Breaking News on Prepared Food and Meat Processing

Meat stabilisers designed to help cut production costs

Danisco has developed a new series of ingredients for processed meat products that it claims can help improve yield and cut costs in production whilst maintaining quality.

Arla develops skimmed milk powder substitute for meat

Arla Foods Ingredients has introduced a new milk protein designed to replace skimmed milk powder in meat formulations, which it claims offers better texture for less cost.

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“All of humanity under threat”

The World Health Organisation has delivered its direst warning yet about the implications of swine flu stating that “All of humanity is under threat.”

Swine flu impacts global economy

The swine flu virus first identified in Mexico cannot be contained, warns Dr Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), as the economic impact of the outbreak continues to spread.

New ultrasonic sensors clean up

New ultrasonic sensors for use in the food and beverage industry have been launched by Banner Engineering, based in Minneapolis, US.

Weekly comment

Supplements: Time to change the nay-saying record?

As yet another TV show concludes that supplements are unnecessary, is the ignorance of the mainstream media few putting the health of the many at risk? Isn’t it time to change the record?

DSM makes liquid solution for sausage and cheese preservation

DSM is launching a new liquid solution for preserving sausages and cheeses, which is said to allow for even surface coverage and overcome the dust and stickiness problems associated with powder-based products.

Biosensor allows rapid testing of L. monocytogenes in food - study

US and Indian scientists have developed a new biosensor for use in a faster, more sensitive test for detecting the deadliest strain of Listeria food poisoning bacteria, according to an article in the current issue of Analytical Chemistry.

Diet change may be greener option than local sourcing

As consumers seek out food with a reduced carbon footprint, some experts believe a dietary shift from red meat and dairy consumption may be more effective than turning to locally sourced products, suggests new analysis.

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German scientists react to GM ban

The German science organizations on green genetic engineering has criticised the country's government for the ban on Monsanto's MON810 maize, noting that a ban on one crop will damage all GM in the country.

Licence deal for rapid pathogen killing technology

A new technology that can kill foodborne pathogens in a minute has been licensed to an anti-bacteria product manufacturer, according to the US university that developed it.

Consumer perception part of dairy’s cow methane battle

As stakeholders across the dairy supply chain look to put cows’ backsides at the forefront of efforts to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, researchers suggest consumer acceptance will be a major factor in any successful solution.

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China in bid to reduce food safety risk

Food safety monitoring in China has been stepped up significantly since the authorities launched a nationwide drive in December against illegal additives, reports China Daily.

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DS database to improve US nutrient intake estimates

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has launched the Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database (DSID) to improve estimates of the U.S population's nutrient intakes.

Are ethics behind halal and kosher sales?

Interest in ethical consumerism is rising, and with it so will sales of halal and kosher-certified meats, predicts a Packaged Facts report, but animal welfare charity Compassion in World Farming disagrees.

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Who’s hoodwinked by a healthy halo?

What does health taste like? As a kid, I was encouraged to hold my nose and swallow down broad beans and cod-liver oil. If they tasted bad, it was only ‘cos they were good for me.

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Dean Foods targets Santee Dairies buy - report

US-based processor Dean Foods is expected to purchase the Santee Dairies milk processing operations from retail group Stater Bros., according to press reports.

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Kid’s omega-3/probiotic supplement launched in Europe

Israeli firm, Anlit Ltd, has launched a children’s probiotic and omega-3 supplement in European markets after notching success with the product in Israel.

Green microbiocide said to clean up infections

A new microbiocide for food processing facilities called Excelyte is more effective, greener, safer and cheaper than conventional products, according to its manufacturers.

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FSA praised for science practice

The UK’s Food Standards Agency has been applauded by the Government Office for Science for its practice, use and management of science, and its transparency in holding meetings in public.

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Digestion and weight are health priorities for Brazilians: Survey

Consumer research by ingredients firm Tate & Lyle reveals that over half of Brazilian consumers are looking for healthier eating options, with areas of focus being weight management and digestion.

Med diet, vegetables and nuts come out top for heart health

The Mediterranean diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C, E and folate, is the only dietary pattern associated with a lower risk for heart disease, says a new review.

Kemin to launch rosemary-green tea extract blend for meat

Kemin is introducing a new blend of rosemary and green tea extracts in Europe and Asia, which it says work together to neutralise each others’ distinctive flavours and can help retain an appealing colour and flavour of meat products.

North American meat sector target of Listeria technology

Netherlands based company, EBI Food Safety, has announced that it has teamed up with US distributor World Technology Ingredients (WTI) to accelerate the penetration of its GRAS approved phage based product, Listex, into the North American meat and poultry sector.

Weekly comment

Food supplements proving recession-proof

The ongoing slide of global capitalism is decimating industries, but the food supplements industry is not one of them as fraught consumers turn to its potential low-cost, anti-medical, wellness promise.

Soluble fiber to beef up processed meats’ nutritional profile

AHD International has extended its LuraLean line to reduce fat, increase fiber and lengthen shelf life in processed meat products.

New toolkit to ‘future-proof’ food businesses for challenges ahead

The UK’s Food Ethics Council has launched a new toolkit to help businesses prepare for future challenges to the food system, as it expects some major unpredictable changes are just around the corner.

Bioexx set to roll out ‘unique’ canola proteins isolates

Canada’s Bioexx has announced the successful pilot plant production of a canola protein isolate and hydrolyzed protein concentrate for foods.

Consumers seek out cheaper organics, says Soil Association report

The UK organic sector is cheered by a 1.7 per cent increase in the market in 2008 despite the gloom of recession, as a report from the Soil Association sees consumers buying cheaper organics instead of switching back to conventional foods.

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Australian industry deems traffic lights simplistic

The Australian Food and Grocery Council has criticised traffic light labelling on foods as “too simplistic”, while the industry has already rolled out a Daily Intake Guide system on around 1100 products.

EFSA finds smoke flavours could pose health risk

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has expressed safety concerns over the use of two smoke flavourings in food as it publishes the first in a series of risk assessments into smoked flavour products.

Weekly comment

Could clones be hiding out in ice-cream?

Ben & Jerry’s campaign to ensure produce from clones is detectable in the food chain shows that bundling biotech in with conventional produce remains unacceptable – but lessons from GM do not seem to have been learned.

Survey shows consumer concern about preparation, not supply

American confidence in supermarkets’ food safety has slipped steadily over the past five years but this does not necessarily reflect lower confidence in the food supply, says The NPD Group.

New wave of authentic Latino flavors hits the US

American Latinos and non-Latinos alike are driving a ‘new wave’ of authentic Latin American foods and flavors set to enter the mainstream in the US, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.

Pork scratchings gain oil extension with rosemary extract

A snack firm has become the first to use Vitiva’s Inolens 4 rosemary extract in a pork scratchings product to make frying oil last longer, and to enable longer shelf life.

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New site offers enhanced food safety data, says FSAI

A newly enhanced Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) website provides information on HACCP as well as a section on ‘legislation’ which has links to all the Irish and international food acts and regulation, claims the safety agency.

Ben & Jerry's stunt highlights concern over clones in food chain

Ben & Jerry’s has fessed up to creating an online presence for a fictitious company selling cloned milk as a publicity stunt, as campaigners believe that the offspring of cloned animals have already entered the food chain.