PRODUCTS

AMINOSWEET ASPARTAME
AminoSweet aspartame, with its unique sugar-like taste, provides food and drink manufacturers with the ideal sweetener for formulation of the best tasting reduced sugar and sugar-free products. The company refers that for this reason it's not surprising that products sweetened with aspartame are preferred by hundreds of millions of consumers all over the world. Numerous taste tests have shown that people simply cannot tell the difference between products sweetened with AminoSweet and those sweetened with sugar.
www.aminosweet.eu

VERON^® GMS+ BY AB ENZYMES
VERON^® GMS+ is the most recent addition to the well-known VERON^® baking enzymes range. Monoglycerides are widely used emulsifiers in the baking ingredients industry. Previously available enzyme solutions were a long way off from achieving an identical texture profile to that of monoglycerides. AB Enzymes explains that VERON^® GMS+ was specifically designed to achieve exactly the same crumb texture profile and crumb structure in yeast raised baked goods using a patent-pending amylolytic enzyme acting synergistically in combination with a lipolytic enzyme. Moreover, the company underlines that VERON^® GMS+ works regardless of the type of monoglyceride previously used in the bread improver formulation such as powdered mono- and diglycerides or distilled monoglycerides. Cost-in-use of VERON^® GMS+ is substantially lower compared with monoglycerides. Ralf Neumann, Customer Solutions Director at AB Enzymes reported: “During our pre-marketing tests we received very positive feedback from our field test partners who were very excited about the performance of VERON^® GMS+ […] While the initial development of VERON^® GMS+ was only aimed at full monoglyceride replacement of standard monoglyceride dosages of up to 0.5 percent, its unique performance has allowed us to use it for the partial replacement of even higher monoglyceride dosages and in addition partially replace standard dosages of SSL/CSL as a valuable side benefit”.
www.abenzymes.com

TO DEVELOP METHOD FOR DETECTING ARSENIC IN APPLE JUICE
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has announced that its Dionex ICS-5000 reagent-free ion chromatography system can be coupled with the Thermo Scientific XSERIES 2 ICP-Q-MS to create a proven IC-ICP-MS method for detecting trace elements, including levels of organic and inorganic arsenic in apple juice. Thermo Fisher’s highly sensitive and selective equipment can distinguish between both inorganic and organic types of arsenic. The distinction is important, as inorganic forms of arsenic are highly toxic whereas organic forms are not. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is sometimes found in drinking water and fruit juices, entering during agricultural and industrial processes. Because typical levels of total arsenic found in apple juice are lower than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water maximum contaminant level, apple juice is generally considered safe and is currently not regulated. John W. Plohetski, vice president and general manager, ion chromatography/sample preparation business unit at Thermo Fisher refers: “Thermo Fisher has developed a highly sensitive and specific method for analysing arsenic levels in apple juice […] The ability to distinguish between organic and inorganic forms of arsenic is critical, and our equipment is sensitive enough to capture that data accurately and reliably”.
www.thermofisher.com

STABILIZING OIL-IN-WATER EMULSIONS
WACKER is unveiling a novel solution for stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions with the help of alpha-cyclodextrin. The company explains that the ring-shaped molecules, bioengineered from starch, are ideally suited as emulsifiers for foods containing a mixed oil-and-water phase. In addition, alpha-cyclodextrin adds texture, allowing, “mouth feel” to be adjusted as required. Moreover Wacker adds that since emulsions produced with alpha-cyclodextrin remain stable even at high temperatures, this product is ideal as an emulsifier in salad dressings, mayonnaises, dessert creams and margarine, for example. A particular advantage is that purely vegetarian-grade cyclodextrins are cholesterol-free, non-allergenic and manufactured from renewable raw materials. Furthermore, alpha-cyclodextrin is ideal as a soluble fibre and has a demonstrably beneficial effect on blood cholesterol and the glycaemic index, as the company refers. Nutritionists recommend consuming about 25 to 30 grams of fibre daily; most people in advanced Western economies eat much less. Adding dietary fibre to food, though, often has disadvantages, given the fibre’s poor solubility and the risk of food discoloration.
www.wacker.com

FULLY SOLVENT-FREE PROCESS PRODUCING STANDARD CANOLA OIL AND NEW CANOLA ISOLATED PROTEINS
At one time, all oil seeds were processed only through natural processes: without the use of solvents. Now, solvents such as hexane are used almost universally in processing soy and other oilseeds. With the advent of broad-based marketing of Natural, Non-GMO and Organic certified products, it becomes even more crucial to consider the implications of processing technologies. The elimination of solvents has been a dream of processors for years, but most have been handcuffed by use of existing facilities and technologies. Aqueous extraction, which uses a water-based solution to dissolve or wash out material from the seed, has long promised a solution. BioExx has worked towards the highest sustainability and minimum environmental impacts during production of oil and protein from oilseed. The company’s most recent advance has been the implementation of a fully solvent-free process producing standard canola oil and new canola isolated proteins for food and feed applications. The primary product is an isolated protein (~84 percent protein) high in well-balanced protein, appropriate for addition to food systems including nutritional applications, bakery and meat products. BioExx’s integrated plant is now able to process raw whole canola seed through true cold pressing and enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction, to produce food-grade proteins and oil without the use of any organic solvents, marking a major step forward in the oilseed-processing field.
www.bioexx.com

RANDOX ACUSERA IMMUNOASSAY PREMIUM PLUS CONTROL
Most people are aware of the essential role Vitamin D plays in maintaining strong bones and muscles however many people are shocked to learn of the link between Vitamin D deficiency and serious health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, auto-immune disorders and cardiovascular disease. In light of this and recent research indicating approximately half of the world’s population are Vitamin D deficient it’s not surprising the demand for Vitamin D testing is so high. As the demand for Vitamin D testing increases so does the demand for accurate and reliable test results. The Randox Acusera immunoassay premium plus control is designed to monitor the accuracy and precision of up to 54 analytes including 25-OH Vitamin D and 1-25(OH)2 Vitamin D. In addition to this instrument specific target values are provided for a wide range of fertility hormones, thyroid hormones, steroid hormones, kidney function tests, therapeutic drugs and tumour markers.
www.randox.com

SEPPIC PRESENTS STEVIA SWEETENERS MADE WITH STEVIA
SEPPIC recently presented a full range of Stevia sweeteners made with stevia. The company underlines that this range meets the new European regulations applicable as of December 2, 2011. The company reports that four new products (REBATENTM 90 percent, REBATENTM 80 percent, REBATENTM 60 percent and Steviten LightTM) will join REBATENTM 97 percent in the range. These products, with respective rebaudioside A concentrations of 90, 80, 60 and 10 percent, offer a number of solutions for the food industry (beverages, dairy products, ice cream, chewing gum, cereals, dietary supplements, etc.). The company adds that this range features an extremely high level of purity.
www.seppic.com

NEW AND ENHANCED VERSION OF INNOVATE.IM SOFTWARE
Celsis has released a new and enhanced version of Innovate.im software for the Celsis Innovate™ system that is used worldwide by dairy, food and beverage manufacturers to screen products for microbial contamination, as the company reports. They underline that the Celsis Rapid Detection system shortens product and ingredient testing times from 4-14 days to as few as 24-48 hours. Scott Scdoris, Director of Food & Beverage for Celsis explains: “Faster testing cycles help manufacturers be more responsive to customers, prevent contamination from spreading, and reduce costs for inventory and warehousing […] The new Innovate.im software also provides secure, remote and real-time access to testing data, so company executives are better prepared to monitor and respond to potential consumer health risks”. Mary Kamm, Director of Research and Quality at Byrne Dairy adds: “The new Celsis Innovate.im software allows us to more efficiently manage test results from our complex operations; thereby allowing us to ensure the highest standards of product quality for our customers. In particular we benefit from the new Celsis software being compatible with the new Windows operating systems, allowing us to upgrade our laboratory computers. It is also compatible with our LIMS system, allowing for efficient data transfer to our quality assurance testing database”.
www.celsis.com

ARTINIA^® IS AN INNOVATIVE, GLUTEN-FREE FIBER INGREDIENT
ARTINIA^® is an innovative, gluten-free fibre ingredient that supports healthy arteries. Stratum Nutrition announces that the Taiwanese Food and Drug Administration has recently approved the innovative chitin-glucan fibre from Aspergillus niger, branded ARTINIA^®, as a food ingredient that can be used without any restriction. The company refers that extensive data on product applications such as dairy products, cereals and cereal bars, pastas, baking products, shakes have been generated and are available on request.
www.EU.StratumNutrition.com

NUTRILAC: EGG REPLACEMENT PRODUCT BY ARLA FOOD INGREDIENTS
The Welfare of Laying Hens Directive has come into force across the EU starting from 1st January 2012. It prevents hens being kept in cages with less than 45cm of headroom and 750cm2 of floor space. It also obliges egg producers to provide perches and litter to allow the hens to nest, peck and scratch. However, as many as 13 countries across the European Union, including Spain, Italy and Poland, have admitted that their egg industries will not be ready to meet the new requirements in time for the New Year, sparking fears of availability problems and higher prices. The looming crisis has prompted Arla Foods Ingredients to urge bakery manufacturers to consider using egg replacement products – such as NUTRILAC – to protect themselves from growing uncertainty in the market. John Gelley, Sales Director for EU Bakery at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “No-one knows for sure what impact the Directive will have. But with so many member states admitting that they are unprepared for the changes, there are worrying signs that bakers could face difficulties sourcing sufficient eggs for their needs or, at the very least, significantly higher prices […] Egg replacement ingredients, such as our own NUTRILAC range, offer the perfect solution to avoiding this uncertainty. They perform just like eggs in a host of bakery applications, and enable companies to maintain product quality and all-important clean label status”.
www.arlafoodsingredients.com

“MEAT EXTENDER”: TEXTURED PEA PROTEIN
Textured vegetable protein is obtained through extrusion. This enables the structure of the proteins to be changed through mechanical and thermal stress to a sheet structure with a more or less fibrous aspect. ROQUETTE refers that up to now mainly limited to the proteins obtained from wheat and soybean, the textured vegetable proteins offer is being expanded: with the development of textured pea protein, the vegetable protein texturizing experts SOTEXPRO and the starch manufacturer ROQUETTE are together opening up new innovation prospects for the meat and ready-made meals industry. The company underlines that marketed by SOTEXPRO under the brand name Texta pois 65/70, this innovative texturizing solution is obtained by extrusion-cooking process. They explain that after rehydration the textured pea protein has a fibrous aspect and a texture comparable with that of meat. This functional characteristic is valued in many prepared-meat applications and in ready-made and vegetarian meals, etc. This “meat extender” could be a partial substitute for meat in burgers, meatballs, chicken nuggets, etc. For example, as the company underlines, in a typical burger steak the rehydrated textured pea protein in combination with beef can represent up to 30 percent and more of the end product. Without any vegetable aftertaste, the pea protein guarantees the texture and juiciness of the finished product.
www.roquette-food.com

ALGAE-DERIVED DHA OMEGA-3 FOR HEALTH
DSM Nutritional Products has showcased algae-derived DHA omega-3 and has emphasized the multiple health benefits of DHA. The company explains that DHA is a major structural fat in the brain and retina accounting for up to 97 percent of the omega-3 fats in the brain and up to 93 percent of the omega-3 fats in the retina. It is also a key component of the heart. The company reports that it could be an important ingredient to improve learning and memory skills, DHA can also reduce the risk of vision loss in older people and moreover several studies underline a strong relationship between the consumption of DHA and the maintenance of normal (fasting) blood concentrations of triglycerides for heart health. John Dobson, Head of Market Development life’sDHA explains: “We are looking forward to showcasing the significant heart, brain and eye health benefits of DHA […] DHA is an essential nutrient that should be consumed as part of a healthy diet. Our life’s DHA is a vegetarian DHA derived from algae and can be used as a supplement, as well as an ingredient in a range of foods and beverages. Not only does it help support brain, eye and heart healthy, it is also a vegetarian alternative to fish oil omega-3”.
www.dsm.com

SUPERBATM KRILL OIL SUPPLEMENTATION: BENEFICIAL EFFECTS ON HEART FUNCTION
SuperbaTM Krill oil supplementation recently demonstrated beneficial effects on heart function in an experimental model of heart failure (study published in BMC Lipids in Health and Disease). Pre-treatment with krill oil attenuated left ventricular dilatation and hypertrophy after myocardial infarction. The study was performed by researchers at Oslo University Hospital, Norway, and included 53 male rats divided into three treatment groups: a control group, a group pre-treated with krill oil, and a group given SuperbaTM Krill oil only after induction of myocardial infarction. Researchers refer that animals pre-treated with krill oil showed significant attenuation of left ventricular dilatation, heart weight and lung weight, as compared to the placebo group. These effects were accompanied with reduced expression of genes involved in left ventricular stress, matrix remodelling and inflammation. Kjetil Berge, R&D Director of Aker BioMarine Antarctic explains: "The health benefits of krill oil have been previously revealed through numerous studies and clinical trials. Previous studies have shown that krill oil increases the level of EPA and DHA in heart tissue, but this is the first study to indicate beneficial effects on a hard end-point like myocardial infarction".
www.lipidworld.com/content/10/1/245

BUSINESS

FOOD SAFETY SYSTEM CERTIFICATION (FSSC) 22000 TO RHODIA
The FSSC (Food Safety System Certification) 22000 certification scheme was benchmarked as best in class by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and helps secure food safety standards within the production process of the supply chain. The scheme is managed by the Foundation for Food Safety Certification located in the Netherlands and specifically targets the food-manufacturing sector and is based on the internationally recognised standard ISO 22000 and the PAS 220. Rhodia Aroma Performance’s production site in Saint-Fons, France and its sister site at Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the U.S.A., where they manufacture the company’s flagship vanillin and ethyl-vanillin brands Rhovanil® and Rhodiarome®, have been awarded the prestigious Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000. Vincent Lajotte, Aroma Ingredients Business Director of Rhodia Aroma Performance refers: “A year ago, together with Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and involving the entire organisation we set a goal to better serve our customers and took the necessary and structured steps to ensure that our manufacturing processes at our plants in both France and the USA complied with the most stringent and internationally recognised FSSC criteria”.
www.rhodia.com

BBB- CREDIT RATING TO BARRY CALLEBAUT AG
Barry Callebaut has announced that Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P), one of the most important providers of credit ratings, assigned a BBB- credit rating to Barry Callebaut AG, up from BB+. The rating's outlook is stable. Standard & Poor's also upgraded Barry Callebaut's unsecured bonds and revolving credit facility to BBB-. Standard and Poor's upgrade to investment grade reflects Barry Callebaut's proven track record and improved financial metrics showing consistency and sustainability over time, also in challenging market environments with volatile raw material prices. The new rating is maintained by the company's diversified product and geographic position, alongside its cost-plus pricing model, which enables Barry Callebaut to pass on price increases in raw material prices to its customers, as well as the steady levels of demand from its broad customer base. Victor Balli, CFO of Barry Callebaut, said: "After having received investment grade by Moody's in May this year, the upgrade of Standard & Poor's marks another important achievement for our company. Our balance sheet and cash flow discipline as well as the constant strengthening of our financial metrics over the past years helped us to reach this goal".
www.barry-callebaut.com

INDENA HAS REFERRED THAT IT HAS RECEIVED KOSHER CERTIFICATION FROM KLBD
Indena has referred that it has received kosher certification from KLBD (Kashrut Division of the London Beth Din) for its Leucoselect® and Enovita® grape seed extract ingredients. Indena has worked extensively with KLBD in London for a number of years and has certified a number of its ingredients. The company explains that the kosher certification for Indena's grape seed extracts required extensive site inspections by Rabbi Akiva Padwa, Director of Certification, reviewing the entire process from harvest, through preparation of the seeds to the extraction of the polyphenols. The company underlines that grape seed extracts are a rich source of a complex mixture of polyphenols, containing a characteristic signature of catechins, procyanidins and proanthocyanidins. Indena’s grape seed extracts have been shown to provide more antioxidant power than vitamin C and E and proved, among others activities, to be effective in improving antioxidant defences and counteracting the oxidative stress. Christian Artaria, Marketing Director & Head of Functional Food Development for Indena said: “We were delighted to go through the auditing process because KLBD is recognised by our customers as an international kosher agency. Certification is opening up markets and helping to make business easier”.
www.indena.com

DSM NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS HAS ANNOUNCED A WORLDWIDE PRICE INCREASE
Following the recent acquisition of Vitatene S.A.U., DSM Nutritional Products has announced a worldwide price increase of minimum 20 percent for all BetaNat product forms with immediate effect for all newly contracted business. Rick Greubel, President of Human Nutrition and Health commented: “The price increase is essential for us to ensure the long term viability of the business". The company assures that existing contracts will be fully honoured.
www.dsm.com

GPC ANNOUNCES “LOOSE CORN GLUTEN FEED”
Grain Processing Corporation is pleased to announce that the name for its LoPro DDGS product has changed to “Loose Corn Gluten Feed” to more accurately reflect the product’s attributes. Loose Corn Gluten Feed has been highly accepted in both domestic and global markets for years and is widely used in beef and dairy rations. The company assures that customers can continue to expect the same high quality feed from GPC, just with a new name.
www.grainprocessing.com

“A” GRADE STATUS FOR TATE & LYLE'S SPLENDA^® SUCRALOSE PLANT
All food-processing facilities in Singapore are categorised by the AVA Food Safety Excellence Scheme using four grades − A (Excellent), B (Good), C (Average) and D (Pass) −, which are based on compliance with strict hygiene and food safety standards. Tate & Lyle's SPLENDA^® Sucralose plant in Singapore has been awarded “A” grade status, the highest grade possible, from the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore for the fourth consecutive year. This result was achieved during AVA’s annual food safety audit and continues the plant’s outstanding record since it began operations in 2007. Jim Cornelissen, Plant Manager of the SPLENDA^® Sucralose plant in Singapore refers: “Grade A status acknowledges our team’s total commitment to industry excellence and we are proud to have achieved the highest grade every year since our first audit […] The A grading reflects our continuously improving quality procedures and recognises our exemplary production methods”.
www.tateandlyle.com

WEMA: WATER EFFICIENT MAIZE FOR AFRICA
Maize is the most important staple in Kenya that is consumed by 96 percent of the population while providing 40 percent of calorie requirements. Smallholder farmers produce an estimated 70 to 80 percent of maize in Kenya but climatic vagaries including drought have contributed to declining crop yield. Kenya is currently a net maize importer as production of the staple at farm level fail to match increased demand from a growing population. The Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) is a public-private partnership initiative formed in 2008 to explore novel ways of utilizing conventional advanced breeding and biotechnology to develop drought tolerant maize for smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa. James Gethi, coordinator of WEMA in Kenya, said: "The purpose of this project is to increase drought tolerance in hybrid seeds to significantly boost yield stability". Kenya is among five African countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa where the project is being executed with funding from the Gates Foundation. The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) negotiated for the technology on behalf of African countries, while Monsanto and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), are providing germplasm, and breeding biotechnology. The national agriculture research centres in the five countries are testing the efficacy of WEMA at confined field trials. Gethi revealed that confined field trials extend up to 2017 when the regulator confirms the viability of this technology for mass adoption. Moreover Gethi reiterated that success of WEMA project would replicate in other arid and semi-arid parts of the country where erratic rains have adversely impacted on maize production. Seed companies are keen on scaling up adoption of improved maize varieties among smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa.
www.coastweek.com

NEW SERIES TO HELP FOOD SCIENTISTS, CHEMISTS, STUDENTS, PROFESSORS, MANAGERS
D.D. Williamson has referred it launched a new series to help food scientists, chemists, students, professors, managers and others in the food and beverage industry stay informed, grow their business to its full potential and expand into untapped markets. The company assures that the new Expert Answers series helps to answer questions and provide relevant industry information. D.D. Williamson explains that this series features a combination of video interviews, articles and transcripts sharing the knowledge of leading food and beverage industry experts both inside and outside DDW. The short video and upcoming article format lets viewers easily share interesting information with their colleagues, friends, students or anyone else who might be interested in learning more. From colour trends to regulatory information, the Expert Answers Video Series provides brief, focused interviews with experts inside and outside DDW. The company assures that new interviews will be added on a regular basis going forward.
www.ddwilliamson.com/expertanswers

VITAE CAPS HAS DECIDED TO CHANGE ITS CORPORATE IDENTITY
Vitae Caps has decided to change its corporate identity. As of 2012, its new name, Vitae Naturals, will truly reflect its mission, to create top-of-the-line, extremely pure natural products that not only enhance people’s health and well being but also add value to the company and its customers, using raw materials and processes that support environmental conservation. The company refers that the success of Vitae Naturals builds on a highly qualified team in which creativity and collaboration flourish, their flexibility to adjust to the changing needs of each customer, continuous research to update products and satisfy new market demands, and continuous improvement of the production process to optimise and improve yields. Moreover, due to the confusion generated by including the word “caps”’ in the company’s name, it was decided to make history – again – by renewing both their image and name. The “natural” concept is highlighted, both due to its composition and the use of the new corporate colours and typographies. The change of name keeps both the expertise and recognition associated with the “Vitae” brand and incorporates “Naturals”, the value added of the brand, with the aim of building a characteristic, easy-to-remember and distinctive name. Moreover, the new logo is based on two main elements that illustrate Vitae Naturals’ objectives, one being a heart symbolising well being, health and what is natural, and the other being the Vitae products depicted as a droplet of oil. Both elements unite in a subtle and elegant “V” from the word Vitae. Both the name and the logo are accompanied by the slogan “Manufacturers of Wellness”. www.vitaenaturals.com

NATUREX TO ACQUIRE 100 PERCENT OF THE CAPITAL OF ZPOW PEKTOWIN SA
NATUREX has announced it has reached an agreement with the Polish Industrial Development Agency (Agencja Rozwoju Przemyslu S.A - ARP), to acquire 100 percent of the capital of ZPOW PEKTOWIN SA (PEKTOWIN), a Polish company based in Jaslo (South-East of the country), specialized in the production of apple and citrus pectins, fruit and vegetable juice concentrates and, for a smaller proportion, the preparation of processed food products. The company underlines that thanks to the acquisition of PEKTOWIN, NATUREX can gain a new production capacity in the field of juice concentrates. Moreover, the company refers that PEKTOWIN is one of the main Polish producers of fruit (mainly apples) and vegetable (especially red beets and black radishes) juice concentrates, and produces over 6,000 tons of concentrates each year. This industrial tool will enable NATUREX to broaden its product range to fruit and vegetable juice concentrates in order, on one hand, to supply its factories in Switzerland, specialized in fruit and vegetable powders from concentrates, on the other hand, to feed its new range of colours, Vegebrite™ (new offering of "colouring Foodstuffs"), and lastly to offer its customers, a complete range of fruit and vegetable juice concentrates.
www.naturex.com

BASF & RENMATIX FOR INDUSTRIAL SUGAR
Industrial sugars are important renewable resources for the chemical industry and can be used, for example, to produce biofuels or basic chemical products and intermediates by fermentative processes. BASF has announced it is participating with $30 million through BASF Biorenewable Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG in the American technology firm Renmatix Inc. The BASF subsidiary led a $50 million financing round, joined by new and existing investors. The technology company Renmatix has developed the Plantrose™ platform. With this patented process, industrial sugar can be produced from lignocellulosic biomass (wood, cane trash or straw). This technology makes it possible for the first time to produce industrial sugar in large quantities and at competitive cost from non-edible plant mass. Josef R. Wünsch, Senior Vice President Modelling, Formulation Research and Technology Incubation at BASF reports: “The Plantrose technology could allow us in the future to broaden our use of renewable raw materials while improving the cost effectiveness of our value chains even further. In the partnership with Renmatix, BASF is pursuing a new direction while simultaneously underlining its corporate strategy of offering even more sustainable solutions”. Mike Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer at Renmatix underlines: “Thanks to the partnership with BASF we can now develop and commercialize our technology more efficient. We have already demonstrated the functionality of the Plantrose process in a pilot plant. In cooperation with BASF, we will be moving it to the industrial scale”.
www.basf.com

STEVIA REFERENCE STANDARDS
LGC Standards has assembled the largest and most up-to-date range of stevia reference standards in Europe, including an exclusive series of standards for the JECFA analytical method. These standards provide laboratories that are undertaking the determination of steviol glycosides in food and beverages according to the JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) method, with one complete kit containing all nine compounds required.
www.lgcstandards.com

VION ACQUIRED EASTMAN GEL
On December 30 2011, VION acquired Eastman Gel from the Eastman Kodak Company. Eastman Gel is based in Peabody (Mass. USA). The company explains that Eastman Gel will be part of VION Ingredients activity Rousselot. It is considered as an opportunity to strengthen Rousselots’ position in both growing pharma-markets and its current position in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The company refers that the acquisition contributes to Rousselots’ strategy of worldwide presence in gelatine and proximity to customers and will add to their leading position in gelatine manufacturing worldwide.
www.vionfood.com

TEREOS SYRAL ACQUIRES
Tereos Syral and Féculerie d’Haussimont’s shareholders, SPhere and Société Coopérative Agricole Féculière de Haussimont (SCAF), have agreed to buy a majority stake by Tereos Syral in Féculerie d’Haussimont, which has changed its name to Syral Haussimont. The company refers that Tereos Syral now holds a 75 percent interest in the capital of the starch producer, alongside SCAF (20 percent) and SPhere (5 percent). Moreover the company explains that Syral Haussimont has joined Tereos Syral’s starch products business, while maintaining the early-stage support of raw materials suppliers (SCAF) and the later-stage support of a client that plays an active role in the bioplastics industry (SPhere).
www.tereos-syral.com

DELAVAL AMR™ HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GOLDEN HOOF
DeLaval AMR™ has been awarded the Golden Hoof at the Agribex 2011 exhibition in Belgium. Jonas Hällman, Director Automatic Milking Systems VMS and AMR refers: “We are very proud to be awarded the Golden Hoof for DeLaval AMR™”. DeLaval AMR™ is designed to accelerate the dairy farmer’s transition from milking management to total farm management. It can help dairy farmers grow profitably by working smarter to drive greater efficiency, productivity and business sustainability”.
www.delaval.com

NEWTRICIOUS RECENTLY COMPLETED ITS FIRST FINANCING ROUND
Newtricious is a life sciences company that develops food products, which may contribute to the maintenance of human health and well-being. Newtricious recently completed its first financing round successfully with a consortium of investors, consisting of the Brabant Life Sciences Seed Fund (BLSF), the Industry Bank LIOF, Nedermaas Hightech Ventures and the innovation fund of the Limburg province. Furthermore, an Innovation Credit has been obtained from Agentschap NL (part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Innovation); and a credit was also obtained from Rabobank Venray. With the development of its first products, Newtricious is focusing on the maintenance of health in people at risk for chronic diseases such as macular degeneration and cardiovascular illnesses. Newtricious will soon open an office in s-Hertogenbosch where it will perform part of its activities in the fields of R&D, business development and project management. Jos Nelissen, founder and CEO of Newtricious, is delighted with this investment: “With these investment funds we get strategic partners in our company who fully support our vision and strategy, and who will help us to further develop these. It gives us the financial room and the possibilities to accelerate the realization of our innovative development strategy, and to bring our products to the market in collaboration with commercial partners – in order to make them rapidly available for consumers worldwide”.
www.newtricious.nl

MAGPRO2LIFE: SOLAE IS LEADING A FOUR-YEAR €11 MILLION RESEARCH PROJECT
Solae is leading a four-year €11 million research project – MagPro2Life - funded by the 7th Framework Programme of the European Union (EU) Commission that includes researchers from Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The company refers that the main aim of the project is to use smart magnetic particles to extract beneficial components during the processing of food, pharma and feed. Torkel Rhenman, Solae CEO refers: "This technology, even though in the early stages, could be a game-changer for how proteins are separated, resulting in enhanced functionality and nutrition. Achievement of these milestones is significant because this novel technology has never been applied in the food industry […] It could be very flexible in separating many different protein sources, producing proteins with unique properties and health benefits". Sarah Martin, senior director of applied research at Solae adds: “This project will lead to new specialty ingredients that no one is able to economically produce with the current technology […] And the new process will allow production of specialty proteins for significantly lower than the current cost of production”.
www.solae.com

DUPONT AND NEXSTEPPE HAVE ENTERED INTO A COLLABORATION
DuPont and NexSteppe have entered into a collaboration to develop advanced feedstocks for biofuels, bio power and biobased products. The collaboration will focus on the development of new sweet sorghum and high biomass sorghum hybrids, which will create additional feedstock options for these rapidly evolving industries. “We’re using science-based innovation and collaboration to develop scalable, sustainable feedstock options for the biobased industries” said John Bedbrook, vice president for DuPont Agricultural Biotechnology. Anna Rath, NexSteppe founder and CEO, added: “Collaborations like this one with NexSteppe will provide new opportunities for growers to address the rising demand for secure, environmentally sustainable and affordable alternatives to fossil fuels […] Sorghum is a crop with significant genetic diversity and great potential that has received relatively little research attention and funding. Combining DuPont’s world-class research and development capabilities with our industry knowledge, experienced team and singular focus, we will be able to rapidly improve the crop to produce feedstocks tailored to the needs of the biofuels, biopower and biobased products industries”.
www.dupont.com
www.nexsteppe.com

FRUTAROM INDUSTRIES LTD. HAS SIGNED AN AGREEMENT
The President and Chief Executive Officer of Frutarom, Ori Yehudai refers: “After five acquisitions completed in 2011, Frutarom is opening 2012 with an additional acquisition, which continues to strengthen its activities in the savoury segment in Europe and in developing markets. This is an additional step towards strengthening Frutarom’s position in the UK market, where Frutarom in currently a leading sweet flavours manufacturer”. Frutarom Industries Ltd. has signed an agreement for the acquisition of the British company Savoury Flavours (Holding) Ltd. and its subsidiaries (“SFL”). Frutarom’s Savory activities throughout the world have increased significantly over the past few years following the acquisition of Nesse, Gewurzmuller and Ch. Hansen, acquired by Frutarom in 2006, 2007 and 2009 respectively, and the acquisition of EAFI, the savoury activities of Rieber and of Ch. Hansen and FSI in 2011. The acquisition of SFL will allow Frutarom, as the company explains, to expand its savoury product portfolio and expand activities in developing markets.
www.frutarom.com

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES CONSUMPTION: IS ENOUGH?
The WHO estimates that in more than half of the countries of the WHO European Region the consumption is lower than 400 g per day of fruit and vegetables, and in one third of the countries the average intake is less than 300 g per day. EFSA’s analysis based on national dietary surveys suggests that the recommended amount is reached only in 4 of the 16 participating EU Member States. Most of the benefit of consuming fruit and vegetables comes from a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, but fruit and vegetables may also reduce the risk of certain cancers. WHO has estimated that insufficient intake of fruit and vegetables causes around 14 percent of gastrointestinal cancer deaths, about 11 percent of ischaemic heart disease deaths and about 9 percent of stroke deaths worldwide. In general, girls and women consume larger amounts of fruit and vegetables than do boys and men. This seems to be the case also for pre-school children. There is no simple answer to the question why females eat more fruit and vegetables than males. It has also been suggested that girls like fruit and vegetables more than do boys and hence they eat more of them. Why that is, however, remains unclear. Age also appears to influence fruit and vegetable consumption. In children and adolescents, consumption tends to decrease with age. In adults, the relation between age and intake is inversed, i.e. intake levels increase with age. Children’s fruit and vegetable intake levels are related to how much their parents consume. There is also a relationship between family rules and children’s vegetable intake. Pressure to eat fruit and vegetables does not have any positive effect on intake in children. However, consumption can be enhanced when parents are good role models and encourage children to eat fruit and vegetable. Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is one of the goals identified in the European Commission's White Paper on Nutrition from 2007, which among other things addresses childhood obesity in Europe. In the concluding remarks of the White Paper, it is stated that a "School Fruit Scheme would be a step in the right direction". This has become reality and an EU-wide scheme to provide fruit and vegetables to schoolchildren started in the school year 2009/2010. There are already national initiatives in place aiming at increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in children. Examples of such programmes are: SchoolGruiten – The Netherlands (http://schoolgruiten.kennisnet.nl/); Frugtkvarter – Denmark (http://www.frugtkvarter.dk/); 5 am Tag – Germany (http://www.5amtag.de/); 3x3 – Hungary (http://www.3x3.hu/); Fruitness – Italy (http://www.fruitness.eu/); 5 al dia – Spain (http://www.5aldia.com/); 5 a day – UK (http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/5ADAY/Pages/5ADAYhome.aspx); Un fruit pour la récré – France (http://agriculture.gouv.fr/un-fruit-pour-la-recre); All day long – Belgium (http://www.alldaylong.be/); Food dudes – Ireland (http://www.fooddudes.co.uk/).
www.eufic.org

PEOPLE

Half a century in public health service, Russia’s head dietician celebrates his 70th birthday



This month, the nutrition community around the globe pays tribute to Victor Tutelyan, Russia’s most honored food scientist and renowned expert in safety and regulation. Director General of Russian Institute of Nutrition Victor Tutelyan celebrates seventieth anniversary just few months after he was elected to the secretary of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. Celebrations held in Moscow on 8 February 2012, attracted top government officials, ministers of Health and Social Security, famous scientists and doctors from across Russia. Personal statements were received from the President’s administration and Prime-minister’s office. Author of Russian food law and technical regulation as well as 8 monographs and 600 papers, academician Victor Tutelyan has been widely known for his work in mycotoxicology and nutrition hygiene. He currently serves as an appointed expert of the World Health Organization in food safety. He is also a leading expert in the health group under the US-Russia bilateral presidential commission. “Victor is an ultimate authority when it comes to food regulation and research in this country,”- says President of Medical Science Academy Ivan Dedov. “Today, we also celebrate his 50 years of service to the public health and academia that provide a grand example of personal dedication and achievement”.