Weekly Roundup: NSF International updates certification marks, ADM among most admired food production companies on Fortune's list

25 Jan 2019 --- In nutrition research this week, omega 3 fish oil supplementation did not improve asthma control in obese adolescents and young adults, despite researchers hoping it may have an anti-inflammatory effect. Researchers from the US identified new brain circuits that may act as a brake on binge eating and junk food craving. In further news, NSF International, a global public health and safety organization, launched new product certification marks with the goal of better distinguishing certified products for consumers. Lastly, Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) has been named one of the world’s most admired companies in the food production industry by Fortune magazine for the 11th year in a row.

Fish oil does not appear to improve asthma control in adolescents and young adults with uncontrolled asthma who are overweight or obese, according to new research published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society. The study found that four grams of fish oil a day for six months did not improve asthma control, as measured by a standard asthma control questionnaire, breathing tests, urgent care visits and severe asthma exacerbations. The researchers note that asthma control in obese patients is more difficult, but the reasons are unknown. One reason may be that obesity causes systemic inflammation. Since omega 3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, it was hoped fish oil supplementation may deliver therapeutic benefits for the patients in the study.

In a separate study, researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have identified new brain circuits that may act as a brake on binge eating and junk food craving. The study seeks to shed light on why craving junk foodsFish oil supplements do not improve asthma control in teens, young adults.Credit: ATS.during dieting is so common. Using rats that had been placed on a 30-day low-fat diet, the team trained them to work for fatty treats by pressing a lever. To measure craving and motivation, the researchers kept increasing how many times the rats needed to press the lever in order to receive the treat until the rat gave up trying. Next, half of the rats underwent a surgical procedure that blocked the effects of a brain chemical called neuromedin U receptor 2 within a region of the brain that regulates food intake. The other half of the rats did not receive this treatment. After surgical recovery, the researchers found that the rats who had been treated did not work nearly as hard for fatty treats as their unaltered counterparts did. Further research in this vein could ultimately lead to the development of a crave-curbing drug.

NSF International, a global public health and safety organization, has launched new product certification marks for its Contents Certified and Certified for Sport programs, with the goal of better distinguishing certified products in a way that is instantly recognizable. The new marks were developed with feedback from current certified brand owners, coaches, athletes and consumers, which noted that the variety of NSF international marks can be confusing. Both new marks are rectangular and include the widely-recognized blue NSF circle. 

ADM has been named one of the world’s most admired companies in the food production industry by Fortune magazine, for the 11th year in a row. For 2019, Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list ranked companies in 52 major industries on nine criteria – from investment value and quality of management and products, to social responsibility and ability to attract talent. A total of 680 companies in 30 countries were evaluated this year. “ADM’s presence on this list for more than a decade now is a reflection of the steadfast commitment and service of our 31,000 global colleagues,” says Chairman and CEO Juan Luciano. “They represent a talented, diverse workforce that is dedicated to delivering excellence every day and passionate about our industry and the communities where they live and work. We are truly honored to be recognized once again as one of the most admired companies in our industry.”