Xtalks Food Industry Podcast

High Lead Levels in Cinnamon + Kaiser Permanente’s New Food Is Medicine Center

The presence of lead in cinnamon has recently emerged as a significant food safety concern. This toxic element, when consumed in large amounts, can lead to serious health issues, including neurological damage and developmental delays in children. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the discovery of elevated lead levels in cinnamon products, which has prompted a closer look at food safety practices and regulations. Cinnamon can become contaminated with lead through various pathways. One primary source is the processing of cinnamon, including drying, grinding and packaging, which can introduce lead if the equipment or materials are contaminated. Water used in irrigation can also be a source of lead, especially in areas with old, corroding pipes. In response to the alarming findings of lead in cinnamon, there have been several recalls of cinnamon products in the last few months alone. The team discusses the differences between lead poisoning and foodborne illness, the former of which can take decades to discover whereas the latter is almost immediate.  Also in this episode, Sydney talks about Kaiser Permanente’s new Food Is Medicine Center of Excellence. This initiative seeks to blend the organization’s comprehensive care model with evidence-based food and nutrition interventions, thereby addressing nutrition security and diet-related diseases, which are a leading cause of death in the US among adults. The centre is rooted in a comprehensive framework inspired by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), blending clinical services, research, education and community engagement. This allows for a holistic approach to tackling diet-related health issues. Notably, the center’s ambition to shape the future of food as medicine within healthcare is a testament to its innovative approach. Kaiser Permanente’s vision is to ensure members can access, afford and consume nutritious foods, not just in times of need but as a continuous lifestyle. The team talks about the crucial differences between medicine and food but praise the center for its comprehensive approach to nutrition.  Read the full article here:  Lead in Cinnamon: A Rising Concern for Food Safety:https://xtalks.com/lead-in-cinnamon-a-rising-concern-for-food-safety-3789/ Food Is Medicine: A New Frontier in Healthcare and Nutrition:https://xtalks.com/food-is-medicine-a-new-frontier-in-healthcare-and-nutrition-3791/ For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/  Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksFood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

New Avian Flu in Dairy Cows + Fastest Growing Food and Beverage Companies in 2024

The recent detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows has taken the agricultural sector by surprise. This development, announced earlier this week, introduces a significant twist in the ongoing saga of the H5N1 virus, which has been affecting birds globally and in the US since early 2022. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the mystery illness in dairy cows, which has raised numerous questions among livestock and influenza experts. The exact role of HPAI in this mysterious ailment remains unclear. Additionally, the discovery of dead wild birds carrying the virus at the affected farms suggests new biosecurity challenges in livestock settings. While the immediate impact on milk supply is limited, the situation underscores the need for vigilance and enhanced biosecurity measures. The team discusses some differences between the spread of viruses in animals and humans and wonders whether the plant-based and lab-grown meat sectors could use this as a selling point.  Also in this episode, Sydney talks about the top ten fastest growing food and beverage companies in 2024, according to the Financial Times’ list of The Americas’ Fastest-Growing Companies. This prestigious list showcases 500 companies across the Americas, all of which have shown exceptional growth in their publicly disclosed revenues from 2019 to 2022. This initiative bases its rankings on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of each company’s revenue, making it a significant and respected measure for assessing the swift rise and success of businesses in the Americas. The top ten fastest growing food and beverage companies include So Good So You, SOTO Sake, Marfrig Global Foods, Ocean’s Halo, Avatar Natural Foods, Smith Teamaker, The Andersons, Mas Organización, Jeni’s Ice Creams and Zolli Candy. The team appreciates the diversity of the list, noting that long-time food giants and startups alike can find success if they can carve out a niche for themselves. Read the full article here: Avian Flu in Cows Presents a New Challenge for the US Dairy Industry:https://xtalks.com/avian-flu-in-cows-presents-a-new-challenge-for-the-us-dairy-industry-3780/ Top 10 Fastest Growing Food and Beverage Companies in 2024:https://xtalks.com/top-10-fastest-growing-food-and-beverage-companies-in-2024-3783/ For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/  Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksFood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Keurig’s New K-Rounds + How To Good To Go Saves Millions of Meals

Keurig has taken a bold step forward with the unveiling of its first-ever 100 percent compostable coffee pods, dubbed “K-Rounds.” This innovation not only marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward sustainability but also addresses the longstanding issue of plastic waste from traditional coffee pods. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the new sustainable offering, which was designed exclusively for Keurig’s new Alta machine. K-Rounds feature a revolutionary composition without plastic or aluminum, using instead a thin cellulose wrapper around compacted coffee grounds. Beyond sustainability, K-Rounds offer versatility with a variety of specialty grinds and sizes, catering to different coffee preferences. Among a slew of competitors offering similar products, the team wonders whether K-Rounds will fall short or whether name recognition will help boost awareness and sales.Also in this episode, Sydney talks about Too Good To Go, a pioneering company that leverages technology to bridge the gap between surplus food and hungry consumers. Sydney shares insights from her interview with Andrea Li, head of Canadian operations at Too Good To Go. In its less than three years in Canada, the company has already saved four million of meals from waste, with more partnerships in the works to help save millions more. Too Good To Go has also made significant strides in making sustainable choices accessible to everyone. With over two million users in Canada, the platform has facilitated partnerships with major brands like Tim Horton’s. Li hinted at upcoming collaborations with a range of businesses, from grocery chains to independent, small-scale establishments. The team commends the app for helping both consumers and foodservice establishments participate in the fight against food waste.   Read the full article here:  Compostable Coffee Pods: Keurig’s Innovative K-Rounds:https://xtalks.com/compostable-coffee-pods-keurigs-innovative-k-rounds-3772/ Too Good To Go: Providing Hope in the Fight Against Food Waste:https://xtalks.com/too-good-to-go-providing-hope-in-the-fight-against-food-waste-3776/ For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/  Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksFood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

What is Edible Food Packaging? + Chocolate Shortage Looms Ahead of Easter

In recent years, the food industry has faced growing scrutiny over its environmental impact, particularly concerning the use of plastic packaging. This scrutiny has sparked significant interest and investment in alternative packaging solutions, with edible food packaging emerging as a particularly innovative and sustainable option. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the rise of edible food packaging and the technologies and types of edible packaging available. The shift towards edible and biodegradable food packaging represents a proactive step in addressing environmental challenge, with companies like Foodberry, Notpla and Incredible Eats at the forefront of developing and commercializing edible food packaging solutions. The team discusses their favorite type of edible packaging and the implications of implementing it in the food supply chain.  Also in this episode, Sydney talks about a concerning chocolate shortage that threatens to cast a shadow over this year’s Easter celebrations. For the past three years, the cocoa industry has grappled with underwhelming harvests, significantly driving up prices. These price hikes have put immense pressure on cocoa processors, critical in converting cocoa beans into cocoa butter and liquor for global chocolate production. In Ghana and Ivory Coast, which together account for 60 percent of the world’s cocoa output, some processing plants are struggling to afford beans. This has led to reduced processing or complete halts in production. As the 2024 Easter season draws near, the chocolate shortage presents a complex challenge for both the industry and chocolate enthusiasts. The team wonders whether this shortage will subside or persist beyond the Easter season.  Read the full article here:  Edible Food Packaging: A Sustainable Solution to Plastic Waste: https://xtalks.com/edible-food-packaging-a-sustainable-solution-to-plastic-waste-3597/ Chocolate Shortage Looms Ahead of Easter 2024:https://xtalks.com/chocolate-shortage-looms-ahead-of-easter-2024-3766/ For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/  Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksFood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Kraft Heinz’s New Vegan Hot Dogs + How Precision Fermentation Could Revolutionize the Food Industry

The Kraft Heinz Company made waves in the food industry by introducing vegan hot dogs and sausages under its well-known Oscar Mayer brand. This significant move marks the brand’s first foray into the plant-based arena with its NotHotDogs and NotSausages. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the new offerings, which were developed in collaboration with NotCo, a Chilean food-tech firm renowned for its AI-driven approach to crafting plant-based food solutions. The products contain ingredients like bamboo fiber, pea protein and mushrooms. Additionally, the offerings have the distinctive “snap” of the outer casing and the savory smokiness of Oscar Mayer products. The company aims to attract flexitarian consumers looking for plant-based options that don’t compromise on taste, texture and variety. The team discusses the significant price difference between the new offerings and traditional hot dogs and wonder whether name recognition will help boost sales.Also in this episode, Sydney talks about a new precision fermentation study that provides compelling evidence that this technology could be the key to future food sustainability. One of the core findings of the precision fermentation study is its potential to drastically improve food quality. Moreover, this technology allows for the production of specific food ingredients, including those that contribute to the savory taste in dishes, sourness in soft drinks and essential enzymes in cheese manufacturing. The study also highlights how genetically engineered microorganisms can inhibit the growth of foodborne pathogens. Not to mention, by using self-replicating microorganisms that produce minimal waste, precision fermentation paves the way for the production of food ingredients from renewable substrates. The team talks about the obstacles to overcome in order to get precision fermentation-made foods into the mainstream, like consumer education and perception.Read the full article here:How Kraft Heinz’s Vegan Hot Dogs and Sausages Differ From the RestPrecision Fermentation Study May Revolutionize Food Quality and SustainabilityFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

National Nutrition Month 2024 + Low Sugar Juice Technologies

March marks National Nutrition Month 2024 — a time when the food industry, health professionals and communities across the globe unite to emphasize the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the history of National Nutrition Month as well as how various food industry stakeholders can contribute to the significant month. The stakeholders include food manufacturers and processors, retailers and supermarkets, foodservice providers, technology and innovation and collaboration with health organizations. Vera and Sydney discuss how the food the industry can make a lasting impact on public health and nutrition awareness and wonder which of the stakeholders can have the most impact.Also in this episode, Sydney talks about the growing demand for low sugar juice. Driven by consumers’ growing awareness of the health risks associated with high sugar intake, this demand has spurred innovation among food technology companies. This has led to the development of cutting-edge technologies aimed at reducing the sugar content in fruit juices without compromising on taste or nutritional value. She explains various technologies, including membrane filtration, vacuum evaporation, enzymatic treatment and selective breeding of fruits. She also talks about several pioneering companies that are leading the movement, each with a unique approach. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect the low sugar juice market to expand, offering even more options for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.Read the full article here:National Nutrition Month 2024: A Food Industry Perspective on Enhancing Nutritional AwarenessLow Sugar Juice: A Sweet Revolution in the Beverage IndustryFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

The FDA’s Guidance on Gene Edited Foods + What American Foods are Banned in Other Countries?

In a pivotal move for the food industry, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has unveiled industry guidance for genome edited foods derived from plants. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about gene edited foods and how this landmark guidance aims to demystify the FDA’s risk-based approach towards both genome edited foods and all new plant varieties. Genome editing stands as a cutting-edge technique that ingeniously introduces new traits into plants. It also serves as a way of catering to the burgeoning needs of a growing global population. The FDA’s recent guidance document sheds light on the regulatory landscape for foods derived from genome edited plants. It lays out the foundational principles for ensuring the safety of these innovative foods. The team talks about the differences between genetically modified organisms (GMO) and gene edited foods, as well as whether these foods could be considered organic. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about eight American foods banned in other countries. The disconnect between the US and other countries becomes clear when it comes to these preservatives. That’s why a handful of American foods find themselves banned outside the US, while being granted the stamp of “safe” approval by the FDA and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) within the country. The list includes instant stuffing and mashed potatoes, Skittles, Twinkies and Little Debbie Swiss Rolls, Pillsbury biscuits, bread with potassium bromate, high fructose corn syrup, American pork and chlorinated chicken. These foods are banned in other countries for a variety of reasons, such as the inclusion potentially unsafe dyes, hormones and preservatives. The team compares these banned foods to the foods that are banned in America and discuss the cultural and societal differences between them.  Read the full article here:Genome Edited Foods: Understanding the New FDA GuidanceTop 8 American Foods Banned in Other CountriesFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Top Food and Beverage Products of 2024 + How Food Tech is Extending Produce Shelf Life

Each year, Product of the Year USA shines a spotlight on the most innovative products across various industries. The food and beverage sectors are particularly dynamic, with consumers always on the lookout for novel and healthier options. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the food and beverage products that stood out for their exceptional offerings in the food and beverage categories. Product of the Year USA’s awards in these categories serve as a testament to creativity and quality, guiding consumers to outstanding products. Notably, ALDI continued its streak of excellence, securing five out of 19 awards for its exclusive products. Other products that earned Product of the Year USA’s iconic red seal include Quaker Fruit Fusion Instant Oatmeal, Kinder Chocolate, Blender Bites, SKITTLES Littles and Organic Valley Reduced Fat Eggnog, to name a few. Each team member talks about the product that stood out to them the most and wonders why ALDI secured so many coveted spots. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about emerging companies that are at the forefront of developing technologies that revolutionize the way we preserve produce, making it possible to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer periods and reduce food waste. The significance of enhancing produce shelf life cannot be overstated, especially considering the FAO report that approximately one-third of all food produced globally is wasted. In response to these challenges, several companies — including Fresh Inset, Apeel Sciences, Hazel Technologies and StixFresh — are pioneering new technologies to extend the shelf life of produce without compromising on quality or sustainability. These companies represent just a few examples of the many innovative efforts underway to address the critical issue of food waste through the extension of produce shelf life. The team praises these companies for their efforts and wonders whether the implementation of this tech will impact food prices.Read the full article here:Top Products of 2024: Innovation in Food and BeverageExtending Produce Shelf Life: Innovations Transforming the Food IndustryFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Interview with Chad Pawlak, CEO of Genvor

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Chad Pawlak, CEO of Genvor, a developer of sustainable plant health solutions. Recently appointed CEO, Pawlak discussed his vision for Genvor under his leadership, specifically in the context of sustainability. He highlighted Genvor’s recent partnership with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) that led to a significant publication on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Pawlak talked about Genvor’s plans for commercializing the peptides and how the company aims to implement AMP-enabled resistant technology in corn varieties. He also discussed how Genvor plans to engage with the broader agricultural community, including farmers, researchers and industry stakeholders. For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Good Measures’ Good Food Prescription Program + Misleading Food Ads That Led to Lawsuits

The Good Food Prescription program, designed to combat diet-related conditions, combines expert clinical coaching, personalized meal planning and medically tailored grocery deliveries in partnership with Instacart. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about this program from Good Measures, a company founded with a vision to revolutionize the intersection of nutrition and health management. Since its launch in December 2022, the Good Food Prescription program has celebrated its first year with notable successes. In collaboration with six health plans, government programs — including Medicare and Medicaid — employers, providers and care management companies, Good Measures is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on public health. As Good Measures and Instacart plan to expand the Good Food Prescription program, they lead the Food as Medicine movement. The team applauds this program’s efforts, comparing it to traditional prescriptions. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about some recent instances of misleading food advertisements that led to lawsuits and their outcomes. The food industry has seen an uptick in misleading advertisement lawsuits, a trend that underscores the growing scrutiny from consumers and regulatory bodies alike. As food advertisements become more pervasive across various media, the potential for misleading claims about product quality, ingredients and health benefits also increases. Some notable lawsuits include Starbucks facing legal action with its Refreshers lineup, Subway being sued for its footlong subs not measuring up to expectations and Kellogg being sued over allegations that its Strawberry Pop-Tarts contained more non-strawberry ingredients than suggested by the product’s name. The team weighs in on which lawsuits have merit and wonders whether food companies will learn from these lawsuits and improve their advertising practices. Read the full article here:How Good Measures Is Revolutionizing Health with its Good Food Prescription ProgramFood Advertisements: The Fine Line Between Marketing and MisleadingFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured