ConAgra Says Cutting Salt Content Of Its Foods Is A “Serious” Goal October 15, 2009: 11:03 PM EST Responding to consumer demands for healthier foods, ConAgra Foods said it plans to eliminate eight million pounds of salt from its foods, which include the Healthy Choice frozen dinners, by 2015 – a total of 20 percent of the salt content. It has already cut salt by two million pounds since 2006, including 27 percent of the salt content of Kid Cuisine frozen meals. A 2008 market research survey found that 41 percent of shoppers said they are using low sodium products once a week or more. “We’re taking this very seriously and we’re acting upon it,” a ConAgra exec said. Duane D. Stanford, "ConAgra Sets ‘Lead Dog’ Goal to Cut Food Salt by 20%", Bloomberg, October 15, 2009, © Bloomberg L.P.

Domains Policy & Regulation Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Chemistry Group Highlights “Flaws” In Study Of BPA Impact On Unborn Children October 7, 2009: 02:33 AM EST The latest study to suggest significant health risks associated with exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to manufacture plastics, is flawed, according to the American Chemistry Council. The small-scale study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, found a link between exposure to BPA by pregnant women and aggressive behavior in two-year-old girls. The ACA said the authors of the study acknowledged design flaws and noted that the flaws can only be rectified in a larger, “more robust study.” “Inherent in the design,” ACA said, “is the inability to establish cause-effect relationships.” Mike Stones, "Latest BPA study “flawed” says American Chemistry Council", Food Production Daily.com, October 07, 2009, © American Chemistry Council, Inc.

Domains Food Safety External Guidance & Action Geographies Worldwide North America Latin America United States of America Colombia

Bacteria Contamination Found In Nearly All Sectors Of The Food Supply October 6, 2009: 05:42 AM EST Thanks to recent news coverage, most people in the U.S. are aware of the dangers of eating bacteria-contaminated meat products such as beef and poultry. But fewer consumers are likely to know that other food products contaminated during the preparation process, including ice cream and berries, have made people sick. According to a Center for Science in the Public Interest report, leafy greens, eggs, and tuna are the riskiest foods after beef and poultry. Oysters, potatoes, and cheese are also on the list. “Unfortunately, the hazards now come from all areas of the food supply,” the CSPI says. TARA PARKER-POPE, "Ten Common Food Poisoning Risks", The New York Times, October 06, 2009, © The New York Times Company

Domains Food Safety Consumers Ingredients Outbreaks & Recalls Policy & Regulation Quality & Internal Procedures Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

USDA’s Latest Nutrient Database Profiles 7,500 Foods October 7, 2009: 02:42 AM EST The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has added 200 entries to the newest version of its big nutrient database, the Standard Reference, Release 22, with information on more than 7,500 food items. Food profiles list as many as 140 components, including vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. For the first time, the database includes 3,000 values for vitamin D content of foods, including 20 species of fish and fortified foods such as milk, orange juice, etc. Restaurant foods were added to the new version, with information on items at family-style restaurants, Latino restaurants and Chinese restaurants. Rosalie Marion Bliss, "Latest Version of USDA's Premier Nutrient Database Released", Agricultural Research Service, USDA, October 07, 2009, © Agricultural Research Service

Domains Food Safety Ingredients Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Federal Government Reaches Out To Produce Industry To Promote Food Safety October 6, 2009: 06:55 AM EST The Obama administration’s food processing watchdogs – the Food & Drug Administration and the Dept. of Agriculture – are not only working more closely together to ensure food safety, they are stepping up efforts to involve the produce industry itself, including small and organic farmers, and state and local food safety officials. To signal the importance of the issue as a national priority, the USDA recently sent a top produce marketing expert to the FDA for a six-month stint focusing on food safety. “We are pulling together all our best resources," said chief U.S. health official Kathleen Sebelius. DAN FLYNN , "USDA Sends Produce Expert to FDA", Food Safety News, October 06, 2009, © Marler Clark

Domains Food Safety External Guidance & Action Ingredients Policy & Regulation Quality & Internal Procedures Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Survey Finds Britons Unaware Of Certain Foods Contributing Most Salt To Diet October 5, 2009: 04:59 AM EST People in the U.K. are increasingly aware of the connection between high levels of salt ingested and an increased risk of health problems, including high blood pressure, stroke and cardiovascular disease. But in a recent survey by the Food Standards Agency, 77 percent of respondents did not know that certain foods eaten every day, including bread and breakfast cereals, have very high salt content. Of more than 2,000 people asked their opinions and feelings about salt, only 13 percent picked bread as one of the top three of the 10 saltiest foods, while only 12 percent selected breakfast cereals. "Survey reveals lack of salt source knowledge", Food Standards Agency, October 05, 2009, © Crown copyright

Domains Food Safety Consumers Ingredients Policy & Regulation Products & Brands Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Isoflavone-Based Menopause Treatments Found Safe October 2, 2009: 10:11 AM EST An Austrian meta-analysis of 92 clinical trials involving nearly 10,000 menopausal women found no serious side effects from treatments using phytoestrogens such as soy and red clover isoflavones. Researchers stressed that the findings, published in the American Journal of medicine, did not address the issue of therapy effectiveness, only safety. Isoflavone supplements have been shown to provide symptom relief when taken instead of hormone replacement drugs. Concern was raised when mouse studies suggested that isoflavones stimulated breast cancer cells. But human population studies have found lower breast cancer rates in women who consumed large amounts of soy isoflavones. Stephen Daniells , "Meta-analysis supports safety of soy, red clover", Food Navigator.com, October 02, 2009, © Decision News Media SAS

Domains Food Safety Ingredients Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA United States of America Europe Italy Austria

Food Safety Authority Approves 175 “General Function” Health Claims October 1, 2009: 03:16 AM EST The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently published favorable opinions on about a third of the 523 health claims submitted for 200 foods and food components. Favorable opinions are issued when there is enough scientific data to back up the claims. The foods and components include vitamins, minerals, fiber, fats, carbohydrates, probiotics, and botanicals. The EFSA said about half of the unfavorable evaluations lacked sufficient data about the claims made. The purpose of the opinions is to ensure that consumers have accurate and healthful dietary information prior to purchasing, the authority stressed. "EFSA delivers its first series of opinions on ‘general function’ health claims", European Food and Safety Authority, October 01, 2009, © EFSA

Domains Food Safety External Guidance & Action Ingredients Policy & Regulation Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Other

Cellulose Enzyme Product Deemed Safe For Use In Wine, Beer, Juices October 1, 2009: 03:02 AM EST The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has informed biofuels manufacturer Dyadic International that a cellulose enzyme preparation derived from a genetically modified strain of its proprietary C1 organism is safe to use in producing wine, beer and fruit juices. The Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) designation basically means the FDA, at the recommendation of an expert panel, finds no reason to believe a product is unsafe. Dyadic said the new liquid enzyme product, dubbed CeluStar CL, will be marketed immediately. Without offering specifics, the company said the enzyme product “provides enhanced performance over a wide range of application conditions.” "Dyadic International Completes FDA GRAS Notification Process for C1-Derived Cellulase Enzyme", Dyadic International, Inc., October 01, 2009, © Dyadic

Domains Food Safety Ingredients Policy & Regulation Products & Brands Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Baby Formulas Reconstituted With Low-Fluoride Water Are Within Tolerable Range October 1, 2009: 06:14 AM EST Scientists who compared fluoride levels of various infant formulas with the upper limits recommended by the U.S. Institute of Medicine found that fluoride content was generally low in both dry and liquid formulas themselves. Moreover, levels remained low (less than 1.0 part per million) if reconstituted with low-fluoride water. If reconstituted with water that contained greater than 1.0 ppm of fluoride, infants were likely to be at greater risk for exposure to intolerable fluoride levels as defined by the IOM. An anti-fluoride group issued a press release about the study saying babies don’t need fluoride, which can discolor young teeth. Chakwan Siew, PhD, Sheila Strock, DMD, MPH, et al., "Assessing a Potential Risk Factor for Enamel Fluorosis", Journal of the American Dental Association, October 01, 2009, © American Dental Association

Domains Food Safety External Guidance & Action Ingredients Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

UK Study To Examine Issue Of Aspartame Sensitivity September 25, 2009: 03:33 AM EST European food safety authorities ruled long ago that the aspartame is safe for use in diet beverages and other food products. But an ongoing concern about whether some people are overly sensitive to the artificial sweetener has prompted a scientific study by researchers at the University of Hull. According to this BBC News report, some people have reported headaches, dizziness, and vomiting after ingesting the sweetener. One hundred people, half of whom have voiced complaints about aspartame, will participate in the 18-month study. "Sensitivity to aspartame probed", BBC News, September 25, 2009, © BBC

Domains Food Safety External Guidance & Action Ingredients Policy & Regulation Geographies EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Early Diagnosis, Plus Gluten-Free Diet, Can Help Children With Celiac Disease September 24, 2009: 05:07 AM EST Researchers in Brazil who examined scientific studies found evidence that a gluten-free diet (GFD) promotes rapid increase in bone mineral density and complete recovery of bone mineralization in children with celiac disease, an inherited intestinal disorder characterized by life-long intolerance to the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. However, though a gluten-free diet does improve bone mineral density in adults, it only rarely normalizes it, according to the study published in Nutrition Reviews. The scientists suggest that children may attain normal peak bone mass, and prevent adult osteoporosis, with pre-pubescent diagnosis and treatment. Vanessa D Capriles, Ligia A Martini, et al. , "Metabolic osteopathy in celiac disease: importance of a gluten-free diet", Nutrition Reviews, September 24, 2009, © 2009 International Life Sciences Institute

Domains Food Safety Consumers Trends Geographies Worldwide Latin America Brazil

Researcher Discovers Cellular Mechanism That Permits Spread Of Food-Borne Bacteria September 20, 2009: 11:25 AM EST New research has uncovered a cellular mechanism that plays a key role in spreading a deadly food-borne bacterium linked to outbreaks of listeriosis traced to food processing plants in the U.S. and Canada. The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes can cause pregnant women to lose their fetuses. It also has triggered fatal cases of meningitis in people with weak immune systems and in the elderly. The previously unknown process involves the bacterium spreading from a host cell to a second cell, where it overwhelms that cell's ability to defend against infection. The discovery may be relevant for other similar bacterial pathogens. Tina Rajabian, Balramakrishna Gavicherla, et al., "The bacterial virulence factor InlC perturbs apical cell junctions and promotes cell-to-cell spread of Listeria", Nature Cell Biology, September 20, 2009, © Nature Publishing Group

Domains Food Safety Other Outbreaks & Recalls Quality & Internal Procedures Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America Canada

Natural Ingredient Supplier Creates Breakthrough White Food Color September 17, 2009: 12:27 PM EST Denmark’s Chr. Hansen says it has plugged a big gap in the food coloring market created by consumer aversion to products tainted by synthetic dyes. The company has unveiled a natural white food color based on calcium carbonate, rather than the synthetic titanium dioxide. Consumers are wary of synthetic food dyes because of scientific studies associating them with childhood hyperactivity disorders. A Chr. Hansen exec says the creation of the natural white food color is evidence the company is powering a major trend: “converting the food color market from synthetic to natural solutions.” "Chr. Hansen launches groundbreaking natural white food color", Chr. Hansen, September 17, 2009, © Chr. Hansen A/S

Domains Food Safety Ingredients Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Denmark

Scientists Find 'Modestly Increased' Risk Of Death From Gluten-Induced Disease September 16, 2009: 11:53 AM EST A new study in Sweden has found that celiac disease, an intestine-damaging ailment that restricts intake of nutrients, is associated with a higher risk of mortality, perhaps because of that nutrient restriction. The authors found that those with small intestine inflammation who had not been diagnosed with celiac disease likely had a worse prognosis because following a gluten-free diet often normalizes the condition. Compared to a control group the study found that patients with inflammation had a 72 percent increased risk of death; patients with celiac disease had a 39 percent increased risk. Celiac disease is induced by exposure to the wheat protein gluten. Because the disease often occurs with other disorders that assault the immune system, such as diabetes and arthritis, it can go undiagnosed and untreated, according to the study reported by Agence France-Presse. "The study … reinforces the importance of celiac disease as a diagnosis that should be sought by physicians,” says an American expert. Jonas Ludvigsson, Scott Montgomery, Anders Ekbom, Lena Brandt, Fredrik Granath, "Small-Intestinal Histopathology and Mortality Risk in Celiac Disease", The Journal of the American Medical Association, September 16, 2009, © American Medical Association

Domains Food Safety Ingredients Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA United States of America Europe France Sweden

Food Manufacturers Have Time-Saving Resource For Researching Healthy Ingredients September 16, 2009: 12:48 PM EST Food, drink, and supplement makers looking for healthy ingredients for their products will have an easier search, thanks to a Danish company’s subscription database of 200 antioxidants, fibers, omega fatty acids, phospholipids, etc. Screened across various benchmarks, the database is searchable by product type, as well as by health categories. A subscription to the database can cost as much as US$3,300, and there are no customers yet, but Bio2com believes it’s only a matter of time: "We have a lot of data … which can save companies a lot of time and resources," says a company exec. "Danes debut healthy ingredients database", 21food.com , September 16, 2009, © Food & Beverage Online

Domains Food Safety External Guidance & Action Ingredients Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Denmark

Food Processors Face Major Challenges As Demands For Lower Sodium Foods Grow September 14, 2009: 12:51 PM EST Feeling pressure from both sides – nutritionists urging lower, healthier levels of sodium in processed foods and consumers who crave it (the average American consumers nearly 50% more than the 2005 recommended level) – U.S. food processors are trying to find a solution that keeps everyone happy. But it’s not an easy task: simply eliminating salt doesn’t work, and there isn’t one all-purpose substitute for salt. Morton Salt has been working to lower sodium content for over 30 years, with limited results. Sea salt and other formulas are functional in one manufacturing application, but not others. Some are expensive or don’t taste good. Ultimately, some observers say, a solution may have to be worked out among processors, the government, and consumers. Diane Toops, "Demonizing Salt: America’s Assault on Salt", Food Processing, September 14, 2009, © Food Processing

Domains Food Safety Ingredients Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Scientist’s Work Advances Potential Of Cotton Seeds As Major Source Of Food Protein September 4, 2009: 10:36 AM EST A Texas biotechnologist has solved a key problem blocking the use of cotton seeds as a source of food protein. He was able to engineer the cotton to reduce a toxic substance known as gossypol to levels tolerable for human consumption, yet high enough elsewhere in the plant to ward off pests and disease. For every pound of fiber, cotton produces about 1.6 pounds of seed, which is about 22 percent protein. "The entire cotton industry has a vested interest in expanding the uses of the cotton plant," said an exec from Cotton, Inc., a funder of the research. Kathleen Phillips, "Safe seed - Researchers yielding good results on food cotton in field", EurekAlert, September 04, 2009, via EurekAlert

Domains Food Safety Ingredients Innovation Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

U.S. Advisory Council Strongly Suggests State/Local Taxes On Junk Food, Sodas September 1, 2009: 05:33 AM EST A Washington-based nonprofit advisory organization has urged that state and local governments target the childhood obesity epidemic by implementing an array of initiatives, including imposing taxes on junk food and soft drinks. Emphasizing the soaring obesity rates among U.S. children – 18% of adolescents are considered obese – the National Research Council suggested other options, including requiring restaurants to list the calorie content of menu items. On the subject of taxation, a university dietician said that "a 10 percent increase in the price of a sugar-sweetened beverage could reduce consumption by 8 to 10 percent," Reuters reported. Maggie Fox, Health and Science Editor, "Tax Junk Food, Drinks to Fight Child Obesity: Report", Reuters , September 01, 2009, © Thomas Reuters

Domains Food Safety External Guidance & Action Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Reducing Dietary Salt Intake Would Save Billions In U.S. Medical Costs - Study September 1, 2009: 12:35 PM EST A recent RAND Corporation study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion suggests that "large benefits to society may result from efforts to lower sodium consumption on a population level by modest amounts over time". Adults in the U.S. on average consume nearly twice the recommended maximum of dietary sodium, most of it from processed foods and high sodium consumption often contributes to hypertension and related complications such as heart and kidney disease. Reading food packages and having lower-sodium alternatives in their diet could help Americans cut salt intake to healthier levels. The study estimates that if Americans were able to lower sodium intake to a healthy 2,300 mg per day, the cost of treatment for blood pressure and related disorders would drop by $18 billion. The saving would be $26 billion if average daily sodium intake decreased to 1,500 mg. Kartika Palar, Roland Sturm, "Potential Societal Savings From Reduced Sodium Consumption in the U.S. Adult Population", American Journal of Health Promotion, September 01, 2009, © American Journal of Health Promotion, Inc.

Domains Food Safety Ingredients Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

FDA Supports SweetLeaf’s Glycoside Safety Claim September 1, 2009: 05:47 AM EST The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has signed off on the safety claims of the stevia-based artificial sweetener SweetLeaf. The agency granted the whole leaf steviol glycosides used in the product extract the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status. SweetLeaf, made from the stevia plant harvested in Central and South America and 300-350% sweeter than sugar, is marketed as a safe and pure alternative for weight-conscious consumers, and for food and beverage companies. The company says its brand not only substitutes well for sugar in recipes, it lacks the bitter aftertaste of competitor stevia sweeteners. "U.S. Food & Drug Administration Issues “No Questions” Letter Supporting Safety Of SweetLeaf Sweetener®", NewsGuide.us, September 01, 2009, © NewsGuide.us

Domains Food Safety Policy & Regulation Geographies Worldwide North America Latin America United States of America Other

Chinese Scientists Unearth A Hidden, And Dangerous, Cholesterol August 20, 2009: 03:22 AM EST Add a heretofore unknown cholesterol to the list of potentially injurious substances lurking in your body. Discovered by Chinese scientists, oxycholesterol swells levels of harmful cholesterol that in turn promote hardening of the arteries and boost the risk of heart attack. To reduce the oxycholesterol threat people should avoid the usual suspects: fried and processed junk foods. Oxidation of fats and oils produces oxycholesterol in the body. Instead, eat antioxidant-rich foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. They seem to reduce levels of dangerous oxycholesterol, according to the researchers. "Little known type of cholesterol may pose the greatest heart disease risk", American Chemical Society, August 20, 2009, © American Chemical Society

Domains Food Safety Ingredients Geographies Worldwide North America Asia-Pacific United States of America Hong Kong

American Academy of Environmental Medicine Warns Against GMO Foods May 8, 2009: 05:14 AM EST In a review of studies, The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) finds a range of concerns and warns against the possible dangers of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs). For example, lab studies conducted on animals show a very high mortality rate for those fed with GM soy and GM cottonseed compared to the control subjects fed with natural foods. AAEM finds that “…it is biologically plausible for Genetically Modified Foods to cause adverse health effects in humans” and is advising physicians to educate their patients about possible risks. AAEM is also calling for, amongst other things, a moratorium on GM foods. "Genetically Modified Foods", American Academy of Environmental Medicine Website, May 08, 2009, © American Academy of Environmental Medicine

Domains Food Safety External Guidance & Action Ingredients Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America