With roughly one-third of all food produced globally lost or wasted, the food industry is pivoting towards sustainable practices aimed at curbing these losses. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about how different sectors within the food industry are combating food waste on Stop Food Waste Day 2024 and beyond. For example, tech companies are creating software and systems that help restaurants and food producers optimize their inventory and Grocery chains are also revising their supply chain practices. Upcycling, turning by-products or waste materials into new, high-quality products, is another innovative approach gaining traction. The hospitality sector, including hotels and resorts, is also making substantial strides by implementing programs that analyze and improve food preparation and consumption patterns. The team wonders whether tech innovations like AI and blockchain can make a significant impact in cutting food waste across the supply chain.

Also in this episode, Sydney talks about the Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare’s (BBFAW) recent report, which evaluated 150 prominent food companies and assigned the majority a low-performance impact rating due to their poor animal welfare practices. According to the report, approximately 95 percent of food companies worldwide recognize farm animal welfare as a central business issue. Despite this, none have reached Tier 1 ‘Leadership’ status in the BBFAW rankings. Many of the largest food companies, including Mars, Mondelez International and Starbucks, show no evidence of farm animal welfare on their business agendas, with Tier 6 rankings. Companies like Domino’s Pizza and Yum China Holdings are yet to even publish a formal farm animal welfare policy. The team posits that consumers shouldn’t have to pay a premium for ethical animal products, but rather that it should be the standard.

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Stop Food Waste Day 2024: The Food Industry’s Role in Reducing Waste:
https://xtalks.com/stop-food-waste-day-2024-the-food-industrys-role-in-reducing-waste-3798/

Farm Animal Welfare: Global Food Companies’ Challenges and Slow Progress:
https://xtalks.com/farm-animal-welfare-global-food-companies-challenges-and-slow-progress-3807/

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This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Carly Schildhaus, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the National Confectioners Association (NCA). The NCA promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these treats, as well as lobbies the American government in favor of the confectionery industry. Carly gives an overview of the controversy surrounding the state-level proposals to ban certain food additives and discusses how the adoption of these bans could impact the confectionery industry both operationally and financially. She talks about some challenges the NCA faces in communicating the safety and science behind food additives to consumers and lawmakers as well as the steps the NCA is taking to address both the immediate and long-term challenges posed by these legislative efforts.

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Food Additive Ban? States Uphold Science Over Fear:

https://xtalks.com/food-additive-ban-states-uphold-science-over-fear-3802

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The presence of lead in cinnamon has recently emerged as a significant food safety concern. This toxic element, when consumed in large amounts, can lead to serious health issues, including neurological damage and developmental delays in children. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the discovery of elevated lead levels in cinnamon products, which has prompted a closer look at food safety practices and regulations. Cinnamon can become contaminated with lead through various pathways. One primary source is the processing of cinnamon, including drying, grinding and packaging, which can introduce lead if the equipment or materials are contaminated. Water used in irrigation can also be a source of lead, especially in areas with old, corroding pipes. In response to the alarming findings of lead in cinnamon, there have been several recalls of cinnamon products in the last few months alone. The team discusses the differences between lead poisoning and foodborne illness, the former of which can take decades to discover whereas the latter is almost immediate.

Also in this episode, Sydney talks about Kaiser Permanente’s new Food Is Medicine Center of Excellence. This initiative seeks to blend the organization’s comprehensive care model with evidence-based food and nutrition interventions, thereby addressing nutrition security and diet-related diseases, which are a leading cause of death in the US among adults. The centre is rooted in a comprehensive framework inspired by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), blending clinical services, research, education and community engagement. This allows for a holistic approach to tackling diet-related health issues. Notably, the center’s ambition to shape the future of food as medicine within healthcare is a testament to its innovative approach. Kaiser Permanente’s vision is to ensure members can access, afford and consume nutritious foods, not just in times of need but as a continuous lifestyle. The team talks about the crucial differences between medicine and food but praise the center for its comprehensive approach to nutrition.

Read the full article here:

Lead in Cinnamon: A Rising Concern for Food Safety:
https://xtalks.com/lead-in-cinnamon-a-rising-concern-for-food-safety-3789/

Food Is Medicine: A New Frontier in Healthcare and Nutrition:
https://xtalks.com/food-is-medicine-a-new-frontier-in-healthcare-and-nutrition-3791/

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