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New Film Detects Spoiled Meat

According to Fast Company, the Fraunhofer Institution in Munich has developed a film that changes color when packaged meat has gone bad. The film works by detecting the chemicals that make rotten meat smell. The research team has also developed an electronic version for the food industry that can be used during processing to help improve handling procedures and the accuracy of expiration dates.

Photo source: Fast Company

BP Documents Reveal Company Tried To Influence Oil Spill Research

According to BP's internal documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, the company made attempts to influence the independent research of scientists examining the effects of the Deep Water Horizon oil spill that devasted the Gulf seafood industry. Photo source: flickr user faungg

A Hot Tub Of Corn Syrup

That's how much high fructose corn syrup the average human will eat in a lifetime. That's a little over an ounce a day and about 4 gallons a year. The New York Times featured this graphic along with an article discussing the debate over how unhealthy HFCS is for our diets. What do you think about HCFS? Is it as dangerous as some believe?

The Dietary Guidelines Of 1861

America has changed a lot since the Civil War began in 1861, but apparently its food advice hasn't. Food Politics discusses the dietary guidelines of 1861 and how nutritional guidance hasn't changed much in 150 years.

High Food Prices? Blame The Bats

According to Fast Company, an epidemic is wiping out U.S. bats, which are responsible for consuming large amounts of pests every day. In fact, the industrious little brown bat eats up to 1,200 insects per hour-- a very large feat for such a tiny name. And not only are bats talented in pest control, but they are also great pollinators. Of course, less bats means more pests and less pollination, which means higher food prices for us.

Photo source: flickr user Jo Nayler

NYC Wants To Get In On The Happy Meal Toy Ban

A New York City councilman has introduced legislation to ban toys from fast food meals that don't meet certain nutrition guidelines. San Francisco enacted a similar ban last year. According to the ban's supporters, nixing the toys will lessen the allure of these unhealthy foods. Do you agree?

Photo source: flickr user Calgary Reviews

Cows Genetically Modified To Produce 'Human' Milk

According to The Telegraph, scientists have successfully genetically engineered 300 cows to produce humanlike breast milk. Human genes were introduced into the cows in an attempt to make their milk more nutritious. The researchers are hoping the altered milk will provide a healthier alternative to baby formula, and they are seeking to eventually make the product available in stores.

Photo source: www.commons.wikimedia.com, author Dohduhdah

Food Fight: BPA-- Use It Or Lose It?

This feature originally ran in the March 2011 issue of Food Manufacturing.

Controversy has heated up in recent years over the safety of Bisphenol A (BPA), a common additive used in the plastic lining found inside most food cans and other consumer food packaging. As those who watch the industry continue to debate whether the chemical should continue to be used, Food Manufacturing asks two experts to sound off:

Is BPA safe to use in food packaging?

Dr. John Rost, Chairman, North American Metal Packaging Alliance, Inc. (NAMPA)

With more than 1,500 different food items packed in metal packaging, today’s metal cans play a critical role in feeding the world’s population. This proven packaging technology allows seasonal produce to be globally accessible year round and maintains food products’ exceptional nutritional value and fresh taste, at the lowest possible cost, all the while keeping food safe from contamination.

Yet, with persistent questions about the safety of chemicals used in can linings, consumers need to know some key facts. All food products packed today require the use of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “food grade” coating inside the can. These coatings, including epoxy resins with Bisphenol A (BPA), are applied to the interior of cans to eliminate interactions between the metal package and the food contents. Coatings prevent perforation defects that would allow bacteria and microorganisms to enter the can, thus maintaining the can's integrity and protecting against food poisoning. In fact, FDA records show there has not been an incidence of food-borne illness resulting from a failure of metal packaging in more than 36 years, coinciding with the rise of epoxy resin coatings as the industry standard.

Regulatory experts worldwide are in agreement regarding the safe use of BPA epoxy resin coatings in food packaging. Last fall, following a comprehensive review of the current scientific research on BPA, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) announced it saw no evidence that would prompt a change to its current safety assessment of the use of BPA. EFSA reviewed all studies that have alleged various health effects from BPA and deemed them inadequate or irrelevant to human health. EFSA’s conclusion is consistent with that of scientific experts at the World Health Organization, which completed a similar BPA review in November 2010. National agencies in the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States concluded the same — that BPA is safe for use in metal packaging. Despite their determination of BPA’s safety in food contact applications, these agencies are continuing to monitor the science on the issue. Some agencies (including FDA) are conducting their own laboratory research to ensure that any new studies meet established regulatory standards.

Research on BPA dates back more than 50 years, and has been reviewed by scientific and regulatory authorities around the world. Consumers should look to these scientific regulatory experts for reassurance on the safety of metal packaging and not abandon proven technologies on the basis of unfounded fears.

Bobbi Chase Wilding, BPA Coordinator for the National Workgroup for Safe Markets

A healthy change is coming to the grocery store. More and more companies are announcing moves away from the toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging. As with the BPA-free transition that occurred with baby bottles, food manufacturers recognize that their customers want truly safe packaging.

Trade associations argue that BPA has been used safely for 50 years, so it’s fine to use it in food packaging. The truth is, during the past half-century, rates of diseases linked to BPA and other synthetic chemicals have risen, including diabetes, reproductive dysfunctions, breast and prostate cancers and learning disabilities.

There is broad scientific recognition of the problems posed by BPA. Canada declared BPA “toxic,” and the National Toxicology Program and U.S. Food and Drug Administration have acknowledged “some concern” for brain behavior and prostate cancer based on current levels of BPA in humans, while confirming that contaminated food is a primary source. In 2007, 38 of the world’s leading BPA researchers issued a consensus statement, concluding that the levels of BPA in people are above those shown to cause harm in laboratory studies. Since then, the evidence has only become more convincing.

Canned foods likely play a significant role in these exposures. Last summer, the National Workgroup for Safe Markets released the report, No Silver Lining. Food packed in cans likely to be lined with BPA-based epoxy were tested, and the results were shocking. 90% of canned foods had detectible levels of BPA, and some were alarmingly high. By eating just one serving of canned green beans during pregnancy, a woman could expose her vulnerable fetus to levels of BPA that increase aggression and predisposition to prostate cancer in animal studies.

By innovating and using materials that are known to be safe — as opposed to those known to disrupt our body’s normal functions or unstudied for their impacts — food manufacturers can show good business sense, ensure consumer confidence in their products, and protect public health. General Mills, ConAgra and Whole Foods have announced transitions to BPA-free cans in certain products, and more companies are exploring alternatives.

BPA-free packaging would go a long way toward reducing Americans’ BPA exposure, and, simply put, it’s what people want. No one should have to worry that the food they feed their loved ones is contaminated with chemicals that could harm them. Continued use of BPA could pose significant financial, legal, reputational and regulatory liabilities. A one-time investment in truly non-toxic packaging now will ensure long-term product viability. It is an idea whose time has come.

Freaky Friday: March's Weirdest Food News

Krystal Gabert, Editor

On the last Friday of each month (or, in this case, a week late), Food Manufacturing looks back at the most surprising or unusual food-related stories of the month. Here are our top picks for March:

A pizzeria owner employs rodent warfare to gain the competitive edge. The man faces disorderly conduct, harassment and animal cruelty charges after unleashing bags of mice at competitors' pizza establishments. Police call his actions "food terrorism."

All of the drama leading up to Kraft's 2010 acquisition of Cadbury hasn't quite died down yet. British lawmakers are furious that Kraft's CEO still refuses to appear before an inquiry panel into the controversial takeover.

The poultry industry may have their chicken wings sidelined by the NFL Players Association. Football season is also hot wings season in most sports bars and barbeques across the country. Until the players and owners can reach an agreement, next season will remain on hold, denying poultry processors the bump in chicken prices that each new season brings.

This just in: Marketing works. According to a new study, children believe that cereals endorsed by cartoon characters actually taste better. Any chance someone can invent "The Broccoli Panda?"

A Croatian immigrant and worker at a Nestle facility in Kentucky faces extradition for Bosnian torture and murder charges related to her time in the Croatian army. The charges are related to incidents in which she is alleged to have forced Serbs to drink gasoline and human blood.

A New Jersey man is suing caffeinated booze beverage maker Four Loko, claiming that after consuming two and a half cans of the drink, he experienced ongoing heart problems.

The inmates are running the asylum... or at least the bakery. Convicts at Rikers Island prison in New York are responsible for baking 36,000 loaves of bread per week — enough to feed the prison population.

What crazy/funny/unexpected stories have you been following this month? Let me know at krystal.gabert@advantagemedia.com.

Is Chicken Feed Causing Cancer?

Author and journalist David Kirby wrote a piece for The Huffington Post discussing the possibility that arsenic in chicken feed may be causing "cancer clusters," or areas of the country that have significantly more instances of cancer than the rest of the nation. Arsenic is often used in chicken feed to make chickens grow faster.

Photo by Gavin Schaefer

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'Healthifying' Junk Foods

Everyone loves a good "unhealthy" snack like chips and soda once in a while, but according to the Food Politics blog, "junk" food companies may be in trouble due to the new trend of healthy foods. In fact, many companies, including Pepsi and Kraft are "healthifying" their products by adding whole grains and converting products to natural ingredients. But Marion Nestle raises a good question about the new health trend: Can processed food ever really be healthy? What makes a food healthy? What do you think?

Photo source: flickr user sayamindu

FDA Crackdown On Raw Milk Cheeses Was Exaggerated

According to The Atlantic, speculations by The Washington Post and The New York Times that the FDA was planning on limiting or banning the manufacture of raw milk cheeses were greatly exaggerated. This is good news for artisan cheese makers, who are estimated to make up to 10 times the amount from manufacturing raw milk cheeses than by selling raw milk alone.

Photo source: flickr user quinn.anya

The Impact Of Science On Food

Nathan Myhrvold, author of Modernist Cuisine, discusses how using meticulous science can improve the quality of food.

Vintners Try Out New Wine Pouch

Slashfood has reported that Indulge Wines, a California company, is now selling wine in a pouch. Each pouch equals two 750mL wine bottles, and apparently, it's eco-friendly. Fewer fossil fuels are needed to transport the product in a pouch versus in a bottle, and the wine is drinkable up to 30 days after opening.

Photo source: Indulge Wines

Burrito Price Dispute Leads To Shootout

According to My San Antonio, a man became slightly more than agitated after he found out that Taco Bell's Beefy Crunch Burritos were no longer 99 cents. In fact, he decided to shoot an air gun at the restaurant's manager, and displayed an assault rifle and pistol in the parking lot before fleeing when police were called.

Eventually, the chase led to a local hotel, where the man refused to come out until a SWAT team used tear gas to clear the room. In the end, the fight was over a $3.50 price difference.

Photo source: Flickr user jugglerpm

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Banning Happy Meal Toy Bans

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the city's ban on Happy Meal toys has led to other states taking legislative action to ban their cities from banning the fast food toys. Legislation recently passed by Arizona's House prevents cities from banning any incentive offered by restaurants, including toys, contests and coupons.

Photo source: Flickr user me and the sysop

Japan Tests Food For Radiation

According to Slashfood, the damaged nuclear power plant in Japan has several countries fearing that Japan's food may be contaminated with radiation. Italy has banned all Japanese food imports, and Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Singapore and China have begun screening Japanese food for radiation. At risk foods include fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as meats and animal byproducts like milk and cheese.

Photo source: DigitalGlobe/AP Photo

Who's Second To Coke? Diet Coke, Of Course

According to Chicago Breaking Business, Diet Coke has officially unseated Pepsi as the No. 2 soda behind Coca-Cola. This is a huge blow to Pepsi in the Cola Wars, as Pepsi and Coke been fighting each other for the "king of cola" title for years.

Photo source: Flickr user computerjoe

NFL Lockout Could Hurt Chicken Wing Industry

According to Yahoo!, a long-lasting NFL lockout would be "devestating" to the chicken wing industry. Chicken wings are one of the more popular items at sports bars and restaurants, and prices for the wings typically increase during football season. However, this year there is an abundant chicken supply, and the possibility of no NFL season, or a shorter season, is a scary thing for the poultry industry.

Photo source: Kham Tran

Delicious Ideas: Portion-Controlled Packaging

According to GOOD, A British student has designed a portion-controlled spaghetti package that allows you to make just the right amount of pasta for up to six people.

Photo Source: Lovely Package

Iowa Man To Drink Only Beer For Lent

A newspaper editor in Corning, Iowa plans to celebrate the season of Lent by drinking only water and four pints of beer per day. According to Today, the man is trying to recreate the way Franciscan monks observed Lent centuries ago. He plans to blog about his journey here.

Photo By Strom Carlson (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

Couple Arrested For Smuggling Contaminated Cheese

According to the Miami New Times, a couple has been arrested for importing cheese known to be contaminated with bacteria like salmonella. After suspecting that the imported cheese was contaminated, the FDA took away the couple's authorization to import the products, but the husband and wife continued to import the spoiled food without agency inspection. Now the FDA has caught wind of the illegal activities, and the couple could face jail time for conspiracy and smuggling.

Photo source: christmasstockimages.com

Fish Armageddon: A Million Dead Sardines Wash Ashore In California

According to the Wall Street Journal, a million dead sardines washed ashore in a Southern California harbor, the largest fish kill known in the state. Scientists tested the surrounding waters for oil and chemicals, but found nothing. It's theorized that the fish may have died due to massive overcrowding in the harbor, causing the oxygen to deplete and the fish to suffocate.

Photo source: Reuters

Cereal Boxes Could Cause Cancer

According to the Daily Mail, the recycled cardboard used in some food packaging like cereal boxes often contain harmful mineral oils. The oils, which come from the ink from recycled newspapers used to make the packaging, can seep through to the food, even passing through protective plastic packaging. These oils can cause harmful health effects, including inflammation of the organs and cancer. Because of this risk, companies like Kellogg have announced plans to stop using recycled cardboard in their packaging.

Photo source: Flickr user mroach

Lady Gaga Sues Over Breast Milk Ice Cream

According to the London Evening Standard, Lady Gaga is suing the ice cream company responsible for the ice cream made from human breast milk. The celebrity says that the ice cream, named Baby Gaga, is "nausea inducing" and "intended to take advantage of [her] reputation and goodwill."

A McDonald's Terrorist Group And The Future Of Ronald McDonald

A Finnish food activists group recently kidnapped a Ronald McDonald statue, holding it hostage, while demanding that McDonald's answer it's demands to answer questions regarding quality and ethics. When the fast food chain failed to answer, the group beheaded the icon in a terrorist-style video.



In a bit of related news, McDonald's appears to be phasing out the 48-year-old mascot. According to Bloomberg, Ronald has not appeared in commercials for a while now, and McDonald's is now focusing on marketing its coffee beverages, rather than its high-fat burgers.

Jimmy Fallon Breaks Food World Records, Gets His Own Ice Cream

Jimmy Fallon has broken two food-related world records on his show: "The most fast food items tasted in 30 seconds" and "The most hot dogs stuffed into a t-shirt in 30 seconds." Also, in honor of the show's 2nd anniversary, Jimmy got his own Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor.

Video: The most fast food items tasted in 30 seconds



Video: The most hot dogs stuffed into a t-shirt in 30 seconds



Video: Jimmy gets his own Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor

The Zero-Second Rule

According to Dr. Roy M. Gulick, the five-second rule for food should probably be renamed "the zero-second rule." In the New York Times, he said that bacteria clings to food almost on immediate contact, so the amount of time food remains on the floor makes no difference.

Photo source: flickr user William'sProjects

Chicken Lays Giant Egg

An Australorp chicken in Iowa has laid a 4.1 oz. egg, according to the Des Moines Register. The egg measures 3.5 in. long and 6.5 in. in circumference, making it twice the size of a large egg, said an Iowa State University professor.

Photo source: © Sarah Klockars-Clauser

Nutropolitan Museum Of Art Highlights PB&J

Peanut Butter & Co. is celebrating National Peanut Butter Month in March with a three-day PB&J art exhibit at Openhouse Gallery in NYC. According to Gothamist, The exhibit is a partnership with the National Peanut Board, which is launching a pro-legume campaign in the city's subways. Each family that attends the exhibit will receive free peanut butter. Yummy!

Photo source: www.gothamist.com

The $23 Ice Cream Cone, Complete With Breast Milk

If you're taste buds are looking for an ice cream flavor more exciting than vanilla, then you may want to try the latest treat from a London ice cream parlor. According to Gawker, Icecreamists is offering an all natural flavor made from breat milk-- yes, human breast milk. Of course, they will charge you $23 for the privilege of partaking in this unique dessert. Would you try it?

Photo source: www.flickr.com

Russians Admit Beer Is Alcohol

Here's a fun fact: Until recently, beer wasn't classified as alcohol in Russia; it was designated a "foodstuff." According to Gawker, many Russians treat beer as a soft drink, even drinking it on their way to work. The classification of the drink was changed as part of a campaign against alcoholism and underage drinking.

Photo source: www.opencage.info

Alcohol In Moderation May Prevent Heart Disease

According to BBC News, moderate drinkers may experience between a 14 and 25 percent decrease in their risk for heart disease, compared with non-drinkers. However, before you decide to tip the bottle, experts say this is not a reason to start drinking. Scientists say that the same results can be achieved by leading an active lifestyle and eating healthy.

Photo source: www.commons.wikimedia.org

French Bread From A Vending Machine

Pastry chef David Lebovitz recently discovered a vending machine in France that bakes freshly ordered bread before dispensing it. How does it taste? Lebovitz says he doesn't "think they're going to put any bakeries out of business soon."

Photo source: www.flickr.com

Has Coca-Cola's Recipe Been Leaked?

An episode of NPR's This American Life claims it may have found the original recipe for Coca-Cola. Where has it been hiding all this time? In a 1979 newspaper, of course.

Photo source: www.commons.wikimedia.org

McDonald's Sued Over Glass In Chicken Sandwich

According to Reuters, a woman is suing McDonald's after being injured from a large piece of glass inside her spicy McChicken. She is seeking more than $50,000 in damages.

Photo source: www.commons.wikimedia.org

$29 Cheez Whiz

According to CBC News, communities in the High Arctic region of Canada are suffering from drasticly increased food prices, including $29 Cheez Whiz, $40 infant formula and $77 breaded chicken. This is all thanks to a new food subsidy program, which doesn't cover food that isn't deemed "healthy" enough.

Photo source: www.flickr.com

World's Waistline Busting At The Seams

A neat interactive chart by the Washington Post shows the increase of each country's average body mass index since 1980. Not surprisingly, the United States' average BMI has grown a lot over the past 30 years.

Photo source: www.commons.wikimedia.org

Reminiscing About Retro Sodas

Do you remember Crystal Pepsi? How about the horrors of Coke II? Urlesque remembers 16 sodas that you will never be able to drink again. Growing up in the 90s, I remember Surge very well. I also remember Orbitz, which tasted awful, but I couldn't help loving those little lava lamp orbs.

Photo source: www.flickr.com

Starbucks' Trenta Holds An Entire Bottle Of Wine

Remember Starbucks' new 31-ounce Trenta size? It can hold an entire bottle of wine, according to this video.

Amish Smuggle Illegal Milk

According to The Daily, many Amish and Mennonite dairy farmers are making Prohibition-style milk runs to sell raw milk illegally across state lines. Raw milk smugglers could face police raids, fines and even jail time.

Photo source: www.commons.wikimedia.org

Walmart 'Nutritionizes' Food

Colbert talks with Leslie Dach of Walmart to discuss the company's new partnership with the Obama administration to sell cheaper, healthier food.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Wal-Mart Collaborates With Obama Administration - Leslie Dach
http://www.colbertnation.com/
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Vending Machines Go On The Defense

According to the Wall Street Journal, vending machine thefts are on the rise, prompting operators to try new high-tech methods like sales-tracking devices and text message alerts for deterring thieves.

Photo source: www.flickr.com

How Fat Is Your State?

A Trust For America's Health report shows that obesity rates increased in 28 states over the past year. More than two-thirds of America have an obesity rate higher than 25 percent. In eight states (all in the South), one in three people are obese. According to the report, no state had an obesity rate higher than 20 percent in 1991. How scary is that?

Photo source: http://www.healthyamericans.org/

McDonald's Around The World

A Business Insider story is featuring several meals customers can order at McDonald's throughout the world, including a Bacon Potato Pie in Japan and the McLobster in Canada and Maine. If you live in Europe, you can even get a McBeer.

Photo source: www.businessinsider.com

I'll Have The Cereal With Blueberries... Or Not

An LA Times article reported that many popular products, including cereal, muffin mix and more that claim to feature blueberries, in reality, do not. In place of blueberries, food manufacturers are using sugar, other flavorings and some food coloring. This news in itself isn't that surprising. What is surprising is that some of these products tout the presence of real blueberries on the packaging. I suppose it's a good thing I make my blueberry muffins from scratch...

Photo source: www.commons.wikimedia.org

Kraft Knows What You Want To Eat

According to digitaltrends.com, Kraft knows what you really want to eat. The food giant has teamed up with Intel to create a kiosk that scans your face and makes food recommendations (Kraft products, of course) based on your gender and age. Innovative, or just a silly gimmick?

Photo source: www.digitaltrends.com

What Did Celtics Drink 2,550 Years Ago? Beer, Of Course!

According to Wired, early Celtic rulers in Germany celebrated with beer flavored with mugwort, carrot seed and henbane. Some say archaeological find could inspire some "extreme brewers" to create a modern version of the ancient drink. Would you try it?

Photo source: http://www.opencage.info/

Starbucks Introduces Super-Sized Drinks

According to Reuters, Starbucks is introducing a new 31 oz. cup for iced beverages, naming the new size "Trenta." While the serving size may seem like a bit much, the company maintains that unsweetened beverages in the new size will be 90 calories or fewer, and sweetened beverages in the size will not contain more than 230 calories.

Photo sources: geograph.org.uk

What Food Best Represents Your State?

The I Can Has Cheezburger site has posted a map of the United States featuring the food that it thinks best represents each state. Some are obvious, like Wisconsin and cheese. Others are a bit more surprising. As for me, I'm still trying to figure out what knoeplah is and why North Dakota loves it.

Rainbow Bacon

He's keeping his technique a secret for now, but graphic designer Neil Caldwell has created vividly colored bacon that's still edible. Though by the looks of the photos, "edible" might be up for debate.

Photo source: Bacon Today

3D Printer: The Future Of Food?

Too tired to cook? In the future, you may be able to print your food. According to Designboom, Cornell University researchers have developed a 3D printer that uses liquid and gel cartridges to print food. They've already printed chocolates, cookies and domes of turkey meat. Here's to a future of dessert, hot off the press!

Photo source: www.flickr.com

Bananas: The Newest Endangered Species?

If you love bananas, you may want to start eating them as much as possible, because bananas are on the verge of disappearing, at least that's what an article in The New Yorker argued. The issue is that banana growers rely on only one variety, and that variety is currently being threatened by a fungus that could wipe out the entire fruit.

Photo source: www.flickr.com

No Happy Meal? How About A Crappy Meal?

The Daily Show features its own comedic take on San Francisco's Happy Meal ban, as correspondent Aasif Mandvi discovers the motivations behind the ban and introduces kids to the new "Crappy Meal."

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
San Francisco's Happy Meal Ban
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Tainted Wine Scandal Hits China

According to AFP, six people have been detained, wineries have been shut down and bottles have been pulled after it was discovered that some wine in China contained chemical additives. Reports indicate that some wines were doctored and then falsely marketed as famous brand name wines.

Photo source: www.fotopedia.com