Top Stories
Food prices soaring to historic levels
New Food and Agricultural Organization report says food security is being adversely affected by unprecedented price hikes for basic food, driven by historically low food stocks, droughts and floods, and high oil prices. High international cereal prices have already sparked food riots in several countries.
This seems to be a constant theme here at the Newsletter, food prices are raising. It is interesting because it implies that the age of inexpensive and plentiful food is over.
For more, see the FAO report.
Also see: the New York Times.
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Research Briefs
Therapeutic benefits of Ginkgo biloba
These researchers studied a standardized preparation of the Ginkgo leaf extract containing 2 main bioactive constituents, flavonoid glycosides (24%) and terpene lactones (6%), along with less than 5 ppm of the allergenic component, ginkgolic acid.
They suggest that the therapeutic mechanisms of action of the Ginkgo leaf extract are through its antioxidant, antiplatelet, antihypoxic, antiedemic, hemorrheologic, and microcirculatory actions, where the flavonoid and the terpenoid constituents may act in a complementary manner.
They also say that toxicity studies show that the Ginkgo leaf extract is relatively safe for consumption, although a few side effects have been reported, that is, intracerbral hemorrhage, gastrointestinal disturbances, headaches, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions. The use of Ginkgo leaf extract may be promising for treatment of certain conditions, although its long-term use still needs to be evaluated.
For more, see Journal of Food Science
Portion size, energy density key in caloric intake
A study at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Children’s Nutrition Research Center (CNRC), Houston, Texas, has shown that serving large portions of energy-dense foods at meals equates to substantial extra calories consumed by U.S. preschoolers.
Since the 1970s, average portion sizes of foods consumed both inside and outside the home have been steadily increasing. Previously reported research suggested that doubling the portion size of a preschooler's entree would increase the child’s total calories consumed at a meal by 15 to 39 percent. For this CNRC study, 53 children were selected from the Houston area—28 girls and 25 boys, aged 5 to 6 and representing a wide range of body mass indexes.
Results of the study showed that children ate one-third more entree calories when either the energy- dense version or the large portions was served. However, combining the larger portions with the higher energy added the most calories to the meal. When children were served a large portion of the energy-dense entree, they ate 75% more entree calories and 35% more total calories at the meal.
For more, see http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2007/071214.htm
Company News
Companies announce tracking program for cloned animals
Two biotech companies, ViaGen and Trans Ova Genetics, have announced a plan that will allow producers to track cloned animals with an electronic ear tag and identification number.
The voluntary program will help retailers who don't want to sell milk and meat from cloned animals ensure that they aren't buying such products.
General Mills reports sales increase, inflation to increase
General Mills today reported results for the second quarter of fiscal 2008. the company reported that net sales rose 7% to $3.70 billion. However, product recall expenses reduced 2008 second-quarter earnings by 4 cents per share. Recall expenses were about $20 million.
The company also expects input cost inflation will be higher in the second half than in the first half, and that full-year inflation will be greater than originally estimated. However, above-plan results through the first half, pricing and increased productivity savings are expected to offset this cost pressure. General Mills reaffirmed its fiscal 2008 earnings per share guidance of $3.39 to $3.43.
Dairy co-ops in merger talks
Friesland Foods and Campina have started exploratory talks whether and how a merger between their cooperatives and dairy companies could contribute more to achieving their respective objectives. Both companies expect that a merger would significantly strengthen their international positions: with consumer products, further growth in Europe, Asia and Africa; and with ingredients, growth worldwide. A further strengthening and the growth of the business are in the best interest of the member dairy farmers (who would together own Friesland Campina), customers, consumers and employees.
Completion of the merger would mean the creation of one of the leading global dairy companies. The diversity in product groups, geographical markets, strong brands, and global increase in scale for research, production, marketing and sales will turn Friesland Campina into a more competitive company.
The combined turnover of Friesland Foods and Campina amounts to some 8.3 billion euros. Together, they employ around 22,000 people, and between them have some 17,000 associated dairy farms in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. These supply a total volume of 8.7 billion kilos of milk (based on the 2006 figures).
Regulatory News
FDA posts guidance documents
The U.S. FDA has recently updated its site with the addition of the following guidance documents:
Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance for Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters
And
Guidance for Industry: Preparation of Premarket Submissions for Food Contact Substances: Chemistry Recommendations
IFT & Meeting News
IFT calls for 2008 Annual Meeting Session Proposals and Abstracts
Now is the time to take your IFT volunteer involvement to the next level. You have an opportunity to nominate yourself or a colleague for President-Elect or for a position as a Member of the 2008-09 Board of Directors. See the IFT Leadership Brochure (pdf) for more information.
It's quick and easy to submit a nomination online. Visit the IFT Member Center (login required) to complete the Volunteer Leadership Nomination Form. A form can also be requested by contacting Heather Lang in the IFT Executive Office at hmlang@ift.org. The deadline is October 11, 2007, so be sure to submit your nomination today!
Food Technology Presents: Developing and Marketing Products for Consumer Health & Wellness
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Only the Food Technology Presents conference can provide the scientific credibility, applied technology, market insight, and consumer trends information that makes Food Technology magazine the most quoted publication in the industry. Don't miss this innovative and timely conference.
To register, go to ift.org/ftpc. When registering, please enter this code: 1207EM1091
Visit the IFT Cybrary - The Food Scientist's Search Engine
Gain access to the most powerful search engine in the industry online at http://ift.chemidex.com/. One-time registration takes just a few minutes.
If you've already registered, be sure to select "Remember Me" for instant access to formulations and data sheets for thousands of ingredients.
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