US spice maker McCormick & Co. is to set up a joint venture in India with local food company Kohinoor Foods.The deal, which remains subject to regulatory approval in India, will see McCormick take an 85% interest in the Kohinoor Speciality Foods India venture. Kohinoor Foods will own the other 15%. The new company will have annual sales of around US$85m and sell Kohinoor branded food products in India. The Kohinoor brand holds over 15% of the basmati rice category in India. The namesake Indian... ...Read more »

Cinnamon extract could help reduce risk factors associated with heart disease and diabetes, according to new research. In the investigational study, the water-soluble cinnamon extract, which contains antioxidative compounds, was given to obese participants with impaired blood glucose values – a condition known as ‘prediabetes’ – for twelve weeks. Prediabetes occurs when cells are resistant to the higher-than-normal levels of insulin produced by the pancreas (in an attempt... ...Read more »

An outbreak of Salmonella in the United States has been linked to salami products containing contaminated spice products. Ready-to-eat Italian style meats, produced by Daniele International Inc, were identified as a possible source of the salmonella outbreak, which has affected at least 245 people across 44 states and the District of Columbia. The salami is believed to have been contaminated by spice products, with crushed red pepper supplied to Daniele by the Wholesome Spice Company testing positive... ...Read more »

The world’s largest fast-food chicken company is bringing their new grilled chicken options to Australia. KFC, famous for its fried chicken, introduced grilled chicken with success into America via a trial last year, with an official launch made in April. The move was made to help stagnant American sales at the chain and attract more health-driven customers to their stores. “The introduction of Kentucky Grilled Chicken is a defining moment in our brand’s storied history,”... ...Read more »

Following an unprecedented response to a free offer of a Kentucky Grilled Chicken meal in America, KFC has announced that it can no longer accept the free coupon, and will instead introduce a rain check program for inconvenienced customers. KFC, best known for their fried chicken, introduced grilled chicken for the first time this year in the US and their complimentary offer to give sales a boost far exceeded their expectations. “We would like to apologise to our customers who have been inconvenienced... ...Read more »

Kentucky Fried Chicken, the world’s largest chicken restaurant chain, has announced a second secret recipe has been added to its menu – Kentucky Grilled Chicken (KGC). The announcement, made yesterday, deals only with their American outlets but grilled chicken could go global if it proves a hit in the US. The move has been made to help stagnant American sales at the chain and is a ploy to attract more health-driven customers to their stores. “The introduction of Kentucky Grilled... ...Read more »

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, an American-based maker of flavours and fragrances, has created their list of the top 10 flavours for 2009 in three categories: sweet (confectionery, bakery, dairy); savoury (meat, condiments, dressings, sauces, soups, seasoning); and beverage (non-alcoholic, alcoholic). So-called superfruits, such as Acai, are prominent as are a range of new, exotic flavours from around the world. The top-10 lists are created after tracking samples that have been requested over a... ...Read more »

Queensland Government researchers believe they have discovered a natural preservative that keeps seafood products fresher for longer. The project, conducted by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F), has been looking at using the natural preservative properties of native foods to extend the shelf life of convenience seafood packs. Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said plants contained natural extracts to protect and defend themselves from microbial attacks,... ...Read more »

Herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, cinnamon and clove do more than add pleasing flavors and aromas to familiar foods, according to the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The oils from these plants, or compounds extracted from those oils, pack a powerful, antimicrobial punch strong enough to help quell such foodborne pathogens as Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli). ARS chemist Mendel Friedman first discovered the bacteria destroying properties of such spices several years ago and now some of... ...Read more »