News on Health and Nutrition

Physical activity has little role in tackling obesity - and instead public health messages should squarely focus on unhealthy eating, doctors say.

Utz Quality Foods, Inc. recently announced the culmination of strategic development work to launch the Utz Specialty Division. The Utz Specialty Division will provide Retailers with a range of brands and products to excite consumers around better-for-you, craft and regional snack foods.

Cellectis Plant Sciences, Inc. has announced today that the Plant Biotechnology Journal has accepted the publication of its peer-reviewed manuscript demonstrating the phenotypic validation of potato lines developed by inactivating a single endogenous gene responsible for sugar accumulation when stored at cold temperatures.

University of Montana researchers have good news for endurance athletes hankering for a burger and fries after an intense workout: Dig in.

Almost 70 new varieties of potato and sweet potato will soon be available to Pacific Island countries and territories, to improve food security across the region.

In response to changing consumer trends and a constantly evolving market, the Snack Food Association (SFA) plans to go beyond the snack aisle and reach out beyond its core membership base to attract new members who serve the broader snacking occasion.

DSM Nutritional Products has opened a Nutrition Innovation Center for Asia Pacific as part of DSM’s new S$8.8 million premises at Mapletree Business City, further strengthening Singapore’s thriving nutrition science and technology ecosystem.

As growth slows down and intense competition emerges from regional brands in potato chips, PepsiCo and ITC are shifting their focus more towards newer and healthier forms of packaged snacks, the market for which is growing at twice the speed.

New research from an Iowa State University economist, Wallace Huffman, found consumers were willing to spend more for genetically modified potato products with reduced levels of a chemical compound linked to cancer.

The first line of J.R. Simplot Co.'s genetically modified potatoes has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration as safe for human consumption. The voluntary FDA safety review found that the potatoes are as safe and nutritious as conventional potatoes.

Supermarketguru Phil Lempert on Target's focus on Organic.

The investigation into a food tampering case involving sewing needles inserted into potatoes is still active, reports Prince Edward Island RCMP spokesperson, Sgt. Leanne Butler.

A new WHO guideline recommends adults and children reduce their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake. A further reduction to below 5% or roughly 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day would provide additional health benefits.

Snyder's-Lance, Inc. (Nasdaq-GS: LNCE), maker of innovative, premium and 'better for you' snacks, is adding more gluten-free products to its growing product lineup.

A new University of Michigan study confirms what has long been suspected: highly processed foods like chocolate, pizza and French fries are among the most addictive.

Last month, McDonald's India has cut the amount of calories and salt on its Indian menu as it fights to hold on to customers in a rapidly growing developing market where newer, healthier fast-food options are just starting to catch on.

A study published in The Lancet Global Health shows that in an analysis of worldwide dietary patterns, overall diet quality worsened across the globe even as consumption of healthier foods increased in many countries.

According to the Canadian Healthy Eating Consumer Trend Report, consumers place an increasingly high priority on health, and more are seeking healthy options away-from-home, but their behaviour and attitudes towards healthy eating are evolving.