Food Manufacturing Magazine

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2011-04-18T16:58:00.001-04:00

Food Manufacturing has moved to foodmanufacturing.wordpress.com. Be sure to visit us here for the latest news in the food industry!

New Film Detects Spoiled Meat

2011-04-18T10:58:00.003-04:00

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

2011-04-15T10:58:00.002-04:00

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

2011-04-14T11:18:00.003-04:00

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

2011-04-13T10:39:00.002-04:00

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

2011-04-08T11:16:00.003-04:00

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

2011-04-06T10:46:00.002-04:00

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

2011-04-04T10:47:00.003-04:00

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?

2011-04-01T10:15:00.004-04:00

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

2011-04-01T10:08:00.004-04:00

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?

2011-03-31T11:12:00.005-04:00

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

2011-03-30T10:54:00.003-04:00

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

2011-03-29T12:16:00.002-04:00

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

2011-03-24T11:39:00.001-04:00

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

Vintners Try Out New Wine Pouch

2011-03-23T12:10:00.003-04:00

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

2011-03-22T11:02:00.004-04:00

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

2011-03-21T11:38:00.003-04:00

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

2011-03-18T14:21:00.002-04:00

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

2011-03-17T11:34:00.003-04:00

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

2011-03-16T10:47:00.003-04:00

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

2011-03-15T16:10:00.004-04:00

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

2011-03-11T10:57:00.002-05:00

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

2011-03-10T10:35:00.004-05:00

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

2011-03-09T11:14:00.003-05:00

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

2011-03-08T11:11:00.003-05:00

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

2011-03-07T11:06:00.003-05:00

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

2011-03-04T11:01:00.002-05:00

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

2011-03-03T11:31:00.004-05:00

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

2011-03-02T11:51:00.003-05:00

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

2011-03-01T11:36:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-28T11:01:00.002-05:00

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

2011-02-25T10:24:00.002-05:00

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

2011-02-24T10:32:00.002-05:00

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

2011-02-23T13:46:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-22T14:47:00.002-05:00

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?

2011-02-16T10:45:00.002-05:00

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

2011-02-14T10:48:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-11T11:20:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-10T11:22:00.004-05:00

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

2011-02-08T10:59:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-07T11:21:00.002-05:00

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

Amish Smuggle Illegal Milk

2011-02-04T11:02:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-03T10:47:00.003-05:00

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/

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog</a>

Video Archive

Vending Machines Go On The Defense

2011-02-01T10:53:00.002-05:00

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?

2011-01-25T11:50:00.002-05:00

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

2011-01-24T10:35:00.002-05:00

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

2011-01-21T11:27:00.003-05:00

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

2011-01-20T12:38:00.002-05:00

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!

2011-01-18T10:38:00.005-05:00

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

2011-01-17T10:38:00.004-05:00

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?

2011-01-14T14:32:00.003-05:00

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

2011-01-07T16:07:00.000-05:00

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?

2011-01-06T10:29:00.002-05:00

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?

2011-01-05T11:10:00.003-05:00

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?

2011-01-04T10:51:00.002-05:00

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

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog</a>

The Daily Show on Facebook

Tainted Wine Scandal Hits China

2011-01-03T11:27:00.002-05:00

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

Customer Gets Doritos Bag With Only 3 Chips

2010-12-22T10:07:00.004-05:00

A Taco Bell customer recently got a Doritos bag that only contained three chips. Since he had the free time, he took pictures and weighed the bag to document the incident. Pictures are available at The Consumerist website.

Photo source: www.commons.wikimedia.org

Celebrating The Holidays With Fried Chicken

2010-12-21T12:31:00.003-05:00

While most Americans expect Christmas dinner to include ham, turkey or roast beef, in Japan, they splurge on some KFC for their holiday meal. According to Slashfood, The KFC Christmas Party barrel is a huge hit in Japan, featuring a bucket of chicken, a Caesar salad and a chocolate mousse cake. These dinners are so popular that some people reserve them two months in advance.

Photo source: www.commons.wikimedia.org

$324 For A Bowl Of Noodles?

2010-12-20T10:25:00.003-05:00

A restaurant in Taiwan is selling a bowl of beef noodles for $10,000 New Taiwan dollars, or $324 USD. According to the owner, the dish is worth so much because he uses special cuts of beef, a unique soup blend and minimal, natural spices. I like pasta, but I think I'll stick to buying my $2 noodles at the supermarket...

Photo source: www.commons.wikipedia.org

Gulf Oysters Decimated By Oil 'Remedy'

2010-12-17T11:37:00.002-05:00

Back in April, Louisiana's governor ordered released loads of freshwater in hopes of pushing oil back to sea. But the New York Times reports the freshwater has inadvertently destroyed much of the Gulf oyster population, which needs saltwater to survive... oops.

Photo source: www.commons.wikimedia.org

Worst Holiday Food Gifts

2010-12-16T15:45:00.003-05:00

According to The Stir, some food gifts should be avoided like the plague, unless you're planning on giving your enemy a present this year. Personally, I think the World's Largest Gummy Worm sounds pretty cool.

A Festivus For The Rest Of Us... Even In Prison

2010-12-15T10:47:00.005-05:00

Need better meals in prison? Just claim Festivus as your religion. That's what one prisoner in California did. He didn't like the salami meals served in jail, so he claimed to celebrate the Seinfeld-created religion, and a judge actually bought it, at least for a while.

Food Channel Predicts 2011 Food Trends

2010-12-14T12:39:00.003-05:00

The Food Channel has been predicting the next year's food trends for 23 years. Of particular interest to food manufacturers would be #6: Small is the new big business. Here's this year's list:

1. The Canning Comeback: Canning is gaining popularity due to economic and health concerns.

2. Men In Aprons: Layoffs have led to more men cooking.

3. Local Somewhere: Consumers are looking for hand-grown, no matter where it's grown.

4. Don't Ask, Don't Tell: We're tired of being told where we can eat.

5. Appetite For Food Apps: We're using apps for recipes and coupon sources.

6. Small Is New Big Business: Corporations are thinking like small businesses.

7. Fresh Every Day: Rooftop gardens are part of this trend.

8. Chefs In Schools: Chefs are serving better flavors and more nutrition.

9. Discomfort Foods: Change makes us comfortable with more change.

10. Eating For Sex And Other Things: We're working longer, so apparently we need more energy in certain departments.

Click here for the complete press release.

Robotic Tea Pluckers

2010-12-13T12:08:00.002-05:00

The food industry is becoming more automated everyday, and now it looks like our tea is being robotically harvested. According to this Daily Nation article, a research institute found that tea plucking and pruning machines reduced costs by 80 percent compared to their human counterparts.

Is Flame Retardant In Your Butter?

2010-12-09T14:26:00.003-05:00

A research study recently turned up evidence of a flame retardant used in electronics in a stick of butter purchased at a Dallas grocery store. Apparently 95 percent of Americans have flame retardants in their bodies, but the butter had an especially high concentration of the chemical PBED. So, is this a fluke, or is our entire butter supply contaminated? According to the article, scientists have no idea. I'm reassured. How about you?

Jon Stewart Takes On Food Safety

2010-12-06T10:37:00.004-05:00

Last week, the Senate passed its version of the Food Safety Modernization Act in order to mend an ailing food supply that has sickened thousands over the years with bacteria in everyday foods like eggs and peanut butter. However, the bill may not be signed into law this year, as the House and Senate versions still need to be resolved. The Daily Show's Jon Stewart gives his take on food safety and the bill in this video.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

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Mozart Bananas

2010-12-03T15:15:00.004-05:00

It seems l ike food producers are always looking for new ways to increase product quality, and here's a really interesting one: playing classical music. According to The Japan Times, a Japanese fruit company is using Mozart's music to ripen it's bananas. I have no idea if this actually works, but apparently it's selling well. And it's not only fruit companies who are "going bananas" for the classics. A Japanese sake brewing company is using Mozart during the brewing process.

At Least You Have A Job

2010-04-06T16:48:00.004-04:00

Anna Wells, Editor, IMPO

“Well… I guess I should just be glad I have a job.”

Ugh. I sincerely feel that this distasteful phrase is the ugly ribbon tied around our pre-packaged recession malaise.

Don’t get me wrong… I AM glad to have a job. But as we grapple up this economic canyon, the lingering cries of a desperately submissive workforce have muted our national confidence. We’re a nation of wet blankets, or worse, puppies — ecstatically licking our owners’ hands. In summary: I’m tired of the groveling. I’m tired of the daily fear that, lest we function at near-robotic levels of productivity, we’ll lose our positions.

And even thought things are improving, there’s a lot that’s staying the same. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Thursday that the national jobless rate — now at 9.7 percent -- is "still terribly high and is going to stay unacceptably high for a very long time" because of the damage caused by the recession.

Consistent work is scarce, yes; times are tough, but we can’t forget that the American workforce is working because their skills have value. I think we sometimes forget that the companies we work for—those trying to survive just as we are — need us as well. I think I’ll finally feel like the recession is over when, not only are we grateful for our jobs, but our employers feel they’re grateful for us.

I’ve met a lot of folks in management who, despite the recession’s heavy breathing, work hard to foster a company culture which places employees first. Sure, there’s a whole line of people who’d gladly fill a vacant position, but retaining good employees is the smartest way to keep from accruing more costs. It’s important that your team members feel valued, especially when all-too-common cost-cutting measures relative to salaries or benefits can be demoralizing.

And if you think fear of job loss is a good thing (productivity numbers are up, after all), the long term affects may backfire. According to CNN:

Jane Goldner, a hiring expert and CEO of the Goldner Group, says fear of losing one's job only motivates people for a short time.

‘We can burn the midnight oil to a certain point and then we're exhausted and we're not productive,’ Goldner says. ‘Fear does that to people.’

That fear bleeds into workers’ personal lives, she says. Some workers not only spurn offers of flex time, but they forgo personal tasks such as doctor appointments or household errands because they're afraid of being laid off.

Companies that exploit those workers' fears get higher productivity in the short term but they eventually lose, Goldner says. When the economy improves, those same employees will jettison those companies for a more humane working environment.

‘Those companies will have a revolving door,’ Goldner says.

What’s scary about Goldner’s remarks is you might not realize the type of environment you’re in. Have you sat your team members down and gauged their level of panic? Are some going so far above and beyond that they’re likely to burn out? It might be worth a few extra minutes of communication to be sure.

It’s also important to stress to your team that more work doesn’t necessarily equate to better work. An army of bleary-eyed “yes” men and women is probably not the type of creative team you’ve developed, and you shouldn’t let the recession manipulate the culture simply because unemployment fears make some succumb to the “work for work’s sake” mentality. Now is the time to push them creatively — so they can show not just how hard they work, but more importantly, how well-rounded they are. And at the end of the day, you’ll all be better for it.

And as far as the “recession lessons” go, I look forward to the day when I can stop doling them out… but I guess I should be glad I have a job.

How do you ensure your employees feel valued? How do you deter “over-productive” employees? Email me your thoughts at anna.wells@advantagemedia.com.

Making Friends In The Twittersphere

2010-04-05T14:32:00.011-04:00

Krystal Gabert, Associate Editor

Social networking can be a giant waste of time.

I say that as someone charged with the task of maintaining Food Manufacturing’s presence on several social networking platforms. Don’t get me wrong: connecting with readers in the food industry on twitter has been a valuable experience, allowing me to keep up, in real time, with what you guys are concerned about in your day-to-day operations. Having that information has helped Editor-in-chief Karen Langhauser and me to better tailor our news and features—both in print and in our daily e-newsletter—to your tastes.

Having said that, it’s difficult to quantify the number of tweets—about Justin Bieber or whatever so-and-so just ate for breakfast—that I comb through before I find one useful reference to a topic relevant to the food manufacturing industry. While twitter has provided us a unique look at our readers, Food Manufacturing has long been devoted to a give-and-take relationship with you. Before facebook was a glimmer in Mark Zuckerberg’s eye, FM has been running a Market Update section in each print issue, collecting and distributing data collected from you, our readers. Beyond the benefit this survey provides to you, processing its results allow us at FM to pinpoint the exact topics that are of value to our readers… no Justin-Bieber-dodging required.

My crankiness aside, the complaint I’m issuing here is a pretty general one: doing anything on the internet requires more sifting. Finding news, getting opinion, networking, shopping. In some ways, these things are simplified online—I just bought myself some pretty excellent tax return presents that I found online and have never seen in stores—but in other ways, living online can be more difficult—the din of unfiltered, competing voices can be deafening. And no place is that online din louder than in the world of social networking.

Confusing, frustrating, time-wasting or whatever “kids, get off my lawn!” adjective I want to attach to social networking, there’s one more important label I’m leaving out: Unavoidable. We recently ran an article on foodmanufacturing.com which discussed the role of social media in effectively containing food safety hysteria. The author said, in part,

Social networking makes the unfiltered voice of the consumer more accessible and immediate than ever before—which means that any response by food processors must be both fast and effective if it is to have any hope of limiting adverse consumer sentiment and the resulting impact on business.

Just as social media is helping us connect with you, it can help you to connect to consumers and make sure that your voice and your message are among those they hear every day.

Food Manufacturing has started a new facebook page, and we’d love for you to join us. We’ll continue, as always, to keep you informed, and we hope you’ll find the news and features we provide helpful when communicating with your own clients. We envision the page as a place for you to communicate directly with us and with others in the industry. So come waste some time with us. Maybe you’ll make some valuable connections in the process.

On facebook: Food Manufacturing

On the web: www.foodmanufacturing.com

On twitter: twitter.com/foodmfg

Vending Happiness

2009-01-21T12:11:00.005-05:00

While preparing for the upcoming Poultry Expo in Atlanta – which is home to the Coca Cola headquarters – I came across several articles about the “Cola Wars.”

The “Cola War,” a play off of the “Cold War,” is an ongoing state of competition between the two beverage superpowers – Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. Similar to the Cold War, the Cola Wars are characterized by high spending, competitive developments and much propaganda.

Both Coke and Pepsi are currently in the midst of new ad campaigns, complete with new slogans; and interestingly enough, both campaigns are very similar.

Given the current economic climate, and the fact that soft drink sales are declining, embarking on unique new ad campaigns – especially for companies that typically spend hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. advertising alone each year – is a risky endeavor.

But high stakes don’t appear to be bothering Coke or Pepsi one bit.

Coca-Cola’s new slogan, “Open happiness,” has big shoes to fill, as Coke has produced some of the most memorable ads and slogans in the history of advertising. (Recall: “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” from the 70’s or “Always Coca Cola” from the early 90’s.)

Pepsi is going with the new tagline, “Every Generation Refreshes the World.”

Both campaigns share the common goal of attempting to uplift spirits in tough economic times. Consumers longing for comfort and happiness need look no further than a can of soda. Quite honestly, my initial reaction is to think that consumers reach for a different type of beverage when times are tough – something a little stronger than soda – however a bottle of soda has become just as iconic and American as apple pie and baseball.

But can soda really make you forget your economic woes?

Successful marketing in hinged upon the emotional state of consumers, as well as current events. Our nation is in the midst of a very trying, yet unique time – as a new president takes the reigns of a nation in dire need of hope, inspiration and new ideas.

Pepsi has cleverly played directly on the new presidency, launching the RefreshEverything.com website called “Dear Mr. President.” The site allows people to upload video messages to President Obama, all of which will be compiled and edited in the form of an open letter to the president. The site hosts messages from everyone from celebrities to animated talking cows.

Time will tell if the new campaigns are a success – and if soda manages to lift the spirits of America. But at the very least, this proves that the American mindset of steadfast competitiveness is still alive and well.

Taking Recession Strategies Personally

2008-10-02T16:28:00.002-04:00

I won’t pretend that I know very much about financial strategy, but just like everyone else out there, I’m a struggling consumer just trying to stay afloat amidst current economic hardships, so that at least grants me the right to an opinion on the topic.

While trying to make sense of “recession strategies” on a large scale industrial level, I found that it made sense to start with something more tangible for me – such as my own personal recession strategy – and then apply this strategy to the manufacturing industry.

For example, one thing that we all try to do during tight economic times is cut back on unnecessary spending. At the same time that I’m deciding to buy the whole stalks of celery instead of the pre-cut, pre-portioned, perfectly packaged celery, the manufacturer of this celery might also be deciding that maybe all the extra packaging and prepping isn’t paying off. Reducing the amount of packaging, packaging in bulk or changing packaging materials has the potential to save companies millions. Take the Poland Spring Eco-Shaped bottles for example. Not only are they saving on raw materials - using 30% less plastic per bottle and 30% smaller labels - the bottles are lighter and thus cheaper to ship. In addition to their cost savings, they can also position themselves as a sustainable company that is making an effort to reduce their environmental footprint, thus increasing their sales.

Secondly, another smart strategy is to avoid putting yourself in (or further into) debt. If I’m uncertain about my economic future, I’m not about to enter any agreements that involve long-term financial commitments. Making capital investments in a recession is a big deal and should not be taken lightly. This is mainly because once capital is invested, it is not easily recovered for reinvestment into anything else.

And finally, I pay close attention to where and how I spend my money. Indirect spend is just as applicable in our personal lives as it is in business – and represents a huge opportunity to save money. I recently discovered, for example, that some states allow you to choose your electricity supplier – which means you can evaluate deals and offers from numerous suppliers and pick the one that saves you the most money. Doing some research and making an informed decision seems a lot smarter than blindly paying an electric bill each month. We recently ran an article for Food Manufacturing on this topic. In it, the author discussed how many companies overlook vast savings opportunities associated with their indirect spend. By pursuing “smarter sourcing” of indirect goods and services, companies will not only realize significant one-time savings, they will enjoy them year after year. When you consider that for most manufacturing companies, indirect materials represent about half of the company's total spend, this could potentially add up to big savings.

Fortunately for us consumers and industry in general, economic cycles mean that if we can at least stay afloat during tough times, better times should be around the corner. Staying smart with our money when times are tough might just be the “edge” we need to survive.
Click here to read IMPO editor Anna Wells' take on recession strategies

Learn the ABCs of ERP

2008-07-29T16:06:00.000-04:00

Food manufacturers need to focus on manufacturing food, not sorting through software solutions. They need to produce quality products, in the right quantities, at the right price. By implementing one system - Enterprise Resource Planning - you can organize all aspects of your business activities, from supply chain to human resources. Our one-hour webcast, hosted by Anna Wells, Editor of IMPO magazine, will:

-Outline technology options
-Lend expert advice on choosing the right solution for your company
-Offer real-world experiences of other manufactures who implemented ERP systems
-Offer a live Q&A session with industry experts

Click here to register for the event which will take place August 6, 2:00 EST

Green Pockets

2008-07-23T13:30:00.000-04:00

We are a society plagued with guilt. I tossed a plastic six pack ring (uncut) into the trash the other day and instantly had a flash of a baby seal tangled in my thoughtless discard, with an R.E.M. song playing in the background.

Thankfully for me, the manufacturing world is making up for my carelessness by collectively “going green.” New equipment promises greater energy efficiency, less emissions and less waste. Industrial facilities can go green by becoming LEED certified; or, if they are looking for simpler solution (and less paperwork) they can make smaller changes such as adding thermally insulated windows, installing skylights, switching to florescent lighting, or using reusable pallets.

There are a multitude of reasons for manufacturing to go green, including everything from better environmental stewardship to healthier employees. I’m certainly not arguing against sustainability practices. However, at the end of a day, a company is not successful unless its products are selling. Sustainability sells. Customers want to buy from companies that operate in an environmentally friendly matter and produce environmentally friendly products because it helps alleviate the guilt imposed on us from every possible angle as green marketing campaigns tell us how we are single handedly destroying the planet.

My question is, if going green wasn’t producing a profit, would manufacturing continue its sustainability push?

Take Wal-Mart, for example. Wal-Mart’s newest green initiative aims to reduce packaging 5% by 2013, which they are estimating could save 667,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Oh and by the way, this noble initiative will also save Wal-Mart $3.4 billion and helps the company to market itself as an innovative leader in sustainability practices.

I came across a tee shirt the other day made of recycled cotton and plastic soda bottles. Across the front, it said “I’m going green.” This epitomized my questioning behind the growing green wave. Would a person buy this shirt because it is good for the environment, or simply, do they want everyone to clearly see how much they care about saving the planet?

I suppose you could say that as long as companies are “doing the right thing” when it comes to the environment, their reasoning behind it is irrelevant. But personally, before I become financially loyal to a particular product or company, I’d like some assurance that said company stands behind its green principles profits aside, and that I am not just buying into another transient marketing trend.

(Click here to read IMPO Editor Anna Wells’ counterpoint take on going green)

In the Eyes (and Ears) of the Beholder

2008-06-24T11:45:00.000-04:00

I recently learned of an art project on display at an art exhibition in Holland. The exhibit, titled “Our Daily Dread,” features moving urethane pig ears suspended from the ceiling, as well as a huge video of a dog chewing on a pig ear, and animal noises coupled with background sounds that can only be described as the “slaughterhouse soundtrack” (click here to view the video).

Perhaps my art appreciation prowess isn’t exactly up to speed, but I was left a little confused by this exhibit.

I understand that this was meant to be a spin off of Nikolaus Geyrhalter’s documentary film “Our Daily Bread.” Geyrhalter’s documentary shows scene after scene of the industrial production of food, with no narration. Many reviews seem to have mistakenly interpreted the film as Geyrhalter lashing out against the evils of mechanization in the food industry.

To quote Geyrhalter about the documentary, “There is nothing wrong with saying, ‘Buy organic products! Eat less meat!’ But at the same time it’s kind of an excuse, because we all enjoy the fruits of automation and industrialization and globalization every day, which affect much more than just food.”

It seems to me that Geyrhalter is blaming society and its consumers rather than coming down on the very food industry that we all faithfully support with our dollars.

I can partially agree with this. While it is true that today’s modern food production is a reflection of consumer demands, consumers are asking for cheaper, more widely available food products in great varieties, and the industry is responding. Our food industry, like many other industries, has evolved to meet the demands of present day society.

However, I do not feel one single ounce of guilt about this. In fact, I think the advancements in automation are impressive and a testament to the amazing progress in the food processing industry. I’d venture to say that most people involved in the industry would see the documentary as something beautiful and artistic.

Which brings me back to the “Our Daily Dread” exhibit. I believe that in art’s noble attempt to deliver a social message, it often falls short. In a desperate scramble to make viewers “feel” something, the artist settles on making people feel incredibly guilty. This to me is the equivalent of a movie that attempts to be scary by having characters jump out unexpectedly. There is a difference between a startle and a scare. Just like there is a different between delivering a social message and just trying to make people feel bad.

Sorry to say, Ken Rinaldo (the artist) but your guilt trip did not work on me! Am I supposed to be repulsed by the sight of a dog eating a pig’s ear? Let’s keep in mind that in some countries, pig ears are considered a delicacy, and eaten by humans. Am I supposed to feel bad for the pig? Pig ears are a byproduct of the pork industry – no one killed (or tortured) an entire pig just to obtain that ear.

Additionally, should I be saddened by the mechanical sounds of slaughter? If you recall, the traditional method of slaughtering a pig had something to do with grandma dragging Wilbur out to the barn, wrestling him down to the ground and using a handheld knife to cut this throat. If you ask me, our newer, more automated methods are a lot less horrible – for the human and the pig.

And finally, are dozens of floating urethane pig ears supposed make me feel bad about eating meat? Last time I checked, my bacon didn’t have ears and there was absolutely no dread involved on my end when it came to eating it. At the very least, its going to require some actual pig body parts (extra points if they are bloody) if you are even attempting to rattle me – go big or go home, Rinaldo.

The Power of Misperception

2008-06-19T15:32:00.001-04:00

The Power of Misperception

While having dinner in a restaurant the other night, I overheard a woman at the table behind me verbally scanning the menu and discussing what she no longer feels is safe and to eat. On her list was beef (“contaminated with mad cow”), spinach (“contaminated with E. coli”), chicken (“possible salmonella poisoning”) and all seafood (“filled with carcinogenic toxins”).

I started thinking about consumer misconceptions, which was timely, considering that the very next day I received an email from a member of the poultry industry pointing out that I too had made an incorrect assumption in my last column. I had mistakenly mentioned that one possible rationale for vegetarianism was the desire to avoid hormones injected into poultry and cattle. While federal regulations allow the use of certain hormones on growing cattle and sheep, hormones are illegal in poultry production.

Consumer perceptions – whether true or false – are powerful in the food industry. The 2006 Monterey County spinach recall, prompted by E. coli contamination, lead to estimated losses as high as $100 million. While a portion of the economic loss can be attributed to product loss in terms of recalled products, the ripple effects of the spinach scare facilitated a costly decline in sales for both the spinach and leafy greens industry in general.

A recent survey of consumers (commissioned by Deloitte Consulting) reported that 57 percent of Americans say they have stopped eating a particular food, temporarily or permanently, as a result of a recent recall.

While the food industry seems to be doing its best to battle misconceptions and set the record straight for consumers, it seems that a significant portion of their marketing efforts are centered around defending, rather than promoting, their products. How do you have time to prove that your chicken tastes better than your competitor’s when so much of your time is devoted to merely proving that your chicken won’t give consumers salmonella, bird flu, or an increased resistance to antibiotics?

Some suggest that there needs to be better clarification at the federal level regarding specific affected products during a recall, as well as a more concise follow-through on the progress of the recall. Others claim it is just a question of putting more information and educational materials into the hands of consumers – and one way to accomplish this would be to make sure media outlets are passing on accurate information.

I’m interested in hearing what your companies are doing to assuage consumer fears and alleviate misconceptions. Please email me with your thoughts/ideas.

And by the way, the woman in the restaurant eventually settled on pasta in a “fresh, chunky marinara sauce” – it took everything in my power to resist telling her about the tomato recall.

Test Tube Nuggets

2008-06-12T16:09:00.000-04:00

Karen Langhauser, Editor-in-Chief

I'm clearly not a PETA supporter despite the fact that I feel that chickens serve a very divine purpose on this planet, especially when covered in honey mustard and put on my sandwich. Therefore, I typically dismiss all PETA news events as blatant publicity stunts and inadequate attempts to destroy much of the industry that keeps my publication alive. But I have to hand it to them this time, because they have my attention.

PETA recently announced a one million dollar prize for the first individual or group to develop and sell in vitro chicken meat on a commercial level. In vitro meat is essentially meat grown in a laboratory without the physical body or organs of the actual animal. Starter animal muscle cells, suspended in a growth medium (as a food source for the cells), enable meat to be grown on sheets in a lab. Sounds delicious, right?

It might not sound aesthetically appealing at first, but I think one of the most interesting things about in vitro meat is the conundrum it could bring for vegetarians. I never turn down the opportunity to sit down with a vegetarian and really delve into the reasoning behind his/her diet choices. I've come across two common types of vegetarians. First, there is the "I don't eat anything with a face" and "killing animals is cruel" vegetarian. Second, there is the more socially responsible vegetarian who has concerns about everything from the impact of livestock on our land, air and water to the effects that hormones injected into poultry and cattle can have on our health. I'm not saying either view is incorrect. What is intriguing though is that in vitro meat would strip these vegetarians of all their rationale.

In recent years, research organizations devoted to developing meat substitutes, including in vitro, have emerged. These organizations claim that because meat substitutes are produced under controlled conditions (versus a farm for example) the substitutes are safer for consumption, have less of an environmental impact and are more humane than traditional meat.I'll buy that argument. But despite even a one million dollar incentive, it remains to be seen whether or not in vitro meat could ever be economically competitive with traditional meat, or more importantly, whether any consumer, vegetarians and meat eaters alike, would want to eat lab-grown meat.

What this does show us is that as our breath of scientific knowledge proliferates, the face of the food industry could see some changes. While it is unrealistic to expect a total overhaul of traditional food production methods (ala the Jetsons or Star Trek), the possibility of innovation such as cloned meat, in vitro meat or nanofood is now more than just science fiction. The food industry will have to share some portion of its market with products that no one formerly thought could even exist.

One more thing - and this is just me being somewhat antagonistic - but if you truly follow all the rules of the PETA contest and manage to be the first in the country to successfully create and then sell in vitro chicken in at least ten U.S. states - wouldn't a million dollar prize just be pocket change?

Food Manufacturing, Advantage Business Media