Weekly Roundup: New York imposes warning labels on sugary prepackaged fast food, BioMilk rebrands to Wilk

17 Dec 2021 --- This week in nutrition news, chain restaurants in New York City, US, will now have to put warnings on prepackaged F&B high in sugar. The cell-based biotech company formerly known as BioMilk rebranded to Wilk. Meanwhile, HP Ingredients partnered with Hemp Sail to tap the “profusely blooming” CBD market.

In brief: Business news
The New York City Council passed the Sweet Truth Act, requiring warnings on prepackaged F&B that contain more than a day’s worth of added sugars (50 g) at chain restaurants. The bill was met with mixed emotions by its advocates, as the legislation only covers prepackaged foods, such as bottled soda, instead of all meals and foods served at chain restaurants. The bill is the first of its kind in the US and was deemed “an important step … but just a start” by Center for Science in the Public Interest’s senior policy associate DeAnna Nara.

HP Ingredients has entered the CBD market through a partnership with Hemp Sail.Bio-food tech start-up formerly known as BioMilk rebranded as Wilk. “The ‘W’ in Wilk stands for ‘we’ and represents how we can all work together to establish sustainable means of production that can guarantee the continual supply of milk and dairy-based products for future generations,” says Tomer Aizen, CEO of Wilk. Wilk says the rebrand also represents its commitment to “transforming the industry” with cell-based technologies to produce human and animal milk. 

HP Ingredients entered the CBD market through a partnership with Hemp Sail. HP Ingredients will represent, sell and market the ingredients produced by Hemp Sail to the supplement and functional F&B market. The ingredients include hemp-derived 20% CBD water-soluble powder, 20% broad spectrum water-soluble liquid, USDA-Certified organic broad-spectrum hemp distillate (non-detectable THC) and organic hemp tea.

In brief: Sponsorships and initiatives
PLT Health Solutions partnered with Vitamin Angels to supply at-risk populations with vitamins and minerals. The program specifically helps pregnant women, new mothers and children under five. The partnership supports PLT’s People+Planet initiative with a goal of helping reach over one million women and children with “critical interventions” by 2030.

Manufacturer of dietary supplements Lief Labs raised nearly US$8,000 and provided valuable nutritional supplements to support the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS community. The milestone was accomplished through the Lief Cares non-profit donation program’s 2021 initiative in partnership with Axe ALS. “We understand that the unique needs of people challenged with ALS often require them to use supplementation to help support their nutritional needs,” says Nate Cox, partner and chief business officer of Lief Labs.  Lief Cares formulated and manufactured the nutrient support supplement that was donated to the ALS community. 

Lief Cares formulated and manufactured the nutrient support supplement that was donated to the ALS community.Prebiotic supplier Clasado Biosciences sponsored scientific sessions at Europe’s premier sport and exercise nutrition conference – the International Sports & Exercise Nutrition Conference. The event took place December 14 to 16 and featured international speakers who presented “the latest scientific evidence in athletic health.” 

In brief: Appointments and announcements 
Global player in fermentation Lesaffre appointed a new CEO, Brice-Audren Riché, starting from January 1 next year. He will succeed Antoine Baule, who has reached the end of his mandate. Riché, who is currently general manager of Biospringer, Lesaffre’s business unit specializing in yeast extracts, will continue development in the fields of baking and nutrition and health, with the support of all the group’s teams throughout the world. 

Clasado Biosciences stepped up its membership of the Global Prebiotic Association (GPA) to executive board level. The GPA aims to raise global awareness of prebiotics to consumers, brands and healthcare professionals. As part of the executive board, Clasado will play a more instrumental role within the organization. Joining key GPA committees, CEO Per Rehné assumes a position on the association board, Dr. Frederic Narbel, VP of sales B2B, joins the GPA communications committee and Dr. Lucien Harthoorn, vice chair and R&D director, has been appointed to the science and technical committee.

Anthocyanin-rich blueberries may benefit heart health.In brief: Research and studies
Blueberries may benefit heart health according to a study supported by the US Highbush Blueberry Council and published in Clinical Nutrition. The research found that consuming 26 g of freeze-dried blueberries – the equivalent of one cup of fresh blueberries – may reduce the acute cardiometabolic burden of energy-dense meals. Adding anthocyanin-rich blueberries to a high-calorie, high-fat/high-sugar meal resulted in reduced insulin and glucose levels, lower total cholesterol and improved good cholesterol (HDL-C) along with its related lipoproteins in the 24 hours following the meal. 

In brief: Looking back at 2021
Laboratoire PYC pegged “plant origin” as an important concept to be explored in the year ahead. This year it strengthened its range of clean label products with several supplements – such as its collagen and immunity supplements. Its latest immunity supplement also boasts sustainable credentials through local sourcing. Its vitamin C is extracted from European rosehips and the vitamin D from algae is produced in Europe. 

Verdure Sciences revealed this year’s “big takeaway” was supply chain mitigation, with sustainability, traceability and transparency all key points of discussion. To communicate this finding, the company has unveiled Verdugration and Verdure Cares. Verdugration is Verdure’s internal mission for sustainable, socially conscious and transparent global stewardship with a focus on the plants, ingredients, environment and processes.

By Missy Green