June 2022

By measuring the maximum concentration over time, Danish researchers found bioavailability of vitamin D to be higher in milk and water.

The Malay Mail Online

Swapping half of red meat consumption for so-called microbial proteins would see reductions in tree loss and CO2 pollution of more than 80 per cent.

Nutrition experts are deliberating the findings of two studies published in Great Debates in Nutrition, one which evidences the increased risks of morbidity and disease correlated with ultra-processed foods, and another which argues that this food type may not be as bad as expected.

Agricultural commodities are facing increased pressure as broken supply chains, the climate crisis and war in Ukraine continue to affect multiple layers of F&B production. FoodIngredientsFirst speaks with emulsifier suppliers Palsgaard, Corbion and Sternchemie about the current sunflower lecithin shortage and how manufacturers are mitigating the challenge.

The Finnish foodtech company is producing xylitol from oat hulls, which ticks two important consumer demands: health and sustainability.

As a first project, Tetra Pak and EnginZyme are exploring transforming acid whey, a by-product from the manufacture of dairy foods like greek yogurt or cream cheese, into valuable ingredients that can go into healthy food products.

Ensuring everyone has access to a healthy diet is among the goals of a United Nations (UN)-backed initiative launched recently in line with efforts to transform food systems globally. The Coalition of Action for Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems for All (HDSFS) brings together governments, UN agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions and social movements.

US retail data science, insights and media company 84.51Â polled shoppers about their buying intentions ahead of the 25th edition of Sweets & Snacks Expo, held in Chicago in late May.

Local dairy growth, plant-based fried chicken, agri-food sector revolution, dairy health benefits, and colour-coded plant-based yoghurt are feature in this edition of China Focus.

Food IngredientsFIrst

Industry’s largest palm oil supplying nation Indonesia is reopening its ports, less than a full month after it shocked global markets with an unexpected export ban. Indonesian minister of economics, Airlangga Hartarto, notes that the ban lifting will come next to a domestic market obligation (DMO) requiring 10 million metric tons of cooking oil to stay grounded in Indonesia at any given time, eight million for consumption and two for reserves.

BakeryAndSnacks

Consumers are increasingly demanding more information about ingredients and traceability in the booming East-West fusion food category, that spans everything from pandan nuts to kaya ice cream.

Manila Bulletin

Nine mango varieties and selections were unveiled at a press conference of the Department of Science and Technology. The mangoes were identified by the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) in the University of Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) through a program funded by PCAARRD and led by plant breeding scientist Carolyn Alcasid.

Manila Bulletin

It is the first genetically modified rice variety developed to address a specific nutrition issue such as vitamin A deficiency (VAD). * Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient for growth, development, and keeping the body’s visual and immune systems healthy. The Filipino diet lacks vitamin A, with “only two out …

NST Online

Micronutrient deficiencies pose a significant health burden, with one in three Malaysian families potentially suffering from a lack of iron, calcium, vitamins C and D in everyday diets.

Vietnam Plus

Efforts in food safety control, including the establishment of a task force granting food safety certificates to noodles, have won recognition from the EU, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.​

Manila Bulletin

If you’re anywhere in the Philippines around lunch time and haven’t yet had a bite to eat, you’ll likely receive an invitation from an unlikely source. Be it from a street vendor or even the security guard of an establishment already partaking in a meal, “Kain tayo” is something you’ll hear without fail. It’s quite appropriate as food is at the heart of Filipino culture. Filipinos spend almost 30 per cent of their income on food alone.

Channel NewsAsia

A spirit of creativity and experimentation is fuelling a food trend that utilises Thailand’s unique terroir. CNA Luxury talks to some of its proponents.

The Korea Times

Korean food firms have been riding high on the popularity of hallyu, or the Korean wave, in Vietnam, building a loyal customer base among young people there, according to company officials Friday. Young people have a great deal of interest in hallyu, enabling Korean companies to establish a strong foothold in the rapidly growing Southeast Asian market.

Bangkok Post

Amid growing concerns worldwide about food security because of the serious impact caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, edible insects and protein sourced from insects are likely to see strong export potential in the world market, according to the Thai Food Processors Association.

BeverageDaily

Thai firm Sesamilk is planning a major portfolio expansion for its dairy alternative products, whilst also calling for the government to provide more taxation and financial support for SMEs to accelerate growth.