All news articles for June 2016

Photo: iStock

Belgium to reduce nation's calorie intake by 5%

By Niamh Michail

Belgian manufacturers and retailers have signed a voluntary convention with the Health Minister to cut the nation's calorie intake by 5% by next year - but without independent monitoring, critics say it lacks credibility.

Photo: iStock

How can food manufacturers incentivise sustainability and boost growth?

By Niamh Michail

From green bonuses for Dutch dairy farmers to better crop efficiency for Italian wheat growers, European manufacturers are finding ways to make agricultural sustainability good for the planet and good for business. Barilla and FrieslandCampina share their...

'There will be the usual suspects of food and feed firms and researchers, but then also input from technology players,' says Finnish researcher behind insect project. © iStock.com / Wittayayut

How to foster a buzzing edible insects industry

By Annie Harrison-Dunn

A Finnish project is to investigate the main hurdles and opportunities for the edible insect industry by linking up input from multidisciplinary players from relevant sectors. 

'All in all, the coming period will see plenty of uncertainty for stakeholders,' said Rabobank. ©iStock

EU sugar prices could rise as supply and demand tightens

By David Burrows

Global sugar prices have rocketed 30% since mid-April as the balance between supply and demand tightens. In Europe prices have remained steady but could soon increase, according to Rabobank’s latest sugar quarterly.

Thin snacks are a result of growing demand for on-the-go convenience.

When sweets and snacks go 'thin'

By Douglas Yu

Sweets and snacks companies are increasingly targeting consumers by branding their products “thin” to suggest convenience or health, or to tap the snacking chocolate trend.

Greenpeace has alleged further palm oil supply chain abuse. IOI says it is putting its house in order. ©iStock

IOI damage raises questions about RSPO standards

By David Burrows

The damage caused by IOI’s deforestation and peatland drainage is “far greater” than that detailed in the complaint that led to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil suspending the supplier back in April, says Greenpeace.

What's hot at Snack Attack 2016?

Snack Attack 2016

What's hot at Snack Attack 2016?

By Douglas Yu

Seasonal flavors, premium and free-from health trends continue to dominate the snack industry, according to the latest annual Snack Attack showcase hosted in New York City.The 16 brands who presented at the Editor Showcase event displayed their newest...

A range of Rold Gold products are affected by the recall

Peanut residue: Now Frito-Lay recalls products over allergy fears

By Vince Bamford

Frito-Lay is recalling batches of Rold Gold snacking pretzels over fears they were made with flour containing undeclared peanut residue - just days after Hostess Brands pulled 710,000 cases of cakes from the market for the same reason.

IOI has announced it will not only drop the court case against RSPO but has pledged to sign up to RSPO Next, the certification body's strictest policy. © iStock

IOI drops legal action against RSPO

By David Burrows

Palm oil supplier IOI Corporation Berhad has ditched plans to sue the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), saying it has “engaged” with customers, NGOs and the RSPO to resolve the matter.

Board members objected to the way the report was published - not its contents, a spokesperson said. © iStock

Four NOF members resign over controversial report publication

By Niamh Michail

Four board members of the National Obesity Forum (NOF) have resigned because they were not consulted before the publication of a controversial report which slammed public health advice for fuelling the obesity crisis.

MEPs will vote next week on whether more action is required to protect Europe from unfair trading practices. © iStock

IFA: THE FARMER IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FOOD CHAIN'

End the power imbalance in Europe's food supply chain, say MEPs

By Niamh Michail

The Commission must end income and power imbalances in the food chain by taking action to tackle unfair trading practices and fostering fair and transparent relations between food producers, suppliers and distributors, say MEPs in a draft resolution.

'We appreciate that there may have been confusion around the portion sizes shown in the pan and the resulting bowl shots,' said Nomad Foods Europe. © iStock

ASA bans Nomad Foods advert for exaggerated portion size

By Niamh Michail

Frozen food manufacturer Nomad Foods Europe has been forced to withdraw a TV advert for misleading consumers over the portion size of a pasta dish after using more than one packet to "bring life to the ingredients" in the advert.

Total sugar, added sugar, free sugars and of which sugars...would it be easier if nutrition labels just depicted the amount of sugar that has been added in teaspoons? © iStock

NUTRITION LABELLING IN THE US AND EUROPE

Should Europeans be told how much sugar is added to their food?

By Niamh Michail

Nutrition labels in the US will now have to tell consumers how much sugar has been added by manufacturers and how much is naturally occurring. Is it time Europe introduced similar measures so consumers know whether the food they are eating is healthy?

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