A French chocolate industry body has recognised CIRAD for its
pioneering work within the cocoa commodity chain and its
groundbreaking research into cocoa.
Dow AgroSciences yesterday announced that it is to increase
production of its trans fat free canola and sunflower oils on the
back of an increased demand as food manufacturers strive to churn
out healthier products.
Snacking on bars containing plant sterols and glucomannan could
improve cholesterol levels of both diabetic and non-diabetics, but
had no effect on glucose control, reports a Canadian study.
Two companies have teamed up to provide a cup filling and packing
service for processors looking to quickly cash in on the public's
growing appetite for convenience foods.
Eating a low glycemic index (GI) diet could reduce the risk of the incurable eye disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), by more than 60 per cent, says a new study.
People who eat a diet high in fibre have significantly lower levels
of a protein that is associated with inflammation, diabetes and
heart disease, say scientists, giving yet more support for
high-fibre diets.
The Food Standards Agency will tomorrow recommend mandatory folic
acid fortification of bread in the UK, in an effort to reduce the
incidence of pregnancies affected by neural tube defects (NTDs).
Leatherhead Food International is offering a new analysis service
to help food manufacturers develop products with added omega-3 and
to aid quality control.
The world's top 25 food companies are not taking the current
obesity crisis seriously enough, according to a report from The
City University in the UK.
A $5m project aimed at identifying and improving the genetic
make-up of barley could lead to higher yields and a better quality
crop, said the US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns on Friday.
Raspberries possess about 50 per cent higher antioxidant activity
than strawberries, and storage or processing into jams does not
remove the valuable compounds, as growing consumer awareness of
health benefits drive sales.
Canada Bread has swept up the remaining assets and business of
troubled British baker Harvestime in a move that broadens the
firm's operations in the UK.
The European Breakfast Cereal Association (CEEREAL) has hailed two
important pieces of European food legislation as "broadly positive'
for the future of the industry.
Codex has launched a searchable web-based version of its standard
General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) to inform food firms
about the latest developments.
Newly published salt reduction targets have been cautiously
welcomed by the UK food industry as being 'more realistic than the
2005 proposals', though health campaigners are furious.
Wholegrains, but not refined grains, could lower blood
triglycerides, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, say
researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service.
The adoption of detailed documentation requirements for genetically
modified (GM) food in the international trade of agricultural
commodities has been met with caution by grain and cereal
importers.
The food industry's debate on nutritional labelling has taken its
latest twist, with Sainsbury's suspending its membership of the
British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Elementary and middle schools in Illinois could be banned from
selling junk food and soda in a move designed to improve children's
health and mental abilities through good nutrition.
European consumers are increasingly skipping meals at home and
instead opting to snack or eat in restaurants, a trend that is set
to continue on the back of hectic lifestyles, says a new report by
Datamonitor.
Leading agribusiness Syngenta could be set to introduce the world's
first genetically modified wheat seed by early next decade, a move
fully supported by American wheat industry organizations.
Glisten, the UK-based confectionery and snack group, has reported
encouraging interim results and has set its sights on tapping
consumers' appetite for healthy eating.
Like other convenience food producers in the UK, Northern Foods is
struggling amidst sliding sales - issuing its second profit warning
in two months as consumers shun biscuits, pastries and pizza.
The European Commission has reopened debate on harmonising and
increasing legislation on food labelling across the bloc, a move
that could potentially lead to greater costs for businesses.
Brain-power foods, portion control and products targeting the
senior population are likely to be the food sectors to look out for
in 2006, according to Mintel.
Regular eating of flavonol-rich chocolate can cut the risk of death
from cardiovascular disease (CVD) by half, reports a long-term
study of elderly men.
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has launched a multi-lingual website
in a marketing effort to provide international customers with easy
access to information on its product portfolio.
Most Americans are unaware of the nation's new dietary guidelines,
but a strong majority of consumers say they would like to see
companies offering more health tips on their product labels,
according to a new study.
US manufacturer Kraft Foods has announced a "fewer, bigger, better"
policy, concentrating on crucial brands in key areas as the firm
suffers from lagging performance.
Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel explains why the formal adoption
this week of the EU sugar reforms was vital, and why it doesn't
mean the end for Europe's sugar industry.