Page 3 - Food

BL Agro, Sweden-based DeLaval sign MoU for participation in dairy sector

BL Agro's arm B L Kamdhenu Farms Ltd, has signed an initial pact with Sweden-based DeLaval for a partnership in the dairy sector with an investment of around Rs 1,500 crore. On the second day of World Food India 2024, B L Kamdhenu Frams signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sweden-based DeLaval. The MoU was signed in the presence of HE Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden, who was the chief guest at the event. "The partnership focuses on promoting a zero-waste economy and long-term sustainability in cattle breeding and dairy technology, with an investment close to Rs 1,500 crore," a company statement said. The collaboration is designed to harness advanced technologies and farming solutions including milking essentials, farm management and cow comfort. By integrating all components of the milk value chainfrom feed requirements to waste managementthe initiative aims to create a circular economy, driving both economic growth and environmental sustainability. Navneet Ravikar,

Nadda calls for regulatory norms for lab-grown meat, plant-based proteins

Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday stressed the need for rigorous food safety standards and an adaptable regulatory framework to address innovative food trends such as plant-based proteins, insect proteins, and lab-grown meat. Speaking at the inaugural session of a two-day global food regulators summit in the national capital, Nadda emphasised the importance of widespread adoption of organic farming globally to mitigate the risks posed by pesticide residues in food. The minister expressed concern over recent reports revealing an "alarming presence of microplastics in humans" and highlighted India's efforts in developing eco-friendly packaging to reduce environmental impact. "The rapid globalisation, technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences are reshaping our food systems at an unprecedented pace. We face a complex area of challenge from persistent foodborne illness and emerging concerns such as nutraceutical safety, novel foods and microplastics in our food chain

Nestle to focus on food sales again after CEO's experimental bets

Companies like Nestle are grappling with sluggish demand, as inflation-squeezed shoppers tighten their belts

Bikaji Foods International acquires majority stake of 55% in Ariba Foods

Snacks manufacturer Bikaji Foods International on Friday said it has acquired majority stake in Ujjain-based Ariba Foods, which specialises in snacks and frozen foods. Bikaji Foods International has acquired a 55 per cent equity stake in the company totalling Rs 60.49 crore, which will help Bikaji to enhance its frozen food production capabilities and expand its market presence, according to a joint statement. "This strategic move not only strengthens our capacity for export growth but also supports our entry into the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) segment. By integrating Ariba's state-of-the-art production capabilities, we aim to enhance our frozen snacks and savouries manufacturing," Managing Director Deepak Agarwal said. In the last few years, consumption of frozen foods has increased and the sector has witnessed rapid growth driven by technological advancements. "With our advanced production facilities and export expertise, we are well-positioned to meet Bikaji's production ...

FSSAI launches project to tackle microplastic contamination in food

Food regulator FSSAI has launched a project to assess microplastic contamination in food products and develop methods for its detection. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched an innovative project to tackle the growing concern of microplastic contamination in food, recognising microplastic pollution as an emerging threat that requires immediate attention. According to an official statement, the project -- Micro-and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: Establishing Validated Methodologies and Understanding the Prevalence in Different Food Matrices -- was started in March this year. The aim is to develop and validate analytical methods for detecting micro and nano-plastics in various food products, as well as assess their prevalence and exposure levels in India. "The primary objectives of the project include developing standard protocols for micro/nano-plastic analysis, conducting intra- and inter-laboratory comparisons, and generating critical

Worms on the menu? Olympic athletes in Paris cry foul over village food

Numerous athletes at Paris Olympics 2024 have raised issues about both the quality and quantity of food provided

Eco-friendly food menu at Paris Olympics leaves athletes hungry for non-veg

While Paris 2024 aims to halve meal carbon emissions by offering more vegetarian options, athletes demand more steak, eggs, and larger portions to replenish after intense competitions

Eight-week vegan diet can reduce biological age, weight, a new study finds

A study conducted on 21 pairs of identical twins found that those who consume vegan diets experienced a "younger" heart, liver, hormone, and other organs

Bikaji Foods Q1 result: Net profit rises 40% to Rs 58.06 cr, revenue up 15%

Snacks manufacturer Bikaji Foods International Ltd on Wednesday reported a 40.2 per cent increase in its consolidated net profit to Rs 58.06 crore in the first quarter ended in June 2024. The company had posted a consolidated profit of Rs 41.41 crore in the April-June quarter a year ago, according to a regulatory filing from Bikaji Foods. Its revenue from operation was up 15.24 per cent to Rs 555.12 crore in the June quarter. It was at Rs 481.68 crore a year ago. Bikaji Foods reported volume growth of "16.2 per cent YoY, led by double-digit growth across categories," said an earning statement from the company. Total expenses of Bikaji Foods in the June quarter were up 16.08 per cent to Rs 501.32 crore. Its total income was at Rs 579.41 crore in the June quarter, up 18.8 per cent. "Our EBITDA for the quarter improved by 240 bps year-over-year, reaching 916 million, reflecting our commitment to operational efficiency and disciplined cost management," said Managing Director Deepak .

Ambani's pre-wedding event: Orry vlogs about food from Portofino

Orry shared a vlog at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding festivities taking place in Italy's Portofino. He along with Tania Shroff can be seen tasting different cuisines at the event

Singapore Food Agency approves 16 species of insects for human consumption

Singapore's food watchdog on Monday said it has approved some 16 species of insects like crickets, grasshoppers and locusts for human consumption, adding to the internationally-renowned menu of global foods including Chinese and Indian dishes in the multi-ethnic city-state. The much-awaited announcement comes to the delight of industry players who have been gearing supply and catering in Singapore to insects grown in China, Thailand and Vietnam, The Straits Times newspaper reported. The approved insects include various species of crickets, grasshoppers, locusts, mealworms and silkworms. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said that those intending to import or farm insects for human consumption or livestock feed must meet SFA's guidelines, including providing documentary proof that the imported insects are farmed in regulated establishments with food safety controls and are not harvested from the wild. Insects that are not on SFA's list of 16 will have to undergo an evaluation to ensur

Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2024: Definition, significance, impact on nature

Sustainable gastronomy is connected with sustainable development since it promotes agricultural development, food security, sustainable food creation, nutrition, and preservation of biodiversity

'Food industry should be responsible; returned goods tarnish reputation'

India earns a bad name whenever a food consignment is returned over quality concern, Food Processing Industries Secretary Anita Praveen said on Wednesday asking food companies to become a little more responsible. Addressing a FICCI 'FOODWORLD India 2024', she asked the industry to supply top-quality products in domestic and overseas markets by meeting international quality standards. The secretary highlighted that the food processing sector is important for the Indian economy and provides huge employment opportunities. Praveen said the food processing sector plays an important role in improving the income of farmers. She noted that India is a big market for processed foods and therefore many global companies are interested in entering this space. "Let us be the suppliers rather than letting someone else do that. It is our industry's responsibility to make sure that supplies are sustained not just in quantity but also in quality," Praveen told senior management of food companies ..

How to manage children's sugar consumption? Here are the tips for parents

Sugar consumption by children is a critical problem for parents and it is important to monitor their intake of sugar. Here are some tips for parents to manage their children's sugar consumption

FSSAI asks traders, not to use banned 'calcium carbide' for fruit ripening

Food regulator FSSAI has asked traders and food business operators not to use the banned product 'calcium carbide' for ripening of fruits. In an official statement, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said it has "alerted traders'/fruits handlers/Food Business Operators (FBOs) operating ripening chambers to strictly ensure compliance with the prohibition on calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits, particularly during the mango season". FSSAI has also advised Food Safety Departments of states/UTs to remain vigilant and take serious action and deal stringently against person(s) indulging in such unlawful practices as per the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006, and rules/regulations made thereunder. "Calcium carbide, commonly used for ripening fruits like mangoes, releases acetylene gas, which contains harmful traces of arsenic and phosphorus. "These substances, also known as 'Masala', can cause serious health issues such as dizziness, frequent thirst, ...

FSSAI to launch quality check of food items like dairy products, spices

After starting a probe into alleged violation of norms in branded spices, food regulator FSSAI plans to launch surveillance on other food items like fortified rice, dairy products and spices sold in the domestic market. According to sources, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is planning surveillance on food items like fruit and vegetables, salmonella in fish products; spice and culinary herbs; fortified rice; and milk and milk products. FSSAI is already taking samples of spices in powder form of all brands, including MDH and Everest, from across the country in view of quality concerns flagged by Singapore and Hong Kong. "In view of the current development, FSSAI is taking samples of spices of all brands, including MDH and Everest, from the market to check whether they meet the FSSAI norms," a source had said on April 22. FSSAI does not regulate the quality of exported spices, sources said. Early last month, Hong Kong's Center for Food Safety (CFS) asked ...

Giving food, cash to 6 million people monthly in Afghanistan, says WFP

About 15.8 million people in Afghanistan would experience food insecurity crises and emergency levels, according to UN estimates.

Wardwizard Foods & Beverages to enters US mkt as it gets USFDA registration

Wardwizard Foods and Beverages, maker of frozen and ready-to-eat foods, on Monday announced its foray into the US market following the USFDA registration. The Vadodara, Gujarat-based company will commence exporting to US market in the first quarter of this fiscal, according to a statement from the company. "The initial phase will focus on key cities including Chicago, New Jersey and Texas, where consumers will have the chance to indulge in the rich and authentic tastes of India's culinary offerings," it said. The firm offers convenient RTE (ready-to-eat) meals to frozen products, spices, savory sauces, condiments, and beverages. Chairperson and Managing Director Sheetal Bhalerao said: "The attainment of USFDA registration stands as a validation to our product quality and regulatory compliance.

Swiggy records $200 million loss in nine months to December 2023: Report

The document showed that losses stood at 17.3 billion rupees $207 million during April to December 2023 - the first nine months of fiscal year 2023-24

783 million face chronic hunger, yet world wastes 19% of its food, says UN

The world wasted an estimated 19 per cent of the food produced globally in 2022, or about 1.05 billion metric tons, according to a new United Nations report. The UN Environment Programme's Food Waste Index Report, published Wednesday, tracks the progress of countries to halve food waste by 2030. The UN said the number of countries reporting for the index nearly doubled from the first report in 2021. The 2021 report estimated that 17 per cent of the food produced globally in 2019, or 931 million metric tons (1.03 billion tons), was wasted, but authors warned against direct comparisons because of the lack of sufficient data from many countries. The report is co-authored by UNEP and Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), an international charity. Researchers analyzed country data on households, food service and retailers. They found that each person wastes about 79 kilograms (about 174 pounds) of food annually, equal to at least 1 billion meals wasted worldwide daily. Most of t