Archives for January 30, 2015

Cost, cynicism and frustration: Malaysian government launches own palm oil standard

The Malaysian government has launched its own sustainable palm oil certification standard – but will this add to or detract from sustainability and transparency efforts in the sector?

Mead Johnson 'can't predict how or when' SEC China infant formula probe will end

Mead Johnson Nutrition cannot foresee "how or when" the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will conclude its investigation into the promotional practices of its Chinese infant formula business.

Probiotic industry value set to reach £29bn

Sales of probiotic food, drink and supplements are set to reach £29bn by 2018, as consumers seek food-based answers to health issues, according to one expert commentator.

GM folate rice could help tackle neural tube defects, say researchers

Rice metabolically engineered to be rich in folates could help alleviate associated health problems of folate deficiency, according to researchers.

Nuclear fears push down prices for Fukushima beef

Beef farmers in Fukushima, Japan, are struggling with continuing low wholesale prices for their meat.

Briefing

Hemp lobby dashed after ministers block call for its use in nutrition

Australia and New Zealand’s health and food lawmakers do not appear to be backing down in their opposition to the use of low-THC hemp as a food following a meeting of ministers in Auckland.

Probiotic pill shows promise in blood sugar management and battling diabetes: Rat data

A genetically engineered strain of human gut bacteria from the lactobacillus family could help to slash in incidence of high blood sugar by up to 30%, according to new research in rats.