Special edition: Battling malnutrition

Time for mandatory folic acid fortification to go truly global?

Food fortification with neural tube defect (NTD)-reducing folic acid is mandatory in 75 nations, but concerns over cancer and other health issues mean Europe lags far behind  – a situation...

News in brief

EU to ban flavouring compound

The European Commission and member states have voted to ban a flavouring compound, following an EFSA opinion on its safety published last week, which found that the ingredient was of...

EFSA finds flavouring substance safety concern

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found that a flavouring compound used to give a burnt, nutty flavour to confectionery, baked goods and some savoury products is a safety...

We should get down to 2,300mg sodium/day, but data does not support 1,500mg target, says IOM

New research supports significant reductions in sodium from where most Americans are today, but does not justify population-wide reductions below 2,300 mg per day, according to a new report from...

New data proves once again that voluntary approaches to sodium reduction are not working, says CSPI

A new analysis of sodium levels in 480 packaged and restaurant foods over the period 2005-2011 provides further evidence that voluntary approaches to sodium reduction have not delivered the across-the-board...

Guest article

EU health claims evolution: A submission rethink

Now that the dust has settled on the health claims submission process we should all be very clear on the rules of engagement. Well kind of, says Nigel Baldwin, chief...

Industry calls on EU governments to reject food taxes

EU governments should refrain from ‘discriminatory’ food taxes and take a more holistic approach to obesity prevention, according to a joint position paper from FoodDrinkEurope and trade union organisation EFFAT.

Most consumers don't know what EFSA is, experts find

Almost no German consumers know about the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), or understand the role it has in the approval of health claims for functional food products, according to...

Milk allergen risk prompts ConAgra RTE popcorn recall

ConAgra Foods has issued a precautionary recall on two varieties of Orville Redenbacher’s ready-to-eat popcorn due to the risk of undeclared milk allergens.

‘Labeling is hot': Gluten-free, GMO and vending rules on horizon for snacks

Labeling is a number one issue for US snack makers given the increasing attention from authorities and the private sector, says a US food policy expert.

Could the WTO overturn EU health claim laws?

Aggrieved companies and  trade groups have already mounted legal actions against the EU’s strict health claim laws – they are in process – but the regulation’s workings could face fresh...

UK standards agency files latest figures on furan and acrylamide

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has released its latest update on the levels of acrylamide and furan in foods, adding that their findings do not increase concern about the...

Healthy logo: Netherlands ‘Choices’ logo confirmed as first government-backed scheme in EU

The Dutch version of the Choices logo has been confirmed as the first government-backed healthy logo scheme to gain EU and Member State support.

News in brief

Possible rodent infestation prompts Northern Ireland bakery recall

A possible rodent infestation has prompted Kingshill Bakery to issue a product recall on some of its breads, cakes and biscuits.

EFSA completes aspartame consultation, says it needs to ‘better explain’ risk assessment

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has finished its consultation on the safety of aspartame with a public meeting held on Tuesday with representatives of national food safety authorities, EU...

Bakers welcome tougher penalties for plastic bread tray theft

The American Bakers Association (ABA) has welcomed a Maryland bill that will increase the penalties for theft of plastic bread trays – a criminal act that bakers say costs at...

Product line malfunction caused McCoy’s plastic contamination, says KP Snacks

A production line malfunction was the cause of plastic contamination in four variants of McCoy’s potato chips, KP Snacks says.

"They are scientists performing a very difficult task, as instructed by EU law makers."

I observed the EFSA health claims panel in action; conspiracy theorists will be disappointed

Last week NutraIngredients was one of 10 organisations invited to observe the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) health claims panel in action for a day at its Parma, Italy, base.

UK watchdog: 95% of online advertising is compliant

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has found 95% of 120 websites assessed in various sectors including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) are compliant with its code of practice.

Man loses fingers in grain milling accident

A Northamptonshire grain firm has been fined after an employee lost three fingers and a thumb on the blades of a running mixer in another accident involving inadequately guarded machinery.

Aflatoxins levels in cereals across Europe within limits, finds EFSA report

Levels of potentially toxic aflatoxins in cereals and processed cereal products across Europe are, on the whole, within safety limits, according to new data from EFSA.

“Advancements made in nutritional science and the benefits produced by foods and foodstuffs may no longer be shared with consumers by those who procure the foods and foodstuffs."

EU health claim laws strip consumers of right ‘to share in scientific development’: Author

The European Union nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR) denies consumers of the right to scientific advancement in nutrition, says outspoken Dutch writer and NHCR opponent, Bert Schwitters.

EU margarine industry sets stricter trans fat standards

The trade association representing margarine and vegetable fats makers in the EU has tightened its Code of Conduct for the third time since 1995, in an effort to reduce trans...

Butterfly Bakery hit with injunction after false sugar claims

New-Jersey firm Butterfly Bakery must shut down operations until it complies with regulations after it made false claims about sugar and fat content.

Monsanto threatens to sue EFSA over publication of maize GM data

Monsanto is threatening the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) with legal action after the European Union’s central science agency published data relating to a Monsanto genetically modified (GM) maize form....