Breaking News on Food and Beverage in Asia Pacific

Imported ready meals a worry for many Irish

Over 50 per cent of Irish consumers are concerned about the safety of food imported from outside the EU – and 43 per cent about food from other EU member states – a new survey has indicated.

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Irish Food Board foreign assignment to fellows

Ireland has launched new initiative to boost food exports, by assigning 25 graduates as fellows to partner with Irish food firms in 33 international markets.

US food safety bill defeated - or just delayed?

The sweeping bill to overhaul the US food safety system was rejected yesterday over fears of imposing excessive burdens on farmers and that its hurried legislative passage had prevented proper scrutiny.

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Abbott invests in growing Indian functional foods market

US pharmaceutical firm Abbott has made a significant push in the Indian nutrition market, following its acquisition this week of some of the nation’s leading infant and adult nutrition brands.

Antioxidants from black tea may aid diabetics

Polysaccharides from black tea may blunt the spike in sugar levels after a meal more than similar compounds from green and oolong tea, and offer potential to manage diabetes, says a new study.

Dehumidifying system cuts meat processor’s costs by a cool 43 per cent

A meat processing company has slashed part of its energy costs by almost half after the installation of a new cooling system, said the US manufacturers.

US giving too much food safety control to foreign countries

The United States is giving away too much control to some foreign countries over food safety as trade concerns over-ride health issues, a leading US politician has said.

Functional foods and ingredients booming in India

Despite low levels of public awareness compared to western markets, functional foods and ingredients are finding growth in areas of India, as consumers switch on to the promise of healthier foods, beverages and supplements.

New enzyme makes melamine detection easier and cheaper, say researchers

A simple and cheap method of testing for melamine contamination of milk and other foods has been developed thanks to the discovery of a new enzyme, said US researchers.

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Coca-Cola China picks Bericap closure for sparkling PET packs

Coca-Cola China has chosen Bericap’s SuperShorty closure for its sparkling PET packages.

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China tightens food processing laws

Food producers in China must record all food processing procedures and keep records for least two years under a new food safety regulation that came into force today.

Weekly comment

Imagining a world where we eat less meat

Cutting back meat consumption is the new darling cause of pop stars. But if necessary environmental and health goals are to be achieved, the whole supply chain needs to be strumming along in tune.

Managing in China: Part two

Trust and cooperation with Chinese authorities

Dealing with the Chinese authorities requires trust and working together to solve problems, says Yossi Gohary, general manager of Solbar Ningbo.

Stevia: The holy grail of sweeteners?

The FDA’s non-objection in December that the stevia-derived sweetener Reb A was generally recognized as safe (GRAS) was greeted with much fanfare – but how has it been received so far by industry and consumers?

Managing in China: Part One

The different language, culture and regulatory set-up may make running an ingredients company in China a daunting proposition for Western executives. But Yossi Gohary, general manager of Solbar Ningbo, says it’s all about cultural compromise.

Olive extract may have obesity, diabetes benefits

An extract from extra-virgin olive oil may stimulate the function of mitochondria in cells, and prevent diseases associated with dysfunction like diabetes and obesity, says a new study.

Bioplastic bodies trade blows as row breaks out

A war of words has broken out within the bioplastics packaging industry with two trade bodies levelling a series of negative allegations about the different sectors.

Huge differences in salt levels found in global food brands

New research on salt levels in global products from some of the biggest food manufacturers has revealed wide and random variations.

Ingredients demand is stable, says Tate & Lyle

Food and beverage ingredient demand has been ‘stable’ in Tate & Lyle’s Q1, says the company in its interim statement, and the year so far has exceeded expectations.

Metallic pine nut taste: Industry hypotheses

Since we reported on the UK’s Food Standard Agency’s investigation of reports of a mysterious metallic taste after eating pine nuts last week we have received a number of hypotheses on the cause from the food industry.

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NZ folic acid fortification delayed to 2012

The mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid in New Zealand is likely to be delayed for another three years, following heated debate over the risks and benefits of adding the synthetic B vitamin to bread.

New coating systems aimed at cost wary bakers

Sono-Tek has developed ultra-sonic coating systems targeted at baked goods manufacturers keen to minimise wastage and cut costs.

Business conditions improve in Q2, says Packaging Corp

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) said business conditions had “improved significantly” during Q2 as it posted results yesterday showing net income had more than trebled to $109m.

Loders Croklaan to expand product range next year

Loders Croklaan is building a new refinery and storage capacity in Rotterdam that will enable it to expand its product range with lauric products and mixtures and use greener production processes.

Clinton backs Indian food processing industry expansion

The upsurge in the Indian food processing industry continues as US secretary of state Hillary Clinton backed government expansion plans and the groundwork was laid to bring overseas expertise to the sector.

Chitosan with omega-3 boosts fillet life, nutrition

Coating frozen fish with a mix of chitosan and fish oils can boost shelf life and improve the nutritional load, according to new research on lingcod from the US.

New cheese ripening process promises to boost profits

Chr. Hansen has developed a new cheese ripening process that it claims will add €1.5m to the profits of an average-size continental dairy.

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Cyanotech goes condition-specific with new supplement blends

Hawaiian microalgae specialist Cyanotech is launching a line of condition-specific products that include its branded astaxanthin.

Weekly comment

Mainstream press ‘exposed’ for health claim sensationalism

Not again! As if industry is not struggling enough with the severity of the European Food Safety Authority’s nutrition and health claims rulings so far, the situation has not been helped by the kind of articles that appeared in the UK press today and yesterday.

Improved emulsion stability from protein-sugar complex

Linking sodium caseinate (a milk protein) and maltodextrin (a polysaccharide) may improve the stability of liqueur emulsions, suggests new research from Ireland.

Pre-, probiotics combo may reduce food allergy: Danone study

A supplement combining a prebiotic fibre and a probiotic strain may reduce allergic responses to cow’s milk, when used in conjunction with small amounts of whey, says a new study.

Asda claims victory in aspartame ‘nasty’ case

A High Court judge has found in favour of Asda in its court battle with Ajinomoto over food and beverage ‘no nasties’ labelling, which listed aspartame as an ingredient not used. Ajinomoto plans to appeal.

News in brief

New Zealand to review folic acid fortification

The New Zealand government has announced it will review its mandatory folic acid bread fortification policy before it has even begun.

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Urban and rural poor still hit by high food prices

The FAO has sounded a new warning that the food price crisis is far from over in many parts of the world, even if developing countries have seen reductions from last year’s highs.

Leading dairy firms on track despite market weakness

Glanbia and Dairy Crest have both reported this week that business is continuing in line with expectations but warned that dairy ingredients markets are weak.

Chinese flower may be anti-browning ingredient

Extracts from the Asian plant Osmanthus fragrans may prevent browning of foods, and offer an alternative to formulators looking to tap the ‘natural’ wave.

Omega-3 DHA boosts memory for healthy adults, not Alzheimer’s sufferers

Daily supplements with the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may improve both memory function and heart health in healthy older adults, according to a new study from Martek.

US food and beverage firms convert to rPET packaging

Two US food and beverage producers have claimed to be the first in their respective sectors to switch to 100 per cent rPET packaging on environmental grounds.

Soy sauce may help with salt reduction in foods: Study

Adding soy sauce to certain foods may enhance perception of saltiness and enable food manufacturers to cut salt content without affecting taste, according to new research from Japan.

Calls for supermarkets to publish packing stats rubbished as publicity stunt

Calls by town hall chiefs to force UK supermarkets to publish packaging statistics have been dismissed as a publicity stunt by an industry body, which said retailers already use the minimum of packing material.

Weekly comment

Safety is no accident in food factories

Industrial accidents are not funny. Does anyone need a reminder? Apparently yes; judging by how some headline writers and bloggers made light of the plight of Vincent Smith who died last week after falling into a vat of liquid chocolate at a New Jersey processing plant.

EU omega-3 recommendations welcomed by industry

Major omega-3 suppliers have welcomed the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) omega-3 opinion on recommended daily consumption levels for EPA and DHA but will continue lobbying for higher levels.

Calorie restriction leads to longer life: Study

Restricting the amount of calories we consume, while avoiding malnutrition, may extend lives and reduce the risk of chronic disease, suggest results from a monkey study.

Study 'confirms' umami taste receptor

Scientists have ‘confirmed’ the role of a specific taste receptor in human umami taste, a result that strengthens our understanding of taste preferences.

Codex confirms “alternative approach” for listeria monocytogenes in ready to eat food

The Codex Alimentarius Commission has moved quickly to clarify a newly ratified standard on permitted levels of listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in ready-to-eat (RTE) food after being challenged by the UK’s Chilled Food Association (CFA).

Soy may help men remember anniversaries: Study

Daily supplements of soy isoflavones could help boost a man’s mental function and memory, according to findings of a small study from Australia.

Oily fish may reduce dementia risk: Transcontinental study

Increased intake of fish may reduce the risk of dementia by about 20 per cent, according to a new study spanning three continents.

News in brief

Tetra Pak inaugurates green Chinese plant

Tetra Pak has announced the inauguration of its €60m packaging plant in China that operates entirely on green electricity.

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PureCircle expects 420 per cent profit growth

Pure Circle, supplier of stevia-derived Reb A, is expecting to report a 420 per cent increase in profit in its full year results due to good reception for the first products launched in the US.

NZ unpasteurised milk proposal moves closer to reality

New Zealand’s Food Safety Authority has received a dozen responses supporting a proposal to allow the manufacture, sale and import and export of unpasteurised dairy products, and which would open up a new global market.

Dispatches from EUSTAS Stevia Symposium

EUSTAS prepares quality assurance scheme for stevia

The European Stevia Association (EUSTAS) is proposing a quality assurance scheme for raw stevia products in Europe, to guarantee purity and quality and build consumer confidence.

Weekly comment

Defining nano: Size does matter

The Atlantic Ocean separates continents; it also separates schools of thought on the definition of nanotechnology. In order to educate manufacturers and consumers on nanotechnology a definition is critical.

Caffeine may reverse Alzheimer’s disease: Mouse study

Five cups of coffee’s worth of caffeine may reverse the impairment of memory associated with Alzheimer’s disease, suggest two new studies with mice.

News in brief

Chr Hansen uncorks website on wine cultures

Chr Hansen is boosting awareness of its wine cultures with the launch of a new website to demonstrate its offerings, expertise, and way of working.

Sustainable packing an emerging consumer trend - study

The increasing importance of sustainable packaging as a consumer issue means companies need to constantly reassess the amount of packing they use, according to a new report.

NZ company eyes European markets for venom-spiked honey

A New Zealand company has applied to the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) for novel foods approval to market its honeybee venom to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.

Codex adopts new dietary supplement provisions

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has adopted new provisions for food supplements, including recommendations on the substantiation of health claims.

News in brief

PepsiCo opens its first green plant in China

Beverage and food giant PepsiCo has pledged to invest $1bn in China and has opened its first eco-friendly plant in the western city of Chongqing.

India to create up to 350 food processing units in next 100 days, sector seen as key to economic growth

The Indian Government has unveiled ambitious plans to help set up as many as 350 food processing units over the next 100 days as part of what it calls the country’s Evergreen Revolution.

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Crown expands Asia Pacific can capacity after takeover

Crown Holdings has boosted its beverage can production capacity in South East Asia by around 600m a year following an acquisition in Vietnam, while signaling further output expansion in future.

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Huhtamaki sells Australian polystyrene packing firm

Huhtamaki Oyj has announced the sale of its expanded polystyrene packaging business in Australia as part of its ongoing strategy to move out of rigid plastics.

Both GM and organic farming could help feed the world: Report

With the global population expected to reach nine billion by 2050, investment in both GM crops and organic farming could help to ensure a reliable food supply, says a new report from Deutsche Bank.

New Zealand backs A1 milk safety

Regular milk has won a vote of support for its general safety after the New Zealand government backed a European assessment that found no concerns about the A1 casein forms it contains and reversed an earlier commitment to conduct a review of its own.

Tate & Lyle reveals global consumer research on fiber

With global consumption rates of fiber still well below recommended intake levels, consumers in Latin America and the US are most aware of the need to add more fiber into their diets, while awareness in Europe still lags behind.

PepsiCo forms partnership with Japanese snack company Calbee Foods

Food and beverage giant PepsiCo has acquired a 20 per cent share of Calbee Foods Company; Japan’s largest snack firm.