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Global Alliance for Probiotics: There is a “discord” between science and claims

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.

Japanese dairy firms address consumer radiation concerns

03-Feb-2012 - Top Japanese dairy companies have announced that they are set to begin screening products for radiation at around 180 factories, in response to growing consumer concerns about radioactivity levels in food.

FDA takes action against unsanitary cheese factory

01-Feb-2012 - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking action to halt production at a New York cheese manufacturing facility after numerous food safety failures.

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act hits low-fat flavoured milk

01-Feb-2012 - The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published regulations governing US school meal programmes that will eliminate low-fat flavoured milk from reimbursable meal options for children.

Silver-ion silicone boosts dairy processing safety – developer

27-Jan-2012 - A silver ion-laced silicone material that absorbs and destroys pathogens such as E.coli and Salmonella will ensure safety standards are met in the dairy sector, its developer has claimed.

'Our competitors will be laughing all the way to the bank': Fonterra savages mooted milk regulation changes

25-Jan-2012 - Dairy giant Fonterra has reacted angrily to New Zealand (NZ) government proposals that its member farmers provide more milk to competitors, insisting the move will ‘line foreign pockets’ and ‘handcuff’ the firm.

Spanish regulator condemns sterol-cholesterol ads

25-Jan-2012 - The Spanish manufacturer of a plant sterol drink has been told to amend cholesterol-lowering claims for being too ambiguous in dosage and making unsubstantiated disease reduction claims.

Belgian baby formula-linked Salmonella outbreak sickens 16 in Russia

24-Jan-2012 - Tainted powdered milk formula from Belgium has been recalled in Russia after more than a dozen babies were struck down with Salmonellosis.

‘Cheese makes you chubby’ New York billboards scream

20-Jan-2012 - The US-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has taken shock tactics to consumers by posting two huge billboards in New York warning of what it claims are the obesity-related dangers of eating cheese.

Academics attempt to bridge probiotic science and marketing gap

18-Jan-2012 - “Currently, there is a gap between the point where the biomedical science ends (with the publication of a paper in a scientific journal) and the point where the business begins (with the claim for a health benefit).”

Spotlight

Parmalat set to re-enter US dairy market after ‘intragroup acquisition’

Parmalat set to re-enter US dairy market after ‘intragroup acquisition’

Parmalat has completed the “intragroup acquisition” of Lactalis American Group Inc. (LAG) – a move that will...

FrieslandCampina ‘regrets’ Balkan dairy acquisition collapse

FrieslandCampina ‘regrets’ Balkan dairy acquisition collapse

Royal FreislandCampina (FC) has expressed “regret” following the end of talks surrounding the acquisitions of two Balkan-based...

Arla Foods announces massive proposed merger with UK Milk Link

Arla Foods announces massive proposed merger with UK Milk Link

Dairy co-operative Arla Foods has announced a proposed merger with Milk Link – a move that will...

Nature’s One step-up efforts to cut arsenic levels in baby formula

Nature’s One step-up efforts to cut arsenic levels in baby formula

Organic infant formula manufacturer Nature’s One will step-up its efforts to minimise and eliminate the presence of...

Cheese intake during pregnancy may reduce childhood tooth decay - study

Cheese intake during pregnancy may reduce childhood tooth decay - study

A high intake of cheese during pregnancy may reduce the risk of dental decay during childhood, a...

Shanghai innovation centre will tap into Chinese dairy demands - Fonterra

Shanghai innovation centre will tap into Chinese dairy demands - Fonterra

Dairy giant Fonterra has announced the opening of a new Shanghai-based innovation centre, in its latest effort...