Monday, November 19, 2012

News and Notes for Monday November 19, 2012

Gene discovery turns soldier beetle defense into biotech opportunity
The Soldier beetle is the first animal found to produce the exotic fatty acid dihydromatriciaria (DHMA). New antibiotic and anti-cancer chemicals may one day be synthesized using biotechnology, following this discovery. Read more from Phys.org.

'Fat Tax' in Denmark Is Repealed After Criticism
Citing a harmful effect on businesses and consumer buying power, lawmakers in Denmark have repealed the so-called fat tax, which was charged on foods high in saturated fats, after just one year.Read more from the New York Times.

Palm oil production in Nigeria and Ghana to increase on back of demand for personal care products
Growing demand for personal care products in Ghana and Nigeria is triggering increased demand by local manufacturers for crude palm oil, according to a new report from market research company Frost & Sullivan. Read more from Cosmetics Design Europe.

Triclosan in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Can Increase Allergy Risk
Triclosan -- an antibacterial chemical found in toothpaste and other products -- can contribute to an increased risk of allergy development in children. This comes from the Norwegian Environment and Childhood Asthma Study, in which the Norwegian Institute of Public Health is involved. Similar results are reported in the USA. Read more from ScienceDaily.

Oil Crops Outlook  
The USDA Economic Research Service 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. Includes information on cottonseed, peanuts, sunflowerseed, tropical oils, corn oil, and animal fats ..."  Read the report (PDF).

CFS announces study findings on 3-MCPD fatty acid esters in local food
The fatty acid esters of 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) in food are unlikely to have major toxic effects on local consumers, according to the findings of a study conducted by the Centre for Food Safety (CFS). Read the News Release.

Global Food Prices are on Average Eight Percent Lower
According to the latest UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Price Index which notes that the decline was "... largely due to lower international prices of cereals and oils and fats, which more than offset increases in dairy and sugar prices ..." - FAO also released its biannual "Food Outlook" which noted that "... global expenditure on food imports was forecast at $1.14 trillion in 2012, 10 percent lower than last year's record level .
Read the FAO News Release.
FAO Food Price Index
"FAO Food Outlook - Global Market Analysis" (PDF)

Argentina, Indonesia face EU biodiesel dumping investigation
The European Union has begun investigating accusations that Argentina and Indonesia are dumping biodiesel in Europe, undercutting local companies which face falling output and bankruptcies.
Read more from Reuters.

Abstract Alerts

Scientific Opinion on application (EFSA-GMO-NL-2010-78) for the placing on the market of herbicide-tolerant, increased oleic acid genetically modified soybean MON 87705 for food and feed uses, import and processing under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 from Monsanto
EFSA Journal 2012;10(10):2909 [34 pp.] Read the abstract or download the article (PDF).

Effect of Antioxidants on the Lipid Oxidation and Flavor of Microwave-assistant Dried Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Slices
Xiangjin Fu, Zhonghai Li, Qinglu Lin, Shiying Xu. Journal of Food Research.  Vol 1, No 4 (2012). Read the abstract or download the full-text (PDF).

Evaluation of flavonoids and diverse antioxidant activities of Sonchus arvensis
Khan RA. Chemistry Central Journal 2012, 6:126 (29 October 2012). Read the abstract or download the provisional paper (PDF).

Qualitative screening for adulterants in weight-loss supplements by ion mobility spectrometry
Jamie D. Dunn, Connie M. Gryniewicz-Ruzicka, Daniel J. Mans, Laura C. Mecker-Pogue, John F. Kauffman, Benjamin J. Westenberger, Lucinda F. Buhse. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Volume 71, December 2012, Pages 18–26. Read the abstract.


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