Save the Date - Lab Workshop

Let AOCS help you achieve, maintain, and promote peak levels of accuracy and performance in your lab! This inaugural AOCS Technical Services Workshop will include educational sessions designed specifically for lab technicians.

Technical Program Topics

• Regulatory updates
• Method troubleshooting for food, feed, and biofuel
• Quality control and accreditation needs/requirements
• Emerging pollutants
• Publishing methods with AOCS

Interested in presenting a poster or demonstrating equipment?
Poster and equipment demonstration opportunities are available for the Analytical Showcase. Contact meetings@aocs.org for more information.
  
Workshop Details
July 16–17, 2013
FFA Enrichment Center| Des Moines Area Community College| Ankeny, IA
Website

Questions?
Phone: +1 217-693-4821
Meetings@aocs.org 

Organized by AOCS in cooperation with AACC and the Midwest Chapter of AOAC

News and Notes for Wednesday January 30, 2013

Human breast milk microbiome changes over time
The microbiome of breast milk is influenced by many factors, including maternal weight and how the baby was delivered, according to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Read more from Medical Xpress.

FDA: Brominated vegetable oil (BVO), is safe, so removing its interim status is ‘not a priority’
While brominated vegetable oil (BVO) has been sitting on a list of food additives “permitted on an interim basis pending further study” for decades, it is not in ‘regulatory limbo’ and is safe to use in fruit-flavored beverages, insists the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Read more from Food navigator.

Spread Of Ecolabels Vexes Cleaning Product Makers
Cleaning products companies aren’t fond of the seals, lists, and guides but they participate in them nonetheless. Read more from Chemical & Engineering News.

U.S. Bioenergy Statistics
The USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) has released its latest data set which provides a source of information on biofuels intended to present a picture of the renewable energy industry and its relationship to agriculture. View the January 23, 2013 update of the U.S. Bioenergy data.

EU launches clean fuel strategy
The European Commission today announced an ambitious package of measures to ensure the build-up of alternative fuel stations across Europe with common standards for their design and use.  Read the News Release.

Best of the Blogs

Oleochemical updates - Green Chemicals Blog
The green blogger provides a fantastic overview of the international oleochemicals market. Read more.

Abstract Alerts

Single-Cell Oils as a Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Overview of Recent Advances
Roberto E. Armenta, Mercia C. Valentine. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. February 2013, Volume 90, Issue 2, pp 167-182. Read the abstract.

Comparative Effects of Sandalwood Seed Oil on Fatty Acid Profiles and Inflammatory Factors in Rats
Guipu Li, Anish Singh,Yandi Liu, Bruce Sunderland, Duo Li. Lipids. February 2013, Volume 48, Issue 2, pp 105-113. Read the abstract.

Survey of renewable chemicals produced from lignocellulosic biomass during ionic liquid pretreatment
Varanasi P, Singh P, Auer M, Adams PD, Simmons BA, Singh S . Biotechnology for Biofuels 2013, 6:14 (28 January 2013). Read the abstract or provisional PDF.

News and Notes for Monday January 28, 2013

Men more likely than women to commit scientific fraud
Male scientists are far more likely to commit fraud than females. The analysis of professional misconduct was co-led by a researcher at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University and was published this week in the online journal mBio. Read more from R&D Magazine.

Sofiproteol and Bunge in talks over biodiesel plants
Sofiproteol is in talks with U.S. agribusiness giant Bunge to review their biodiesel joint venture in Europe, the French oilseed group said, as it aims to cut overcapacity at a time of weakening demand for the renewable fuel. Read the News Release.

44% of producers aim to boost biobased, renewable chemical content: ICIS survey
Survey finds that producers aims to take active lead on sustainability; market and promote sustainable products. Read more from BioFuels Digest.

Are You Ready To Eat Algae? Solazyme Knows You Are
As a producer of renewable oils, Solazymeis often connotated with the production of biofuels. The company has developed a novel biotechnology platform that has revolutionized the way oils can be derived and controlled. As a subsequent result, it has managed to not only influence the biofuel industry but is currently laying down the foundation with its partner companies to significantly disrupt the food industry as well. Read more form Seeking Alpha.

Australia Leads New Push to Raise Campesterol Limit for Olive Oil
New World producers are renewing a bid to raise the limit for campesterol in olive oil to stop what they say acts as a trade barrier and discriminates against their authentic virgin olive oils. Read more from The Olive Oil Times.

Understanding Protein as A Functional Ingredient
Ingredient technology advances are providing a growing array of uniquely functional proteins. Read more from Food Processing.

Jobs

• Sr. Development Chemist for Cargill in Fort Collins, CO -View the job posting. 

• Operations Engineer for Bunge North America St. Louis, MO, USA- View the job posting.

Abstract Alerts

Fatty acid variability in three medicinal herbs of Panax species
Zhang X, Huang L, Cai X, Li P, Wang Y, Wan J . Chemistry Central Journal 2013, 7:12 (21 January 2013). Read the abstract.

Enzymatic lignocellulose hydrolysis: Improved cellulase productivity by insoluble solids recycling
Weiss N, Börjesson J, Pedersen LS, Meyer AS . Biotechnology for Biofuels 2013, 6:5 (21 January 2013). Read the abstract.

Biotechnology, GMOs in the News

Mark Lynas leaves anti-GM fold, converts to science
Mark Lynas is both an intellectual and a political activist. Earlier this month, he announced his conversion from foe to enthusiastic supporter of genetically modified crops.

• Read more from NPR.

• Read more from Mark Lynas

•  Watch the video "Mark Lynas from Oxford Farming Conference"

Anti Ag Biotech Report Misrepresents the Findings of a Scientific Paper, according to a European Food Safety Authority 
Media reports have claimed a paper published in the  journal GM Crops and Food: Biotechnology in Agriculture and the Food Chain had discovered a previously unknown viral gene in commercial GM crops that may present a hazard to human health.The EFSA responds that Gene VI does not represent a new discovery of a viral gene nor does the presence of the gene indicate safety concerns in previously evaluated GMOs.

• Independent Science News story, titled "Regulators Discover a Hidden Viral Gene in Commercial GMO Crops"  

• "Possible Consequences of the overlap between the CaMV 35S promoter regions in the plant transformation vectors used in the viral gene VI in transgenic plants"

• Information about the journal "GM Crops and Food: Biotechnology in Agriculture and the Food Chain"

• The EFSA "FAQ on inserted fragment of viral gene in GM plants" 

Anti Ag Biotech Activity in Mexico 
The National Union of Autonomous Regional Peasant Organizations (UNORCA) has issued "The Maize Manifesto: No to GMO Maiz" and has initiated a collective hunger strike held in front of the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City.

• "The Maize Manifesto: No to GMO Maiz"

• UNORCA letter to the government and people of Mexico, titled "Mexico: Hunger strike against GM maize"

What are your thoughts on GMOs?

News and Notes for Monday January 21, 2013

DOE announces $10M in funding for “Advancements in Algal Biomass Yield” project
The US Department of Energy announced a “Advancements in Algal Biomass Yield” Funding Opportunity of up to $10 million to help unlock the potential of biofuels made from algae. The funding will support research projects aimed at boosting the productivity of algae cultivation systems and developing and demonstrating effective, energy-efficient, and low-cost algae harvest and processing technologies.

• Read more about the grant from BioBased Digest.

• View the Grant Application.

Researcher awarded $5.08 million to study oilseed camelina as biofuel feedstock
the oilseed camelina is showing good potential as an environmentally-friendly commercial biofuel feedstock, particularly for biodiesel and jet fuel. To that end, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has just awarded $5.08 million to a team of researchers, led by Kansas State University Distinguished Professor in Grain Science and Industry, Xiuzhi "Susan" Sun, to study the crop's potential.  Read the News Release.

Fatty Acid Levels During Pregnancy May Influence Child Body Fat
Researchers at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton in England assessed the fat and muscle mass of 293 boys and girls and compared to the concentrations of PUFAs measured in blood samples from their mothers during pregnancy. The mothers with higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids had fatter offspring. Read more from health24.com.

Olive Oil May be Key to Protection of Ancient Buildings
Researchers at Cardiff University, Wales, have developed a novel coating designed to protect ancient limestone buildings from olive oil derived fatty acids. Read more from The Olive Oil Times.

Surfactants to get makeover as green technology licensed to Indian firm
Green chemistry innovator GreenCentre has licensed Gemini Surfactant Technology to India-based RAN Chemicals as it looks to make the surfactants market more sustainable. Read more from cosmeticsdesign-asia.com.

AOCS News

Registration Open for the 104th AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo
Enjoy presentations, short courses, an exhibit, and networking with more than 1,600 colleagues from 60 countries, in Montréal, Québec, Canada April 28-May 1, 2013.
Take advantage of the early registration discount and save up to $110. Register now at AnnualMeeting.aocs.org/registration.

Special Pricing for Laboratory Proficiency Program
All new enrollees to the 4th quarter of the AOCS Laboratory Proficiency Program (LPP) will receive five quarters of proficiency testing for the price of four! View the available series and join today. Enrollment for the LPP 4th quarter is due February 20. For more information, contact technical@aocs.org.

AOCS Newsletter January 2013

AOCS Newsletter January 2013 Sponsored by Registration Now Open! 104th AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo April 28-May 1, 2013 | Montréal, Québec, Canada Enjoy presentations, short courses, an exhibit, and networking with more than 1,600 colleagues from 60 countries, all in chic Montréal! Annual Meeting highlights: The Forum for Emerging Technologies: What’s on the Horizon? Annual Business Meeting/Luncheon The Expo Comprehensive Short Courses Multiple Networking Opportunities Take advantage of the early registration discount and save up to $110. Register now at AnnualMeeting.aocs.org/registration. Remember to support AOCS by making your hotel reservation in the AOCS block by March 20. Travel Grants Available! Apply by February 15. Two Divisions of AOCS are offering travel grants for the 104th AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo. The Industrial Oil Products (IOP) Division grant is open to junior researchers at any institution of higher learning or research laboratory. The Surfactants and Detergents (S&D) Division grant is based on financial need and open to junior faculty at any institution of higher learning. For eligibility requirements and more details on the awards, please see their respective webpages: IOP Division Junior Researcher Travel Grant (.pdf) S&D Division Junior Faculty Travel Grant (.pdf) Inform Free Features  In 2012, researchers at Wilmar’s Biotechnology R&D Center in Shanghai, China, conducted a nationwide survey of bottled cooking oil, catering oil, and oil-bearing processed food, to reveal the current trend of trans fatty acid content in foods within the Chinese market. Read about their methodology and results in the first free article from Inform, the AOCS member magazine. Next, Gilles-Eric Séralini and co-workers suggested in a peer-reviewed article that Monsanto’s NK603 glyphosate-resistant corn was unsafe. Their work, they said, showed that rats fed NK603 had more and larger cancerous tumors and died earlier than controls. There followed not one but two opinions by the European Food Safety Authority and no fewer than 16 letters critiquing the study. Read all about the uproar in this excerpt from Inform’s Biotechnology News department. AOCS Divisions call for candidates All members of AOCS Divisions should have received a “Call for Candidates” email earlier this week, requesting nominations for Division members whom they would like to see as chairperson, vice-chairperson, or secretary-treasurer. The deadline to nominate is January 28, so act soon! The ballots — with candidates’ names and statements — will be emailed to Division members in mid February. Self-nominations are welcome.  For more information, contact Elizabeth Garard. Special Deal for Laboratory Proficiency Program All new enrollees to the 4th quarter of the AOCS Laboratory Proficiency Program (LPP) will receive five quarters of proficiency testing for the price of four! View the available series here, and join today. Enrollment for the LPP 4th quarter is due February 20. For more information, contact technical@aocs.org. Have You Heard...?  AOCS Chief Science Officer and Technical Director Richard Cantrill is the proud grandfather of Hailey Grace Cantrill born on October 7, 2012 to Phil and Tamara Cantrill.   AOCS President Deland Myers also welcomed a new grandbaby, Sean Wade Scott (pictured right), in November of last year.   AOCS Past President and Distinguished Fellow Karl Zilch passed away January 7. He was 91. Let us know what’s going on. Retiring? Moving? Celebrating an anniversary? Recent promotion? New child? Won an award? Email us and we’ll share your news in the next AOCS Newsletter. AOCS Foundation Accepting Silent Auction Donations Happy New Year! Put on those thinking caps, get those creative juices flowing, and start thinking about what great item(s) you can donate! We are challenging you to make the 18th AOCS Foundation Silent Auction the best one to date! Our auction is always fun, brings out the competitive spirit in people, and of course raises money to support AOCS student awards. Contact Amy Lydic today about your donation to this year's auction to be held at the 104th AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo in Montréal, Québec, Canada. Welcome Corporate Members  Clariant Corp. (Gold Level) Lion Corp. (Gold Level) Thermo Scientific (Silver Level) Corporate leaders pursue excellence. AOCS provides the resources. Is your company an AOCS Corporate Member? If not, learn how your company can gain access to important technical information that can support all your employees while allowing you to take advantage of special Corporate Member benefits and unique recognition opportunities. Looking for a job? AOCS Career Services regularly posts some of the best career opportunities in the industry. Take a look below at some current listings, or get more information on the Career Center website. Process Engineering Manager for Ventura Foods, Brea, California, USA Operations Manager, Oilseed Processing at Richardson International, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada AOCS Methods Sale! Book of the Month Meeting of Interest Save $50 on AOCS Methods Our end-of-year sale of the Official Methods and Recommended Practices of the AOCS, 6th Edition, 2nd Printing, has been extended through January 31, 2013! List Price:$670$620  Member Price: $570$520 Watch your mailboxes for the official order form or order online now to make sure your lab has the latest analytical methods!   This month save $20 on our Omega-3 book! This book addresses new applications of omega-3 fatty acids from both plant and marine sources in food supplements and pharmaceuticals and covers three basic areas: structure and function, production and processing, and health effects. Use coupon code BOM0113 to receive the discount. Get more information on this product on our website. Australasian Section of AOCS Biennial Meeting The AAOCS Biennial meeting will take place November 6-8, 2013, in New South Wales, Australia. This year’s theme focuses on the debate over the production of oils for food use versus their increased use in biofuels. Visit the AAOCS webpage to learn more. AOCS @ Work Patrick Donnelly, AOCS CEO, and Jeff Newman, Senior Director, Programs, will travel to Orlando, Florida, USA for the American Cleaning Institute Annual Convention taking place at the end of this month. During the trip they will also meet with the Montreux 2014 Organizing Committee to work on program details and begin discussions on Singapore 2016. Newman will also be traveling to Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, January 16-18 to discuss meeting needs with the Salt Palace Convention Center and the downtown hotels in preparation for the 2016 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo. Technical Specialist Gina Clapper will be attending the AAFCO Mid-Year Meeting, January 22-24, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.   AOCS has your topic covered! Learn more about all of our upcoming meetings. →AOCS Meeting Updates   AOCS Oils and Fats World Market Update 2013 | April 3-4, 2013 | Kiev, Ukraine  Early Registration Rate Ends January 25 Register Exhibit  Sponsor (.pdf) 104th AOCS Annual Meeting and Expo | April 28-May 1, 2013 | Montréal, Québec, Canada Registration is open! Register  Exhibit  Sponsor 2013 AOCS Technical Services Workshop: Laboratory Methods | July 16-17, 2013 | Ankeny, Iowa, USA Registration opens in February 2013!  Learn more about the Analytical Showcase and reserve your bench space (.pdf) XV Latin American Congress and Exhibition on Fats and Oils | August 20-23, 2013 | Santiago, Chile Registration opens in March 2013!  Call for Papers Exhibit Sponsor →Upcoming Industry Meetings ICIS Asian Oleochemicals Conference | January 30-31, 2013 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia The conference will focus on the growing Asian oleochemicals market, offering solutions to the challenges it is facing and also highlighting the opportunities that are emerging. You can have a look at the conference agenda here.   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 professionals.   2013 International Exhibition on Surfactant & Detergent | April 10-12, 2013 | Shanghai, China IESD China – the leading business-to-business surfactant and detergent trade show event in Asia!   | www.aocs.org | Join AOCS

News and Notes for Wednesday January 16, 2013

Indonesia May Cut Palm Oil Tax to Zero to Counter Malaysia
Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, is considering reducing export taxes to boost competition with Malaysia, which set its tariff for the crude variety at zero this month to help clear record stockpiles. Read more from Bloomberg.

U.S. and World Supply-Use Balances for Major Grains, Soybeans and Products and Cotton
The USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) has released its monthly report, titled "World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates" (WASDE), which provides the most current USDA forecasts of U.S. and world supply-use balances for these commodities.  View the report (.pdf)

Oil Crops Outlook
The USDA Economic Research Service has released its latest monthly report which examines supply, use, prices, and trade for oil crops. Read "U.S. Soybean Crushers Benefiting from Strong Export Sales of Products" (.pdf)

World wastes half its food, study finds
Up to half of the world's food is wasted, according to a new report that found production inefficiencies in developing countries and market and consumer waste in more advanced societies. Read more from CNN.

USDA Announces Investments in Biobased and Renewable Products
Funds intended to increase the availability of alternative renewable fuels and biobased products. Read more from Farm Futures.

AOCS Oils and Fats World Market Update and Industry Expo Announced for 2013
AOCS and APK-Inform are pleased to announce their collaborative efforts in organizing the AOCS Oils and Fats World Market Update and Oils and Fats Industry Expo in Kiev, Ukraine, in April 2013. This conference is designed for senior executives, traders, suppliers, producers, processors, and food and nonfood companies from around the world.  Read more from Ukrainian News.

Requests for Proposals

Water-soluble additives for liquid absorption in laundry detergent formulations
NineSigma, representing a Global Consumer Products Company, invites proposals for water-soluble additives usable in laundry detergent powder formulation, which can absorb liquids including surfactants. View the RFP request (.pdf)

Development of a Multi-Purpose Margarine
NineSigma, representing a multi-national Food Company, invites proposals to enable the development of a premium, multi-purpose margarine. View the RFP request (.pdf)

Fats and Oils –the Food vs Fuel dilemma? AAOCS Biennial Meeting 2013

AAOCS 2013 will provide an opportunity to learn and share science and industry progress related to all aspects of fats and oils. This year’s theme is around the debate over the production of oils for the use for food verses the growing their use in biofuels.

AAOCS 2013 plans to feature:

• Leaders from the food and bio fuels industries 

• Leaders in the new area of biomaterials and how this affects the future of the edible oils and fats industry

• A joint day with the Omega 3 centre, highlighting the latest research on omega 3 oils.

• Workshop on frying and frying technologies

• Hot Topic Symposia

This meeting will  provide a social setting where the latest in the oil and fats industry, science and health can be discussed and connections made or renewed.

Meeting Details

Australasian Section American Oil Chemists Society Biennial Meeting and Workshops
Fats and Oils –the Food vs Fuel dilemma?
NOAH’S On the Beach Newcastle | 6-8th  November 2013

Hot topic sessions, workshop on frying and frying technologies and round table forums are in the process of being organised.The range of topics cover in this meeting includes:

• Food industry and processing
• New analytical methods
• Agriculture
• Aquaculture
• Lipemic Index
• Lipid oxidation and antioxidants
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Fatty acids, lipids and health
• Nutrition and health
• Lipids and metabolic syndrome
• Lipids and cognitive function
• Novel foods and supplements
• Olive oil and other vegetable oils
• Biotechnology

Find Out More

Visit the AAOCS Section webpage

Download the meeting announcement (.pdf)

Have questions? Want to get involved? Please email Elizabeth Garard for more information.

 

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) - UPDATE

FDA has released for public comment a proposed rule on Preventive Controls for Human Food and a proposed rule on Standards for Produce Safety. See the following resources:

• Proposed Rule:Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption

• Proposed Rule: Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food 

• Implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act

Find Out More

A January 4, 2013 FDA News Release, titled "FDA proposes new food safety standards for foodborne illness prevention and produce safety; Public encouraged to comment on new proposals" is posted at  http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm334156.htm 

For more information on FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act, visit http://www.fda.gov/fsma. 

Contacts

Questions about the proposed rule, titled "Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food" and the notice, titled "Draft Qualitative Risk Assessment of Risk of Activity/Food Combinations for Activities (Outside the Farm Definition) Conducted in a Facility Co-Located on a Farm; Availability" may be directed to Jenny Scott who is with the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition in College Park, Maryland at 240 402 2166; e-mail: Jenny.Scott@FDA.HHS.gov

Questions about the FDA Proposed Rule, titled "Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption" may be directed to Samir Assar who is with the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition in College Park, Maryland at 240 402 1636; e-mail: Samir.Assar@FDA.HHS.gov

Questions about the FDA News Release may be directed to Shelly Burgess at 301 796 4651; e-mail: Shelly.Burgess@FDA.HHS.gov

FDA Proposed Regulations for 2013

Last week, the Obama Administration released its Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions, which provides details on regulatory activities under development throughout the federal government.  According to the Unified Agenda, FDA is planning on issuing Notices of Proposed Rulemakings related to nutrition labeling and serving sizes in the first quarter of 2013. The details of these planned releases can be located using the following links.

Title: Food Labeling; Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels
Abstract: FDA is proposing to amend the labeling regulations for conventional foods and dietary supplements to provide updated nutrition information on the label to assist consumers in maintaining healthy dietary practices. If finalized, this rule will modernize the nutrition information found on the Nutrition Facts label, as well as the format and appearance of the label. 
Read more.

Title: Food Labeling: Serving Sizes of Foods That Can Reasonably Be Consumed in One Eating Occasion; Dual Column Labeling; and Modifying the Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed
Abstract: FDA is proposing to amend its labeling regulations for foods to provide updated Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACCs) for certain food categories. If finalized, this rule would provide consumers with nutrition information based on the amount of food that is customarily consumed, which would assist consumers in maintaining healthy dietary practices. In addition to updating certain RACCs, FDA is also considering amending the definition of single-serving containers and providing for dual-column labeling, which would provide nutrition information per serving and per container, for certain containers. 
Read more.