Xtalks Food Industry Podcast artwork

Xtalks Food Industry Podcast

160 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 rating

This Food Industry focused podcast brings together Xtalks editorial staff to share insights into the latest B2B industry news. Xtalks connects professionals in the life science, medical device, and food industries with useful content like webinars, job opening, articles and virtual meetings.

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Episodes

Interview with Carly Schildhaus, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the NCA

April 25, 2024 09:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MB

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 ado...

High Lead Levels in Cinnamon + Kaiser Permanente's New Food Is Medicine Center

April 18, 2024 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.9 MB

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 ...

New Avian Flu in Dairy Cows + Fastest Growing Food and Beverage Companies in 2024

April 11, 2024 09:00 - 22 minutes - 16 MB

The recent detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows has taken the agricultural sector by surprise. This development, announced earlier this week, introduces a significant twist in the ongoing saga of the H5N1 virus, which has been affecting birds globally and in the US since early 2022. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the mystery illness in dairy cows, which has raised numerous questions among livestock and influenza experts. The exac...

Keurig’s New K-Rounds + How To Good To Go Saves Millions of Meals

April 04, 2024 09:00 - 26 minutes - 19.1 MB

Keurig has taken a bold step forward with the unveiling of its first-ever 100 percent compostable coffee pods, dubbed “K-Rounds.” This innovation not only marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward sustainability but also addresses the longstanding issue of plastic waste from traditional coffee pods. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the new sustainable offering, which was designed exclusively for Keurig’s new Alta machine. K-Rounds feature a r...

What is Edible Food Packaging? + Chocolate Shortage Looms Ahead of Easter

March 28, 2024 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

In recent years, the food industry has faced growing scrutiny over its environmental impact, particularly concerning the use of plastic packaging. This scrutiny has sparked significant interest and investment in alternative packaging solutions, with edible food packaging emerging as a particularly innovative and sustainable option. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the rise of edible food packaging and the technologies and types of edible packaging available. The...

Kraft Heinz’s New Vegan Hot Dogs + How Precision Fermentation Could Revolutionize the Food Industry

March 21, 2024 09:00 - 28 minutes - 20.2 MB

The Kraft Heinz Company made waves in the food industry by introducing vegan hot dogs and sausages under its well-known Oscar Mayer brand. This significant move marks the brand’s first foray into the plant-based arena with its NotHotDogs and NotSausages. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the new offerings, which were developed in collaboration with NotCo, a Chilean food-tech firm renowned for its AI-driven approach to crafting plant-based food solutions. The prod...

National Nutrition Month 2024 + Low Sugar Juice Technologies

March 14, 2024 16:00 - 31 minutes - 22.1 MB

March marks National Nutrition Month 2024 — a time when the food industry, health professionals and communities across the globe unite to emphasize the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the history of National Nutrition Month as well as how various food industry stakeholders can contribute to the significant month. The stakeholders include food manufacturers and p...

The FDA’s Guidance on Gene Edited Foods + What American Foods are Banned in Other Countries?

March 07, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MB

In a pivotal move for the food industry, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has unveiled industry guidance for genome edited foods derived from plants. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about gene edited foods and how this landmark guidance aims to demystify the FDA’s risk-based approach towards both genome edited foods and all new plant varieties. Genome editing stands as a cutting-edge technique that ingeniously introduces new traits into plants. It also serve...

Top Food and Beverage Products of 2024 + How Food Tech is Extending Produce Shelf Life

February 29, 2024 10:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MB

Each year, Product of the Year USA shines a spotlight on the most innovative products across various industries. The food and beverage sectors are particularly dynamic, with consumers always on the lookout for novel and healthier options. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the food and beverage products that stood out for their exceptional offerings in the food and beverage categories. Product of the Year USA’s awards in these categories serve as a testament to cr...

Interview with Chad Pawlak, CEO of Genvor

February 22, 2024 10:00 - 22 minutes - 16.2 MB

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Chad Pawlak, CEO of Genvor, a developer of sustainable plant health solutions. Recently appointed CEO, Pawlak discussed his vision for Genvor under his leadership, specifically in the context of sustainability. He highlighted Genvor’s recent partnership with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) that led to a significant publication on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Pawlak talked about Genvor’s plans for commercializin...

Good Measures’ Good Food Prescription Program + Misleading Food Ads That Led to Lawsuits

February 15, 2024 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.8 MB

The Good Food Prescription program, designed to combat diet-related conditions, combines expert clinical coaching, personalized meal planning and medically tailored grocery deliveries in partnership with Instacart. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about this program from Good Measures, a company founded with a vision to revolutionize the intersection of nutrition and health management. Since its launch in December 2022, the Good Food Prescription program has celebrate...

New Bill Could Ban Lab-Grown Meat in School Meals + How Smartfood Stands Out in the Popcorn Market

February 08, 2024 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.8 MB

A groundbreaking piece of legislation, the School Lunch Integrity Act of 2024, has been introduced by US Senators Mike Rounds and Jon Tester. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about this proposed bill, which specifically aims to exclude lab-grown meat from the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, thereby preserving traditional meal options for students. Rounds emphasized the importance of relying on high-quality, local beef to nourish students ra...

Steakholder Foods' 3D Printed Shrimp + Monster Energy's New Nasty Beast Hard Tea

February 01, 2024 10:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

Steakholder Foods marks a pivotal moment in the seafood industry with its latest innovation: 3D printed fish in the form of plant-based shrimp. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about this breakthrough, which is set to transform the $60 billion shrimp market. Steakholder Foods has leveraged its unique DropJet printer, a marvel in 3D printing technology, specifically designed for creating fish and seafood products. The plant-based shrimp are produced using a specialized...

Top Food Industry Trends for 2024

January 25, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MB

As we step into 2024, the food industry is poised to be at the cusp of transformative changes, shaped by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top food industry trends to look out for in 2024. She interviewed Are Traasdahl, founder and CEO of Crisp; Brian Wenngatz, CEO of Sentera; Pat McCullough, CEO of ProducePay; and Michael Lines, CEO and President of Wellness N...

Interview with Eric Taipale, CTO of Sentera

January 18, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MB

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Eric Taipale, CTO of Sentera, a global technology leader for in-season data, analytics and insights for growers. Taipale discussed how Sentera's technology specifically caters to the needs of growers and the agricultural community. He shared the benefits that generative AI provides to agriculture and the role that synthetic data generation has in accelerating technology adoption for the food industry. Taipale talked abou...

Interview with Norma Chu, Founder and CEO of DayDayCook

January 11, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MB

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with Norma Chu, founder and CEO of DayDayCook, a multi-brand company on a mission to promote Asian cooking globally. Over her 12-year journey at DayDayCook, Chu has implemented several successful brand strategies to reach global audiences, introduced an exclusive product line and used social media to help DayDayCook become a household name. Chu discussed the company’s recent acquisition of Yai’s Thai as well as its other brands, N...

Interview with Pat McCullough, CEO of ProducePay

December 14, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MB

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with Pat McCullough, CEO of ProducePay, a startup transforming the global produce industry into a more connected and sustainable movement. McCullough talks about his role at ProducePay as well as its startup story. He also shares his 2024 predictions for the food industry, focusing on blockchain and data challenges; food waste; sustainable agri-tech solutions; challenges of implementation; consumer preferences and behaviors; clima...

Which Foods are Banned in the US? + New Plant-Based Mac & Cheese

December 07, 2023 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

In the US, the regulation of food products, including the ban on certain items, falls primarily under the jurisdiction of two key agencies: the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top 10 foods banned in the US and why. The list includes unpasteurized milk, Kinder Surprise Chocolate Eggs, sassafras oil, Four Loko and Ackee as well as shark fins, sea turtles, Japanese puffer fish, ...

Food Safety Scandals Still Persist in 2023 + What is Postum?

November 30, 2023 10:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MB

Despite technological advancements in food safety in recent years, 2023 has been marked by some alarming food safety scandals globally, impacting public health and trust in the food industry. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the worst food safety scandals of 2023 and sheds light on the causes and consequences of these outbreaks and recalls. These scandals include a persistent Salmonella outbreak from poultry in the US; Listeria from frozen vegetables in Europe; ...

What Makes the Air Up Watter Bottle So Unique? + FTC Cracks Down on Food Industry Influencers

November 23, 2023 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

Air Up, a revolutionary water bottle company, emerged from a unique academic project and rapidly transformed the way we perceive and consume water. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the Munich-based startup, which began as a university project in 2016, combining neuroscience and design. It’s the first hydration system that flavors water solely through scent. This innovative approach leverages the fact that about 80 percent of what we perceive as flavor actually c...

Worst Foods For the Environment + TIME Magazine’s Best Food Inventions of 2023

November 16, 2023 10:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

Our dietary choices have a significant environmental impact, with agriculture accounting for almost 30 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top 10 worst foods for the environment, starting with beef. Raising cattle for beef is highly resource-intensive, requiring significant amounts of land, water and energy. Next to beef, but with a lesser impact, is dark chocolate. The significant emissions from dark chocola...

What is Fried Rice Syndrome? + Why the US is Set to Ban Brominated Vegetable Oil

November 09, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MB

In recent times, fried rice syndrome has become a trending concern, especially after a TikTok video highlighted a tragic incident from 2008 involving a 20-year-old student. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about fried rice syndrome, which refers to food poisoning caused by a bacterium called Bacillus cereus. It poses a significant threat when introduced to specific foods that are not adequately stored post-cooking. Such foods commonly include starchy items like rice a...

How Weight Loss Drugs Could Impact the Food Industry + Heavy Metals in Dark Chocolate

November 02, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MB

As weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic continue to gain traction across the US, Americans could potentially reduce their purchases of high-calorie snacks and fast-food. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about how these weight loss drugs work and how the food industry has slowly but surely become aware of the potential impact of these drugs. For example, Walmart’s US CEO recently revealed that consumers using Ozempic tend to purchase fewer groceries. Shares of Mon...

What are McDonald’s Boo Buckets? + Why Campbell’s Acquired Rao’s Sauce

October 26, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MB

Boo Buckets have always been synonymous with Halloween festivities at McDonald’s, embodying a tradition that many look forward to as October rolls around, but what are they? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about these ghost-themed pails and the various iterations since they debuted 1986. McDonald’s introduced a whimsical twist to its Happy Meal offerings by packaging them in Halloween-themed buckets, which could also serve as trick-or-treat pails for kids. The evolut...

Coop’s Smart Chicken Coop + Foodborne Illness from Raw Milk

October 19, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

In today’s smart-tech era, the chicken coop might not be the first item one would consider in need of an upgrade. Yet, an Austin, Texas-based startup called Coop is revolutionizing this concept, launching its $2,000 smart chicken coop to enthusiastic “early bird” customers. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about how Coop is redefining backyard farming. At the heart of the design is a sophisticated AI system the pair lovingly named “CluckWatch.” This intelligent system...

How ZENB Popularized Yellow Pea Pasta + A Nutritional Breakdown of RXBars

October 12, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

With its rich nutritional profile and palate-pleasing texture, yellow pea pasta is becoming the preferred alternative to traditional pastas. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about ZENB, which recognized the potential of yellow pea pasta and has been pivotal in popularizing this ingredient. The brand’s commitment to sustainability, combined with its focus on harnessing the goodness of whole vegetables, positions it perfectly to cater to the modern health-conscious cons...

What Foods are Banned in Europe? + Mooala’s Shelf-Stable Plant-Based Milks

October 05, 2023 14:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

Many Americans might be surprised to discover that there’s a long list of foods banned in Europe. This is because the US has more lenient food ingredient regulations thanks to US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) designation. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about five ingredients that are banned in Europe, but allowed in other parts of the world. The list includes the whitening agent titanium dioxide, a compound called azodica...

2023 Food IPOs So Far + Why the EU is So Strict About Canola Oil

September 28, 2023 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MB

Recent initial public offerings (IPOs) from food companies such as Cava Group and BranchOut Food might give the impression of a reawakening IPO market after a seemingly quiet year. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about three food companies that have already gone public this year, including Cava Group, BranchOut Foods and Instacart. First, the Mediterranean fast casual chain Cava Group achieved a notable $4.7 billion valuation after a successful market introduction on...

What is Gatorade Water? + New California Food Safety Bill

September 21, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MB

Gatorade, a brand synonymous with vibrantly-colored sports drinks, has made a surprising move with its latest offering: Gatorade Water, a clear, unflavored beverage. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the new offering, which unlike its colorful predecessors, focuses entirely on the booming “functional water” market, projected to be worth $12 billion by 2032. Gatorade Water, which is set to hit stores next year, is infused with electrolytes and undergoes a rigorous...

When is Instacart Going Public? + Smucker Acquires Hostess Brands

September 14, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

As PepsiCo, Inc. positions itself at the forefront of digital advancements, the company recently declared its intention to purchase $175 million of Instacart’s Series A preferred convertible stock. This pivotal move was revealed alongside Instacart’s Form S-1 filed on August 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), indicating plans for its much-anticipated initial public offering (IPO). In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the long-awaited IPO, Instacar...

Innovative Product for Lactose Intolerant Bakers + Plant-Based Marketing Coalition

September 07, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

For a significant portion of the world’s population, baking is punctuated by the pain and discomfort of food intolerances. Lactose stands out as a particularly pesky ingredient in this regard. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about Intoleran, a beacon of hope for those troubled by lactose. The Dutch brand, founded by Harmen Treep in 2008, recognized the immense gap in the market and created a line of lactase enzyme supplements tailored to cater to the lactose-intolera...

ModifyHealth in the Food as Medicine Industry + How MenuTrinfo Certifies Products as Allergen-Free

August 31, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MB

ModifyHealth, a leader in the burgeoning food as medicine industry, recently released four new meal plan offerings catering to a variety of dietary needs in the US. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about these new plans, which were introduced in response to the increasing demand from consumers managing specific medical conditions including celiac disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and beyond. Food as medicine refers to a ...

Dunkin’ Spiked Iced Coffees and Teas + New Culture’s Animal-Free Mozzarella

August 24, 2023 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MB

Dunkin’, America’s largest coffee and donut chain, announced the launch of Dunkin’ Spiked Iced Coffees and Iced Teas. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the two boozy beverages, which are set to roll out in early September. Dunkin’ is entering a crowded market segment with the launch of Dunkin’ Spiked, a reflection of the rising popularity of RTD drinks that offer innovative blends of well-loved tastes. Despite the fierce competition, the Dunkin’ brand has the pot...

Balancing Technology and Traditions: Interview with Marco Terenghi, CCO at Olli Salumeria

August 17, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

Olli Salumeria, known for its high-quality, artisanal salami, recently launched the first preservative-free salami in the North American market. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney interviews Marco Terenghi, chief commercial officer at Olli Salumeria, to find out more about the company’s mission, history and innovative products. Marco talks about the long process of developing Olli’s preservative-free salami and the clean label movement. He discusses Olli’s rich heritage and ...

Trader Joe’s Recall 2023 + New Netflix Food Safety Documentary

August 10, 2023 09:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MB

The Trader Joe’s recall situation has garnered significant attention in the past few weeks, as the popular retail chain declared three different product recalls during the last week of July. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the details of the recall, which has raised some eyebrows with food safety. Trader Joe’s, in a statement to Vox, called the series of recalls “a coincidence.” Yet, Melvin Kramer, President of the EHA environmental and public health consulting...

Ortho-Phthalates in Food Packaging + McDonald’s New Restaurant Idea

August 03, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MB

Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stood by its decision, denying a petition asking it to reevaluate the use of eight ortho-phthalates in food-contacting packaging materials. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the public petition, which was put forward by EarthJustice, a non-profit organization advocating for environmental sustainability, as well as Dr. Katherine K. O’Brien, a Canadian-American pediatric infectious disease specialist and epidemi...

The Future of Cultivated Meat: Interview with Eyal Rosenthal, CEO of Ever After Foods

July 27, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MB

Ever After Foods, an innovative food tech company based in Haifa, Israel, recently unveiled its groundbreaking bioreactor system designed for producing cultivated meat. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney interviews Eyal Rosenthal, CEO of Ever After Foods, to find out more about the company and the future of cultivated meat. Eyal discusses the benefits of cultivated meat, including its environmental sustainability and animal welfare, as well as its challenges, like consumer a...

The Controversy Behind Prime Energy Drink + Nestlé’s New Sugar Reduction Technology

July 20, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

Prime Energy drink, a popular beverage created by prominent YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul, is facing scrutiny as US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls for regulators to investigate its marketing tactics. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about concerns that have been raised regarding the high caffeine content of the drink, which Schumer alleges is targeting children. The beverage, containing 200 mg of caffeine per 355 mL can, packs twice the amount found in its ...

WHO’s Guidelines on Marketing Food to Children + Monster Eyes Bang Energy

July 13, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MB

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released new guidelines that emphasized the critical role that marketers must play in safeguarding children’s health. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about these new guidelines, which underscored the need for tighter regulations to protect children from the adverse effects of food marketing. The marketing of food products that are high in saturated and trans fats, free sugars and/or salt, known as HFSS, has been a subject ...

Oterra’s Food Coloring for Plant-Based Meat + Fastest Growing Food Companies

July 06, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MB

Oterra, the leading global supplier of naturally derived colors, recently unveiled innovative red and pink color blends specifically designed for plant-based meat and seafood alternatives. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about these new offerings, that allow manufacturers to create customized hues for a wide range of plant-based meat and seafood substitutes, including burgers, sausages, ground meat, meatballs, deli slices, salmon and tuna steaks. The natural food col...

Top 5 Food Industry Ransomware Attacks + The Dangers of Food Fraud

June 29, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

Ransomware attacks targeting the food industry have become increasingly prevalent and damaging over the past few years. Between 2018 and May 2023, there have been 157 confirmed ransomware attacks on the food, beverage and agriculture industries. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top five most significant ransomware attacks on the food industry that caused severe disruptions and significant financial losses. The list includes the Campari Group ($15 million ran...

The Pros and Cons of Reusable Takeaway Containers + BetterBrand’s New Varieties of The Better Bagel

June 22, 2023 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

The Rethink Plastic alliance, in collaboration with a coalition of 81 organizations, is advocating for the integration of effective reuse systems into the European Union’s (EU’s) Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. This push aims to mitigate waste produced by single-use plastic takeaway packaging. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the collective’s push for the transition towards reusable packaging in the food packaging industry, asserting that it has signif...

Fastest Growing Beverage Brand in 2023 + Seaweed Cultivation’s Nutritional and Environmental Potential

June 15, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

The fastest growing beverage brands are those that have tapped into the consumer’s evolving demands, bringing to the table innovative products that combine taste, convenience, affordability and sustainability. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top three fastest growing beverage brands in 2023 and what’s driving their success. The list is based on the Financial Times’ ranking of The Americas’ Fastest-Growing Companies 2023, a list of the 500 companies in the A...

America’s First Preservative-Free Salami + The Controversial Water Recipes from WaterTok

June 08, 2023 09:00 - 37 minutes - 26.2 MB

California-based Olli Salumeria, known for its high-quality, artisanal salami, recently announced that it’s launching the first preservative-free salami in the North American market. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the company’s history of tradition, its products and the new preservative-free salami. Nitrates and nitrites serve several purposes in food preservation since they inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, help to maintain the pink or red color of cure...

Why New Zealand Wants to Trademark Manuka Honey + Wood Milk Commercial Fuels Battle Between Dairy and Plant-Based Industries

June 01, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MB

Manuka honey, a natural product renowned for its antibacterial and potential health benefits, has been at the center of a prolonged legal dispute between Australia and New Zealand. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the conflict, which involves the naming rights to “Manuka honey,” a product whose potential health benefits and significant price markup have made it a highly sought-after commodity in the international market. The Manuka honey trademark battle began i...

WHO Guidance Suggests Avoiding Sugar Substitutes for Weight Loss + CRISPR in the Food Industry

May 26, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

New World Health Organization (WHO) guidance advises against the use of sugar substitutes for weight loss purposes. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the WHO’s review, which suggests that while a mild reduction in body weight may occur in the short term, it is not sustainable over time. The review also highlighted potential negative effects associated with long-term use of sugar substitutes, including a slightly increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascula...

What is Cronobacter Sakazakii + Why Fairlife Milk is Dominating Dairy

May 18, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MB

Cronobacter sakazakii, the bacteria linked to recent baby formula shortages and the Abbott infant formula recall, could soon join the federal disease watchlist. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacteria that can cause severe infections, particularly in infants, and is associated with high mortality rates. It is commonly found in the environment, including in water, soil and dry foods such as powdered infant formula. In an outbreak that t...

Tackling Food Waste with Digitization + Insights from the FAO Food Price Index

May 11, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MB

In the US, food waste is a pervasive problem, with an estimated 30 to 40 percent of the country’s food supply going to waste each year. This amounts to around 133 billion pounds of food, worth an estimated $161 billion, being discarded annually. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about Full Harvest and other companies that sell surplus or imperfect produce that would otherwise be thrown away. By using Full Harvest, farmers can reduce their waste and increase their profi...

Rising Flour Prices + Tagatose Sugar Alternative

May 04, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.7 MB

As the 2023-24 US wheat marketing year approaches, there are concerns over a lack of moisture, which could limit yields and production of two of the three largest wheat varieties grown in the US, increasing the risk of above-average flour prices into 2024. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about why droughts can have a significant impact on flour prices and production, including the quality of wheat crops, the transportation of wheat and the overall demand for flour. T...

New Rapid Salmonella Test + Leading Food Companies’ Long-Term Sustainability Goals

April 27, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MB

Researchers at McMaster University in Canada have developed a rapid Salmonella test for detecting contamination in chicken and other foods, which could help to reduce the cost of food processing and improve food safety. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about new Salmonella test, which provides accurate results in an hour or less and does not require accessories or a power source. Traditionally, Salmonella detection was done through a series of tests that could take se...

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@xtalksfood 160 Episodes