Re-runs of a well-known television commercial from the 1950s which instructed viewers to 'Go to work on an egg' have been banned by standards watchdogs because they do not encourage a balanced diet.

The Egg Information Service, set up by the industry to provide information and answer questions about eggs, had wanted to screen the advert, which featured legendary comedian Tony Hancock, to mark its 50th birthday.

But the Broadcast Advertising Clearance Centre (BACC), which regulates advertising standards and practice, blocked screening of the adverts on the grounds that they did not comply with Ofcom rules about promoting a varied diet.

Fruit juice and toast

BACC spokesman Kristoffer Hammer said it was not a question of whether an egg a day would cause any harm, but that it should be served with fruit juice or toast.

He said on GMTV this morning: 'We are not questioning the effect it would have on your health.

'Our role is to ensure that advertising that goes on television is in compliance with the act. It's quite clear from the act that they should be presented as part of a balanced diet.'

British Egg Information Service spokeswoman Amanda Cryer told BBC Online: 'We have been shocked by this ruling as eggs are a healthy, natural food which are recommended by nutritionists.

'What's more, there are no restrictions on the number of eggs people can eat, which was recently confirmed by the Food Standards Agency, and between five and seven eggs a week would be totally acceptable for most people.

'In addition, many other advertisers clearly promote their products to be eaten every day such as breakfast cereals so we are very surprised that eggs have been singled out in this way.

Food Standards Agency English Regions Survey

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recently published its seventh UK wide Consumer Attitudes to Food Survey. The annual survey reveals that healthy eating is a key concern for consumers with many people checking labels for nutritional information on a regular basis as well as an increasing awareness of 5-a day messaging.

The 2006 survey highlights a number of diet and health trends that have emerged since 2000, these include:

• A significant increase in the number of consumers who are aware that they should eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day. Consumers across the regions are significantly more likely than those in London to claim to have a greater knowledge of the 5-a-day message.

* Almost half of UK consumers claim to be trying to increase their consumption of fresh fruit and almost two fifths of UK respondents were similarly trying to increase the amount of vegetables they eat. Regionally, respondents in London and the South West were more likely to try and eat more fruit and vegetables.

* UK wide, the amount of salt, fat and sugar present in food continues to be a key issue of concern for consumers. All regions showed a similar level of concern about fat, but the West Midlands and the South East expressed higher levels of concern about salt. Yorkshire and Humberside and those in East England had the greatest concern over the amount of sugar in food.

• UK wide, just over half of consumers said that they usually or always looked at food labels when purchasing a product for the first time. Consumers in the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside were most likely to never look at labels when buying items for the first time.

• The majority of regions showed that over half of consumers agreed that they would like more information about the food that they buy and almost half said they found it difficult to know if a product is healthy from the label.

Gill Fine, Director of Consumer Choice and Dietary Health at the Food Standards Agency says:

‘It's encouraging that year-on-year this survey of over 3500 consumers shows a growing awareness about healthy eating messages regarding salt, fat and sugar and about eating at least five portions of a variety of fruit and veg a day. The number of people who say they are trying to eat more fruit and vegetables and checking their food labels for nutrition information shows a marked increase since the Agency first began these surveys in 2000. It's also great news that awareness and trust in the Agency amongst consumers is high and has continued to grow, during the year and is now higher than ever before.’

Along with tracking awareness of key food issues, the 2006 Consumer Attitudes survey also highlighted a rising consumer awareness of the FSA and its role in providing clear consumer advice. Figures of note include:

• Consumer awareness of the FSA now stands at a new high after increasing steadily since 2000. Across the regions, awareness of the FSA was highest in the East Midlands and lowest in the London and South East.

• A substantial increase from 2001, in the number of consumers who believe the FSA is an organisation that they can trust.

• A substantial increase from 2000, in the number of consumers who described themselves as confident about the Agency's role in protecting health with regard to food safety. Those in the East Midlands expressed the highest level of confidence compared to other regions.

• UK wide, a third of consumers cited the FSA as an organisation that they would use for information on food safety and food scares and a quarter of UK consumers cited the Agency as a source of healthy eating advice. Fewer people in the North East mentioned the FSA as a source of information on food safety than in most other regions.

• A substantial increase in the number of consumers who believe that the FSA provides clear information and advice with very little regional variation. The North East showed the highest rating.

Consumers can get more information from the FSA's various websites: http://www.eatwell.gov.uk, http://www.food.gov.uk, http://www.salt.gov.uk

The Harmonisation of Nutrition and Health Claims - The European Answer

Leatherhead Food International invites you to a one-day conference on 15th June 2007.

The conference will be chaired by Professor Nils-Georg Asp, Managing Director Swedish Nutrition Foundation and Chairman of the steering committee of the PASSCLAIM project.

* Are you up to speed on the new harmonised rules on Health and Nutrition Claims?
* Do you know what health claims you can and can't make on your products?
* Do you understand the scientific substantiation requirement for health claims?

Health and nutrition claims can be a great marketing tool for food and at the same time help consumers to make healthier choices.

The new Regulation lays down harmonised rules for the use of health and nutritional claims on foodstuffs for member states within the European Union. The aim of the new legislation is to ensure fair competition, ease trade, promote and protect innovation and make sure that consumers are not being misled by false and unsuitable claims.

Legislation is not always straightforward and understanding this new Regulation is key to making the most of the health claims that are permitted in terms of the Regulation to optimise your products' nutrition message.

Take this opportunity to come and learn from Europe's leading experts and discuss your questions on this important new Regulation in an open forum.

Key speakers include
* Professor Nils-Georg Asp Chairman of the steering committee of the PASSCLAIM project and Managing Director of the Swedish Nutrition Foundation
* Professor David Richardson Chairman of the ILSI Europe Consumer Science Expert Group on Consumer Understanding of Health Claims and Managing Director of DPR Nutrition
* Dr Susanne Bryngelsson from the Swedish Nutrition Foundation and speaker at the EFSA Conference on nutrition and health claims

Topics to be covered
* Generic Health claims - The list
* Scientific substantiation of claims
* The importance of nutrient profiles
... and many other issues arising during the day.

The aim of this highly topical event is to give delegates a better understanding of the new Regulation and learn how to approach the process of getting claims approved.

Don't miss this opportunity to catch up with the latest information and to question the experts.

Leatherhead Food International is offering opportunities to sponsor this event. For further details on sponsorship or the conference programme, please contact name tel: 01372 822345 or on e-mail Sophia Magnusson at smagnusson@leatherheadfood.com

Visit Leatherhead Food International at http://www.leatherheadfood.com
Register now by completing the booking form or calling +44 (0)1372 822314

Health Claims Need Urgent Attention, says Food Law Expert

Food companies should divert resources to auditing health claims for their products and putting in place transitional arrangements in advance of the new EU legislation becoming applicable on July 1st, advises an Eversheds lawyer.

The health and nutrition claims regulation entered into force in January. Although much of the detail still needs to be hammered out, some claims, such as those relating to children, will not be permitted as of July 1st pending approval at EU level.

Owen Warnock, partner and food law expert at Eversheds, says that the new legislation will have a significant effect on food manufacturers across the board, particularly since health and wellness is a strong current running through the industry.
Since the time frame for compliance is tight and some aspects of the law lack clarity, there is no time for companies to waste in getting their house in order.

In particular, Warnock says it could be a dangerous strategy for businesses to rely on submissions made by others if claims are already approved. The danger is that such claims could inapplicable across a broader category. Rather, Eversheds advises firms to compile their own detailed scientific evidence and submit their own claims for approval.

‘Compiling the evidence to support specific health and nutrition claims may take some time and therefore food businesses need to act early. For categories of claim where there are no transitional arrangements, for example relating to children's health or for claims about preventing disease, this issue is particularly important,’ he said.

At the beginning of March the UK's Food Standards Agency issued a consultation paper on implementation of the regulation, which underscores the possible serious implications of non-compliance. It proposes that making false or unsubstantiated claims be a criminal offence.

Also up for comment is the draft guidance published by the European Food Standards Authority (EFSA) on how to make submissions.

Although this draft guidance is incomplete and EFSA advises companies not to make submissions until complete guidance is available in the summer.

However the initial document will be instrumental for companies wanting to take an early initiative towards having their claims approved. It covers a series of questions that companies may have, including eligibility of health claims for evaluation, organisation and format of submissions, making multiple submissions, timings and timescales, and how to communication with EFSA (the European Food Standards Agency) or its scientific panel on dietetic products, nutrition and allergies.

Warnock said that the draft guidance is revealing as it gives in insight into health claims the authority expects to cause the most disruption and uncertainty - and outlines areas where there is hope that further information on the practicalities of approvals will be forthcoming.

‘Any manufacturer considering submitting a health claim for approval should read the draft guidance since it contains some useful suggestions about what kind of scientific evidence EFSA is likely to demand.’

The new legislation is intended to create a level playing field for claims made on foods throughout the EU, while at the same time ensuring that consumers are not mislead.

Since science is increasingly recognised as a foundation for health and functional foods, a number of companies have express their approval that the legislation is to take effect. One outcome is that it will separate those companies with strong evidence to support their products from those making nebulous or unsubstantiated claims.

However some industry groups fear that it could be detrimental to the interests of small and medium enterprises, many of which are at the driving edge of innovation, since they do not have the resources to compile expensive dossiers.

Moreover, EFSA is currently considering whether it will charge fees to companies for the review of dossiers required under several pieces of EU legislation in order bridge the gap that has occurs as its growing responsibilities have outpace budget.

Make the Most of Fish Oils - How to Help the Body Absorb more Omega-3s

The average person absorbs less than 50% of the omega-3 fatty acids contained in ordinary cod liver oil and other fish oils. But now, it's been shown that the revolutionary process used in three of BioCare's fatty acid products, enables the body to absorb double the amount of omega-3s and so get the maximum health benefits.

This has been demonstrated in human scientific studies and the results were published recently in the Nutrition Journal.

The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, found in oily fish, have beneficial effects on health, including helping to maintain healthy skin and joints, playing a role in brain function and supporting cardiovascular health. For those who choose to take a fish oil supplement, it's good to know that the body is making the most of it.

Why are EPA and DHA hard to digest?
Most fats and oils in the diet are emulsified naturally in the stomach and intestine which is sufficient to ensure complete absorption. However, the most important omega-3s, EPA and DHA are very long molecules and the digestive tract finds them harder to absorb, usually leaving over half of them behind.

What makes BioCare omega-3 formulas different?
The manufacturing process breaks down and pre-emulsifies the fatty acids making it much easier for them to be digested. Emulsifying the oils means they become water-soluble so other nutrients can be added - as well as natural fruit concentrates to make the fish oils taste delicious. BioCare fatty acid formulas can be taken from the spoon or mixed into yoghurts and smoothies.

Three products made with new process
There are currently three products in the BioCare fatty acids range that use the new manufacturing process: LipoCell, OmegaBerry and JointGuard.

LipoCell
It's hard work persuading children to try fish oils but BioCare LipoCell tastes so delicious that kids positively enjoy it. LipoCell tastes great straight off the spoon as it is emulsified and flavoured with natural fruit purées. It can also be mixed with fruit juice or yoghurt. All BioCare fish oils are sourced from the clean waters of the South Pacific and screened for possible contaminants. 300ml £18.95

JointGuard
Fish oils have been traditionally popular with the elderly who take them to maintain the health and flexibility of the joints. BioCare JointGuard combines fish oils with glucosamine hydrochloride and ginger, nutrients that may help support the joints. JointGuard is emulsified with prebiotic oligosaccharides and flavoured with natural orange, pineapple and mango, making a pleasant tasting highly absorbable liquid. 300ml £23.50

OmegaBerry
BioCare's OmegaBerry provides high potency fish oils in a berry and fruit base so it can be taken directly off the spoon or mixed into yoghurts and smoothies without the undesirable aftertaste of fish. OmegaBerry provides the equivalent of 56g of fresh berries per 10ml serving, so can help boost daily fruit intakes. OmegaBerry is particularly suitable for those who have difficulty swallowing capsules, and due to its easily absorbable form, is suitable for children and the elderly. 300ml £19.50

Availability
LipoCell, JointGuard and OmegaBerry are available from health stores or direct from BioCare http://www.biocare.co.uk phone 0121 433 3727.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid May Slow the Progression of Alzheimers

Nutritionists have long endorsed fish as part of a heart-healthy diet, and now some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids found in the oil of certain fish may also benefit the brain by lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In order to test whether an omega-3 fatty acid can impact the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, will evaluate one in a clinical trial, the gold standard for medical research.

The study will be conducted nationwide by the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS), a consortium of leading researchers supported by NIA and coordinated by the University of California, San Diego. The trial will take place at 51 sites across the United States and seeks 400 participants age 50 and older who have mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Joseph Quinn, M.D., associate professor of neurology at Oregon Health and Science University, is directing the study.

Researchers will be evaluating primarily whether the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), taken over many months, slows the progression of both cognitive and functional decline in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. During the 18-month clinical trial, investigators will measure the progress of the disease using standard tests for functional and cognitive change.

‘The evidence to date in observational and animal studies on omega-3 fatty acids and Alzheimer’s disease warrants further evaluation in a rigorous clinical trial,’ says NIA Director Richard J. Hodes, M.D. ‘This study is one of a number we are undertaking in the next few years through the ADCS to test compounds that might play a role in preventing or delaying the symptoms of this devastating disease.’

‘By participating in this study, volunteers will make an invaluable contribution to Alzheimer’s disease research progress,’ says Quinn, the study’s principal investigator. ‘We are indebted to those who graciously volunteer to participate in clinical studies.’

The trial will use DHA donated by Martek Biosciences Corporation of Columbia, Md. Participants will receive either two grammes of DHA per day or an inactive placebo pill. About 60 percent of participants will receive DHA, and 40 percent will get the placebo. Doctors and nurses at the 51 research clinic sites will monitor the participants in regular visits throughout the trial. To ensure unbiased results, neither the researchers conducting the trial nor the participants will know who is getting DHA and who is getting the placebo.

In addition to monitoring disease progression through cognitive tests, researchers will also evaluate whether taking DHA supplements has a positive effect on physical and biological markers of Alzheimer’s, such as brain atrophy and proteins in blood and spinal fluid.

Web: http://www.nih.gov

Organic Kiwis Healthier than Non-Organic?

The nutritional profile of kiwi fruit grown organically is healthier than conventionally grown fruit, American researchers have reported.

The research, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, compared kiwi fruit grown on the same soil type and environmental conditions, and could re-ignite the debate between conventional and organic fruit that has raged with claim and counter-claim from both sides.

According to background information in the article, the world market for certified organic foods was estimated at $23-25 bn (€17.3-18.8 bn) in 2003 with annual growth of about 19 per cent.

The researchers, led by Maria Amodio from the University of California, Davis, measured post-harvest performance of the organic and conventionally grown Hayward kiwifruit grown on the same farm, and harvested at the same maturity stage.

The authors report that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels were higher for the organically grown fruit during storage at zero degrees Celsius (0.33 versus 0.29 grams per kilogram) but no significant difference was observed after storage at 20 degrees for seven days.

Total phenolics were also higher for the organically grown fruit, both for storage at zero degrees (0.56 versus 0.48 grams per kilogramme for organic versus conventional fruit, respectively) and after seven days at 20 degrees (0.61 versus 0.51 grams per kilogramme for organic versus conventional fruit, respectively).

‘It is possible that conventional growing practices utilise levels of pesticides that can result in a disruption of phenolic metabolites in the plant, that have a protective role in plant defense mechanisms,’ wrote Amodio.

The organic fruit also performed better for total antioxidant activity, measured using the DPPH assay, reported Amodio and co-workers. For storage at zero degrees the organic fruit had an antioxidant activity of 12.35 mol per litre per kg, compared to 9.69 for the conventional fruit, and, after seven days at 20 degrees, 13.84 versus 10.09 mol per litre per kg, respectively.

‘All the main mineral constituents were more concentrated in the organic kiwifruits, which also had higher ascorbic acid and total phenolic contents, resulting in a higher antioxidant activity,’ concluded the researchers.

However, not everyone is convinced by the research. Carl Winter, director of the FoodSafe Programme at UC, Davis, told Chemistry & Industry magazine that such increased nutrient and antioxidant levels may not result in any health benefits.
‘The authors also did not look for any secondary metabolites of potential toxicological impact,’ he said.

Source: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
Published on-line ahead of print, doi:10.1002/jsfa.2820
‘A comparative study of composition and postharvest performance of organically and conventionally grown kiwifruits’
Authors: M.L. Amodio, G. Colelli, J.K. Hasey, A.A. Kader

Chemistry & Industry
26 March 2007, Page 8
‘Organic kiwis win out’
Author: Lisa Richards

Web: http://www.FoodNavigator.com

Salt Consumption Dropping but Still too High

Salt consumption in Britain has dropped but is still on average 50 per cent higher than the recommended amount, new research reveals.

Tests on 1,287 adults showed their average salt intake was 9g per day compared to 9.5g when the last tests were done in 2001.

But consumption is still higher than the Government's national target of 6g per day, the Food Standards Agency said.

Still above target
The urinary sodium tests carried out in 2005/06 showed men consumed an average 10.2g of salt per day compared to 11g in 2001.

Women's average intake was less at 7.6g per day - down from 8.1g in 2005/06.

The results follow a Food Standards Agency (FSA) campaign encouraging people to cut their salt intake.

The latest phase of the campaign warns that 75 per cent of salt eaten in Britain is found in processed food.

FSA chair Dame Deirdre Hutton said: 'These results illustrate the progress that is being made in reducing the nation's daily salt intake.

'However, there is still some way to go before we reach the 6g target and we all now need to build on this to ensure that the downward trend continues.'

Blood pressure
The FSA's campaign follows a scientific report published in 2003 which said reducing Briton's salt intake would lower average blood pressure, which in turn would help cut heart disease.

High blood pressure is at least partly to blame for 170,000 deaths in England each year, the report found.

An additional survey of 1,990 British adults carried out last month found that 40 per cent were trying to cut their salt consumption.

But 90 per cent of those were simply not adding salt to their food, with only 12 per cent eating less processed food to reduce their salt intake.

Which? supports moves to reduce levels of salt in food and welcomed the drop in salt consumption.

Campaign group Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) says it could prevent around 3,500 deaths per year.

CASH chairman Professor Graham MacGregor said: 'A half gram reduction may not seem important but given that previous studies had shown that salt intake was rising, it is a remarkable achievement.'

The FSA's Full of It! campaign, fronted by comedienne Jenny Eclair, warns shoppers to check the salt content of ready-made sandwiches, ready meals, pasta sauces and pizzas before buying them.

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