Regulation & Safety

02-Mar-2012 - The newly formed Global Alliance for Probiotics (GAP) has issued its first public statement, affirming that a complete rethink of probiotic health claim rules is required in the European Union, and forwarding industry rights to take part in that process.

Nitrogen conversion factor issue risks ‘undervaluing’ quality dairy protein, Volac

28-Feb-2012 - The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has dismissed industry claims that a newly published scientific opinion that sets nitrogen conversion factors (NCFs) to calculate food protein content risks penalising dairy products vis-à-vis lower quality sources of the nutrient.

Arla Ingman accuses Valio of squeezing rivals with Finnish milk monopoly

24-Feb-2012 - Arla Ingman and other producers have filed a complaint with Finland’s competition authority regarding market leader Valio, alleging the firm has abused its position to maintain a liquid milk market monopoly, a claim the latter denies.

Fonterra butter recall vital to protect brand synonymous with New Zealand dairy, expert

23-Feb-2012 - Fonterra’s recall decision concerning 410,000 packs of butter was the right thing to do, and action to this front to protect its brand image was crucial, according to a top UK-based food safety expert.

Lesaffre submits probiotic ‘intestinal comfort’ health claim to EFSA

22-Feb-2012 - The human nutrition division of French yeast and probiotic specialist Lesaffre says a new probiotic dossier will win Europe’s first ever probiotic health claim due to the existence of, “3-4 proprietary studies”.

Danone launches new global probiotics group to “talk with lawmakers”

22-Feb-2012 - Danone has formed the Global Alliance for Probiotics (GAP) with other sector giants like Yakult, DuPont-Danisco and Chr Hansen as the frustrated industry seeks to win a first European Union health claim.

‘It’s just hard cheese’: Tine clarifies import duty call to arms

22-Feb-2012 - Norway’s largest dairy processor Tine has attacked what it claims is an incorrect press report stating it wishes to raise import tariffs for all foreign cheeses.

Sterol and stanol players defend safety record after German review call

21-Feb-2012 - Sterol food players Unilever and Raisio are surprised Germany’s food agency has called for a safety review of the cholesterol-lowering ingredient when, they say, the job has already been performed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Germany calls for plant stanol-sterol safety review over heart health concerns

20-Feb-2012 - Plant sterol and stanol consumption by those like children who do not have raised cholesterol could itself lead to heart problems, the German foods safety agency has said.

Scientist challenges Commission to reconsider saturated fatty acid reduction targets

15-Feb-2012 - A leading scientist has challenged the European Commission to reconsider its current targets aimed at cutting saturated fatty acids in foods upon the basis of the latest science.

Proposed budget increase will 'strengthen' China food safety - FDA

14-Feb-2012 - The US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has requested a budget increase of more than $250m for 2013 – including $10m to strengthen the safety of Chinese produced food.

‘No reports of injury’ says Fonterra after massive butter recall

14-Feb-2012 - Fonterra has recalled 410,000 packs of butter after consumer complaints about the presence of ‘fine metal objects’, and has moved quickly to limit fallout from the incident.

Processor hits back as Russia stokes Ukrainian cheese war

10-Feb-2012 - Russia announced on Tuesday that it had banned cheese imports from Ukraine’s three largest cheese producers due to the presence of vegetable oils, but one processor has hit back at the ban, while reports suggest the move could reflect higher political stakes.

Nestlé defends Nesquik website as CFC demands ASA action on ‘cynical’ child marketing

09-Feb-2012 - Nestlé has leapt to the defence of its Nesquik milk-based drinks brand, after the Children’s Food Campaign (CFC) lodged a ‘super complaint’ with the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), complaining that well-known beverage and food brands were targeting children with 'cynical junk food marketing' practices online.

EDA secretary general says dairy saturated fats conference can challenge perceptions

08-Feb-2012 - A conference held today in Brussels will examine the issue of saturated fat in dairy products, where scientists and legislators will discuss how public health policies fit with the latest science, and EDA president Dr Joop Kleibeuker told DairyReporter.com the event would challenge negative perceptions of saturated fat in dairy products.

New probiotic strains will win health claims (but not for 10-15 years): Prof

03-Feb-2012 - Advances in genomics and understanding the human gut microbiota will lead to the discovery of probiotic bacterial strains that will deliver biomarker-measured health benefits – but it may take 10-15 years, according to a leading researcher.