Monday, July 30, 2012

Scientific Opinion on the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of EPA, DHA and DPA

The European Food Safety Authority released a Scientific Opinion prepared by its Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies.
"Available data are insufficient to establish a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for N-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (N-3 LCPUFA) (individually or combined) for any population group. At observed intake levels, consumption of n-3 LCPUFA has not been associated with adverse effects in healthy children or adults. Long-term supplemental intakes of  Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)  and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) combined up to about 5 g/day do not appear to increase the risk of spontaneous bleeding episodes or bleeding complications, or affect glucose homeostasis immune function or lipid peroxidation, provided the oxidative stability of the n-3 LCPUFAs is guaranteed. Supplemental intakes of EPA and DHA combined at doses of 2 to 6 g/day, and of DHA at doses of 2 to 4 g/day, induce an increase in LDL-cholesterol concentrations of about 3 percent which may not have an adverse effect on cardiovascular disease risk, whereas EPA at doses up to 4 g/day has no significant effect on LDL cholesterol. Supplemental intakes of EPA and DHA combined at doses up to 5 g/day, and supplemental intakes of EPA alone up to 1.8 g/day, do not raise safety concerns for adults. Dietary recommendations for EPA and DHA based on cardiovascular risk considerations for European adults are between 250 and 500 mg/day. Supplemental intakes of DHA alone up to about 1 g/day do not raise safety concerns for the general population. No data are available for Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) when consumed alone. In the majority of the human studies considered, fish oils, also containing DPA in generally unknown (but relatively low) amounts, were the source of EPA and DHA"

* The Scientific Opinion is posted at
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2815.htm


News and Notes for Monday July 30, 2012

The Skinny on Canola Oil
David Grotto, RD, LDN visits Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada to visit canola fields and learn more about the third most consumed oil in the world. Read more about the myths and facts surrounding canola oil at WebMD. 

Can a Food for Cows Make Healthier Snickerdoodles?
Padu Krishnan, a food scientist at South Dakota State University, tests recipes for baked goods made from ethanol by-products.  Read more at the Wall Street Journal. 

Vitamin E prevents liver cancer
Taking vitamin E supplements or eating vitamin E rich foods may help reduce risk for liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma, according to a Chinese study published  in Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Read more at foodconsumer.org.

Oil lobby group challenges renewable fuel mandate
The American Petroleum Institute filed a lawsuit, arguing that the Environmental Protection Agency’s mandates are unreasonable and claiming "the government is requiring refiners and gasoline importers to purchase renewable fuels that don’t exist". Read more at FuelFix (blog).

Using Rheology to Design Better Products—Yield Stress and How to Measure It
Manipulating the rheology of a product during its development enables formulators to deliver desirable characteristics—the right feel and texture, great stability, and optimal usability that suits the consumer. Read more at American Laboratory.

Asia olefins uptrend seen capped by demand concerns
Asian olefins prices have been rising for the past  month, however,  further gains are expected to be capped by weak derivative demand and more supply. Read more at ICIS.

Abstract Alerts

H-NMR Spectroscopy as a New Tool in the Assessment of the Oxidative State in Edible Oils
Christina Skiera, Panagiotis Steliopoulos, Thomas Kuballa, Ulrike Holzgrabe and Bernd Diehl. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, 2012, Volume 89, Number 8, Pages 1383-1391. Read the abstract.

Rheology and morphology of nanosilica-containing polypropylene and polypropylene/liquid crystalline polymer blend
Foudazi, R. and Nazockdast, H. (2012). J. Appl. Polym. Sci.. doi: 10.1002/app.38269. Read the abstract.

Upcoming Events July 30 -August 6, 2012
See the AOCS Events Calendar.

30-August 01 Soy Foods Summit
Chicago, Illinois, USA

August 2012

05-09 16th World Congress of Food Science and Technology
Salvador, Brazil

06-10 6th International Crop Science Congress
Bento Goncalves, Brazil


Have a news item or upcoming event? Tip your editors at tips@aocs.org.


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

News and Notes for Wednesday July 25, 2012

Replacing the Whole Barrel of Oil and the Need for Biobased Chemicals Policy Now
Stephen J. Gatto, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Myriant Corporation, discusses the politics and economics of biobased chemicals in the United Sates. Read more at Biofuels Digest.

New, Simple Method Introduced to Eliminate Surfactants from Mesoporous Materials
Iranian researchers in Gilan University succeeded in eliminating the surfactants remaining in the pores of MCM-41 mesoporous material by using the fast and simple sonication method. Read more from Fars News.

Craig Venter on the science of synthetic biology
Dr. Craig Venter ( a biologist credited with "the world's first synthetic life form") argues that a series of talks in Dublin in 1943 marked the birth of synthetic biology. Read more and listen to the podcast at Science Weekly.

Vitamin E May Lower Liver Cancer Risk
High consumption of vitamin E either from diet or vitamin supplements may lower the risk of liver cancer, according to a study published July 17 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Read the news release at ScienceDaily.

AOCS News

New -Olive Oil Sensory Panel Proficiency Testing
AOCS has added the AOCS Olive Oil Sensory Panel Proficiency Testing Series to the Laboratory Proficiency Program. Find out more at www.aocs.org/sensory. Have a question or need more information? Contact Dawn Shepard, Laboratory Proficiency Program Manager.

Posters Wanted: World Conference on Fabric and Home Care
Organizers are accepting poster applications for the World Conference on Fabric and Home Care, which will be held Oct. 29-31, 2012 in Singapore. The abstract deadline is August 1, 2012. Submit here.

AOCS Press Warehouse Sale
Save up to 80% on select AOCS Press products. The Sale ends September 14, 2012 and an additional 5% discount is available if you order by July 31, 2012.  Visit the AOCS Store or view the Warehouse Sale Flyer (.pdf)

Abstract Alerts

Feasibility of filamentous fungi for biofuel production using hydrolysate from dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment of wheat straw
Yubin Zheng, Xiaochen Yu, Jijiao Zeng and Shulin Chen. Biotechnology for Biofuels 2012, 5:50 doi:10.1186/1754-6834-5-50. Published: 23 July 2012. Read the abstract.

The role for scientists in tackling food insecurity and climate change
John R Beddington, Mohammed Asaduzzaman, Megan E Clark, Adrian Fernández, Bremauntz, Marion D Guillou, Molly M Jahn, Erda Lin, Tekalign Mamo, Christine Negra, Carlos A Nobre, Robert J Scholes, Rita Shama, Nguyen Van Bo and Judi Wakhungu. Agriculture & Food Security 2012, 1:10 doi:10.1186/2048-7010-1-10. Published: 20 July 2012. Read the abstract.

Classification of Geographical Origin by PNN Analysis of Fatty Acid Data and Level of Contaminants in Oils From Peruvian Anchovy
Inger B. Standal, José Rainuzzo, David E. Axelson, Stig Valdersnes and Kåre Julshamn, et al. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, 2012, Volume 89, Number 7, Pages 1173-1182. Read the abstract.


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

What would it take for you to join?

It’s a Great Value
All important concept when promoting AOCS membership.

Hi, I’m Barb Semeraro, the AOCS membership manager. When people ask me what I do at AOCS, I reply “The 3 R’s – recruit, retain, and recognize”. 

As one of the R’s, I’m always trying different ways to “sell” membership – to get a person to join. I have found, and surveys concur, people join associations for several reasons: 1) for the greater good of the industry, 2) to find an answer to their question, 3) to develop a professional network, and sometimes 4) for the menu listing of services and discounts.  The menu listing saves you money, so it’s a great value. The other value - Membership value -  is an intangible which is harder to “sell” with words and phrases.

AOCS members have experienced the value of membership, so I asked a few to sit in front of a camera and talk about their involvement within AOCS. I am so grateful to the members who are willing to help me, staff, and colleagues without hesitation.

The first video is by Tim Kemper. Tim is Vice President of AOCS, was the Society’s Treasurer, involved with the processing division, and has contributed to many sessions and committees over the last 29 years.

Thank you Tim for finding the correct words and phrases to “sell” the value of membership. And, did you notice that this video didn’t need any editing? Tim did this in one take – the first one too!  He just asked when to start, looked directly at the camera, and preceded with his talk.

As Tim mentions; AOCS needs you! Your imagination and intellect. Your skills and cultures. Your input and insights into committee work.  We need you to lead the way. Yep, I’m trying to recruit you to join. I’m wondering - What would it take for you to join?


Giveaway
The first to respond with an answer to " What would it take for you to join?" in the comments sections of this blog post will receive an AOCS USB Flash drive. I can't wait to read your answers!

Win me!


AOCS Launches Olive Oil Sensory Panel Series

AOCS is pleased to add to its Laboratory Proficiency Program with the introduction of the AOCS Olive Oil Sensory Panel Proficiency Testing Series. The series, which launched last week, will allow participants to know where their sensory panel stands in comparison to sensory panels across the globe.

Testing and scoring will abide by International Olive Council guideline COI/T.20/Doc. No 15/Rev. 4 (November 2011), with qualifying panels promoted as an AOCS Recognized Olive Oil Sensory Panel. This recognition will give the top performing labs an opportunity to demonstrate to olive oil producers, retailers and importers that they are accurately assessing olive oil quality. Tasting panels are critical in the olive oil industry, as they help determine an olive oil’s grade (extra virgin, virgin, lampante, etc.).

The Sensory Panel Proficiency Testing Series will consist of two rounds of testing in the first year, with participation dates of October 2012 and January 2013. Each testing round will consist of four olive oil samples of 500 milliliters.

To sign up, visit www.aocs.org/sensory. The deadline to enroll is August 20, so act soon! Have a question or need more information? Contact Dawn Shepard, Laboratory Proficiency Program Manager.

Monday, July 23, 2012

News and Notes for Monday July 23, 2012

Meat Industry Loses Challenge to Renewable Fuel Standard
The National Chicken Council and two other meat-industry groups lost a court challenge to the EPA's national renewable-fuel standard that they said will increase feed prices in the U.S as more corn is used to produce ethanol. Read more at Businessweek.

Africa palm-oil plan pits activists vs N.Y. investors
Since 2000, world demand for palm oil has doubled. Millions of hectares of forest in top producers Indonesia and Malaysia have been turned over to plantations. That has prompted dismay among environmentalists and brought about tough new rules that are forcing planters to look elsewhere. One of those places is Cameroon, a central African state. Read more at Reuters.

Food Processing Trends Underscore Need for Additional Safety
Current trends of minimization in food formulation and processing - such as the reduction of salt levels in products and processing techniques designed to preserve fresh characteristics of products - should trigger a renewed look at food safety measures in the food industry, and might attract the attention of government regulators.  Read more at Food Safety News.

Data Tables on Total Nutrient Intakes, Meal Patterns, and Snack Occasions
Summary Data Tables on Total Nutrient Intakes, Meal Patterns, and Snack Occasions for 2009-2010 providing estimates of mean nutrient intakes for 21 age/gender groups by race/ethnicity and family income and are posted at http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=18349. Two days of dietary data containing food and nutrient intake data on 9,754 individuals are posted at
http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=18354.

Biodiesel/Industrial Lipids Group Seeks Partners for Testing and Collaboration
The Biodiesel/Industrial Lipids group at the Eastern Regional Research Center, USDA,  seeks partners interested in testing, in their applications, (a) domestically produced pennycress oil, and (b) acyl chain methyl-branched fatty acids and esters derived from pennycress oil and lipids.  Possible applications range from a domestic source of erucic acid to improved low temp lubricants.  Expressions of interest in partnering for the testing of these materials are being sought. Responses are preferred before July 25, 2012.  For Further information please contact Mike Haas:  tel: (215) 233-6459;  email:  michael.haas@ars.usda.gov

AOCS News

AOCS Press Warehouse Sale
Save up to 80% on select AOCS Press products. The Sale ends September 14, 2012 and an additional 5% discount is available if you order by July 31, 2012.  Visit the AOCS Store or view the Warehouse Sale Flyer (.pdf)

Abstract Alerts

Biomass-Based Polyols through Oxypropylation Reaction
Aniceto, J. P. S., Portugal, I. and Silva, C. M. (2012), ChemSusChem. doi: 10.1002/cssc.201200032. Read the abstract.

Biodiesel/Diesel Blends Classification with Respect to Base Oil Using NIR Spectrometry and Chemometrics Tools
Gildo W. B. Silva, Adriano A. Gomes, Priscila da Silva, Gean B. Costa and David Douglas Sousa Fernandes, et al. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, 2012, Volume 89, Number 7, Pages 1165-1171. Read the abstract.

Upcoming Events July 23-July 29, 2012
See the AOCS Events Calendar.

30-August 01 Soy Foods Summit
Chicago, Illinois, USA




Have a news tip or upcoming event? Tip your editors at tips@aocs.org.






Friday, July 20, 2012

Biodiesel/Industrial Lipids Group Seeks Partners for Testing -Short Turnaround

Seeking collaborator, short turn-around:

The Biodiesel/Industrial Lipids group at the Eastern Regional Research Center, USDA, in Philadelphia seeks partners interested in testing, in their applications, (a) domestically produced pennycress oil (33% erucic acid,  56% total monounsaturates, 94 % total unsaturates), and (b) acyl chain methyl-branched fatty acids and esters derived from pennycress oil and lipids. 
Possible applications range from a domestic source of erucic acid to improved low temp lubricants.  The materials will be produced during a proposed research program conducted over the next three years.

At this time, expressions of interest in partnering for the testing of these materials are being sought. Responses are preferred before July 25, 2012. 

For Further information please contact Mike Haas:  tel: (215) 233-6459;  email:  michael.haas@ars.usda.gov

Michael J. Haas, Ph.D.
Lead Scientist
Eastern Regional Research Center
Agricultural Research Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
600 E. Mermaid Lane
Wyndmoor, PA 19038


News and Notes for Friday July 20, 2012

North American Olive Oil Association Petitions FDA for Enhanced Standard of Identity for Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace Oil Products
The North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) submitted an updated petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an enhanced standard of identity for olive oil and olive-pomace oil products in the United States. Read the news release on MarketWatch.

Cargill supplies first-ever sustainable verified rapeseed oil to Unilever
Cargill has supplied the first-ever sustainable verified rapeseed oil to Unilever with an initial consignment covering five per cent of Unilever's rapeseed oil needs. Read more at Food & Beverage News.

Day in the Life of a Food Packaging Professional -New Video
A new video (From the Keynote Session at the 2012 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo) shows the importance of providing aseptic packaging to globally,  as well as the the interesting and rewarding aspects of this the food science profession. Watch now on IFTlive.

Catherine Brown appointed as Chief Executive of Food Standards Agency (U.K.)
Catherine Brown is the FSA's new Chief Executive.  Brown will take up the post in October. She will succeed Tim Smith, who has been Chief Executive since March 2008. Read more from .food.gov.uk

Analyzing DDGS with NIRS
Chinese researchers examined the use of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for quantitative determination of available energy and essential amino acids in corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Read more at AllAboutFeed.

Intermarche Unit to Build $20 Million Biodiesel Plant in France
Intermarche subisidary ecoMotion France awarded BDI-BioEnergy International AG (D7I) a 16.4 million- euro ($20 million) commission to build and run a biodiesel plant in Le Havre, France. Read more at Businessweek.

Abstract Alerts

Change in Trans Fatty Acid Content of Fast-Food Purchases Associated With New York City's Restaurant Regulation: A Pre–Post Study.
Sonia Y. Angell, Laura K. Cobb, Christine J. Curtis, Kevin J. Konty, Lynn D. Silver;  Annals of Internal Medicine. 2012 Jul;157(2):81-86.  Read the abstract.

Structure and property development of poly(3-hexylthiophene) organogels probed with combined rheology, conductivity and small angle neutron scattering
Gregory M. Newbloom ,  Katie M. Weigandt and Danilo C. Pozzo. Soft Matter, 2012, Advance Article. Received 14 May 2012, Accepted 30 Jun 2012. First published on the web 19 Jul 2012. Read the abstract.

Expression of fatty acid and lipid biosynthetic genes in developing endosperm of Jatropha curcas
Gu K, Yi C, Tian D, Singh J, Hong Y, Yin Z. Biotechnology for Biofuels. 2012, 5:47 (18 July 2012). Read the abstract.

Biodiesel biorefinery: opportunities and challenges for microbial production of fuels and chemicals from glycerol waste
Almeida J, Favaro LC, Quirino BF. Biotechnology for Biofuels. 2012, 5:48 (18 July 2012). Read the abstract.


Thursday, July 19, 2012

Health Claim in the EU Related to Consumption of Cocoa Flavanols and Maintenance of Normal Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation

"Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to cocoa flavanols and maintenance of normal endothelium-dependent vasodilation pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006" 

Following an application from Barry Callebaut Belgium nv, submitted pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Belgium, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to cocoa flavanols and maintenance of normal endothelium-dependent vasodilation.

Cocoa flavanols are sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect is “help maintain endothelium-dependent vasodilation which contributes to healthy blood flow”. 

The target population proposed by the applicant is the general healthy adult population. The Panel considers that maintenance of normal endothelium-dependent vasodilation is a beneficial physiological effect.

In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that cocoa flavanols consumed for 12 weeks have been shown to increase fasting ED-FMD significantly in the target population in one human intervention study, that in another study the effect was dose-dependent and occurred after one week of consumption, that the effect was supported by two additional studies, and that it was also observed in two out of three studies in patients under pharmacological treatment for coronary artery disease, although the mechanisms by which regular consumption of cocoa flavanols may induce a sustained effect on fasting ED-FMD are unknown.

The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of cocoa flavanols and maintenance of normal endothelium-dependent vasodilation. The following wording reflects the scientific evidence:
“Cocoa flavanols help maintain endothelium-dependent vasodilation, which contributes to normal blood flow”. 
In order to obtain the claimed effect, 200 mg of cocoa flavanols should be consumed daily. This amount could be provided by 2.5 g of high-flavanol cocoa powder or 10 g of high-flavanol dark chocolate, both of which can be consumed in the context of a balanced diet. The target population is the general population.

Organization: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

Source: July 17, 2012 EFSA Scientific Opinion, which was adopted on June 27, 2012 by the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies and published in the EFSA Journal 2012;10(7):2809

Find Out More

TODAY- Obama Administration Officials to Discuss U.S. Navy's Use of Domestic Biofuels in Major Maritime Exercise

TODAY, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Heather Zichal will host a conference call to brief media on the "Great Green Fleet" demonstration that is taking place off the coast of Hawaii beginning today.  Secretary Mabus is in Hawaii to observe the Great Green Fleet, a carrier strike group operating on advanced biofuel, participate in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), the largest international maritime exercise in the world.

The Great Green Fleet demonstration is an important milestone in the Department of the Navy's testing and certification program of 50/50 blends of advanced hydrotreated biofuel and aviation gas in aircraft and marine diesel in surface ships.  The military's ability to use fuels other than petroleum reduces the services' vulnerability to rapid and unforeseen changes in the price of oil that can negatively impact readiness, while also increasing energy security.

The demonstration is a component of a broader Administration effort to reduce reliance on imported petroleum by partnering with the private sector to speed the commercialization of next-generation biofuels.  For example, Navy, USDA and DOE recently announced $30 million in funding to support commercialization of "drop-in" biofuel substitutes for diesel and jet fuel through the Defense Production Act Title III (DPA), an authority that dates back to 1950 and has been used to support the industrialization of defense-critical domestic industries such as steel, aluminum, titanium, semiconductors, beryllium, and radiation-hardened electronics.  At the same time, the Department of Energy announced an additional $32 million to support research into advanced biofuel technologies that are in earlier stages of development.

Participants will provide details about the demonstration, including the production of the fuel used in the demonstration, and about ongoing biofuel projects in Hawaii.

Call Information
  • Thursday, July 19, 2012
  • 1 p.m. EDT                                
  • Audio Bridge Number: 888-469-1577                              
  • PASSCODE: SECY (Given Verbally)
  • Trouble number - 202-720-8560

All callers using the above passcode will be placed in listen only mode.  To join the Q&A portion of the meeting, these callers are instructed to press *1 on their touch tone phone.


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

FDA Notification - Products using oils, glycerin, or protein that were derived from the Jatropha plant may have toxic effects

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is notifying the regulated community that oils, glycerin, and proteins commonly used in the production of human and animal food, medical products, cosmetics, and other FDA-regulated products may contain toxins if they are derived from the Jatropha plant.

Find Out More
  • FDA is seeking validated testing methodologies for the detection of Jatropha-based toxins - If Jatropha-based toxins are suspected in an FDA regulated product, FDA requests that the methodology and information about the contamination be sent by e-mail to: IntentionalAdulteration@FDA.HHS.gov 

 

Food Standards Australia New Zealand Revised Regulations for Monsanto and BASF

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has revised its regulations  to permit the sale and use of food derived from from Monsanto Herbicide-tolerant Maize MON87427 and BASF Plant Science Herbicide-tolerant Soybean Line CV127.
  • The corn line MON87427, genetically engineered to provide tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate, is considered by FSANZ to be as safe for human consumption as food derived from conventional corn cultivars. 
  • The genetically modified (GM) soybean line CV127, which is tolerant to the imidazolinone class of herbicides,is considered by FSANZ to be as safe for human consumption as food derived from conventional soybean cultivars. 




News and Notes for Wednesday July 18, 2012

Top palm oil producer Indonesia wants to be more refined
The world's No. 1 producer of the edible oil is seeing a more than $2.5 billion wave of investment to build a refining industry that will double its capacity and mean it could supply the entire needs of Asia's top food consumers - India and China. Read more at cnbc.com.

Oil Crops Outlook
USDA ERS has released its latest monthly report which examines supply, use, prices, and trade for oil crops (primarily soybeans and products), including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. The  USDA ERS Oil Crops Outlook report is posted at http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/ocs-oil-crops-outlook/ocs12g.aspx (Specifically at
http://www.ers.usda.gov/media/852199/ocs12gt.pdf ). The USDA ERS Oil Crops Yearbook and Data is at http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1290 .

Guidelines on Best Practices in Risk Communications Related to Food Safety in Europe
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and national food safety organizations in Europe have developed guidelines to "... provide a framework to assist decision-making about appropriate communications approaches in a wide variety of situations that can occur when assessing and communicating on risks related to food safety in Europe. " The  EFSA Press Release is posted at http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/120713.htm

"Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops in the U.S." is the title of a July 12, 2012 USDA Economic Research Service report which " ... summarizes the adoption of herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant crops since their introduction in 1996 ..."
  • ERS notes that " ... While many people are interested in information about the global GE acreage, USDA does not collect these data. Estimates are produced by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) and can be found in the report, Global Status of Commercialized Transgenic Crops: 2012 at http://www.isaaa.org/resources/publications/briefs/default.asp
The International Olive Council has released its June 2012 market report
Find it here.

Abstract Alerts 

Oral Supplementation with Dihomo-γ-Linolenic Acid (DGLA)-Enriched Oil Increases Serum DGLA Content in Healthy Adults
Takao Tanaka, Saki Kakutani, Chika Horikawa, Hiroshi Kawashima and Yoshinobu Kiso. Lipids, 2012, Volume 47, Number 6, Pages 643-646. Read the abstract.

Determination of Unsaponifiable Constituents of Deodorizer Distillates by GC–MS
Saba Naz, S. T. H. Sherazi, Farah N. Talpur, M. Younis Talpur and Huseyin Kara. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. Volume 89, Number 6 (2012), 973-977. Read the abstract.

Jobs

Lipid Chemist
Solazyme has an opportunity available for a Lipid Chemist in South San Francisco, California. Read the job posting.


Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Increased Productivity and a More Sustainable Food System will Improve Global Food Security

While international agricultural commodity markets appear to have entered calmer conditions after record highs last year, food commodity prices are anticipated to remain on a higher plateau over the next decade, underpinned by firm demand but a slowing growth in global production, according to the latest OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook.

The report suggests that in addition to population growth higher per capita incomes, urban migration and changing diets in developing countries, as well as rising requirements for biofuel feedstocks, are underpinning demand pressures. At the same time, agricultural output by traditional exporting developed countries has been slow to respond to higher prices in the last decade.

Higher demand will be met increasingly by supplies that come to market at higher cost. With farmland area expected to expand only slightly in the coming decade, additional production will need to come from increased productivity, including by reducing productivity gaps in developing countries, the report said.

The Outlook anticipates that agricultural output growth will slow to an average of 1.7 percent annually over the next 10 years, down from a trend rate of over 2 percent per year in recent decades. Higher input costs, increasing resource constraints, growing environmental pressures and the impacts of climate change will all serve to dampen supply response.

Much of the projected growth will come from developing countries, which will increasingly dominate in the production of most agricultural commodities, and also take on a more important role in commodity trade.

"Increased productivity, green-growth and more open markets will be essential if the food and nutrition requirements of future generations are to be met," said OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría. "Governments should renounce trade-distorting practices and create an enabling environment for a thriving and sustainable agriculture underpinned by improved productivity. We have highlighted many of these issues in our work on food security for the G20 and this Outlook provides further important analysis and recommendations to governments."

"For consumers, especially for the millions of people living in extreme poverty, high food prices have caused considerable hardship. We need to redouble our efforts to bring down the number of hungry people. We must focus on increasing sustainable productivity growth, especially in developing countries, and especially for small producers," said FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva. "High real prices for agricultural commodities provide higher incentives for farmers and rural development, especially where markets are open and price mechanisms function well, and where farmers also have the capacity to respond."

Sustainability concerns

The Outlook notes that 25 percent of all agricultural land is highly degraded. Critical water scarcity in agriculture is a fact for many countries. Several fish stocks are over-exploited or at risk. There is a growing consensus that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and climatic patterns are changing in many parts of the world.

Beyond its call for complementary policies to address productivity and sustainability, the report recognizes that the private sector will play the lead role in agriculture going forward.
Governments should encourage better agronomic practices, create the right commercial, technical and regulatory environment and strengthen agricultural innovation systems (e.g. research, education, extension, infrastructure), with attention to the specific needs of smallholders.

Creating the right enabling environment also means ensuring that the business climate is conducive to domestic and foreign investments, so governments should limit trade restrictions as well as those domestic support schemes that distort incentives for production and investment in agriculture.

There is a need to develop national investment schemes and increased development assistance to agriculture for research and development, innovation adoption and infrastructure development, the report said.

Developing countries should promote agricultural infrastructure investment in rural areas to improve storage, transportation and irrigation systems, as well as electrification, information and communication systems. Investment in human capital is equally important and depends on more public spending on health care, education and training.

These policies should also address the reduction of food loss and food waste, pegged by a recent FAO study at roughly one-third of food produced for human consumption, in order to limit the need to increase production and conserve resources.

Find Out More
    • A Summary of the report is posted here
  • A focus on the major food and agricultural commodities listed in the report is available here.
  • Additional resources and information about the report is available here


AOCS Newsletter Highlights -July 2012

Download Free AOCS Journal Articles
Want to know what your peers are reading?
The most-downloaded papers from AOCS’ three journals are available online free from Springer. Scroll to the bottom of each page to view the article titles and download.


Want to Get Published?
AOCS Press is looking for new book and product ideas! Have a good one? Submit a proposal online.
Or contact Lori Stewart for a hardcopy proposal form.

AOCS Press Books Abstracted
Selected AOCS Press books have been abstracted in the June 2012 issue of Reference and Research Book News. Read the listings or download the full issue. 

Book of the Month
Save $20 on Omega-3 Oils: Applications in Functional FoodsYou will also receive by email — FREE — the eChapter, "Production of Marine Oils,” from this book. Use coupon code BOM0712 to receive the discount.

LPP Second Quarter Enrollment Deadline
The enrollment deadline for the second quarter of the AOCS Laboratory Proficiency Program is August 20. Check out the list of testing programs that LPP offers and enroll online. For more information, contact technical@aocs.org

AOCS Meeting Updates

Singapore_bug2 90x119 2

Singapore 2012  World Conference on Fabric and Home Care | 29-31 October 2012 | Singapore

Call for Posters 
 Showcase your latest research results, innovative work-in-progress, or on-going research project that might not yet be complete, but demonstrates compelling preliminary results.

Submit your abstract by August 1, 2012. View guidelines and submit.

Presenters of accepted posters will receive the early registration rate of US $1,250 until August 31, 2012.


Upcoming Industry Meetings

household_90x110Household 2012 Auto Care 
 International Seminar & Exhibition | September 3-5, 2012 | São Paulo, Brazil
Purpose: Technological updating for formulators and chemists, industrialists and industries of hygiene, cleaning and protection products for cars, in Brazil and in Mercosur.
 

Ag Innovation 90x110Ag Innovation Showcase  | September 10-12, 2012 | St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Established in 2009, The Ag Innovation Showcase has quickly become a leading global event convening Agriculture’s industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and economic development officials.

Save 25% off registration! Register online using code 25AG12. This offer is available until Monday, July 23.

 


drop90 2
10th Euro Fed Lipid Congress | 23-26 September 2012 | Cracow, Poland
“Fats, Oils and Lipids: from Science and Technology to Health”
 


abs_logo
6th Annual Algae Biomass Summit | September 24-27 2012 | Denver, Colorado, USA
This dynamic event unites industry professionals from all sectors of the world’s algae utilization industries including, but not limited to, financing, algal ecology, genetic systems, carbon partitioning, engineering & analysis, biofuels, animal feeds, fertilizers, bioplastics, supplements and foods.
 


ISBAB 90x110
8th International Symposium on Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology (ISBAB) | October 28-31, 2012 | Sonoma, California, USA
This by-invitation-only event will bring together key researchers and professionals from academia, government, and industry to share research results, insights, and perspectives in various facets of biocatalysis and biotechnology.
 


DeepFrying2013 2
7th International Symposium on Deep Frying | February 20-22, 2013 | San Francisco, California, USA Optimum frying for safe and improved quality fried foods. Practical information for the foodservice and industrial frying.



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Monday, July 16, 2012

International Food Security Assessment, 2012-22

The Summary of the July 2012  USDA Economic Research Service Outlook Report follows:

What Is the Issue?

Government policy makers, international development organizations, and other stakeholders are concerned with the status of international food security, a concern that has increased due to the volatility in global food prices since the late 2000s. The results in this report are based on projections of two key determinants of food security: food production and import capacity of the countries. Domestic food production performance plays the most critical role in the food security of many lower income countries, particularly in the Asian and Sub-Saharan and Sub-Saharan African regions in this report that depend primarily on local grain supplies. Conversely, the capacity to pay for imports plays a significant role for regions like Latin America and North Africa that import a relatively large share of supplies. To understand how food production and import capacity affect food security, ERS researchers estimated and projected the number of food-insecure people regionally and in each of the 76 developing countries covered in this report for 2012-22.

What Did the Study Find?

Over the next decade, ERS projects that while the number of food-insecure people for the 76 countries analyzed will increase, the share of the population that is food insecure will drop from 24 to 21 percent and the distribution gap (the quantity of food required to reach the nutritional target of roughly 2,100 calories/day for each income decile) will hold constant. However, food insecurity is estimated to become more concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, although even there the share of the population that is food insecure falls.

* Food security is estimated to improve between 2011 and 2012. The number of food-insecure people is estimated to decline by about 12 million, from 814 million in 2011 to 802 million in 2012.

- The number of food-insecure people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is estimated to decrease by 4.3 percent and the distribution gap to fall by 1.8 percent.

- Asian countries are estimated to see a small increase in the number of food-insecure people from 2011 to 2012, but a 22-percent increase in the distribution gap.

- Food security conditions are expected to be essentially unchanged in the North African (NA) and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) regions.

* Over 2012-2022, the number of food-insecure people in the 76 countries covered by this report is projected to increase by 37 million, or 4.6 percent, much lower than the 16.7-percent increase in population. The distribution gap is projected to remain unchanged.

- Conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa do not mirror this general finding. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is the only region projected to have a sizable increase (15.1 percent) in the number of food-insecure people, although the share of the population that is food insecure is projected to fall from 42 percent in 2012 to 38 percent in 2022. The distribution gap is projected to rise nearly 19 percent, suggesting an increase in the intensity of food insecurity in the region.

- The number of food-insecure people is projected to decline both in the LAC countries (by nearly 15 percent) and Asian countries (2.5 percent) included in the report, while the distribution gap declines 28 percent in both regions.

How Was the Study Conducted?

All historical and projected data were updated relative to the International Food Security Assessment, 2011-21 report. Food production estimates for 2011 were based on data from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as of March 2012. Historical production data came from FAO and food aid data came from the World Food Programme (WFP) and population data are from the United Nations. Financial and macroeconomic data were based on World Bank data as of March 2012. Projected macroeconomic variables are either based on calculated growth rates for the 1990s through the late 2000s or came from International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank projections. Projections of food availability include food aid, with the assumption that each country will receive the 2008-10 average level of food aid throughout the next decade.

Find Out More

Document Title: The title of the July 2012 USDA ERS Outlook Report is "International Food Security Assessment, 2012-22"

Organization: USDA Economic Research Service (ERS)

Source: July 9, 2012 USDA ERS Outlook Report No. GFA-23

Web site: The July 9, 2012 USDA ERS Outlook Report is posted at
http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/gfa-food-security-assessment-situation-and-outlook/gfa23.aspx
* Specifically at
http://www.ers.usda.gov/media/849266/gfa23.pdf

A Report Summary is available at:
http://www.ers.usda.gov/media/849262/gfa23summary.pdf

Contact: Questions may be directed to the following authors of the report who are with the USDA ERS:
* Shahla Shapouri at 202 694 5166; e-mail: Shapouri@ERS.USDA.gov
* Stacey Rosen at 202 694 5164; e-mail: SLRrosen@ERS.USDA.gov
* Birgit Meade at 202 694 5159; e-mail: BMeade@ERS.USDA.gov
* Anna D'Souza at 202 694 5170; e-mail: ADSouza@ERS.USDA.gov
* Nicholas Rada at 202 694 5202; e-mail: NRada@ERS.USDA.gov

News and Notes for Monday July 16, 2012

Tackling childhood obesity: What role should industry take?
The food industry could play an important role in fighting childhood obesity and improving children’s nutrition, according to a panel of experts speaking at IFT. Read more.

Physicians Answer Questions About Food Biotechnology in New IFIC Foundation Videos
foodinsight.org-- The International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation has produced five videos featuring leading physicians in the fields of pediatrics, food allergy and obstetrics who answer frequently asked questions about food biotechnology. Read more. 

trans fat linked to high risk of ischemic stroke
Food Consumer--The study released in the March 2012 issue of Annals of Neurology showed women with their intake of trans fat in the highest quintile were 39 percent more likely to suffer ischemic stroke than those whose intake in the lowest quintile. Read more.

Olive Oil Beneficial During Fertility Treatment
Olive Oil Times--a new study from the Harvard School of Public Health has found a positive association association between good fats and positive outcomes in women having In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Read more.
 

Study compares polycaprolactone polyols with other macrodiols in polyurethane dispersions
european-coatings.com--What properties make polycaprolactones interesting for waterborne polyurethane dispersions? Malin Rex from Pperstorp, Sweden, gives the answer and compares the properties of polycaprolactone polyols with those of polyester, polyether and polycarbonate polyols. Read more.

Cargill ends bid for firm in Australia
Minneapolis Star Tribune--Cargill Inc. has told the Australian government it has dropped plans to acquire Goodman Fielder's edible fats and oils business. Read more.

Abstract Alerts

Control of lipid oxidation by non-migratory active packaging films prepared by photoinitiated graft polymerization
Fang Tian, Eric Andrew Decker, and Julie M. Goddard. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry Just Accepted Manuscript. Read the abstract.

Potential of Jatropha curcas as a Biofuel, Animal Feed and Health Products
Srinivasan Nithiyanantham, Perumal Siddhuraju and George Francis. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, 2012, Volume 89, Number 6, Pages 961-972. Read the abstract. 

Upcoming Events July 16-22, 2012
See the AOCS Events Calendar.

15-18 3rd Pan American Congress on Plants and Bioenergy
Champaign, Illinois, USA

15-20 FASEB Conference: Phospholipid Metabolism: Disease, Signal Transduction, and Membrane Dynamics
Saxtons River, Vermont, USA

22-27 FASEB Conference: Lipid Signaling Pathways in Cancer
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA

22-27 FASEB Conference: Lipid Droplets: Metabolic Consequences of the Storage of Neutral Lipids
Snowmass Village, Colorado, USA

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Research call from The UK Food Standards Agency : Strategic Challenge 2012

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is inviting researchers to develop innovative proposals that would improve food safety and lead to a significant leap forward in addressing the Agency’s strategic challenges.

The focus of this call to tender, with a total spending pot of £500,000, is on scientific excellence. The Agency is looking for potentially high risk/high gain projects that use new approaches to address the Agency’s key objective of safer food for the nation.

The open call develops further the strategic challenge initiative started in 2011, and applicants are not constrained to specific research questions.

How to apply
  • Applications should be submitted using our electronic procurement system. They should be received by 5pm on Thursday 13 September 2012.

Related links

Contact: Alisdair Wotherspoon co-ordinates FSA's research activities and may be reached at 020 7276 8786; email: Alisdair.Wotherspoon@FoodStandards.GSI.gov.UK


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Grant Available -University-Based Low-Income Nutrition Education

"Aligning and Elevating University-Based Low-Income Nutrition Education"

Organization: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

Applications Due By: August 1, 2012

PART I—FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
A. Background

Land-grant universities have conducted EFNEP since 1969 and SNAP-Ed (a.k.a. the Family Nutrition Program and Food Stamp Nutrition Education) since 1987. Land-grant universities are the sole implementer of EFNEP and the primary implementer of SNAP-Ed. These programs represent a significant source of funding and programming for Cooperative Extension land-grant university partners and are the primary means by which land-grant universities deliver low-income nutrition education in communities. For more than half of states, the same individuals provide leadership to both programs which presents unique challenges and opportunities, since the programs are administered by two different agencies within USDA, NIFA and FNS (Food and Nutrition Service), respectively. NIFA has worked closely with university partners to strengthen both programs across the land-grant university system. ECOP (Extension Committee on Organization and Policy) leadership has requested NIFA’s assistance in better aligning and raising the visibility of EFNEP and SNAP-Ed through the land-grant university system given the importance of these programs to the Cooperative Extension mission.

The Aligning/Elevating University-Based Low-Income Nutrition Education RFA directly aligns with the Research, Education, and Economics Action Plan (http://www.ree.usda.gov/ree/news/USDA_REE_Action _Plan_02-2012_2.pdf ) and specifically addresses Goal 4, Nutrition and Childhood Obesity by strengthening established strategic partnerships and strengthening implementation practices to encourage healthy eating and physical activity at the individual and community levels, focusing on high-risk groups. 

Web site: The July 3, 2012 USDA NIFA Grant Funding Announcement is posted at
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=181593

The Full Funding Opportunity Announcement is available at
http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/pdfs/12_align_land_grant_univ.pdf

Contact:
  • Dr. Helen Chipman who is the National Program Leader of the Division of Nutrition of the USDA NIFA Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition at 202 720 8067; fax: 202 401 4888; e-mail: HChipman@NIFA.USDA.gov
  • Ms. Stephanie Blake who is a Program Specialist with the Division of Nutrition of the USDA NIFA Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition at 202 720 6079; fax: 202 401 4888; e-mail: SBlake@NIFA.USDA.gov



Monday, July 9, 2012

FDA Office of Regulatory Affairs Notification to Industry

Products using oils, glycerin, or protein that were derived from the Jatropha plant may have toxic effects

 

On July 6, 2012, the FDA Office of Regulatory Affairs issued a "Notification to Industry" advising that oils, glycerin, and proteins commonly used in the production of human and animal food, medical products, cosmetics, and other FDA-regulated products may contain toxins if they are derived from the Jatropha plant.

Unlike other benign materials used to produce biodiesel fuel, Jatropha plants may contain toxic compounds, including phorbol esters. These compounds exhibit potential toxicity, both acute and chronic, to exposed humans and animals. Conventional impurity test methods may not detect the presence of these toxins.


View the entire Notification to Industry here.

FDA is seeking validated testing methodologies for the detection of Jatropha-based toxins. If Jatropha-based toxins are suspected in an FDA regulated product, FDA requests that the methodology and information about the contamination be sent by e-mail to: IntentionalAdulteration@FDA.HHS.gov