DSM Nutritional Products Inc. has begun the search for its second DSM Human Nutrition Award winner. The award, which is given every two years and is worth a total of 25,000 Euros, recognized scientists for innovative research in human nutrition, with special emphasis on naturally occurring dietary bioactive compounds to promote human health. The closing date for the award is May 31, 2005, and information on submissions can be found at dsmnutritionalproducts.com.

BASF’s Human Nutrition division, based in Florham Park, N.J., announced it is raising prices of food-grade lysine for customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The increase is due to increased energy, transportation and material costs.

Danisco, New Century, Kansas, recently recognized three students from Washington State University for their first place entry in its 2004 Knowledge Award New Products Contest. The team created a probiotic yogurt drink called Yosha using Danisco ingredients.
The second place award went to a team from the University of Arkansas for their South East Asian Egg Roll, and third place to a Cornell University team that created an almond/tofu dip called Crémond. Entries were judged on originality of concept, market potential, nutritional profile, flavor, aroma, texture and appearance.

Cargill’s Eridex erythritol no-calorie bulk sweetener has been approved in Canada for use in low-calorie beverages, dietetic cookies, soft and hard candies, chewing gum and table-top sweeteners. “With Canadian government approval, food, beverage and candy manufacturers in North America now enjoy a common regulatory status for this innovative, low-calorie bulk sweetener,” said Ron Perko, polyol business development manager for Minneapolis-based Cargill.

Draco Natural Products, San Jose, Calif., has received Certified Organic Processor status from International Certification Services Inc. for its manufacturing facilities. The certification allows it to put USDA-NOP or IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements) labels on organic extracts. It also makes the company the only certified botanical extract manufacturer in China, and it is developing an international network of organically certified farmers.

Symrise Flavor Division, Teterboro, N.J., and SweetGredients, a joint venture of Arla Foods Ingredients and Nordzucker, have entered into a cooperative agreement to develop flavors containing Gaio tagatose sweetener. Tagatose has the bulk and sweetness of sugar, but is metabolized differently and is lower in calories. Potential uses include diet drinks, yogurts and light and low-glycemic confectionery products.

FMC BioPolymer will implement an average price increase of 6 to 9 percent for selected pharmaceutical-, food- and industrial-grade alginate products. The company says the increases are due to strategic raw material costs, energy and freight costs.

Roy Riley has been selected as technical sales representative for Milwaukee, Wis-based Chr. Hansen Inc.’s fermented dairy ingredients products. He will support the group’s sales efforts throughout the United States. A.M. Todd Botanicals Therapeutics, Eugene, Ore. has named Kyle J. Griffiths vice president of global sales and Matthew Redd director of marketing. Univera Inc., Lacey, Wash., has named Thomas J. Hoolihan vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary. Univera is the holding company for Aloecorp, Unigen Pharmaceuticals and Oasis LifeSciences. It also announced its Oasis LifeSciences division has appointed Scotty Kufus director of business development.