Czechs scupper EU alcohol duty reform
Proposals to set minimum tax rates on beer and spirit drinks across the EU were hanging by a thread Wednesday, after opposition from the Czech Republic killed off hopes of agreement.
Archives for November 29, 2006
Peanut gene breakthrough may lead to allergen free nuts
Scientists have identified a new gene in peanuts that codes for a protein with no apparent allergic effects, research that opens up the possibility of allergen-free GM nuts.
Food firms unaware of contamination risk
Many food and drink firms in the UK remain unaware of the need to insure themselves against accidental or malicious contamination of their products.
More support for coffee's protective role against diabetes
Drinking a whopping seven or more cups of coffee a day could cut the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by over 40 per cent, say Finnish researchers from the country's National Public Health Institute.
Wild targets low sugar fruit drinks sector
Wild has launched a new beverage concept designed to tap demand for less sweet alternatives to traditional soft drinks.
Tax on packaging proposal slammed by industry body
An influential industry body has hit back at a call by environmental and consumer advocacy groups to put a tax on disposable and 'hard-to-recycle' packaging.
'Record' year for cocoa crops
The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) has revised its gloomy cocoa estimate of a 5,000 tonne deficit to predict a global surplus of 80,000 tonnes of cocoa in the coming year, assuring manufacturers of a steady supply.