February in review: Wheat faces climate threats, Amsterdam goes vegan and examining astronauts’ microbiomes

05 Mar 2024 --- February’s major health and nutrition news included the climate threats to wheat production, research on the effect of deep space on astronauts’ microbiomes, an interview with the creator of the Nutri-Score system and more. 

In our February review, Nutrition Insight looks back at some of the biggest stories of the month, including Amsterdam’s commitment to the Plant Based Treaty, the biggest trends and innovations seen at Biofach 2024 and the European Consumer Organization’s (BEUC) efforts to help companies comply with the EU’s Green Claims Directive.

February

Global nutrition threatened by climate change-related wheat disease, experts flag
Experts warned that climate change is exacerbating the spread of a devastating wheat disease, posing a global nutrition threat. The disease, which affects wheat — a staple food for over one-third of the world’s population — could significantly impact food security and nutrition. We talked with the study’s lead author, who underscored the urgent need to develop disease-resistant wheat varieties and adopt sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate this threat and ensure a stable food supply in the face of changing climate conditions.We spoke with Dominique R. Williams, an obesity specialist at Abbott, about how Protality can help consumers lose weight without losing muscle.

Pioneering the future of nutrition: Lallemand Health Solutions’ tech-driven approach
Lallemand Health Solutions revealed the company will utilize a tech-driven approach for its future nutrition endeavors. One of the main focuses will be on research and innovation in the probiotics space. We sat down with the company’s product manager, who told us Lallemand Health Solutions is expanding its production capabilities and exploring new applications in areas like mental health, where probiotics show promise for anxiety and depression. She also stressed that the company’s commitment to scientific rigor and high-quality products positions it at the forefront of the rapidly evolving probiotics market.

Amsterdam goes vegan: “First EU capital” to endorse the Plant Based Treaty
Amsterdam became the first EU capital to endorse the Plant Based Treaty, an initiative to reduce food production’s environmental impact by promoting plant-based diets. We talked with representatives from the Plant Based Treaty, who told us the move illustrates Amsterdam’s environmental goals and reflects the city’s commitment to sustainability. The treaty focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the food sector, promoting health and encouraging cities worldwide to adopt similar measures.

BEUC helps businesses navigate new EU Greenwashing Directive
The BEUC revealed it will guide businesses in adhering to the EU’s new Green Claims Directive. The initiative, which seeks to combat greenwashing, ensures that environmental claims made by companies are transparent, credible and verifiable. We spoke with a BEUC sustainability team leader about how the initiative will help consumers make informed choices based on genuinely sustainable attributes of products and services. He also told us that the BEUC’s effort is part of a broader EU strategy to enhance transparency and trust in the sustainability market to encourage more environmentally friendly consumption patterns.We sat down with Jenny Mason, executive director at Barrett Dixon Bell (BDB), to discuss the company’s recent EcoVadis sustainability award.

Biofach 2024: High protein content, vegan options and natural sweetness take the spotlight
At Biofach 2024, vegan options with high protein content and natural sweetness stood out, reflecting a shift toward holistic health, not just sports nutrition. Innovations included vegan cookies and a focus on using natural sweeteners. We caught up with experts from Bite Me Nutrition, Younique Foods and The Agave Sweetener Company, who shared insights on sweet snacking trends, underscoring the growing consumer interest in healthier, plant-based alternatives and natural ingredients.

Food label debate: Spotlight on processing levels and nutrients in ultra-processed foods
The debate around food labels intensified around the impact of processing levels and nutrient content in ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Critics argued that current labeling systems may not fully inform consumers about the health implications of UPFs, which are linked to various health concerns despite their convenience and affordability. We talked with the director of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology Food Consumer Observatory about the push for food labels to include processing levels to better guide consumer choices. We also discussed how to effectively communicate the complex relationship between food processing, nutrient content and health outcomes.

Final frontier: Astronauts’ microbiomes go under the microscope to advance deep space missions
We sat down with the chief technology officer at the Cosmic Shielding Corporation, who told us about how research into astronauts’ microbiomes is pivotal for deep space mission success. Scientists are examining how microgravity affects the human microbiome, vital for astronauts’ health and mission performance. The study endeavored to understand changes in microbiome composition during space travel, potentially leading to tailored diets or supplements to maintain astronaut health on long missions.

“Stop Satellite-Assisted Slaughter in the Oceans” campaign casts spotlight on Iridium
Yingying Wu, PB Leiner’s global product manager health and nutrition, talked with us about the advantages of fish collagen.Environmental advocates urged the UK satellite company Iridium to halt providing real-time tracking services to the tuna fishing industry in the Indian Ocean. We spoke with a trustee at UK Shark Guardian and a professor of marine conservation at Exeter University, UK, who argue the practice could cause overfishing. A new campaign aims to protect marine life by limiting the industry’s ability to locate and harvest tuna at unsustainable rates and points to the broader issue of satellite technology’s role in fishing practices and its impact on ocean ecosystems.

Nutri-Score creator doubles down on system accuracy amid industry opposition
In a conversation with Serge Hercberg, the creator of the Nutri-Score labeling system, he defended its accuracy against recent industry criticisms. Hercberg responded to concerns raised by Stephan Peters of the Dutch Dairy Association, who questioned the system’s validity. Despite opposition from some food and beverage manufacturers, the Nutri-Score aims to provide consumers with easy-to-understand nutritional information. Hercberg stressed the system’s scientific basis and its role in promoting healthier eating choices among consumers.

Industry bites back: Unilever, Nestlé, Ferrero and Coca-Cola dispute reliance on unhealthy F&B sales
We talked with several leading F&B companies, including Unilever, Nestlé, Ferrero and Coca-Cola, who contested the findings of the Bite Back report, which claims many of these companies predominantly sell unhealthy products in the UK. The report, which assesses the 2022 product offerings of the country’s ten largest global F&B businesses, suggests that for seven companies at least two-thirds of packaged F&B sales come from products high in fat, sugar or salt. The companies argued against these conclusions and spotlighted efforts toward healthier product portfolios.

By William Bradford Nichols