health
Stevia companies of the world unite
Stevia producers from around the world have announced the establishment of the International Stevia Council, a global trade association representing the interests of companies that process, manufacture and/or market stevia sweetener products. The International Stevia Council will focus on safety, quality and stakeholder education as part of its agenda to support and promote the worldwide […]
New range of reference nanomaterials from LGC
LGC Standards has launched a range of reference nanomaterials to aid research and testing on the applications and impacts of nanotechnology. Widely regarded as one of the most important new technologies of the 21st century, nanotechnology has implications for many technological areas and industrial sectors, with nanomaterials now used in a range of applications. With […]
Business news, Food safety, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
No need to change BPA guidelines, says EFSA
Following a comprehensive review of recent scientific literature and studies on the toxicity of bisphenol A at low doses, EU food safety watchdog EFSA says it sees no need to cut the official limit on accepted exposure to bisphenol A, a chemical in plastic containers which some experts believe may harm human health. Some European […]
Food agency admits BSE error
The Food Standards Agency this week revealed that meat has entered the food supply from a cow aged over 48 months that had not been tested for BSE. However, it goes on to say that it’s unlikely that the cow was infected with BSE and, as specified risk material was removed, any risk to human […]
Cloned beef enters UK food chain
Following reports that products from the offspring of cloned cows have entered the UK food chain, the Food Standards Agency has moved to reassure worried consumers by saying there is no evidence that consuming products from healthy clones, or their offspring, poses a food safety risk. However, as they are considered novel foods, they need […]
Irn Bru and Lucozade to carry health warnings
The makers of two of Britain’s best-selling soft drinks, Lucozade and Irn-Bru, have been forced to warn parents that the drinks may cause hyperactivity, following the introduction of a new EU law. The ruling states that any food or drink that still contain colours thought to cause hyperactivity in some children must now carry a […]
FSA to focus on food safety
The UK coalition government has put an end to intense speculation about the future of the FSA by revealing that it will be retained – but with a renewed focus on food safety. The Department of Health will become responsible for nutrition policy in England, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will […]
‘FSA to be abolished’ claim
The UK coalition government is to abolish the Food Standards Agency – the food watchdog set up to protect consumers after the ‘mad cow’ disease crisis – and reassign its duties elsewhere, according to government sources. However, a Department of Health spokesman insists no decision had yet been made on the future of the FSA. […]
Public ‘don’t want to be badgered’ says healthy eating research
YouGov SixthSense research has shed light on the recent spat between UK health minister Andrew Lansley and Jamie Oliver. Comments made by Lansley at a conference in Brighton were critical of the ‘Jamie Oliver’ approach to increasing public awareness of health and fitness. Instead, the minister advocated an ‘evidence-based’ solution to the nation’s health problems. […]
Baby food sugar content slammed
Just over half the foods specifically targeted at babies and toddlers have a high sugar content and are far too sweet, according to a Canadian study. Researchers analysed a wide range of ‘toddler’ foods from puréed dinners and desserts to cereals, biscuits and yogurts to find out how healthy they were for youngsters. But the […]
Weight management ingredients market set to soar
Obesity rates, which have been steadily rising in Europe and the United States, are now increasing in Asian nations as well, according to new analysis from Frost & Sullivan. As a result, the weight management ingredients market offers significant prospects worldwide. In its Opportunities in Global Weight Management Ingredients report, the market research firm reveals […]
Pay firms to produce healthier food, says UK government watchdog
Food companies should be paid by the state to produce healthy foods and help save tens of thousands of lives, says the UK government’s health watchdog. This means farmers could be given cash incentives to grow fruit and vegetables rather than producing fatty meats, and supermarkets could get tax breaks to stock healthy foods at […]
Bottled water market tapped
A new report into the drinks sector has revealed that 60% of UK adults view bottled water as a waste of money, with almost three quarters of respondents (71%) agreeing that tap water is as clean as bottled water. The results of the YouGov SixthSense poll echo the findings of a survey carried out by […]
Spotlight on pressing issues
Pressing issues for the food industry, including ways in which to provide safe and healthy food for a global population that is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, were addressed at a recent meeting of EFSA representatives, European and Italian institutions, the Spanish presidency of the EU and food chain stakeholders. Other topics discussed […]