant fruit flavors, announces a strategic capital investment by Asia agribusiness group, Wilmar International Ltd.

Ralcorp expects Post cereals separation by Feb. 3

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:15:00 -0600

Ralcorp Holdings Inc. has announced that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has declared effective Post Holdings Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 10.

FDA finds carbendazim in some orange juice from Canada, Brazil

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:13:00 -0600

To ensure that orange juice in the United States does not pose a safety concern due to the presence of carbendazim residues, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently testing samples of orange juice shipments from all countries and manufacturers that offer such shipments for import into the U.S., as well as imported and finished product at domestic manufacturers.

Citromax hires Nolan as VP of Commercial Operations

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:12:00 -0600

Citromax, a manufacturer of citrus oils, juice extracts, and flavorings, has appointed Suzy Nolan as its new Vice President of Commercial Operations.

Sara Lee partners with Philips, acquires SENSEO brand

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:55:00 -0600

Sara Lee Corp. has agreed to enter into a nine-year exclusive partnership with Philips on Philips-branded consumer coffee systems that will drive innovation and expansion into new markets for its leading SENSEO coffee brand.

AdvancePierre Foods, Johnsonville Sausage form strategic alliance

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:52:00 -0600

AdvancePierre Foods and Johnsonville Sausage have formed a strategic alliance, leveraging AdvancePierre Foods’ foodservice organization and distribution system to deliver Johnsonville Sausage to foodservice customers across the United States.

Sensient opens new facility in Brazil

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:51:00 -0600

Sensient Technologies Corp. has announced the opening of its new color and flavor complex in Jundiaí, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Consumers skeptical about health claims on food packaging

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:48:00 -0600

Nielsen, a global provider of insights and analytics around what consumers watch and buy, has released a report indicating that 59% of consumers around the world have difficulty understanding nutritional labels on food packaging and more than half (53%) consider themselves overweight.

Entry deadline for 2012 DuPont Awards approaching

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:51:00 -0600

DuPont has announced that time is running out to enter the 24th DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation. Deadline for entries is Feb. 24, 2012.

USDA proposes new poultry inspection process

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:25:00 -0600

In a shift that will save money for businesses and taxpayers while improving food safety, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing a modernization of young chicken and turkey slaughter inspection in the United States by focusing FSIS inspection resources on the areas of the poultry production system that pose the greatest risk to food safety.

Barry Callebaut, Unilever sign long-term partnership agreement

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:24:00 -0600

Barry Callebaut AG and Unilever have signed a new long-term global partnership agreement.

Almond milk grows in popularity

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:21:00 -0600

According to new report by Packaged Facts, total U.S. retail sales of soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, and other plant-based milks reached $1.33 billion in 2011.

Research finds levels of MRSA bacteria in pork products

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:19:00 -0600

A study published in PLoS ONE shows that retail pork products in the United States may have a higher prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (MRSA) than previously identified.

PepsiCo, Ocean Spray form alliance in Latin America

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:23:00 -0600

PepsiCo and Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc. have formed a strategic alliance in Latin America.

Walnuts rank highest in antioxidant content among nuts

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:21:00 -0600

A study published in Food and Function shows that the content and quality, or potency, of antioxidants present in walnuts was highest among the nuts.

Diet rich in low-glycemic food may reduce markers of inflammation

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:20:00 -0600

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition shows that a diet rich in slowly digested carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, and other high-fiber foods, may reduce markers of inflammation associated with chronic disease.

Brazil breaks grain harvest record in 2011

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:19:00 -0600

The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) has announced the results of the 2011 national grain harvest, revealing that the national cereal, pulse, and oilseed harvest yielded 159.9 million tons over the year, which is 6.9% higher than the record harvest of 149.6 million tons obtained in 2010.

Kraft Foods announces layoffs as it prepares for split

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Kraft Foods has announced several moves to help ensure its North America-based snacks and grocery businesses are well-positioned to become two independent public companies before the end of 2012.

LED lights may extend meat’s shelf life

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

A switch to LED lights in refrigeration units could save the retail meat industry millions of dollars each year, according to research from Kansas State University.

Sweetness intensity may not correlate to overall caloric intake

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

A study published in the Journal of Food Science shows that although taste has an important impact on dietary choice, perceived sweetness intensity alone may not have a significant influence on food behavior and dietary intake in young adults.

President Obama seeks more power to merge food agencies

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

According to Food Safety News, a single federal food safety agency will happen if the U.S. Congress grants the Obama Administration authority to reorganize the government.

FDA suspends orange juice imports

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:47:00 -0600

According to Bloomberg, the United States has temporarily halted shipments of imported orange juice from all countries while they’re being tested, and said it will destroy or ban products containing even low levels from a banned fungicide.

Campbell names Alexander President of Campbell North America

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:44:00 -0600

Campbell Soup Co. has announced the appointment of Mark Alexander as President of Campbell North America.