U.S. Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Wauconda, Ill., is changing its name to Synergy to reflect the last step in the company’s multimillion dollar business realignment that began with last year’s sale of its fragrance business.

“The name change also reflects a formal alignment with the rest of the flavor-related businesses of its parent, the Carbery Group,” said Roderick Sowders, president and chief executive officer. “As part of this group, USF&F has expanded access to technical resources and products on an international scale.”

The new name will encompass U.S. Flavors & Fragrances, Synergy Flavours (UK), and Customblend Ingredients (UK), as well as Carbery savory flavors and enhancements.

Astaris LLC, St. Louis, has broken ground on a new technical center in the St. Louis suburb of Webster Groves. The facility will feature a laboratory and interactive center with areas dedicated to applications research, food formulation development, phosphate compound synthesis and analytical support.

“The dedicated communications center will enable us to train customers, allied suppliers and sale specialists on the novel features of phosphate salts and acidulants and demonstrate performance. The product-based development areas will allow phosphate experts and food scientists to work side by side with customers throughout all phases of new food product development or improving existing brands,” said Paul Howes, chief executive officer and president of Astaris, in a statement.

Palatinit GmbH, Mannheim, Germany, announced its Palatinose functional carbohydrate has been approved by the European Commission for use in the European Union in all foods and beverages. The ingredient has received Generally Regarded as Safe status. Also known as isomaltulose, Palatinose is a unique sugar that can help reduce the glycemic and insulin response of foods.

Chilean President Ricardo Lagos recently visited the construction site of Orafti’s processing plant in San Pedro, Chile. The factory represents an investment of 165 million euros and will produce Orafti’s Raftiline inulin and Raftilose oligofructose made from the chicory root. Lagos said the project shows, “the seriousness of Chile toward foreign investment and the advantages of the free trade agreements Chile has subscribed.”

A&B Ingredients, Fairfield, N.J., will represent the products of Duas Rodas, Jaragua do Sul, Brazil, in North America. Duas Rodas produces tropical extracts and organic banana products, with operations throughout South and Central America and Africa.

Treatt USA, Lakeland, Fla., has purchased 6.5 acres of industrial property, including 11,375 square feet of office space and a warehouse building in Lakeland. The company says the new space initially will be used for material storage, with longer term potential for increasing efficiency and customer service.

The Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN) at the University of Maryland unveiled a new food safety training program designed to improve the quality of food entering the United States. The program will be implemented by the JohnsonDiversity International Food Safety Initiative, and will expand  current food safety in countries exporting food to the United States. Sessions will target trainers, who will then work with food producers, exporters, regulators, academics and educators.

FONA International, Geneva, Ill., has named Robert Sanza vice president of order fulfillment, responsible for developing order fulfillment as a strategic business unit within the company.

Jennifer Czerner has been selected as technical business manager for Frutarom USA Inc., North Bergen, N.J., working with the functional food team in the United States and Switzerland.