Recall of confectionery products manufactured by "The Royals (Premium Cakes) Pte Ltd"

The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA ) has instructed the recall of confectionery products manufactured by "The Royals (Premium Cakes) Pte Ltd" at Bedok, Singapore from its retail outlets , "The Royal Premium Cakes & Pies". This is due to a chemical contamination suspected to be a bleaching agent at the factory today during production . The factory has since been suspended from operations.

As a precautionary measure, consumers who have purchased confectioneries from any of the six retail outlets are advised to discard the products and not to consume them.

Consumers who have eaten the affected products and feel unwell or suffer from nausea should consult a doctor.

The Singapore police and the AVA are conducting investigations into this matter.

Austria: Traces of cocaine found in Red Bull drink

VIENNA – Austria's health ministry says traces of cocaine have been found in samples of Red Bull Cola energy drinks.

Spokeswoman Sigrid Rosenberger says the traces are very slight and do not pose a health risk.

Earlier this month, several German states told retailers to stop selling Red Bull after a sample test by authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia state found 0.4 micrograms per liter in the drink.

Rosenberger said Friday the Austrian findings hovered around the detection limit.

Red Bull has said its cola is "harmless and marketable in both the U.S. and Europe."

Vitamin D boosts brain power in middle-aged men

WASHINGTON (AFP) - - Higher levels of vitamin D, synthesized in the skin after being exposed to the sun and found in oily fish, are associated with increased brain power among middle-aged men, according to a new British study.

The link between increased vitamin D and faster information processing "was more significant in men aged over 60 years old, although the biological reasons for this remain unclear," read the report, to appear in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Manchester, in collaboration with other European specialists, compared the cognitive performance of more than 3,000 men between the ages of 40 and 79 years.

Men with higher levels of vitamin D "performed consistently better in a simple and sensitive neuropsychological test that assesses an individual's attention and speed of information processing," the study showed.

Resarchers "observed a significant, independent association between a slower information processing speed and lower levels of vitamin D," said lead author David Lee at Manchesters School of Translational Medicine.

The study is based on a large population sample and took into account other possible factors, such as depression, season and levels of physical activity.

The main source of vitamin D is 10 to 15 minutes daily exposure to sunlight. Oily fish are also an excellent source of vitamin D.

A separate 2008 study by researchers in Amsterdam showed that a lack of vitamin D could increase the risk of depression or other psychiatric problems among older people.

Calpis Laclac

This new functional drink is jointly developed by Calpis and Ajinomoto. It contains apple juice fermented by plant source lactic acid bacteria developed by Calpis. It also contains 5 types of amino acids produced by a unique fermentation method developed by Ajinomoto; the 5 types of amino acids include arginine, lysine and BCAA (branched chain amino acids valine, leucine, isoleucine).

This thirst-quenching drink has a mellow apple flavor. The total fruit juice content 3% (fermented apple juice is 1.5%). This is a calorie-reduced drink with only 15 kcal per 100ml.

Hangover Blocker Detox Shot

Gtox Hangover Blocker Detox Shot is said to enhance the body's natural response to the removal of toxins, such as alcohol.

The "great Citrus Flavor!" beverage is new in the USA from Applied Food Sciences, Inc. Label copy reads, "Blocks hangovers - Contains glucarate - Fast recovery."

Food Safety Tips: Cooking with Meat Thermometers

Meat thermometers
Using a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking. No more slicing into your Sunday roast to find out whether it is done. Heat kills harmful bacteria, so it is important that meat is properly cooked. While a meat thermometer is most commonly used for large cuts of meat, such as roasts or whole poultry, it can also be used to test the temperature of a range of other dishes including sausages, burger patties, casseroles and meatloaves. Plus it makes overcooking a thing of the past – your roast will be safe and succulent!

A range of meat thermometers are available. The oven-proof variety is placed in the meat before the meat goes in the oven and is left there throughout the cooking time. Some come with a digital display that can be placed outside the oven so they can be read without opening the oven door. Instant-read ones are inserted into the food you want to check and the temperature can be read within about 15 seconds. To read the temperature correctly, the thermometer must be inserted into the centre of the meat (the thickest part).

Follow the instructions that came with your thermometer and after use remember to wash the stem in hot, soapy water. To test its accuracy, you can place it in boiling water to ensure it reads 100°C.

Shake your way to health and fun!

Food science not only reaches a new level with the all new Dr. Oetker Shaker but also the conventional method of baking muffins, pancakes and cupcakes gets a new makeover!

Consumers not only have fun shaking their specially designed shakers, which is an effective and convenient method for mixing, they also get to enjoy the healthy goodness of the products as it is 0 in trans fat content, a source of fibre, and contains prebiotics, which makes their way through our digestive system and help good bacteria grow and flourish, thus keeping beneficial bacteria healthy. The growth of good beneficial bacteria will aid in immune stimulation, enhancement of bowel mobility as well as aid in reduction of inflammatory or allergic reactions.
What is really versatile about this product is that you can inject some creativity by adding some ingredients into the mix and get interesting variations! You cantry baking your Dr. Oetker Shaker with water, soy milk, rice milk or even skimmed milk.

With the current promotion going on now, you stand to win a $1200 Visa Card for your next family fun weekend or 1 of 10 Dr. Oetker Shaker fun packs.
So start getting functional today with Dr. Oetker Shaker! Shake, shake, shake, and pour your way to great health and fun!

Low GI Cane Sugar

Claimed to have been developed with the use of "world first technology," is a new Low GI Cane Sugar now on the market in Australia. The sugar is marketed under the CSR Better for You LoGiCane label and is said to feature a low glycemic index.

It is said to represent innovation in sugar and to feature the "same sweet taste."

Food Safety Tips: Cooking

Ever sunk your teeth into a juicy chicken drumstick only to find the meat bloody at the bone? Apart from being unappetising, undercooked meat may be dangerous as it can carry a range of harmful bacteria including Campylobacter, Salmonella
and E. coli.

Exposing yourself to these nasties can be avoided by following a few simple guidelines.

Always defrost frozen foods thoroughly before cooking, unless the manufacturer’s instructions tell you to cook from frozen. Defrosting ensures the food will cook properly and within the normal cooking time. Foods shouldn’t be left on the kitchen bench to defrost as this increases the chances of bacteria growing because the defrosted surface quickly warms to room temperature, even though the middle might still be frozen. The safest way to defrost foods is to put them in the fridge overnight or – if you are running out of time – use the defrost or lowest power setting on your microwave.

It is important to ensure that minced meat and sausages are cooked right through, and poultry is cooked through to the bone. The best way to be sure meat is properly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Colour is not a good indicator – uncooked products can appear brown and some cooked meats can appear pink or red. If you don’t have a thermometer, cook poultry and pork until the juices run clear and sausages and meat patties until they are no longer pink in the middle.

Any uneaten food should be put in the fridge within two hours of cooking, and when reheating leftovers make sure they are piping hot through to the centre.

Organic Rainforest Gum

Fresh from Mexico, the first certified organic, 100% natural and biodegradable chewing gum ever made" has been launched in the United Kingdom.

According to manufacturer Mayan Rainforest Co., Ltd., the product is created by combining 40% organic gum base (chicle melted together with natural waxes), before organic sweeteners and natural flavors are added.

The "all-natural components" of this biodegradable gum "will become dust within weeks" once disposed of, it is also claimed. Three varieties are being offered initially, all available in boxes and are flavoured: Spearmint, Wild Mint, and Heirloom Lime.

Kracie Kobara Pitari Gum

This new functional gum designed to satisfy a hungry stomach with four functions:

1) it has an effervescent mouthfeel when chewed;

2) it contains konjac powder which swells 200 times in the stomach;

3) it contains glucose which provides a rapid satisfaction against hunger to the brain;

4) it contains dietary fiber derived from sugar cane, which makes the satisfaction last longer.

This satiety product has a refreshing grapefruit soda flavor.

Food Safety Tips: Hot Cleaning

A dishcloth or sponge can be effectively cleaned by placing the wet item in a microwave on high for three to four minutes. The heat will kill off bacteria and viruses. Be careful when removing from the microwave as it will be steaming hot.

Use separate sponges or cloths for the dishes, the bench and the floor. If you have different coloured cloths for different tasks it will be easier to distinguish what they are for. Some people use green for dishes (it rhymes with clean), blue for the bench (they both start with ‘b’) and yellow for the floor (when you wipe up spills, the light colour shows any dirt which reminds you to mop the floor). Preferably use paper towels for spills, especially wiping up meat juices and then wipe with a cloth and hot water and detergent.

Make sure you have two or three of each colour so when one’s in the wash, there’s a clean one ready to go.

Use separate chopping boards for raw and cooked meat, fish, vegetables and bread. Colour-coded boards make it easier to remember which ones to use for each type of food. White is still the best colour for visually spotting food debris. It is possible to get white plastic chopping boards that are colour-coded on the edge.

Groente & Fruitshot

With each 100ml of Groente & Fruitshot bottle said to contain 100g each of concentrated fruit and concentrated vegetables, a single drink serving provides 50% of the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables.

Two varieties have been released: a combination of Apple, Carrot, Kiwi and Spinach a well another of Apple, Carrot and Strawberry.

Food Safety Tips: Clean

Clean
Good food hygiene starts with clean hands, but definitely doesn’t stop there. Washing hands thoroughly is key in helping prevent foodborne illnesses. But it’s equally important to make sure your cooking area and tools are clean too.

Knives, utensils and chopping boards need to be scrubbed between tasks and especially between preparing raw and ready-to-eat foods. Without a thorough clean, pathogens will transfer to food and you’ll be eating them too. Unclean chopping boards are a common way of transmitting bacteria and viruses. It is not important whether a chopping board is made from wood, plastic, glass or ceramic – what matters is how it is used and cleaned.

When working in the kitchen, remember to use dishcloths, hand towels and tea towels for the jobs they are meant for. Meat and poultry juice spills are best cleaned up with disposable paper towels then wipe with a cloth and hot, soapy water. If you use a dishcloth or sponge for this and then wipe the bench you’ll be spreading pathogens around.

Always clean dishcloths and tea towels regularly – it’s way too late when they start to smell. A good idea is to put a fresh dishcloth out every day and to change tea towels when they get wet. To get your dishcloths nice and clean, soak them in shallow water overnight with 5–10 drops of ordinary household bleach or put them through the hot wash cycle of the automatic dishwasher. A good launder and a day on the line exposed to wind and the sun’s ultraviolet rays will also do the job.

• Clean your hands by washing
them with warm water and soap and drying with a clean towel or paper towels.

• Always wash your hands before handling any food and after touching raw meat and poultry, going to the toilet, changing nappies, touching pets and doing gardening.

• Wash knives and other utensils and scrub chopping boards between preparing raw and cooked food.

• Keep your fridge clean.

NATCO Spiced Tea Commercial

An interesting commercial for a spiced tea..


Looking to rekindle some love?

You know what to do now!

Kikkoman Wagaya wa Yakinikuya-san Petit

This is a new pack size of this dipping sauce for yakiniku [Korean style barbeque]. It is packed in a unique, single portion, compartment tray with lid; one side of the tray contains soy sauce flavor sauce, and the other side contains sesame oil. When consumers snap the lid into half, the soy sauce flavor sauce and sesame oil flow out and mix together to serve as one portion of dipping sauce.

There are three strengths launched: hot, medium hot and mild.

Popular cereal is a drug, US food watchdog says

WASHINGTON (AFP) - - Popular US breakfast cereal Cheerios is a drug, at least if the claims made on the label by its manufacturer General Mills are anything to go by, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said.

"Based on claims made on your product's label, we have determined that your Cheerios Toasted Whole Grain Oat Cereal is promoted for conditions that cause it to be a drug," the FDA said in a letter to General Mills which was posted on the federal agency's website Tuesday.

Cheerios labels claim that eating the cereal can help lower bad cholesterol, a risk factor for coronary heart disease, by four percent in six weeks.

Citing a clinical study, the product labels also claim that eating two servings a day of Cheerios helps to reduce bad cholesterol when eaten as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, the FDA letter says.

Those claims indicate that Cheerios -- said by General Mills to be the best-selling cereal in the United States -- is intended to be used to lower cholesterol and prevent, lessen or treat the disease hypercholesterolemia, and to treat and prevent coronary heart disease.

"Because of these intended uses, the product is a drug," the FDA concluded in its letter.

Not only that, but Cheerios is a new drug because it has not been "recognized as safe and effective for use in preventing or treating hypercholesterolemia or coronary heart disease," the FDA said.

That means General Mills may not legally market Cheerios unless it applies for approval as a new drug or changes the way it labels the small, doughnut-shaped cereal, the FDA said.

General Mills defended the claims on Cheerios packaging, saying in a statement that Cheerios' soluble fiber heart health claim has been FDA-approved for 12 years, and that its "lower your cholesterol four percent in six weeks" message has been featured on the box for more than two years.

The FDA's quibble is not about whether Cheerios cereal is good for you but over "how the Cheerios cholesterol-lowering information is presented on the Cheerios package and website," said General Mills.

"We look forward to discussing this with FDA and to reaching a resolution."

Meanwhile, the FDA warned in its letter that if General Mills fails to "correct the violations" on its labels, boxes of Cheerios could disappear from supermarket and wholesaler shelves around the United States and the company could face legal action.

According to General Mills, one in eight boxes of cereal sold in the United States is a box of Cheerios. The cereal debuted on the US market in 1941.

Food Safety Tips

The recent news about food poisoning from Indian Rojak in Singapore has showed that many people are not aware, or simply cannot be bothered about Food Safety?

Thus, there will be a series of Food Safety Tips here to educate consumers, like you and me, on Food Safety!

Did you know that in New Zealand, the rate of gastroenteritis caused by eating unsafe food is unacceptably high with the most recent New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) study putting the economic cost through lost work days alone at $86 million. Around 40% of the problem is estimated to be due to poor food handling in the home.

Some information from The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA):

Delicious, nutritious food is one of the great things in life. There’s nothing better than a fantastic meal with family and friends. But there’s also nothing worse than that same food causing days of misery thanks to it being contaminated by pathogens (bacteria, viruses and other organisms that can cause illness).

Foodborne illness is estimated to strike about 200,000 New Zealanders every year. Nearly half of these (at least 40%) are attributed to food handling, preparation or storage in the home – that’s 80,000 people (about twice the population of Nelson, or four times that of Masterton).

Given those numbers, your chances of eating food that will make you sick seem pretty high. Luckily, you can reduce the risk of you, your family or friends having a nasty foodborne illness by following the food-safe tips and rules in this booklet.

Remembering the 4Cs (Clean, Cook, Cover, Chill) and hand washing rules can help keep those pathogens at bay.

Glico Pos-Ca Clear Mint Smart Pod

These sugarless chewing gums are now launched in a new pack size and package design. They are packed in a cup with lid containing slips of paper to dispose finished chewing gum. They contain phospho-oligosaccharide calcium (POs-Ca) which remineralizes teeth and regulates the environment in the mouth for strong and healthy teeth.

Researchers urge crackdown on junk food TV ads

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Junk food ads account for two-thirds of televised advertisements for food that are shown when children are likely to be watching, researchers into obesity said Friday, based on a study of 11 countries.

Germany and the United States led the way at 90 percent, with Britain and Australia the lowest at about 50 percent, the researchers said, urging governments to limit such marketing in order to combat obesity.

"Internationally, children are exposed to high volumes of unhealthy food and beverage advertising on television," Bridget Kelly, a nutrition researcher at the Cancer Council NSW in Australia, and colleagues told the European Congress on Obesity in Amsterdam.

"Limiting this food marketing is an important preventative strategy for childhood obesity."

About 177 million children and teenagers under 18 years old worldwide are clinically overweight or obese. The figures include 22 million overweight children under five years old, according to the International Obesity Task Force.

Obesity raises the risk of conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and the growing epidemic is piling pressure on many cash-strapped national health systems.

Unhealthy lifestyles including high-calorie diets, poor exercise and hours spent in front of the television or computer have contributed to the surge in childhood obesity.

"There is a lot of attention on unhealthy food marketing as an influence on childhood obesity and a lot of governments are reluctant to regulate," Kelly said in an interview. "So most countries in the study don't have regulations on food advertising."

The researchers, who looked at children in Australia, Asia, Eastern and Western Europe and North and South America, found that junk food ads mainly featuring fast food, confectionery and high-fat dairy foods increased during times young people were most likely to be watching.

"Children see around 4,000 to 6,000 food advertisements on television a year and between 2,000 and 4,000 are for unhealthy foods," Kelly said. "So even if you are in countries that are advertising less to children, that is still a lot."

While establishing a direct link between advertising and obesity is difficult, it is clear marketing plays a big role in the kinds of food children prefer, the researchers said.

Fever Stimulation Beverage

The new line of Fever Stimulation Beverage with "all natural herbal infusion" is claimed to be the World's first Stimulation Beverage. The non-carbonated drink is sold in the USA in a single-serve 14 fl. oz. aluminum bottle by Fever Beverage USA.

Promotional literature reads, "Fever is not an energy drink; rather, Fever is a stimulation beverage that produces feelings of pleasure and euphoria, as well as being: Rich in antioxidants - Body detoxifier - Balances the central nervous system - Enhances libido - A natural source of energy. Fever contains ingredients ranging from the well-known green tea, caffeine to Glycarin(tm), one of Fever's proprietary ingredients, which is an all-natural, antioxidant-rich, phyto-aphrodisiac, developed as a result of the latest scientific research into male and female performance and well-being, shown to promote healthy bones."

The Pineapple + Coconut "combines the vitamin-rich pineapple fruit with the disease-combating properties of coconut."

The Mango + Banana drink "is high in iron, potassium-rich and contains anti-cancer properties.

Kiwi + Strawberry is high in dietary fiber.

While the Pomegranate + Cherry variety is said to help reduce blood clotting and aids in the flow of blood to the heart, and to aid in weight loss.

Wai Wai Quik Noodles Commercial

An interesting concept advertisment that some what associates religion with the pleasures of foods...



Nice tagline: Heaven, is here, in front of us!

Choya Umeshu Jelly

Choya Umeshu Jelly [Japanese apricot liqueur jelly]

This is a new ready-to-drink, low-alcohol cocktail type product added to the series. This product contains a unique jelly made with Japanese apricot liqueur; the solid type jelly is carbonated to produce a pleasant mouthfeel.

The consumer shakes the can before consuming, and it is recommended to be served chilled. The Japanese apricots used are only produced in Japan. There are no flavorings added.

Choya Umeshu claimed this is not only the first jellied, ready-to-drink, effervescent umeshu product but also the first jellied alcoholic beverage with an effervescent mouthfeel launched in Japan. The alcohol content is 5%.