NAFFS Newswire - June 6, 2007
USDA Summarizes Developments in the U.S. Food Marketing System; Study Shows Epicatechin May Boost Memory; FDA Releases Statement on Aspartame Study; IFT Issues Top Ten Food Trends for '07; USDA Report Reveals Counterfeit Food Threat in China; and more.
USDA SUMMARIZES DEVELOPMENTS
IN THE U.S. FOOD MARKETING SYSTEM USDA’s Economic Research Service issued a report of major developments in the U.S. food system over the past 10 years. Among their findings were: -
An increased presence of non-traditional grocery retailers, such as supercenters and drugstores.
-
Competitive responses by traditional grocers.
-
Food companies are attempting to differentiate themselves from the competition by reporting voluntary activities that demonstrate social responsibility and by more-tailored advertising campaigns and product offerings.
-
New food product introductions continue to set records.
-
Product labels are designed to appeal to consumer self-image, i.e., “premium” and “gourmet.”
STUDY SHOWS EPICATECHIN
MAY BOOST MEMORY It may be possible to boost memory with a plant compound found in foods and drinks, including blueberries, grapes, tea and cocoa, according to a study published in The Journal of Neuroscience.
In a series of lab tests, researchers studied epicatechin in female mice. The findings suggest that epicatechin may help spatial memory, especially when coupled with exercise.
Exactly how epicatechin does that isn't clear. But the researchers found signs of blood vessel growth in the brains of the mice that consumed epicatechin. Better blood flow to memory-related brain areas may have helped the mice remember the maze. FDA RELEASES STATEMENT
ON ASPARTAME STUDY FDA completed its review of the long-term carcinogenicity study of aspartame conducted by the European Ramazzini Foundation (ERF), located in Bologna, Italy. FDA reviewed the study data made available to them by ERF and finds that it does not support ERF's conclusion that aspartame is a carcinogen. Additionally, these data do not provide evidence to alter FDA's conclusion that the use of aspartame is safe.
Upon first learning of the ERF study results, FDA requested the data from ERF to evaluate the findings. On February 28, 2006, the agency received only a portion of the study data requested. In June 2006, FDA asked ERF to provide the remainder of the study data initially requested and also offered to review pathology slides from the study. ERF did not submit additional data to FDA and did not agree to FDA's review of the pathology slides.
FDA could not conduct a complete and definitive review of the study because ERF did not provide the full study data. However, based on the available data, FDA identified significant shortcomings in the design, conduct, reporting, and interpretation of this study. FDA found that the reliability and interpretation of the study outcome is compromised by these shortcomings and uncontrolled variables, such as the presence of infection in the test animals.
Considering results from the large number of studies on aspartame's safety, including five previously conducted negative chronic carcinogenicity studies, a recently reported large epidemiology study with negative associations between the use of aspartame and the occurrence of tumors, and negative findings from a series of three transgenic mouse assays, FDA says it finds no reason to alter its previous conclusion that aspartame is safe as a general purpose sweetener in food. IFT ISSUES TOP TEN
FOOD TRENDS FOR 2007 Today’s food trends are as diverse as the U.S. population, according to the latest Top 10 Food Trends published by the Institute of Food Technologists. The trends which range from upscale at home to next-generation beverages are: -
Dining at Home – Americans are cooking and eating more meals at home – 75 percent of people polled said they preferred to eat in at least five nights a week.
-
Food Talk – Word-of-mouth has become a key factor in the success of new food products. Celebrity chefs are encouraging more adventuresome cooking. Also, eight of ten diners “trade up” when dining out and splurge on premium, gourmet and exotic foods.
-
Form & Function – Reducing the number of steps in food preparation is a surefire way to increase product sales. Busy consumers are looking for fresh, ready-to-eat foods, such as salads, precut veggies, pouches of tuna, etc.
-
Sense Appeal – There’s a new trend toward texture, crispness, crunch and freshness.
-
Kids Rule – The number of young children is growing; baby foods are even taking on gourmet cache’ and snacks are being created just for kids.
-
Free – Avoidance behavior is accelerating and products without undesirable ingredients are viewed favorably. Look for more gluten free, fat free, caffeine free, sugar free, etc.
-
Eating Local – Fresh is the most desired attribute but foods marketed as local, seasonal, hand-made, and natural are increasing.
-
Seriously Healthy – Shoppers’ desire to reduce the risk of developing health conditions has a lot of influence on purchasing decisions.
-
Next-Generation Beverages – Drinks set the pace in U.S. sales and innovation. Flavored waters, innovative teas and new energy sodas are all the rage.
-
Snacking & Sharing – Light meals, after-school socializing and other influences make snacks and mini-meals a hot opportunity for restaurants. Plus traditional snacks are also changing – instead of cheese flavor, we now have three-cheese flavored items.
USDA REPORT REVEALS
COUNTERFEIT FOOD THREAT IN CHINA The rapid growth of foreign food companies operating in China is driving the increase in the number of counterfeit goods in the country, according to a new report published by USDA. Its findings estimates about 20 to 30 percent of all U.S. food products sold within the country are counterfeit. The problem stems from some local companies as well as individuals looking to tap into the popularity of branded products, says the report.
In order to ensure companies remain fully protected through Chinese law, USDA highlights a number of steps that should be taken to prevent possible breaches of their property.
As well as registering with China's trademark office, businesses should also move to protect any related internet domain names, as well as Chinese language versions of their trademarks. The latter measures are seen as being particularly crucial, due to the lack of a "first-to-file" system in the country that would require proof of prior use or ownership from companies who claim trademarks. October 18-21 – The 90th Annual NAFFS Convention, Longboat Key, Fla.
|
