Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

UPDATES AT VIRGINIA TECH

Locally Developed Beverage Wins Award

From left to right: George Lewis, Sales Manager, Marva Maid Dairy; Mary Ann Clark, RN, VP Technical Services, BIOFREE-USA CORP and Robins Buck, Project Manager-Agricultural Development Services, Virginia Department of Agriculture

FIZZA™ Sparkling Dairy Nutrient Beverage won the award for The Best New Beverage Product for 2008. The award was given by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at the Virginia Food and Beverage Expo in Richmond , VA on May 14, 2008.  A group of professionals from agriculture, commerce, food science and consumer services evaluated eligible new products for originality, taste/aroma, nutritional value, packaging, visual appeal and product presentation.  The product receiving the highest number of votes in all of the above categories receives the award.

FIZZA™ Sparkling Dairy Nutrient Beverage is a highly nutritious, low calorie, fat and lactose free, sparkling, all natural alternative to traditional carbonated soft drinks which are highly sweetened and contain chemical additives and no essential nutrients. FIZZA was developed with the assistance of the Department of Food Science at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg , Virginia .

FIZZA is formulated for fun and enjoyment while aiding in the control of childhood obesity, early onset of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and growing youth food allergies.

In the production of FIZZA, BIOFREE uses its proprietary process to convert skim milk into a fun beverage which retains the nutrients of skim milk but delivers the enhanced mouthfeel of current popular carbonated soft drink brands.

FIZZA will be offered in all natural Orange , Strawberry, Cola and Apple flavors. The extended shelf life will appeal to school, vending and retail outlets.

Due to its natural nutrient content, FIZZA has been exempted by the USDA as a Food of Minimal Nutrition and is approved by the USDA for sale in school cafeterias on the a la carte table.

FIZZA will be distributed exclusively through MARVA MAID DAIRY, INC. of Newport News , Virginia .

HOT TOPICS AND DAIRY ISSUES

  New Dairy Product Trends

From margarine to yogurt to milk, dairy products enhanced by omega-3 fatty acids are a hot area of international new product development. In the Netherlands , Unilever claims its Blue Band Idee! Margarine helps stimulate mental development. Containing the fatty acids DHA and ALA , as well as B vitamins, the margarine is marketed as suitable for the whole family, but it is especially recommended for children's mental development.

Nestlé likewise positions its P'tit Yoco Oméga 3 Framboise Pomme-Poire Yogurt as a healthy product for children in France . Rich in omega-3 to aid in children's brain development, the yogurt is also enriched with calcium and vitamin D. P'tit Yoco Oméga 3 claims to contain just the right amount of sugar in portions “perfectly adapted to children”.

George Weston in Canada advertises the high DHA content of Neilson Dairy Oh! Milk, claiming the product can help support normal development of the brain, eyes and nerves. Featuring a sketch of a cow reading a book on the front of the milk carton, Neilson Dairy Oh! Milk is marketed for growing children. The milk is produced by Ontario dairy cows fed a unique diet containing the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. The milk is also fortified with vitamins A and D.

In addition to omega-3 products for growing children, many Asian products are developed for pregnant or nursing mothers, infants and toddlers. Powdered milks containing omega-3 fatty acids are said to promote the brain development and general health of infants. In the Phillipines, for example, Mead Johnson Nutritionals features EnfaMama Nutritional Milk Drink. Formulated especially for pregnant and lactating mothers, the chocolate-flavored milk is enriched with DHA, claiming to support babies' brain development.

Sari Husada markets a vanilla-flavored Growing Up Milk under its Vitalac brand in Indonesia . Containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids AA, DHA, FOS, inulin and lactoferrin, the milk claims to support brain development in children over one year old. The sweet vanilla flavor makes it especially suitable for toddlers. These are just a few of the many new omega-3 fatty acid-containing products that are being developed internationally.

Milk and Nutrient Intake

The Journal of the American Dietetic Association recently published the results of a study that examined milk and nutrient intake in American children. The study found that children who consume either flavored or plain milk have a higher intake of nutrients that are low in their diets. In addition, the report finds, these children also have a lower or comparable body mass index (BMI).

The study examined 7,557 American children between the ages of 2 and 18 years old who consumed flavored milk (with or without plain milk), exclusively plain milk and no milk. Children drinking flavored and plain milk had “significantly higher” intakes of vitamin A, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and potassium than non-milk drinkers. Among the 12 to 18 year old girls, average calcium intakes by milk drinkers (plain and flavored) were nearly double the calcium intakes of non-milk drinkers.

Sweetwater Valley Farm, Inc. Recalls Tennessee Aged Black Pepper Cheese

May 15, 2008 -- Sweetwater Valley Farm, Inc. of Philadelphia , TN is recalling Tennessee Aged Black Pepper Cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Tennessee Aged Black Pepper Cheese, Lot Number 616-361 was distributed in 5, 7, and 10 ounce bars through the farm's retail store in Philadelphia , TN and a Winery in Portland , TN.  

Less than 100 pounds was distributed. This product was distributed between December 27, 2007 and May 12, 2008. No illnesses have been reported. The company has ceased the distribution of this lot as the company continues their investigation as to what caused the problem. Consumers who have purchased lot number 616-361 of this product are urged bring it to the store for replacement or refund or ship it back to the store for replacement or refund.  Contact the company's consumer affairs department at 1-877-862-4332 for further information.