Chocolate Covered Oyster Crackers

New Wolfgang Candy Co. Skipjacks are available in the USA in a resealable, 7 oz. (198g) pouch from Wolfgang Candy Co. Inc. Skipjacks are "certified kosher dairy" Chocolate Covered Oyster Crackers with "real milk chocolate."

China to set up powerful food safety commission

From: International Herald Tribune

BEIJING: China's legislature is considering a new food safety law that would create a powerful commission to oversee food regulation and make celebrities liable for any dangerous products they endorse, state media reported Thursday.

China's government has been trying to restore confidence in the country's food system since the disclosure in September that infant formula was contaminated with the industrial chemical melamine. The tainted milk is blamed in the deaths of at least six Chinese babies and the sickening of nearly 300,000 others.

The food safety bill, expected to pass this weekend, would create a "high-level coordination and guidance" body, the China Daily newspaper said.

It said food regulation procedures would be streamlined by cutting the number of agencies involved by more than half.

Consumers would be able to demand compensation for dangerous food products from both the producers and from celebrities or organizations that advertise them, the newspaper said, citing a professor of law at Renmin University, Yang Lixin.

Celebrities, especially athletes, frequently endorse food and drink products in China.

The deputy director of the National People's Congress Law Committee, Liu Xirong, said the change was in response to complaints from legislators about false or exaggerated food advertisements featuring celebrities, the newspaper said.

China's current system of splitting food safety responsibilities among many different agencies has resulted in uneven enforcement and confusion, the United Nations said in a report late last year.

The new food safety commission will oversee several agencies, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and the State Food and Drug Administration, the newspaper said.

Details of the commission's responsibilities and authority will be decided by China's cabinet, the State Council, it said.

The Ministry of Health will take primary responsibility in setting standards, investigating accidents and releasing information, it said.

The food safety law is to replace China's food hygiene law, which was passed in 1995.

It is expected to improve inspections of imports and exports, and set up a risk assessment and recall system for food. State media also said it could punish makers of dangerous food products with up to life imprisonment.

Lutein in infant formulas

From AVA:
Singapore's AVA is aware that a number of consumers were concerned over recent news reports in February 2009 regarding the recall of milk formula products containing lutein in Singapore. Consumers need not be alarmed.

Lutein is obtained from marigold (Tagetes erecta L) flowers for use as a food colour or nutrient supplement. Its use as a food colour is approved in Singapore.

Lutein is accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be "Generally Recognized as Safe" and the use of lutein in infant formulas has been allowed by FDA. However, use of lutein in infant formula has not been approved by many other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, EU, Japan and Singapore. Although there is no conern over the safety of lutein in infant formulas at the levels that are currently in use, the nutritional benefits of adding lutein to infant formulas has yet to be established.

AVA issued a circular on 13th February 2009 to remind importers that milk formulas containing lutein has not yet been approved by AVA and should be removed from sale. The quantity of milk formula products found containing lutein was negligible. These products were recalled as it is an offence to import milk formula products containing lutein before the approval is granted.

AVA's checks have confirmed that Wyeth Nutritionals milk formula products sold in Singapore through Wyeth's exclusive distributor, Harpers Trading (S) Pte Ltd do not contain lutein.

Tru Chocolate

Tru Chocolate, an Organic Sugarless Chocolate "specially designed to be a natural alternative to snacks that contain sugar, evaporated cane juice and high fructose corn syrup," is available in the USA from Youngevity Essential Life Sciences. Presented in a resealable foil pouch, the suggested retail price is $29.95. Literature states, "Tru Chocolate(tm) is rich in antioxidants - an unprecedented ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) rating of 3,040 per piece! Tru Chocolate is infused with beneficial herbs which promote healthy blood sugar levels - Tru Chocolate kills harmful bacteria including one that creates cavities - Tru Chocolate supports healthy weight loss - Tru Chocolate is certified kosher. It is also certified glycemic friendly by the Natural Research Laboratories." Copy further states, "In addition to assisting in promoting healthy blood sugar levels, Tru Chocolate also contains ingredients believed to promote healthy, beautiful skin and healthy teeth." Because of 3 "special ingredients (xylitol, Bioperine and Fabenol)," this product is also claimed to leave a chocolate taste as long as 30 minutes after eating a single piece.

Yxaiio Soft Drink With Pheromones

In France, Italy, Poland and Spain, Yxaiio GmbH has launched a new Soft Drink With Pheromones under its brand Yxaiio. Presented in a 296ml metal cans and targeted to adults only, this new soft drink is said to have aphrodisiac properties and to be the first drink in the world made with pheromones.

Kirin Fire Menthol Coffee Drink

Kirin Beverage: Kirin FIRE Menthol. This new ready-to-drink coffee is a new addition to the series. It is made with a blend of high grade Colombia Supremo coffee beans (51%). The coffee beans are roasted using a unique method; water is sprinkled on the coffee beans during the roasting process. The coffee beans are extracted within 18 hours of grinding to ensure a rich aroma. Menthol is added to produce a refreshing aftertaste. In addition, vegetable oils and fats is used instead of animal fat to produce a light, clean aftertaste. Product contains31 kcal/100g.

Edosa Satiating Effect Sweetener

In Spain, Edosa has recently launched a Edulcorante con Efecto Saciante (Satiating Effect Sweetener) marketed under the Dalmau Fibra brand. This sweetener, with added soluble fiber, is presented in boxes containing 150 x 0.8g sachets. Each sachet is said to substitute 10g of sugar, to contain only 2 kcal and to make drinks creamier.

Imperian Brandy

Produced in Siberia, the new Imperian Brandy is available in the USA in Plum, Pear, Quince, and Raspberry flavors from AS-Group. The Plum Brand is sold in an overboxed 750ml glass bottle. It is said to be produced with all natural fruit, to feature a double distillation and to be aged in oak barrels with no chemical additives.

Rubyy Energy Drink

Rubyy Energy Drink "comes in a distinctive looking" 12 fl. oz. resealable aluminum bottle. New in the USA from Rubyy, LLC, it has a Blood Orange flavor and is touted as "a blend of blood oranges, tangerines, Valencia oranges, vitamins and natural, energy-producing ingredients."

SoBe Lifewater - Vitamin Enhanced Water Beverage

PepsiCo, Inc. has introduced SoBe Lifewater Vitamin Enhanced Water Beverage in the USA. The product is said to be made with PureVia(tm) which is the result of an innovative technology that isolates 97 percent pure Reb A that is derived form the sweetest and best tasting part of the stevia leaf. It is said to be free of calories and to be naturally sweetened. Offered in Fuji Apple Pear, Black and Blue Berry and Yumberry Pomegranate varieties, the beverage is said to provide a full day's supply of vitamin C, 20 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin E and 10 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamins B6, B12, niacin and Pantothenic acid. Each variety is also "infused with a unique blend of herbal ingredients." Each variety is presented in a 20 fl. oz. (1.25 pt.) 591ml resealable "all-new sleek packaging design exudes the hipness of the overall brand."

Exotic Spanish Fly - Energy Drink

Available to consumers in Italy, is a new Energy Drink with Shizandra under the Exotic Spanish Fly brand name. Claimed to be an "erotic blend" which contains taurine, caffeine, glucuronolacton, and ginseng extract, this energy drink comes in a 250ml can.

Code Blue - Recovery Drink

New Code Blue Recovery Drink is available in the USA in a resealable, opaque blue, 12 fl. oz. PET bottle, resembling a metallic finish, from UCG Marketing. This beverage is claimed to contain reduced glutathione (a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and detoxify the liver), vitamins B12, B6, C and A; and calcium, magnesium and potassium, along with twice the amount of electrolytes found in sports drinks.

Code Blue is said to feature a citrus flavor with only 60 calories, no caffeine and low sugar content.

Bright - 100% Fruit Juice - Kiwi Fruit & Cucumber; Mango & Pumpkin

New to the Chinese market is Bright 100 per-cent Fruit Juice. It is available in two variants - Mango & Pumpkin and Kiwi Fruit & Cucumber.

It is manufactured by Bright Dairy Co., Ltd. According to the comments on the package, the product is high in vitamins, No Artificial Color and No Preservatives.

Choco Pod Dark Chocolate

Chuao Chocolatier has introduced Choco Pod Dark Chocolate in the USA.

Offered in a Firecracker variety, it is said to be an artisan crafted blend of dark chocolate with chipotle chile, salt and popping candy. The "perfect petite indulgence, (is) a slim, but satisfying chocolate decadence with less than 60 calories per serving."

The dark chocolate is presented in a laminate wrapper.The combination of dark chocolate, chipotle chile and popping candy is definitely a first for the chocolate candy market.

Damtuh Nuts Tea

Damtuh Nuts Tea is newly launched in Korea market. This product has quite an eclectic mix of nuts and seeds here including walnuts, almonds, pine nuts and job's tears.

Mr. Q. Cumber Original Cucumber Soda

The new Mr. Q. Cumber Original Cucumber Soda is available in the USA in a resealable, 12 fl. oz. (355ml) glass bottle from Global Beverage Enterprises Inc.

This beverage is said to contain 100 percent natural flavor, to be crisp and refreshing and to be just like biting into an ice cold cucumber.

Ginger Cocoa

Bourbon: Bourbon Shoga Cocoa [ginger cocoa].

This new functional powdered drink is a milk cocoa premix containing ginger. It is fortified with polyphenols, theobromine and calcium. This product has a warming effect.

Amy & Brian All Natural Coconut Juice with Pulp

Coconut Juice Drinks with pulp are pretty common in Singapore. However, Amy and Brian All Natural Coconut Juice with Pulp claims to be a natural isotonic beverage that contains potassium and magnesium (however, the claims for such nutrients is not supported by any information in the Nutritional Information Panel).

From their website, they claim that coconut juice is nature’s sports drink. In addition to tasting great, coconut juice is the healthy choice. It has more potassium per equivalent serving than a banana, is lower in natural sugar & calories than most fruit juices including grapefruit and has 10% of the sodium found in tomato juice. It absorbs into the body quickly because it resembles plasma in its salt concentration.

Preshafruit Granny Smith

Preshafruit range of fruit juices claims to be 100% Australian fruit that has been pressurised cold for fresh taste and nutrition.

Preshafruit fruit is pressurised cold using High Pressure Processing rather than cooking, heating or chemicals. That's why the fruit juices taste just picked and . Preshafruit claims to be better for consumers because it retains nutrients longer than heat pasteurised fruit and juices.


It boosts a just picked taste without the use of any concentrates, sweeteners or colours.

It is currently available in Singapore at Jason's supermarket with a retail price of SGD$4.90 for a 350ml bottle

More information at Preshafruit Website.

Pepper Fuit Gum

Kracie Holdings (former name Kanebo Foods): Kracie Pepper Fruit Gum. This new chewing gum has a unique combination of flavors. It has a blend of sweet and rich tropical fruit flavor, plus the refreshing and spicy coarse ground pepper taste.

The blend of tropical fruit flavor consists of mango flavor, passion fruit flavor and pineapple flavor. This product has the fine aroma of fruit, plus the stimulation of black pepper.

Glow Mama Kiwi Juice

New Glow Mama, "natural - refreshing - confident," Ready-to-Drink Natural Kiwi Juice is available in the USA in a resealable, 12 fl. oz. plastic bottle from Glow Beverages.

The product features are said to include crisp, light and refreshing kiwi and grape juice; essential pre and post natal nutrients, low calories, all natural with no artificial sweeteners, to have four grams of soluble fiber per 12 oz. bottle and to be American Pregnancy Association approved.

Glow Mama 12 oz. bottles are sold in a 24 pack with the suggested retail price of $44.95. This beverage is also offered in a "One week sampler" with 8 bottles priced at $14.45, a "Two week taster" containing 16 bottles with the suggested retail price of $28.90, an "Eco Gift Pack" featuring a soft baby blanket (large, super soft, made from recycled drink bottles - 30 inch x 48 inch) with 6 bottles tied with a bow, priced at $39.95; a "Trimester Stash" (3 month supply delivered to mom-to-be's home) with 96 small bottles delivered 16 at a time every two weeks price at $144.95, and a "Mocktail Gift Pack" containing "2 martini glasses, 1 cocktail shaker, 1 Margarita Mama mocktail recipe book, straws, napkins, recipe cards and 3 bottles of Glow Mama" priced at $39.95.

Glow Mama is also claimed to be safe to drink for men and children.

Aromatisiertes Bier (Flavored Beer)

InBev Deutschland GmbH&Co KG has again enlarged its offer of Aromatisiertes Bier (Flavored Beer) marketed under its Becks brand. The new variety Ice combines the flavors of beer, lime and mint. A special brewing method makes the beer transparent. With an alcohol content of 2.5%, it is presented in 0.33l bottles. Consumers in Germany can also purchase this product in a crate containing 24 individual bottles, in a 6 count pack and in a crate containing 4 x 6 count packs.

Chocolate Flavoured Surimi

Vici Sweets del Mare (sweets of the sea) are new to consumers in Europe.

These sweets are described as chocolate-flavoured surimi and are apparently low in calories, low in fat and and contain no artificial flavors. They come in a 200g bag and are manufactured by Viciunai UAB ir Ko.

Recall Of "18" Sports Drink (Blueberry, Lemon Lime, Grape & Original Flavours) 600ml Imported from Malaysia

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has detected the presence of foreign matter in "18" Sports Drink (Blueberry, Lemon Lime, Grape & Original Flavours) 600ml. AVA is investigating the cause of the contamination. AVA has required the importer and retailers to recall the products which may have been affected from the market immediately.

The products recalled are:
(a) "18" Sports Drink (Blueberry plus Vit C, B6 & B12 Flavour) 600ml
Expiry dates : 24 Oct 2009, 11Nov 2009 & 11 Dec 2009

(b) "18" Sports Drink (Grape plus Vit C, B6 & B12 Flavour) 600ml
Expiry dates : 25 Oct 2009, 12 Dec 2009

(c) "18" Sports Drink (Lemon Lime plus Vit C, B6 & B12 Flavour) 600ml
Expiry dates : 28 Oct 2009, 9 Dec 2009, 27 Dec 2009

(d) "18" Sports Drink (Original plus Vit C, B6 & B12 Flavour) 600ml
Expiry dates : 23 Oct 2009, 10 Dec 2009

As a precautionary measure, AVA advises the consumers who have bought the implicated products to discard the product and not to consume them.

Consumers who have any other queries can call AVA’s hotline at 1800-2262250.