Culinology Online News

FDA Labeling Guidance Released

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:31:36 PDT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—FDA has released a new guidance letter to the industry regarding point-of-purchase and front-of-package (FOP) labeling. Specifically, FDA is recommending that retailers and food manufacturers maintain a logical connection between shelf and FOP “summary” and “nutrient-specific” symbols and the actual nutritional content of products, and is actively analyzing products ...(215 words)

Baby Food Recall

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:40:49 PDT

EMERYVILLE, Calif.—Plum Organics has issued a voluntary recall for a batch of Apple Carrot Portable Pouch baby food for fear that it might be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. The products have a “best by” date of May 21, 2010.The recall was instigated after the company discovered that the product ...(66 words)

Ethnic Food Sales Strong and Growing

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:06:14 PDT

CHICAGO—According to a new report from Mintel, sales of ethnic foods in America have steadily risen since 2004 and are predicted to hit a record-high $2.2 billion in 2009, with 20% more growth forecasted from 2010 to 2014.The largest share of the ethnic-foods market is taken by Mexican and Hispanic ...(183 words)

The Next Generation of Family Dining

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:49:02 PDT

CHICAGO—A new study from Technomic reveals family-dining restaurants are one of the largest segments of the foodservice industry, representing over $33 billion in sales, $10 billion in purchases and more than 39,000 units. Major chains represent 40% of the business, which means small chains and independents represent a significant opportunity.The ...(122 words)

National Nutrient Database Update

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:03:36 PDT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—USDA’s Agricultural Research Service has released an updated version of its nutrient database, “USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 22,” which includes 200 new entries.The database replaces Release SR21, issued in Sept. 2008, and now includes more than 7,500 food items. Each food item is shown with ...(181 words)

Chocolate Tops for Halloween

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:07:42 PDT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Confectioners Association’s 2009 Halloween Survey revealed that classic chocolate treats and traditional sweets will dominate trick-or-treaters’ selections, with 52% of Americans planning on handing out chocolate Oct. 31.Rounding-out the top-5 Halloween candy treats are hard candy and lollipops (30%), chewy or gummi candy (19%), chewing or bubble ...(91 words)

Restaurant Performance Dips

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:36:33 PDT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Restaurant industry performance softened in August according to a report from the National Restaurant Association. Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) stood at 97.9 in August, down 0.2% from July, marking its third decline in the last four months.“Although the RPI remained below 100 for the 22nd consecutive month, which signals ...(97 words)

SupplySide West Stevia Workshop

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:30:34 PDT

PHOENIX—Virgo Publishing is offering the workshop “Stevia: Trends, Product Development and Regulatory Update” on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 8:30 to 11:30 A.M. after SupplySide West, which will be held Nov. 11 to 13, 2009, at The Venetian Sands Expo in Las Vegas. Pure Circle, Blue California, GLG Weider Sweet ...(229 words)

FDA Releases Communication Plan

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:47:52 PDT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—FDA has issued its Strategic Plan for Risk Communication, which outlines the agency’s efforts to disseminate more meaningful public health information, including food safety.The plan also lays out a framework for the FDA to provide information about FDA-regulated products to health-care professionals, patients and consumers in the form they ...(155 words)

Stevia Might Hit $100 Million in 2009

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:29:20 PDT

CHICAGO—According to recent analysis released by Mintel, the market for stevia might break the $100 million barrier during 2009. The market-research firm even went as far as calling the all-natural, zero-calorie ingredient the “holy grail” of sweeteners.FDA approved use of rebaudioside A (reb A) in Dec. 2008. Reb A is ...(144 words)