News In Brief

==Has beans? ==

Analysts reckon that Heinz's European frozen food and seafood businesses could attract bids of around £400m this month.

The businesses, which include the John West seafood, Linda McCartney frozen meals, and Weight Watchers brands, were put up for sale following a restructuring of the company's European operations.

Eau de vile

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched an investigation into contamination of two bottles of Volvic mineral water.

Danone Waters, which makes Volvic, said a customer in London had complained of a burning sensation after drinking from a bottle of Volvic that was found to contain traces of naphthalene, a derivative of coal tar or petroleum used in making dyes, moth repellants, explosives and solvents.

Using its loaf

The Federation of Bakers (FoB) is planning a winter campaign to tell consumers how bread can contribute towards a balanced diet.

Developed with the Flour Advisory Bureau, the campaign will include radio commercials and healthy living guides. There will also be consumer research. FoB director Gordon Polson said: "It is vital that people in the UK understand how important bread is as part of a healthy balanced diet. Unfortunately, they are being brainwashed by faddy diets."

The real thing?

Coca-Cola is hoping to gain regulatory approval later this month for using cholesterol-lowering plant sterols in fruit juices, nectars and tomato juice.

The phytosterol ingredient from Cargill has already passed the UK's Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes, but final approval rests with Europe's general food law sub-group of the Standing Committee of the Food Chain and Animal Health.

CoVE cover

Two new Centres of Vocational Excellence in food technology and manufacturing opened last month, taking the number to six.

Holbeach Technology Park in South Lincolnshire and Askham Bryan College in York were both awarded the specialist status following a £5m total investment.