Food safety

Food quality and safety

Objective

The activities carried out in this area are intended to help establish the integrated scientific and technological bases needed to develop an environmentally friendly production and distribution chain of safer, healthier and varied food, including sea-food and to control food-related risks, relying in particular on biotechnology tools taking into account the results of post-genomic research, as well as to control health risks associated with environmental changes.

Justification of the effort and European added value

The recent food crises, and in particular bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), have highlighted both the complexity of food safety issues and the fact that in most cases they have international and cross-border implications. 

The integration of the European internal market as regards agriculture and food makes it necessary to address the problems that arise in this area, and hence to carry out related research, on a European scale. It is against this background that the European Food Safety Authority has been established(3).

Citizens and consumers expect that research will help to ensure that the food and products marketed are of high quality, healthy and can be consumed in safety. To this end, emphasis should be placed on the whole food production chain, "from farm to fork", including, where appropriate, application of animal and plant sciences and biotechnology to this area. Requirements relating to animal welfare and health should be taken into account.

This requires the availability of the most complete, precise and up to date scientific knowledge. Apart from the public health aspect, the prosperity of a sector representing some EUR 600 billion in terms of annual turnover and 2,6 million jobs is at stake.

Given that small enterprises constitute a major part of the food sector, the success of activities undertaken will rely on the adaptation of knowledge and processes to the specific characteristics of these enterprises.

Europe also needs to be able to make a substantial contribution to the research efforts on these issues, which now arise at world level, as well as a coherent contribution to the international debate on them, based on the most precise and complete knowledge. 

The same remarks apply to the various aspects of the problems associated with the health impact of environmental factors (e.g. endocrine disruptors, carcinogens) which are a source of growing concern for European citizens, and which often manifest themselves on an international scale. For all these reasons, but also in order to derive the benefit of the combination of the best sources of expertise available in complex areas, the research in question should be carried out at European level in such a way as to ensure genuine coordination of national activities.

Actions envisaged

Community activities will cover research, including, where appropriate, post-genomics research, relating to various aspects of the control of health risks and links between health and food:

(a) safer and environmentally friendly production and processing methods and healthier, nutritious, functional and varied foodstuffs and animal feed, based on systems such as integrated production, lower-input farming including organic agriculture, and the use of plant and animal sciences and biotechnologies;

(b) epidemiology of food-related diseases and allergies, including the impact of diet on the health of children and methods for the analysis of causes of food-related allergies;

(c) impact of food, for instance new products, products resulting from organic farming, functional food, products containing genetically modified organisms and those arising from recent biotechnology developments on health;

(d) "traceability" processes all along the production chain, for instance relating to genetically modified organisms, including those based on recent biotechnology developments;

(e) methods of analysis, detection and control of chemical contaminants and existing or emerging pathogenic micro-organisms (such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, fungi, parasites and new agents of the prion type including development of ante-mortem diagnostic tests for BSE and scrapie);

(f) impact of animal feed, including products containing genetically modified organisms and the use of sub-products of different origins for that feed, on human health; 

(g) environmental health risks linked to the food chain (chemical, biological and physical), and combined exposures of authorised substances, including impact of local environmental disasters and pollution on the safety of foodstuffs, with emphasis being placed on cumulative risks, transmission routes to human beings, long-term effects and exposure to small doses, as well as the impact on particularly sensitive groups, and especially children.

Links


News

30 June 2009:  A new tool is developed to predict the functionalities of different microorganisms based on their genomes, which will help speed the development of fermented foods and ingredients. Read more
 

30 June 2009: 
US-based company JBS-Swift Beef Co has expanded its recall of beef to over 421,000 pounds (191 tonnes) due to possible E.coli  0157:H7 contamination after reports linked 18 illnesses to consumption of its meat. Read more
 

30 June 2009: 
Researcher is studying the potential health benefits of a specially bred purple sweet potato because of its dominant purple color. Read more
 
29 June 2009:  A particular gene variant is discovered that could affect sweetness perception among different ethnic groups, raising the possibility of more targeted flavor profiling of foods. Read more
 

29 June 2009: 
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued negative safety opinions on forms of calcium, magnesium, iron, chromium and selenium for use in food supplements. Read more
 

29 June 2009: 
People who eat lots of soy products have better lung function and are less likely to develop the smoking-associated lung disease COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Read more
 

29 June 2009: 
Junk food triggers our ‘bliss point.’ Snacks, cereals and ready meals can act on the reward centres of the brain in the same way as tobacco. Read more
 

29 June 2009: 
Annual USA sales of nutritional supplements top $23 billion, but where’s the quality control and lab testing with free information accessible to consumers on either of those industries? Read more
 

29 June 2009: 
The melon genome with hundreds of DNA markers has been mapped by scientists. That means tastier and healthier melons are likely for future summer picnics. Read more
 

29 June 2009: 
Worried about mercury? It's easy to choose safer fish. Read more
 

26 June 2009: 
Rice bran oil and soy protein concentrate could be used by mayonnaise manufacturers to cut fat levels while increasing consumer acceptability. Read more
 

26 June 2009: 
Conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) and L-arginine consumed together have separate but not additive effects on weight loss. Read more
 

26 June 2009: 
In a landmark study, it is shown exactly how high carb foods, such as white bread and corn flakes, increase the risk for heart problems. Read more
 

25 June 2009: 
A new range of “natural and authentic” beef flavours is released  in respond to consumer demand for natural ingredients. Read more
 

25 June 2009: 
New research from the United States suggests that consumer confidence in food companies has plummeted after less than 1/5 consumers said they trusted firms to develop and sell healthy products. Read more
 

25 June 2009: 
An extract from propolis, the waxy resin collected by honeybees, may reduce the detrimental effects prolonged exercising in hot climates. Read more
 

24 June 2009: 
There is criticism in Europe for approving a draft regulation on food from cloned animals that could “keep options open” for its eventual authorisation. Read more
 

24 June 2009: 
A resistant starch-rich powder from unripe banana could boost the nutritional content of pasta. Read more
 

24 June 2009: 
The mapping of ‘taste dialects’ could help food firms develop products that appeal to the specific preferences of consumers in certain geographical locations. Read more
 

24 June 2009: 
The first fully recyclable dairy pots have been launched by a UK organic dairy brand. Read more
 
24 June 2009:  Increasing knowledge of how the gut and brain is opening up the possibilities for probiotics. At a symposium, academics find out where the current thinking is with probiotics and brain health. Read more
 

24 June 2009: 
Some food groups in the Mediterranean diet are more important than others in promoting health and longer life. Read more
 

23 June 2009: 
Nestle USA has issued a voluntary recall of its Toll House refrigerated cookie dough amid fears that it may be contaminated with the bacteria E.coli 0157:H7. Read more
 

23 June 2009: 
Researchers found that drinking fat-free milk in the morning helped increase satiety, or a feeling of fullness, and led to decreased calorie intake at the next meal. Read more
 

22 June 2009: 
Food technology is a profession under attack – and both industry and government need to invest to ensure its future. Read more
 
22 June 2009:  A new version of encapsulated sorbic acid is introduced to inhibit mould on bread, as the food industry seeks more ways to reduce formulation costs without impairing quality. Read more
 

22 June 2009: 
A combination of antioxidant supplements and resistance training may protect against bone loss in postmenopausal women. Read more
 

22 June 2009: 
Probiotics, the so-called "friendly" bacteria with health benefits, have busted out of the dairy case and are colonizing other areas of the supermarket.  The European Union Food Safety Authority this week started a process to regulate health claims on products, including probiotics. Read more
 
19 June 2009: 
Ordinary vinegar – acetic acid – may prevent the build up of fat, and therefore weight gain. Read more
 

19 June 2009: 
The superbug meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is able to infect food but eating or handling tainted produce does not present an increased health hazard to humans. Read more
 

19 June 2009: 
New research shows that artificial sweeteners not removed in waste water treatment could affect consumer acceptance. Read more
 

19 June 2009: 
Farmed fish may pose risk for transmitting Creutzfeldt Jakob disease--commonly known as mad cow disease--if they are fed byproducts rendered from cows. Read more
 

19 June 2009: 
Omega-3 fatty acids may protect against progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but the benefits appear to depend on the stage of disease and whether certain supplements are taken. Read more
 

18 June 2009: 
Increased intakes of calcium can increase excretion of fat in the faeces, and may play a role in weight management and preventing weight gain. Read more
 

18 June 2009: 
The medical properties of carrots – including the boost they provide to night vision – can be enhanced by the way in which they are cooked. Read more
 
17 June 2009:  Nitrites and nitrates, much maligned additives in processed and cured meats, may help cardiovascular health. Read more
 

17 June 2009: 
EFSA has published negative safety opinions on two smoke flavours, SmokEz C-10 and SmokEz Enviro 23, for which it considers the safety margins at proposed levels to be insufficient. Read more
 

17 June 2009: 
The European Food Safety Authority has reviewed the criteria for the bulk transport of edible oils and fats and made two recommendations for change. Read more
 

17 June 2009: 
Higher intakes of the omega-3 fatty acids, combined with the age related eye disease and nutrition (AREDS) supplement, may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Read more
 

16 June 2009: 
The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning against Hydroxycut weight loss supplements, a full six weeks after the products were recalled from the US market for a suspected connection with serious liver damage. Read more
 

15 June 2009: 
Expertise garnered from studying super fruit is opening up possibilities to make super veggies. New possibilities have been opened up for transferring knowledge from super fruit to vegetables and beyond. Read more
 

15 June 2009: 
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reaffirmed that two antibiotic resistance marker genes, nptII and aadA, pose no threat to humans or the environment. Read more
 

15 June 2009: 
A broccoli extract has been developed, with a higher antioxidant payload than vitamin E and which is only marginally more expensive than its standardized grape seed extract. Read more
 

15 June 2009: 
Red wine compound Resveratrol demonstrates significant health benefits. Read more
 

12 June 2009: 
Tomato peel may enhance the nutritional profile of hamburgers with a dose of 4.9 mg of lycopene per 100 g of cooked hamburger. Read more
 

12 June 2009: 
Frequent low doses of plant sterols may be more effective at cutting cholesterol levels than one daily dose. Read more
 

12 June 2009: 
80% of functional food product launches fail within 18 months, according to a new report that draws lessons from 15 high-profile failures. Read more
 

12 June 2009: 
Vitamin D levels in the body at the start of a low-calorie diet predict weight loss success. Read more
 

12 June 2009: 
Too much folic acid  may cause cancer. In the decade following fortification of cereal grains and other foods, the rate of certain birth defects dropped dramatically. Read more
 

11 June 2009: 
Dioxin exposure through the food chain during pregnancy could explain why some women have trouble breastfeeding or produce too little milk. Read more
 

11 June 2009: 
Probiotic foods and supplements don’t help the healthy and can cause problems for those unfortunate enough to be sick, a UK microbiology professor has said. Read more
 
11 June 2009:  A recent study provided a reason for hope -- high doses of green-tea extract can have a positive effect on Hudson's type of cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Read more
 

11 June 2009: 
Enriching meats with fiber, probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids may help consumers to associate meat with a healthy lifestyle. Read more
 

10 June 2009: 
Nano-complexes of iron and zinc could lead to improved opportunities for fortifying staples such as wheat and rice. Read more
 
10 June 2009:  The more diet sodas a person drinks, the greater his or her risk of becoming overweight or obese. Read more
 
9 June 2009:  Outstanding moisture barrier performance, improved strength and the ability to extend product shelf life are claims made for two new high density polyethlyne (HDPE) resins for use in food packing films. Read more
 

9 June 2009: 
Food and beverage companies should avoid using degradable additives in PET packaging until four key questions can be answered. Read more
 

9 June 2009: 
Daily consumption of stanol-enriched yoghurt may reduce cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. Read more
 

9 June 2009: 
Researchers corrected inaccuracies and misunderstandings concerning high fructose corn syrup's impact on the American diet. Sugar may not be healthier than high fructose corn syrup. Read more
 

8 June 2009: 
Polyphenol-rich extracts from olive oil pomace may reduce the formation of off-flavours in meats by as much as 80%. Read more
 

8 June 2009: 
Decocainised coca leaf extract, which has been linked to the recent alleged discovery of traces of cocaine in some samples of Red Bull Simply Cola, will not face regulatory scrutiny regarding its wider use in formulations. Read more
 

8 June 2009: 
A new research suggests that the hunger hormone ghrelin is activated by fats from the foods we eat—not those made in the body—in order to optimize nutrient metabolism and promote the storage of body fat. Read more
 

5 June 2009: 
Addition of a grape seed extract to bread may not only increase the antioxidant content of the staple, but also inhibit formation of a potential toxin. Read more
 
5 June 2009:  Absorption of calcium from ice cream is no different than from low-fat milk, highlighting the potential of the summer treat as a potential bone health food. Read more
 

5 June 2009: 
Vetch is an important source of phenolic compounds with a high antioxidant activity. It is a leguminous plant of the Fabeae family, very popular during the Spanish post-war as a basic foodstuff. Read more
 

5 June 2009: 
A gauche alternative to bottles, multilayer aseptic cartons may help reduce levels of substances that contribute odors to wine and can lower its quality. Read more
 
5 June 2009:  Drink 8 Glasses of Water Daily? Probably not. Read more

4 June 2009: 
Oil-in-water emulsions formulated to improve their stability in the harsh acidic conditions of the stomach may promote a feeling of fullness and help with weight management. Read more
 

4 June 2009: 
Increased intakes of vitamins C and E and beta-carotene may reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus. Read more
 

4 June 2009: 
Results of a new study suggest that a diet low in fat and red meat and high in fruits and vegetables is beneficial in preventing and treating prostate cancer. Read more
 

4 June 2009: 
Omega fatty acid balance can alter immunity and gene expression. The increased inflammation observed may be due to humans' shift in their consumption of omega fatty acids. Read more
 

3 June 2009: 
Consumption of fatty fish like salmon, or fish oil supplements, may reduce blood pressure during an energy-restricted diet. Read more
 
3 June 2009:  Exposure to carcinogenic compounds known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) can be reduced significantly by just adding some spices – rosemary extracts or Thai spices. Read more
 

3 June 2009: 
A natural supplement made from tomatoes can stave off heart disease and strokes. The tomato pill contains an active ingredient from the Mediterranean diet - lycopene - that blocks "bad" LDL cholesterol which can clog the arteries. Read more
 

3 June 2009: 
Anti-Jet-Lag diet helps summer travelers beat jet lag. Read more
 

2 June 2009: 
Collagen peptides produced from bovine gelatin may stop ice crystal formation in supercooled ice creams, opening up possible new innovations to formulators. Read more
 

2 June 2009: 
High intakes of soy during adolescence may reduce the risk of breast cancer before the menopause by about 40%. Read more
 

2 June 2009: 
China’s new food safety law, which comes into effect on 1 June 2009, will help prevent the food contamination incidents that have caused so much damage to the reputation of its domestic producers. Read more
 

2 June 2009: 
The ingestion of caffeine within an hour of exercise can reduce the symptoms of exercise induced asthma (EIA). Read more
 
29 May 2009:  Treating chicken breast meat with a mixture of organic acids and plant extracts can greatly reduce the presence of pathogenic bacteria. Read more
 
28 May 2009:  Salt replacers in fish burgers pass taste test.Replacing sodium chloride with potassium chloride does not affect the sensory quality, or shelf-life of fish fillets. Read more
 

28 May 2009: 
The cells of multivitamin users may have a younger biological age than cells from non-users. Read more
 

27 May 2009: 
Daily consumption of prebiotic oligofructose may lead to weight loss by suppressing levels of hormones linked to hunger. Read more
 

27 May 2009: 
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea extract, shows positive results in early leukemia clinical trials. Read more
 

26 May 2009: 
Arsenic rice study prompts new advice for parents. The UK’s Food Standards Agency is advising that infants are not given rice drinks as a replacement for cows’ milk, breast milk, or infant formula. Read more
 
26 May 2009:  Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavour-enhancer, does not increase the risk of developing allergies such as asthma and rhinitis. Read more
 

26 May 2009: 
Cheerios, the popular cereal, is intended for use in the prevention, mitigation and treatment of a disease, therefore a drug. In order to continue making the claim, the FDA of the United States said the producer of Cheerios cannot market the cereal without an approved new drug application. Read more
 

26 May 2009: 
Cartons are the most environmentally friendly form of packaging, cutting carbon dioxide emissions and fossil fuel consumption by up to 60 % as compared with other forms of packaging. Read more
 

26 May 2009: 
Critics of the chemical bisphenol A, or BPA, have received powerful new ammunition in the form of a study which confirmed that the substance can leach from polycarbonate drinking bottles into humans. Read more

25 May 2009: 
Using chitosan, an emerging ingredient extracted from fungi cell walls, may act as an anti-microbial ingredient for orange juice, and remove the need for pasteurization. Read more
 

25 May 2009: 
There is a general trend towards lower levels acrylamide in food products over time, EFSA has observed – but the decrease is not consistent across food groups and for some levels have actually increased. Read more
 

25 May 2009: 
Reusable food shopping bags and packages can contain a high level of bacteria, yeast, mold and coliform counts which pose a significant food safety risk. Read more
 

22 May 2009: 
Bisphenol A (BPA) chemical leaches from plastic drinking bottles into people. Exposure to BPA has been shown to interfere with reproductive development in animals and has been linked with cardiovascular disease and diabetes in humans. Read more
 

22 May 2009: 
Eating fish -- long considered 'brain food' -- may really be good for the old grey matter, as is a healthy dose of sunshine. Read more
 

21 May 2009: 
The world’s first vaccination against the food poisoning bug salmonella could result from new research in UK. Read more
 

20 May 2009: 
Following a gluten-free diet may be detrimental to gut health, which may also affect immune health. Read more
 
20 May 2009:  Supplemental magnesium may reduce blood pressure people with high blood pressure, but seemingly normal magnesium levels. Read more
 

20 May 2009: 
Improved seafood safety through greater traceability are the benefits claimed for a new collaboration between information technology company, food software company and Vietnamese seafood producers. Read more
 

20 May 2009: 
People who drink several litres of cola a day risk being hospitalised because of muscle problems. Read more
 

20 May 2009: 
New research shows that not only are probiotics useful, but they could even act as effective medicines - and help you control your weight. Probiotics are the 'good' strains of gut bacteria which play an important role in digestive health and the immune system. Read more
 

19 May 2009: 
Adding protein and fibre sources like pea protein and Psyllium fibre may improve the physical structure of gluten-free dough, and boost the nutritional content. Read more
 

19 May 2009: 
Thorough chewing of almonds may increase the absorption of unsaturated fat and suppress hunger for longer. Read more
 
18 May 2009:  Dairy could mask bitter taste of antioxidants. Milk could be the ideal functional food matrix for delivery of polyphenolic-rich antioxidant extracts. Read more
 

18 May 2009: 
Daily supplements of a multi-species probiotic food may reduce the risk of eczema by 58 per cent. Read more
 

18 May 2009: 
3 leading cranberry suppliers discuss the merits of proanthocyanidins (PACs) in benefiting urinary tract infections(UTIs). Read more
 

18 May 2009: 
A combination of probiotic strains and prebiotic fibre may reduce the incidence of childhood infections by about 25 per cent. Read more
 

18 May 2009: 
Farmed fish having the rous sarcoma virus implanted in their embryonic development is aimed  to amplify the fish’s growth hormone. The virus acts as a carrier. It’s called a vector (meaning a carrier virus). The farmed fish are made to grow faster and larger. Read more
 

18 May 2009: 
In 4 months, bakers will be forced to begin putting a synthetic form of folic acid into almost every loaf made in New Zealand. Read more
 

15 May 2009: 
Increased intakes of folic acid by mandatory fortification of grain products to reduce neural tube defects may also reduce a baby’s risk of severe congenital heart defects. Read more
 

15 May 2009: 
Laboratory experiments have demonstrated the immunological effects of ginseng. Much used in traditional Chinese and other Asian medicine, the herb has anti-inflammatory effects. Read more
 

14 May 2009: 
The European Commission has granted novel foods approval for the ingredient Ice Structuring Protein (ISP), used in ice cream to reduce fat content and improve stability. Read more
 
14 May 2009:  Retail chicken has been identified as the as the single largest source of food poisoning in Scotland, according to Food Standards Agency Scotland. Read more
 
14 May 2009:  The beta-carotene in so-called "Golden Rice" converts to vitamin A in humans. Read more
 

13 May 2009: 
The European Commission is taking risk management measures over the occurrence of high nicotine levels in wild mushrooms. Read more
 

13 May 2009: 
Rising childhood obesity levels may also be driving the increases in food allergies. Read more
 

13 May 2009: 
Supplements of antioxidant vitamins after exercise may decrease the benefits of the workout by blocking the positive effects of reactive oxygen. Read more
 
13 May 2009:  Reports that vitamins C and E may blunt the positive effects of exercise are misleading, according to an antioxidant expert. Read more
 

13 May 2009: 
Agricultural scientists have developed a technology that can protect pasteurized liquid eggs from food safety threats. Read more
 

13 May 2009: 
US federal regulators are scolding the maker of Cheerios, saying it made inappropriate claims about the popular cereal's ability to lower cholesterol and treat heart disease. Read more
 

12 May 2009: 
Firms in the nutrition industry have joined the battle against malnutrition. Read more
 

12 May 2009: 
Regularly eating fish, nuts, olive oil and other foods containing omega-three fatty acids and avoiding trans fats appears to be associated with a lower risk for the eye disease age-related macular degeneration. Read more
 

8 May 2009: 
Dietary intakes of acrylamide are not related to increased risks of brain cancer. Read more
 

8 May 2009: 
Salmonella remained the European Union’s most common cause of food-borne illness in 2007. Read more
 

8 May 2009: 
Best wine making techniques: Use of wooden casks or steel tanks for chardonnay influences its fermentative aroma. Read more
 

8 May 2009: 
Researchers in France are developing a simple test for distinguishing 100 percent natural honeys from impure versions. Read more
 

7 May 2009: 
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has given its view of proposed reference intake levels for energy, total fat, saturates, carbohydrates, sugars and salt – suggesting that the carbohydrate level be revised upwards. Read more
 

7 May 2009: 
A diet that includes key nutrients and low-glycemic index foods is likely to reduce risks for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) such as eye diseases. Read more

6 May 2009: 
A number of tasty herbal seasonings, spices and plant foods can actually help lower blood glucose levels. Read more
 

6 May 2009: 
A lot of Americans think they're eating a healthy diet these days. But it's easy to be fooled by our assumptions and the ways that food manufacturers play on them. Read more
 

6 May 2009: 
Tea for the treatment of type-2 diabetes. Read more
 

5 May 2009: 
A new survey by FLABEL indicates widespread listing of nutritional information on food products across the EU and Turkey, with 85 per cent of goods surveyed giving info back-of-pack and 48 per cent front-of-pack. Read more
 

5 May 2009: 
Promising research is studying the effect of 2 phytochemicals abundant in asparagus that are believed to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in colon cancer and leukemia. Read more
 

5 May 2009: 
To address the issue of food security, one way is working through the genetic modification of seeds, both as a method of improving crop yields as well as enhancing the nutritional composition of foods. Read more
 
5 May 2009:  Scientists tried out the use of harpin, a substance known to boost plants' resistance to disease, prior to harvest. Read more
 

5 May 2009: 
A new analysis of dietary factors and risks for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and a landmark study on glaucoma treatment cost-effectiveness as linked to vision improvement and quality of life. Read more
 

4 May 2009: 
Folic acid, or vitamin B9, essential for the health of red blood cells and known to reduce the risk of spinal birth defects, may also suppress allergic reactions and lessen the severity of allergy and asthma symptoms. Read more
 

4 May 2009: 
Possible anti-obesity effects of white tea have been demonstrated in a series of experiments on human fat cells (adipocytes). An extract of the herbal brew effectively inhibits the generation of new adipocytes and stimulates fat mobilization from mature fat cells. Read more
 

1 May 2009: 
There has been much excitement about the promise of stevia as a natural alternative to artificial zero-calorie sweeteners. Read more
 

1 May 2009: 
A new series of ingredients is developed for processed meat products that it claims can help improve yield and cut costs in production whilst maintaining quality. Read more
 

1 May 2009: 
Children with insufficient vitamin D levels may be at higher risk of developing asthma. Read more
 

1 May 2009: 
Increased intake of the flavonoid apigenin, found in celery, parsley, and tomato sauce, may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 20 per cent. Read more
 

30 April 2009: 
Dietary intakes of acrylamide are not related to increased risks of lung cancer. Read more
 

30 April 2009: 
Corn, genetically modified to contain high levels of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and folate, may help address multiple vitamin deficiencies worldwide. Read more
 

30 April 2009: 
Low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Read more
 
29 April 2009:  Men who have undergone treatment for prostate cancer could benefit from drinking pomegranate juice. Read more
 
29 April 2009:  Daily supplements of a patented tocotrienol (vitamin E) complex may increase hair growth in people with male pattern baldness by 42 per cent. Read more
 

29 April 2009: 
A first direct comparison of bone properties between calcium from supplements and milk -- dairy has an advantage over calcium carbonate in promoting bone growth and strength. Read more
 

28 April 2009: 
Curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow colour, may prevent reduce body weight gain, and help in the fight against obesity. Read more
 

28 April 2009: 
Everyday foods, beverages, and spices contain healthful compounds that help us fight harmful inflammation. Phytochemicals—the resveratrol in red wine or the catechins in green, white and black teas, for instance—may also reduce our risk of diseases associated with chronic inflammation. Read more
 

28 April 2009: 
Dietary fats trigger long-term memory formation. Recent research work has been linking dietary fats to appetite control. Read more
 

28 April 2009: 
Chemicals in tea are the best yet discovered to make consistent, biologically safe gold nanoparticles. More importantly, these gold nanoparticles show promising anticancer properties. Read more
 

27 April 2009: 
Organically produced apples have a 15 per cent higher antioxidant capacity than conventionally produced apples. Read more
 

27 April 2009: 
Refined vegetable fats derived from palm oil, used for margarines and infant formulae, may contain glycidol fatty acid esters. Read more
 

27 April 2009: 
The potential of powdered omega-3 salts as a way of taking this big fish of the nutrition world into yet more products. Read more
 

24 April 2009: 
As consumers seek out food with a reduced carbon footprint, some experts believe a dietary shift from red meat and dairy consumption may be more effective than turning to locally sourced products. Read more
 

24 April 2009: 
Including both walnuts and fish products in the diet is required to reduce risks of coronary heart disease. Read more
 

24 April 2009: 
Consuming beverages sweetened with fructose leads to weight gain and a build up of abdominal fat, and impairs insulin sensitivity. Read more
 

24 April 2009: 
Increased intakes of antioxidant carotenoids, and particularly lycopene, may reduce the risk of developing the metabolic syndrome by about 50 per cent. Read more
 

24 April 2009: 
US and Indian scientists have developed a new biosensor for use in a faster, more sensitive test for detecting the deadliest strain of Listeria food poisoning bacteria. Read more
 

23 April 2009: 
Consuming beverages sweetened with fructose leads to weight gain and a build up of abdominal fat, and impairs insulin sensitivity. Read more
 
23 April 2009:  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said there is no indication that aspartame causes cancer following its assessment of a study that linked regular intake of the sweetener with increased risk of certain cancers. Read more
 

23 April 2009: 
Low blood levels of magnesium may increase the risk of stroke by 25 per cent. Read more
 

23 April 2009: 
Supplements of vitamin D may improve cardiovascular health during weight loss, without impacting on how many pounds are shed. Read more
 

23 April 2009: 
Eating salmon or other fatty fish just once a week helped reduce men’s risk of heart failure. Read more
 

22 April 2009: 
Vitamin B3 may inhibit the formation of acrylamide in French fries by over 50 per cent. Read more
 

22 April 2009: 
Soy isoflavones do not increase or decrease the density of breasts, say results of a new clinical trial from the US that support the safety of the supplements. Read more
 
22 April 2009:  An extract from the Middle Eastern herb Nigella sativa may not only stop the growth of pancreatic cancer, but inhibit the development of the tumours. Read more
 

22 April 2009: 
While too much sugar is bad for health, scientists have found that over-consumption of fructose is more dangerous than that of glucose. Read more
 

22 April 2009: 
Walnut consumption may provide the body with essential omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols that reduce the risk of breast cancer. Read more
 

22 April 2009: 
Meat cooked at high temperatures to the point of burning and charring may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Read more
 

21 April 2009: 
Reducing the salt content of low-fat cheese has a greater impact on the flavour than similar reductions from high fat cheese. Read more
 

21 April 2009: 
Endocrine disruptors such as phthalates used in food packaging could be linked to childhood obesity. Read more
 

21 April 2009: 
A new study suggests that blueberries may help reduce belly fat, diabetes risk. Read more
 

21 April 2009: 
Grapefruit juice boosts drug's anti-cancer effects. Read more
 

20 April 2009: 
A growing proportion of bread is produced using Bake Off Technology (BOT). In BOT, pre-baked bread is produced on an industrial scale and delivered to small, local outlets where the baking process is completed. Read more
 

20 April 2009: 
The days of cheeses coated with synthetic substances may be drawing to a close as new research suggests that natural polysaccharides may provide edible coatings for household favourites. Read more
 

20 April 2009: 
A standardised oat extract may reduce cravings for smoking and offer would-be quitters an alternative to the patches and gums. Read more
 
20 April 2009:  New research findings show that an omega-3 fatty acid in the diet protects brain cells by preventing the misfolding of a protein resulting from a gene mutation in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. Read more
 

20 April 2009: 
Eating just one and a half servings of tart cherries could significantly boost antioxidant activity in the body, specifically 5 different anthocyanins - the natural antioxidants that give cherries their red color. Read more
 

20 April 2009: 
Drinking at least 1 glass of low sodium vegetable juice daily may help overweight people with metabolic syndrome achieve better weight loss results. Read more
 

17 April 2009: 
Diet quality and mortality: a population-based prospective study of men. Read more
 

17 April 2009: 
The bitter taste that amino acids give to beverages could be masked by adding alpha-cyclodextrin. Read more
 
17 April 2009:  Fibre-rich bamboo shoots may improve cholesterol levels and improve female bowel health. Read more
 
17 April 2009:  Nattokinase, an enzyme extracted from fermented soy, may reduce levels of compounds linked to blood clotting, and cut the risk of heart disease in people at-risk of the disease. Read more
 
17 April 2009:  Smokers may increase their chances of contracting colon cancer by eating fruit and vegetables, according to a new Europe-wide scientific study. Read more
 
16 April 2009:  A new blend of rosemary and green tea extracts is introduced in Europe and Asia, which it says work together to neutralise each others’ distinctive flavours and can help retain an appealing colour and flavour of meat products. Read more
 

16 April 2009: 
The number of people who are allergic to fruit and vegetables is soaring and could already surpass the number of people suffering from peanut allergies. Read more
 

16 April 2009: 
A chia seed has won difficult-to-come-by European Union Novel Foods approval for use in bread products, with further categories potentially coming… Read more
 

16 April 2009: 
A spread containing plant sterols and bioactive peptides from milk may reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure. Read more
 

15 April 2009: 
A textured whey protein concentrate can stabilize a cold-setting gel over a wide range of temperatures. Read more
 

15 April 2009: 
Powdered omega-3 salts may soon be offering supplement makers an alternative to the traditional liquid fish oil. Read more
 
15 April 2009:  Removing toxic mercury from fish oil while retaining beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids. Read more
 
15 April 2009:  A new disease called heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) is a serious infectious disease of farmed Atlantic salmon, with a high potential for transmission. Read more
 

15 April 2009: 
Mediterranean diet is healthy for your heart. A major new study clarifies what foods and dietary patterns are best for reducing the risk of heart disease. Read more
 

15 April 2009: 
Junk food makes kids fatter, but happier. For the first time, researchers looked at the relationship between unhealthy dietary habits and children's psychological health. Read more
 

14 April 2009: 
The presence of banned colouring methyl yellow in food spices in Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Germany has led to a slate of recalls; although not affecting finished foods for now. Read more
 

14 April 2009: 
How air bubbles may mimic fat and help with weight loss, and how antioxidant compounds may neutralise the allergens in peanut butter. Read more
 

14 April 2009: 
A combination of capsaicin and green tea could promote the feeling of fullness and sustain satiety, indicating it could be successful for weight management. Read more
 

14 April 2009: 
Gum kondagogu, a ‘novel natural biopolymer’ from the tree Cochlospermum gossypium, is a ‘good emulsifying agent even at low concentration’, say Indian researchers. Read more
 
14 April 2009:  A new weapon in the war against fusarium species in grain received approval recently from the US national grain inspection system. Read more
 
14 April 2009:  Dutch probiotics specialist has launched a six-strain probiotic supplement that has earned a vaginal infection-related health claim certification. Read more
 

9 April 2009: 
Combining fat and iota- carrageenans could form edible films for flavour encapsulation. Read more
 

9 April 2009: 
Ice-cream as a vehicle for delivering probiotic strains has ‘great potential’, giving a health boost without affecting the sensory profile of ice-cream. Read more
 
9 April 2009:  The levels of salt and sugar in breakfast cereal formulations targeted at children are slammed in Australia after consumer group finds key 'cereal' offenders are "heavy on marketing spin and light on good nutrition". Read more
 

9 April 2009: 
Scientists say they have found a way to combat intestinal diseases in the developing world through a type of enhanced goat milk -- to transfer a human gene into goats so they would produce a high concentration of an enzyme that fights diarrhea-causing bacteria. Read more
 
8 April 2009:  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has expressed safety concerns over the use of two smoke flavourings in food as it publishes the first in a series of risk assessments into smoked flavour products. Read more
 

8 April 2009: 
The UK’s Department of Health is to raise awareness of the need for energy balance in diets, controlling overall calories as well as specific macronutrients such as saturated fat and added sugar. Read more
 

8 April 2009: 
Swedish probiotics specialist’s health claim linking probiotic consumption and improved iron absorption is dismissed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Read more
 

8 April 2009: 
Cocoa drinks rich in flavanols could help consumers do maths. Read more
 

7 April 2009: 
Formulating pasta with oats or quinoa may offer pasta manufacturers alternatives to traditional semolina, and open up opportunities in the gluten-free market. Read more
 
7 April 2009:  Liquorice, in the nutraceutical domain, suggests a natural chemical component in this sweet ingredient. This new research result could offer a new approach to preventing bowel cancer. Read more
 

7 April 2009: 
An acid lactase enzyme is launched to be used in food supplements that allow those with lactose intolerance to consume dairy foods. Read more
 

7 April 2009: 
Rates of colorectal cancer may have increased in Chile since introduction of mandatory folic acid fortification. Read more
 
7 April 2009:  A small, pilot study in 50 people in Japan suggests that eating 2.5  ounces of broccoli sprouts daily for 2 months may confer some protection against a rampant stomach bug that causes gastritis, ulcers and even stomach cancer. Read more
 

6 April 2009: 
Fungal proteins could produce aerated emulsions with the potential to act as fat replacers in foods and ease obesity. Read more
 

6 April 2009: 
Supplements of folic acid before conception may increase the birth of the baby by over 60 grams. Read more
 

6 April 2009: 
When it comes to weight loss, what you drink may be more important than what you eat. Read more
 

6 April 2009: 
Doctors are warning of the dangers of the grapefruit diet after blood clot scare. Read more
 
6 April 2009:  While sports drinks may provide an energy boost, this popular practice is also exposing people to levels of acid that can cause tooth erosion and hypersensitivity. Read more
 
3 April 2009:  An extract from amaranth may extend the shelf-life of both gluten-containing and gluten-free breads. Read more
 
3 April 2009:  Supplements of vitamins B6 and B12, and folic acid may reduce the frequency, severity and disability of migraines. Read more
 
3 April 2009:  Supplements of coenzyme Q10 may increase the vascular health of diabetics receiving statins. Read more
 

3 April 2009: 
In a study of the major antioxidants in olive oil, Portuguese researchers showed that one, DHPEA-EDA, protects red blood cells from damage more than any other part of olive oil. Read more
 

3 April 2009: 
Adolescent and young adult vegetarians may eat a healthier diet, there is some evidence that they may be at increased risk for disordered eating behaviors. Read more
 

3 April 2009: 
Individuals who took a dietary supplement called "factor D", which included selenium, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, continued to have lower gastric cancer and overall mortality. Read more
 

3 April 2009: 
Docosahexanoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oils, has been shown to reduce the size of tumours and enhance the positive effects of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin, while limiting its harmful side effects. Read more
 

3 April 2009: 
3 South Korean firms recall cancer-causing asbestos-tainted baby powder. Read more
 

2 April 2009: 
Italian scientists have identified a new member of the vitamin E family, extracted from kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward'. Read more
 

2 April 2009: 
A snack firm has become the first to use Vitiva’s Inolens 4 rosemary extract in a pork scratchings product to make frying oil last longer, and to enable longer shelf life. Read more
 

2 April 2009: 
A Chinese supplier has debuted a polysaccharide ingredient sourced from Laminaria japonica seaweed, it says is scientifically backed in animal testing to deliver immunity and liver benefits. Read more
 

2 April 2009: 
Supplements of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia in women at risk for the condition. Read more
 
2 April 2009:  High fiber foods with fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are essential for a healthy diet. Read more
 

2 April 2009: 
Chemists synthesizes carbohydrates. It is very difficult to synthesize specific carbohydrate molecules for study. Read more
 

2 April 2009: 
Red wine causes teeth to stain. A recent study by dental researchers found that drinking white wine can also increase the potential for teeth to take on dark stains. Read more
 

2 April 2009: 
Greater dietary intake of the B-vitamin, folate, also means that abundant availability of the vitamin can enhance the development of pre-cancerous and cancerous tumors. Read more
 

1 April 2009: 
Adding polyphenols compounds to liquid peanut butter may reduce the level of proteins in the product responsible for peanut allergy. Read more
 

1 April 2009: 
An improved vitamin K2 status may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Read more
 

1 April 2009: 
Tocotrienols, members of the vitamin E family, may exert their anti-cancer benefits by accumulating in cancer cells and delaying tumour growth. Read more
 
1 April 2009:  Adding a moderate, but not high, amount of walnuts to an otherwise healthy diet may help older individuals improve performance on tasks that require motor and behavioral skills. Read more
 

1 April 2009: 
US food officials are now warning people not to eat any food containing pistachios, which could carry contamination from the same bacteria. Read more
 
31 March 2009:  The way fructose is metabolised in the brain may increase food intake and lead to obesity. Read more
 

31 March 2009: 
Proteins from flaxseed may reduce blood pressure and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Read more
 

31 March 2009: 
Codex Alimentrius, the World Health Organization’s food supplements regulations advisory body, has recommended usage levels for nine colours commonly employed in food supplements. Read more
 

31 March 2009: 
Plastic mineral water bottles contaminate drinking water with estrogenic chemicals. Read more
 

31 March 2009: 
A unique protein derived from whey — known as glycomacropeptide, or GMP — is safe for people with PKU (phenylketonuria) to eat. Diet is a constant struggle for patients with PKU. Read more
 

30 March 2009: 
Flaxseed gum may enhance the nutritional profile or beverages, and could lead to a new range of novel drinks. Read more
 

30 March 2009: 
Women who drink two or more servings of sweetened beverages per day may increase their risk of heart disease by 35 per cent. Read more

30 March 2009: 
GM food and animal cloning are the emerging food technologies that give rise to most concerns due to the fact that they represent the greatest departure from what are perceived to be ‘natural’ or ‘traditional’ foods. Read more
 

30 March 2009: 
Microsatellites have major benefits for berry research. Microsatellites are collections of short, repetitive, non-coding DNA sequences that can be used to compare species and varieties. Read more
 

30 March 2009:
Toxic effects of chocolate on animals. A caffeine-like ingredient in chocolate, Theobromine (aka xantheose) could kill be harmful to creatures walking on all fours and having fur, Read more
 

27 March 2009: 
Children's incessant desire to eat sweets has entrenched biological roots, with new research explaining their preference for sugary foods could be linked to actual physical growth. Read more
 

27 March 2009: 
Increased intakes of antioxidant pigments from plants may lower the risk of hip fracture in older men and women, according to a 17-year study from the US. Read more
 

27 March 2009: 
Moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages could have benefits for bone health, though any potential impacts may be lost upon continued drinking. Read more
 

27 March 2009: 
Women who consumed high amounts of soy during childhood may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, says a new study on Asian-American females. Read more
 

26 March 2009: 
The contamination of food with certain metals needs to be urgently addressed in light of growing evidence linking trace elements to negative human behaviour. Read more
 

26 March 2009: 
Formulating salad dressings with whey cheese and a combination of hydrocolloids could offer alternatives to food formulators. Read more
 

26 March 2009: 
Yoghurt fortified with antibodies extracted from chicken eggs, can battle bacteria that cause gastritis and stomach ulcers. Read more
 
26 March 2009:  Daily supplements of vitamin D may cut the risk of fractures by up to 20 per cent. Read more
 

26 March 2009: 
Fructose metabolism by the brain increases food intake and obesity. Read more
 
26 March 2009:  People who have high blood pressure or heart disease should avoid consuming energy drinks. Read more
 

25 March 2009: 
Replacing rennet casein with waxy maize starch and carrageenan may produce imitation cheeses with low protein contents. Read more
 

25 March 2009: 
With satiety food formulations on the rise, breakthrough research from British scientists offers a deeper insight into the role of gut hormones on appetite and why a low GI (glycaemic index) meal, such as a morning bowl of porridge, keeps consumers feeling fuller. Read more
 

25 March 2009: 
The European Food Safety Authority has lowered the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for cadmium after studying data. Read more
 

25 March 2009: 
Proteins from pea may reduce blood pressure and improve kidney health. Pea protein hydrolysate extracted from the yellow garden pea… Read more
 

25 March 2009: 
Asian-American women who ate higher amounts of soy during childhood had a 58 percent reduced risk of breast cancer. Read more
 

24 March 2009: 
Low to moderate drinking releases 'feel-good' endorphins in the brain. Read more
 

24 March 2009: 
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned the UK public to avoid a brand of turmeric food supplements containing a drug called nimesulide after it was linked to two deaths and several liver damage cases in Scandinavia. Read more
 

24 March 2009: 
Milk and fruit drinks enriched with proteins are growing beyond niche market of exercise junkies by broadening into other functional areas like satiety and clinical nutrition. Read more
 

24 March 2009: 
Combining buckwheat flour and guar gum could lead to the gluten-free French bread with “improved quality attributes”. Read more
 

24 March 2009: 
Individuals who eat more red meat and processed meat appear to have a modestly increased risk of death from all causes and also from cancer or heart disease over a 10-year period. Read more
 

24 March 2009: 
A research team is investigating the effects of a decade-long requirement to fortify all cereals in the United States with folic acid, and its link with a chemical believed to play a role in cardiovascular disease. Read more
 

24 March 2009:
Association between alcohol and injury: Most alcohol-related damage occurs after moderate consumption. Read more
 
23 March 2009:  Severe criticism was heard from food campaigners against confectionery firms who have not fulfilled promises to remove certain artificial food colours from products by the end of 2008. Read more
 

23 March 2009: 
2 large observational studies found that drinking coffee or tea may reduce the risk of stroke. Read more
 
23 March 2009:  Researchers in Canada are reporting that proteins found in a common garden pea show promise as a natural food additive or new dietary supplement for fighting high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Read more

23 March 2009:  1 in 5 children are now affected by eczema, which is often associated with an allergy. Many people believe that certain foods are responsible. Parents should be cautious about eliminating important foods from their baby's or child's diet. Read more
 

20 March 2009: 
Muscle from jumbo squid can form stable gelled-emulsion products, offering potential for a range of products like squid frankfurters. Read more
 

20 March 2009: 
National Starch Food Innovation (NSFI) has added another product to its Novation clean label starch line. Derived from tapioca, it is billed as an ingredient that can bestow indulgence on a product, with reduced oil, fat or cream. Read more
 

19 March 2009: 
Formulating cakes with sesame oil, hydrocolloids and emulsifiers could replace fat in cakes, leading to low-fat alternatives of family favourites. Read more
 
19 March 2009:  Antioxidant-rich supplements containing polyphenols from Chardonnay grape seed may protect against oxidative stress linked to obesity. Read more
 

19 March 2009: 
Coenzyme Q10 may have enhanced solubility in water, and stability to heat and light if complexed with beta-cyclodextrin. Read more
 

19 March 2009: 
The New Zealand and Australian food safety regulator’s affirmation of the safety of bisphenol A (BPA) has been welcomed by trade group, the North American Metal Packaging Alliance (NAMPA). Read more
 

19 March 2009: 
Eating a meal with a low GI (glycaemic index) increases gut hormone production which leads to suppression of appetite and the feeling of fullness. Read more
 

19 March 2009: 
Chinese women who ate mushrooms and drank green tea significantly cut their risk of breast cancer and the severity of the cancer in those who did develop it. Read more
 

18 March 2009: 
Beta-carotene, a food colour and antioxidant, can be nano-encapsulated in special spun fibres, offering formulators a fresh approach to adding value to products. Read more
 

18 March 2009: 
Several proprietary synthetic lycopene forms have been approved for use in a variety of food applications as well as food supplements, after gaining a green light. Read more
 
18 March 2009:  An active package based on cinnamon essential oil and micro perforated polypropylene may extend the shelf-life of bread by a week. Read more
 

18 March 2009: 
A new study that looks at the fruit and vegetable consumption of nearly 200,000 people in developing countries finds that the prevalence of inadequate diet is “remarkably high” across the globe. Read more
 

17 March 2009: 
Formulating rice noodles with alginate may enhance the structural properties of rice dough, which could lead to the development of a successful commercial rice noodle product. Read more
 

17 March 2009: 
Adolescents with high intakes of vitamin D may have lower overall body fat and lower amounts of abdominal fat. Read more
 

17 March 2009: 
A carefully administered daily dose of peanuts has been so successful as a therapy for peanut allergies that a select group of children is now off treatment and eating peanuts daily. Read more
 

16 March 2009: 
Fungal treatment of a biodiesel byproduct can produce the omega-3 fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), offering a potentially economical source of EPA from microbes. Read more
 
16 March 2009:  For many consumers, antioxidant doesn’t go beyond vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene, but as understanding of the antioxidant compounds in fruit and vegetables increases, more research is pointing towards the potential of polyphenols. Read more
 
16 March 2009:  Omega 3 and other nutraceuticals come in stable, tasty microgels. Read more
 

16 March 2009: 
Childhood diet affects obesity risk later in life. Early diet is critical. Read more

13 March 2009: 
UK flavour maker is introducing a new collection of flavours inspired entirely by foods and ingredients that are black in colour. Read more
 

13 March 2009: 
Gelling of milk proteins using the food-approved enzyme rennet can produce microcapsules capable of encapsulating healthy ingredients like probiotics. Read more
 

13 March 2009: 
Increased intakes of calcium and vitamin D may improve insulin levels, and offer protection against diabetes, independent of dairy intake. Read more
 

13 March 2009: 
Apparent conflicting results from randomized clinical trials and observational studies abound in the scientific literature. In the third part of a four-part series on antioxidants, NutraIngredients looks to get behind the contradictions. Read more
 

13 March 2009: 
Boosting calcium consumption aids weight loss, but only in people whose diets are calcium deficient. Read more
 
12 March 2009:  Salt may raise lead to hypertension by inhibiting the action of an enzyme linked to easing blood flow. Read more
 

12 March 2009: 
Incorporation of bioactive compounds, or ‘nutraceuticals’, into food systems can provide a simple way to develop novel ‘functional foods’ with health-promoting and/or disease-preventing properties. Read more
 

11 March 2009: 
UK organic farmers will not have the option to switch to conventional animal feed during the recession, the Soil Association has decided, as a consultation raised concern for consumer confidence. Read more
 

11 March 2009: 
From berry extracts to tea bags, the term antioxidant is being used as a marketing tool for products. NutraIngredients reviews the rise of a branding tool. Read more
 

11 March 2009: 
Regular family meals result in better eating habits for adolescents. Read more
 

11 March 2009: 
Men with a higher intake of vitamin C from food or supplements have a lower risk of developing gout, a form of arthritis from uric acid build-up that causes inflamed joints. Read more
 

11 March 2009: 
Study suggests salt might be 'nature's antidepressant'. One potential reason we crave it: salt might put us in a better mood. Read more
 

10 March 2009: 
The use of salt replacers in the diet, as a means of reducing sodium intake, may improve blood pressure and artery health. Read more
 

10 March 2009: 
Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D during winter months requires a daily dose of 20 micrograms, four times the current recommended dose. Read more
 

10 March 2009: 
The largest study of its kind to evaluate the effect of red versus white wine on breast-cancer risk concludes that both are equal offenders when it comes to increasing breast-cancer risk. Read more
 

10 March 2009: 
15-year-old males who ate fish at least once a week displayed higher cognitive skills at the age of 18 than those who it ate it less frequently, according to a study of nearly 4,000 teenagers. Read more
 
10 March 2009:  Chemicals present in cranberries prevent infection-causing bacteria from attaching to the cells that line the urinary tract. Read more
 

9 March 2009: 
The European Food Safety Authority has concluded its assessment of the potential risks of nanotechnologies for food and feed, stating that a cautious, case-by-case approach is needed as many uncertainties remain over its safe use. Read more
 

9 March 2009: 
Supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may reduce compounds associated with inflammation by up to 20 per cent. Read more
 
9 March 2009:  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found that inositol hexanicotinate is a safe source of niacin in food supplements, but cautions that safe upper limits must not be exceeded. Read more
 

9 March 2009: 
Not so sweet: Over-consumption of sugar linked to aging. Read more
 

6 March 2009: 
Yale scientists have reportedly found the ‘missing link’ to explain why high-fructose diets may boost the development of insulin resistance. Read more
 
6 March 2009:  Researchers claim to have discovered a method to eliminate bacteria in packaged foods such as spinach and tomatoes, a process that could reduce the number of food-borne outbreaks linked to the produce. Read more
 
6 March 2009:  Long-term supplementation with beta-carotene may increase a smoker’s risk of lung cancer. Read more
 

6 March 2009: 
Recent scientific studies are beginning to establish the potential health benefits of drinking green tea, especially in weight loss, heart health, cancer prevention, healthy teeth and gums. Read more
 

5 March 2009: 
Encapsulating flavours in proteins in order to protect it during food formulation, may be counter-productive if the protein reacts with the flavour. Read more
 
5 March 2009:  Daily supplements of B vitamins may improve the overall health of people with coeliac disease by reducing levels of an amino acid linked to heart disease. Read more
 

5 March 2009: 
Women with low blood levels of vitamin B12 are at increased risk of having a child with neural tube defects. Read more
 
5 March 2009:  Long-term use of beta carotene and some other carotenoid-containing dietary supplements may increase the risk of lung cancer, especially among smokers. Read more
 

5 March 2009: 
Children who carry a gene strongly associated with obesity could offset its effect by eating a low energy density diet. Read more
 

4 March 2009: 
Adding the polyol glycerol to a whey protein based nutritional bar maintains the soft texture and consumer acceptability of the product during storage. Read more
 

4 March 2009: 
Consumption of milk, and therefore intakes of calcium, is falling at the expense of sweetened beverages. Read more
 

4 March 2009: 
A new study in mice sheds light on the insulin resistance that can come from diets loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener found in most sodas and many other processed foods. Read more
 

4 March 2009: 
In an epidemiological study of men and post-menopausal women primarily over 60 years of age, regular moderate alcohol intake was associated with greater bone mineral density (BMD). Read more
 

4 March 2009: 
Two or more drinks a day may increase pancreatic cancer risk. Read more
 
3 March 2009:  Eating about two portions of red meat a day may increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration by about 50 per cent. Read more
 
3 March 2009:  Supplements of lutein, long-reported to have benefits for eye health, may also protect against the detrimental effects of long-term computer display light exposure. Read more
 

3 March 2009: 
Adding prebiotics to infant formula may reduce the number of gut infections and reduce the use of antibiotics. Read more
 

3 March 2009: 
Vitamin B-12 deficiency tied to neural tube birth defects. Read more
 

3 March 2009: 
A new way to eliminate bacteria and thus some food-borne illnesses in packaged foods such as spinach and tomatoes. Read more
 

3 March 2009: 
Drinking one glass of wine a day may lower the risk of Barrett's Esophagus by 56 percent. Barrett's Esophagus is a precursor to esophageal cancer. Read more
 

3 March 2009: 
Scientists in Italy are reporting development and successful use of a fast new method to identify food additives that act as so-called "xenoestrogens" — substances with estrogen-like effects that are stirring international health concerns. Read more
 

3 March 2009: 
Broccoli may help protect against respiratory inflammation that causes conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Read more
 

3 March 2009: 
Development of a new, more effective method to determine whether milk marketed as "organic" is genuine or just ordinary milk mislabeled to hoodwink consumers. Read more
 

2 March 2009: 
Double encapsulation of bacterial strains with potential probiotic activity may enhance the shelf-life and offer protection against harsh stomach conditions. Read more
 

2 March 2009: 
Feeding newborns soy protein-based formulas may favourably boost the bone strength later in life. Read more
 

2 March 2009: 
Food firms are increasingly working to reduce their carbon footprint, reaping cost savings in the process and plugging into new business opportunities. Read more
 

27 February 2009: 
Too much snacking on potato chips may increase the risk of hardening of the arteries, and raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. Read more
 

27 February 2009: 
Selenium and vitamin E may offer protection against prostate cancer by changing the expression of certain genes in prostates linked to tumours. Read more
 

27 February 2009: 
A US study has found caffeine plays a protective role for damaged skin by boosting the body's natural process called apoptosis, or synchronised cell suicide. Read more
 

27 February 2009: 
Heart-healthy diets that reduce calorie intake—regardless of differing proportions of fat, protein, or carbohydrate—can help overweight and obese adults achieve and maintain weight loss. Read more
 

26 February 2009: 
Using amino acids to compete with, and reduce, the sources of acrylamide should focus on the common additive cysteine. Read more
 

26 February 2009: 
An international team of researchers has identified a gene that could make bread wheat capable of resisting stripe rust, a disease that causes severe crop losses in global wheat-growing regions. Read more
 

26 February 2009: 
Heart-healthy diets that reduce calorie intake—regardless of proportions of fat, protein, or carbohydrate—can help overweight and obese adults achieve and maintain weight loss. Read more
 

25 February 2009: 
An extract from the edible mushroom Flammulina velutipes may prolong the shelf-life of tuna meat, while also stabilising the colour of the meat. Read more
 

25 February 2009: 
Drinking three or more cups of green or black tea a day may reduce the risk of stroke by 21 per cent. Read more
 

25 February 2009: 
Migration of a chemical from external cereal cardboard packaging into the food has prompted the European Commission to request a risk assessment on the substance from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Read more
 

25 February 2009: 
A combination of folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12 may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration in women by 34 per cent. Read more
 

25 February 2009: 
A new phage based product is designed to reduce contamination of cattle and poultry by bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter. Read more
 

25 February 2009: 
A study in nearly half a million older men and women bolsters evidence that a calcium-rich diet may help protect against some cancers. Read more
 

24 February 2009: 
Extracts from paprika, annatto and marigold, rich in antioxidant carotenoids, could significantly reduce the spoilage due to oxygen of model oil-in-water emulsions. Read more
 

24 February 2009: 
Consumer concerns about a synthetic growth hormone used in milk production have prompted two leading food producers in the US to reformulate their dairy product lines. Read more
 

24 February 2009: 
Gradual exposure to peanut may put an end to peanut allergy, if results of a small study from Cambridge are followed by similar positive results. Read more
 
24 February 2009:  Extracts from blueberries may reduce the size of tumours primarily found in infants and children, and improve survival. Read more
 

24 February 2009: 
Taking a combination of vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid appears to decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration in women. Read more
 
23 February 2009:  Researchers in Canada are reporting evidence that eggs — often frowned upon for their high cholesterol content — may reduce another heart disease risk factor — high blood pressure. Read more
 

23 February 2009: 
A team of British scientists have come one step closer to curing nut allergies after a small-scale clinical trial in which they successfully built up children's tolerance to peanuts. Read more
 

20 February 2009: 
Nanotechnology has the potential to improve the foods we eat, making them tastier, healthier and more nutritious. Yet little is known about how nanoparticles behave in the body, or what kind of toxic effects they could have. Read more
 

20 February 2009: 
A new beverage is claiming to be the first ice tea that can safeguard the health of teeth, thanks to the use of isomaltulose in place of sucrose and an aseptic process that prevents bacteria without the need for acids. Read more
 

20 February 2009: 
Chocolate does not help children to grow, says the European Food Safety Authority. Read more
 
20 February 2009:  Increased intakes of coffee do not increase the risk of stroke, and may actually reduce the risk. Read more
 

20 February 2009: 
Potential health risks associated with stressed foodstuffs such as foie gras. Read more
 

20 February 2009: 
Dry beans inhibit development of mammary cancer. Certain foods can reduce people’s risk of contracting chronic diseases. Read more
 

20 February 2009: 
Healing foods like virgin coconut oil and coconut flour can help reduce the risk of serious medical problems like cancer, heart and liver diseases. Read more
 

20 February 2009: 
Drinking at least three cups of green or black tea a day can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Read more
 

20 February 2009: 
Diet could reduce onset of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by 20 %, by increasing the amount of fruit, vegetables and nuts in the diet. Read more
 

19 February 2009: 
Food-grade pigments may be obtained by fermenting bacteria sourced from sponge. Read more
 

19 February 2009: 
Health and safety officials in South Korea said that they found a meningitis causing bacteria in a French baby formula product but the company in question said the product was deemed safe following tests. Read more
 

19 February 2009: 
Six studies published in the past add to growing evidence that an apple a day -- as well as other fruits and vegetables -- can help keep the breast-cancer doctor away. Read more
 

19 February 2009: 
Children need to eat a little dirt now and then to develop healthy immune systems. Problem is, in many countries, people have become too clean for their own good. Read more
 

19 February 2009: 
Women who consume olive oil preserve their bone mass better. Read more
 

19 February 2009: 
High-fat diets, even if consumed for a short amount of time, can inflame fat tissue surrounding blood vessels, possibly contributing to cardiovascular disease. Read more
 

18 February 2009: 
A blend of oils from coconut and palm could produce a plastic fat for use as a shortening in bakery products as a trans-fat replacer. Read more
 

18 February 2009: 
Extracts from the New Zealand green lipped mussel may exert anti-inflammatory effects at a protein level. Read more
 

17 February 2009: 
Adolescents eating higher amounts of dairy goods, within the recommended daily guidelines, generally have lower levels of fat to those with a reduced intake. Read more
 

17 February 2009: 
New research connecting metabolic syndrome to greater sensitive to the effects of salt intake on blood pressure in Chinese people could lead to the development of less salty dishes, new food labelling, and a re-education of taste buds. Read more
 

17 February 2009: 
A superoxide dismutase (SOD) supplement, GliSODin, may reduce the loss of cognitive function linked to stress, according to a new animal study from Japan. Read more
 

17 February 2009: 
Nattokinase, an enzyme extracted from fermented soy, may prevent the build up of certain plaques in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s, suggests new research from Taiwan. Read more

16 February 2009: 
Drinking fructose-sweetened beverages with meals may cause bigger rises in blood levels of triglycerides in obese people after the meal. Read more
 
16 February 2009:  A coalition of different environmental organisations, the Zero Mercury Working Group, claims that there are risks associated with eating fish due to its mercury content, and consumers need to be made aware of these through fish and seafood product labelling. Read more

13 February 2009: 
Increased intakes of vitamin K2, but not vitamin K1, may decrease the risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. Read more
 
13 February 2009:  Novel benefits of fatty acids in arteries shown. Read more
 
12 February 2009:  Patients with kidney disease may be at danger from a ‘hidden threat’ of phosphorous additives found in processed and fast foods. Read more
 
12 February 2009:  A combination of probiotic and prebiotics may improve the ‘quality of life’ for sufferers of a type of IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). Read more
 

12 February 2009: 
A ‘smart’ barcode for food packaging can inform consumers and retailers whether refrigerated food products such as chicken, milk and beef are no longer fresh. Read more
 

12 February 2009: 
Researchers have discovered that extra virgin olive oil may help to combat breast cancer. The scientists have confirmed the bioactivity of polyphenols (natural antioxidants) present in olive oil in breast cancer cell lines. Read more
 

11 February 2009: 
The cost-benefit ratio for including gut health promoting inulin in bread formulations could bring added-value gains for bread-makers. Read more
 
11 February 2009:  Multivitamin supplements have “little or no influence” on a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer. Read more
 

11 February 2009: 
Mercury found in U.S. corn syrup: Studies. Read more
 

11 February 2009: 
Microbial inactivation and shelf life of apple juice treated with high pressure carbon dioxide. Read more
 

10 February 2009: 
A new European review of the safety of proteins used in milk and dairy product formulation has found no link between their consumption and an increased risk to health. Read more
 
10 February 2009:  Seeds of the Osmanthus fragrans plant may offer a novel red colour for food formulators, and tap into the growing demand for natural colours, says new research from China. Read more
 

10 February 2009: 
US researchers have found a way of keeping food fresher for longer while using less packaging material. Read more
 
10 February 2009:  Fortifying fermented milk with lutein may be a suitable vehicle to boost intakes of the compound, according to a new study from Spain. Read more
 

10 February 2009: 
Energy drinks: The coffee of a new generation? They are made up of sugar and caffeine, posing a negative impact on health. Read more
 

10 February 2009: 
Mediterranean diet associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment. Read more
 

9 February 2009: 
Researchers are aware that caffeine stimulates the central nervous system on a short-term basis, but how is cognition affected in the long run? A team of Finnish-Swedish researchers found that midlife coffee or tea drinking can decrease the risk of dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease (AD) later in life. Read more
 
9 February 2009:  The application of zinc oxide nanoparticles in food systems may be effective at inhibiting certain pathogens. Read more
 

9 February 2009: 
Women with increased intake of lignans, and subsequently levels of metabolites in the blood, tend to have lower BMIs and total body fat mass. Read more
 
9 February 2009:  World first fungi chitosan ready for weight loss market. Read more
 

5 February 2009: 
A potassium lactate and sodium diacetate mix may reduce the sodium chloride content by 40 per cent, and significantly increase shelf-life. Read more
 

5 February 2009: 
Low levels of vitamin D may reduce the muscle power and force in adolescent girls. Read more
 

5 February 2009: 
A new roll-out seeks to control pathogens in flour through an energy-saving macrowave pasteurisation system that also minimises the heat impact on the bulk food material. Read more
 

4 February 2009: 
The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published a list of food products that have been voluntarily reformulated to remove 6 food colours associated with hyperactivity in young children. Read more
 

4 February 2009: 
An edible Gelidium corneum gelatine (GCG) blend film containing grapefruit seed extract (GFSE) or green tea extract (GTE) could be used to the increase the microbial safety and extend the shelf life of packaged pork loins. Read more
 

4 February 2009: 
Study finds that green tea blocks benefits of cancer drug. Read more
 
4 February 2009:  A new study explores how soyfood consumption may lower the risk of colorectal cancer, or cancer of the colon or rectum, in postmenopausal women. Read more
 

3 February 2009: 
Most people connect DNA fingerprinting with humans, but an international team of researchers has successfully used DNA fingerprinting techniques to identify microbes on a 'smear-ripened' cheese. Led by Newcastle University in the UK, the researchers detected and identified eight microbes on the French cheese Reblochon. Read more
 

3 February 2009: 
The European Commission has sent a second warning to Italy that it must step up to new allergen labelling requirements. Read more
 

3 February 2009: 
E. coli in ground beef, melamine in infant formula, and salmonella in peanut butter - what is next? Isn’t it about time the slices of the US food safety pie… Read more
 

3 February 2009: 
By adding an edible mushroom-like fungus to grapefruit juice may help to reduce the serious side effects when taking certain prescription drugs drink grapefruit juice. Read more
 
3 February 2009:  Salmonella outbreak: what you need to know. Read more
 
2 February 2009:  Modification of the milk protein casein by enzymes could offer formulators a natural antioxidant for beef and poultry products. Read more
 

2 February 2009: 
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has given the thumbs up for the use of the relatively obscure zinc form, zinc methionate, but found safety issues with calcium and magnesium methionate forms. Read more
 

2 February 2009: 
Long term administration of high purity and concentrated chondroitin sulphate may prevent degradation in the joint structure of people suffering from osteoarthritis. Read more
 

2 February 2009: 
The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) has ruled that the vitamin B6 compound, pyridoxamine dihydrochloride, cannot be used in dietary supplements. Read more
 

2 February 2009: 
Researchers have widely believed that the organic compound, allicin – which gives garlic its aroma and flavour – acts as the world's most powerful antioxidant. Read more
 

2 February 2009: 
Omega-3 fatty acids ease psychological distress and depressive symptoms often suffered by menopausal and perimenopausal women. Read more
 

2 February 2009: 
The mouth-watering chips have long been labelled as a “junk food”. Yet, experts have claimed that gorging on a deep-fried potato diet can help in beating certain cancers. Read more
 

30 January 2009: 
A newly-released study indicates that levels of most metals in UK foods are falling or remain stable; but the FSA says there is a need for more research on aluminium, barium and manganese, which bucked the trend. Read more
 
30 January 2009:  A US study has found that perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which are used in areas such as food packaging, pesticides, clothing, carpets and personal care products, may be linked to infertility in women. Read more
 
30 January 2009:  Plums are new super-food and full of disease-fighting antioxidants. Read more
 

29 January 2009:  F
rom petite fromageries in France to artisan sellers in Quebec and Kansas, the sale of unpasteurised milk in cheese continues to divide opinion, with recent health scares endangering the entire sector. Read more
 

29 January 2009: 
Opinion remains divided over the use of recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) in cows to boost milk yield. Read more
 
29 January 2009:  Texan researchers have identified a pathway to explain how a compound in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli may protect against pancreatic cancer. Read more
 

29 January 2009: 
New gluten-free rules from Brussels may well incur incremental costs for bakers and snack manufacturers but with one in a hundred UK consumers estimated to be gluten intolerant, unlocking the market for gluten-free products could reap strong financial gains for industry players. Read more
 
29 January 2009:  Scientists have for the first time replicated an elusive seafood toxin found in shellfish and certain algae that can cause illness and even death. Read more
 

28 January 2009: 
Reducing the intake of salt from the diet may improve the health of blood vessels, with the effects going beyond blood pressure benefits. Read more
 
28 January 2009:  Human brain makes quick decisions on the energy and fat content in food just by looking at it – a finding that adds to knowledge on why we choose to eat the foods we do. Read more
 

28 January 2009: 
UK based laboratory, Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), claims it has developed a reliable DNA screening method for identifying adulteration of Basmati rice. Read more
 

28 January 2009: 
Use flaxseed to boost health. The flax plant is the source of fiber from which linen is woven, and it also yields edible seeds and oil. Read more
 

28 January 2009: 
Researchers find traces of mercury in high-fructose corn syrup. Read more
 
28 January 2009:  Omega-6 fatty acids - found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds - are a beneficial part of a heart-healthy eating plan. Read more
 
28 January 2009: US officials say 4 kinds of salmonella have been identified in the growing investigation of tainted peanut products. Read more
 

27 January 2009: 
A new study has delivered positive results on the use of platinum as a catalyst during hydrogenisation of oils, but without the production of harmful trans fats. Read more
 

27 January 2009: 
Antioxidant compounds in green tea could help promote exercise-induced abdominal fat loss. Read more
 

27 January 2009: 
A new study suggests that people trying to lower their blood pressure should also boost their intake of potassium, which has the opposite effect to sodium. Read more
 

26 January 2009: 
Food manufacturers are being asked to take some responsibility for public health and make more nutritional products after a study found that magazine adverts were mainly for foods high in sugar, fat and salt. Read more
 

26 January 2009: 
Switzerland’s Centre for Technology Assessment (TA-Swiss) has called for the existing legislation on foods and chemicals to be adapted to meet the demands of nanotechnology. Read more
 

26 January 2009: 
A detection method to determine levels of melamine in whole milk and milk powder is highly sensitive and the fastest technique yet, claims researchers based at Purdue University. Read more
 
26 January 2009:  How Natural Oils can be Hydrogenated without Making Unhealthy Trans Fats. Read more
 

23 January 2009: 
More research is needed on innovative raw material sourcing and alternative uses, according to a new report on how chemistry can contribute to sustainable food supply, which sees novel enzyme technology is a key area of development for ingredients, processing and preservation. Read more
 

23 January 2009: 
An updated guide on the recyclability of plastic packaging can ensure savings for companies and includes chapters on recent developments in bioplastics and mixed plastics. Read more
 

23 January 2009: 
New study provides further evidence that apple juice can delay onset of Alzheimer's disease. Read more
 

23 January 2009: 
A new, late-ripening apple named WineCrisp™ which carries the Vf gene for scab resistance was developed over the past 20 plus years through classical breeding techniques, not genetic engineering. Read more
 

22 January 2009: 
Drinking coffee reduces risk of Alzheimer’s, according to a study by Finnish and Swedish researchers.  Read more
 

21 January 2009: 
Fresh evidence from researchers in the US suggests that substituting refined sweeteners with unrefined equivalents in food formulations could raise disease-fighting antioxidants in consumer diets. Read more
 

21 January 2009: 
The European Food Safety Authority has turned down Unilever-submitted health claims linking black tea consumption and improved mental focus because they failed to demonstrate causality. Read more
 

21 January 2009: 
The European Botanical Forum (EBF) has released a “communication tool” it says will “correct some commonly-held misapprehensions about botanical food supplements”. Read more
 

21 January 2009: 
Soy protein consumption could help protect against bone loss in post menopausal women, suggests a new study that adds to previous findings linking soy to bone health in women. Read more
 
21 January 2009:  Research has shown that a flavor enhancer found in many popular foods known as monosodium glutamate (MSG) causes weight gain and obesity in lab animals by damaging the appetite regulation center in the area of the brain known as the hypothalamus, causing leptin resistence. Read more

20 January 2009: 
Misunderstood by consumers and misrepresented by pressure groups, pesticides are a soft target for legislators. The latest blow to that soft target could have hard consequences for the European food industry and for developing countries. Read more
 

20 January 2009: 
Maize-based dietary fibres have been found to help lower glycemic and insulin responses, potentially opening up opportunities for their use in foods for weight management and diabetes control. Read more
 

20 January 2009: 
A ‘Fair Trade’-style certification for European milk prices, designed to cover farmer cost, will soon making its way across EU member states, according to a leading farmers association. Read more
 
20 January 2009:  Carb addiction is real, according to researchers who fear that by taking fat out of snacks, food producers are replacing it with more carbohydrates and making them even more addictive.. Read more
 
16 January 2009:  Dietary fibres may control crystallisation and recrystallisation in ice creams, and offer new formulation possibilities for formulators. Read more
 

16 January 2009: 
An increased intake of carotenoids, and particularly lycopene may protect against bone loss in older men and women. Read more
 

16 January 2009: 
Midlife coffee and tea drinking can decrease the risk of dementia / Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Read more
 

15 January 2009: 
A consumer’s perception of a refreshing sensation in food is driven by the cold/mint flavour, the acidity of the formulation, and the thickness of the product. Read more
 

15 January 2009: 
Meat from animals raised on biodiverse pastures tastes better and is nutritionally superior than conventional meat, prompting calls for more place-based labelling. Read more

15 January 2009: 
Low levels of the mineral selenium may increase the risk of anaemia in older people. Read more
 

15 January 2009: 
High Caffeine Intake Linked To Hallucination Proneness. Read more
 

15 January 2009: 
How does salmonella get into peanut butter? Read more
 

14 January 2009: 
A Japanese bid to introduce a new black bean extract to Europe to block the absorption of carbohydrates has received a boost. Read more
 
14 January 2009:  An extruded composite food packaging film containing pectin, polylactic acids (PLAs) and nisin can inhibit Listeria monocytogenes. Read more
 

13 January 2009: 
Marinating beef in red wine or beer may reduce the levels of potentially cancer-promoting compounds, according to a study from Portugal. Read more
 

13 January 2009: 
The commonly used hydrocolloid hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) may reduce cholesterol levels by over 20 per cent. Read more
 

13 January 2009: 
Cornflakes, biscuits, soft drinks and other heavily processed foods with a high glycaemic index (GI) trigger an addictive sugar rush that can be hard to resist and leads to obesity. New Zealand scientists reviewed evidence showing compulsive food consumption… Read more
 

13 January 2009: 
Vitamin D is quickly becoming the "it" nutrient with health benefits for diseases, including cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease and now diabetes. Read more
 

12 January 2009: 
Adding resistant starch to milk puddings produces formulations that are acceptable to consumers, particularly those interested in healthy options. Read more
 
12 January 2009:  The probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 are safe and well-tolerated, according to a new study from New Zealand. Read more
 

12 January 2009: 
Salmonella in 42 states, USA. The Minnesota Department of Health said preliminary laboratory testing found salmonella bacteria in a 5-pound container of creamy peanut butter. Read more
 

9 January 2009: 
The whey protein beta-lactoglobulin may spontaneously bind the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and offer nano-encapsulation potential for formulators. Read more
 

9 January 2009: 
National Starch Food Innovation (NSFI) is launching a new specialty starch derived from tapioca, which is said to enable a 75 per cent reduction on the butter, margarine or shortening used in cakes. Read more
 
9 January 2009:  Fortification of corn masa flour with folic acid could produce enriched tortilla chips and corn chips, and serve as a new vehicle for the B vitamin. Read more
 

9 January 2009: 
Researchers have uncovered why some dietary fats, specifically long-chain fats, such as oleic acid (found in olive oil), are more prone to induce inflammation. Long-chain fats, it turns out, promote increased intestinal absorption of pro-inflammatory bacterial molecules called lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Read more
 

8 January 2009: 
The UK’s Food Safety Authority has launched a new consultation on the advice it should give consumers on eating fish, with a view to balancing sustainability issues alongside nutrition and food safety issues. Read more
 

8 January 2009: 
A diet containing high calcium food products like dairy goods and certain vegetables may not alone serve as an effective means of reducing the risk of osteoporosis, say some nutritionists. Read more
 

8 January 2009: 
Supplements of L-carnitine may reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in diabetics, indicating significant potential to boost heart health, says a new study. Read more
 

8 January 2009: 
No “credible evidence” exists in the literature to support the potential of garlic to reduce the risk of cancer, according to a new review from Korea. Read more
 

7 January 2009: 
Careful regulation of inorganic phosphates in the diet could aid lung cancer prevention and treatment. Read more
 

7 January 2009: 
The potential of pomegranate extracts and juices to protect against prostate cancer may be due to direct interaction with genes. Read more
 

7 January 2009: 
On a high-fat diet, protective gene variant becomes bad actor. Read more
 

6 January 2009: 
Progress has been made in pinpointing the mechanism of that most mysterious of taste sensations, umami, with potential implications for understanding taste preferences and undercovering the workings of other proteins. Read more
 

6 January 2009: 
High fat diet linked to body clock disruption. Circadian rhythms are the body’s ‘clock’ that regulates expression and activity of enzymes and hormones involved in metabolism. Read more
 

6 January 2009: 
X-ray technology is effective in killing bacterial pathogens in leafy greens without causing undesirable changes in product quality, claim US researchers. Read more
 

6 January 2009: 
Overweight people’s genes respond differently to dietary changes. Read more
 

5 January 2009: 
Cranberry extracts may play some role in supplemnting use of the antibiotic Trimethoprim for prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older women. Read more
 

5 January 2009: 
The UK-based Health Food Manufacturers Association (HFMA) has warned the European Commission may severely restrict maximum levels of vitamins and minerals in food supplements, after an industry meeting with the European Commission. Read more
 

5 January 2009:  Genetically modified soybeans containing stearidonic acid (SDA) could be commercially available within a couple of years. Read more
 

5 January 2009:  Chocolate, wine and tea improve brain performance. According to Oxford researchers working with colleagues in Norway, chocolate, wine and tea enhance cognitive performance. Read more
 

5 January 2009:  An unknown fungus is wiping out vast tracts of vanilla plantations in Madagascar, which supplies two-thirds of the world's pods. Read more

22 December 2008:  The impact of this year’s melamine dairy crisis has rumbled through the food chain and although quality assurance measures can benefit responsible firms, downturn in Chinese dairy has still led to lost of ingredients sales. Read more
 

22 December 2008: 
A combination of gellan gum and magnesium chloride may lead to low-fat, low salt meat products, according to new research from Mexico. Read more
 

22 December 2008: 
Genetically modified soybeans containing stearidonic acid (SDA) could be commercially available within a couple of years. Read more
 

19 December 2008: 
Researchers in Spain have discovered components of extra-virgin olive oil that are protective against both HER2-positive and HER2-negative breast cancers. Their findings, which have implications for the design of new anti-breast-cancer drugs, have been published in the journal BMC cancer. Read more
 

19 December 2008: 
The FDA has given the long-awaited green light for Reb A, the sweetener made from the stevia leaf, to be used in food and beverages. Read more
 

19 December 2008: 
An article published in the British Medical Journal today has dismissed the commonly held belief that sugar causes hyperactivity in children as a ‘medical myth’. Read more
 

19 December 2008: 
The specific use of titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles in a material used to make polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic drinks bottles did not give rise to toxicological concern, claims a scientific panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Read more
 

19 December 2008: 
Calcium fluoride deemed safe in supplements in Europe. Read more
 

19 December 2008: 
Manufacturers of juice and other fruit-based beverages may need to rethink how they make their products amidst fears over the level of pesticides that may reside on their ingredients. Read more
 

19 December 2008: 
The omega-3 fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is a more potent inflammation inhibitor than DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), says a new Anglo-American study. Read more
 

19 December 2008: 
Low glycemic diet better for glycemic control of type 2 diabetes than whole grains. Read more
 

18 December 2008: 
The popularity of spelt has rocketed in recent years, leading to a 130 per cent increase in European product launches containing the ancient grain over the past three years. Read more
 

18 December 2008: 
Manufacturers of children’s breakfast cereals and lunchbox snacks have been accused of misleading parents about high levels of salt, sugar and fat in a British Heart Foundation report. Read more
 

18 December 2008: 
Complying with Global Food Safety Initiative standards will become much easier for food suppliers with the launch of a new computer program. Read more
 

18 December 2008: 
US-based food group hopes to continue targeting growing interest in fortified baked snacks with ongoing development of a new range of cookies it claims contain ‘substantial’ levels of omega-3 oil. Read more
 

17 December 2008: 
Are Europeans knowledgeable about nutrition information? A pan-European study by the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) says they are. The study on consumer knowledge of food labels has shown that the majority of European consumers recognise and understand the improved forms of nutrition information on labels including the Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) plan. Read more
 

17 December 2008: 
Cutting the cost of cake-making by removing the use of eggs may be achievable by combining a hydrocolloid with a suitable emulsifier. Read more
 

17 December 2008: 
European botanicals group the Herbal Forum remains concerned about aspects of the process that is due to bring herbal products under the remit of the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD) by 2011. Read more
 

17 December 2008: 
High Pesticide Levels Found In Fruit-based Drinks In Some Countries Outside United States. Read more
 
15 December 2008:  Beta-glucan-rich hydrocolloids may be able to replace cocoa-butter in chocolate products, according to new research from the US. Read more
 
15 December 2008:  A survey into the levels of colourings in food products in Australia showed usage far below the maximum permitted levels (MPL); FSANZ says this shows there is no public health risk associated with their use. Read more
 

15 December 2008: 
Researchers at Tufts University have reported that low-carbohydrate diets may impair cognitive performance, following a study comparing an Atkins-type diet with a reduced-calorie regime. Read more
 
15 December 2008:  An anti-cancer compound found in broccoli and cabbage works by lowering the activity of an enzyme associated with rapidly advancing breast cancer, Read more
 

15 December 2008: 
ETH Zurich chemists have developed a method to detect pesticide residues in foodstuffs – a method that may also be of interest for other areas and may enable quality checks on a running basis. Read more
 

12 December 2008: 
Researchers at Princeton University claim that they have laid down the final pieces of evidence necessary to prove the existence of sugar addiction in animal studies. Read more
 

12 December 2008: 
An extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree may reduce markers of inflammation in people with osteoarthritis. Read more

11 December 2008: 
Fears over the dangers of peanut allergy, a potentially deadly allergy for certain people, are becoming sensationalist and hysterical. Read more
 

10 December 2008: 
An extract of black radish (Raphanus niger) may provide a natural alternative to sulphur dioxide for viticulturists, according to a new study from Greece. Read more
 

10 December 2008: 
Successful trial of biotech tomatoes with high anthocyanin that saw them increase the life-span of cancer-prone rats could help strengthen the positive side of the GM debate in the UK. Read more
 

9 December 2008: 
The profile of dioxins found in the tainted Irish pork meat is similar to those found in electronic transformer oils, claims the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Read more
 
9 December 2008:  Broccoli compound may inhibit lung cancer from tobacco smoke: study. Read more
 

9 December 2008: 
Here's a health tip in a nutshell: Eating a handful of nuts a day for a year - along with a Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, vegetables and fish - may help undo a collection of risk factors for heart disease. Read more
 

8 December 2008: 
Food and beverage manufacturers are adopting more sustainable practices and seek to communicate these to consumers. But are well-meaning consumers confused by the many different green and ethical logos in use? Read more
 

8 December 2008: 
The European Commission has imposed definitive anti-dumping duties on the additive from China, stating that the impact on firms using the additive will not be great. Read more
 

8 December 2008: 
The addition of cranberry concentrate to ground beef may serve as an supplementary hurdle to control potential E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks associated with ground beef, claims a new US study. Read more
 

8 December 2008: 
Ireland issued an international warning yesterday for people not to consume Irish-produced pork products because they could contain dangerous levels of contaminants. Read more
 

8 December 2008: 
GM Crops Climb to Nearly One-Tenth of Global Crop Production. Tensions are rising over the GM foods issue as consumers become increasingly educated about the sharp increases in infertility resulting from the consumption of GM foods. Read more
 

8 December 2008: 
Birth Control Pills Affect Women's Taste in Men. Read more
 

5 December 2008: 
Organics offer market for burnt sugar colour…launching a new organic burnt sugar to the European food sector, as its customers are seeking new hues suitable for organic products.  Read more
 

5 December 2008: 
Increasing the alkali content of the diet by eating food such as fruit and vegetables may reduce calcium excretion and boost bone health, says a new study. Read more
 

5 December 2008: 
Scientists Developing Safer Food Allergy Treatment. Attempted treatment with allergen-specific immunotherapy, where a patient received monthly injections with an allergen extract for three to five years, failed because it could cause anaphylaxis as a side effect. Read more
 

4 December 2008: 
Addition of green and black teas to yoghurt may boost the colour and flavour of the product, without affecting the starter cultures. Read more
 

4 December 2008: 
The first chocolate products endorsed by Toothfriendly International as harmless to teeth have hit the market in Belgium, despite containing a sugar. Read more

4 December 2008: 
Would-be mothers taking folic acid supplements during the first three months of their pregnancy may increase the risk of their babies being hospitalized with respiratory infections. Read more
 

4 December 2008: 
The gluten-free market is getting competitive. A growing number of businesses are selling products aimed at celiacs - people who have difficulty digesting gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Read more
 

3 December 2008: 
The chemical is bisphenol-A, or BPA. Most human exposure to the chemical clearly comes from the food supply. BPA has estrogenlike effects, and animal studies have suggested that exposure may accelerate puberty and raise a potential risk of cancer. Read more
 
2 December 2008:  The role of nutrition in living with HIV/ AIDS. Nutrition and HIV/AIDS are intricately linked. Read more
 
1 December 2008:  14 out of 26 assessed food flavouring substances are safe for human consumption at estimated current intake levels, according to a new scientific opinion from EFSA. Read more
 

1 December 2008: 
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) can be used to partially replace sucrose in fruit juices without detrimentally affecting physical characteristics of the juice, says new research from India. Read more
 

1 December 2008: 
Bread, pasta, and other foods made from whole grains — known to help protect against heart disease, cancer and diabetes — may get even healthier in the future. Read more
 

1 December 2008: 
Food-poisoning is costing New Zealand $83 million a year, says a new study for the Food Safety Authority. Read more
 

28 November 2008: 
Spreadable gels made from superheating starch and then cooling it may lead to inexpensive fat replacers, scientists from TNO Quality of Life tell FoodNavigator. Read more
 

28 November 2008: 
Batches of organic oats being sold in the UK could be flouting the law after an investigation found they contain the pesticides Chlormequat or Glyphosate, according to the Soil Association. Read more
 

28 November 2008: 
An article appearing in the British Medical Journal says that food and supplement products targeting weight loss are ineffective and misleading for consumers. Read more
 

28 November 2008: 
Consumption of garlic and onions may reduce the incidence of cholesterol gallstone formation by as much as 40 per cent, says a new study from India. Read more
 

28 November 2008: 
Fish and shellfish are more likely to cause foodborne-illness than any other category of food product, according to the US Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Read more
 

28 November 2008: 
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recommended lower Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for several active substances used in pesticides that the European Commission considered could have possible safety concerns for human health. Read more
 

27 November 2008: 
A new EU-funded project has been launched to produce state-of-the-art knowledge on food labelling for nutritional advice. FLABEL ('Food labelling to advance better education for life') is the first EU-funded research project on nutritional labelling and it will research the effects of labelling on consumers in order to better understand how it influences shoppers' buying choices. Read more
 

27 November 2008: 
Additive and enzyme associations have welcomed the adoption of the new FIAP package on additives, flavourings and enzymes – but concern remains about the Southampton colours warning. Read more
 

26 November 2008: 
Drink brewed tea to avoid tooth erosion. Today, the average size soft drink is 20 ounces and contains 17 teaspoons of sugar. More startling is that some citric acids found in fruit drinks are more erosive than hydrochloric or sulfuric acid—which is also known as battery acid. Read more
 

25 November 2008: 
Bug-killer: Oregano, above, was found to be a more effective antimicrobial agent than 18 pharmaceutical drugs The MRSA super-bug could be wiped out using natural oil from oregano, scientists revealed today. Read more
 

25 November 2008: 
Foodborne diseases appear to be on the rise in both rich and poor countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday. More research is needed to determine how much sickness and death stems from contaminated food, such as the tainted Chinese milk that caused kidney problems in more than 50,000 children and killed four, and the U.S. salmonella outbreak that made more than 1,400 people ill. Read more
 

25 November 2008: 
Products marketed for infants or billed as "microwave safe" release toxic doses of the chemical bisphenol A when heated, an analysis by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has found. Read more
 

24 November 2008: 
Germans see environmental issues as more of arisk to their health than food, according to a new survey from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). Read more
 

24 November 2008: 
Researchs at Rothamsted Research in the UK have analysed 200 globally-sourced whole grainser for their known health-promoting components, which they say could lead to selective grain breeding for healthier wholegrain foods. Read more
 

24 November 2008: 
Lutein safe but won’t help infant eye function. Read more
 

24 November 2008: 
An increased intake of selenium may decrease risk factors for metabolic syndrome and inflammation, suggests a new study from Spain. Read  more
 

24 November 2008: 
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a simple and quick method for detecting mercury in fish and dental samples, two substances at the center of public concern about mercury contamination. Read more
 

21 November 2008: 
Take a walk through a supermarket in any wealthy nation and the promise of omega-3 health benefits screams off food products from bread to milk to juice. But are consumers getting the superfood they paid for? Read more
 

20 November 2008: 
A new assessment has concluded that coriander essential oil is safe for use in foods, based on a long history of use and lack of toxicity in limited studies. Read more

19 November 2008: 
Combining chitosan and modified lecithin could offer interesting nano-encapsulators for a variety of ingredients, according to a new study from Japan. Read more
 

19 November 2008: 
Recommended daily intakes of vitamin D should be raised to 2,000 International Units, says a group of 18 scientists from the university of California. Read more
 

18 November 2008: 
Curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow colour, may reduce the potential detrimental effects of acrylamide, says a new study from China. Read more
 

18 November 2008: 
Armed with a ₤60 million war chest from the Scottish government, researchers in Aberdeen are aiming to slow the progress of Alzheimer’ with bioactive compounds from blackcurrants. Read more
 

18 November 2008: 
New bacteria discovered in raw milk .Raw milk is illegal in many countries as it can be contaminated with potentially harmful microbes. Contamination can also spoil the milk, making it taste bitter and turn thick and sticky. Now scientists have discovered new species of bacteria that can grow at low temperatures, spoiling raw milk even when it is refrigerated. Read more
 

18 November 2008: 
Counterintuitive as it may seem, those healthful phytoestrogen nutrients that consumers usually associate with fruits and vegetables also exist in foods of animal origin. After all, "phyto" means "plant." Read more
 

17 November 2008: 
A new study suggests that coating freeze dried strawberry pieces with whey protein, glycerol and lactose can help reserve texture when they are rehydrated, thereby making them suitable for use in a broader range of moist and liquid applications. Read more
 

17 November 2008: 
The claims were running so thick and fast that the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) had to issue a public advisory that food supplements have no medical benefits except as additional nutrients. Read more
 
17 November 2008:  Drinking hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults, according to new research presented to the American Heart Association (AHA). Read more
 

14 November 2008: 
The first shipment of sustainable palm oil is set to arrive in Europe next week; but even if manufacturers do not use the oil directly they can still buy into the movement with certificates. Read more
 

14 November 2008: 
A combination of sonication and osmotic evaporation represents a promising new technology that could be designed to athermally produce safe, concentrated fruit juices, claims a new study. Read more
 
14 November 2008:  A manufacturer of confectionary ginger is developing a new processing system that eliminates the need to use sulphites as a preservative, making the ginger products allergy-free. Read more

13 November 2008: 
As concerns such as avian flu, animal welfare and consumer preferences impact the poultry industry, the reduced genetic diversity of commercial bird breeds increases their vulnerability and the industry's ability to adapt, according to a genetics expert. Read more
 
13 November 2008:  Soy is a staple of the Asian diet. Here in America, soy is considered a healthy addition to a diet, but sometimes it is not so easy on the stomach. Now, a University of Missouri researcher believes she has the answer: freeze-dried probiotic microcapsules. Read more
 

12 November 2008: 
Scientists in Switzerland are reporting that bacteria in the human mouth play a role in creating the distinctive flavors of certain foods. They found that these bacteria actually produce food odors from odorless components of food, allowing people to fully savor fruits and vegetables. Read more
 

11 November 2008: 
Enhancing food products with odours could compensate for the taste impact of reducing their salt content, according to a new study, thereby giving manufacturers another tool towards healthier formulation. Read more
 

11 November 2008: 
Neither vitamin C nor vitamin E supplements cuts the risk of cardiovascular disease including heart attack and stroke in a U.S. study published on Sunday. And a second study failed to show that taking low-dose aspirin helped prevent heart and artery disease among Japanese people with diabetes. Read more
 

10 November 2008: 
The dairy industry will have to step up to the challenge of matching ongoing developments in soybeans as a replacement for a number of milk-based products and ingredients, according to one New Zealand dairy supplier. Read more
 

10 November 2008: 
Children in the UK, where recommendations are to avoid peanuts during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and infancy, were 10 times more likely to suffer from peanut allergy than their Israeli counterparts, according to a new study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Read more
 

10 November 2008: 
Extra food safety regulations could be introduced in Canada as pressure increase to tackle the problems associated with tainted food after 20 people died in a listeriosis outbreak. Read more

7 November 2008:  As drink manufacturers strive to provide innovative functional products to increasingly health focused consumers, dairy goods such as yoghurt may be an emerging route able to help bridge demand. Read more
 

7 November 2008: 
French claims that a genetically modified maize product poses a potential health risk have been disputed by a newly published scientific report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).  Read more
 
7 November 2008:  Longer shelf life for beverages and improved bottle clarity are the benefits claimed for PolyShield resins, launched recently on the US market. Read more
 
6 November 2008:  Eating almonds significantly decreased levels of two biomarkers for oxidative stress in a group of 27 male and female volunteers with elevated cholesterol. The study was conducted by scientists funded by the Agricultural Research Service, the Almond Board of California, and the Canada Research Chair Endowment. Read more
 
4 November 2008:  Opportunities for low-calorie formulations open up for food makers as Europe officially recognises Cargill's Zerose erythritol as a zero calorie sweetener. Erythritol, a bulk sweetener polyol that occurs at low levels in some fruits and fermented foods, contains a variety of benefits, including low-calorie content, low GI index and a low laxative effect. Read more
 

4 November 2008: 
Half of the reported food allergies amongst adults are not food allergies at all, says a new study from Germany. According to a paper published in the journal Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, between 10 and 20 per cent of people see themselves as suffering from a food allergy, but the real figure may be half this. Read more
 

4 November 2008: 
Consumption of the prebiotic fibre oligofructose at a dietary level of almost 10 per cent is safe, according to a new Anglo-American study. Using a variety of in vivo and in vitro techniques, researchers from Wyeth Nutrition, Wyeth Research, The University of Reading, and the University of Illinois report that consumption of oligofructose at a dietary level of 9.9 per cent did not produce any adverse effects. Read more
 

4 November 2008: 
The first genetically modified foods with direct benefits for human health should be available within four years after successful experiments in the United States. A GM soya bean that can help to prevent heart attacks has passed the first phase of trials, clearing the way for its use in foods such as spreads, yoghurts, cereal bars and salad dressings. The research, at the University of South Dakota, has shown that oil from the GM soya can raise blood concentrations of long-chain omega3 acids. Read more
 

4 November 2008: 
British researchers may have discovered why diets rich in fruits and vegetables can lower cancer risk. Patrick Gunning and scientists at the Institute of Food Research in Norwich said it could be due to a complex carbohydrate called pectin. In lab experiments they found it binds to and may inhibit a protein believed to facilitate the spread of cancer throughout the body. Read more
 
3 November 2008:  Germinating black soybeans under stress from a fungus may give food formulators soy with less flatulence-causing carbohydrates, says new research from Singapore. Read more
 

3 November 2008: 
The growth potential for food irradiation technology has contracted dramatically but the value of the sector is forecast to exceed $2.3 bn by 2012, claims a new report into the industry. Read more
 
3 November 2008:  Potentially hazardous levels of metal ions are present in many commercially available wines. An analysis of reported levels of metals in wines from sixteen different countries found that only those from Argentina, Brazil and Italy did not pose a potential health risk owing to metals. Read more
 

3 November 2008: 
The European Union's food safety agency approved two genetically modified corns Friday, putting renewed pressure on EU nations to drop their objections to the use of biotech crops. Read more
 

3 November 2008: 
Here comes Golden Rice, slated for field-testing this year and hopefully on your table soon after. Golden Rice, one of the parents of the 3-in-1 rice, is genetically modified since it has 23 times more carotenoid (pro-Vitamin A). Two genes from other organisms were inserted to provide beta-carotene production, giving the rice grain its yellow color—and name. Read more
 
3 November 2008:  Eating tomatoes to help prevent cancer, garlic to prevent AIDS or drinking fruit juice to ward off Alzheimer's? Despite a bevy of research, the impact of food on killer diseases remains to be proved. Read more
 

31 October 2008: 
A new study may offer stroke victims a ray of hope. Researchers say a dietary supplement containing isoflavone can give a boost to the functioning of patients' arteries. Sources say this latest work is probably the first randomised, controlled trial assessing how isoflavone supplement affects the brachial artery. Read more
 

31 October 2008: 
The industrial chemical melamine is commonly added to animal feed in China to fake higher protein levels, state media reported Thursday, offering what appeared to be a tacit admission by the government that the food supply could be rife with contamination. Read more
 
31 October 2008:  Eating contaminated raw tuna can be a cause of Salmonella infection, a researcher from Hawaii warned on Tuesday. In November 2007, the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) was alerted to 16 cases of Salmonella infection. An epidemiologic investigation at the time failed to uncover the source of the outbreak. Read more
 

31 October 2008: 
A complex carbohydrate called pectin may help explain why diets rich in fruits and vegetables can lower cancer risk, according to scientists. In lab experiments, UK researchers found that particular components of pectin bind to, and possibly inhibit, a protein believed to facilitate the spread of cancer. Read more
 

30 October 2008: 
Carefully selecting the yeast strain for bakery could result in natural biofortication of the product with folate, and remove the need to add synthetic folic acid, suggests a new study. Swedish researchers report that using Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain CBS7764 in white bread can result in folate levels up to 5-fold higher, compared to white bread made with commercial Baker’s yeast. Read more
 

30 October 2008: 
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has launched a new standard to determine a minimum cooking time for durum wheat pasta, using sensory analysis. Called ISO 7304-2, the standard is suitable for spaghetti and macaroni made from durum wheat. It assesses quality of cooked pasta in terms of starch release and “liveliness and firmness” – otherwise known as texture. Read more
 
30 October 2008:  Soybeans may drop off the list of musical fruit. Scientists in Singapore are reporting victory over some consumers' No. 1 complaint about soy products — the "flatulence factor" caused by indigestible sugars found in soy. Read more
 

30 October 2008: 
Offering another reason why eating red meat could be bad for you, an international research team, including University of California, San Diego School of Medicine professor Ajit Varki, M.D., has uncovered the first example of a bacterium that causes food poisoning in humans when it targets a non-human molecule absorbed into the body through red meats such as lamb, pork and beef. Read more
 

29 October 2008: 
The requirements of the omego-3 fatty acid DHA may be higher for pre-terms infants than previously thought, according to a new study from Australia. Read more
 
29 October 2008:  Consuming cooked or processed broccoli may result in less of the potential anti-cancer compounds being available for absorption, suggests a new study from TNO Quality of Life. Read more
 

29 October 2008: 
About 5 million people in the United States suffer from heart failure (HF). While some reports indicate that changes to diet can reduce HF risk, few large, prospective studies have been conducted. In a new study researchers observed over 14,000 participants for more than 13 years and found that whole grain consumption lowered HF risk, while egg and high-fat dairy consumption raised risk. Other food groups did not directly affect HF risk. Read more
 

28 October 2008: 
Scientists from the UK, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands have used snapdragon genes to grow purple tomatoes that are high in anthocyanin flavonoids. The new tomatoes could offer increased protection against a range of diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Read more
 

28 October 2008: 
As you will know, chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which naturally contain good amounts of the antioxidant super-nutrients known as flavonoids. Recent research carried out on flavonoid-rich chocolate and cocoa revealed them to have anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory effects, which in theory could help to lower the risk of heart disease. Read more
 

24 October 2008: 
A functional food and cosmeceutical ingredient derived from French maritime pine bark has been certified for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) by the country’s health products association. Read more
 

24 October 2008: 
UK scientists have found genetically modified (GM), anthocyanin-boosted purple tomatoes can increase the life-span of cancer-susceptible rats. Read more
 

24 October 2008: 
A powerful antioxidant in green tea may prevent or delay the onset of type 1 diabetes, Medical College of Georgia researchers say. Researchers were testing EGCG, green tea's predominant antioxidant, in a laboratory mouse with type 1 diabetes and primary Sjogren's syndrome, which damages moisture-producing glands, causing dry mouth and eyes. Read more
 

23 October 2008: 
Despite a growing focus on finished whey products, one leading representative believes future development of the protein will be predominantly driven by its use as an ingredient in functional foods. Read more
 
23 October 2008:  A recent report claims a process of rapidly shaking packaged food products during sterilization reduces the processing time significantly and improves the colour, flavour, texture and ‘mouth feel’ of the food. Read more
 

23 October 2008: 
Ciguatera poisoning – which often results in acute nausea, vomiting and painful gastrointestinal episodes – is caused by eating fish that have fed on a micro algae that are toxic to mammals and often associated with large algal blooms known as red tides. Read more
 

23 October 2008: 
Have you ever picked up a cold, frosty beer on a hot summer's day and thought that it simply couldn't get any better? Well, you may have to think again. A team of researchers at Rice University in Houston is working to create a beer that could fight cancer and heart disease. Read more
 
23 October 2008:  People with severe sleep apnea tend to eat a less healthy diet than people with milder apnea symptoms and those without the disorder, a new study suggests. Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, occurs when the soft tissues at the back of the throat temporarily collapse during sleep, causing repeated breathing interruptions.
Read more
 
22 October 2008:  Dietary intakes of acrylamide are not related to cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, says a new study from The Netherlands. Read more
 

22 October 2008: 
Two servings of yoghurt per day can reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer by up to 40 per cent, say Swedish scientists. Read more
 

21 October 2008: 
Researchers from Sweden and Finland have developed a rapid and specific method that may detect the bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica, a common cause of gastric illness, in food. Read more
 
20 October 2008:  Bees and many other insects may be in decline almost everywhere — but agriculture that depends on pollinators has been surprisingly unaffected at the global scale. Read more
 
20 October 2008:  The new study, performed with mice, found that resveratrol may activate two molecules that play a role in cell signaling and the breakdown of fats in the liver: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). These molecules are reportedly inhibited by alcohol, leading to fat build-up and fatty liver. Read more
 

20 October 2008: 
Bio-fortified rice could save hundreds of thousands of lives a year, but opposition to GM crops is still preventing its approval Biotechnology applied to crafting nutritional improvements in rice is on the verge of offering the kinds of public health benefits to Asia we haven't seen since the 20th-century's green revolution improved the nutrition and longevity of billions of people. Read more
 

20 October 2008: 
There is indeed a need to address the growing food demand due to increasing populations, economic progress in emerging countries and competition in the bioenergy sector when supply is affected by climate change and declining stocks. Read more
 

20 October 2008: 
Eating too much fructose can induce leptin resistance, a condition that can easily lead to becoming overweight when combined with a high-fat, high-calorie diet, according to a new study with rats. Read more
 

17 October 2008: 
Each year, more than 160 million tonnes of fish are consumed by the world's population. Almost half of this volume is produced in controlled environments, where the fish is cultured rather than harvested from the wild. The system, known as aquaculture, dates back thousands of years and today operates as a welcome alternative to the sea's over-exploited natural resources. Read more
 

17 October 2008: 
The message blasting out from World Food Day events is ‘adapt now, or the consequences will be grave’. While the world’s poorest will bear the brunt, food safety could be affected everywhere. Read more
 
15 October 2008:  There is a huge gap between world demand for fish and what we can harvest from the world’s natural stocks. The figures are clear: If we don’t do something about the over fishing, the stocks of wild fish will be dealt a death blow. Read more
 

15 October 2008: 
Like many similar incidents in the past, the melamine poisoning scandal is just a symptom of a global food system characterized by corporate greed and government neglect. Read more

15 October 2008:  Crops must be bred to resist insects and drought rather than relying heavily on pesticides and irrigation, Britain's chief scientist said on Monday. This will become increasingly important in order to counter the effects of climate change, Read more

14 October 2008: 
Since the problem of milk contaminated with the industrial chemical melamine to boost the apparent protein content came to light, incidents of melamine-containing foods have swept the globe. Read more

13 October 2008:  Salmonella is a particularly nasty type of bacteria and is most frequently the primary suspect in incidences of food poisoning. Any attempt to tackle this bacterium must be built on an understanding of salmonella. This is why European scientists have had salmonella under the microscope for so long, and as a result, they have discovered how the bacterium manages to attach itself to food, especially vegetables and plant leaves, in the first place. Read more

6 October 2008:  Scientists believe they have found a way to map the hugely complex genetic code of wheat, the staple food for 35 percent of the world's population.  The move could lead to improved crop varieties that are resistant to drought and disease at a time when surging demand has stoked fears over future grain supply, sending prices soaring to record highs earlier this year.  Read more

30 September 2008:  Energy drinks are a £1billion-a-year industry in the UK and hugely popular among the young. But some experts caution that the caffeine content is a potential health risk and can bring on symptoms of a heart attack. Read more

30 September 2008:  A gene in rice identified by scientists, that controls the size and weight of the grains, might open the way to high-yield variant and benefit vast numbers for whom it is staple. Read more

29 September 2008:  More genetically modified crops must be developed if agricultural producers are to meet the challenge of global food shortages and climate change, a Biotech Week event was told Thursday. Read more

25 September 2008:  Researchers from John Hopkins University suggest that the labelling and aggressive marketing of some energy drinks, particularly towards young males, could lead to increased incidences of caffeine dependence and withdrawal in consumers. Read more

22 September 2008:  Feted as a sugar to beat all sugars, glyconutrient has become the buzzword for tackling many of our ills. But this is not about the household sugar we put in our tea. It is a cellular sugar, found in glycoprotein, that works naturally within our bodies. Read more

22 September 2008:  Super Chicken strutted a step closer to the dinner table Thursday. The US government said it will start considering proposals to sell genetically engineered animals as food. Read more

18 september 2008:  The reduction or elimination of potentially toxic metabolites from fermented foods such as cheese and wine will lead to new formulations and starter cultures, if a new €3.4 million project delivers. The EU-funded project involves 16 partners from various universities, research institutes and industries, and aims to improve the quality of the fermented foods by reducing or eliminating their biogenic amine content. Read more

17 september 2008:  Initiatives to aid SMEs with research efforts need better coordination to improve their impact, the EU science Commissioner – remarks that resonate with the food industry’s wish to see more networks and access to funding for small players. Read more

17 September 2008:  High levels of bisphenol A (BPA) — a chemical used in some containers for food and drink — may be associated with an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in humans, a new study has found. Read more

9 September 2008:  The rise of organic farming and rejection of GM crops in Britain and other developed countries is largely to blame for the impoverishment of Africa, according to the government's former chief scientist. Read more

9 September 2008:
  A vitamin found in meat, fish and milk may help stave off memory loss in old age, a study has suggested. Older people with lower than average vitamin B12 levels were more than six times more likely to experience brain shrinkage, researchers concluded. Read more

8 September 2008:  People should consider eating less meat as a way of combating global warming, says the UN's top climate scientist. Rajendra Pachauri, who chairs the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), will make the call at a speech in London on Monday evening. UN figures suggest that meat production puts more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than transport. Read more

8 September 2008:  FOOD producers will have little choice but to use genetically modified crops to feed the growing population, according to US agribusiness specialist John Baize. “People need to look ahead and see what we are facing here,” he told The Australian in an exclusive interview. “We saw the food prices this year that went through the roof across the world. It is only going to get more intense if you look at the population growth in the future.” Read more

4 September 2008:  Imperfect as they may be, the European Union’s regulatory efforts in the food area have attracted the attention of regulators around the world, some of whom view what is being done in the bloc as a legislative template. Read more

1 September 2008:  The debate over products from cloned animals entering the European food chain will enter a new phase next week, as MEPs ask the Commission searching questions about the welfare of cloned animals, ethics, and consumer information. Read more

26 August 2008:  Many sushi restaurants and seafood markets are playing a game of bait and switch, say two high school students turned high-tech sleuths. Kate Stoeckle and Louisa Strauss, who graduated this year from the private Trinity School in New York, took on a freelance science project in which they checked 60 samples of seafood, using a simplified genetic fingerprinting technique see whether what the fish diners buy is what they think they are getting. Read more

21 August 2008:  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a public consultation on its draft opinion on food-based dietary guidelines, in which it concluded that guidelines to span the whole of the EU would not be feasible. Read more

21 August 2008:  When the price of rice nearly doubled to about 90 US cents per kilo two months ago, Liza Valino put cheaper substitutes such as bananas and sweet potatoes on the table to feed her 10-strong family. No one was satisfied. Read more

19 August 2008:  On the family farm run by Joao Baggio Neto in the southern Brazilian state of Parana, you get some sense of the determination and competitive spirit that motivates Brazil's farmers. Blessed with what often seems like endless amounts of land and a good climate, Brazil has grown in recent years to become an agricultural superpower. Read more

14 August 2008:  Low-fat ice cream made with GM yeast to ensure a creamy consistency may soon be possible in Europe following the European Food Standards Authority’s (EFSA) opinion on Unilever’s novel technology. Read more

13 August 2008:  A new partnership is set to deepen scientific understanding of the link between diet and health, and help food companies address obesity, heart disease, and other health problems. Read more

12 August 2008:  New US research hopes to determine whether anecdotal concerns over the presence of dairy and gluten-containing products on the behaviour of children with autism are justified. Read more

7 August 2008:  New commercial varieties of kiwifruit optimised for their flavour, colour and health attributes will become available in the next few years, thanks to the publication of a huge collection of DNA sequences from the fruit. Read more

7 August 2008:  Compounds that enhance the sweet and salty flavors of foods could combat obesity and heart disease. Read more

6 August 2008:  Nestled beneath verdant mountains, a two-hour drive north of Beijing, surrounded by swaying trees and fields of maize, lies a farm that this year's Olympic host city hopes will be key to assuaging food safety worries. Read more

29 July 2008:  The European Commission has launched a campaign to inform consumers of the benefits of organic food and support those involved in the ever-growing organic market. Read more

29 July 2008:  The controlled release of green tea catechins may be achieved by encapsulated in chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles, suggests new research. Chinese researchers report that the chitosan nanoparticles had an encapsulation efficiency of over 50 per cent, according to their findings published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Read more

29 July 2008:  Amid rising demand for crops and limited farm acreage, where are tomorrow's food, livestock feed and clothing fibers going to come from? Scientists at a handful of large agrochemical companies are working on answers. Read more

28 July 2008:  The European Food Safety Authority pulled back last week from giving milk and meat from cloned animals a clean bill of health, making it less likely that such products could reach store shelves in Europe anytime soon. Read more 

28 July 2008:  The crop is salicornia. It is nourished by seawater flowing from a man-made canal. And if you believe the American who is farming it, this incongruous swath of green has the potential to feed the world, fuel our vehicles and slow global warming. Read more

24 July 2008:  Fusion Nutraceuticals is reporting interest in its recently launched sucralose as a replacer for aspartame in food and beverage products, as manufacturers seek to meet retailer and consumer demand for aspartame-free products. Read more

24 July 2008:
  Men who eat soya-based foods may be harming their fertility, doctors said yesterday, after a study found a link between soya-rich diets and lower sperm counts. Read more

24 July 2008:  Milk has a wealth of health-giving properties and a new milk research centre plans to find and exploit these in new 'functional' foods. These special properties  are in the sights of a new National Functional Foods Research Centre announced last week, which is to receive €20 million in funding through Enterprise Ireland over the next five years. Read more

23 July 2008:  With global food prices up eighty-three percent over the last three years, world leaders are looking for any means available to ease the burden on consumers, especially in developing countries. Read more

22 July 2008:  The pulp of grapefruit may improve bone health and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, according to a new study with male rats. Read more

22 July 2008:  The dreaded dentist's drill and common toothbrush could become a thing of the past. Scientists have created a solution that mimics the way the body forms new teeth - allowing natural repairs of holes without the need for drilling and filling. Oral hygiene experts at Leeds Dental Institute have also made a mouthwash that kills plaque-making bacteria when a light is shone into the mouth. Read more

22 July 2008:  Scientists say they have genetically engineered fruit and vegetables capable of providing most of a day's nutrients in a single meal. Heading towards the market are potatoes with 33 per cent more protein content, modified tomatoes that could be capable of protecting against cancer and peanuts without the chemicals that cause deadly nut allergies. Read more

17 July 2008:  The pigment that gives salmon its pink colour may reduce the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn, says a new study. Read more

17 July 2008:  Tomatoes could be used as a vaccine against Alzheimer's, scientists claim. They have genetically modified the fruit to create an edible vaccine that fires up the immune system to tackle the disease. Read more

17 July 2008:  China's cabinet has approved a huge budget for research of genetically modified crops amid growing concerns over food security, a move scientists say may speed up commercial production of GMO rice or corn. Read more

16 July 2008:  With food riots breaking out across the globe and the price of food rising to new highs, researchers everywhere are engaging themselves in the search for the discovery that will jump-start the next Green Revolution. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden have taken one giant step towards achieving this goal thanks to their discovery of a protein that has the potential to grow safe-to-eat rice in areas previously considered too toxic. Read more

16 July 2008:  A healthy lifestyle should include low-fat dairy products to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with poor kidney function, suggests new research from the US. Read more

16 July 2008:  Black tea extract may offer heart benefits. Extracts from black tea may reduce total cholesterol levels by nine per cent and LDL cholesterol levels by 12 per cent, according to a new study from Japan. Read more

16 July 2008:  Pregnant women who eat nuts or nut products like peanut butter daily raise the risk their children will develop asthma by 50 percent, Dutch researchers said on Tuesday. Read more

2 July 2008:  Milk goes green: Cows that receive recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rbST) make more milk, all the while easing natural resource pressure and substantially reducing environmental impact, according to a Cornell University study.  Read more

2 July 2008: 
Austria has lifted a ban on importing and processing genetically modified corn as part of the European Union's efforts to comply with a World Trade Organization ruling on biotech foods.  Read more

30 June 2008: Drought-resistant wheat beats Australian heat. Read more

26 June 2008: Food scientists confirm commercial product effectively kills bacteria in vegetable washwater. Read more

26 June 2008: New UGA invention effectively kills foodborne pathogens in minutes. Read more

26 June 2008: Can biosensors tell juice manufacturers when fruit juice is about to expire? The collective research project QUALIJUICE is working on technology that can. Read more

23 June 2008: The recent tomato contamination outbreak has many people thinking about growing their own garden-fresh fruits and vegetables. Read more

23 June 2008: Common cooking spice shows promise in combating diabetes and obesity. Read more

23 June 2008: Researchers at Newcastle University in the UK have discovered that cows which are allowed to graze as nature intended produce better quality milk. Read more

18 June 2008: Study indicates grape seed extract may reduce cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. Read more

18 June 2008: Current protein recommendations were established with the goal of preventing deficiency, but newer research indicates that many adults may benefit from eating more than the minimum requirement. Read more

17 June 2008: New study: Coffee drinkers have slightly lower death rates than people who do not drink coffee. Read more

12 June 2008: Pigs raised without antibiotics more likely to carry bacteria, parasites. Read more

12 June 2008: A University of Adelaide researcher will lead an Australian project to help address the world's biggest nutritional deficiency – lack of iron. Read more

10 June 2008: Eating fish and foods with omega-3 fatty acids linked to lower risk of age-related eye disease. Read more

10 June 2008: Study finds Chinese food good for your heart. Read more

9 June 2008: Certain Dry Foods Are Good Past Their Best-before Date, Food Scientists Say. Read more

9 June 2008: Substance In Red Wine, Resveratrol, Found To Keep Hearts Young. Read more

30 May 2008: New Vegetarian Food With Several Health Benefits. Read more

27 May 2008: Cocoa could be a healthy treat for diabetic patients. Read more

22 May 2008: A Modest Glass of Wine Each Day Could Improve Liver Health. Read more

22 May 2008: A foamy drink and the future of food. Read more

21 May 2008: New pyramid puts oil, exercise, poultry in their place. Read more

16 May 2008: Green tea compounds beat OSA-related brain deficits. Read more

12 May 2008: Cow's milk may increase the risk of diabetes. Read more

8 May 2008: Chemists measure chilli sauce hotness with nanotubes. Read more

8 May 2008: Nitrates in vegetables protect against gastric ulcers. Read more

8 May 2008: EU delays ruling on GM products. Read more

5 May 2008: Is this the rice super-gene? Read more

5 May 2008: Apples, apple juice shown to prevent early atherosclerosis. Read more

2 May 2008: Amoebas may vomit E. coli on your greens. Read more

14 April 2008: Researcher looks to use nanoparticles for food safety. Read more

14 April 2008: Wine May Protect Against Dementia, Study Suggests. Read more

11 April 2008: Wine may protect against dementia. Read more

11 April 2008: Researcher looks to use nanoparticles for food safety. Read more

10 April 2008: First European sighting of Far Eastern 'stink bug' in Switzerland. Read more

9 April 2008: Extracts from reishi mushroom and green tea shows synergistic effect to slow sarcoma. Read more

9 April 2008: Food biotechnology: real world challenges. Read more

9 April 2008: Adults who eat apples, drink apple juice have lower risk for metabolic syndrome. Read more

9 April 2008: Experts push hybrid rice to solve soaring food prices. Read more

8 April 2008: Digestive process affects anti-cancer activity of tea in gastrointestinal cells. Read more

8 April 2008: New benefits of vegan diet revealed. Read more

8 April 2008: Tart cherries may reduce factors associated with heart disease and diabetes. Read more

8 April 2008: Ingredient found in green tea significantly inhibits breast cancer growth in female mice. Read more

7 April 2008: New And Deadly Viruses Passed Through Sweet Food And Domestic Animals. Read more

7 April 2008: Drinking Tea May Offer Health Benefits, But Evidence Still Limited. Read more

3 April 2008: Contrary to popular opinion, not all trans fats are bad for you. Read more

3 April 2008: Evidence lacking on health benefits of drinking lots of water. Read more

3 April 2008: Prebiotics -- the key to fewer food poisoning stomach upsets -- and healthy farm animals. Read more

2 April 2008: New study shows children benefit from drinking chocolate/flavored milk. Read more

27 March 2008: 'Diet' foods may not fool the brain. Read more

27 March 2008: Apple pectin, apple juice extracts shown to have anticarcinogenic effects on colon. Read more

26 March 2008: Are organic crops as productive as conventional? Read more

26 March 2008: Defining gene's role may lead to prevention of dangerous corn toxin. Read more

26 March 2008: Mounting evidence shows red wine antioxidant kills cancer. Read more  

26 March 2008: EU-funded researchers have developed a genetic tool which allows rice breeders to block the action of genes which confer unwanted traits. Read more

26 March 2008: Facts On Fats Could Prompt Healthier Eating. Read more

25 March 2008: Biofuel boom threatens food supplies: Nestle. Read more

25 March 2008: Eating Causes Stress, But Antioxidants Can Help. Read more

19 March 2008: Research carried out by scientists at the Peninsula Medical School in the South West of England has found that resveratrol, a compound present naturally in grape skin, can protect against the cellular damage to blood vessels caused by high production of glucose in diabetes, Read more

19 March 2008: In a finding likely to get cheese lovers talking, researchers in Nepal and Canada report that yak cheese contains higher levels of heart-healthy fats than cheese from dairy cattle, and may be healthier. Read more

13 March 2008: Thousands of research studies have documented how the oils known as omega-3 fatty acids can benefit the cardiovascular system, particularly among people diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Read more

10 March 2008: If you're allergic to soy, help is on the way. Two University of Illinois studies show that fermenting soy dramatically reduces its potential allergenicity and also increases the number of essential amino acids in soy products, making them a healthy and a safe choice for consumers. Read more

7 March 2008: Increasing food quality risks are affecting global food supply chain. Read more

7 March 2008: Researcher develops power-packed soy breakfast cereal. Read more

7 March 2008: Many patients can reach LDL cholesterol goal through dietary changes alone, study shows. Read more

7 March 2008: Scientists aim to overcome allergic reactions to soy. Read more

7 March 2008: Study finds that broccoli may help boost the aging immune system. Read more

7 March 2008: Soaking potatoes in water before frying reduces acrylamide. Read more

7 March 2008: Symposium on nutrition and health from pregnancy to adolescence. Read more

5 March 2008: Blueberry and green tea containing supplement protects against stroke damage. Read more

4 March 2008: In an advance in food safety, researchers are reporting development of a nano-sized sensor that detects record low levels of the deadly prion proteins that cause Mad Cow Disease and other so-called prion diseases. Read more

4 March 2008: Severely milk-allergic kids can be desensitized. Read more

4 March 2008: The incredible, hypoallergenic egg: New process to help egg-allergy sufferers. Read more

4 March 2008: China saw a rise of almost a third in food-poisoning deaths last year even as the total number of incidents dropped, underscoring the food safety challenge China still faces. Read more

3 March 2008: Researchers have developed a new technology that can simultaneously screen thousands of samples of food or water for several dangerous food-borne pathogens in one to two hours. Read more

3 March 2008: A little rosemary can go a long way in reducing acrylamide in food. Read more

3 March 2008: Since advice about what to eat for optimal health has evolved over time with advances in nutrition science, dietary recommendations are sometimes seen as contradictory. Read more

3 March 2008: New study shows low-fat diets more likely to reduce risk of heart disease than low-carb diets. Read more

3 March 2008: The majority of patients with narcolepsy/cataplexy experience a number of symptoms of eating disorders, with an irresistible craving for food and binge eating as the most prominent features, according to a new study. Read more

29 February 2008: Farmed fish fed cheap food may be less nutritious for humans. Read more

29 February 2008: Extract of broccoli sprouts may protect against bladder cancer. Read more

28 February 2008: Women who regularly consume low-fat milk or yogurt may have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure, new research suggests. Read more

26 February 2008: An extract of Coccinia indica, a perennial herb that grows abundantly in India, may help people with mild type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. Read more

25 February 2008: Kava linked to liver damage, new evidence shows. Read more

25 February 2008: Eating curcumin, a natural ingredient in the spice turmeric, may dramatically reduce the chance of developing heart failure, researchers have discovered. Read more

25 February 2008: Veggies and alcohol may ward off prostate woes. Read more

22 February 2008: Regularly eating yogurt and other foods with lactic acid may be good for your mouth, Japanese researchers report. Read more

22 February 2008: Diet patterns tied to breast, ovarian cancers. Read more

22 February 2008: Veneto Victoria research fellowship program — Food science. Read more

21 February 2008: Eating fish could protect the brain from decline. Read more

20 February 2008: The 2008 edition of Nutrigenomics will take place in Paris, France, on 13 & 14 March. The aim of the event is to bring face to face the scientific vision and the Industrial vision of Nutrigenomics field, gathering specialists from academic and industrial world involved in this emerging field. Read more

20 February 2008: A non-profit nutrition education organization has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to drop heart disease health claims for soy protein. Read more

19 February 2008: Team seeks to improve the black-eye pea. Read more

19 February 2008: European Union farm ministers fell short of a consensus agreement on Monday to allow imports of five genetically modified (GMO) products. Read more

19 February 2008: Obesity needs to be tackled in the same way as climate change, a top nutritional scientist has said. Read more

18 February 2008: Many snack foods have gone "trans-fat free". Read more

18 February 2008: Women tea-drinkers have less plaque in arteries. Read more

15 February 2008: Fast-food binge harms liver, but boosts good cholesterol: study. Read more

15 February 2008: "Good" bacteria commonly found in probiotic yoghurts and drinks may be fatal for people with severe cases of pancreatitis. Read more

13 February 2008: The early years in a child's development have profound impacts on him or her well into adulthood. Scientists are only now finding out just how far-reaching the impact of the early developmental years is for adult wellbeing. Read more

13 February 2008: The humble white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) has as much, and in some cases, more anti-oxidant properties than more expensive varieties. Read more

12 February 2008: Scientists in Arkansas are reporting new evidence that natural pigments responsible for the beautiful blue/purple/reddish colour of certain fruits and vegetables may help prevent obesity. Read more

12 February 2008: Want to lose weight? It might help to pour that diet soda down the drain. Researchers have laboratory evidence that the widespread use of no-calorie sweeteners may actually make it harder for people to control their intake and body weight. Read more

12 February 2008: Whole grain diets lower risk of chronic disease, study shows. Read more

11 February 2008: Sugar isn’t the only enemy of teeth. Acids found in diet and regular soda, energy drinks, juice and wine can erode tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay. The February issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter suggests ways to minimize the risk of damage from acidic foods and drinks. Read more

11 February 2008: The French government on Saturday suspended the use of genetically modified corn crops in France while it awaits EU approval for a full ban. Read more

11 February 2008: It's the French paradox redux: Why don't the French get as fat as Americans, considering all the baguettes, wine, cheese, pate and pastries they eat? Read more

8 February 2008: Aphids that eat Brussels sprouts are smaller than normal and live in undersized populations, which has a negative knock-on effect up the food chain according to new research. Read more

8 February 2008: Researchers have discovered that drinking just 500ml of beetroot juice a day can significantly reduce blood pressure. The findings could have major implications for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Read more

8 February 2008: What Willy Wonka did for chocolate, UCLA microbiologist Wenyuan Shi is doing for lollipops. Read more

8 February 2008: Eating more apples, bananas and oranges just may help stave off such neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, suggests a new Cornell study published online in the Journal of Food Science. Read more

7 February 2008: Several outbreaks of ciguatera fish poisoning have been confirmed in consumers who ate fish harvested in the northern Gulf of Mexico, the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday. Read more

7 February 2008: Diets with high amounts of whole grains may help achieve significant weight loss, and also reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to a team of Penn State researchers at University Park and the College of Medicine. Read more

7 February 2008: The Bush administration on Monday proposed boosting funding to better protect the food supply, including opening an office in China. Read more

5 February 2008: A compound that naturally occurs in grapefruit and other citrus fruits may be able to block the secretion of hepatitis C virus (HCV) from infected cells, a process required to maintain chronic infection. Read more

5 February 2008: Amid concern that people in the United States are consuming inadequate amounts of iodine, scientists in Texas have found that 53 percent of iodized salt samples contained less than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended level of this key nutrient. Iodized table salt is the main source of iodine for most individuals, they note in a new study. Read more

4 February 2007: Almost since the beginning of human evolution, people have been searching for ways to preserve food, from smoking meat to the invention of the humble tin can. These innovations and others like them have revolutionised the way people eat. With current technological advancements, food scientists are still looking at ways to revolutionise the way we store our food. Read more

4 February 2007: Keep an eye on the salsa this Super Bowl Sunday: A researcher inspired by a famous "Seinfeld" episode has concluded that double dipping is just plain gross. Read more

4 February 2007: According to researchers at the University of Minnesota, the food industry has made progress in reducing the trans fat content in its products since a 2003 labeling mandate by the Food and Drug Administration, but consumers should still read labels to be certain the products are trans fat-free. Read more

1 Feburary 2008:Apples, bananas, and oranges are the most common fruits in both Western and Asian diets, and are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Read more

30 January 2008: Red wine has long been known to contain a substance, resveratrol, that is heart-healthy. Now research shows that both red wine grapes and winemaking residue, known as pomace, contain substances that may help prevent tooth decay. Read more

29 January 2008: Daily consumption of caffeine in coffee, tea or soft drinks increases blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes and may undermine efforts to control their disease. Read more

28 January 2008: Supplements of the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can reduce levels an enzyme linked to Alzheimer's disease, Read more

25 January 2008: From cod liver oil to Omega 3 in salmon, the health benefits of eating fish have long been promoted, and still are by modern doctors. Eager to further propagate these 'fishy' benefits, the EU has been providing funding to research projects investigating the benefits of fish and seafood in the diet. Read more

24 January 2008: Australian states should not ban commercial production of genetically modified (GM) plants and food as the risks are alarmist and exaggerated, according to a new study. Read more

24 January 2008: Evidence supports drinking cranberry juice — a familiar home remedy — to treat urinary tract infection (UTI), according to a new review from Scotland. Read more

23 January 2008: Otherwise-healthy adults who eat two or more servings of meat a day — the equivalent of two burger patties — increase their risk of developing metabolic syndrome by 25 percent compared with those who eat meat twice a week, Read more

22 January 2008: In the 1960s, Ancer Keys, a US expert on nutrition, studied the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet for the first time. Since then many studies on the benefits of olive oil have been conducted. Read more

16 January 2008: Today, the Food and Drug Administration posted a summary of a final report that supports the use of cloned animals for food. According to the report, cloned animals and their offspring are safe to enter the U.S. food supply. Read more

16 January 2008: Scientists in the United States and India are reporting development of a high-protein variety of rice, dietary staple for half the world's population. Read more

16 January 2008: Acrylamide is a chemical formed when frying, roasting, grilling or baking carbohydrate-rich foods at temperatures above 120°C. Acrylamide is thus found in a number of foods, such as bread, crisps, French fries and coffee. Tobacco smoking also generates substantial amounts of acrylamide. Read more

16 January 2008: The European Commission has adopted a proposal revising the Novel Foods Regulation so that new and innovative foods have better access to the EU market, while consumer protection is guaranteed. 'Novel foods' include those which are produced using new techniques and technologies, and those that have no history of consumption within the EU, but have been consumed elsewhere. Read more

14 January 2008: Meat and milk from cloned animals is probably safe for humans, the European Union's food safety agency said in a preliminary report released Friday. The report, by the European Food Safety Authority, seems likely to fuel new debate over whether the EU should allow cloned animals to enter the food chain. Read more

14 January 2008: Cranberry juice, long dissed as a mere folk remedy for relieving urinary tract infections in women, is finally getting some respect. Read more

14 January 2008:  French government moves to ban the country's only genetically modified (GMO) crop drew fire on Sunday from the speaker of the country's parliament, farmers and biotechnology industry groups. Read more

10 January 2008: If you’re worried about high cholesterol levels and keeping heart-healthy as you get older, don’t push aside bacon and eggs just yet. Read more

10 January 2008: A European study has found that increased blood levels of vitamin C may reduce the risk of having a stroke by 42%.  Read more  

9 January 2008: Oatmeal's health claims strongly reaffirmed, science shows. Read more

8 January 2008: Benzene concentrations in beverages. Read more

19 December 2007: The biggest ever study on the effect of folate and vitamin B12 on prostate cancer is set to go ahead at Bristol University after World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) announced it would fund the project. Read more

19 December 2007: In a study of adults aged 20 and over, researchers at Tufts University showed that homocysteine and methylmalonic acid are at much higher levels in individuals who have a combination of vitamin B12 deficiency and high blood folate levels than in individuals who are also vitamin B12 deficient but have normal folate levels. Read more

17 December 2007: Israeli scientists claim that a wild mushroom, used in traditional Chinese medicine for a century, could treat prostate cancer, the University of Haifa said on Friday. Read more

14 December 2007: Does the consumption of green tea, widely touted to have beneficial effects on health, also protect brain cells? Read more

13 December 2007: Pioneered by CSIRO researchers, in collaboration with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and Sydney University, the research illustrates the major genetic improvements possible without genetic modification (GM) technology. Read more

12 December 2007: New findings provide evidence that people who eat a lot of red and processed meats have greater risk of developing bowel and lung cancer than people who eat small quantities. Read more

11 December 2007: Carbon dioxide increasing in the atmosphere may affect the microbial life in the sea, which could have an impact on a major food source, warned Dr Ian Joint at a Science Media Centre press briefing today. Read more

10 December 2007: Just three servings a month of raw broccoli or cabbage can reduce the risk of bladder cancer by as much as 40 percent, researchers reported this week. Read more

7 December 2007: A new report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) states that developed countries must step up international agricultural research in order to help the world's poor and curb rising food prices. Read more

6 December 2007: The natural compound sulforaphane, which is abundant in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, may have a role in the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa simplex. Read more

4 December 2007: Metabolic syndrome is a condition afflicting one quarter to one third of adult men and women and is an established pre-cursor to diabetes, coronary heart disease, and other serious illnesses. Read more

4 December 2007: We've all seen the term "super food" used to describe those nutrition-loaded edibles that promote health and discourage disease. Powerhouse foods high in antioxidants and phytochemicals that block the development of cancer cells have been touted as nature's way to fight off the potentially devastating disease. Read more

4 December 2007: The Irish government is investing EUR 5.2 million in marine functional food research under its Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2013 (SSTI) and the Food Institutional Research Measure (FIRM). Read more

29 November 2007: South Dakota State University researchers are looking for ways to increase the amount of the trace mineral selenium in flour. Read more

29 November 2007: A new test can identify take-away paper-based food containers (such as pizza boxes) that break phthalate safety rules. The phthalates (plasticisers) are present because the containers were made from pulp that contained at least some recycled paper and cardboard. Read more

28 November 2007: Garbanzos, lentils, and dry peas and beans can now make crunchy, great-tasting snacks that are also good for you. Read more

28 November 2007: A new research area appeared overnight when the presence of acrylamide in heated food was discovered in 2002. One of the first teams to investigate the finding and its implications was the HEATOX team, funded under the EU's Sixth Framework Programme. Read more

27 November 2007: Eating foods high on the glycemic index, which measures the effect of carbohydrates on blood glucose levels, may be associated with the risk for developing type 2 diabetes in Chinese women and in African-American women.  Read more

27 November 2007: Not enough 'good' cholesterol makes it harder to recover from stroke. Read more

21 November 2007: New research out of the Channing Laboratory at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) reports that frequent consumption of foods containing the flavonoid kaempferol, including nonherbal tea and broccoli, was associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer. Read more

20 November 2007: Genetically engineered plants which produce essential omega-3 fish oils could offer a new way of improving people's diets, scientists working on an EU project said at a conference on 'Incorporating Omega 3 in the food chain'. Read more

20 November 2007: Scientists at a conference organised by the European Science Foundation (ESF) and the European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST) have called for a new, more holistic approach to the study of European eating habits. Read more

20 November 2007: It’s not just sugary sodas that are adding to the obesity crisis – it’s fruit drinks, alcohol and a combination of other high-calorie beverages. Read more

19 November 2007: The European Commission has published a catalogue of all projects funded under the 'Food quality and safety' strand of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). Read more

15 November 2007: Low doses of freeze-dried grape powder inhibit genes linked to the development of sporadic colorectal cancer, University of California, Irvine cancer researchers found. Read more

15 November 2007: Some doctors in Texas are throwing cold water on a Mexican herbal tea some claim is a remedy for diabetes. Read more  

14 November 2007: A major component of green tea could prove the perfect elixir for severe sepsis, an abnormal immune system response to a bacterial infection. Read more

14 November 2007: UK researchers have developed a new technology which could lead to much quicker detection times for a variety of potentially fatal contaminants. Read more

14 November 2007: To get more out of your next cup of tea, just add juice. A study found that citrus juices enable more of green tea's unique antioxidants to remain after simulated digestion, making the pairing even healthier than previously thought. Read more

14 November 2007: Two of the biggest U.S. meat processors on Tuesday defended a packaging technique designed to keep meat looking fresh at grocery stores even as U.S. lawmakers criticized it as unsafe and misleading. Read more

13 November 2007: A diet rich in leafy vegetables may minimize the tissue damage caused by heart attacks. Read more

13 November 2007: Ready-to-eat meats are popular with consumers. But after the initial food processing, they are also vulnerable to recontamination by pathogenic bacteria. A solution turns out to be an application of an antimicrobial-incorporated edible film coating that will fend off the pathogens. Read more

13 November 2007: Heather Hallen spent eight years looking for poison in all the wrong places. Alpha-amanitin is the poison of the death cap mushroom, Amanita phalloides. Read more

9 November 2007: A major component of green tea could prove the perfect elixir for severe sepsis, an abnormal immune system response to a bacterial infection. Read more

9 November 2007: There is a new reason for the 76 million baby boomers to grab a glass of milk. Vitamin D, a key nutrient in milk, could have aging benefits linked to reduced inflammation, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Read more

8 November 2007: The first workshop of the EU-funded SAFOODNET (Food safety and hygiene networking within new Member States and Associated Candidate Countries) will be held in Brno, Czech Republic, from 10 to 12 December. Read more

7 November 2007: In a recent academic review, a University of Minnesota professor in the School of Public Health has concluded that food, as opposed to specific nutrients, may be key to having a healthy diet. Read more

7 November 2007: The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) reported in August on their support for Auckland company Vital Foods. The company carried out two independent clinical trials of their proprietary kiwifruit extract Zyactinase™, which involved the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in China. Vital Foods is working in partnership with Auckland-based Bioactives Research New Zealand, which has strong connections with China. Read more

7 November 2007: Coca-Cola has opened The Coca-Cola Research Center for Chinese Medicine at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in Beijing. Read more

31 October 2007: A European project has found that some organic foods, such as fruit, vegetables and milk, could be more nutritious than non-organically produce and contain higher concentrations of antioxidants, believed to cut the risk of heart disease and cancer. Read more

30 October 2007: The first-ever attempt at a climate neutral vineyard in France is underway in Bordeaux's Medoc region, where winemaker Remi Lacombe plans to offset his own carbon emissions by investing in a carbon-reducing project elsewhere. Read more

30 October 2007: Researchers worldwide are learning to control the key chemical processes involved in ripening, a development that will lead to longer lasting, better tasting tomatoes, apples, and other fruits and vegetables. Read more

26 October 2007: People's intake of fatty acids -- which have been linked to cardiovascular disease and other conditions -- can be substantially affected by changing the type of vegetable oil they use, Read more

25 October 2007: The European Union has authorized imports of four genetically modified (GMO) crop products for sale across its 27 national markets for the next 10 years. Read more

24 October 2007: Men who consume a higher amount of whole grain breakfast cereals may have a reduced risk of heart failure. Read more

24 October 2007: When a study in her lab showed that mate (mah’ tā) tea drinkers had experienced a significant increase in the activity of an enzyme that promotes HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol, University of Illinois scientist Elvira de Mejia headed for Argentina where mate tea has been grown and taken medicinally for centuries. Read more

17 October 2007: Men who eat just half a serving of soya a day have drastically fewer sperm than those who do not consume such foods, according to a small, preliminary study. Read more

17 October 2007: Lupeol, a compound in fruits like mangoes, grapes and strawberries, appears to be effective in killing and curbing the spread of cancer cells in the head and neck. Read more

16 October 2007: Scientists report that adding long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids -- typically found in fish oil -- to baby formula may help infants better regulate their blood sugar and make more proteins in their muscle cells. Read more

16 October 2007: Two case studies from Japan presented at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology point to a potential health problem in the United States, as more Americans consume raw fish in the form of sushi and sashimi. Anisakiasis (round worm) is a human parasitic infection caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood containing Anisakis larvae. Read more

16 October 2007: Alternative medicine has been touting the health benefits of garlic for centuries, from its anti-bacterial and antifungal properties, to its positive effects on the cardiovascular system. Read more

16 October 2007: The next time you think about throwing out those aging strawberries or very ripe grapes, consider this: Belgian scientists report that fruits and vegetables do not lose any antioxidant content in the days after purchase, even as tell-tale signs of spoilage appear. In some cases, antioxidant levels actually rise. Read more

12 October 2007: Red wine is known to have multiple health benefits. Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have found that red wine may also protect humans from common food-borne diseases. Read more

12 October 2007: A diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals does not seem to prevent the degenerative eye disease known as age related macular degeneration, finds a study published on the British Medical Journal website. Read more

8 October 2007: Bottlegourds have been used around the world for food, bottles, bowls, spoons, musical instruments and even bird houses. Now a "genetic" genie in the versatile bottlegourd may be used to reduce virus infestation in watermelons. Read more

8 October 2007: Tea drinkers beware. Too much of the wrong kind can add significantly to the amount of fluoride you consume, with the tea in just four cups supplying up to one-third of the maximum safe daily amount. Read more

8 October 2007: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) commissions research to investigate specific issues covering the whole range of its activities. Read more

5 October 2007: Pregnant and breast-feeding women should eat at least 12 ounces (340 grams) of fish and other seafood a week because the benefits for infant brain development outweigh any worries about mercury contamination. Read more

5 October 2007: New data from a large ethnically diverse group of men provides no evidence that eating a lot of fats and meat substantially affects a man's risk of developing prostate cancer. Read more

4 October 2007: Eating flavonol-rich foods like apples may help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer, says a team of international researchers. Read more

4 October 2007: Italian food producers, consumers and conservation groups hope to get three million signatures in a petition drive to ban genetically modified food, a move they hope will renew Europe's rejection of biotech crops. Read more

3 October 2007: A strong skeleton is less likely to be penetrated by metastasizing cancer cells, so a fortified glass of milk might be the way to block cancer's spread, according to researchers at the ANZAC Research Institute in Concord, Australia. Read more

3 October 2007: Many studies have suggested that moderate red wine consumption is beneficial to cardiovascular health. But what if you’d like to skip the alcohol? Read more

1 October 2007: Eating fruits and vegetables was not strongly associated with decreased colon cancer risk, according to a study published online in the September 25 Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Read more

27 September 2007: Public health advocates are lobbying for limits on the availability of sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade in high school vending machines. Read more

24 September 2007: EU-New Zealand co-operation project - fellowships available. FOOD-FRENZ is a co-ordinated collaboration project between the EU and New Zealand whose main objectives are to strengthen relationships between the consumers, knowledge providers and industry in the two regions, and to develop best practice for the delivery and production of safe,  sustainable, traceable and high quality food in the EU and New Zealand.  Read more

20 September 2007: Children may eat fewer calories throughout the day if their first meal of the day is "low-GI," new research suggests. Read more

19 September 2007: Building consumer trust, food safety and quality, developing new products and promoting sustainable production are some of the targets for research set out by stakeholders from the EU food and drinks industry, united in the Food for Life European Technology Platform. Read more

19 September 2007: Cooperation between the EU and Russia in agro-bio-food research has become tighter in recent years, and is set to become even stronger in the near future, according to Commission officials. Read more

19 September 2007: Enjoying the eating process without focus on dietary restrictions may be key to managing weight and staying healthy, according to researchers who have unveiled a new and effective model for managing eating. Read more

18 September 2007: A joint Canadian-American research team have, for the first time, demonstrated that mercury concentrations in fish respond directly to changes in atmospheric deposition of the chemical. Read more

17 September: A DRAMATIC shift in diet sometime during the evolution of modern humans has left its imprint on our genome. The discovery could provide some of the strongest evidence to date in support of a controversial hypothesis that purports to explain why humans, alone among all the apes, suddenly evolved such big brains. Read more

14 September 2007: EU ministers and national experts are due to approve a genetically modified (GMO) sugar beet variety this month despite a long running dispute over the use of biotechnology. Read more

12 September 2007: Soft drink consumption has increased in both the USA and the UK over the years and this has often been blamed for a rise in childhood body mass index (BMI). However, many of the review methodologies investigating the alleged links have been flawed. Read more

12 September 2007: University of Minnesota researchers have discovered that a common amino acid, available as a health food supplement, may help curb pathological gamblers’ addiction. Read more

12 September 2007: An intensive international effort to improve the nutritional value of cassava -- a staple food for millions of poverty stricken people in sub-Sahara Africa and other areas -- has led to development of a New form of cassava that may be easier to digest than other varieties. Read more

12 September 2007: An international team of scientists has produced a new type of rice that grows better and uses water more efficiently than other rice crops. Read more

12 September 2007: Giving children a diet rich in fish and "fruity vegetables" can reduce asthma and allergies, according to a seven-year study of 460 Spanish children. Read more

12 September 2007: World-first equipment, made exclusively for UQ scientists, will determine how to produce food which is better for us, but still tastes good. Read more

11 September 2007:Parents whose children show signs of hyperactivity may find that cutting certain artificial food colourings from their diet may lead to an improvement in their behaviour. Read more

7 September 2007: An EU project has found new uses for the 95% of every sunflower discarded after the production of oil. With pressure on the industry mounting due to increased production of palm and soybean oil outside of Europe, these new applications could offer an alternative source of income.  Read more

7 September 2007: The soy isoflavone genistin--at concentrations present in soy infant formula-- may reduce a baby’s susceptibility to rotavirus infections by as much as 74 percent, according to a University of Illinois study published in September’s Journal of Nutrition. Read more

7 September 2007: Higher crop prices resulting from the global biofuel boom could be a boon to the world's rural poor, according to a new book from the Worldwatch Institute, a nonprofit research and advocacy group. That conclusion challenges the notion that biofuels harm the poor by raising food prices, known as the "food versus fuel" problem. Read more

6 September 2007 : If you eat the right grains for breakfast, such as whole-grain barley or rye, the regulation of your blood sugar is facilitated after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Read more

6 September 2007 : It's not cast-iron proof that high-fructose corn syrup causes diabetes, but new evidence suggests we should think twice about using it to sweeten soft drinks. Read more  

6 September 2007 : An international conference on the applications of polyphenols, looking at the state-of-the-art and future trends, will take place in St Julian's, Malta, on 15 and 16 November. Read more

28 August 2007: If you could see a piece of celery that’s been magnified 10,000 times, you’d know what the scientists fighting foodborne pathogens are up against, said University of Illinois microbiologist Hans Blaschek. Read more

27 August 2007: Scientists in France and Italy have deciphered the complete genetic code for the plant producing wine grapes, according to a study published Sunday. Read more


22 August 2007: Bitter taste can ruin a cup of coffee. Now, chemists in Germany and the United States say they have identified the chemicals that appear to be largely responsible for java's bitterness, a finding that could one day lead to a better tasting brew. Their study, one of the most detailed chemical analyses of coffee bitterness to date, was presented today at the 234th national meeting of the American Chemical Society. Read more

22 August 2007: Scientists from France and Portugal have suggested that caffeine may help protect against cognitive decline in older women. Read more

21 August 2007: A new guide to microbiological food safety aims to help food processors eliminate the pathogens in fruit and vegetables that cause food-borne diseases such as E-coli, salmonella and cholera. Read more

21 August 2007: A compound found in broccoli and related vegetables may have more health-boosting tricks up its sleeves, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. Read more

17 August 2007: Researchers have found that New Caledonian crowswhich are known to make complex food-getting tools in the wildcan also spontaneously use one tool on another to get a snack. Read more

16 August 2007: Scientists have identified that a hormone is responsible for people's fondness for food, findings that could lead to a better understanding of overeating. Read more

16 August 2007: Symrise is investing in understanding the flavour and nutrition needs of consumers in Asia with the 'dramatic' expansion of its regional Sensory and Consumer Science Center in Singapore. Read more

10 August 2007: Data from 10 studies conducted in Europe and Japan suggest that people who drink coffee may be reducing their risk of liver cancer. Read more

9 August 2007: Diet foods and drinks for children may inadvertently lead to overeating and obesity. Read more

9 August 2007: A nutritious fish eaten in Kenya could be used as a weapon against malaria. Read more

8 August 2007: Extracts of green tea and bamboo leaf could reduce acrylamide formation in foods, suggests a new study from China. Read more

7 August 2007: The European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) has launched a public consultation on the ethical aspects of animal cloning for food supply. Read more

7 August 2007: Nanotechnology is not science fiction -- and New Zealand farmers need to be gearing up to take advantages of the opportunities it will offer, agricultural economists say. Read more

6 August 2007: Animals that have eaten genetically modified (GMO) feed show no residual traces in their eggs or meat, the EU's food safety agency said on Friday. Read more

3 August 2007: Blue corn tortillas have more protein and less starch than the more common version made with white corn. Read more.

3 August 2007: The U.S. Center for Science in the Public Interest says both Burger King and Wendy's New York City french fries contain unsafe levels of trans fats. Read more

2 August 2007: A proposed federal regulation would make nutrition labels mandatory on all beer, wine and other alcohol sold in the United States. Read more

31 July 2007: There are no grounds to amend the risk assessment currently in place in Europe on hormone residues in beef, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded, following a review of new scientific data. Read more

27 July 2007: A new EU-funded project will investigate the impact of the chemicals found in commercially-produced baby food on the health of newborn babies.  Read more

27 July 2007: Scientists have provided new evidence that using more fish oil than vegetable oil in the diet decreases the formation of chemicals called prostanoids, which, when produced in excess, increase inflammation in various tissues and organs Read more

26 July 2007: The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has used its crop yield forecasting system to predict that this year's cereal harvest in the EU will rise slightly compared to 2006. Read more

26 July 2007: Eating more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower is associated with a reduced risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Read more

25 July 2007: The European Nutrigenomics Organisation (NuGO) has published a set of bioethics guidelines designed to help scientists undertaking nutrigenomics research using human subjects. Read more

24 July 2007: An agricultural researcher at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has developed a simple process to make allergen-free peanuts. The new process -- believed to be a first for food science -- could provide relief to millions of peanut allergy sufferers, and be an enormous boon to the entire peanut industry. Read more

23 July 2007: Measuring blood levels of a chemical transporter for vitamin A may be useful in estimating a person's "intraabdominal fat," a type of fat inside the abdomen that it not visible, but still adversely affects health, new research shows. Read more

23 July 2007: British and Irish consumers may have to eat paler breakfast sausages and burgers after the European Union banned the use of a red food coloring, Red 2G, in the European Union due to concern it could cause cancer. Read more

20 July 2007: Botulism poisoning from commercially canned foods has been virtually eliminated in the United States, making the new cases linked to hot dog chili sauce all the more striking. Read more

20 July 2007: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of 10-ounce cans of possibly contaminated hot dog chili sauce sold under various brand names. Read more

18 July 2007: Mexico, widely considered the birthplace of corn, is close to finalizing rules governing experimental planting of genetically modified corn strains, a senior biosecurity official said on Tuesday. Read more

18 July 2007: Orange juice, despite its high caloric load of sugars, appears to be a healthy food for diabetics due to its mother lode of flavonoids, a study by endocrinologists at the University at Buffalo has shown. Read more

18 July 2007: Researchers have isolated bisdemethoxycurcumin, the active ingredient of curcuminoids -- a natural substance found in turmeric root -- that may help boost the immune system in clearing amyloid beta, a peptide that forms the plaques found in Alzheimer's disease. Read more

17 July 2007:  EU farm ministers failed Monday to reach an agreement on allowing a new genetically modified potato on the market, leaving the decision by default to the European Commission, a diplomat said. Read more

16 July 2007: Sites in Kansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas and North Carolina are being considered as the possible site of a $500 million U.S. Homeland Security research lab. Read more

16 July 2007: Dr. Philippe De Wals of Université Laval's Department of Social and Preventive Medicine has published a study clearly indicating that the addition of folic acid to flours has led to a 46% drop in the incidence of congenital neural tube deformation (mainly anencephaly and spina bifida) in Canada. Read more

13 July 2007: A switch to organic farming would not reduce the world's food supply and could also increase food security in developing countries, say the authors of a new study. Read more

13 July 2007: A new study of sweetened beverages shows that cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup have similar effects on hunger, fullness, and food consumption at lunch. Read more

13 July 2007: The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service announced a permanent prohibition on the slaughter of cattle that are unable to stand or walk. Read more

13 July 2007: U.S. grocers and foodmakers would be required to put country-of-origin labels on cuts of red meat beginning September 30, 2008, under a bill approved by a House Appropriations subcommittee on Thursday. Read more

13 July 2007: U.S. oversight of genetically modified crops, which critics charge is insufficient, may be overhauled following a series of proposed changes released on Thursday by the Agriculture Department. Read more

11 July 2007: A new study of sweetened beverages shows that cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup have similar effects on hunger, fullness, and food consumption at lunch. Read more

11 July 2007: Claims for the cancer-preventing potential of tomatoes and lycopene should be sharply limited, the US Food and Drug Administration has concluded. There is no credible evidence that intake of lycopene, the pigment that gives tomatoes their bright red color, cuts the risk of any type of cancer. Read more

11 July 2007: Post-menopausal Chinese women who eat a Western-style diet heavy in meat and sweets face a higher risk of breast cancer than their counterparts who stick to a typical Chinese diet loaded with vegetables and soy, a study found. Read more

11 July 2007: Thai researchers have urged people in Southeast Asia to stop eating raw freshwater fish because they risk becoming infected with a parasitic worm that may predispose them to developing liver cancer. Read more

11 July 2007: National recommendations for folic acid and other micronutrients vary widely across Europe, leaving consumers and health professionals confused, according to a Europe-wide survey. Read more

11 July 2007: Most Americans fail to get the calcium and vitamin D they need, but this shortfall could be affecting more than their bones. It may, at least in part, be one reason behind the epidemic of type 2 diabetes, suggests new research conducted at Tufts University. Read more.

10 July 2007: Teenagers who do not get enough of the nutrients commonly found in fruits and fish are more prone to underperforming lungs, asthma, coughing and wheezing. Read more

10 July 2007: Farmers in the Balkans are failing to weed out the cause of a kidney disease, according to a new study that appears to have resolved a decades-long mystery. Read more

10 July 2007: Researchers from the University of Granada and Hospital Carlos III in Madrid, verified that maslinic acid – found in wax from olive skin – inhibits serin-protease, the enzyme used by HIV to release itself from the infected cell into the extracellular environment. Read more

10 July 2007: Food colouring Red 2G (E 128), which is added to some breakfast sausages and burger meat, may cause cancer, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said on Monday as it reviewed food additives used in the European Union. Read more

5 July 2007: Confused about which kinds of fish are safe to eat, Americans are skipping seafood all together -- and missing out on health benefits, said federal scientists in Seattle. To unmuddy the water, they're calling for a nationwide program to investigate seafood contamination and educate the public. Read more

5 July 2007: A major round of consultation has begun by the UK's Food Standards Agency on a European directive governing baby milk, which aims to improve how infant nutrition is regulated. Read more

4 July 2007: Representatives from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have signed the first transatlantic agreement in the area of food safety risk assessment. Read More

4 July 2007: Kerry Bio-Science has launched a new generation of trans-fat-free emulsifiers for low-fat spreads. Read more

3 July 2007: It appears some New Zealand scientists have found unusual cows with a natural ability to produce skim milk. The cows have a gene that enables them to make the milk.  Read more

3 July 2007: Ingredient maker Chr Hansen is set to begin large-scale tests on a new technology that could result in more robust and longer lasting probiotic bacteria, the firm announced last week. Read more

3 July 2007: Women who ate a diet high in rapidly-absorbed carbohydrates -- nutrition experts describe these carbohydrates as having a "high glycemic index" -- were at increased risk of getting cardiovascular disease, especially if they were overweight. Read more

3 July 2007: In a series of experiments on mice, researchers showed that the neurochemical pathway they identified promotes fat growth in chronically stressed animals that eat the equivalent of a junk-food diet. Read more

3 July 2007: The European Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation came into force yesterday, meaning food companies will only be able to make claims about their nutritional or health benefits approved by the European Food Safety Authority. Read more

2 July 2007: Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as 'mad cow disease', has been the target of European research for many years. Seeking to get a strong handle on the situation, the EU banned the use of animal proteins in farm feed in 2000 because of heightened public concern over BSE. Seven years have since passed and the EU is now mulling over plans to ease this ban.. Read more

2 July 2007: The European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) GMO panel has no safety concerns after reviewing data from French scientists suggesting toxicity concerns in rats fed the MON863 variety of GM maize from Monsanto. Read more

2 July 2007: The European commission is about to give the go-ahead to the first commercially grown genetically modified crops since a public outcry nine years ago halted their cultivation. Read more 

2 July 2007: Food industry experts and academics are to convene next week to debate the conflicts between modern food provisions and healthy living, and how these could be considered in devising food marketing strategies. Read more

2 July 2007: Researchers have strengthened a link between aspartame -- a common sweetener in soft drinks, medicines and sugar-free sweets -- and cancer in rats.  The chemical is sold under the brand name NutraSweet. Read more

29 June 2007: International food safety standards on fish, eggs and infant formulas are likely to be adopted next week at the annual meeting of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. read more

29 June 2007: China's government has closed down about 180 plants after inspections uncovered raw industrial materials in food products. read more

29 June 2007: A proposal by the European Commission to ease novel foods regulation for foods with a safe history in other parts of the world is eagerly anticipated by industry experts, who believe it will have a positive effect on EU trade and innovation. read more

29 June 2007: European trade associations for health products and food supplements have announced that the EU-wide industry list of hundreds of Article 13 health claims for authorisation should be finished by the end July. read more

29 June 2007: Climate and energy major threats to European agriculture, conference finds. What are the major challenges facing European agriculture? And how can research help farmers and the wider rural community meet these challenges? These questions were at the heart of a conference on the future of agricultural research held in Brussels on 26 and 27 June. read more

28 June 2007: Adding folic acid to bread could help fight depression. The additive is seen as a means of increasing folate intake in women so as to prevent birth defects in unborn children. Read more

28 June 2007: There may be another reason to pass on the foie gras. Scientists report that these livers of overstuffed waterfowl contain abnormal proteins that, when fed to laboratory mice, caused them to quickly develop the protein clumps themselves. Various human diseases - among them Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and rheumatoid arthritis - are associated with these clumps, known as amyloids. Read more

28 June 2007: Eating plenty of whole grains can help keep your arteries healthy, potentially warding off heart disease and stroke, a new study shows. Read more

28 June 2007: The EU's Plants for the Future Technology Platform this week released its strategic research agenda, highlighting the need for farmers to diversify and grow environmentally-friendly crops to ensure future competitiveness. Read more

27 June 2007: In the next 20 years, Europeans can expect to see plants with health properties to fight diabetes and heart disease; tastier plants with optimised nutritional content; cheaper drugs thanks to plant-based production of pharmaceuticals; and plants which break down easily into biofuels. Read more

27 June 2007: Concerns over the safety of aspartame could be reignited after a new study with rats linked regular intake of the sweetener with increased risk of leukaemia, lymphomas and breast cancer. Read more

27 June 2007: Want to be sure it's GM-free? buy food in Moscow. While ecologists welcome the initiative to label all GM foods, producers say it will be too costly and complex to implement and could mislead consumers into thinking the ingredients are better than they really are. Read more

27 June 2007: The UK food industry has been focusing on improving the nutritional value of its wares, and the reduction of salt, used as a preservative and flavour enhancer, has been one of its key targets. Read more

27 June 2007: FF-B, a smoke flavouring, can damage the genetic material in cells, the Europe's food safety agency warned on Friday. FF-B is among a group of flavourings extracted from natural processes and that mimic the taste obtained through the traditional process of smoking foods. Read more

26 June 2007: Dairy Australia may support funding applications that address one or more of the three key objectives as set out in the Dairy Australia Strategic Plan. Dairy Australia will accept applications for research and development projects from individuals and organisations worldwide. read more

25 June 2007: Increasing omega-3 fatty acid levels, and decreasing levels of omega-6, could reduce the risk of prostate cancer risk in individuals with a genetic predisposition to cancer, if results from an animal study can be translated to humans. read more

25 June 2007: European Union experts will decide on Monday whether imports of Herculex RW, a genetically modified maize variety developed by the multinational seed company Pioneer, should be allowed into Europe. read more

22 June 2007: A new guidance from the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) is designed to help manufacturers cut down on salt in their products without compromising quality and safety. read more

22 June 2007: A new guide for cereal farmers on reducing mycotoxins aims to reduce the presence of the toxin in the food supply chain. read more

22 June 2007: The most effective method to prevent contamination in fresh fruit and vegetables is to intervene while they grow, say US scientists. read more

22 June 2007: Representatives from the UK organic sector have today urged the UK environment minister David Miliband not to allow organic food to be contaminated by genetically modified organisms (GMOs). read more

22 June 2007: The Canadian government called on the food industry on Wednesday to tightly limit artery-clogging trans fats, and threatened mandatory cuts if enough is not done in the next two years. read more

20 June 2007: Call for Proposals - Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology. Deadline(s): 11 September 2007 at 17:00:00 (Brussels local time), 19 February 2008 at 17:00:00 (Brussels local time) - Stage 2 (only for proposals retained at stage 1).  read more

20 June 2007: A new guide for EU processors on the bloc's traceability requirements is designed to help industry comply with legal requirements. read more

19 June 2007: A workshop entitled 'The feed value chain' will take place on 26 and 27 June in Copenhagen, Denmark. read more

19 June 2007: The European Commission has issued a call for proposals for the theme “Food, agriculture and fisheries, and biotechnology” of the Seventh Framework Programme. read more

18 June 2007: Claims that chemicals used in plastic water bottles can cause cancer are not based in science and are unsubstiated, according to an industry association. read more

18 June 2007: Kiwis, conserved vegetables, milk powder, butter, ghee, baby food, instant coffee, alcohol, drinks, confectionery, and hi-breed corn seeds are among the most counterfeited articles in the world according to a new report. read more

18 June 2007: Stand by science on GMO foods, EU trade chief says or risk more international lawsuits. read more

18 June 2007: An international symposium on 'Genetic impacts from aquaculture: meeting the challenge in Europe' will be held in Bergen, Norway, from 2 to 4 July 2007. read more

18 June 2007: Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson yesterday delivered a strong exhortation to the EU to take a lead in shaping global rules on GM trade - particularly in defending objective science as a benchmark - or suffer the economic consequences. read more

18 June 2007: The EU's processors have called on the bloc's administrative arm to drop a proposal that would allow the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) to charge companies fees for assessments. read more

18 June 2007: The overall body of science does not support the view that organic food is more nutritious than conventionally grown food, says a new review from the British Nutrition Foundation. read more

15 June 2007: The EU-funded CASCADE project on chemicals in the food chain will hold a summer school on endocrinology: nuclear receptors in health and disease in Bregenz, Austria, from 22 to 26 July 2007. read more

15 June 2007: Environmental groups have hit out at the new organic regulation on which EU agriculture ministers reached political agreement this week, claiming it opens the door for GMOs in organic foods. read more

15 June 2007: Ireland's food safety regulator has urged the nation's food industry to be more involved with the EU health claims process to make the most of the opportunities it offers. read more

15 June 2007: It's time for Europe to reassess its skepticism towards genetically modified (GMO) foods and trust scientists who have deemed them safe -- or risk more international lawsuits, the EU trade chief said on Thursday. read more

14 June 2007: European agriculture ministers yesterday reached agreement over new organic regulation and labelling that will simplify the sector for farmers and consumers and is expected to help drive further development. read more

13 June 2007: A European Commission call for member states to check annually whether acrylamide levels are falling, serves to put additional pressure on processors to reduce the chemical in their products. read more

13 June 2007: EU ministers ended 18 months of squabbling on Tuesday over new rules for organic farming and came up with a labelling system that will tell consumers exactly what they are buying on the supermarket shelves. read more

13 June 2007: China played down the country's food-safety problems on Tuesday but at the same time showed off room after room of confiscated fakes, indicating the extent of the challenge it faces to clean up the industry. read more

12 June 2007: A new technique could result in better nutritional and safety profiles for the coming generation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Spanish scientists have reported. read more

12 June 2007: New methods to mass-produce bioactive paper sensors for food are being developed in Finland. read more

12 June 2007: Vaccination programmes of poultry with approved drugs and proceedures could be used to prevent outbreaks of avian influenza, the EU's food safety assessment agency said yesterday. read more

12 June 2007: Quick frozen foods should be subject to more prescriptive safety rules rather than optional ones, the EU's member states said in comments on a draft international code of practice. read more

12 June 2007: China will ban bad foods and enforce stronger export controls as part of a long-term offensive, the government announced this week. read more

6 June 2007: Europe continues to lag behind in the use of irradiation, with only 10 member states approving facilities to process foods, according to the latest European Commission report released yesterday. read more

6 June 2007: Several influential EU states have dug in their heels on whether their farmers may grow one of Europe's oldest genetically modified (GMO) crops, raising the stakes in the EU's long-running stalemate over biotech policy. read more

5 June 2007: A two-day conference to discuss food safety issues in the Mediterranean area begins tomorrow in Parma, Italy. read more

1 June 2007: An international congress on food and nutrition will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, from 22 to 24 October. read more

1 June 2007: Danone revealed yesterday that five containers of its Evian bottled water have been detained in China after failing quality control testing. read more

31 May 2007: First bird flu made eating poultry worrisome. Next it was tainted pork. Pesticides in vegetables. Toxic additives in processed foods. Chinese consumers could be forgiven for not knowing what to eat any more, and many wealthier urbanites are saying the country's string of food safety breaches is making them think twice about what they put into their shopping carts. read more

30 May 2007: A seminar on making use of residues from the production of food in the food and cosmetics industries will take place in Bremerhaven, Germany, on 19 and 20 June. read more

30 May 2007: China is to put in place a system allowing the recall of unsafe or unapproved food products following a series of health scares that have led to illnesses and deaths, state media reported on Tuesday. read more

29 May 2007: Last year was busy, but this year will be better, is the European Commission's message in its first annual report on food safety training initiatives. read more

28 May 2007: Cheese processors in the UK have been handed tougher guidance on hygiene, following EU claims that the country's food safety authority was not doing enough to protect consumers. read more

28 May 2007: The European Responsible Nutrition Alliance (ERNA) has welcomed the publication of draft guidance on nutrition and health claims submissions by EFSA, but highlighted unclear areas that could pose problems for industry. read more

28 May 2007: The United States pressed China to pursue new export safety measures on Thursday as Beijing sought to assure its trading partners that the goods it exports, everything from pet food to toothpaste, are safe. read more

25 May 2007: Researchers have created what could be the next generation of transgenic crops by inserting a gene for herbicide resistance from a bacterium into plants. The new crops could help to combat the spread of resistance to other commonly used herbicides. read more

25 May 2007: Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) has published a final set of proposals to make iodine fortification mandatory for bread. read more

24 May 2007: The Seventh Framework Programme for research and development (FP7), in funding research under Theme 2 'Food, agriculture and fisheries, and biotechnology', aims to establish and promote a European 'Knowledge-based bio-economy' (KBBE). The CORDIS FP7 Service has launched a new KBBE Service, developed in collaboration with the European Commission's DG Research, to support these aims. read more

23 May 2007: US food processors are continuing to boycott Chinese exports over fears regarding the safety of products coming from the country. read more

23 May 2007: Europeans are willing to buy foods produced, processed or packaged using nanotechnology techniques, so long as they perceive the benefits, according to new research. read more

22 May 2007: Natural alternatives to growth-promoting antibiotics in livestock feed may soon be on the menu for pigs, poultry and fish in Europe, thanks to research conducted by REPLACE, an EU-funded project. read more

21 May 2007: China must continue to reform its food safety practices if it is to maintain consumer confidence in its products, says a food safety expert from the World Health Organisation (WHO). read more

21 May 2007: The European poultry industry has just six weeks left to prepare itself for new proposals designed to prevent the spread of H5N1 avian influenza into the food chain, the European Commission has warned. read more

21 May 2007: Rice modified to express proteins often found in breast milk will be planted in Kansas. The go-ahead for the planting came on 16 May from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). read more

18 May 2007: British food experts agreed on Thursday that folic acid should be routinely added to either flour or bread in an attempt to reduce birth defects. read more

17 May 2007: Leading proponents of the benefits of organic agriculture put their heads together last week to discuss how organic methods could help preserve food security for the future. read more

17 May 2007: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is today publishing for consultation its draft guidance to applicants on the submission of health claims for authorisation. EFSA’s NDA Panel will assess the scientific evidence substantiating these claims. The Panel is also progressing work on other nutrition issues including nutrient profiles, which will help define the nutrient criteria that foods should comply with in order to bear nutrition and health claims. A scientific colloquium on nutrient profiles is planned for September. read more

17 May 2007: Over 1,300 food safety incidents were investigated by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) last year, according to report published yesterday. read more

17 May 2007: The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has today announced the start of a review of its own guidance, which aims to make regulations easier to understand and follow for firms. read more

15 May 2007: The European Commission is holding a laboratory workshop on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) diagnostic techniques from 21 to 23 May in Oldenburg, Germany. read more

14 May 2007: China's farmers overuse pesticides, skip protective clothing and have at their fingertips an array of banned and counterfeit products, raising another area of concern in the country's fragile food chain. read more

14 May 2007: As agricultural conditions change as a result of global warming, genetically-modified crops will have an increasing role to play in safeguarding food supply for the future, says a leading researcher who thinks the issue will increase pressure for consumer acceptance. read more

11 May 2007: The new health claims regulations for foods could prompt more companies to tout the beauty benefits of their products, says analyst, since cosmetics are not generally subject to the same stringent rules as foods and supplements. read more

11 May 2007: The German Government is providing EUR 100 million over 10 years to two research networks on diabetes and obesity. Education and Research Minister Annette Schavan presented the initiative in Berlin on 10 May. Ms Schavan called on scientists to network themselves better: 'With this extensive support we are making a significant contribution to German research on nutrition and diabetes. From the science I hope for excellent, complementary project proposals, from which disease-oriented networks of competence can develop. read more

10 May 1007: EU regulators are investigating whether the banned chemical melamine has made its way into Europe's food and feed supply chain from China. read more

8 May 2007: The new health claims regulation has rekindled interest in exploring the benefits of whole grains, said consultant Prof David Richardson, but there is a need for action to ensure grains do not miss out in the implementation process. read more

8 May 2007: A new system that measures the texture of food could provide processors with results to improve the shelf life and taste of products, its manufacturer claims. read more

8 May 2007: GMO crop rules should also weigh pluses - UK report. Time for a more balanced and holistic approach to regulation. read more

7 May 2007: Three new hygiene products have been created, which can be used by food processors in compliance with food safety procedures. read more

7 May 2007: The European Patent Office (EPO) has revoked a patent owned by global agricultural giant Monsanto for the genetic modification (GM) of soybeans, saying the technique it approved 13 years ago lacked "novelty". read more

7 May 2007: EFSA and food safety in EU: achievements and challenges - Rome, 7 June 2007 - Istituto superiore di Sanità. On the occasion of EFSA's Five Year Anniversary, a Scientific Conference is organised aimed at reviewing the contribution EFSA has made so far to Food Safety in Europe and at providing advice on future challenges that EFSA has to meet to accomplish its mission. read more

4 May 2007: Food reformulations to remove salt and sugar and improve the health profile of food must factor in the effect on pathogens in the food, Irish researchers have said. read more

3 May 2007: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has called on industry and other groups to submit scientific information as part of its review on cloned meat. read more

3 May 2007: EU laws to protect regional foods do not necessarily spell the end for copycat products, as Arla Foods has shown with its Danish 'feta' cheese brand. read more

3 May 2007: The sponsor awards fellowships to applicants whose research interests are in the area of dairy research. Postdoctoral fellowships would normally be for up to three years, and should provide relevant scientific skills that are not available in Australian research organisations. Visiting scientists are expected to have a strong role in training Australian researchers. read more

1 May 2007: As consumers increasingly come to expect high quality for the food they purchase, a group of research centres has joined forces to examine ways of improving both safety and quality along the supply chain for citrus products. Their research aims to help processors reduce or eliminate the chance of pathogens contaminating their final products. The EuroMedCitrusNet project is designed to promote stronger research collaboration between the EU and Mediterranean partner countries from which processors source their citrus supplies. read more

1 May 2007: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation into whether a chemical thought to be responsible for a number of pet deaths has entered the human food chain. read more

1 May 2007: A new class of toxins produced when meats and cheeses are grilled, fried or broiled, can lead to a host of diseases associated with aging, say researchers. read more

1 May 2007: From yesterday, US egg products destined for the EU must come from premises operating with procedures based on international safety standards known as hazard analysis and critical control plan (HACCP) principles. read more

1 May 2007: The food industry is failing to grasp the importance of adopting sustainable crop techniques to protect against the effects of climate change, says an expert on business agriculture. read more

27 April 2007: U.S. congressional leaders on Wednesday threatened to make sweeping changes to the Bush administration's food safety system in light of fresh concerns over contaminated pet food. read more

26 April 2007: A group of research centres have banded together to examine ways of improving safety and quality along the supply chain for citrus products. read more

26 April 2007: EU may take two years to develop biotech crop rules. Of the 27 nations that make up the EU, only seven countries have laws in place for separating traditional, organic and biotech crops. read more

26 April 2007: Europe's olive growers face two major challenges: on the one hand, they have to adhere to strict EU environmental legislation, but at the same time competition from overseas olive growers is pressurising them to keep their prices low. read more

26 April 2007: A major shift in agricultural methods and their environmental impact is urgenty required to protect productivity and food security in the future, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warns today. read more

24 April 2007: A technology session and partnership event on nutraceutics and functional foods will be held on 18 May in Rimini, Italy, in the framework of the international RiminiWellness Fair. read more

23 April 2007: Funds have been announced to save 165,000 varieties of 21 food crops, from wheat to potatoes, some of which form the staple diet of people living in developing countries. read more

20 April 2007: An international seminar on methodology and tools for improving agro-biotech clusters management will be held at the CREALYS Science Park in Belgium on 22 May. read more

20 April 2007: EU biotech experts will discuss three applications this week to approve new genetically modified (GMO) plants but are unlikely to break the bloc's long-standing deadlock on GMO foods, officials said on Wednesday. read more

19 April 2007: EU Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik has urged small businesses to make the most of the research funding opportunities available for the future competitiveness of the European food industry. Speaking at the 'Perspective for Food 2030' conference, Mr Potocnik recommended that the EU's food industry, consisting mainly of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), to undertake research that takes into account the whole food chain - from the beginning to the end of the food cycle - in order to meet the industry's innovation challenge. read more

19 April 2007: EU biotech experts will discuss three applications this week to approve new genetically modified (GMO) plants but are unlikely to break the bloc's longstanding deadlock on GMO foods, officials said on Wednesday. read more

18 April 2007: The European food and drink industry is falling behind its global competitors in terms of research and development (R&D), finds a new report. read more

18 April 2007: British crop researchers are claiming that they have developed a method to stop transgenic crops from damaging the biodiversity of weeds and seeds. By leaving two rows in every 100 unsprayed with pesticides, enough diversity can be preserved to prevent knock-on effects on birds and other animals, they calculate. read more

17 April 2007: EFSA's GMO panel has reconfirmed its opinion that the use of the nptII gene as a selectionable marker in GM plants for food or feed poses no risk to human or animal health or the environment. read more

13 April 2007: European Parliament Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety yesterday voted through amendments to upcoming new legislation on food additives aimed at making the laws more transparent. read more

13 April 2007: Packaging gases and other additives used for prolonging the shelf life of foods are some of the substances targeted by proposed safety regulations passed yesterday by an EU parliamentary committee. read more

12 April 2007: A workshop on heavy metals in the environment and the wellbeing of humans and animals will be held in Bucharest, Romania, on 20 and 21 April. read more

12 April 2007: Europeans have been looking for ways to curb aflatoxin contamination in the peanut, both in the field and post-harvest, for some time. While a complex task at best, a team of European researchers took part in an initiative entitled 'New tools for groundnut aflatoxin control in Sahel Africa,' to get some answers. The finished project has effectively provided methods for better varietal screening and for growing groundnut under rain-fed conditions. With the export value of peanuts taking a hit in recent years, the CIRAD-led initiative will prove advantageous for the industry. read more

12 April 2007: Meeting and contributing to increases EU measures on food safety remains a priority for the industry according to policies outlined by the bloc's industry association. read more

11 April 2007: Research and industry actors have long set their sights on marrying the extended shelf life of frozen foods and preserving their tastes. Norway's SINTEF Energy Research has come up with the right formula to process foods: superchilling. This method chills fresh fish or meat to one or two degrees below zero, effectively keeping the food fresh for longer periods of time. Until now, crushed ice was used to store fish or meat, but this method proved troublesome as it resulted in heavier transport and melting ice, which only increased the risk of contamination spreading. read more

10 April 2007: Furcellaran, a co-polymer of beta and kappa-carrageenan extracted from red algae, has been identified as a novel new encapsulation material, researchers from Estonia report. read more

10 April 2007: Many European food consumers believe farm animal welfare is important. But what consumers can actually do to help improve animal welfare propelled a team of European researchers to launch a project, a part of the research programme of Welfare Quality, (a major research programme funded by the EU in the FP6 programme), to investigate the links between consumers and animal welfare. The findings, which show that linkages vary across Europe, are presented in a Welfare Quality report, published by Cardiff University in March. read more

10 April 2007: A typical Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, vegetables and nuts appears to offer children protection against allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms, according to new research. read more

10 April 2007: Improving food quality and safety is the goal of the EU-funded MONIQA (Monitoring and Quality Assurance in the food supply chain) project, which started recently. read more

30 March 2007: 'Feeding the planet, energy of life' is the theme that the Italian city of Milan is hoping to explore, should it win the bid to host the 2015 Universal Exhibition (Expo 2015). Representatives from the city and the Italian Government were in Brussels on 28 March to share with MEPs the spirit and philosophy of their bid, which places a great emphasis on the importance of scientific and technological discoveries. read more

29 March 2007: An open forum on REACH, the new EU regulatory system for hazardous chemical substances, will take place on 18 April in Helsinki, Finland. The session will serve as a platform for open discussions on the implications of the new policy from different stakeholder perspectives. Short presentations will be followed by a moderated panel debate. read more

29 March 2007: The UK's Food Standards Agency has launched a three-month consultation on ways to reduce saturated fat in the diet and make healthy eating easier. read more

28 March 2007: The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has identified the source of a recent GM contamination in rice, and has said that it poses no food safety concerns. read more

28 March 2007: The US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) risk assessment on meat and milk from cloned animals is based on "flawed assumptions and misrepresented findings", according to an independent review. read more

28 March 2007: Denomega Nutritional Oils has announced the Health Canada approval of its omega-3 ingredients for use in most foods, thereby opening up another market to the company. read more

27 March 2007: Anti-hay fever GMO rice may win over Japanese doubts. Japanese researchers have successfully cultivated a genetically modified rice that contains some of the allergy-related proteins found in Japanese cedar pollen, the most common cause of hay fever in Japan. read more

27 March 2007: Developing crop protection strategies which are both environmentally friendly and economically viable is the goal of the EU-funded ENDURE (European Network for the Durable Exploitation of Crop Protection Strategies) project, which started recently. The project brings together over 130 researchers from 18 European organisations into a Network of Excellence covering disciplines as diverse as agronomy, genetics, ecology, economics and sociology. The four-year project has received €11.2 million in funding under the 'Food Quality and Safety' thematic area of the Sixth Framework Programme. read more

27 March 2007: In line with the belief that we are what we eat, organic food has become a billion euro industry as consumers increasingly choose to put their wallet where their health is and 'go organic'. The QualityLowInputFood (QLIF) project, funded under the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), aims to develop higher-quality, safer and cheaper organic foods to meet the growing demand for more natural, healthier foods, produced using fewer chemicals and additives. read more

27 March 2007: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is consulting with EU member states to ascertain whether further data are available to help it with its renewed assessment of Monsanto's GM maize MON 863; its evaluation, based on this input and the work of its GMO panel, is expected to take several weeks. read more

20 March 2007: Three new Community Reference Laboratories (CRLs) opened their doors for business on 16 March. Located at the Joint Research Centre's Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), in Geel, Belgium, the laboratories will be responsible for providing the certified reference materials and methods needed for the control of heavy metals, mycotoxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in food across the European Union. read more

20 March 2007: A conference entitled 'Early nutrition programming and health outcomes in later life: obesity and beyond' will take place on 20 and 21 April in Budapest, Hungary. read more

16 March 2007: The EU-funded SEAFOODplus project will hold its fourth open conference in Bilbao, Spain on 4 to 8 June. read more

16 March 2007: EFSA has issued an opinion on the possible health risks from certain proposed residue levels of pesticides in food and feed. read more

16 March 2007: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has revealed that it will review the new data presented by French scientists that revealed toxicity concerns in rats fed the MON863 variety of GM maize from Monsanto. read more

15 March 2007: Monsanto's genetically modified maize MON863, authorised for human consumption since 2006, showed signs of liver and kidney toxicity in a rat study, raising concerns about its safety. read more

15 March 2007: A UK health pressure group has called on Europe to reform the CAP - for health reasons. read more

14 March 2007: EU researchers will discuss ways to improve the safety and processing of organic and other "low-input" foods at an upcoming meeting in Stuttgart, Germany. read more

14 March 2007: Meat and milk from cloned animals could soon become available in the EU, depending on the outcome of a European Food Safety Authority scientific review. read more

14 March 2007: About 900 tonnes of poulty meat passed through a UK farm infected with bird flu and into the food chain during an outbreak of the disease last month, according to the country's public health minister. read more

13 March 2007: The development of genetically modified crops to improve human health could be the golden ticket for advocates to persuade the wary public that GM is not a wholly nefarious idea after all. But will a new, healthy spin be enough to counter deep-rooted fears that genetic modification, by its very nature, poses an equal and opposite threat to human health? read more

13 March 2007: A congress entitled 'Improving sustainability in organic and low input food production systems' will take place from 20 to 23 March in Stuttgart, Germany. read more

12 March 2007: The emerging science of nanotechnology is the next Big Bang in food formulation, processing and packaging. read more

12 March 2007: A new non-GM plant breeding technology is expected in the next two years to result in the launch of 'environmentally friendly' trait-enhanced crops, such as canola, sorghum and rice. read more

12 March 2007: Bakers could soon be benefiting from new technology developed to ensure high standards of product quality and appearance are met while maximising efficiency, cutting costs and reducing waste. read more

12 March 2007: The growing commercialization and continued innovation of genetically modified crops (GM) could have significant benefits for the food industry in Eastern Europe over the coming decade, says a leading Biotech expert. read more

9 March 2007: The growing commercialisation of GM crops could have significant benefits for the food industry in Eastern Europe over the coming decade. read more

9 March 2007: EFSA believes that the findings of a recent US study on citrus canker are not supported by sound scientific evidence. read more

8 March 2007: On July 1, the city of Moscow will introduce a voluntary system of food labels indicating that a product does not contain genetically modified (GM) ingredients. read more

8 March 2007: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has granted preliminary approval for a large-scale plan to grow genetically altered rice in the Midwest state of Kansas, prompting some critics to raise safety concerns. read more

8 March 2007: From Karnal to Coimbatore, genetically modified (GM) crops are becoming a matter of great concern for Indians worried about safety as well as loss of biodiversity. read more

7 March 2007: Three new EU regulations on contaminant levels in food came into force this month, requiring tougher safety controls in manufacturing plants. read more

7 March 2007: Genetically modified rice containing human genes has received preliminary approval in the US, sparking new concerns and fears on both sides of the Atlantic. read more

6 March 2007: The UK 's Food Standards Agency has launched a consultation on its draft guidance for compliance with the new EU regulation on voluntary fortification of foods with vitamins and minerals, asking for input from industry on interpretation. read more

6 March 2007: Increasing the maximum levels of aflatoxins in certain nuts would have a minor effect on the risk to consumer health, according to EFSA. read more

5 March 2007: Three new EU regulations on contaminant levels in food came into force this month, requiring tougher safety controls in manufacturing plants. read more

2 March 2007: The UK has outlined its commitment to developing environmental labelling for food. read more

2 March 2007: Two leading UK health organisations want the food industry to radically reduce the amount of saturated fat used in its products and to eliminate trans fats altogether. read more

2 March 2007: Codes of practice to help UK farmers reduce the levels of mycotoxins in cereals could improve the safety of the ingredient supply chain. read more

2 March 2007: When it comes to GM food, the EU needs to wake up from its political inertia, according to biotechnology pressure group EuropaBio. read more

2 March 2007: Two more additives for plastic packaging for use in direct contact with food have been assessed by the European food safety authority. read more

1 March 2007: Europe's food safety authority has issued information on current food additive laws ahead of the upcoming Codex meeting in China . read more

28 February 2007: The UK 's food advertising unit has welcomed Ofcom's decision to phase in new restrictions on marketing food to children. read more

27 February 2007: The number of food quality assurance schemes (QAS) in Europe is growing constantly. Some highlight the region the product is from or the production method used; others cover issues such as the environment or animal welfare. They offer benefits to consumers who are able to make informed purchasing decisions, while producers are able to charge a higher price for these value-added products. read more

27 February 2007: The European Commission's Environment Directorate-General has published a call for tenders for a study on the long-term effects of genetically modified (GM) crops on health, biodiversity and the environment. read more

26 February 2007: At their recent annual meeting in San Francisco, California, the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS) handed this year’s science journalism award in the “magazine reporting” category to freelance journalist Craig Canine. Canine had described ongoing efforts to build a “better banana” in a feature story which appeared in Smithsonian magazine. The EU’s role in supporting CARBAP in Africa to find new varieties of bananas, which are a major source of food intake in developing countries, were highlighted. read more

26 February 2007: A seminar to discuss the research needs for the sustainable production of palm oil will take place on 5 March in Paris, France . read more

22 February 2007: The EU recently funded a project that will study the processes that cause food to lose its nutritional value as it travels from the farm to the supermarket. The research will be headed by experts from The Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI) in Dundee, and is supported by a grant totalling €3.7 million. Once fruit and vegetables are harvested, the concentration of beneficial nutrients begins to steadily decline, and the recently funded project is aimed at understanding ways to stem that loss. read more

22 February 2007: A conference on the latest agrifood technologies will take place on 22 and 23 March in Montpellier, France . read more

21 February 2007: A pressure group plans to legally challenge the UK 's Food Standards Agency (FSA) over its alleged failure to act over imports of illegal GM rice. read more

20 February 2007: Although we rely on food packaging materials to protect our food and keep it fresh until we are ready to eat it, the additives contained in plastic, paper, glass and carton packaging can migrate into foods. read more

20 February 2007: The EU's agriculture commissioner has promised to establish a framework within which the organic food sector can develop to its full potential. read more

16 February 2007: The UK 's food standards agency is planning a comprehensive review of EU labelling at its annual board meeting this morning. read more

16 February 2007: Further proposals on revising the UK 's meat inspection system will be debated tomorrow at a meeting of the Food Standards Agency's (FSA) board of directors. read more

16 February 2007: The UK has published its first industry good hygiene practice guide, part of a series intended to help manufacturers comply with new EU-wide regulations on food safety. read more

15 February 2007: A new collaboration between Australian and New Zealand food safety authorities is to target high levels of unhealthy saturated fats within their national diets. read more

12 February 2007: EFSA has met with the four member states currently involved in GM environmental risk assessments in order to discuss the development of an EU-wide approach. read more

9 February 2007: Quality will be key to a strong European food sector, agriculture commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel told a Brussels conference on food quality certification yesterday. read more

9 February 2007: Representatives of regulators in the EU's 27 members begin a two-day meeting today to discuss common proposed projects on food safety issues, data collection, folic acid supplementation, and fees for mandatory risk assessments. read more

8 February 2007: Greenpeace presents petition demanding GM labelling. Lobby group wants tougher EU labelling requirements for food products derived from animals fed with genetically modified food. read more

7 February 2007: Quality will be key to a strong European food sector, agriculture commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel told a Brussels conference on food quality certification yesterday. read more

7 February 2007: The UK 's Institute of Food Science & Technology has published an updated information statement on salt and salt reduction - one of the hottest topics in the food industry at the moment. read more

01 February 2007: A UK-government research study on the environmental impacts of food production casts doubt on commonly held opinions, such as claims that organics are greener than conventionally-grown produce or that preserved products have less of a effect than frozen ones. read more

31 January 2007: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established the maximum daily human intake for Bisphenol A or BPA, a chemical found in many household plastics. read more

31 January 2007: Asia to drive growth of GMO crops in next 10 years. India replaces China as the world's top grower of genetically modified cotton - ISAAA report. read more

30 January 2007: Juices containing 100% fruit and vegetable can help to reduce the risk factors related to cancer and coronary heart disease, according to a UK study published in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition. read more

29 January 2007: European farmers are lagging behind the rest of the world in terms of access to agricultural biotechnology, according to the president of the European Federation of Biotechnology. read more

29 January 2007: The presence of low-level formaldehyde in gelling agents like carrageenans and alginates does not pose a threat to human health, the European Food Standards Authority (EFSA) has reported. read more

29 January 2007: One in six broiler flocks in Germany is infected with salmonella, according to a pilot survey by the country's Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). read more

26 January 2007: LOCAL farmers are producing genetically modified (GM) crops at a world-beating rate, with the area under cultivation up 180% last year to 1,4-million hectares from 500000ha in 2005, farmers' union Agri SA said yesterday. This ranks SA as the world's eighth-biggest producer of these crops. SA's rate of increase is second only to India 's, which has reported a 192% year-on-year rise. GM crops in SA remain controversial, despite enabling legislation in terms of which food safety and environmental health is controlled. read more

26 January 2007: Signs that EU milk quotas have outlived their usefulness grew stronger this week after the bloc’s agriculture commissioner openly criticised the system in front of industry officials. read more

25 January 2007: The European Commission has adopted the EU agriculture minister's proposals to shake up the bloc's fruit and vegetable sector. read more

25 January 2007: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a proposed rule to define the term ‘gluten-free’ for use on food labels. read more

23 January 2007: The European commissioner for agriculture has outlined the sectors targeted for reform in 2007. read more

23 January 2007: A review of UK food safety laws for meat processing plants could end up with companies paying more for inspections. read more

18 January 2007: Despite bread being a staple of the European diet for millennia, determining the grain quality of its ingredients is still not an exact science. Taste and personal preferences aside, the quality of the bread we eat can be frustratingly difficult to establish. A quality control team can be effective at eliminating substandard wheat grains, for example, based on visual defects; it is quite a different story, however, to determine internal composition. Two European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have come together in a Eureka project to develop technology for an improved grain-sorting system using infrared light to analyse grain quality. read more

18 January 2007: There will be no special measures to cover food products from cloned animals in the EU, member states have agreed, following news the offspring of a cloned cow was growing up in the UK . read more

18 January 2007: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched its consultation regarding the implementation of EU directives in England on food additives other than colours and sweeteners and sweeteners for use in foodstuffs. read more

18 January 2007: The European Commission has lifted extra controls on imports of US corn products for unauthorised genetically modified material, claiming that these are no longer necessary. read more

16 January 2007: EU environment ministers will rekindle Europe's simmering row on genetically modified (GMO) foods next month when they tackle three different strands of the debate, including whether to authorize a "live" biotech crop. read more

15 January 2007: Food safety scares could result in a long lasting impact on purchasing decisions, with new research revealing that 15 percent of consumers stop eating a product entirely after a food safety incident. read more

15 January 2007: Officials in the EU and New Zealand have agreed on a common strategy for maintaining meat and dairy exports in the event of a serious animal disease outbreak. read more

15 January 2007: The European Commission plans to review the EU's new hygiene laws to determine whether further amendments are needed to strengthen provisions related to meat inspection, gela