A U.S. study testing the levels of chemical contaminants in the urine of two groups of families, found that exposure to the chemicals may go far beyond what scientists have assumed. Even when participants consumed only organic foods prepared and stored in non-plastic containers, exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates was significant. Previous studies have shown that phthalates and bisphenol A disrupt the endocrine systems of animals and humans and cause other health problems such as hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression in girls. "Current information we give families” – on plastic bottle labels and personal care products – “may not be enough to reduce exposures," said the lead author on the study.

An analysis of data on sugar availability and diabetes rates compiled from 175 countries has found an association between increased sugar in a population’s food supply and higher diabetes rates and obesity rates. U.S. researchers said the data suggest that at the population level additional factors contribute to diabetes risk besides obesity and total calories intake. For every additional 150 calories of sugar available per person per day, the prevalence of diabetes in the population rose one  percent. “Sugar appears to play a prominent role” in the onset of diabetes, researchers said.

The Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil or nuts reduces the risk of a heart, attack, stroke or heart-related death, according to a long-term U.S. clinical study involving 7,447 people in Spain. After five years, scientists proved that participants who followed either of two types of Mediterranean diet – supplemented with either nuts or with olive oil – showed a substantial reduction in risk of suffering a cardiovascular event. The findings prove that a high-vegetable fat diet is healthier at a cardiovascular level than a low-fat diet. The diet is characterized by a high intake of olive oil, fruit, nuts, vegetables, and cereals; a moderate intake of fish and poultry; a low intake of dairy products, red meat, processed meats, and sweets; and wine in moderation, consumed with meals.

Though some studies have concluded that there is no evidence that organic farming produces more nutritious fruits and vegetables, a new study finds that tomatoes grown on organic farms  amassed more nutrients linked to stress resistance. According to the Brazilian authors, organic farming exposes plants to greater stress than conventional farming. The tomatoes they grew were about 40 percent smaller than conventionally grown tomatoes, but accumulated higher concentrations of sugars, vitamin C and pigment molecules like lycopene, an anti-oxidant compound.

Diet plays a significant role in the aggravation of acne, according to new U.S. research. Scientists found that high glycemic load foods (containing higher levels of carbohydrates) and dairy products contribute especially to the problem, which afflicts more than 17 million Americans. Researchers reviewed scientific studies conducted between 1960 and 2012 that investigated diet and acne. The results do not demonstrate that diet causes acne, but seems to influence or aggravate it, the researchers said. They also noted that medical nutrition therapy (MNT) – including dietary intervention – could play an important role in acne treatment.

A U.S. study in rats shows that resveratrol – a powerful antioxidant compound found in red grapes and wine – eases or protects against the long-term effects of exposure to loud noises over an extended period of time. The researchers were studying resveratrol’s effect on bioinflammation, which is suspected of contributing to health problems such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, aging and hearing loss. The researchers concluded that resveratrol seems to protect against both noise-induced hearing loss and cognitive decline. Noise-induced hearing loss is a growing medical issue among American troops: more than 12 percent return from Iraq and Afghanistan with significant hearing loss.

Fast-food customers who are loyal to their restaurant brands tend to re-visit twice as often as customers who switch among competing brands, according to an NPD Group report. That suggests that fast-food (or quick service) restaurants operating in an era of consumer frugality and low growth ought to put a significant emphasis on building loyalty and enhancing value. Loyalty has other benefits for quick service establishments: as brand awareness increases, marketing costs decrease; loyal buyers bring in other buyers; loyal customers tend to care less about price; and they are more tolerant of mistakes.

U.S. scientists who used three different computer models to project the overall impact of steady annual reductions (totaling 40 percent) of sodium consumption in the U.S. diet found that between 280,000 to 500,000 lives could be saved over 10 years. The optimum scenario would reduce sodium consumption to about 2,200 mg/day. Three research groups took different approaches for their simulations: one used observational cardiovascular outcome follow-up data; the other two inferred the cardiovascular effects of reducing sodium from data about the relationship of blood pressure to cardiovascular disease. “All three methods consistently show a substantial health benefit for reductions in dietary sodium,” the researchers concluded.

A study by the Hudson Institute's Obesity Solutions Initiative finds that restaurants that served more lower-calories foods experienced an average increase of 5.5 percent in same-store sales. Restaurant chains that sold fewer low-calorie items experienced a 5.5 percent decrease in sales. The group analyzed 21 fast-food and sit-down restaurant chains from 2006 to 2011. The report defined lower-calorie servings as sandwiches and entrees with 500 or fewer calories, beverages with 50 or fewer calories (per 8 ounces) and side dishes, appetizers and desserts with 150 or fewer calories. "The bottom line,” said the report’s author, “ is if restaurants don't get more aggressive behind these low-calorie products, they're leaving sales on the table."

A U.S. study in lab animals comparing two omega-3 fatty acids finds that onehad the greatest effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Researchers report that EPA did little to prevent the scarring (fibrosis) associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). DHA supplementation, however, reduced the proteins involved in liver fibrosis by more than 65 percent. Liver inflammation and fibrosis are common problems growing steadily as the obesity problem worsens among Americans. "Based on these results, DHA may be a more attractive dietary supplement than EPA for the prevention and potential treatment of NASH in obese humans," researchers concluded.

A study by Canadian researchers finds that middle-aged men need more than current recommended daily amounts of protein in their diets to maintain muscle mass that is lost with aging. The study measured muscle protein synthesis in 35 men who exercised but did not lift weights. Researchers found that eating a six-ounce serving of 85 percent lean ground beef significantly improved the rate of muscle protein synthesis following exercise. Canada’s Food Guide currently recommends eating about three ounces of meat per serving to provide adequate protein to maintain muscle mass.

A U.S. scientist has developed a technique to enhance ground beef with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have a positive impact on heart disease, cholesterol and blood pressure. A Kansas company is now selling the enriched meat under the brand name GreatO Premium Ground Beef in stores in Buffalo, N.Y.  A four-ounce serving of the enhanced hamburger delivers 200 mg of omega-3s and tastes the same as regular ground beef, according to the scientist. The enriched ground beef offers an alternative to people who want omega-3s in their diet but don’t want to eat fish or take supplements.

Just-food.com writer Katy Askew notes in an overview of the state of the food industry that 2013 will be a tough year for food manufacturers everywhere. “Downbeat” consumers are keeping sales weak in developed markets and putting pressure on pricing. Marketers have a significant challenge persuading shoppers to “part with their heard-earned bucks”. But food companies do have a tool at their disposal – innovation driven by an understanding of changing consumer eating and buying patterns – that can help turn things around. The trick is to show consumers that brands and products offer real value – not just a lower price. Successful companies will be able to identify and fill the complex mix of emerging consumer demands.

The risk of incurring the devastating degenerative disease known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can be reduced significantly by adding brightly colored fruits and vegetables to the diet, a U.S. study has found. Researchers examined data collected from five studies involving more than a million people. Individuals who consumed more carotenoids – compounds like beta-carotene that give fruits and vegetables their orange, red and yellow colors – and luteins (found in dark green vegetables) had a lower risk ALS. They were also more likely to exercise, have an advanced degree, have higher vitamin C consumption, and take vitamin C and E supplements. However, long-term vitamin C supplementation was not associated with lower ALS risk.

Compounds known as catechins, found in green tea and also available in supplements, are absorbed by the skin when taken orally and protect the skin from the damage caused by ultraviolet rays (UV), according to the British study. The results were based on tests involving 14 healthy human subjects (12 women) with fair skin who were given green tea catechin supplements and then exposed to UV rays. Researchers measured the level of sunburn (erythema) before and after supplementation. Catechin supplements given at doses similar to amounts available in about two cups (500 ml) of green tea protected the skin from sunburn as well as long-term damage.

With the power of social media at their disposal, the behavior of consumers in the FMCG market has changed permanently. Shoppers use social media to research products and prices, review options, seek recommendations, etc. FMCG companies who are implementing a social media strategy need to listen closely to consumers to find out how they can strengthen bonds between brands and customers. In an insightful look at the opportunities for FMCG companies in the era of social media marketing, Brands must engage with their market, reach out to customers, find out their needs, and directly connect with them. Marketing activities should be a part of customers’ lives: connect with them wherever they go, ask questions, and get ideas.

Riding a wave of new interest in the health benefits of green coffee, NP Nutra has introduced a GMO-free green coffee extract for dietary supplements and functional foods that contains 50 percent chlorogenic acid, a phenolic antioxidant compound that is highly bioavailable in humans. Scientific studies have shown that green coffee extract induces reductions in body weight, body mass index and body fat percentage, probably because of the chlorogenic acid content. The extract comes as a light yellow brown powder, 100 percent water soluble and ready for use in supplements and functional products. It is available in large quantities at a very low price point, according to the company.

Two large clients of commercial testing company Millward Brown – Unilever and Coca-Cola – have signed on to use a facial recognition and analysis application on all of their 2013 advertising. The application – which uses software to interpret how viewers feel about ads by their facial expressions – has been tested on more than 400 advertising research projects globally. Millward cross-analyzes facial analysis with survey responses to determine how marketers might create ad campaigns using insights from messaging elements, such as emotional triggers, creative devices and product claims.

Unilever’s vice president for brand building for food and ice cream, Jon Goldstone, said innovation and sustainability are the focus of his marketing strategy. Goldstone said he believes in the company’s “Crafting brands for life” approach to brand building, which Unilever uses to integrate creativity into its marketing efforts. Unilever’s ice cream business performed strongly in 2012 despite the economic slowdown; however, the company plans to push growth for its Flora brand of butter in 2013. Unilever’s Flora pro.activ brand of cholesterol-lowering spread partnered with the British Heart Foundation to launch a campaign to promote heart health among women.

Peru’s Grupo Gloria has included Biothera’s natural immune health ingredient Wellmune WGP in a new drinkable yogurt product. According to Biothera, Gloria’s product blends the clinically proven benefits of WGP with yogurt’s digestive probiotics. The yogurt – Pro Defensis –  is available in two flavors; each bottle contains 100 mg of WGP, a proprietary baker’s yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan that is “clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy”. Wellmune – which is patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free – is available in 100 products in 50 countries.

Y oung women could cut their risk of heart attacks one third by simply increasing their intake of anthocyanins, the dietary flavonoids found in blueberries and strawberries, grapes, wine, blackberries and eggplant, a U.S. study has found. Researchers analyzed quadrennial questionnaires completed by 93,600 women (ages 25 to 42) for 18 years. Women who ate the most blueberries and strawberries had a 32 percent reduction in the risk of heart attack compared to women who ate the berries once a month or less, and even women who ate a diet otherwise rich in fruits and vegetables.

Four key trends will affect the restaurant industry this year, according to market researcher Mintel. The higher cost of beef will force restaurants to offer smaller portions or premium meat alternatives to steaks, rather than raise prices. Restaurants will need to keep up with innovations like gourmet cocktails, craft beers and nutritious smoothies and juices, in one of their most reliable profit centers. Foodservice operators will need to be extra careful in sourcing their ingredients, thanks to recent food safety scares. And restaurants may need to adjust their business models to adjust to the impact of roaming food trucks, self-serve coffee kiosks and fancy vending machines that offer fresh, high-quality food.

America’s growing concern about eating healthier, more nutritious foods has given a boost to sales of fruit, market research NPD Group says. In fact, fresh fruit is not only the most popular snack food, it is the fastest growing. Fresh fruit ranks number one in satisfying five of the six main reasons people snack: convenience on-the-go, health and weight, satiety, routine/habit, and satisfying a craving. Between April 2010 and March 2012, Americans chose fresh fruit in 10 more “snack occasions” a year than the number two choice chocolate, and 25 more occasions a year than number three potato chips.

Consumer goods companies face several challenges and trends in 2013 that can potentially affect their marketing and advertising strategies. Public focus on obesity will continue to drive beverage companies to emphasize products with low- and no-calorie options. Procter & Gamble and other companies are likely to use savings from cost cutting to engage in price-based marketing. More companies are expected to imitate Red Bull’s use of “branded experiences” in marketing.

Beginning this month, Whole Foods Market stores will be selling a new line of plant-based, minimally processed snacks, breakfast foods and pantry staples. The products were developed with the help of Rip Esselstyne, author and founder of the Engibne 2 diet, and adhere to Engine 2 guidelines: lower in fat, minimal or no added sugar, no animal products or added oils, and a one-to-one ratio of sodium to calories per serving. An example of the product line is Rip’s Big Bowl, a whole grain and omega-3 packed cereal available in three flavors. Other products include hummus, almond milk, crisp breads, salsa and tortillas.

Recent consumer research has found that the number of men who are their family’s primary food shopped has risen six percent in five years. Another study found that 31 percent of grocery shopping is now done by men, up from 14 percent in the 1980s. The trend has not gone unnoticed by grocery stores and food manufacturers: they are paying much closer attention to the needs of men who are either working at home or looking for a job. About a year ago, for example, Shop ’n Save created an in-house gender-neutral private label line called “Essential Everyday,” packaged to appeal to both men and women. A small grocery chain in New York City is stocking end caps with man-centric items. And Target and Walmart, among others, are considering setting up “man aisles.”

NPR food writer Bonny Wolf sees Asian foods – pan-Asian, Asian fusion, Asian-inspired – as the big trend of 2013, especially street foods from Vietnam, Korea, Tibet, Singapore, China and Burma. She notes that the new comfort foods will include Vietnamese pho (beef noodle soup), Korean kimchi (fermented vegetables) fried rice and Chinese hot pots. She expects to see more fermented food this year. They are healthy because they produce probiotics. She’s also betting on dark, leafy greens, beet tops, collards and even more varieties of kale as entrees rather than sides. “And expect more seaweed,” she says. “It, too, contributes to long life.”

Japanese researchers envision the development of a new class of “laser-enabled kitchen appliances,” according to New Scientist writer Paul Marks. The researchers showed a workshop in Japan a prototype of the technology using a bench top industrial laser cutter. The device can generate different foodstuffs when linked with a computer running graphics software and a webcam. Possible applications of the technology include: toast laser-etched with camera-readable designs and bacon in which the fat is laser-cooked separately from the meat. As Marks notes, “Don’t all rush at once.”

Unilever says it would participate in joint R&D programs sponsored by the European Union, but needs the EU to reduce the bureaucratic complexity that is currently a hindrance. According to the company’s R&D chief, Dr. Hans Dröge, Unilever is interested in participating in the EU's Horizon 2020 research program for 2014-2020, for example, because of its Compass strategy, whose goal is to double sales while cutting the environmental impact. The strategy requires R&D to come up with technology breakthroughs, and some of that R&D needs to be external. The barriers to participating in external R&D include the legalities associated with joining consortiums, problems with intellectual property and problems with process control in Brussels.

The American Heart Association’s compilation of the six saltiest foods in the American diet includes some fairly obvious ones: cold cuts and cured meats, soups and pizza. But also on the list are bread and rolls. Salt content of bread can be deceiving, because bread doesn’t really taste salty. But a slice of bread can contain 230 mg of sodium. Eating two sandwiches a day would mean consuming nearly 1,000 mg of salt –  nearly two thirds of the recommended daily intake of 1,500 mg – just from the bread. Add in the sodium content of the cold cuts in the sandwich and you’re easily in the 3,400 mg range, the average – and very unhealthy – sodium intake of Americans today.