Phenolic Lipids Derived from Cashew Nut Shell Liquid to Treat Metabolic Diseases.
Metabolic diseases are increasing at staggering rates globally. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα/γ/δ) are fatty acid sensors that help mitigate imbalances between energy uptake and utilization. Herein, we report compounds derived from phenolic lipids present in cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), an abundant waste byproduct, in an effort to create effective, accessible, and sustainable drugs. Derivatives of anacardic acid and cardanol were tested for PPAR activity in HEK293 cell co-transfection assays, primary hepatocytes, and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In vivo studies using PPAR-expressing zebrafish embryos identified CNSL derivatives with varying tissue-specific activities. LDT409 (23) is an analogue of cardanol with partial agonist activity for PPARα and PPARγ. Pharmacokinetic profiling showed that 23 is orally bioavailable with a half-life of 4 h in mice. CNSL derivatives represent a sustainable source of selective PPAR modulators with balanced intermediate affinities (EC50 ∼ 100 nM to 10 μM) that provide distinct and favorable gene activation profiles for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01542
DNSG 2022 - 39th International Symposium on Diabetes and Nutrition
The symposium represents the annual meeting of the Diabetes and Nutrition Study Group (DNSG), which annually organizes this meeting to present the latest advances in nutrition and diabetes, stimulate scientific debate in this area of knowledge and bring together clinicians, dietitians and researchers. Every year the scientific program includes plenary sessions, panel discussions, debates, oral presentations and posters.
Local Organizing Committee:
CHARILAOS DIMOSTHENOPOULOS : MMedSci.PhD, Clinical Dietitian - Biologist, Head of Dietetic Department, Laikon General Hospital of Athens, Greece
KONSTANTINOS MAKRILAKIS: Professor of Internal Medicine, Diabetes Consultant, “Laiko” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
ANASTASIA THANOPOULOU: Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine - Diabetes, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2nd Pathology Clinic – Diabetes Center Hippokration Hospital Athens, Greece
For more information you can visit the official congress website https://dnsg2022.com
January 2022 INC Updates & News Brief
The INC Advances in the Implementation of its Sustainability Agenda
Through its Sustainability Manifesto, the INC publicly calls for the nut and dried fruit industry to accelerate sustainability commitments that are tangible, quantifiable and measurable. The INC believes that all actors throughout the supply chain can take action to tangibly improve and communicate how the industry has an impact on sustainability and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. [Manifesto]
In addition, as part of its mission to stimulate and facilitate sustainable growth of the global nut and dried fruit industry, the INC has identified a shortlist of focus Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the sector. It is conceived as a guide for companies to help them incorporate the SDGs into their Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) policies, identify specific metrics and indicators and implement concrete actions. [Focus SDGs] [Read more]
Join the INC for the Best Event in the Industry, the INC Congress
d dried fruit industry with the INC Congress, and there is still have time to register! Starting March 1, 2022, the rates will increase to €200, so take advantage of the savings and register now! Network with top business leaders and put yourself in a largely market-focused atmosphere. Over 1,000 participants from more than 60 countries are expected to be at the industry’s not-to-be-missed event this May. As of now, 720 participants from 50 countries have already saved their spots! We cannot wait to see you there in person! [Preliminary Program]INC Pavilion at Gulfood 2022
To date, 18 companies will join the INC Pavilion at Gulfood from February 13-17. With an excellent high-visibility location at Za'Abeel Hall 5, co-exhibitors will have the best opportunities to network and connect with potential business clients. We hope to see you in Dubai and if you're not co-exhibiting with the INC, come stop by and say hello! Don't forget to come by for the exclusive INC Cocktail on Monday, February 14 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. [More information]INC Academia, the Best Education in the Industry
ning February 15, so save your spot in either the Basic Program on Nuts & Dried Fruits or the Advanced Program on Nuts & Dried Fruits. Each program features new courses, expanding the reach of the entire INC Academia. Moreover, new to this edition are the free Industry Master Classes, a great way to get a peek into what topics are covered in the INC Academia, or if you're already enrolled, use them for some additional material to take a deeper look into specific topics! [More information]Ongoing Global Shipping Monitored by INC
According to the Drewry World Container Index, the spot freight rates have slightly decreased 2.9% compared to the previous week. Although, this remains 79% higher than one year ago. Of the major routes tracked by Drewry, Shanghai to Los Angeles saw the largest decrease at 5%. Shanghai to New York also dropped 5%, while Shanghai to Rotterdam fell 3%. The rest of the major routes remained unchanged. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka recently addressed the...[Read more]INC Distributes Findings from Health Study on Peanuts and Tree Nuts
A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition aimed to examine how
consuming peanuts and tree nuts affected the lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients. Type 2 diabetes is associated with metabolic disorders, especially on the lipid profile, and diet can play a significant effect on blood lipids. To analyze the effect of peanut and tree nut consumption on the lipid profile, researchers performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled-feeding clinical studies. The authors searched various databases to identify possible studies to include in the review...[Read more]
INC Shares Highlights from Nut Consumption and Cancer Study
The International Journal of Cancer has published a new study looking at the association between nut consumption and cancer outcomes for long-term breast cancer survivors. Nut consumption is associated with lower total and cause-specific mortality in general populations, but there is not evidence on the association for long-term breast cancer survivors. The study’s researchers included peanuts and tree nuts in their analysis and assessed at 5-year postdiagnosis with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) for a total of 3,449 long-term...[Read more]INC Informs on the Latest FDA Review of a Notification Regarding a Health Claim Related to Peanut Allergies
of a notification in regards of explicit health claims linked to the introduction of certain foods to infants and the reduction in the risk of developing food allergies. In the authorization process of these claims, the FDA took into account statements from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. Manufacturers can use the following claims on the label of any food product that may be...[Read more]New FDA Qualified Health Claim for Magnesium and Reduced Risk of High Blood Pressure Shared by INC
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on January 10, 2022, a new qualified health claim for magnesium and reduced risk of high blood pressure. The following qualified health claims for conventional foods and dietary supplements are included in the FDA’s letter of enforcement discretion:
- “Inconsistent and inconclusive scientific evidence suggests that diets with adequate magnesium may reduce the risk of high blood...[Read more]
International Trade News Monitored by INC
international trade which includes information on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), that came into effect on January 1, 2022. Moreover, there are updates on various free trade agreements including Australia, India, the UK, the EU, New Zealand, and Georgia. Lastly, the update touches on some new EU regulations regarding tariffs and imports. [Read more]INC Shares Latest Sustainability News
Among the news in the INC latest sustainability update is a 2022 priority list from the EU that includes the European Green Deal, digital transformation, a people-friendly economy, EU's Global Gateway, promoting the European way of life, and protecting and strengthening democracy and European values. Also in the update is the EU's support to promote sustainable agri-food products during 2022. Across the world, California is implementing new measures on organic waste collection in efforts to reduce emissions. And the FAO releases a report on sustainable agricultural practices. [Read more]INC Reports on Latest Food Safety Updates, Pesticides, and New Labeling Information
updates also include information about China's newly revised agricultural product quality and safety law. The WHO revealed its draft for food safety strategy during the time period 2022-2030 which highlights strengthening national food control systems, address global food safety challenges, improving the use of food chain information, encouraging stakeholder engagement and promoting food safety as an essential component in domestic, regional, and international food trade. [More on food safety] [More on pesticides] [More on labeling]Expected global suitability of coffee, cashew and avocado due to climate change
Coffee, cashew and avocado are of high socio-economic importance in many tropical smallholder farming systems around the globe. As plantation crops with a long lifespan, their cultivation requires long-term planning. The evaluation of climate change impacts on their biophysical suitability is therefore essential for developing adaptation measures and selecting appropriate varieties or crops. In this study, we modelled the current and future suitability of coffee arabica, cashew and avocado on a global scale based on climatic and soil requirements of the three crops. We used climate outputs of 14 global circulation models based on three emission scenarios to model the future (2050) climate change impacts on the crops both globally and in the main producing countries. For all three crops, climatic factors, mainly long dry seasons, mean temperatures (high and low), low minimum temperatures and annual precipitation (high and low), were more restrictive for the global extent of suitable growing regions than land and soil parameters, which were primarily low soil pH, unfavourable soil texture and steep slopes. We found shifts in suitable growing regions due to climate change with both regions of future expansion and contraction for all crops investigated. Coffee proved to be most vulnerable, with negative climate impacts dominating in all main producing regions. For both cashew and avocado, areas suitable for cultivation are expected to expand globally while in most main producing countries, the areas of highest suitability may decrease. The study reveals that climate change adaptation will be necessary in most major producing regions of all three crops. At high latitudes and high altitudes, however, they may all profit from increasing minimum temperatures. The study presents the first global assessment of climate change impacts on cashew and avocado suitability. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261976
The INC Advances in the Implementation of its Sustainability Agenda
- Safety-net: Monitoring sustainability policies to ensure regulations are achievable and commercially feasible.
- Knowledge-share: Increasing the understanding of sustainability challenges and opportunities through communication, awareness and partnerships.
- Positive-messaging: Disseminating the improvements the sector is implementing.
Through its Sustainability Manifesto, the INC publicly calls for the nut and dried fruit industry to accelerate sustainability commitments that are tangible, quantifiable and measurable. The INC believes that all actors throughout the supply chain can take action to tangibly improve and communicate how the industry has an impact on sustainability and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. [Manifesto]
In addition, as part of its mission to stimulate and facilitate sustainable growth of the global Nut and Dried Fruit Industry, the INC has identified a shortlist of focus Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the sector. It is conceived as a guide for companies to help them incorporate the SDGs into their Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) policies, identify specific metrics and indicators and implement concrete actions. [Focus SDGs]
Record Profits for Shipping Companies Projected in 2022
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka recently addressed the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association’s providing a “State of the Port”. During the event, Seroka recapped 2021 and set the priorities for 2022. He announced that the Port of Los Angeles processed around 10.7 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units, breaking the previous record by 13%. Looking forward to 2022, Seroka outlined various Port initiatives and priorities such as supply chain efficiency, workforce development and job creation, cybersecurity, and the environment.
Turning to the shipping lines, Seatrade Maritime News reported that Drewry has announced in their latest Container Forecaster Report that container shipping profitability continues to skyrocket with a Q3 EBIT of $70.9 billion, more than nine times higher compared to the previous year. The Q3 number brings the total sector EBIT to $139.5 billion through the first nine months of 2021. This has prompted Drewry to increase their forecast for the year from $150 billion to $190 billion. For 2022, Drewry is forecasting an even higher EBIT for container shipping, reaching $200 billion. Simon Heaney, Senior Manager for Container Research at Drewry, stated, “we think that 3Q2021 probably represents the peak quarterly earnings for carriers, but that quarterly results in 2022 will stay on a more even keep that will average out slightly higher.”
At the Port of Shanghai, current congestion is reportedly costing $4.5 billion a week in lost trade, according to risk management firm Russell Group. China’s zero-COVID policy and the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations are two factors currently contributing to congestion at Chinese ports.
Sustainability Update: January 2022
California: Mandatory Organic Waste Collection
Targets include:
- Reduce organic waste disposal 50% by 2020 and 75% by 2025.
- Rescue for people to eat at least 20% of currently disposed of surplus food by 2025.
More information
EU: Joint Declaration on Legislative Priorities for 2022
Priorities include:
- The European Green Deal
- A Europe fit for the digital age
- An economy that works for people
- EU’s Global Gateway
- Promote the European way of life
- To protect and strengthen democracy across the Union and defend common European values
EU: Strong Support to Promote Sustainable Agri-Food Products in 2022
The promotion policy will co-fund campaigns in line with the European Green Deal ambitions, supporting objectives from the Farm to Fork strategy, Europe's beating cancer plan, the EU organic action plan and other initiatives.
Campaign projects should advise the EU and worldwide consumers about organic farming, EU sustainable agriculture and the impact of the agri-food sector on the road to climate action and the environment.
The calls for proposals for the upcoming 2022 campaigns are expected to be published at the start of 2022.
More information
FAO: New Report on Agricultural Practices, Plastic Pollution and Sustainability
The report identifies several solutions based on the “Refuse, Redesign, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover” model. It also recommends developing a comprehensive voluntary code of conduct for all aspects of plastics throughout agrifood chains and calls for more research, especially on the health impact of micro- and nanoplastics.
More information
Morocco: International Funding to Accelerate Ecological Transformation
Morocco is a founding member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and started to become a country of operations in 2012. The EBRD has invested more than €3.1 billion in the country through 78 projects.
More information
Shipping Prices Increase Slightly, but Pressures Remain
In an article from Fresh Fruit Portal, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services was cited noting that California ports, namely the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach continue to suffer from nearly record backlogs as over 100 container ships are waiting to be docked and unloaded. Adding to the pressure to clear the backlog are new outbreaks of COVID infections from the Omicron variant. The Wall Street Journal reported that as of the second week in January, nearly 1 in 10 daily dockworkers were unable to work due to testing positive, quarantining, or feeling ill. As cases continue to rise very quickly in the ports, it remains unseen how the supply chain will be affected.
Across the Pacific Ocean, things are equally uncertain as various cities around Chinese ports have detected Omicron cases. According to The New York Times, four of China’s largest port cities including Shanghai, Dalian, Tianjin, and Shenzhen have all introduced targeted lockdowns to try and control small outbreaks of Omicron. Port operations have remained open, but China’s zero-tolerance approach to COVID has many companies concerned if the outbreaks grow. Companies like Volkswagen and Toyota have already announced that they would temporarily suspend operations in Tianjin due to lockdowns.
Latest Health Claims: January 2022
New FDA Qualified Health Claim for Magnesium and Reduced Risk of High Blood Pressure
- “Inconsistent and inconclusive scientific evidence suggests that diets with adequate magnesium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension), a condition associated with many factors.”
- “Consuming diets with adequate magnesium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension). However, the FDA has concluded that the evidence is inconsistent and inconclusive.”
- “Some scientific evidence suggests that diets with adequate magnesium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension), a condition associated with many factors. The FDA has concluded that the scientific evidence supporting this claim is inconsistent and not conclusive.”
Latest FDA Review of a Notification Regarding a Health Claim Related to Peanut Allergies
Manufacturers can use the following claims on the labeling of any food product that may be suitable with the claims:
“If a baby has severe eczema, egg allergy or both, introducing age-appropriate, peanut-containing foods as early as 4 months may reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy. Caregivers should check with the baby’s healthcare provider before feeding the baby peanut-containing foods.”
“For babies with an increased risk of peanut allergy (babies with severe eczema, egg allergy or both), introducing age-appropriate, peanut-containing foods as early as 4 months may reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy. Caregivers should check with the baby’s healthcare provider before feeding the baby peanut-containing foods.”
Food Safety Update: January 2022
China: Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law Revised Draft
Some of the major changes from the revised draft in comparison to the original 2006 law include:
- It expands the scope of “agricultural products” to “primary products originated from planting, forestry, animal husbandry and fishery, etc., i.e., the plants, animals, microbes and their products obtained from agricultural activities” (Article 2);
- The revised law reflects the guiding principle that producers and operators of agricultural products are to be held accountable for quality and safety of their products (Article 7 and Article 27).
- Article 24 urges producers, operators, and users of agricultural inputs (pesticides, fertilizers, agriculture-use film) to properly collect and dispose packages and waste of such inputs.
- Article 34 provides that China reinforces protection and management of geographic identification of agricultural products.
EFSA: Assessment of an Application on a Detoxification Process of Groundnut Press Cake for Aflatoxins by Ammoniation
The European Commission requested the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) to provide a scientific output on an application for a detoxification process of groundnut press cake for aflatoxins by ammoniation. Precisely, the authorities require that the feed decontamination process is compliant with the acceptability criteria specified in the Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/786 of 19 May 2015.
More information
EFSA: Draft Opinion Proposes Lowering the Tolerable Daily Intake of Bisphenol A
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has undertaken a re-evaluation process of the risks of bisphenol A in food, and proposes to considerably lower the tolerable daily intake compared to its previous assessment in 2015.
EFSA’s conclusions on bisphenol A are detailed in a draft scientific opinion that is open for public consultation until February 22, 2022. All interested parties are encouraged to contribute to the consultation.
More information
EU: New Ochratoxin A MLs Draft
According to FRUCOM, the Commission has drafted a new regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels of ochratoxin A in certain foodstuffs.
Taking into account that ochratoxin A has been found in foods for which no maximum level has been established yet and which contribute to the human exposure to ochratoxin A, the Commission is to set a maximum level also for these foods such as dried fruits and pistachio nuts, among other products.
The draft presents the following new MLs (µg/kg):
- Dried vine fruit (currants, raisins and sultanas and dried figs): 8.0
- Other dried fruit: 2.0
- Pistachios to be subjected to sorting, or other physical treatment, before placing on the market for final consumer or use as an ingredient in food: 10.0
- Pistachios placed on the market for final consumer or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs: 5.0
The draft is expected to be voted on soon. The new Ochratoxin A regulation would apply from January 1, 2023.
UK: Food Security Report 2021
Themes include:
- Global Food Availability
- UK Food Supply Sources
- Food Supply Chain Resilience
- Food Security at Household Level
- Food Safety and Consumer Confidence
WHO: Draft Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022-2030
The strategy builds on five interlinked strategic priorities and “aims to build forward-looking, evidence-based, people-centered, and cost-effective food safety systems with coordinated governance and adequate infrastructures”.
The five strategic priorities are:
- Strengthening national food control systems.
- Identifying and responding to food safety challenges resulting from global changes and food systems transformation.
- Improving the use of food chain information, scientific evidence, and risk assessment in making risk management decisions.
- Strengthening stakeholder engagement and risk communication.
- Promoting food safety as an essential component in domestic, regional and international food trade.