health
One more serving to a healthy life
Just one extra piece of fruit or serving of vegetables a day can contribute to a longer life, according to research supporting a new government health campaign. The ‘Small change, big difference’ crusade is designed to encourage people to make minor changes in their lifestyles to give them a better chance of living longer, healthier […]
Brits are European chocolate champions
With the Easter chocolate bonanza over, British consumers have once again retained their crown as Europe’s chocoholics. According to market analyst Datamonitor, Brits chomp their way through 10kg of chocolate a year compared to just 2.2kg in Italy, which also has the lowest per head consumption of chocolate in Europe. Last year, the UK spent […]
Consumers check labels
A Food Standards Agency (FSA) survey has found an increasing awareness among consumers towards healthier eating. More people are taking an interest in food, particularly by checking the labels and eating more fruit and vegetables. The survey team interviewed more than 3,000 people over five weeks. It was found the number of consumers who claim […]
Business news, Food safety, Ingredients, Packaging, Regulatory
Caffeine link to heart attacks
Recent research suggests that heavy coffee drinkers carrying a particular gene may be more vulnerable to heart attacks. Coffee drinkers who have more than three cups a day may be subject to cardiovascular diseases. Caffeine is metabolised by an enzyme in the liver. Variation in the gene for this enzyme can slow or quicken caffeine […]
Still beefing about exports
A European Commission committee has voted in favour of lifting the ten-year ban on UK exports of beef products. However, the lifting of the ban has led to new wrangling about the transportation of live animals, particularly veal calves. A European Commission committee has voted in favour of lifting the ten-year ban on UK exports […]
Diet plate is dish of the day at the House of Commons
The Diet Plate is a revolutionary new slimming tool that is making waves within the slimming industry and has now earned itself an invitation to the House of Commons. So popular has the Diet Plate become that the mighty Weight Watchers organisation has been quick to recognise it as serious competition to its own portion […]
Firms face challenge from health food fads
The current consumer enthusiasm for healthier eating is creating a challenge for food companies. According to a new report from JPMorgan, firms are unsure whether to continue with high margin products that are not deemed so healthy as the narrow margin wellness foods. A research report entitled Obesity: Re-shaping the food industry, says that profitability […]
School milk subsidy to stay
Government officials have decided the school milk subsidy is to remain. The news follows a recent economic report that the subsidy should be scrapped, which could have saved the nation £1.5 million. The UK government has supplemented the EU subsidy on school milk since 2001, and Sustainable Food and Farming Minister Lord Bach has announced […]
Health emissaries bring up school meals
School meals were at the centre of a European Food Industry debate in Brussels recently. Talks were held on the current European health crisis and the impact to food and beverage manufacturers. Representatives from leading companies attended the event, including Cadbury Schweppes, Kraft, Ajinomoto, Nestle, Carrefour, Group Danone, Coca-Cola, and European Food & Drink Trade […]
Printing precautions taken by Tetra Pak
Following the recent recall of baby formula products tainted with ink in Italy, packaging company Tetra Pak announced that it had switched to printing processes using non UV inks. This decision was taken as a precautionary measure and in absence of any scientific evidence indicating a health risk. The company says the identified substance (ITX), […]
Lack of trust puts consumers off functional food
A new report from independent market analyst Datamonitor reveals that sales of functional foods have rocketed across Europe, and were worth £4 billion last year. But many consumers are still deterred from buying these expensive products because they simply do not trust the makers. In the UK, where sales reached £419 million in 2004, over […]
Rare cheese in E. coli alert
A rare cheese was withdrawn from sale when environmental health experts identified unacceptable levels of the bacteria E. coli. The Italian cheese known as Taleggio, is only available in the UK from specialists IJ Mellis Cheesemongers. The company has three shops and a wholesaler’s in Edinburgh and one shop in Glasgow. Environmental health officers taking […]
Coca-Cola goes green
The Coca-Cola Company has released its third annual report on the environment detailing gains in water, packaging and energy efficiency. The 2004 study details progress in company and bottler operations that improved water use ratios, increased energy efficiency and improved recycling efforts. “This report shows that we are serious about our commitment to the environment, […]
Study finds high pesticide levels in school fruit
A study by the Soil Association has found over 25% more pesticides in samples of fruit and vegetables supplied to school children than in those on sale in shops. The fruit is supplied to children under the official School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. According to the Soil Association, nearly 30% more instances of multiple pesticides […]