The cover choices for the NAFFS 2008 Yearbook are now available online at www.naffs.org. Members must log in to the Members-Only area to cast their vote.

Each of the entries submitted had impressive style and uniqueness. Be sure to visit the NAFFS web site and enter your choice now. All votes must be in by November 30.

Efforts to pass legislation targeting food import safety have met with enough resistance to slow the process enough to make it unlikely any such legislation will be passed this year. NAFFS Executive Director Bob Bauer participated in a series of meetings last week in Washington during which it was made clear the Senate will not take up this issue this year. Additionally, the House, which a few weeks ago seemed ready to pass legislation within a short time, is not expected to support any food import legislation this year.

The delay can most likely be attributed to concerns of House members that the proposed legislation would have created several problems for domestic companies. The delay does not mean food import safety legislation won’t be passed at some point. It’s still very likely legislation will be passed that will create changes and/or additional costs related to importing food items.

The NAFFS staff is busy compiling the updated listings for the 2008 NAFFS Yearbook. All members should fax back the directory information form regardless of whether there were any changes needed in your listing. This enables us to verify the accuracy of your information or make any requested revisions. Directory listings in the NAFFS Yearbook are only good if they are accurate.

All members receive a free listing. However, your listing can be enhanced with logos, large and bold print, and with a mission statement. These are extremely effective ways to make your listing stand out.

Don’t miss your chance to advertise in the 2008 NAFFS Yearbook, which is distributed to throughout the industry throughout the year. By advertising, you identify yourself in a high-profile way with your association. The closing date is December 1, so hurry to reserve your space!

In a notice to suppliers, the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. said it has “decided to remove diacetyl (CAS# 431-03-8, FEMA 2370) from all of our existing flavors, and will no longer allow diacetyl to be added as a chemically-defined flavoring substance to new flavors we purchase. “ Diacetyl that is naturally-occurring in flavor preparations or flavor mixtures at 1% or less will continue to be permitted.

"Superfruits" and “Superfoods” are getting a lot of attention these days, though some caution about consumer perception of such products.

In 2006, 8,000 food and beverage products containing “superfruits” were launched globally, according to Mintel Global Solutions, Chicago. In 2007, superfruit introductions could hit 10,000.

Superfruits are billed as being high in antioxidants and other nutrients such as phytonutrients. The category includes cranberries, blueberries, pomegranates and tart cherries, açai berries, black currants, lingonberries, mangosteen and gogi berries. Experts say their popularity is being driven by baby boomers seeking healthy options.

Superfoods have taken the market by storm in recent years but food manufacturers need to take a step back and use the ingredients with caution if they are to continue reaping the benefits, says. As the legitimacy of health claims comes under closer scrutiny, superfoods risk falling out of grace as quickly as they appeared.

The potential of these products and ingredients first started emerging around three years ago, spurred on by the growing importance placed by consumers on their health, and by their more adventurous taste buds.

Although no official definition of superfoods is available, they’ve come to be defined as foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, improving overall health or offering disease prevention. There are around 100 food ingredients that have been categorized as a superfood, giving manufacturers many opportunities to add them to a range of food and drink products such as snack bars, energy drinks, juice blends and food supplements.

With more superfoods being launched in areas traditionally perceived as non-healthy, superfoods are in danger of losing their current popularity.

Already, consumers are beginning to be skeptical about some of the health claims touted by these foods, with some products even claiming they can treat HIV.

Consumer familiarity with functional foods is at an all-time high, with 92 percent of Americans now able to name a food and its health benefit, according to a survey commissioned by the International Food Information Council.

The top five diet and health relationships named by consumers include: calcium for the promotion of bone health (89%); fiber for maintaining a healthy digestive system (86%); vitamin D for promotion of bone health (81%); omega-3 fatty acids for reduced risk of heart disease (76%); and fiber for reduced risk of heart disease (74%), reported Supermarket News.

Manufacturers of organic goods may no longer use certain non-organic color ingredients or the food additive potassium tartrate, following the publication of a new rule by USDA. The final rule amends USDA’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) for production of organic foods and beverages.

Established by the Organic Foods Production Act, the National List identifies substances allowed or prohibited in organic production and handling. These exemptions and prohibitions must be reviewed every five years by the National Organic Standards Board.

Effective October 21, the rule renews 46 exemptions and prohibitions and removes 2 exemptions, for substances for use in the production of organic processed products.

Substances no longer allowed for use in processed organic foods are colors derived from non-synthetic sources, and potassium tartrate made from tartaric acid.

A total of 41 nonagricultural substances received renewed approval for use in organic food and drink products, including citric acid, lactic acid, dairy cultures, flavors, sodium carbonate, and xanthan gum.

Five non-organically produced agricultural products also received renewed approval: cornstarch (native); water extracted gums (arabic, guar, locust bean, carob bean); kelp - for use only as a thickener and dietary supplement; unbleached lecithin; and pectin (high-methoxy).

U.S. sales of organic food and beverages have grown from $1billion in 1990 to nearly $17 billion in 2006. Organic food sales are projected to reach $23.8 billion for 2010. The organic industry is viewed as the fastest growing sector of agriculture, currently representing nearly 3 percent of overall food and beverage sales.

Be sure to save this date when filling in your calendars:

February 8, 2008 - NAFFS Winter Meeting, The French Culinary Institute, N.Y., N.Y.