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Food Companies Find That Stealth Is A Viable Strategy In Salt Reduction

January 11, 2010: 08:34 AM EST

Cutting salt is a major challenge for food companies, often requiring complete reformulation of products using more costly salt substitutes. And when it’s accomplished, consumers still associate “lower salt” with “no flavor.” So, with pressure to trim sodium content mounting, food companies are adopting stealth as their strategy. Gradual and quiet seem to be the key words, this Wall Street Journal article notes. Why? Consumers adjust well to less salt, as long as it’s done slowly. Campbell Soup Co., for example, took eight years to trim the sodium content of its V8 vegetable juice by 32 percent.

ILAN BRAT AND MAURICE TAMMAN, "Food Makers Quietly Cut Back on Salt ", The Wall Street Journal, January 11, 2010, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Coca-Cola’s Juices Snag Market Lead From PepsiCo’s Brands

January 10, 2010: 06:17 AM EST

Coca-Cola Co.'s juice division, which includes the Minute Maid and hugely successful Simply brands has grabbed the market lead from PepsiCo's Tropicana and Dole brands and has no plans to relinquish it. The company’s five-year strategy is to boost market share by 50 percent with a focus on younger and health-conscious consumers, new products, new packaging and a new ad campaign. And though soft drinks remain the king of the beverage industry, analysts say the juice business is poised for major growth. Last year, juice sales improved for the first time since 2001, thanks to less consumer concern about carbohydrates.

JENNIFER LATSON, "Juicing up the brands", HOUSTON CHRONICLE, January 10, 2010, © The Houston Chronicle

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More Labeling By Food Companies Might Be The Solution To The Obesity Epidemic

January 11, 2010: 04:28 AM EST

Obesity has supplanted smoking as America’s major health issue, says Forbes editor Michael Maiello, and big farming and food companies like Archer Daniels Midland, Monsanto, Tyson, and McDonald's have replaced the tobacco companies as the key villains. But tackling the obesity epidemic requires much different tactics from those used to fight smoking. There’s no key issue in obesity like second-hand smoke, for example. Maiello says what is really needed is something the food industry hates: more disclosure. Use pesticides, hormones, antibiotics and genetic modifications, but tell people about it so they can make intelligent food choices. That means more labeling.

Michael Maiello, "Big Fat America", Forbes.com, January 11, 2010, © Forbes.com LLC™

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As The Recession Grinds On, Food Marketers Should Study These Consumer Trends

January 11, 2010: 01:42 AM EST

With more penny-pinching U.S. consumers cooking and eating at home – 67 percent of Americans did so in the year ending February 2009 – food marketers who focus on more sophisticated home food preparation should be big winners, according to this exhaustive Food Technology overview of industry trends. Look for increased demand for restaurant-style convenience foods, flavored basic meal ingredients, and upscale home-entertaining food options (28 percent of shoppers entertain regularly at home). Consumers who want to “live vicariously” through their food will continue to make gourmet and ethnic foods – Spanish, Hawaiian, Tex-Mex, Greek, Caribbean, and Mediterranean – vital elements of their daily menus. The article also notes that although consumers are more aware of how important food is to their health, they aren’t necessarily going to pay top dollar for it.

A. Elizabeth Sloan, "State of the Industry Report: What, Where and When America Eats", Food Technology, January 11, 2010, via Food Technology, © Institute of Food Technologists

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Diet, Weight Loss Firms Have A Big Advantage In Building Robust Social Network Sites

January 9, 2010: 07:55 AM EST

While diet brand and weight loss companies have succeeded mightily in creating vibrant social networking Web sites along the lines of MySpace and Facebook, other companies, including Coca-Cola and Wal-Mart, have failed, according to Brandweek. For example, the Atkins diet online community added a million consumers in 2009, while Nutrisystem’s online community has 4.6 million participants, up from one million in June 2007. One expert says the main reason for the success of dieting and weight loss sites is a “built-in advantage… some kind of currency to connect with each other.” Losing weight and staying fit provide that common social value.

Elaine Wong, "Diet Firms Score Where Coke, Walmart Fumbled", Brandweek, January 09, 2010, © Nielsen Business Media

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Nutrient Cocktail Shows Potential For Improving Memory In Alzheimer’s Patients

January 8, 2010: 02:43 PM EST

A mixture of nutrients developed at MIT may improve memory in Alzheimer’s patients by stimulating growth of new brain connections called synapses, large numbers of which are lost in early stages of the disease. Researchers found in a clinical trial of 225 Alzheimer’s patients that verbal memory improved after 12 weeks of drinking a cocktail of three natural nutrients – uridine, choline and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (all found in breast milk) – plus B vitamins, phospholipids and antioxidants. The three main nutrients in the mixture are precursors to the fatty molecules that make up brain cell membranes, which form synapses.

Philip Scheltens, Patrick J.G.H. Kamphuis, et al., "Efficacy of a medical food in mild Alzheimer's disease: A randomized, controlled trial", Alzheimer's & Dementia, January 08, 2010, © The Alzheimer's Association

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Industry Forecasters See Growing Consumer Awareness Of, And Concern About, GMO

January 8, 2010: 10:28 AM EST

The growth of organic foods that ban ingredients containing genetically modified organisms (GMO), and the emergence of the local and green product categories, could signal even more aversion among consumers toward genetic modification, says the director of the Institute for Responsible Technology. Citing forecasts published in Supermarket News, Jeffrey Smith says consumers are growing more concerned about the content of the foods they eat and are becoming increasingly aware – and wary – of GMOs. It’s likely, he says, that, like fat and carbs, GMOs “may finally burst through into the public awareness and join their ranks.”

Jeffrey Smith, "Supermarket News Forecasts Non-GMO Uprising", The Huffington Post, January 08, 2010, © HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.

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Bland Compounds That Activate The Tongue’s Calcium Channels Can Enhance Flavors

January 8, 2010: 01:42 PM EST

Sounds like the food industry’s Holy Grail: substances that make bland, potentially healthier food – without sugar or salt – taste good. But scientists say it’s possible, thanks to so-called calcium channels found on the tongue. It is well known that some molecules trigger specific taste buds (salty, sweet, bitter, etc.), but apparently bland substances can also help enhance flavor. In this study, various compounds that activated the calcium channels in cells were diluted in salt water, sugar water, etc. Turns out the molecules that induced the most calcium receptor activity also elicited the strongest flavors in taste tests with volunteers.

Takeaki Ohsu, Yusuke Amino, et al., "Involvement of the Calcium-sensing Receptor in Human Taste Perception", Journal of Biological Chemistry, January 08, 2010, © American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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U.K. Science Panel Urges More Research Into Risks Of Using Nanotechnology In Food

January 7, 2010: 08:13 PM EST

Although nanotechnology has been touted as a way to make better cosmetics and tastier, healthier foods, a British science committee says a scarcity of scientific research means that the potential benefits and risks of its use in food are largely unknown. Without such research, food safety authorities around the world are unable to properly regulate products containing nanoparticles. The science panel said the $410 million global market for nanotechnology in food could reach $5.6 billion by 2012. "It is important that detailed and thorough research into potential health and safety implications ... is undertaken now,” the panel chairman said.

Kate Kelland, "Report calls for research on nanoparticles in food", Reuters, January 07, 2010, © Thomson Reuters

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Calorie Content Of Restaurant And Frozen Diet Meals Is Much Higher Than Reported

January 7, 2010: 02:38 AM EST

Researchers who analyzed the calorie content of frozen supermarket diet meals and food sold at ten chain restaurants found significantly higher calories on average than the companies claimed. The calories in 29 meals or other menu items at restaurant chains such as Ruby Tuesday’s and Wendy’s averaged 18 percent higher. Meanwhile, Lean Cuisine, Weight Watchers, etc., had eight percent more calories than labels reported. Some foods tested, however, actually had fewer calories than reported. Researchers said restaurants and food companies are not trying to mislead customers: most differences are due to variations in ingredients, portion sizes and testing methods.

Lorien E. Urban, MS, Gerard E. Dallal, PhD, et al., "The Accuracy of Stated Energy Contents of Reduced-Energy, Commercially Prepared Foods", Journal of the American Dietetic Association, January 07, 2010, © American Dietetic Association

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Monsanto’s SDA Omega-3 Soybeans On The Verge Of Commercialization

January 6, 2010: 07:22 PM EST

Among Monsanto’s eleven R&D pipeline projects advancing toward the marketplace is one with “direct consumer dietary benefit,” the company announced. SDA omega-3 soybeans, which are at the phase that directly precedes commercialization, offer a sustainable, land-based source of the omega-3 fatty acid that converts to the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid EPA found in fish oil, the company says. Thanks to a Generally Recognized As Safe notice from the FDA, food companies can test the oil from SDA omega-3 soybeans in food products for future launch. Monsanto’s R&D pipeline also includes other soybean projects, as well as canola and cotton projects.

"Monsanto Announces Record 11 Project Advancements in Annual Research and Development Pipeline Update", Press release, Monsanto, January 06, 2010, © Monsanto Company

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Reb-A Set To Supercharge The “Natural” Sweetener Market

January 6, 2010: 01:05 PM EST

The sweetener industry apparently has its “first commercially viable, natural, zero-calorie product that tastes like sugar,” according to this NeutraceuticalsWorld analysis. After two decades of research, and favorable FDA rulings, stevia-based sweeteners, particularly Reb-A , are rapidly capturing the interest of consumers and food and beverage makers. Reb-A, an industry exec says, is “one of the sweetest and best-tasting steviol glycosides found in the stevia leaf.” Market researcher Mintel predicts that the value of U.S. retail sales of stevia and Reb-A in tabletop sweeteners and in foods and beverages could expand to $2 billion by the end of 2011.

Lisa Schofield, "‘Natural’ Sweeteners: The Reb-A Factor", NutraceuticalsWorld, January 06, 2010, © Rodman Publishing

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Restaurants, Food Companies Significantly Under-report Calories Of Side Dishes, Entrees

January 6, 2010: 05:57 PM EST

After checking the calories of side dishes and entrees from U.S. sit-down chain restaurants, fast food restaurants and supermarket frozen meals, researchers reported that the average stated calorie content was 18 percent less than what scientific analysis found. Two side dishes, the researchers said, surpassed restaurant calorie claims by almost 200 percent. On average, the calorie info of packaged food companies was eight percent less than what the researchers found. “If people use published calorie contents for weight control, discrepancies of this magnitude could result in weight gain of many pounds a year,” one researcher said.

Lorien E. Urban, Gerard E. Dallal, et al., "The Accuracy of State Energy Contents of Reduced-Energy, Commercially Prepared Foods", Journal of the American Dietetic Association, January 06, 2010, © American Dietetic Association

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Nordic Naturals’ Effervescent Fish Oil Promises Fast Absorption Of Omega-3s

January 5, 2010: 03:00 AM EST

The “plop, plop, fiz, fizz” concept, usually associated with an effervescent antacid brand, has now been applied to omega-3 fish oil. U.S. company Nordic Naturals recently introduced Omega-3 Effervescent, an orange-flavored, water-soluble drink mix packaged in single-serving packets delivering 500 mg of EPA and DHA, plus 1200 IU of vitamin D3. According to the company, the product contains arctic cod liver oil, which has high DHA content and naturally occurring vitamins A and D. The company says the effervescent technology allows absorption of omega-3s into the bloodstream in as little as 15 minutes, much faster than other fish oil supplements.

"Fish oil supplement now available in water-soluble drink", The Medical News, January 05, 2010, © The Medical News

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New Nestlé Biscuit R&D Center In Chile Hopes To Innovate And Renovate Products

January 5, 2010: 03:50 AM EST

Nestlé has opened a research and development center for biscuits and cereal-based snacks in Santiago, Chile. The company says the new center, staffed by specialists in nutrition, engineering, product development and quality control, will focus on innovation and renovation of products. A key goal is to reduce sugar and fat levels to make biscuits lighter while maintaining taste and texture. According to the company, R&D Santiago will also develop biscuits with bioactive ingredients to improve digestive health and fortified products to address local micronutrient deficiencies. About sixty percent of Nestlé’s $1.4 billion biscuit in 2008 was centered in Latin America.

"Nestlé opens global R&D Centre to develop new generation of biscuits ", Press release, Nestlé, Santiago, Chile, January 05, 2010, © Nestlé

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Compounds Found In Pomegranates Suppress Hormone-Dependent Breast Cancer

January 5, 2010: 11:51 AM EST

Certain phytochemicals found in fruits such as pomegranates suppress the production of the female hormone estrogen, thereby preventing the proliferation of breast cancer cells and the growth of estrogen-responsive tumors, according to a laboratory study. The enzyme aromatase, which converts androgen to estrogen, plays a key role in breast carcinogenesis. Pomegranates contain anti-aromatase compounds known as ellagitannins that have the potential to prevent estrogen-responsive breast cancers. The researchers cautioned that the high levels of phytochemicals used in the study might not be achievable in humans because ellagitannins “are not well absorbed into blood when provided in the diet.”

Lynn S. Adams, Yanjun Zhang, et al., "Pomegranate Ellagitannin–Derived Compounds Exhibit Antiproliferative and Antiaromatase Activity in Breast Cancer Cells In vitro", Cancer Prevention Research, January 05, 2010, © American Association for Cancer Research

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St. John’s Wort Shown Useless For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

January 4, 2010: 05:50 PM EST

While antidepressants are often used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the herbal antidepressant supplement St. John’s wort, which has been shown helpful in depression and certain pain syndromes, is apparently useless, according to new research. IBS affects the colon and commonly causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. About 58 million people, mostly women, suffer from IBS. In this clinical trial involving 70 participants with IBS – half receiving St. John’s wort and half a placebo for three months – the placebo group actually fared better than the herbal supplement group.

Yuri A Saito, Enrique Rey, et al., "A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of St John's Wort for Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome", The American Journal of Gastroenterology, January 04, 2010, © The American College of Gastroenterology

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Citicoline Shown To Play A Role In Reducing Cravings For High-Calorie Foods

January 4, 2010: 05:51 AM EST

A vitamin-like nutrient called citicoline might be a new aid in combating poor appetite control, new research has found. In a six-week study, U.S. scientists showed photos of high-calorie foods to 16 healthy men and women given either 500 mg or 2,000 mg doses of citicoline a day. They then measured appetite, weight, and brain response (using MRI) to the images. High-dose citicoline participants showing the greatest activation of key appetite-related regions of the brain experienced the biggest drop in appetite. The researchers concluded that citicoline does seem to reduce cravings for high-calorie foods and increase feelings of satiety.

William D.S. Killgore, PhD, Amy J. Ross, PhD, et al., "Citicoline affects appetite and cortico-limbic responses to images of high-calorie foods", International Journal of Eating Disorders, January 04, 2010, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Gazing Into The Food And Beverage Industry Crystal Ball: Status And Trends

January 4, 2010: 04:56 AM EST

Noting that the food and beverage industry really comprises nine interconnected sub-industries, the editors of FoodProcessing.com recently looked into their crystal ball to forecast the future of each separate subcategory: bakery and bread, beverages, breakfasts and cereals, confectionery, dairy, frozen foods, fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, and salty snacks. For example, they expect whole grains, fiber, added calcium, organic, all-natural, HFCS-free, and gluten-free products to do well in 2010. And because see-sawing milk prices is the major issue in dairy – which impacts other food categories – industry execs have a simple wish for 2010: stable, rational prices for raw milk.

Diane Toops, News & Trends Editor, and Dave Fusaro, Editor in Chief , "Look Into the Future: The State of Food & Beverage Industry", FoodProcessing.com, January 04, 2010, © Food Processing

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Special K Ad Campaign Focuses On Healthy Lifestyle, Not Product Pictures

January 4, 2010: 07:52 AM EST

Kellogg recently launched an unusual ad campaign for its Special K cereal. The ads are unusual because they feature the target market – women looking to lose weight – but don’t show the product. In addition, even though the campaign began early in January, the theme was not “making a resolution” to lose weight – New Year’s resolutions don’t resonate with women, Kellogg found – but instead “starting a healthy lifestyle.” That lifestyle includes the “challenge:” shed pounds by eating Special K twice a day, not just at breakfast. “Our mission is to go along with women for their whole day,” says an exec.

ANDREW ADAM NEWMAN, "Pitching a Product, Without Showing It", The New York Times, January 04, 2010, © The New York Times Company

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Study Finds That Xanthigen Shows Promise As Weight-Loss Supplement

January 1, 2010: 06:53 PM EST

Russian and U.S. scientists report that obese women who ingested the food supplement Xanthigen-600 (300 mg of brown marine algae-derived fucoxanthin and 300 mg of pomegranate seed oil) lost a significant amount of weight during a 16-week placebo-controlled clinical trial. Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) lost an average of 12 pounds, while others lost 11 pounds. The scientists also noted decreases in waist size, body fat, and liver fat. “This product may be considered a promising food supplement in the management of obesity,” the researchers conclude.

M. Abidov, Z. Ramazanov, R. Seifulla & S. Grachev, "The effects of Xanthigen™ in the weight management of obese premenopausal women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and normal liver fat", Journal of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, January 01, 2010, © Blackwell Publishing Ltd

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Food Shoppers Will Continue To Mind Their Health, And Pocketbooks, In 2010

December 31, 2009: 08:07 AM EST

“Added value” is the theme for health and food trends in 2010 as consumers now known as "recessionistas" continue to look for ways to cut back on calories while saving money, according to an association that represents the low-calorie, reduced-fat food industry. Clipping coupons and finding the best prices on healthier foods will remain in vogue, along with calorie counting and finding easy, inexpensive ways to exercise. The group’s list of five key trends also includes a continued interest in natural foods, including those sweetened with stevia. "Consumers are considering their health and their pocketbooks,” the group says.

""Recessionistas" and Calorie Counters Lead 2010 Health Trends", Calorie Control Council, December 31, 2009, © Calorie Control Council

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Review Of Scientific Studies Finds Organic Foods Safer And Healthier

January 1, 2010: 12:05 AM EST

An exhaustive French review of scientific studies has found that organically grown food – whether from plants or animals – is safer and more nutritious than conventionally grown. Organic food contains almost no pesticide residues; organic vegetables contain half as many nitrates; and levels of harmful mycotoxins (from molds) on organic cereals are comparable to conventional cereals. Regarding nutrition, organic plant foods have more dry matter, minerals (iron and magnesium) and antioxidants such as phenols and resveratrol. Organic animal products have more polyunsaturated fatty acids. The author proposes several “improvements [in] organic production to achieve sustainable food production for humans in the near future.”

Denis.Lairon, "Nutritional quality and safety of organic food. A review", Journal Agronomy for Sustainable Development, January 01, 2010, via Journal Agronomy for Sustainable Development, © INRA, EDP Sciences

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Affordability, Nutrition, Innovation Are Key Food Buying Trends In 2010 - Forecast

December 30, 2009: 05:58 AM EST

A consumer trends forecast from a marketing agency finds that, thanks to more women in the workplace, men are playing a larger role in domestic issues – food shopping, cooking, etc. Other trends: beverages of all kinds reformulated with less sugar; many new affordable organic foods; pragmatic rather than pricey restaurant and grocery choices, like affordable noodle bowl and tacqueria restaurants, grab-and-go grocery choices; new products with twists on kids' favorites like gourmet PB&Js and Asian-influenced easy lunches. A key trend, according to the agency: “Counting calories alone will not be as important as assessing the quality of those calories.”

"Our 2010 Consumer Trends Forecast: The New SHEconomy", The Fresh Ideas Group, December 30, 2009, © The Fresh Ideas Group

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Key Word For Kraft’s New Food Product Flavors Is “Bolder”

December 30, 2009: 03:11 AM EST

Kraft Foods says it paid attention to restaurant flavor trends when it developed more than 20 new “bolder” products. The company is unveiling nuts, mayonnaises, and cheeses that reflect consumer interest in Italian-inspired and Mexican – read “hot and spicy,” as in chipotle and garlic – flavors. Kraft also gave a nod to berry-infused foods, so berries abound in the Planters NUT-rition line that includes antioxidant and omega-3 varieties. Its survey of restaurants found bacon to be a fast growing menu item. The result? New Oscar Mayer Applewood Smoked Bacon. Kraft is also adding several portion-controlled options to its product line.

"Kraft Foods Gets Bold With New Product Offerings for 2010", Yahoo!, December 30, 2009, © Yahoo! Inc.

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Phony Health, Ingredient Claims “Defraud” Consumers, CSPI Charges

December 29, 2009: 02:36 AM EST

Despite an increase in the number of warning letters sent by the FDA, the Center for Science in the Public Interest still sees a slew of “false claims, ingredient obfuscations, and other (food) labeling shenanigans” by many big food companies. On one of its cereals Kellogg, for example, “deliberately misreads” an Institute of Medicine report to say that consumers can eat more than four ounces of added sugar a day. Calling for federal reforms, the consumer watchdog says food companies “continue to confuse or defraud consumers about the health effects, ingredients, or ‘natural’-ness of their products.”

"CSPI Urges FDA Crackdown on False & Misleading Food Labeling", Center for Science in the Public Interest, December 29, 2009, © Center for Science in the Public Interest

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Nestlé India Has Firm Grip On Country’s Noodles, Infant Foods Markets

December 28, 2009: 08:00 AM EST

According to Livemint.com, Switzerland’s Nestlé India Ltd. has a tight lock on the India’s $331 million baby foods and $287 million noodles markets, giving it stronger volume growth and higher profit margins than competitors over the past five years. But gross margins slipped due to rising costs, smaller price increases, and the promotion of small packs. In the baby foods arena, the Indian government’s strict regulations, including a ban on infant formula advertising, make the country a tough market. Nevertheless, the infant food and nutrition space will grow 10-12 percent and “Nestlé is well placed to capture growth …”

Motilal Oswal, "Nestle to remain market leader in baby food and noodles segments", Livemint.com, December 28, 2009, © HT Media

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Given Health Risks, Caffeine Content Labeling Needs To Be Standardized

December 28, 2009: 03:46 AM EST

Caffeine has started appearing in recent years in a wider variety of products. Besides the obvious – coffee, tea, and energy drinks – caffeinated products now include chewing gum and candy bars. But excess caffeine consumption is risky, a U.S. scientist who has studied the problem says. Too much can exaggerate attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity and insomnia; increase hypertension, heart rate and stress hormone secretion. It may also hamper blood sugar regulation and harm developing fetuses. Experts argue that, given the health risks involved, the lack of labeling standards for caffeine content needs to be rectified.

Elena Conis, "Labeling standards for caffeine", The Los Angeles Times, December 28, 2009, © The Los Angeles Times

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Rudd Center Director Honored For Successful Battles With Food Companies Over Nutrition

December 27, 2009: 04:30 AM EST

A Connecticut newspaper has honored the director of Yale’s Rudd Center for Food Policy as “Person of the Year” for being “a major force behind the change in the nutritional landscape.” According to the New Haven Register, Kelly Brownell can take a lion’s share of the credit for getting big food companies like Kellogg and General Mills to announce reduced sugar content in kids’ breakfast cereals, and for suspension of the much-criticized Smart Choices nutrition standards program. Brownell bases his efforts on carefully gathered scientific data. So far, the strategy has limited his focus to nutritional issues with cereal and soda.

Ed Stannard, "Person of the Year says to eat, drink and be wary (with video)", New Haven Register, December 27, 2009, © New Haven Register, a Journal Register Property

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Researchers Unravel Genetics Of Maverick Bacterium That Causes Tooth Decay

December 23, 2009: 11:17 AM EST

Most species of bifidobacteria have long-term digestive benefits and are frequently included in probiotic foods to help digestion and boost the immune system. But not all of these bacteria offer health benefits. Researchers recently unraveled the genetics of a cavity-causing bacterium Bifidobacterium dentium Bd1, shedding light on how the microorganism genetically adapted itself to survive and cause tooth decay. This Italian-Irish study found that the bacterium survives because it can find specialized nutrients, tolerate acids, and defend itself against bacteria killers. According to the researchers, the study shows how slim the boundary is between probiotics and “opportunistic pathogens.”

Ventura M, Turroni F, "The Bifidobacterium dentium Bd1 Genome Sequence Reflects Its Genetic Adaptation to the Human Oral Cavity", PLoS Genetics, December 23, 2009, © Public Library of Science (open access)

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Heinz UK Recalls Batch Of Toddler Fruit Purée

December 22, 2009: 10:21 AM EST

Calling it a “precautionary measure,” Heinz UK recently recalled a batch of 100 percent apple and pear purée in 90g pouches for toddlers because a few pouches leaked due to a manufacturing defect. The company provided specific batch codes, notified the UK and Irish food authorities and ran ads in the media advising purchasers not to use the product. Heinz said it is investigating the incident and apologized for any inconvenience. No other Heinz baby food varieties were affected, the company said.

"Heinz Recalls an Isolated Batch of Apple & Pear Puree Pouches for Toddlers", PR Newswire, December 22, 2009, © PR Newswire Europe Limited

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FDA Says Nestlé Made Unauthorized Nutrient Claims For Certain Beverages

December 22, 2009: 09:58 AM EST

Swiss food company Nestlé made unauthorized nutrient claims about several of its juice brands, the U.S. FDA said in recent letters to the company. The agency said Nestlé’s Juicy Juice Brain Development Beverage (Apple), for example, used the term “no sugar added,” a claim not permitted on foods targeted at kids under the age of two. Other drinks cited in a letter were Juicy Juice All-Natural 100% Juice Orange Tangerine and Juicy Juice All-Natural 100% Juice Grape. Another FDA letter to the company said the Boost Kid Essentials Nutritionally Complete Drink was improperly advertised as a "medical food."

"Nestle made misleading drink health claims: FDA", Reuters , December 22, 2009, © Thomson Reuters

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Nestlé Says Greenblend Instant Coffee Delivers 70% More Antioxidants Than Green Tea

December 22, 2009: 03:36 AM EST

Nestlé says studies prove that its new instant coffee Nescafé Greenblend, recently introduced in Europe, delivers 70 percent more antioxidants than green tea. An average serving of Greenblend and green tea have about the same amounts of polyphenol antioxidants, according to the company, but the body absorbs Greenblend antioxidants better. The blend of roasted and unroasted green coffee beans was launched in Australia, Asia and Mexico in 2006 and was also promoted in France, Spain and the United Kingdom in 2009 as part of the Swiss company’s nutrition, health and wellness strategy.

"Nescafé Greenblend rolled out into Europe", Nestle, December 22, 2009, © Nestle

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Chemical Relative Of THC Selectively Enhances Sweet Taste

December 21, 2009: 08:23 AM EST

Endocannabinoids, substances produced in the brain and body that are similar to the active ingredient in marijuana (THC), selectively enhance sweet taste by acting on tongue taste cells, according to new research. Scientists administered endocannabinoids in mice to determine various physiological responses to sweet taste stimuli. In every case, sweet taste responses were enhanced. The effect was specific for sweet taste, however: endocannibinoids did not affect responses to sour, salty, bitter or umami (savoriness) taste stimuli. The researchers say the findings may lead to creation of new therapeutics to combat metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

Ryusuke Yoshidaa, Tadahiro Ohkuria, et al., "Endocannabinoids selectively enhance sweet taste", Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, December 21, 2009, © National Academy of Sciences

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Entrepreneurs Needed To Advance Flour-Making Potential Of Distillers Corn Grain

December 21, 2009: 09:25 AM EST

An Indian doctoral candidate studying in the U.S. is determined to transform food-grade, dried distillers corn grain (DDG) – which is 40 percent dietary fiber and 36 percent protein and currently used as animal feed – into an inexpensive, nutrient-packed flour for making the Asian flat breads known as chapathi and naan. The student’s adviser, who has been studying DDG for two decades, believes the grain has “limitless possibilities” for making nutritional flour, and could find a market in the U.S., Asia and India. He says the next step is to find entrepreneurs willing to take a chance in a down economy.

Sowmya Arra, "Fortifying Chapathies an Asian Whole Wheat Unleavened Flat Bread Using Corn Distillers Dried Grains", Press release, December 21, 2009, © South Dakota State University

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Organic, Natural Food Buyers Remain Loyal, If More Frugal, During Recession

December 21, 2009: 04:40 AM EST

Almost 40 percent of consumers surveyed by market research firm Mintel say their organic product purchasing habits haven’t been affected by the recession. In fact, only a tiny fraction – three percent – have curtailed organic product purchases completely, while others report buying less expensive products. About a third of survey respondents say they trust the term “natural” label on products, 45 percent trust the term “organic,” while about 30 percent were not sure they believed either term. Supermarket sales of organic and natural foods dropped .3 percent in 2009, but industry observers expect a gradual recovery by 2012.

"Mintel shows most consumers sticking with organic options in down economy", Mintel, December 21, 2009, © Mintel International Group Ltd

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It’s Not The Raisins In Commercial Raisin Bran Cereal That Cause Kids’ Cavities - Study

December 18, 2009: 08:34 AM EST

Many dentists feel that raisins cause cavities in children because they stick to tooth surfaces longer, creating higher levels of cavity-causing plaque acid. But new U.S. research found that bran flakes with raisins but no added sugar do not promote more acid than bran flakes alone. Raisins are rapidly cleared from the surface of the teeth, just like apples, bananas and chocolate. In the study, children ages 7 to 11 years old also ate raisins alone, bran flakes, and commercial raisin bran cereal. The commercial cereal, researchers found, led to “dangerous” levels of acid in the plaque.

A. Utreja, P. Lingstrom, et al., "The Effect of Raisin-containing Cereals on the pH of Dental Plaque in Young Children ", Pediatric Dentistry, December 18, 2009, © American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

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Moderate Fish Consumption Cuts Risk Of Cardiac Problems In Heart Failure Patients

December 17, 2009: 02:07 PM EST

Consuming moderate amounts of any fish can help reduce the risk of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in heart failure patients, according to Greek scientists. The study of nearly a thousand patients hospitalized after heart failure focused on demographic, nutritional, lifestyle, and medical factors combined with the risk of developing LVSD. The researchers observed that eating fish a couple of times a week was associated with significant reduction of the odds of developing LVSD, though eating higher amounts offered no greater protection. The study did not take into account the type of fish consumed or the cooking method used.

Dr. D. Panagiotakos, et al. , "Moderate Fish Consumption is Associated with Lower Likelihood of Developing Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients", Journal of Food Science, December 17, 2009, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Junk Food At Retail Store Checkout Counters Could Be Fueling Obesity Epidemic

December 17, 2009: 05:40 AM EST

Candy, soda and other junk food that is widely available in stores not usually associated with food could be contributing to the obesity epidemic by tempting people to buy high-calorie snacks they might normally avoid, according to researchers who looked at more than 1,000 non-food retail stores across the United States. Forty-one percent of the stores sold candy, soft drinks, and snacks “often within arm's reach of the cash register queue.” Snack foods were sold at nearly all drug stores and gas stations and at a majority of general merchandise, hardware, and garden stores, and automobile repair shops.

Thomas A. Farley, MD, MPH, Erin T. Baker, MS, et al., "The Ubiquity of Energy-Dense Snack Foods: A National Multicity Study", American Journal of Public Health, December 17, 2009, © American Public Health Association

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School Bottled Water Supplier Nestlé Waters Canada Wages “Battle Of The Bans”

December 17, 2009: 03:15 AM EST

Nestlé Waters Canada executive John Challinor recently carried the company’s battle against the growing number of school system bans on bottled water to a local Canadian school board meeting. He expressed his agreement with a recommended rejection of a proposed ban on bottled water in the district’s schools because of environmental and other concerns. A ban on bottled water – a growing trend among Canadian school districts – would not lead to greater consumption of tap water and would not reduce plastic bottle litter in schools because “most students and staff will simply opt for another beverage in a plastic container.”

"Nestlé Waters Canada Pleased Ban On Bottled Water In Schools Rejected ", Guelph Now Local News, December 17, 2009, © Now Media Inc.

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Deficit Of Omega-3s Linked To Several Neurological Disorders

December 16, 2009: 09:12 AM EST

Low levels of fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with information-processing problems found in people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other nervous system disorders. Two omega-3 fatty acids – docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) – appear to be the most important. In this U.S. study, mice raised on DHA and EPA showed normal, adaptive sensorimotor reactions to certain stimuli. When DHA was deficient even by a small amount, the nervous system was easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli. The American diet is high in omega6s, which reduce the body’s ability to absorb omega-3s, researchers noted.

Irina Fedorova, PhD, et al., "Deficit in Prepulse Inhibition in Mice Caused by Dietary n-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency", Behavioral Neuroscience, December 16, 2009, © American Psychological Association

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High-Methionine Diet Associated With Increased Risk Of Alzheimer’s

December 16, 2009: 08:53 AM EST

Eating foods rich in the amino acid methionine seems to boost the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study in mice. When too much methionine – found in red meats, fish, beans, eggs, garlic, etc. – is present, it is transformed into homocysteine, associated with dementia. Over eight months, one group of mice was fed regular food and another group a high-methionine diet. At 15 months of age – the equivalent of a 70-year-old human – the mice were tested. The mice fed a methionine diet had greater homocysteine levels and 40 percent more amyloid plaque in their brains, indicating advanced Alzheimer’s.

Zhuo JM, Portugal GS, et al. , "Diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemia increases Amyloid-ß formation and deposition in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease", Current Alzheimer Research, December 16, 2009, © Bentham Science Publlishers

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Government Panel Calls For Restrictions On Food Marketing To Children

December 16, 2009: 02:27 AM EST

Stressing that only foods that offer a "meaningful contribution to a healthful diet" should be marketed to children, a congressionally-created panel of U.S. regulatory officials has called for restrictions on the marketing of foods and beverages loaded with sugar, sodium and saturated fat. The nonbinding proposals are a response to concerns that food company marketing practices may be contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic by influencing kids’ eating patterns. Panel members said that food companies need to take the lead in changing marketing tactics or "Congress may decide for all of us."

JARED A. FAVOLE, "Federal Group Proposes Curbs on Marketing Food to Kids", The Wall Street Journal, December 16, 2009, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Studies Find Obesity Rates Rising Among British Kids, African Urban Dwellers

December 15, 2009: 03:47 AM EST

After analyzing obesity trends in England among children and young people from 1995 to 2007, researchers predict that obesity among all boys aged two to ten would reach 10.1 percent by 2015 and, in a “worst case scenario,” could reach 13.5 percent. Obesity levels among girls could reach 8.9 percent, and perhaps 9.3 percent. The researchers noted that the poorest and less educated kids were at greater risk of obesity in the years ahead. A second study in Africa found that easy access to cheap, high fat, high sugar foods is pushing up obesity rates among poor city dwellers.

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Campbell’s Cuts Sodium Content Of SpaghettiOs Again

December 14, 2009: 12:04 AM EST

For the second time in two years, Campbell Soup Company has lowered sodium levels in its SpaghettiOs canned pastas, this time by as much as 35 percent. According to the company, the latest reduction means all varieties of SpaghettiOs have a third less sodium than other canned pastas and all meet government standards for healthy main dishes: controlled for fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium and containing a “significant level” of at least two positive nutrients. The new SpaghettiOs – with five essential nutrients and a full serving of vegetables and grains in a cup – will arrive in stores in April.

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Diabetics Can Be Adversely Affected By Lack Of Access To Nutritious Foods

December 14, 2009: 09:00 AM EST

Household food insecurity (HFI)– the lack of access to safe and nutritious foods – creates serious health challenges for diabetics, new Canadian research finds. HFI can be caused by limited income, poor access to fresh fruits and vegetables, or lack of familiar ethnic foods. The researchers also found that HFI was linked with mood disorders, lower satisfaction with life and higher self-perceived stress levels. Two groups of diabetics were especially vulnerable to HFI: adults under the age of 40 and women between ages 12 to 45. Note also: HFI rates were higher for people on welfare, whether diabetics or not.

Enza Gucciardi, et al., "Exploration Between Household Food Insecurity and Diabetes in Canada", Diabetes Care, December 14, 2009, © American Diabetes Association

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3-Pronged Strategy Guides Coke’s Product Line Expansion Activities

December 10, 2009: 04:21 AM EST

The head of Coca-Cola’s innovation unit said recently that he follows a three-pronged strategy for expanding the company’s product line. The Venturing and Emerging Brands unit develops its own new products, locates international Coke products that might succeed in new markets, and invests in small companies that show promise in emerging markets. To snag Coke’s attention, however, a new product has to reach a threshold of $10 million to $50 million in sales, according to this BevNet.com article, or be in the “pain of growth” phase of $50 million to $100 million in sales.

Matt Casey , "BevNET Live: VEB Chief Explains Coke's Innovation Push", BevNET.com, December 10, 2009, © BevNET.com, Inc.

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NZ Beverage Makers End Sales Of Sugary Drinks To Schools

December 10, 2009: 03:19 AM EST

Coca-Cola Amatil and Frucor Beverages have voluntarily stopped providing full sugar carbonated soft drinks and energy drinks to primary, intermediate and secondary schools in New Zealand. The action is the result of an agreement signed by the companies and a government health and education agency three years ago. Coca-Cola and Frucor will continue to supply schools with various sugar-free carbonated or low sugar soft drinks, fruit juices and flavored waters, according to this Infonews.com.nz article. A Frucor spokesman said the agreement shows that “governments and policy makers have alternative ways to regulation to achieve positive social and health outcomes.”

Coca Cola Amatil (NZ) Limited and Frucor Beverages Group Limited , "Companies remove full sugar drinks from schools", Infonews.co.nz, December 10, 2009, © Citizen Media

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Breast Cancer Survival, Non-Recurrence, Associated With High Intake Of Soy

December 9, 2009: 11:49 AM EST

Consuming more soy-based foods was associated with lower breast cancer mortality and lower recurrence among patients in a study of more than 5,000 Chinese breast cancer survivors. The estrogen-like effect of isoflavones – phytoestrogens abundant in soy foods – and the potential interaction between isoflavones and cancer-fighting tamoxifen have led to concern among scientists that consuming soy foods might be risky among breast cancer patients. But women who consumed the most soy food – up to 11 grams a day – had the lowest mortality and recurrence rates rate compared with women who ate the least soy food, regardless of tamoxifen use.

Xiao Ou Shu, MD, PhD; Ying Zheng, MD, et al., "Soy Food Intake and Breast Cancer Survival", Journal of the American Medical Association, December 09, 2009, © American Medical Association

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Functional Food Delivery May Get Easier Thanks To Hydrogel Technology

December 9, 2009: 06:46 PM EST

Hydrogel technology might someday be used to develop gelled functional foods containing bioactive ingredients like vitamins, researchers have found. The liquid or semisolid gels made from soy protein have small empty spaces that absorb water or other liquids. In the gut, the hyrdrogels protect food ingredients, which are then released as the gel biodegrades. Hydrogels can be dried and made into tablets to be used as food supplements. In the lab, soy protein isolate was used to prepare the hydrogel using a cold-gelation process that encapsulated the B vitamin riboflavin. Scientists then simulated gastrointestinal conditions involving digestive enzymes called proteases.

Anne Maltaisa, Gabriel E. Remondetto1, a and Muriel Subirade, "Tabletted soy protein cold-set hydrogels as carriers of nutraceutical substances", Science Direct Online, Food Hydrocolloids, December 09, 2009, © Elsevier Ltd

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