News
FSA launches FoP labelling consultation
The Food Standards Agency in both Northern Ireland and Scotland has launched a consultation on front-of-pack (FoP) nutrition labelling in a bid, it says, to help consumers keep track of what they eat and choose healthier foods. The consultation opens discussions with FSA’s key partners over how it can achieve this through FoP nutrition labelling. […]
Biscuit sales breaking in two
Two opposing forces within the sweet biscuits market are at work globally, with the ‘treat’ image driving the premium sector forward, while rising health concerns are raising interest in better-for-you products, according to new research by Innova Market Insights. Chocolate biscuits have been one of the main beneficiaries of rising interest in the treat image […]
Stevia Council announces second year of PTP
The International Stevia Council (ISC) has announced the launch of the second year of the independent Proficiency Testing Programme (PTP) for stevia products. “The PTP ensures that consistent analytical methods and reference standards are used throughout the industry in measuring steviol glycoside content, and is designed to help companies determine the quality of their stevia […]
Fresh approach to packaging
Tesco tomatoes will now stay fresher for longer following the roll-out of It’sFresh! in all UK stores this week. Tesco says it’s the first retailer to use It’sFresh! on tomatoes, with those in its Finest range being the first to benefit. The roll-out follows successful trials on UK Sunstream tomato varieties from greenhouse growers Thanet […]
BASF announces Equateq deal
BASF has announced the acquisition of Equateq Ltd in a bid to extend its portfolio of omega-3 products for the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries. “We are further strengthening our position as a leading supplier of ingredients for the nutrition and health industries,” says Walter Dissinger, president of BASF’s Nutrition & Health division. Adam Kelliher, […]
Carbery results boosted by ingredients division
Carbery Group increased revenues by 14.5 per cent last year, reflecting an underlying strong performance from the ingredients division, says the firm. The division includes flavour business Synergy, as well as the company’s dairy ingredients portfolio. “Synergy continues to grow in existing markets and establish itself in new ones with the acquisition of two new […]
EFSA announces BPA re-evaluation
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has started work on its new risk assessment of bisphenol A (BPA) used in food contact materials, focusing in particular, it says, on exposure of vulnerable groups. The new opinion will complement earlier scientific advice provided at the request of the European Commission. EFSA will review all the available […]
Kemin gets cracking on new R&D facility
Functional ingredients firm Kemin Industries has started work on its new US-based research and development facility in Des Moines, Iowa. The new facility includes two general labs, six shared laboratories and three pilot laboratories, all of which will accommodate around 60 scientists. “If you want to know what inspires scientists and researchers to do their […]
Business news, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability
Co-op Sweden in push for private label expansion
Retailer Co-op Sweden has gone live with a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) portal in a bid, it says, to help increase private label product development and become more competitive within that market. Trace One, the company that supplied the online portal, says it will also help the retailer meet strict government requirements around product ingredients, […]
Royal recognition for Mettler-Toledo Safeline
Metal detection firm Mettler-Toledo Safeline has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2012 for its outstanding export growth over the last three years. To be awarded the honour in the International Trade category, a company must demonstrate a substantial and sustained increase in export earnings over three consecutive years to a level outstanding for […]
First UK soft drink with stevia? SoBe it
Britvic has, together with PepsiCo UK, become the first to market a soft drink containing purified stevia extract. The reformulation of SoBe V Water will offer health-conscious consumers a vitamin water with zero-sugar, and meet growing demand for low-calorie refreshment, according to the firms. From the end of this month, all six SoBe V Water […]
EU ban on DSM: ‘Common sense has gone out the window’
A New EU regulation on the labelling of desinewed meat has left the UK with little choice but to comply. However, the move will have a huge impact on both producers and manufacturers, says the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA). The European Commission has asked that a moratorium be put in place on the production […]
Food safety, Ingredients, Packaging, Regulatory, Sustainability
Radical breadmaking process to bring ‘new opportunities for bakery industry’
Significant developments in bread processing will lead to new opportunities for the baking industry to produce bread of improved quality with reduced energy input, says Campden BRI. The food and drink research organisation has now teamed up with bakery equipment manufacturer Rondo to commercialise the new process, which it says can produce a high quality […]
Scientific consultancy celebrates 25 years
Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) has celebrated its 25th anniversary with the opening of four expanded and refurbished laboratories. The new laboratory space is part of a programme of investment in equipment and recruitment this year. Formed in 1987 and now employing around 300 staff, RSSL provides analytical, training and consultancy services to a range […]