Beyond The Headlines: India screens micronutrients with x-ray, Bon Natural Life unlocks broccoli compounds

This week in industry news, India launched a national XRF Testing Access Portal that leverages x-ray fluorescence analysis to rapidly screen crops for their micronutrient levels. Meanwhile, in Chad, a new SMS-based system, RapidPro, is improving malnutrition care management by addressing stock shortages in health centers. Additionally, breakthrough biotech from Bon Natural Life is enhancing the health benefits of broccoli compounds, while IFT’s sugar reduction resources are aiding food developers in tackling the growing demand for healthier alternatives.

Science and tech-driven social advances

India launched a national XRF Testing Access Portal to advance food and nutrition security by enabling rapid, cost-effective micronutrient analysis of staple foods such as rice and wheat. Developed by HarvestPlus Solutions, the x-ray fluorescence analysis can quickly check if grains or flours contain the minerals advertised. Unlike traditional lab testing, which can be time-consuming and expensive, XRF delivers rapid results, requires no chemical processing, and is cost-effective, making it widely applicable as the farming sector looks to scale biofortified crops. The initiative targets improved quality control for fortification programs and supports food manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers working to combat hidden hunger and ensure better nutritional outcomes.

UNICEF reports that a new SMS-based system, RapidPro, was introduced to streamline the management of nutritional stock supplies at health centers in Ouaddaï province in Chad, addressing critical shortages of ready-to-use therapeutic foods for treating malnutrition. The system, which works on both Moov Africa and AIRTEL networks, enables health center managers to receive delivery alerts, report stock levels, and trigger automatic alerts for potential shortages. By improving communication and data tracking, RapidPro ensures timely care for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The tool is scalable, simple to use, and free of charge. “Before, I had to call several people just to confirm a stock delivery. Now, I know exactly when the truck is arriving,” said Roland Derroh Tolndang, a nutrition officer.

IFT released two educational resources to aid F&B professionals in sugar reduction strategies.Research and development

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization advancing food science, released two educational resources to aid food and beverage professionals in sugar reduction strategies. The free-to-download “Sugar Alternatives at a Glance” resource and the IFT members-only Sugar Alternatives Overview provides key information on widely used artificial and natural sweeteners, such as regulatory status, considerations for substitutions, and sweetness levels compared to sugar that can help streamline the sugar reduction product development process. Each resource covers 19 common sugar alternatives, including artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin, as well as natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit, and sugar alcohols including erythritol and xylitol. IFT also released a free-to-read special collection from its scientific publications, Journal of Food Science and Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, on the subject.

Bon Natural Life announced a breakthrough biotech innovation aimed at enhancing the bio-activity of glucoraphanin, a key compound in broccoli. The company says its patent-pending Glucoraphanin-Myrosinase co-delivery system significantly improves the conversion of glucoraphanin into sulforaphane, a bioactive compound linked to various potential health benefits in research, including anti-cancer and neuroprotective effects. It has planned the ingredient’s market entry in the functional food category in Q2 2025, highlighting its potential in industries like anti-tumor therapy and mental health support.

Mbiota Labs released new clinical trial data showing its medical nutrition product, Mbiota Elemental, achieved 100% patient compliance and significantly reduced symptoms in patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO). Published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the trial saw 83% of SIBO patients eradicate the condition and an average 82% reduction in symptom severity across 12 common gastrointestinal symptoms, from pain and gut distension to flatulence and urgency. Notably, 73% of all patients eradicated their SIBO and/or IMO overall. No serious or severe adverse events were reported. The diet also delivered unexpected benefits, including visceral fat loss and reduced brain fog, highlighting its potential as a next-generation therapeutic food for gastrointestinal care.

360 Pet Nutrition expanded its retail presence by launching its freeze-dried raw pet food line in Walmart stores across the US (Image credit: 360 Pet Nutrition).New product launches

Nestlé expanded its popular Bear Brand range in the Philippines with a new affordable milk blended with plant-based protein. Nestlé is introducing Bear Brand Milk N’ Soy, a powdered milk and soy drink for school-age children, in the Philippines. Soy proteins are not as soluble as dairy proteins and typically present a beany flavor and gritty texture when combined with milk. Nestlé developed an enzyme-based technology that “seamlessly” blends dairy and plant proteins, resulting in nutritious and affordable beverages with a palatable taste and a smooth, creamy texture. Similar products for school-age children have already been rolled out in Nigeria under the Nido brand and are now being expanded across Asia, other parts of Africa, and Latin America.

360 Pet Nutrition expanded its retail presence by launching its freeze-dried raw pet food line in select Walmart stores across the US. The move aims to make minimally processed, nutrient-rich dog meals made with whole food ingredients and no fillers more widely accessible. Key products include a meat and seafood blend and a chicken-based formula — both enriched with omega-3s, protein, fruits, and vegetables — to support pet well-being and coat health.

Public health initiatives

The World Food Programme is implementing a School Feeding Programme in Ethiopia’s conflict-affected regions of Tigray, Amhara, and Afar. The initiative aims to improve school enrollment, reduce dropout rates, and address malnutrition. The project exceeded its initial target, providing meals to over 61,000 children. It focuses on supporting local farmers and training school staff in food handling. The program aligns with government policies and plays a vital role in encouraging children, especially girls, to stay in school post-conflict.

The FAO has partnered with Guatemala to tailor its Global Roadmap for agri-food systems to national priorities, with a strong focus on combating malnutrition and supporting climate-resilient agriculture. During a March workshop, government officials, academics, and civil society representatives worked with FAO experts to review existing policies, identify knowledge gaps, and develop actionable investment cases. FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative also supported the development of economic models aimed at reducing hunger and poverty. The outcomes will inform Guatemala’s presentation at the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake in Ethiopia.