Functional Foods Weekly Vol 5 No 03

Volume 5, Issue 03 Monday, 08 March 2010 ISSN 1837-7971

Market intelligence and innovations in functional foods & nutraceuticals

Compiled from analysis of over 500 resources every week including media releases,
Internet searches, news wires, RSS feeds, magazines, research journals, patent sites etc.

Join us on
Web site: http://www.functionalfoods.com.au

Table of Contents
Business & Market Intelligence ............................................................................................................... 2
Consumer & market Trends and Market Size ......................................................................................... 5
Latest Market research Reports .............................................................................................................. 7
Innovations, IP, New Products & Related News...................................................................................... 8
Regulations, Labelling, Health Claims & Related News ......................................................................... 13
Nutrition, Health Benefits & Related Research ..................................................................................... 15
Reviews, Comments, Opinions and Full-text Publications .................................................................... 19
Webinars Worldwide............................................................................................................................. 22
Conferences & Meetings Worldwide .................................................................................................... 22
Disclaimer .............................................................................................................................................. 24
Subscription conditions ......................................................................................................................... 24

Subscription Information
Functional Foods Weekly (46 electronic Issues/year) subscription is available as single,
multiple, library, academic, site and corporate licenses. It is targeted at food industry
CEOs, Marketing and R&D executives and their teams. For current subscription rates,
please contact: weekly@functionalfoods.com.au

ISSN 1837-7971 © 2004-2010 OzScientific® Pty Ltd 1

Business & Market Intelligence
Arla Foods reports mixed results for 2009
To large extent, 2009 was characterised by the economic downturn which followed in the
wake of the financial crisis of the autumn 2008. Earnings for the Arla Foods Group came
under severe pressure as a consequence of lower prices for dairy products, low levels for the
Group’s primary export currencies and increased sourcing of raw milk without a
corresponding rise in demand for added value dairy products. Arla’s biggest single market
continues to be the UK, which made up 26,2% of the company’s total turnover in 2009.
Arla’s key brands in the UK - Lurpak, Cravendale and Anchor - continued to perform well
despite the recession and the Lactofree brand grew by 41 per cent. Arla’s turnover in
Sweden represents 20 per cent of the company’s total turnover. Adjusted for the
restructuring of the Swedish juice business, Arla in Sweden is experiencing increasing sales,
but a weaker currency during 2009 had a negative impact on turnover. 18.6% of Arla Foods’
total turnover in 2009 was generated in the Danish market. Here, the year was characterised
by the global recession, which caused many consumers to opt for discount products instead
of brands. The global economic crisis and the decline in consumer spending also impacted on
Arla Ingman’s sales. Domestic cheese and yoghurt saw the strongest falls whereas sales of
fresh milk increased. Despite the pressure on food prices, Arla Ingman’s sales volumes
recorded a 12 per cent rise in 2009. Despite of a tough retail climate in Germany especially
during the last half of the year, Arla succeeded in increasing its sales volumes on the German
market in 2009. The market made up 6,5% of Arla’s total net turnover in 2009. Last year Arla
acquired the dairy plant in Nijkerk from Friesland Campina with effect from early May. Since
then, Arla’s business in the Netherlands grew to reach 3,2% of the company’s total net
turnover...... pdf, 44 pages...... Read

Murray Goulburn buys stake in WCB (Australia)
Murray Goulburn has built a stake in local rival Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory,
which has twice rejected takeover bids from the Australian dairy co-op.WCB said on Friday
that Murray Goulburn has snapped up “close to a 5% stake” in the business. The shares were
bought for A$4.50 (US$4.01) a share, 15 cents higher than the second offer from Murray
Goulburn that WCB rebuffed. WCB told its shareholders to “take no action” and insisted it
would keep investors of “all material developments”. Murray Goulburn had its second bid
dismissed by the WCB board last Friday. WCB claimed the latest offer did not reflect the
company’s “unique geographic location” and “strategic position in the Australian dairy
industry”........ Read

Kraft plans up to 150 Cadbury job cuts in UK
Cadbury workers have been warned of up to 150 redundancies, following the takeover by US
firm Kraft. The job cuts will mainly affect the head office in Uxbridge, west London, although
some jobs in Bournville, Birmingham, may go too. A company spokesman said the cuts were
"as a result of the Kraft acquisition" and Cadbury being delisted from the stock exchange
next Monday. Unite union said a 90-day redundancy consultation started on Monday. A
spokesman for Cadbury said: "It could be up to 150, it could be less as Kraft has said it wants
to identify opportunities to retain skilled Cadbury people." The confectioner's shareholders
voted to accept the £11.5bn ($18.9bn) Kraft takeover bid on 2 February. Cadbury employs
4,500 people in the UK, of whom 2,500 are based at the factory in Bournville....... Read


Martek Extends Multi-Year Sole-Source License and Supply Agreement with Danone
Martek Biosciences Corporation has announced that it has extended its multi-year sole-
source license and supply agreement with Danone, a leading worldwide producer of infant
nutrition products. Under the terms of the amended agreement, Martek will be Danone's
exclusive supplier of ARA for all of its infant formula and growing-up milk products through
at least December 31, 2014, which is an extension of Martek's current exclusive ARA supply
position with Danone by three years. As with the current agreement, Danone may continue
to use non-microbial DHA sources. In most cases, Martek will continue to serve as Danone's
global supplier for its microbially-derived DHA needs for infant formula. This is an
amendment to the 2007 agreement between Martek and Numico and contains certain
limited termination rights. Martek has supplied DHA and ARA to Numico, which was
acquired by Danone in 2008, for infant formula products since 1994. With presence in all five
continents and over 120 countries, Danone is a Fortune 500 company that holds a leading
global position in infant nutrition. The Danone Baby Nutrition division specializes in food for
the healthy growth and development of infants and toddlers (0-3 years old) through an
extensive range of safe, nutritionally superior and convenient products....... Read

TreeHouse Buys Sturm Foods
TreeHouse Foods has completed the $660m acquisition of Sturm Foods, a private label
manufacturer of hot cereal and powdered soft drink mixes. The acquisition price excludes
adjustments for working capital and other items. Earlier in December last year, the company
had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Sturm from HM Capital Partners. TreeHouse
financed the acquisition through offerings of $400m in aggregate principal amount of 7.75%
senior notes due 2018 and 2.7 million shares of common stock at a price of $43 per share.
TreeHouse financed the remainder of the purchase price under its existing revolving credit
facility. TreeHouse said that the acquisition of Sturm will strengthen its presence in private
label dry grocery, expand EBITDA margins and enhance cash flows, as well as improve the
company's R&D, packaging, mixing and flavoring capabilities....... Read

Symrise outperforms in emerging markets in 2009
Symrise AG enjoyed a ‘robust increase in business’ in 2009, increasing sales by 3.2% at actual
rates and by 2.7% at local currency against the trend of the flavour and fragrances market,
which stagnated in 2009. Ebitda, adjusted for restructuring expenses, was slightly higher
than in 2008. Symrise benefited from an increase in business during the second half of the
year and the positive effects of the restructuring measures implemented over the course of
the year. Dr Heinz-Jürgen Bertram, CEO of Symrise AG, said: “Symrise has demonstrated its
resilience during the deepest recession in decades. We managed to maintain our above-
average growth rate despite the difficult environment. Our strategic focus on large global
customers, emerging markets and innovative products has paid off. At the same time, we
consequently adjusted to changing market conditions and made our operations leaner and
more efficient....... Read

China's Bright Food to Sweeten its Offer for CSR (Australia)
China's Bright Food Group will sweeten its offer to buy Australian CSR Ltd's sugar business
and hopes to complete the deal by the end of the year, the China Daily reported on
Thursday, citing a top company official. In January, the Australian company rejected a $1.4
billion offer from Bright Food for its 150-year-old sugar business, and said it would continue
to pursue the separation of its sugar and building products business. "Bright Food is in touch
with CSR, and it is likely that the deal could be finalized this year, as our offer is still


attractive," said Ge Junjie, deputy general manager of Bright Food Group, according to the
paper. The paper cited him as saying the company planned to raise its offer but did not say
by how much. Bright Food will send a team of officials to Australia later this month for
consultations with CSR, Ge told the paper. CSR and Bright Food representatives in Sydney
said they were not aware of any new offer. The Chinese firm would need to raise its offer by
up to 20 percent to win over the CSR board, analysts have said.......... Read
Danone Organic Unit Woos French Dairy Farmers
Danone's organic yoghurt unit in France aims to be supplied entirely by local dairy farmers
within five years, its General Manager Daniel Tirat said on Wednesday. Tirat told Reuters in
an interview at the Paris farm show a crisis in the dairy sector and the phasing out of
European quotas was encouraging more farmers to consider going organic. Stonyfield
France, set up three years ago in an international push by Stonyfield Farm after the U.S.
organic yoghurt maker's takeover by Danone in 2001, is seeking to claim market leadership
in organic yoghurt in France after already reaching the No. 2 position with its "Les 2 Vaches"
brand. The organic yoghurt category in French supermarkets is worth about 80 million euros
($109.2 million) and grew by about 20 percent last year during the economic downturn,
even if this was below the pace of previous years, he said. Stonyfield's push to draw all of its
milk supply from farmers in the production zone around its plant at Le Molay-Littry in
Normandy, northwest France, represented both a way of securing its raw material as it
expands and of fulfilling a commitment to promoting an organic supply chain, Tirat said.
French dairy farmers remained cautious about converting to organic output but last year's
slump in milk prices had contributed to interest, he said. "There are a lot more (people
interested) but it's not overwhelming. We are talking about people who are cautious and
who remember that three years ago there was too much (organic milk)," Tirat said in
reference to oversupply in 2005/06. Organic farming remains marginal in Europe's biggest
agricultural economy but the agency in charge of promoting it says the number of organic
farms rose by 23 percent last year, raising their share in the total number of farms to 3.2
percent.......... Read

Humana goes GM-free in schools
The third largest milk processor in Germany, Humana Milchunion, is aiming to ensure that all
milk delivered to German schools will be guaranteed GM-free by the end of this year. The
company, which has a €2.2 billion annual turnover, will also guarantee that milk powders for
baby food are GM-free.
In doing so, Humana is joining market leaders in the Austrian, Swiss and Greek dairy sector.
The dairy that pioneered high-quality mothers’ milk substitute in Germany 60 years ago is
not planning a full-range change to GM-free milk......... Read

McDonald’s teams up with Weight Waters offering healthy option in New Zealand
McDonald’s has fluttered its golden arches and seduced a highly unlikely partner: Weight
Watchers. Yes, that’s right – the nutrition plan for people who simply can’t drop the pounds
on their own. Customers in New Zealand will see the Weight Watchers stamp of approval on
some fast-food meals and, in return, Weight Watchers will promote them to its users. Cute
deal, right? It’s hard to be anything but cynical about why this has happened: McDonald’s
food is addictive and – unless eaten as part of a balanced diet – famously unhealthy. The
sugar, salt and fat content in a McDonald’s meal is a delirious combination which has led
some scientists to believe that fast food could be “as addictive as heroin”........ Read


Back to the Table of Contents

To help maintain the low subscription price, please recommend the
Functional Foods Weekly to your colleagues, suppliers or customers

Consumer & market Trends and Market Size
2009 Was the Year of Personalized Shopping Strategies, According to IRI Study
IRI Reviews 2009 CPG Industry and Highlights Key Trends That Will Continue in 2010
Though the economy has taken some steps toward recovery, 2009 was a difficult year for
U.S. consumers. Financial, housing and employment markets are in less-than-favorable
condition, and consumers are justifiably concerned. IRI has been analyzing the economic
downturn and its effects on consumer shopping and consumption behavior during the last
two years and identifies significant and long-lasting trends in its latest report, “Times &
Trends: 2009 CPG Year in Review.” IRI research notes the following five trends that will
continue to impact the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry moving forward:
* Consumers were jolted by the speed and severity with which the recession struck. They
overcompensated with draconian strategies to cut CPG spending to the bone—even to the
point of planting gardens to grow their own food.
* The return of energy prices, including gasoline, to more normal levels enabled shoppers
to recover sufficient income to travel within a wider geographic area to find the best deals
* More than 40 of the top 100 CPG categories experienced significant price increases in
2009, a trend that may continue in 2010.
* The recession saw a return to “self help.” From more meals prepared at home to more
beauty treatments and home health care, consumers took into their own hands a wide
range of services they previously purchased.
* The share gains of private brand products have become too significant to ignore.
“The year 2010 is one of opportunity,” says IRI Shopper Marketing and Innovation President
Thom Blischok............. Read

Report says Australia is coping well with the global recession.
Latest research from Leatherhead’s Global Food Markets database suggests that the key
food sectors in Australia are weathering the global recession well. Although there are signs
that consumers have begun to economize during the slowdown, many sectors have shown
strong growth in 2008, with positive 2009 sales estimates. This is partly because the total
consumer expenditure in Australia has not dropped at the same levels as other major
economies. Real private consumption expenditure in Australia grew 2.2% in 2008, with an
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) forecast of 1.3% in 2009
and 1.5% in 2010 (compared with +0.3%, -1.3% and -0.2% for the European region
respectively). Baby food sales rose 8.8% in 2008 with 2.8% growth forecast for 2009,
reflecting a trend towards higher quality and more expensive products, as well as increased
costs of raw materials being passed on by manufacturers. Chocolate sales were up 6.1% in
2008 with 3.9% growth forecast for 2009. Much of the recent market growth can be
attributed to the growing popularity of premium chocolate, especially in sectors such as
boxed and bite-sized chocolate assortments. Sales of everyday blocks and countline products
have also held firm. Sugar confectionery has been a buoyant sector up 5.8% in 2008 with an
anticipated 3.7% in 2009. Much of the recent growth can be attributed to growing consumer


interest in healthier varieties of sweets and the strong sales of sugar-free products.
Medicated confectionery has also performed well......... Read

US demand for F&B additives to reach $8.5bn in 2014
US demand for food and beverage additives is forecast to expand 3.5% annually to $8.5bn in
2014, according to a new report from The Freedonia Group. Advances will be driven by
increasing consumer interest in nutritionally enriched products and all-natural foods, which
promotes demand for high-value premium and natural additives. As consumers are wary of
foods with artificial-sounding ingredients, processors seeking to create ‘clean’ ingredient
labels are increasingly favouring natural additives. Consumer desire for functional products
that provide health benefits will support demand for additives such as probiotics and other
nutraceuticals. These and other trends are presented in Food & Beverage Additives, a new
study from The Freedonia Group Inc, a Cleveland-based industry market research
firm............. Read

British attitudes to new food technologies
The Food Standards Agency has published new research looking
at people’s attitudes to emerging food technologies, including
genetically modified (GM) food, high pressure treatment, gas
filled packaging and hypothetical foods that have health
benefits. The research found that people’s knowledge of, and
attitudes to, food technologies vary considerably. Certain
characteristics were found to be in common with people who
are more concerned about food technologies, including being
older, female, having a low income or generally having a high
level of concern about food safety. The more familiar people are
with the names of food technologies the less concerned they
are about them. For example, 31% of people were concerned
about eating food cooked in a microwave, whereas 57% were
concerned about eating food from a magnetron (another name
for a microwave). Compared with 1999, when the same questions were asked, fewer people
now said they have a strong attitude to GM food, and there has been a gradual increase in
public support for GM food (from 10% in 1999 to 19% in 2008). These findings come from
FSA-funded questions in the 2008 British Social Attitudes survey. The survey is designed to
chart continuity and change in British social, economic, political and moral values and
provides important data for many government departments.......... pdf, 89 pages...... Read

Indians Willing to Pay Premium for Safe Food
According to the most recent Nielsen Global Online Survey, 97 percent of consumers in India
consider the safety of food an important factor when deciding where to buy their groceries,
and 85 percent said that they were willing to pay a premium for food that is safe. Nearly
nine in 10 Indians (86%) place ultimate responsibility for food safety on the food they
consume at home on themselves. More than six in 10 think that the food manufacturer has
the main responsibility for providing them with safe food while only 8 percent think the
retailer has the main responsibility. The government is viewed as the most trusted entity
when a food safety issue arises. Almost three-quarters (73%) believed that certain countries
provide safer food than others, but most Indians agree that food grown in country is safer
than imported food. More than four in ten (42%) said that they try to actively buy locally


made products to support the local farmer or producer, with 19 percent believing that local
products are better for them and their family’s health........ Read

Top 20 supplements
According to Natural Foods Mechandiser, the top 20 supplements in the US are

BRAIN HEALTH DIGESTION
Omega-3 fatty acids Probiotics
Bacopa Artichoke leaf extract
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Deglycyrrhizinated licorice
Phosphatidylserine Peppermint oil capsules

IMMUNITY SLEEP
Mushrooms Valerian
Dried yeast fermentate 5-HTP
Elderberry Melatonin
Pelargonium sidoides Magnesium
Vitamin D

ALLERGIES
Butterbur
Astragalus
Quercetin

................... Read


Latest Market research Reports

Title Price Publisher
Probiotics Success Strategies in Food and Drinks USD2875 Business
Novel applications, future R&D and consumer Insights
engagement
.............. Read


Innovations, IP, New Products & Related News

Mars introduces high flavanol healthy chocolate snack
Mars Chocolate has introduced its goodnessKnows
snacksquares, a line of healthy chocolate snacks, to
Boulder, Colorado market. The snacks come in three
flavors such as Very Cranberry, Almonds & Berries, and
Roasted Nuts & Grains. The company said that the
snacks are initially launched in Colorado, and will be
expanding to Denver in April 2010. The company
claims that goodnessKnows snacksquares consists of
roasted whole almonds, fruits and toasted whole
grains, and does not contain artificial ingredients,
colors or flavors. Each four-square serving has 150
calories and delivers 2-3 grams of fiber, 3 grams of
protein, 200 mg of cocoa flavanols and only 20-35 mg of sodium. Each serving of
goodnessKnows delivers 200 mg of bio-available cocoa flavanols, phytonutrients that have
been shown to help support healthy circulation, which aids the free flow of nutrients and
oxygen throughout the body, the company said. The snacks are available in single servings
and multi-packs and sell for a suggested retail price of $1.59 and $4.99 respectively. These
snacks will be available in the nut and fruit aisle or healthy bar aisle of select grocery stores,
with single serving packets near the checkout counter in some stores........ Read

HealthSpan Introduces New Adult Nutrition Drink
HealthSpan Solutions, a Little Rock, Arkansas based healthcare
company, has unveiled BeneVia Adult Drink. The beverage maker
claims that BeneVia is fat free, has minimal carbohydrates and
approximately half the calories of other beverages in the adult
nutrition category. The company claims that the fruit based
beverage targets and effectively manages four major health
conditions with specific nutrient formulas. The products combine
essential ingredients that are designed to help with strength, heart
health, immunity and memory, and supplies essential nutrients that promote healthy aging,
including vitamins, six to eight grams of protein and Omega 3............ Read

Drinkable beauty (cosmeceutical supplement)
Skin is the largest organ of the human body, yet people have a
tendency to ignore it. That is until we notice a wrinkle or a
blemish that seems to have appeared over night. At that point,
we’re panicking to find any cure to our embarrassing dilemma
no matter how obscure it sounds. Perhaps it is time to care for
your skin before you react to it. How should you care for your
skin you ask? It’s simple…from the inside. According to
nutritionist and co-formulator of GliSODin Skin Nutrients, Paula
Simpson, drinkable beauty is “a functional food defined as ‘those foods that encompass
potentially healthful products including any modified food or ingredient that may provide a
health benefit beyond the traditional nutrients it contains.’” In simpler terms, a food that
may have extra health benefits in them other than their known nutrients. Simpson said that


the idea of beauty from the inside “stemmed from the Asian and European markets. These
women look at total beauty from a holistic perspective; to protect their bodies from
accelerated aging with antioxidant rich diets and effective topical skincare programs.”......
Read

Frozen yogurt with omega 3 launched
Ocean Nutrition Canada Limited (ONC), supplier of MEG-3® brand Omega-3 EPA/DHA food
and dietary supplement ingredients, has announced that Turkey Hill Dairy has introduced
Pomblueberry Chocolate Truffle Frozen Yogurt containing MEG-3® ingredients. Each half cup
serving of the new product contains 32 mg of Omega-3 EPA and DHA, as well as a healthy
portion of live and active cultures, calcium and vitamin D. Frozen desert fanatics will love this
delicious new flavor of pomegranate blueberry with chocolate fudge truffles, while also
benefiting from the nutritious advantages of the two most beneficial Omega 3’s. More than
14,000 studies have shown that Omega-3 EPA/DHA is important for overall good health, and
for normal growth and development. The American Heart Association recommends
consumption of a minimum of 500mg each of EPA and DHA per day. Fish oil is the best
source of EPA and DHA. As a result, demand for fish oil has increased in the United States
30% annually over the last 5 years. With Americans averaging only 100mg per day there is a
clear dietary deficiency of Omega-3 EPA and DHA in their diet. Including MEG-3® ingredients
in products like Turkey Hill Frozen Yogurt helps consumers address this nutritional
deficiency. Turkey Hill is a family owned dairy in eastern United States which manufactures
and distributes milk, ice cream, frozen yogurt, frozen desserts, ice tea and fruit drinks. The
native Pennsylvania company has been loved and enjoyed by dairy consumers of eastern
and mid-United States for more than 75 years. Turkey Hill Pomblueberry Chocolate Truffle
Frozen Yogurt with Meg-3® is available in major grocery stores in the north eastern United
States........ Read

Yoplait launches Greek Yogurt targeting women
New Yoplait® Greek yogurt invites women to nourish their inner goddess with the delicious
goodness found in every cup of the brand's newest offering, which debuts in the yogurt case
this month. Packed with 12 grams of protein – twice that found in the leading yogurt –
Yoplait Greek nourishes from the inside out. Available in four delicious flavors, Strawberry,
Blueberry, Honey Vanilla and Plain, Yoplait Greek has a unique thick and creamy texture. The
new yogurt is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $1.19 per 6 oz. cup, an
affordable price compared to other Greek yogurt products. To celebrate its new Greek
yogurt and to empower women to discover their inner goddess, Yoplait has teamed up with
Warner Bros.' and Legendary's new epic feature film, "Clash of the Titans," and actress
Izabella Miko, who plays Athena. "I loved playing Greek Goddess Athena – it definitely
brought me closer to my own inner goddess. I admired her strength and independence," said
Miko, "and of course she was the goddess of wisdom, so something wise I do is take care of
myself. That's why I love the new Yoplait Greek yogurt – it tastes great and it's so good for
you – packed with protein, high in calcium and vitamin D."........ Read

Sabinsa Introduces Boswellin PS® - Full Spectrum Bioactive
Sabinsa introduces Boswellin® PS, a natural extract from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata
(Indian frankincense), with enhanced water solubility and joint health support potential.
Sabinsa will debut Boswellin PS at SupplyExpo booth # 313 at the Anaheim Convention
Center, in Anaheim, California March 12 – 14, 2010. In addition to boswellic acids, (the active
principles for which Boswellia extracts are conventionally standardized), the PS version


contains Polysal™, a natural polysaccharide from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata.
Moreover, the PS version with a two stage active constituents release profile provides longer
lasting benefits than conventional Boswellia serrata extracts that are based on boswellic
acids alone. Both boswellic acids (more specifically Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid,
AKBBA, the most effective of the boswellic acids, present in enriched concentrations in
Boswellin® PS) and Polysal™ are effective in reducing the markers of inflammation, with
benefits in managing the symptoms of discomfort associated with conditions such as
arthritis. Two stage action refers to the initial healthful effects of the water soluble Polysal™,
that are later sustained by the more slowly absorbed lipophilic boswellic acids, AKBBA in
particular......... Read

Scientists close on Omega 3 'Holy Grail'
Australian researchers believe they may have solved one of the most pressing food supply
problems of the 21st century by breeding canola containing the same omega 3 oils found in
fish. As genetic modification goes it is a simple marriage of oil-rich marine algae and the
easily grown canola seed crop, but its implications for global aquaculture are immense. Most
farmed fish species such as salmon, barramundi and kingfish need to eat fish to contain the
sort of long-chain fatty acids which make them essential for a healthy human diet.
Aquaculture is the fastest-growing protein production sector in the food industry and
already accounts for half of the fish consumed globally. By 2050 an additional 70 million
tonnes will be required at the same time as wild caught stocks are predicted to be in severe
decline. The so-called Omega 3 Project is part of the CSIRO's Food Futures Flagship, which
aims to add up to $3 billion to Australia's agrifood sector through frontier technology such as
plant science. Team member James Petrie says the next phase of its work will be to replicate
its success with canola in a large-scale on-farm trial.......... Read

CNI launches new Fibregum™ Clear, for Fiber-Enriched Functional Beverages
CNI, the world leader in Acacia gum, has launched its latest breakthrough: Fibregum™ Clear,
a highly purified and clarified version of Fibregum™, especially developed for the fiber
enrichment of beverages. Fibregum™ Clear is obtained through a very specific purification
process and offers exactly the same benefits as conventional Fibregum™, for functional
beverage applications. Developed by CNI (Colloides Naturels International), Fibregum™ is an
all-natural Acacia gum particularly rich in soluble fiber (minimum 90%). Fibregum™ offers
exceptional, scientifically proven nutritional properties, including a strong prebiotic effect.
Fibregum™ helps balance the intestinal microflora and favors the growth of "good" bacterias
(bifidobacteria, lactobacilli). The fermentation of Fibregum™ also induces the production of
short chain fatty acids (SCFA), the potential health benefits of which are well known.
Fibregum™ is very well tolerated, compared to other sources of soluble fibers: it does not
cause any intestinal discomfort when consumed at levels below 50g/day. Fibregum™ Clear’ s
low viscosity and excellent stability in acidic medium make it the #1 fiber choice to improve
the nutritional profile of functional beverages and juices with no impact on their clarity,
brightness and flavour....... Read

Jamba Juice Unveils New Line Of Hot Beverages
Jamba Juice has rolled out new Hot Blends beverages, which come in four flavors such as
Original Spiced Chai Tea, Perfectly Chocolate Chai Tea, Classic Hot Chocolate and Heavenly
Green Tea. The company said Original Spiced Chai Tea is made with chai spices, organic black
tea, milk and cane sugar. Perfectly Chocolate Chai Tea, made with organic cocoa, is also an
organic chai tea latte but with an added dose of chocolate. Heavenly Green Tea is an organic


green tea latte made with stone ground, matcha green tea from Japan, organic cane sugar
and organic vanilla. In addition, Classic Hot Chocolate is made with organic cocoa, natural
cane sugar, organic vanilla and blended with choice of milk. The company will also offer a
'Kids Hot Chocolate' - made with the same flavors and ingredients of the Classic, but served
at a lower temperature...... Read

Valensa Introduces Deep Ocean Krill Ingredient for Nutritional Supplement Market
Valensa International announced that it has launched a new premium krill oil ingredient that
boosts natural astaxanthin levels found in krill oil in a product that offers a guaranteed shelf-
life of two years. Called Deep Ocean Krill, the new ingredient employs Aker BioMarine's
Superba Krill Oil as a base and is fortified with Valensa's ultra-stable Zanthin Natural
Astaxanthin to increase astaxanthin levels to create a premium krill oil. Deep Ocean Krill will
also feature Valensa's proprietary botanical O2B Peroxidation Blocker technology to provide
the most shelf-stable krill-based ingredient on the market today. The new ingredient is
targeted toward marketers of dietary supplements worldwide who want to offer consumers
high-quality Omega-3 functionality in much smaller supplement size, without the drawbacks
associated with fish oil supplements. Traditionally a company that specializes in botanical
ingredients, Deep Ocean Krill is Valensa's first foray into non-plant ingredients while
maintaining a position that emphasizes ecology and sustainability........ Read

Fermented products containing dietary fibers and methods for preparing the same
United States Patent Application 20100047390 (Danone)
Acacia gum, in particular from Senegal acacia, is used in the preparation of a stable
fermented product containing milk or soybean, wherein the gum is used in a concentration
of approximately 3 to 10 wt % relative to the total weight of the fermented product
containing the acacia gum, and is added after fermentation of the product.......... Read

Method for the extraction of one or several proteins in milk
United States Patent Application 20100047428
The invention is related to a process for extracting at least one protein present in milk, said
protein exhibiting an affinity for the complexed or non-complexed calcium ions of said milk,
comprising the following steps consisting of: a) releasing the protein by precipitation of
calcium compounds obtained by contacting the milk with a soluble salt, the anion of which is
selected for its capability to form said insoluble calcium compounds in such a medium, in
order to obtain in this way a protein-enriched liquid phase, b) separating the protein-
enriched liquid phase from the precipitate of calcium compounds, said liquid phase being,
moreover, separated in a lipidic phase and in a non-lipidic aqueous phase comprising the
protein, and c) recovering the non-lipidic aqueous phase comprising the protein......... Read

Bioactive peptides identified in enzymatic hydrolyzates of milk caseins and method of
obtaining same
The invention relates to the production of bioactive products that are derived from milk
proteins for the production of bioactive milk products derived from milk proteins,
particularly caseins. The 16 inventive peptides can be obtained chemically,
biotechnologically or by means of enzymatic treatment from proteins containing same and
give rise to peptides with an antimicrobial activity, an in vitro angiotensin converter inhibitor
activity and/or antihypertensive activity and/or antioxidant activity. Said nutraceutical


products are suitable for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries, both in the form of a
hydrolyzate or bioactive peptides.......... Read

Method of treating a whey protein concentrate by microparticulation
The present invention relates to a method of treating a whey protein by microparticulation.
The microparticulation comprises heat treatment and mechanical processing of the whey
protein. The method comprises the steps that the protein concentrate is caused to pass a
high pressure pump and that the protein concentrate, at elevated pressure, is thereafter
heat treated. After the heat treatment, the protein concentrate undergoes a mechanical
processing......... Read

Reduced-salt dairy product with improved taste
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a dairy product with reduced
sodium, wherein a yeast extract comprising at least 30% w/w 5'-ribonucleotides, on the
basis of sodium chloride free dry matter, is added to a dairy composition used in the
production of dairy product with reduced sodium. Preferably, a yeast extract is used wherein
the total amount of 5'-GMP plus 5'-IMP is at least 15% w/w on the basis of sodium chloride
free dry matter. The method of the invention may advantageously be used since off-tastes
are masked and salt perception is enhanced.......... Read

Method of obtaining plant protein fractions with a medium molecular weight, plant protein
fraction, and its use
A method of preparing a coagulated plant protein fraction with a medium molecular weight
of between 14 to 97, by providing fruit juice in aqueous solution; precipitating a high-
molecular-weight plant protein fraction whose bulk has a molecular weight of from above
100 to 600, by adjusting an acidic pH and/or a temperature above room temperature, and
mechanically separating the fraction precipitated thus; precipitating a medium-molecular-
weight coagulated plant protein fraction under warm conditions by treating, at pH 2 to 7,
and between 60 to 90.degree. C., the solution obtained after separation of the high-
molecular-weight plant protein fraction and mechanically separating the medium-molecular-
weight coagulated plant protein fraction with a molecular weight of between approximately
14 to 97, with the bulk of the molecular weight distribution being between 20 to 60. The
plant protein fraction is usable as foodstuff, food additive, additive in pharmaceuticals,
animal feed, in cosmetics, as industrial protein, as adhesive............ Read

Wheat-germ oil concentrate, a method for the production thereof, a method for producing
wheat-germ oil, and a medicinal and prophylactic composition based thereon for restoration
of disorders in sexual functions
The invention relates to the field of biologically active compounds based on natural
vegetable raw material, to methods for the production thereof and to the use thereof in a
medical clinical and public health practice. The object of the invention is a method for
producing a wheat germ oil concentrate wherein wheat germ oil is produced by cold
pressing from wheat germs pre-dried to a moisture content of 6-8 percent, the oil is
extracted twice with 92-93 vol. percent ethyl alcohol at a ratio of 1:3 and 1:2, respectively,
the alcoholic extracts are combined, maintained, and after separation of the phases are


evaporated under vacuum at a temperature of 50-60.degree. C. until the alcohol is removed.
The concentrate thus obtained is used as a component for a medicinal and prophylactic
agent suitable for restoring disorders in sexual functions that also contains selenium and zinc
at the defined ratios. The method ensures to obtain an oil enriched with phytosterols,
different forms of tocopherols and carotenoids, which increases the nutritional and healing
properties thereof........... Read

Probiotic (infant) food
The invention relates to foods, such as infants and children's food and dietary supplements
for infants and children. The invention provides a composition comprising a lipid source, a
carbohydrate source and a protein source, characterized in that the composition further
contains the B. lactis strain deposited under ATCC number 27536 and the L. casei strain
deposited under ATCC number 55544. Such a composition contributes to the general
resistance, in particular with respect to undesired passage of pathogens and the incidence of
respiratory diseases in children........ Read


Regulations, Labelling, Health Claims & Food Safety

EFSA publishes second series of opinions on ‘general function’ health claims
EFSA has published a second series of opinions on a list of ‘general function’ health claims
compiled by Member States and the European Commission. Scientific experts on EFSA’s
Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) assessed all available scientific data
submitted to substantiate the 416 health claims. These opinions have been sent to the
European Commission and to Member States which will ultimately decide whether to
authorise these claims or not. The evaluations of the NDA Panel were positive when there
was sufficient scientific evidence available to support the claim, such as those related to
vitamins and minerals. Experts issued unfavourable opinions on most of the claims in the
second series due to the poor quality of the information provided to EFSA including:
* lack of information to identify the substance on which the claim is based, e.g.
“probiotics”;
* lack of evidence that the claimed effect is indeed beneficial to the maintenance or
improvement of the functions of the body (e.g. food with “antioxidant properties”);
* lack of human studies with reliable measures of the claimed health benefit.
This is the second series of opinions on ‘general function’ health claims and the Panel is
continuing its work on the remaining claims on the list. This phased approach has been
adopted due to the very large number of claims received for evaluation and the
requirement, for EFSA, to publish opinions soon after adoption in order to ensure
transparency. In carrying out its work, EFSA combines similar claims (e.g. by substance
and/or the benefit) in order to form coherent opinions......... Read

Australia to overhaul its food labelling policy
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has agreed that the Australia and New
Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council (the Ministerial Council) undertake a


comprehensive review of food labelling law and policy using an evidence based approach
and without compromising public health and safety. The Ministerial Council has agreed to
the review being independent. In Australia, all three tiers of government have a role in the
administration or enforcement of food labelling law. Food labelling policy and standards are
also shared with New Zealand under Trans-Tasman treaty arrangements. Through COAG, all
Australian governments have committed to regulatory reform to create a seamless national
economy, reduce the regulatory burden without compromising public health and safety and
maintain or increase the competitiveness of Australian businesses. As part of its prevention
stream of work in the health policy arena COAG has also agreed to tackle the burden of
chronic disease, which raises issues of relevance to the food regulatory system. For the
purposes of this review, the term “food labelling” includes information, representations and
claims about food that are, or could be, regulated under the Australia and New Zealand Food
Standards Code or consumer protection laws. Laws with respect to food labelling serve a
number of important policy purposes. There are a number of different policy drivers
impacting on food labelling laws. Food labelling supports, among other things, the policy
objectives of public health and safety and enabling consumers to make informed choices.
Examples of labelling requirements aimed at safety include ‘use by’ dates and requirements
for disclosure of allergens. Food labelling provides information designed to inform
nutritional choices (nutrition information panels). In some cases, labelling has been used to
provide information in response to consumer demand (e.g. labelling of genetically modified
foods). Some labelling requirements have been imposed to enable product identification and
facilitate traceability............ Read

Lawsuit claims Omega-3 supplements contain industrial chemicals
A California lawsuit aims to push companies that make and sell fish oil supplements to be
more upfront about their ingredients, claiming testing showed some brands contain high
levels of industrial chemicals. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court on Tuesday,
alleges six U.S. manufacturers and two drugstore companies failed to warn the public that
products made from fish or shark oil – long toted as a source of Omega-3 fatty acids –
contained polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) compounds. “Consumers who want the health
benefits of fish oil shouldn’t also have to take the health risks of an extremely toxic man-
made chemical,” lawyer David Roe said in a statement. The lawsuit is based on California law
that requires companies to warn consumers about exposure to chemicals that are known to
cause cancer or reproductive harm. The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of
1986, more commonly referred to as Proposition 65, sets limits for safe human consumption
of PCB compounds...... Read
(Download the lawsuit action .....pdf, 12 pages..... Read )

Omega-3 suppliers hit back at ‘misguided’ Proposition 65 attack
Groups representing fish oil suppliers have defended the safety record of the multi-billion
dollar omega-3 source in the face of legal action mounted in a San Francisco court. The
action states a number of omega-3 products exceed limits for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)
established under California’s Proposition 65 rules and demands compensation for
consumers of $2500 per person exposed to the PCB-containing products. It also requests the
companies cited, including Solgar, Pharmavite and Omega Protein, cease making the
products in question. Dr Douglas MacKay, the vice president of scientific and regulatory
affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), told NutraIngredients-USA.com that


the lawsuit was so much “misguided energy” given the nature of Proposition 65 and the
complete absence of adverse events......... Read

Health Canada proposing new labeling requirements for food colors
Health Canada is launching a consultation with stakeholders and the Canadian public on
proposed changes to improve the labeling requirements for food colors in Canada. The
consultation, which will be posted on the Health Canada website and open for comments
from February 18th until May 4th, is intended to seek input on several options for future
labeling requirements. The Canadian Food and Drug Regulations currently allow
manufacturers to use the general term "color" to specify one or more food colors. For the
majority of prepackaged foods, manufacturers may voluntarily declare individual colors by
name at their own discretion. However, there is some evidence suggesting a link between
consumption of certain food colours and adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. More
recently, certain food color mixtures have been associated with behavioral effects in
children. For these reasons, Health Canada considers it prudent to improve labeling
requirements for food colours. Health Canada's proposed changes would eliminate the
option of using the general term "color" and require that individual colours be identified on
food ingredient labels for many, if not all, colours. By improving food color labeling
requirements, Health Canada's goal is to enable consumers to make more informed choices
which could contribute to the reduction of adverse reactions........ Read

FDA warns beverage firms on health claims
In another sign that the regulatory environment has changed, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration recently sent letters to 16 firms – including five RTD beverage companies –
citing ingredient and health claim violations. The agency’s letter to POM Wonderful said
POMs expansive health claims – including boasts that it may help with blood pressure,
prostate cancer and erectile function – elevate POM to the level of unapproved drug rather
than a food product. The agency chastised the brand, a leader in the trend toward more-
prevalent antioxidant claims, for using its web site to bring attention to scientific studies and
customer testimonials that suggest the product can improve consumers’ health. POM’s label
also improperly lists its nutrition content, the FDA said, by omitting the name of its
antioxidant. The label also boasts a high level of “phytochemicals,” which are not eligible for
a nutrition panel call-out because the FDA has not established a recommended daily intake
for the substance......... Read


Nutrition, Diets, Health Benefits & Related Research

New Study Shows MicroActive® CoQ10 More Universally Bioavailable than Other Forms of
CoQ10
BioActives LLC and Maypro Industries today announced the results of a new study on Micro-
Active CoQ10, a patented, highly bioavailable, and universally absorbed form of Coenzyme
Q10. Published in the journal Integrative Medicine, the study found that 100% of subjects
taking Micro-Active CoQ10 hard gelatin capsules doubled their plasma CoQ10 levels after
three weeks of supplementation, compared to just 44% of subjects taking oil-solubilized
CoQ10 soft gels. The results confirmed that MicroActive CoQ10, which is manufactured by


BioActives and distributed by Maypro, is more universally bioavailable than other CoQ10
formulations on the market. Because of its fat-soluble nature and large molecular weight,
CoQ10 is very difficult to absorb. Thus, numerous forms of CoQ10, such as oil dispersed,
solubilized and micellized forms, have been introduced — all claiming to have higher
bioavailability than regular crystalline CoQ10. “The problem with most increased
bioavailability claims is that they don’t apply to everyone,” explained Dan Kagan, PhD,
managing partner of BioActives and co-author of the study. The reason? They don’t take into
account inter-subject variance — the difference in absorption rates among subjects. Because
bioavailability is calculated as the average absorption rate of all subjects in a study, just one
“super-absorber” can artificially inflate the bioavailability average......... Read

Chocolate May Make Some Strokes Less Likely
In news that's sure to delight chocolate lovers, a Harvard study finds that a couple of squares
of dark chocolate a day might reduce the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke, by 52 percent.
Unfortunately for chocolate fans, though, the same research also found that chocolate does
not appear to have a protective benefit for the most common type of stroke. People who
have a stroke have either an ischemic or a hemorrhagic stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs
when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain becomes blocked, either partially or
completely. This type of stroke accounts for about 80 percent of all strokes, according to the
U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Hemorrhagic strokes, which
occur when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds into the brain, make up about 20
percent of all strokes....... Read

Study Shows Pine Bark Naturally Reduces Blood Pressure and Counteracts Kidney Damage
Caused by Hypertension
A study published in the March 2010 issue of the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
and Therapeutics reveals Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the
bark of the French maritime pine tree, counteracts kidney damage caused by hypertension,
lowering urinary proteins and improving blood flow to the kidneys. “Kidney disease is a
common problem for people with hypertension and is an equally ‘silent’ threat to the body.
There are no warning signals and inefficient fluid removal may further increase the blood
pressure, causing a vicious circle to set in,” said Dr. Gianni Belcaro, a lead researcher of the
study. “The results of this study demonstrated Pycnogenol®’s ability not only to reduce
blood pressure, but also to relieve the kidney damage caused by chronic hypertension.” The
randomized, controlled study conducted by the G D’Annunzio University in Italy investigated
55 hypertensive patients who showed early signs of impaired kidney function, as judged by
elevated amounts of proteins found in their urine. The patients were divided into two
groups. Both groups were treated with anti-hypertensive medication Ramipril and one
group of 29 patients took Pycnogenol in addition to the Ramipril. Urine was collected during
a 24 hour period for quantification of protein (albumin) at baseline and again after six
months of treatment...... Read

Whole Grains Take a Bite Out of Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Simply selecting brown rice over white also makes a difference, researchers say
Brown rice is better than white rice at reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, but whole grains
are the most effective at lowering the risk, study findings show. U.S. researchers analyzed
data from 39,765 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and 157,463 women in
the Nurses' Health Study I and II. None of the participants had diabetes, heart disease or


cancer at the start of the studies. Their consumption of brown and white rice, as well as
other foods, was assessed every two to four years.
During 3.3 million person-years of follow-up, there were 10,507 incidents of type 2 diabetes.
After adjusting for a number of dietary and lifestyle risk factors, the researchers found that
people who ate five or more servings per week of white rice were 17 percent more likely to
develop type 2 diabetes than those who ate less than one serving of white rice per month. In
contrast, people who ate two or more servings of brown rice per week were 11 percent less
likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who ate less than one serving of brown rice per
month, the study authors reported. "We estimated that replacing 50 grams/day intake of
white rice with the same amount of brown rice was associated with a 16 percent lower risk
of type 2 diabetes, whereas the same replacement with whole grains as a group was
associated with a 36 percent lower diabetes risk," wrote Dr. Qi Sun, of Harvard School of
Public Health in Boston, and colleagues......... Read

Study Shows Soluble Fiber Boosts Immune System
A new University of Illinois study touts the benefits of soluble fiber—found in oats, apples,
and nuts, for starters—saying that it reduces the inflammation associated with obesity-
related diseases and strengthens the immune system. "Soluble fiber changes the personality
of immune cells—they go from being pro-inflammatory, angry cells to anti-inflammatory,
healing cells that help us recover faster from infection," said Gregory Freund, a professor in
the U of I's College of Medicine and a faculty member in the College of Agriculture,
Consumer and Environmental Sciences' Division of Nutritional Sciences. This happens
because soluble fiber causes increased production of an anti-inflammatory protein called
interleukin-4, he said. In the experiment, laboratory mice consumed low-fat diets that were
identical except that they contained either soluble or insoluble fiber. After six weeks on the
diet, the animals had distinctly different responses when the scientists induced illness by
introducing a substance (lipopolysaccharide) that causes the body to mimic a bacterial
infection....... Read

Vegetable Juice Aids Weight Loss
Incorporating vegetable juice into your daily diet may not only increase the number of daily
vegetable servings, data from a recent study also suggest the potential of using a low-
sodium vegetable juice in conjunction with a calorie-restricted diet to aid in weight loss in
overweight individuals with metabolic syndrome (Nutr J. 2010;9:8). Researchers evaluated
the effects of a ready-to-serve vegetable juice as part of a calorie-appropriate Dietary
Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet in an ethnically diverse population of people
with metabolic syndrome, a constellation of metabolic risk factors for type 2 diabetes and
cardiovascular disease (CVD), on weight loss and their ability to meet vegetable intake
recommendations, as well as their clinical characteristics of metabolic syndrome (waist
circumference, triglycerides, HDL, fasting blood glucose and blood pressure). A prospective
12-week, three-group (0, 8 or 16 fluid ounces/d of low-sodium vegetable juice) parallel arm
randomized controlled trial requested 81 participants with metabolic syndrome (22 men, 59
women) to limit their calorie intake to 1,600 kcals for women and 1,800 kcals for men, and
were educated on the DASH diet.......... Read

Omega-3 DHA Kills Cancer Cells
Omega-3 fatty acid DHA may help treat many types of childhood and adult cancers including
neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, colon, breast and prostate cancers, according to a new
study published in the FASEB Journal. "We hope that this study can provide a deeper


understanding of the actions of omega-3 fatty acids and their products in cancer cells, and
why they can be of such high importance in treatment of the disease," said Helena
Gleissman, PhD, co-author of the study from the Childhood Cancer Research Unit of the
Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. "Ultimately, we hope that we can be able to cure more
children with neuroblastoma, and possibly other cancers."....... Read

Study Finds Eliminating Junk Food At Schools Lowers Childhood Obesity
A recent study finds that policies eliminating sugary beverages and junk foods from schools
may help slow childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is increasingly prevalent in the United
States, with obesity rates more than tripling during the last 30 years. "This is one of the very
first comprehensive investigations that examined whether childhood obesity trends changed
after new statewide policies were enacted in California," said Emma Sanchez-Vaznaugh,
assistant professor of health education at San Francisco State University who was a lead
author of the study. Today, one in three children are either overweight or obese. Between
2003 and 2005, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed three bills into law that were
the first comprehensive set of statewide policies to eliminate sodas and other highly
sweetened beverages and restrict the sale of junk foods in all of California's public schools.
Other states have signed similar legislation, however the effects on childhood obesity were
uncertain.......... Read

"Constant Eating" Leads to Childhood Obesity
According to a new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, American kids
are developing a trend toward "constant eating". Most kids eat three snacks a day in
addition to three meals a day. Researchers feel that this is a contributing factor for the
increase in childhood obesity. The study includes surveys of food intake of over 31,000
American kids from 1977 to 2006. Since 1977 the percentage of kids who eat snacks
between meals rose from 74 to 98 percent. A majority of kids snack on empty calories and
junk foods such as salty, sugary, and fat-ridden foods. Candy consumption is also on the
rise......... Read

Milk’s fat content may influence tea’s antioxidants
The choice of adding full-fat or skimmed milk to tea may influence the antioxidant capacity
of the beverage, says new research from the UK which may have public health implications.
According to findings published in Nutrition Research, addition of milk of any kind reduced
the antioxidant potential of black tea by between 7 and 25 per cent than unmilked tea.
However, addition of skimmed milk decreased the total antioxidant capacity of black tea
much more than whole or semi-skimmed milk, report Lisa Ryan and Sébastien Petit from the
Functional Food Center at Oxford Brookes University. The reduction in the antioxidant
activity of tea, as measured by the FRAP assay, was reported to be a linked to the levels of
theaflavins and thearubigins that will affect the total antioxidant capacity of black tea..........
Read

Potassium-Rich Foods Do a Heart Good
Eating plenty of potassium-rich foods such as leafy greens, potatoes and bananas may
reduce the risk of stroke and coronary artery disease, according to Italian researchers. The
new analysis was based on 10 studies published between 1966 and 2009 that included
almost 280,000 adults. During follow-ups that ranged from five to 19 years, there were over
5,500 strokes and almost 3,100 coronary heart disease events, the investigators found.
Higher potassium intake was associated with a 19 percent lower risk of stroke and an 8


percent lower risk of coronary heart disease. The findings support global recommendations
for people to increase their consumption of potassium-rich foods in order to prevent
vascular disease, said Dr. Pasquale Strazzullo, of the University of Naples, and
colleagues.......... Read

Light helps keep spinach full of vitamins: study
Supermarket lights help keep spinach fresh and producing new vitamins, U.S. government
researchers reported on Wednesday. The surprising findings should apply to other fresh
vegetables and may offer insights into how to keep produce fresher longer, the researchers
reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. They may also suggest ways to
boost nutrients in fresh foods, said Gene Lester of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Agricultural Research Service. He said the idea for the experiment came to him when he was
shopping. Supermarkets often display fresh spinach in clear plastic containers at around 39
degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees C) under fluorescent light 24 hours a day. Lester wondered if
this was good or bad for the leaves.......... Read



Reviews, Comments, Opinions and Full-text Publications
Saskatoon Colostrum Company – Growing beyond borders
Mother Nature’s super food has created a very healthy niche market for a Saskatchewan
company. Saskatoon Colostrum Company Ltd (SCCL) is the only company in Canada that
manufactures dried bovine colostrum products for cattle, pets and humans. Established in
1994, SCCL has grown to an international level with worldwide markets. Colostrum is the
first milk produced by all mammals after giving birth. Through this special milk, immunity is
transferred from mother to baby – along with nutrients, cytokines (proteins released by cells
that affect their behaviour and interactions between cells), and growth factors. In cattle,
colostrum is essential for calf survival and long-term health. Using the heat-treated
colostrum replacer reduces the incidence of Johne’s disease in newborn calves and improves
the health of high-risk calves. Johne’s disease is a chronic disease that can cause significant
losses in milk and beef production. Bovine colostrum has many of the same ingredients as
the colostrum from other species, including humans and companion animals. Dr. Deborah
Haines, Director of Research and Regulatory Affairs for SCCL, says Saskatoon’s life science
infrastructure was essential to establishing the company. She credits three organizations for
helping SCCL along its way from start-up to success. First, POS Pilot Plant, a confidential
contract research, toll processing, and analytical services organization located in Saskatoon.
“We would not have been able to start this company without access to POS Pilot Plant, so
that was really key.”....... Read


Nanotechnology and Food: An IFT Perspective
Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field of research that is revolutionizing various sectors
of the economy such as medicine, energy, electronic, and defense; and potentially the food
and agriculture sector with on-going research in many areas of application. IFT recognizes
the potential to positively impact the food industry as well as the possible environmental,
health, and safety implications that may negatively impact the food supply chain. IFT thus
supports objective and well-designed research and development efforts that address all
aspects of the spectrum. To this end, IFT has taken on a leadership role as a catalyst for
research, innovation, and communication, both domestically and internationally. Here are
details on IFT activities. It is noteworthy that interest in nanotechnology and food has
significantly increased in recent years in both the public and policy arenas. Particular interest
has focused on research discoveries on applications in food, potential safety implications,
and regulatory oversight. A new bill, Nanotechnology Safety Act 2010, introduced in the U.S.
Senate by Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR) and Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) is seeking to create a
new nanotechnology risk assessment program within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). The program will investigate the safety of nanoscale materials intended for use on
FDA-regulated products. The bill is seeking an appropriation of $25 million annually between
2011 and 2015 to fund the FDA scheme............ Read

New Beverage Products are Dashing to Dairy
Beverages of all types are working in dairy products and less obvious dairy ingredients for
health, satiety and just plain enjoyment. Beverages are taking on a milky white hue as dairy
dresses up with omega oils, juices take on dairy proteins and non-milk "dairy' choices
broaden their botanical horizons. But this isn't merely variety for its own sake; there's
method behind the dash to dairy-based new products. For the beverage industry, this means
coming up with drinks that can multitask as creatively as the consumers they're designed to
satisfy. For proof of this, we need look no further than arguably the most fundamental
beverage, next to water: milk. "An ongoing challenge for the dairy industry at large is to help
Americans nine years of age and older consume three servings of nutrient-rich, low-fat and
fat-free milk and milk products every day, as is recommended by the Dietary Guidelines and
many other health authorities,' says Gregory Miller, executive vice president of research,
regulatory and scientific affairs for Dairy Management Inc. and the National Dairy Council
(www.nationaldairycouncil.org), both in Rosemont, Ill.......... Read

Foodborne Illness Costs US $152 Billion Annually!
Acute foodborne illnesses cost the
United States an estimated $152 billion
per year in healthcare, workplace and
other economic losses, according to a
report published today by the Produce
Safety Project (PSP). The study, Health-
Related Costs from Foodborne Illness in
the United States, was written by Dr.
Robert L. Scharff, a former Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) economist
and current Ohio State University
assistant professor in the department of
consumer sciences. The study estimates


that more than a quarter of these costs, an estimated $39 billion, are attributable to
foodborne illnesses associated with fresh, canned and processed produce. The FDA has
announced that it will propose before the end of the year mandatory and enforceable safety
standards for the growing, harvesting and packing of fresh produce. These will be the first
nationwide safety standards for fresh fruits and vegetables. "An up-to-date cost analysis of
foodborne illnesses is critical for FDA officials and lawmakers to craft the most effective and
efficient reforms," said Jim O'Hara, PSP director. "A decade ago, we spent more than $1.3
billion annually to try to reduce the burden of foodborne illness and today we are spending
even more. We need to make certain we are spending limited funds wisely and hitting our
target of reducing sicknesses and deaths, and this study gives us a yardstick to measure our
progress." Produce (fresh, canned and processed) accounts for roughly 19,700,000 of the
reported illnesses documented, at a cost of approximately $1,960 per case and $39 billion
annually in economic losses. California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois and Pennsylvania
were the states most impacted by foodborne illness cases related to produce............. pdf, 28
pages......... Read

Can a Caffeine-Packed guarana Give a Boost?
A highly caffeinated South American plant is increasingly being used to provide the pep in
energy drinks, dietary supplements, food products and candy. Marketers say guarana-
containing products boost energy, mood and cognitive function—and may even help with
weight loss. Scientists say some science does back up those claims, but they warn guarana
can overstimulate the heart in rare cases. Guarana (pronounced gwa-rah-na) is a rain-forest
vine with fruit that contains high levels of caffeine. Since 2008, nearly 500 products with
guarana, including different sizes and flavors of the same product, have been introduced to
U.S. stores, according to London market-research firm Datamonitor PLC. Products include
energy drinks, beef jerky, chewing gum, mints and even lollipops. Guarana products often
claim to simply boost energy, and some say they enhance mental performance. Some are
marketed as weight-loss aids. Several studies do link guarana to weight loss, but they tend to
be small, short term and often involve products with other ingredients—overall, not yet
conclusive, scientists say........ Read

What's Best for Kids: Bottled Water or Fountains?
As the U.S. taste for bottled water grows, environmentalists have been trying to sell people
on good old-fashioned—and free—tap water. But tap water's place in schools is thorny,
since some experts say children should actually be drinking more bottled water to head off
two stubborn health threats: obesity due to sugary drinks and lead poisoning. "If children go
from sugary beverages to bottled water, you get a benefit to public health, but not so much
the environment," said Kelly Brownell, director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and
Obesity at Yale University. "If they go from sugar beverages to [clean] tap water, you get a
public health home run and environmental home run." Bottled water is a drain on the
environment: The U.S. public goes through about 50 billion water bottles a year, and most of
those plastic containers are not recycled, according to Elizabeth Royte's 2008 book
Bottlemania: How Water Went on Sale and Why We Bought It. Transporting the bottles and
keeping them cold also burns fossil fuels, which give off greenhouse gases......... Read



Webinars Worldwide
Webinars or Web seminars often provide a free or cost effect way of enhancing knowledge
or help stay on top of market trends and opportunities.

This Section is continuously updated. Please recommend a webinar to Functional Foods Weekly
Date What Presenter Timing* Price
Mar 18 The Power of Omega-3s............ Read NPI 2 PM EDT Free
Mar 23 Gluten-free products: Market Trends and Prepared Foods 3 PM EDT Free
Regulations........ Read
Mar 24 Sustainability within the Confectionery Industry........ Cargill 2 PM EDTT Free
Read
Mar 24 From Babies to Baby Boomers – What You Should Know IFT 12:45PM CST USD 79
About DHA and Cognition.......... Read
Apr 28 Consumers & Sodium: A Pinch of Understanding........ CCFN TBA Free
Read
* For your local time, please check the US Time Zones or US Live time (for US based seminars) and then use
the Time Zone Converter



Conferences & Meetings Worldwide
This Section is continuously updated. Please recommend a food-related conference to Functional Foods
Weekly
When What Where

2010
Mar 9 Food for Kids Conference........ hRead London, UK
Mar 9-10 Grain Foods: Sustaining the Future, Sydney, Australia
the Inaugural Go Grains Health & Nutrition Industry Conference............ Read
Mar 9-11 InnoBev Global Soft Drinks Congress...... Read Istanbul, Turkey


Mar 9-11 US Ireland Functional Foods Conference 2010.............. Read Cork, Ireland
Mar 10-11 Nutracon.......... Read Anaheim, US
Mar 10-11 Soyfoods2010: Anticipating Potential for Growth........ Read Anaheim, US
Mar 11-14 Natural Products Expo West........ Read Anaheim, US
Mar 17-18 Food & Beverage Innotech Asia 2010............ Read Bangkok, Thailand
th
Mar 19-21 The 8 China Nutrient and Healthy Food & Organic Products.......... Read Guangzhou, China
Mar 23-25 Food Ingredients China............ Read Shanghai, China
Mar 29-30 Australian Obesity Summit......... Read Sydney, Australia
Apr 16-17 IPA (International Probiotics Association) World Congress......... Read Miami, US
Apr 20-21 Food Futures – An Australian Approach......... Read Canberra, Australia
Apr 26 Antioxidants 2010 – Science, Testing and Regulations.......... Read Brussels, Belgium
Apr 27-29 Fourth Global Dairy Congress........ Read Salzburg, Austria
Apr 28-29 NutraFormulate............ Read Coventry, UK
Apr 29-30 Natural Health Conference and Expo.......... Read Brisbane, Australia
May 5-7 Health Grain Conference........... Read
May 18-20 Vitafoods 2010.............. Read Geneva, Swiss
May 25-26 Beverage Forum 2010.......... Read New York, US
May 25-26 Functional and Bioactive Ingredients for Food Products and Specialty Ghent, Belgium
Beverages....... Read
May 25-27 Food Ingredients Central and East European....... Read Warsaw, Poland
th
May 27-29 Dietitians Association of Australia 28 National Conference.......... Read Melbourne, Australia
May 30-Jun 2010 CIFST/AAFC Conference...... Read Winnipeg, Canada
01
Jun 1-10 3rd International Symposium on Propionibacteria and Bifidobacteria: Dairy and Oviedo, Spain
Probiotic Applications.......... Read
Jun 11 Probiotics: From Bench to Market....... Read New York, US
Jun 15-17 International Scientific Conference on Probiotics and Prebiotics - IPC Kosice, Slovakia
2010............ Read
Jun 17 Food security, innovation and research......... Read London, UK
Jun 20-25 NanoAgro 2010........ Read São Carlos, SP, Brazil
Jun 29 Food packaging and waste - innovation, anaerobic digestion and London, UK
nanotechnology......... Read
Jul 17-21 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo.......... Read Chicago, US

Jul 25-27 AIFST Annual Conference – Creating the Future of Foods.......... Read Melbourne, Australia
Aug 11-12 Dairy Microbiology - the good, the bad, the issues.......... Read Melbourne, Australia

Aug 18-19 Higher Valued Foods – FIESTA 2010; 5th Innovative Foods Conference........ Melbourne, Australia
Read
Aug 22-26 IUFOST 2010 CONGRESS........ Read Cape Town, South Africa
Sep 7-9 The 3rd Australian Food Safety Conference.......... Read Melbourne, Australia
Sep 12-15 ABIC 2010: Bridging Biology and Business........ Read Saskatoon, Canada
Sep 22-24 InterBev 2010............. Read Orlando, US
Oct 17-20 Food Microbiology Symposium.......... Read Wisconsin, US
Oct 28-29 6th International Symposium Probiotics and Health: Key Findings and New Montreal, Canada
Directions........ Read
Nov 8-11 IDF World Dairy Summit 2010 …….. Read Auckland, New Zealand
Nov 16-18 Hi Europe……. Read Madrid, Spain



Disclaimer
Functional Foods Weekly uses Web links and as Web links can be unreliable, we cannot guarantee the validity of the link (although we do test the
links before the Weekly is delivered). The Weekly is mailed as a bulk email and we cannot guarantee the delivery every week as individual
organisations/servers have capacity to block emails and we have no control over that (although we do attempt to resend the Weekly if it bounces
back; we also try to contact the subscriber). The use of the information is at the discretion of the user. OzScientific® is not liable for any damage
whatsoever caused by the email or newsletter or by use of the information in this email or newsletter. As a subscriber, you agree to this disclaimer
and the detailed disclaimer at http://www.functionalfoods.com.au

Subscription conditions
Functional Foods Weekly is addressed (unless corporate/library/bulk subscription is taken) to an individual and we request that you do not forward
or share the newsletter. Your subscription may be cancelled without refund if there was an evidence of the misuse of the single-license
subscription. OzScientific® reserves the right to refuse subscription, vary subscription rates and offer variable rates. Invoice for renewal is sent at
the end of the subscription; subscribers are required to confirm if renewal is not required within 2 weeks. Failing that, OzScientific® will assume
that the subscription is renewed. Renewal subscription payments are due within 4 weeks of renewal; delayed payments may incur additional
service charge.


Functional Foods Weekly is compiled from analysis of over 500 resources every week
including media releases, Internet searches, news wires, RSS feeds, magazines, research
journals, patent sites etc.

Join us on

Subscription Information
Functional Foods Weekly (46 electronic Issues/year) subscription is available as single,
multiple, library, academic, site and corporate licenses. For current subscription rates,
please contact weekly@functionalfoods.com.au or visit
http://www.functionalfoods.com.au


Functional Foods Weekly Vol 5 No 03

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (7)

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (13)

Similar to Functional Foods Weekly Vol 5 No 03

Similar to Functional Foods Weekly Vol 5 No 03 (20)

Functional Foods Weekly Vol 5 No 03