Food | 25HourNews

Hidden Sugars in Baby Food Across Asia Raise Health Concerns Jennylyn M. Barrios, a busy make-up artist in Manila, often finds herself balancing work and motherhood, leaving little time to prepare homemade meals for her 10-month-old son, Uno. As a result, she relies on convenient baby food options, such as Cerelac, to feed her growing baby. "If I need to make something from scratch, I need to work double time before I finish the product," Jennylyn explains. "But for Cerelac, I just add hot water and prepare the mix. It’s easy, available, and affordable — perfect for working mums like me."Jennylyn is not alone in her reliance on pre-packaged baby food. In the Philippines and across Southeast Asia, the demand for instant cereals, porridges, pureed foods, pouches, and snacks has surged, with sales doubling in the last five years. Cerelac, an instant porridge mix from Nestlé, is a top seller in the region, offering both convenience and affordability, especially in the face of rising living costs.On social media, many parents share photos of their smiling infants enjoying Cerelac, praising the product for providing essential nutrients. However, some of these products may contain more than just the advertised benefits. Certain flavors of Cerelac sold in Southeast Asia, unlike those in other countries like the UK, include added sugars, raising concerns among health professionals. As more parents turn to convenient foods over traditional diets, experts worry about the potential long-term health effects of these hidden sugars on infants in the region
Tackling Food Waste with Discounted Surplus Food Boxes Social impact company Too Good to Go is addressing food waste through a unique service that delivers discounted surplus food boxes to consumers. Operating out of Ceva Logistics’ warehouse in Kettering, Northamptonshire, the company rescues food products from manufacturers that would otherwise be discarded, providing a sustainable solution to food waste while benefiting consumers with affordable food options.The initiative has seen a tremendous response, with more than a million food items processed at the warehouse in the first few weeks alone. Customers can purchase boxes filled with a mix of excess products, making it a cost-effective choice for consumers while reducing waste in the food industry."A Triple Win" for Consumers, Businesses, and the PlanetJamie Crummie, 33, who co-founded Too Good to Go in 2015, views the project as a “triple win,” benefiting consumers, businesses, and the environment. He highlighted the vast scale of food waste, noting that about 40% of food produced globally ends up as waste. By diverting excess products to consumers, the company contributes to a more sustainable food supply chain.“We are able to rescue that food and put it to good use rather than letting it go to waste,” Crummie explained. His vision has driven the company’s mission to make a measurable impact on food waste across the UK and beyond.Massive Food Waste Reduction Efforts with Ceva LogisticsStuart Hearn, business development manager at Ceva Logistics, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting this endeavor. "We receive up to four containers of surplus products per day and have processed over a million items in the first few weeks," he said. Ceva Logistics' operational scale is key to the project’s success, enabling the efficient handling of high volumes of surplus food.Food Waste in the UK: A Costly ProblemAccording to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), food waste in the UK amounted to 10.7 million tonnes in 2021, costing households hundreds of pounds per year. Too Good to Go’s model provides a practical approach to reduce these figures by connecting consumers directly with surplus goods, making a real difference in households while promoting sustainability.Through this surplus food box initiative, Too Good to Go exemplifies how innovative thinking can tackle significant global challenges. The project not only saves money for consumers but also plays a critical role in reducing food waste, making it a promising model for
7-Eleven Shares Surge as Alimentation Couche-Tard Raises Buyout Offer 7-Eleven Shares Soar After New Buyout Offer from Rival Alimentation Couche-TardShares in Seven & i Holdings, the parent company of convenience store giant 7-Eleven, surged on Wednesday following a revised takeover offer from Canadian competitor Alimentation Couche-Tard. The new proposal reportedly values the firm at over $47 billion, approximately 20% higher than the initial offer made in September.Despite the increased bid, Seven & i has not disclosed further details but confirmed the approach. The Japanese conglomerate previously rejected a $38 billion offer, stating that it severely undervalued the company and would likely encounter significant regulatory challenges.Market Reaction and Share Performance Following the news of the new offer, Seven & i shares climbed 4.7% in Tokyo trading, after initially spiking by 9.5%. The new proposal was reportedly submitted on 19 September, although there have been no official discussions between the two parties since.Seven & i emphasized that it will continue to prioritize the interests of its shareholders and stakeholders. The firm was recently added to a list of companies considered "core" to Japan’s national security, requiring foreign investors to undergo government review before pursuing such acquisitions.Regulatory Concerns and National Security Implications While the national security designation introduces a bureaucratic hurdle, it is not expected to significantly hinder Couche-Tard’s attempt to acquire the company. However, the acquisition of a firm of Seven & i’s size by a foreign entity is unprecedented in Japan. Historically, Japanese companies have been more inclined to acquire overseas businesses rather than being the target of buyouts.Last year, the Japanese government introduced new merger and acquisition guidelines that call for companies to carefully consider credible takeover offers rather than rejecting them outright. This adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations.Strategic Implications If Couche-Tard’s offer is accepted, it would greatly expand the company's presence in the U.S. and Canada, doubling its footprint to nearly 20,000 locations and creating a global network of over 100,000 convenience stores. For Seven & i, the deal would mark a significant shift for the world’s largest convenience store chain, which currently operates 85,000 stores in 20 countries.This deal represents a potential turning point for the global convenience store industry, with the combined com
Kent Company Turns Coffee Grounds into Eco-Friendly Plant Food A firm in Kent is turning used coffee grounds from cafes and restaurants in Canterbury into plant food pellets. Countrystyle Recycling will make these pellets available in garden centers and to horticulturists.Currently, a significant amount of coffee grounds generated by the leisure and hospitality sector ends up in general waste and is sent to landfill.Martin Heathcote, the chief executive of Countrystyle Recycling, stated, "We’re a local company, and we want the community to join us on our journey toward a circular waste economy. Recycling one tonne of coffee grounds through our scheme saves 580 kg of CO2 that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere if they went to landfill—equivalent to driving 1,400 miles!"He described the coffee pellets as "rocket fuel" for plants, as they provide essential nutrients, and these will be available for gardeners next year.Anna Carpenter, owner of Café No 35 in Canterbury, has joined the recycling initiative. She remarked, “It’s a wonderful sustainability story that aligns perfectly with our values. We’re passionate about great coffee and equally committed to plants. Café No 35 is known as the garden café, making it a perfect fit.”The initiative has also received support from Canterbury Business Improvement District (BID). Chief executive Lisa Carlson noted, “Canterbury has over 180 restaurants, cafes, and hotels that produce a substantial amount of coffee, so it’s fantastic for them to have the opportunity to recycle and repurpose coffee grounds for an eco-friendly use.”The UK generates 250,000 tonnes of used coffee grounds each year.
City Planning: Ban on Junk Food Advertising A Major Step Towards Tackling Obesity in the CityLiverpool City Council is considering a groundbreaking move to ban junk food advertisements on its billboards as part of a larger strategy to combat the rising levels of obesity among its residents. The proposed policy aims to restrict the promotion of products high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) across all council-owned assets, with the potential to be implemented immediately if approved by the council's cabinet.Addressing a Growing Health CrisisLiverpool, like many cities in the UK, is facing increasing health challenges, particularly concerning obesity. The council's decision follows a stark warning in a recent report predicting that by 2040, obesity will be the second largest factor impacting the health of children and young people in the city. A report by the Local Democracy Reporting Service highlights that 63% of adults in Liverpool are already either overweight or obese, and worrying statistics show that one in four children begin school overweight or obese, rising to one in three by the age of 11 (Year 6).The situation is even more alarming in Liverpool's most deprived areas, where people are more likely to choose unhealthy food and drinks due to financial and social constraints. Evidence from the council's “State of the City” report, published in January, draws a clear link between obesity levels and deprivation, further emphasizing the need for immediate action.Learning from Local SuccessesThis proposed policy follows in the footsteps of neighboring Sefton Council, which voted to ban junk food advertisements just five months ago. Liverpool’s move signals a broader regional strategy aimed at reducing public exposure to HFSS products, especially in communities where health outcomes are most at risk.The council's report emphasizes that "major intervention" is required to prevent the long-term burden of ill health that is anticipated with the rise in obesity levels. Liverpool, with its significant health challenges, sees this as an opportunity to take an active role in promoting healthier living choices for its residents.Balancing Commercial and Social InterestsWhile the primary goal of this initiative is to improve public health, the council is keen to strike a balance between limiting exposure to unhealthy products and maintaining the economic and social benefits that advertising and sponsorship can bring. According to the report, the council wants to avoid conflicts of interest while maximizi
Food Bank Warns Stocks Are Running 'Desperately Low' The Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance (DF4TA), a food bank located on Charnwood Street in Derby, has issued an urgent call for support as its stocks are running "desperately low." The charity, established in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, is experiencing a significant increase in demand, with half of the recent calls coming from people who have never used a food bank before.Rising Demand and Urgent Need for SupportPaul Brookhouse, the manager of DF4TA, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that it costs between £8,000 and £10,000 each month to meet the current demand. "We are running desperately low, and things are getting serious. We simply don’t have the funds to fill our shelves," he said. Brookhouse stressed the urgency of the situation, saying, "We need help, and we need it now. It makes me very miserable to think that in 2024, people are going hungry."He expressed his disappointment at the ongoing need for urgent appeals: "It disappoints me when we have to keep making urgent appeals for help - but what can we do? People will be going hungry if Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance does not step in and support the huge number of people who are calling us every day."New Clients and the Reality of CrisisThe charity has seen an influx of new clients who are turning to the food bank for the first time due to a variety of financial crises. One such client, a 31-year-old man who wished to remain anonymous, shared his experience of using the food bank after facing financial difficulties. He found the process of getting a food parcel "very easy" and "very quick." In addition to food, he was also offered help with energy vouchers and replacement furniture.Reflecting on his situation, he said, "If I didn't have food, I wouldn't be in a good position at all. People like myself, regular families, they need somewhere to go when crisis hits."Call for Donations and Community SupportDF4TA is urgently calling for donations of both food and financial contributions to help them continue supporting those in need. "Donations of both food and financial contributions are needed," Brookhouse reiterated. The charity not only aims to provide immediate relief by keeping Derby families fed but is also working on long-term solutions by establishing a series of community food hubs and pantries.These initiatives are intended to provide sustainable support and foster community resilience, ensuring that families facing hardship have access to the essentials they need.The Der
FoodCycle Seeks Volunteers for New Community Dining Project in Berkshire A UK-based charity, FoodCycle, which turns surplus food into nutritious hot meals, is on the lookout for volunteers to help run its first community dining project in Berkshire. The charity's mission is simple yet impactful: to reduce food waste while providing free meals to those in need, fostering a sense of community, and reducing loneliness.Recently, FoodCycle opened a new dining space at the Slough Salvation Army Center, where hot vegetarian lunches are served every Monday at 13:00. Now, the organization is calling on local volunteers to assist with the project. Roles needed include cooks, dishwashers, tea-makers, and drivers or cyclists to collect surplus food from local businesses.Community Meals to Combat Food Waste and Food PovertyFoodCycle’s approach is both environmentally and socially conscious. By using surplus food that would otherwise end up in landfills, the charity creates delicious and healthy vegetarian meals. These meals are then offered as community dining experiences, fostering connections among attendees. The initiative not only addresses the issue of food waste but also supports people struggling with food insecurity and social isolation.Natalie Capaldi, FoodCycle's South East Regional Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the project: "It's fantastic to have opened our first FoodCycle meal for the community in Slough. This comes at a time when the high cost of living continues to affect everything from people's food costs, and fuel bills, to mental health. Our meals run on the kindness of volunteers, so we're asking local people who are willing to give up a few hours a month to get in touch."Volunteers Needed: No Experience RequiredOne of the remarkable aspects of FoodCycle is its inclusivity and flexibility for volunteers. No prior qualifications are needed to help out, and there's no minimum weekly commitment required. Training and guidance are provided to ensure that everyone feels confident in their roles. This open approach allows people from all walks of life to contribute to the community while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.FoodCycle is particularly keen to recruit volunteers for various roles:Cooks: To help prepare nutritious vegetarian meals.Dishwashers and Tea-Makers: To ensure everything runs smoothly during meal service.Drivers and Cyclists: To collect surplus food donations from local stores and supermarkets.Future Plans and Expansion to ReadingFollowing the success of the new dining space in Slough,
Improving America’s Diet: Steps to Achieve an A Grade Recent reports indicate that America’s overall diet quality has transitioned from an F to a D, highlighting the urgent need for dietary improvements across the nation. This shift underscores the importance of adopting healthier eating habits to promote better health outcomes and quality of life.To transition from a D to an A grade in diet quality, individuals can start by focusing on balanced nutrition. This involves incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into daily meals. Emphasizing portion control and mindful eating can also aid in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing overconsumption of calories.Another crucial aspect is reducing intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, and foods high in saturated fats and added sugars. Instead, opt for nutrient-dense alternatives that provide essential vitamins and minerals without unnecessary additives.Educating oneself about nutrition labels and making informed food choices is essential. Reading labels for ingredients and nutritional content helps in selecting healthier options and avoiding hidden sugars and unhealthy fats.Furthermore, embracing a balanced lifestyle that includes regular physical activity complements a nutritious diet. Engaging in exercise not only supports weight management but also enhances overall well-being and cardiovascular health.By prioritizing these steps—balanced nutrition, portion control, mindful eating, and regular exercise—individuals can significantly improve their diet quality and overall health. As more people adopt these practices, the collective effort can contribute to a healthier America, striving towards an A grade in diet quality and setting a positive example for future generations.for more news click here: https://25hournews.com/news/rude-food-by-vir-sanghvi-experiencing-london-s-royal-dining-33269