Americas: Mars, university to create institute for breakthroughs
The University of California (UC), Davis, through its World Food Center, and Mars, Inc. have on September 17, 2014 agreed to pursue the establishment of a new institute designed to deliver Silicon Valley-type breakthroughs in food, agriculture and health. An independent advisory committee chaired by Bruce German, professor of food science and technology at UC Davis, will facilitate the design...
Asia Pacific: FAO calls for continued vigilance over avian influenza virus in poultry
A recently-emerged strain of avian influenza virus in poultry in Southeast Asia known as A(H5N6) represents a new threat to animal health and livelihoods and must be closely monitored, FAO said on September 22, 2014. Chinese authorities first reported the influenza A(H5N6) virus in poultry in April 2014. Since then, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Viet Nam have also detected...
World: Artificial sweeteners may increase glucose intolerance, metabolic disease incidences
A study reveals that certain gut bacteria may induce metabolic changes following exposure to artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners, promoted as aids to weight loss and diabetes prevention, could actually hasten the development of glucose intolerance and metabolic disease. They do so by changing the composition and function of the gut microbiota – the substantial population of bacteria residing in our intestines. These...
Europe: Schott, Algatechnologies partner to increase algae production
Schott and Algatechnologies (Algatech) have signed an research and development (R&D) agreement to strengthen their partnership following a successful one-year study at Algatech’s algae production facility. Schott‘s thin-walled Duran glass tubes achieved a 10% boost in algae cultivation efficiency, improving yields of Algatech’s natural astaxanthin product, AstaPure. The results of the study will be presented at the Algae Biomass Summit in...
Asia Pacific: Paper packaging products, pouch forming and filling machinery boost Japan’s industry growth
The Japanese packaging industry grew to US$59.4 billion in the financial year of 2013, with paper packaging products and pouch forming and filling machinery making up the majority of the packaging materials and equipment sector respectively, according to organizer of Tokyo Pack exhibition series. In FY2013 (April 2013 to March 2014), Japan’s packaging industry grew by more than 2% over...
World: Ishida presents packaging, weighing solutions at show in Cape Town
At Propak Cape in October 2014, Ishida will show an integrated snacks packing line comprising multihead weigher, bagmaker and checkweigher; a high performance entry-level multihead weigher for dry food products; and a X-ray inspection system. The Ishida snacks line on display uses the company’s iTPS software to support the integrated operation of an Ishida CCW-RV-214W multihead weigher, Atlas-124R bagmaker and...
Americas: Ganeden Biotech’s probiotic ingredient gains Mexico’s approval for use by food manufacturers
Ganeden Biotech’s GanedenBC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086) is now approved by the COFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios: Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks). The patented probiotic ingredient is now available in Mexico to enrich food and beverages. “Mexico’s government has instituted a number of health initiatives to promote better education regarding proper nutrition and healthier eating...
Asia Pacific: ASEAN will create single market in traditional medicine, health sector in 2015, says EAS
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has accomplished 90% harmonisation in the traditional medicine and health supplement sector, and will establish an ASEAN single market in this sector in 2015, according to EAS Strategic Advice, a provider of international regulatory and policy information. This was the message to participants at EAS’s workshop at Vitafoods Asia in Hong Kong early...
Americas: RPC Group opens newly expanded facility in Pennsylvania
RPC Group is expanding its manufacturing facility in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, the US. The investment worth more than US$10 million at RPC Bramlage-Wiko USA has resulted to a near doubling in size of the production area to about 120,000 sq ft. As well as providing for the growth of existing and new business, the new facility will enable the site to introduce...
Asia Pacific: Analyst says Indonesia’s palm oil market, downstream activities offer opportunities
Frost & Sullivan says it is optimistic on growth in Indonesia’s crude palm oil market due to the consumption in the emerging markets such as China and India in spite of the recent downturn in prices that will be short lived. Chris de Lavigne, global VP, Consulting, said that the average consumption of vegetable oils at 19 kg/ capita in...