Weekly Roundup: Nature’s One launches plant-based baby formula, Sharp rise in eating disorder-related hospital admissions, finds UK’s NHS

03 Jan 2020 --- In nutrition news this week, Nature’s One launched an organic plant-based pea protein baby formula to tap into the demand for vegan alternatives. Meanwhile, National Health Service (NHS) Digital in the UK, reported a sharp rise in hospital admissions related to eating disorders in the last two years. The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert due to illnesses caused by Listeria monocytogenes associated with hard-boiled eggs, now recalled, by Almark Foods. In new launches, Arcadia Biosciences released GoodWheat Reduced Gluten Wheat Flour, developed for sensitive stomachs, while Riverside Natural Foods launched four new flavors for its keto-friendly baked bars.

In brief: Launches and releases
Nature’s One has launched what is marketed as the first organic Plant-Based Pea Protein Baby’s Only Organic Toddler Formula. This complete nutritional formula is scientifically formulated to avoid soy, dairy, goat milk and other food sensitivities common in early childhood. Pea protein is also substantially lower in phytoestrogens which some believe may be disruptive during the first developmental years of life. The company says that all ingredients are responsibly sourced to avoid endocrine-disrupting pesticides, insecticides and glyphosate. Baby’s Only Organic formulas do not use ingredients with hidden processing chemicals like neurotoxic hexane used to extract vegetable oils and DHA from fungal and algal sources. Instead, Nature’s One formulas are the only formulas in the world with certified organic DHA and ARA, critical to brain and vision development. “Our organic formulas are unique for quality and purity. The Baby’s Only Organic brand is recognized by Pure Market with its highest ‘Purity Award’ classification.” says Jay Highman, Founder of Nature’s One.

Arcadia Biosciences has announced a limited release of its GoodWheat Reduced Gluten Wheat Flour. Developed for those with sensitive stomachs, the flour contains 65 percent less allergenic gluten than traditional flour and is higher in fiber. It marks the first retail offering within the company’s GoodWheat portfolio of non-genetically modified (non-GM) specialty wheat ingredients. Arcadia's non-GM GoodWheat Reduced Gluten Wheat is grown in the western US by some of the country's leading wheat growers. It is then milled in small batches by California-based specialty millers focused on delivering high-quality wheat products to bakers, restaurants and consumers.

Arcadia Biosciences has announced a limited release of its GoodWheat Reduced Gluten Wheat Flour for those with sensitive stomachs. Creator and manufacturer of healthy snacks Riverside Natural Foods has launched four new flavors for its keto-friendly baked bars. GOODTO GO, is a line of soft baked Keto-friendly snack bars in the US and is now available in Cocoa Coconut, Vanilla Almond, Raspberry Lemon and Cinnamon Pecan. The Keto-phenomenon is going strong and there’s been an increased demand in snack options that align with the program. The 160 calorie GOODTO GO snack bars contain low net carbs (3 grams/bar),2 grams of sugar per barand 13 grams of plant-based fats.

In brief: Research and study
According to a report from the UK’s NHS Digital, a dramatic rise of 37 percent was noted in hospital admissions for eating disorders in the last two years. Experts say the figures are worrying and measures to support people suffering from eating disorders are imperative. According to the NHS figures, hospital admissions reached 19,000 in 2018-2019, compared to a 14,000 in 2016-2017. Of these, 25 percent were minors with anorexia rising as a cause of admission 12 percent compared to previous years. The study examined cases of anorexia diagnosed by experts in hospitals or specialist clinics and estimated that 3.2 of 100,000 children aged 8 to 12 met the criteria for anorexia for the first time in 2015, compared with 1.5 to 2.1 per 100,000 in 2006.

In brief: Food safety
The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert due to illnesses caused by Listeria monocytogenes associated with FDA-regulated hard-boiled eggs that have been recalled by Almark Foods. FSIS is issuing this public health alert out of an abundance of caution to ensure that consumers are aware that these products should not be consumed. The products contain separately packaged bacon and hard-boiled eggs. CDC?, FDA and public health and regulatory officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to hard-boiled egg products produced by Almark Foods. So far, however, there have been no confirmed reports of illness due to the consumption of the FSIS-regulated products produced containing these eggs.

In brief: Business news
Health and wellness, clean beauty and flavors and fragrances player Amyris successfully shipped the first cannabinoid to its partner, LAVVAN. Amyris is also well on its way to the shipment of a second cannabinoid in the first half of 2020. The CBD agreement, spawned a stock price spike for Amyris last year, establishing it as an up and coming player in the space. The ingredients are produced with Amyris’s fermentation technology platform delivering quality and high purity at a significantly reduced cost relative to cannabis plant grown and derived ingredients. The company’s technology allows Amyris to scale ingredients that are rarer within the cannabis plant, and difficult and extremely expensive to extract in quantity. This is the 10th unique fermentation molecule Amyris has currently in production. The company also announced that it has agreed on business terms for a partnership with a leading Asian pharmaceutical company to develop and scale a breakthrough target for a rare oncology treatment and has also agreed to significantly expand its current collaboration with its Chinese partner for vitamins. Amyris plans to provide further details on these agreements at an investor update meeting to be scheduled in February. 

By Kristiana Lalou