Judge: ‘There is a gaping hole in the current regulatory landscape for ‘natural’ claims and GMOs’

A federal judge handling a lawsuit filed in California over ‘all-natural’ claims on Mission tortilla chips has recommended that the case be put on hold for six months to give...

Appeals court dismisses organic farmers’ lawsuit vs Monsanto, but says firm has promised it won’t sue over inadvertent contamination

A federal appeals court has dismissed a lawsuit filed against Monsanto by organic farmers and seed companies— but stressed that Monsanto has in turn given binding promises that it will not...

ACCC legal action lands Australian supermarket Coles in court over 'deceptive' bread claims

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has begun legal proceedings against supermarket chain Coles for alleged false, misleading and deceptive bakery claims.

News in brief

Salmonella scare prompts General Mills cereal recall

General Mills has issued a voluntary recall on its Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal over concerns the product may contain salmonella.

EU Parliament set for June 11 vote on PARNUTS reform

The long-awaited reform of EU rules governing ‘special’ foods like baby and gluten-free foods, is imminent with a June 11 vote to mandate the changes – and most stakeholders satisfied...

Kellogg to cough up $4m in revised Frosted Mini-Wheats settlement, but court concerned

The Kellogg Company has reached a new settlement to pay out $4m in its Frosted Mini-Wheats class action lawsuit. But the court has raised concerns on the significant cash drop...

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.