Xtalks Food Industry Podcast

Abbott Labs Under Investigation by the DOJ + Robot Dishwashers for the Foodservice Industry

Multinational medical device and health care company Abbott Laboratories is under investigation by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) following the closure of Michigan’s baby formula plant in February 2022. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the investigation, which is centered around Abbott’s unsanitary workplace conditions and fueled one of the worst baby formula shortages in recent history. Health officials found bacteria at the plant that can potentially cause deadly infections in babies. The plant was forced to close, but reopened several months later. Abbott relies on the success of its wide range of consumer and professional products, so while the outcome of the DOJ investigation remains to be seen, it is unlikely that Abbott’s overall earnings will suffer in the long-term. The team wonders who, if any person or agency, is to blame for Abbott’s unsanitary work conditions and whether the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the FDA’s workplace audits. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about artificial intelligence startup Nala Robotics, which might be able to solve the foodservice's labor shortage with its robotic dishwashers. The technology shifts the dishwashing responsibilities to Spotless, its robot dishwasher, and the company claims the entire process — from cleaning and drying to stacking and storage — takes just as long (or even less time) than a human dishwasher. Currently, the robot dishwasher has been deployed in several non-commercial kitchens, like hospitals and living centers, and will soon be utilized at a national diner chain. Nala’s business model allows restaurants to lease Spotless on a monthly basis for almost $3,000 a month. The team compares the price of Spotless with the price of hiring a human dishwasher and determines that the robotic dishwasher would be a better option for restaurant operators as long as it functioned properly. Read the full article here:Abbott Baby Formula Plant Under Investigation by the DOJCould Robot Dishwashers Solve Foodservice’s Labor Shortage?For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFoodInstagram: @XtalksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferencesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

FDA Lists Sesame as a Major Allergen + House Crickets Approved in EU Food Products

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added sesame to its list of major allergens, making it easier for people with sesame allergies to safely consume packaged food without fear of an allergic reaction. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the newly listed allergen and the labeling requirements that come with it. While the requirement that sesame be listed as an allergen came into effect at the start of 2023, consumers may still find food products for sale that don’t list it on the label since they were produced prior to January 1st. Identifying which foods contain sesame is an important step in food safety and health care as an estimated 0.2 percent of children and adults in the US are allergic to sesame. The team wonders why it took nearly 20 years for sesame to be added to the FDA’s list of major allergens and how it will impact food products that aren’t packaged as well as food at restaurants. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about the recent approval of house crickets in food products in the European Union (EU). The newly approved regulation will allow food producers to introduce the partially defatted dry powder of the house cricket into the EU food market.The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also approved the powder production process, which includes a 24-hour fasting period for the insects before they are frozen, washed, thermally processed, have their oil extracted and, finally transformed into dried-up powder. Food containing house cricket products will require appropriate labels since some researchers believe that these insects could cause allergic reactions in consumers allergic to crustaceans, dust mites and mollusks. The team discusses consumer willingness to try food products that contain house crickets and wonders whether vegetarians and vegans would eat insect-containing products.Read the full article here:Sesame Allergies Cause FDA to List Sesame as the 9th Major AllergenEU Approves Use of House Crickets in Food ProductsFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFoodInstagram: @XtalksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferencesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Everything You Need to Know About Veganuary 2023 + Why There’s an Egg Shortage

For many, a new year calls for resolutions, and for some, that may include giving up meat, dairy and eggs for Veganuary 2023. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney gives a brief history of Veganuary and details its growth over the past ten years. When Veganuary began in 2014, it garnered 3,000 participants. Last year, that number reached 630,000. While some people are vegan or vegetarian when they opt in, for the most part, participants who sign up to try Veganuary are meat-eaters. Sydney also talks about some companies and restaurants that launched products or campaigns for this year’s Veganuary, including chocolate maker Lindt and McDonald’s. The team discusses different motivations for going vegan, from health to sustainability, and whether there’s a market for “unhealthy” and fast food vegan options.Also in this episode, Sydney talks about the ongoing American and international egg shortage and resulting egg price hike. The shortage is due to an unprecedented outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that has killed tens of millions of egg-laying chickens nationwide. Since the outbreak was detected last February, more than 57 million birds in hundreds of commercial and backyard flocks have been affected by it. The egg shortage brings with it soaring egg prices, meaning consumers are shelling out more for eggs at the grocery store right now, with some states like California and Colorado being hit harder than others. The team wonders whether a specific group or agency is to blame for the bird flu outbreak and agrees that consumers should be informed of the reason behind a shortage and price hike.Read the full article here:Will Veganuary 2023 Have the Highest Participation Rate to Date?Why Is There an Egg Shortage in the US and Around the World?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

HighKey’s Oreo Alternative + Food Tech Products at CES 2023

Low-sugar, keto-friendly snack brand HighKey announced it will be launching a sugar-free sandwich cookie featuring two crispy chocolate wafers around a layer of vanilla crème. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about this new Oreo alternative that contains no sugar, two grams of net carbs, seven grams of fiber, 60 calories and is made with gluten-free, soy-free and keto-friendly ingredients. She discusses the downfall of Oreo Thins and the success of HighKey’s other healthy snack products, especially via online channels. The team commends the new product for not only offering a healthier alternative to a popular snack, but also for featuring fiber and not solely empty calories. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about five food tech products that were featured at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Among the thousands of exhibitors at this year’s CES, food makers, restaurateurs and consumers witnessed dozens relevant to the food industry — particularly when it comes to sustainability, robotics and wellness. From a smart oven with a heat-resistant internal camera to monitor cooking progress from Brava to a robot that 3D prints meatless burgers from SavorEat, the show featured the latest in food tech. The team delves into some of the products discussed and reflects upon how far food tech has come in the last decade and how far it will go in the future. Read the full article here:Are HighKey Cookies the Next Sugar-Free Oreo Alternative?CES 2023 Food Tech Products to WatchFor 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

Food and Beverage Industry Trends for 2023

As 2022 came to an end, many of the lessons learned and habits formed will continue to shape the food and beverage industry in the coming year. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top three food and beverage industry trends to look out for in 2023. She interviewed Bradley Saxe, President of Mainline Foods, and Chef Michael Sanguinetti, business development and market specialist at INTUEAT, to hear their food and beverage industry predictions for the coming year. After discussing each trend, the team weighs in to provide further insights.The first trend to look out for is the “next generation of plant-based,” which will shift away from processed meat alternatives and focus more on chefs and food makers getting creative with vegetables and making them more of a star than just using meat substitutes. The next trend looks at a realistic sustainable food system as an ecosystem rather than individual initiatives, which often starts with sustainable farming, from cows to cod to corn and everything in between. The final trend for 2023 involves tech savviness and social media, with a greater emphasis on understanding advancements in agriculture technology and food traceability technology. Read the full article here:3 Food and Beverage Industry Trends for 2023For 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

Looking Back at the Top Food and Beverage Trends of 2022

At the end of each year, food industry insiders and experts make predictions about the year to come — and last year was no exception. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about some of the predictions that were made for 2022 and looks at whether they panned out, as well as some of the food and beverage trends that dominated the industry this year. One trend that may not have panned out as predicted was plant-based alternatives. This could partially be due to the recovery of the traditional meat industry, the crowded nature of the plant-based alternatives space or a combination of the two. While the team agrees that plant-based alternatives aren’t going anywhere, they wonder why the industry failed to meet expectations and whether it will make a comeback in 2023.Also, in this episode, Sydney talks about a few other trends that took hold in 2022, including responsible sourcing and traceability, sustainable packaging and addressing food waste and lab-grown meat, chocolate and coffee. As many consumers and companies alike hope for a fresh start in 2023, the ongoing pandemic will likely play a major role in shaping food and beverage trends regardless of whether COVID-19 itself finally becomes a thing of the past. The team gives their opinions on each of these trends and looks back at the year, optimistic for 2023. Read the full article here:The Top 5 Food and Beverage Trends of 2022For 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 10 TikTok Food Trends in 2022 + Why Nestlé is Selling its Peanut Allergy Treatment Palforzia

Social media and video creation app TikTok has become the online home of food experimentation over the last few years, leading to TikTok food trends with record-breaking views and searches. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top 10 most popular TikTok food trends this year. The list included cloud bread, baked oats, charcuterie boards, pasta chips and mug cake, among others. While other social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are also home to recipe videos and food trends, TikTok appears to be shaping the food trends among the younger generations, Gen Z and millennials. While some may overlook the platform as just another social media app, TikTok has proven itself as a trendsetter for the food and beverage industry and beyond. The team talks about the degree to which TikTok should be used as a marketing tool by food and beverage companies and its ability to create and bring back past trends.Also, in this episode, Sydney talks about why Nestlé put its Palforzia peanut allergy treatment up for sale only two years after acquiring the company that developed it. Palforzia, the first drug for peanut allergies in children to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is aimed at consumers from the ages of four to 17 with a confirmed peanut allergy diagnosis. The drug may alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the allergy such as constriction of airways, hives and swelling. Despite its promise, Nestlé decided to sell Palforzia after slower than expected adoption by patients and healthcare professionals. Unfortunately for Nestlé, less than three percent of the US suffers from peanut allergies and roughly 75 percent of them are over age 17, so it’s a niche market. The team wonders whether Palforzia would have performed better if it had been purchased by another pharmaceutical company rather than a food conglomerate. Read the full articles here:Top 10 TikTok Food Trends of 2022Nestlé to Sell Palforzia Peanut Allergy TreatmentFor 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

FDA Sends Warning Letters to Companies Illegally Selling CBD-Infused Products + The Rise of Alcohol Free Beverages

Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent out warning letters to five companies illegally selling CBD-infused food and beverage products. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the contents of the warning letters and the FDA’s rules regarding CBD. Currently, the use of CBD in food and beverage products is an unapproved food additive in the US. the agency also cited safety concerns regarding accidental or overconsumption of CBD, as well as drug interactions. Of particular concern to the FDA are dosage formats that appeal to children such as gummies, hard candies and cookies.  Perhaps warning letters were sent out to these five companies since four of them sell CBD-infused candies or gummies. The team wonders why the FDA doesn’t take stricter regulatory action when it comes to CBD and whether there are any benefits of consuming CBD-infused products. Also, in this episode, Sydney talks about the rise of alcohol free beverages. As the desire for no- and low-alcohol beverages increases and producers are responding to consumer demands, the industry is taking note and investing in products aimed at consumers keen to celebrate on their own terms. Since almost half of drinkers said they are trying to reduce their alcohol consumption right now, and 52 percent of them are replacing alcohol with alcohol free beverages, the non-alcoholic beer, wine and cocktails category is surging in popularity. Some of the biggest players in the beverage industry are making moves into the non-alcoholic market, which is estimated to reach $538 million by 2026. The team has mixed feelings when it comes to alcohol free beverages, but all agree that they promote inclusivity and reduce the stigma of abstaining from alcohol. Read the full articles here:Companies Illegally Selling CBD-Infused Food Receive FDA Warning LettersAlcohol Free Beverages on the Rise Ahead of Holiday SeasonFor 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

FDA Approves Lab-Grown Meat + Grocery Trade Groups Concerned About New Food Traceability Rule

After many years of research and development, innovation and anticipation, lab-grown meat has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the historic approval, which was granted to San Francisco-based startup UPSIDE Foods to sell its lab-grown chicken. The product — which is biologically indistinguishable from traditional chicken — is made by growing animal cells in bioreactors, which are fed a mix of nutrients to develop into fat and muscle tissue. Though the company still needs US Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval before it can sell to consumers, it’s a watershed moment for the lab-grown meat space and the broader food industry. While the team is excited about the approval, they are surprised to hear that the price of lab-grown meat ranges from thousands to hundreds of dollars per pound, which is why it likely won’t be commercialized for many years. Also, in this episode, Sydney talks about the FDA’s final rule on Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods, which includes food traceability protocols for a variety of food products susceptible to contamination. Although food traceability requirements are becoming more common, two grocery trade groups are expressing concerns regarding the new ruling. The final rule, which goes into effect in early 2026, is designed to provide a means for additional traceability of high-risk foods, including produce, cheeses, eggs, nut butter, seafood and deli salads. However, the National Grocers Association (NGA) and the Food Industry Association (FMI) voiced their concerns about the final food traceability rule, claiming it will disproportionately impact smaller grocers. While the team understands the need for further food traceability laws to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks, they also empathize with smaller food producers and sellers who may not have the resources necessary to implement the new rule by 2026.Read the full articles here:Lab-Grown Meat Approved by the FDANew Food Traceability Rule Sparks Concerns Among Grocery Trade GroupsFor 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

New Study on Ultra-Processed Foods + Why Activist Groups Want to Ban Red 3

A new study suggests that consuming too much ultra-processed food — including chips, hot dogs, ice cream and soda — can have consequences beyond obesity and high cholesterol. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the study, which examined how the intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with premature, preventable death. She explains that ultra-processed foods contain more artificial ingredients than those that just have added salt, sugar or oil. They usually have very few whole ingredients and contain flavorings, colorings or other additives. The new study specifically looked at the number of deaths in the Brazilian population and their relationship to the intake of ultra-processed foods. The team was surprised to hear that Brazilians were getting between 13 and 21 percent of their total energy intake from ultra-processed foods and pointed out some holes in the study, mainly that correlation does not necessarily equal causation. Also, in this episode, Sydney talks about why activist groups are petitioning the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban Red 3, an artificial color additive that has been linked to cancer. While it’s against the law to use Red 3 in cosmetics, the controversial chemical can still be found in common varieties of candies, cakes and other foods. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) sent a petition to the FDA, co-signed by more than a dozen organizations and prominent scientists, including the Environmental Working Group (EWG), seeking to remove Red 3 from the permanent list of color additives approved for use in food and dietary supplements, and for use in ingested drugs. Though previous red food colorings have been banned, Red 3 remains legal and widely used in the food and beverage industry. The team wonders why Red 3 is allowed in food but not in cosmetics.Read the full articles here:Why are Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Premature Death?Scientists Urge the FDA to Ban Red 3 Color AdditiveFor 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