Gourmet News

FDA Rules Tara Flour Fails to Meet GRAS Standard

Published May 17, 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that tara flour in human food does not meet the Generally Recognized As Safe (or GRAS) standard and is an unapproved food additive. The FDA’s assessment of the ingredient is detailed in a memo added to the agency’s public inventory. Increased transparency of our assessment of ingredients in the food supply is part of our approach to enhance food chemical safety.

Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act, any ingredient used or intended for use in food must be authorized by the FDA for use as a food additive unless that use is Generally Recognized As Safe or GRAS by qualified experts or meets a listed exception to the food additive definition in the FD&C Act. An unapproved food additive is deemed to be unsafe under the FD&C Act.

In 2022, Daily Harvest used tara flour in a leek and lentil crumble product which was associated with roughly 400 adverse event reports. The firm took prompt action to voluntarily recall the product and conduct its own root cause analysis, during which they identified tara flour as a possible contributor to the illnesses. To date, the FDA has found no evidence that tara flour caused the outbreak; however, it did prompt the agency to evaluate the regulatory status of this food ingredient.

The FDA’s evaluation revealed that there is not enough data on the use of tara flour in food, or a history of its safe use, to consider it GRAS. There is no food additive regulation authorizing the use of tara flour in food. Uses of food ingredients that are not GRAS, not authorized as food additives, and not excepted from the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act’s food additive definition are unapproved food additives. Food that is, or contains, an unsafe food additive is considered adulterated.

Manufacturers who are considering using tara flour as an ingredient in food are responsible for ensuring that its use is safe and lawful and are encouraged to consult with the FDA. At this time, the FDA is not aware of evidence that shows that tara flour is a food ingredient being developed domestically or that there are any products containing tara flour that are currently being manufactured in the United States.

The FDA instituted screening at ports of entry for tara flour used as an ingredient in imported food or imported for sale in bulk. The agency has not detected any recent shipments of that flour in imported products as of today.

The FDA remains committed to monitoring new ingredients in the food supply to ensure they meet relevant safety standards. The FDA’s assessment of chemicals in the food supply is part of our commitment to food safety and public health.

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GoVerden Expands Products in Walmart, Whole Foods

Published May 15, 2024

GoVerden, the maker of all-natural, ready-made guacamole, launched a nationwide retail expansion of products. Beginning The brand’s distribution in Walmart will increase from 200 to 1,050 stores across the country, offering the brand’s top selling Guacamole Mild and Guacamole Spicy to a larger customer base. Second only to the Super Bowl, this time of year is the United States’ biggest consumption occasion for guacamole, and GoVerden is ensuring shelves are stocked to meet demand.

Following the expanded nationwide distribution in Walmart, GoVerden is also excited to announce that Guacamole Mild will be available nationally at Whole Foods starting in June. This expansion reflects the brand’s growing popularity and commitment to making its high-quality, convenient products accessible to a wider range of consumers.

“Guacamole and processed avocado products are registering double-digit growth in sales year over year, in retail and food service, which is why we are expanding our national distribution further,” says Rick Joyal, vice president of North American Sales at GoVerden. “Our goal is to meet the growing needs for our high-quality, all-natural guacamole, and ensure that everyone across the nation can enjoy our industry leading avocado products,” the 20 year guacamole sales veteran shares.

GoVerden is owned by three of the largest avocado growers in Michoacán, Mexico. The family farming operations date back more than three decades, boasting a rich history of producing avocados for both the fresh and processed markets. The inception of the brand started in 2018 when the passion for creating a ready-to-enjoy guacamole brand united the like-minded growers.

GoVerden sets itself apart with its unexpectedly fresh flavor, crafting guacamole exclusively with non-GMO Certified fruits and vegetables, maintaining a 100% natural product. The brand uses a high-pressure pasteurization process that eliminates pathogens and extends shelf life, without the use of artificial preservatives. “We prioritize taste and quality above anything else. Our unique farm-to-table approach ensures that every spoonful of GoVerden guacamole is packed with the freshest ingredients. You will taste the difference,” says Joyal.

Every GoVerden product starts with hand-scooped Hass avocados, grown in Michoacán, Mexico, the avocado capital of the world. This attention to detail results in a chunky yet creamy texture that is synonymous with homemade guacamole. For the consumer who values quality, flavor and freshness, GoVerden’s all-natural, non-GMO, ready-made guacamole and fresh avocado products are an ideal choice. Look out for GoVerden Guacamole in your local Walmart today, and in Whole Foods starting in June.

For a more information about GoVerden visit us at www.goverden.com and follow us on Instagram @go.verden

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NatureSweet, Barilla Present ‘Salads Done Right’

Published May 15, 2024

NatureSweet, North America’s leading vertically integrated agricultural company and the top selling brand in snacking tomatoes is teaming up with Barilla,the world’s leading pasta maker, to transform salads with the launch of their co-branded campaign, “Salads Done Right,” offering a new spin on salads.

The combination of NatureSweet Cherubs snacking tomatoes — packed with antioxidants — and Barilla’s newest addition to its line of Protein+ pastas – Cellentani (pronounced, “CHELL’-en-tah-nee”) — boosts the nutritional value of each salad. Barilla Protein+ Cellentani is a corkscrew shape pasta made with classic golden wheat and protein from chickpeas, lentils and peas. The pasta combined with sweet snacking tomatoes is a fusion of flavors and textures that elevate any salad to a delicious and nutritious meal.

“This partnership is creating mouthwatering summer pasta salads that are packed with protein, fiber, calcium, and even more vitamins and minerals,” says Lori Castillo, NatureSweet vice president of marketing. “Our fresh and sweet snacking tomatoes complement the pasta recipes beautifully, the perfect balance— light, refreshing, and satisfying— for families on-the-go, embarking on their next summer adventure.”

In addition to inspiring recipes, the “Salads Done Right” campaign will feature strategically located signage in both produce and pasta aisles, captivating custom displays, retail media placements, and targeted digital advertising to engage online consumers at Kroger and ShopRite stores.

“Pasta salad season is one of our favorite times of the year at Barilla,” says Angie Cotter, U.S. pasta brand marketing director, Barilla Americas. “Pasta is truly the perfect base to any salad and the addition of NatureSweet snacking tomatoes is a great pairing. We hope that our partnership together inspires fans to get creative in the kitchen as they prep for BBQs, picnics or weekly meals.”

For a summer filled with flavor and nutrition, NatureSweet and Barilla invite you to explore new ways to add protein to your diet through their exciting range of salad creations such as:
Barilla Protein+ Cellentani Caprese Pasta Salad with NatureSweet Cherubs
Cellentani Antipasto Pasta Salad with Cherubs
Penne with Spring Vegetables

The Barilla and NatureSweet campaign will run from May 27 to July 13.

NatureSweet is the single-source solution for greenhouse-grown vegetables and is the #1 best-selling brand in snacking tomatoes. The largest vertically integrated agriculture company in North America, NatureSweet guarantees great tasting produce year-round, both organic and conventional. Our vegetables are carefully grown, harvested, and packaged by more than 6,000 directly employed company associates.

NatureSweet tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers are handpicked at the peak of freshness and sold at major supermarket retailers throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. NatureSweet is dedicated to having a positive social, environmental, and economic impact within our communities, and our commitment is to transform the lives of agricultural workers throughout North America. This work, as well as our efforts regarding sustainability, have led us to earn B Corp, Fair Trade, and the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certifications.

Barilla is a family business, not listed on the Stock Exchange, chaired by the brothers Guido, Luca and Paolo Barilla. It was founded by their great-grandfather Pietro Barilla, who opened a bakery in Parma in 1877. Today, Barilla is renowned in Italy and around the world for the excellence of its food products. With its brands – Barilla, Mulino Bianco, Pan di Stelle, Gran Cereale, Harrys, Pavesi, Wasa, Filiz, Yemina and Vesta, Misko, Voiello, Academia Barilla, First, Catelli, Lancia, Splendor, Back To Nature and Pasta Evangelists – it advocates tasty, hearty and nutrition, inspired by the Mediterranean Diet and the Italian lifestyle.

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