Americas: Research finds portabellas found to lower glycemic responses when consumed with food
A preliminary study of the effects of mushroom ingestion on health conducted by University at Buffalo (UB) nutrition scientists and physiologists has found that healthy male and female subjects who consumed mushrooms with glucose had a significant decrease in glucose responses compared to those who consumed glucose alone. The effect was particularly strong in women. Although mushroom intake previously has been...
Europe: UK releases guidance on glitters, dusts for decorating food
The Food Standards Agency in the UK has issued guidance on the legal requirements on dusts and glitters for food decoration. This follows after EdAble Art by West Yorkshire Trading Standards was prosecuted on March 10, 2014 for food safety legislation by selling cake glitter which was not of the nature demanded and for supplying a non-approved food additive. The company...
Europe: Consumers could consider various sources of protein for sustainable supply, says Organic Monitor
Major changes in consumer lifestyles are necessary if the food industry is to avoid a proteins crisis, according to Organic Monitor, organizer of the European edition of the Sustainable Foods Summit in June 5 to 6, 2014 at Amsterdam, The Netherlands. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization United Nations, demand for animal proteins is expected to rise by over...
Asia Pacific: Olam International to invest US$61M in new cocoa processing facility in Indonesia
Olam International Limited says it will be investing US$61.0 million to establish a new cocoa processing facility in Indonesia. It says the project enables the company to leverage the strength of its Indonesian cocoa sourcing network and participate in the growth of Asian cocoa consumption. With an initial capacity of 60,000 metric tons, the facility will produce cocoa butter, cocoa cake...
Americas: Scientists made nutritious gluten-free crackers using hemp flour, decaffeinated green tea leaves
A team of food scientists found that hemp flour and decaffeinated green tea leaves could be used to develop a gluten-free snack cracker with functional properties. The study conducted by the University of Novi Sad in Serbia and Guelph Food Research Centre in Canada is published in Journal of Food Science by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). Hemp flour, as...
Europe: Green tea found to boost brain, say researchers
Researchers at the University of Basel, Switzerland are reporting first evidence that green tea extract enhances the cognitive functions, in particular the working memory. The findings suggest promising clinical implications for the treatment of cognitive impairments in psychiatric disorders such as dementia. The results were published in the academic journal Psychopharmacology. In the past the main ingredients of green tea have been...
Americas: Placon introduces food containers using recycled material, tamper-evident design for fresh food
Placon has introduced tamper-evident, eco-responsible Crystal Seal reFresh thermoformed plastic food packaging, which eliminates unnecessary sidewall ribbing for visual appeal with versatility in fresh, cold and dry food merchandising. The reFresh product line features eight sizes and shapes that can be used in various configurations with multiple combinations of food for complete versatility in merchandising. The packaging offers unobstructed views of...
Europe: UK’s Norwich Research Park will have new food and health research center to benefit local industry
A new center for food and health research is planned for the Norwich Research Park. Funding partners include the Institute of Food Research (IFR), the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), the University of East Anglia (UEA), and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Researchers from IFR, UEA and NNUH will be brought together in the proposed new building,...
Europe: LINPAC Elite tray wins award at interpack 2014
The Rfresh Elite tray for meat and fish products by LINPAC Packaging has received a PackTheFuture Award, which recognizes sustainability in plastic packaging, at a ceremony held during packaging fair interpack 2014 in Dusseldorf, Germany. Organised by ELIPSO, the French Plastic and Flexible Packaging Association, and IK, the German Plastics Packaging Association, PackTheFuture 2014 focuses on promoting the innovative and...
Americas: MWV launches chilled ready meals package, SmartFare
MeadWestvaco Corporation (MWV) has launched SmartFare, a new package for chilled ready meals (CRM) at Food & Drink Trends & Innovations Conference in London, UK on May 22, 2014. The packaged transforms the flimsy CRM tray into a premium, brandable experience, offering new product development professionals a way to drive trial, brand loyalty and repeat purchase with consumers seeking convenience and variety...