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the scientific literature does not support a link between intakes of artificial sweeteners and metabolic changes in children, says a new review from the us national institutes of health. while some data from observational studies does link artificially-sweetened beverage consumption and weight gain in children, the overall body of science does not support an association, according to a systematic review published in the international journal of pediatric obesity.

interest in locally-produced food has mushroomed in the last five years, indicates a new survey that considers manufactured food as well as locally grown and raised produce. according to igd, which conducted a survey of over 1000 shoppers in the uk, designed to be a representative sample of the population, 30 per cent said they have specifically bought local food in the last month.

a multinational alliance called soyfoods haiti alliance relief effort, or share is coordinating donation and delivery of protein-rich foods to the haiti earthquake relief effort. share has been formed by a number of soy-related organisations, including the us-based world soy foundation, canadian non-profit malnutrition matters, and european consultancy bridge2food. more information is at http://bridge2food.

supplements of omega-3-rich fish oil may reduce the likelihood of developing psychotic disorders in high-risk people, say results of a new clinical trial. twelve weeks of supplementation with fish oil rich in epa (eicosapentaenoic acid) and dha (docosahexaenoic acid) reduced the risk of progression to full threshold psychosis by 22.6 per cent, compared to placebo, according to findings published in the archives of general psychiatry.

the food safety authority ireland may not publish extensive salt reduction targets for industry, but it has been working hard to encourage companies to cut salt in their products since 2004. an article published in the irish times newspaper today says the food safety watchdog has “abandoned plans to impose specific targets for reduced salt content in most processed products after opposition from the food industry”.

fast food companies are the new bugbear of london’s mayor, who used the launch of a new event comparing childhood obesity in new york and london to pledge action. the new report, called “a tale of two obescities”, found that childhood obesity rates are higher in both london and new york than they are in the rest of the uk and the usa. almost 23 per cent of london’s four year olds are obese, riding to 36.

good news is on the dining front as 67 percent of respondents to restaurants & institutions’ 2010 new american diner study anticipated eating out at least as often in 2010 as they did in 2009, up from 56.9 percent who were similarly optimistic last year. some diners report trading down to less-expensive restaurants, and many others are adjusting their typical meal orders to trim check sizes. additionally, the percentage of respondents who are more likely to order menu items labeled “organic” dropped to 17.

support for ethically produced foods in general has withstood the pressures of an 18-month recession and is growing, despite the tough economic conditions. in fact, nearly 30 percent of shoppers have specifically purchased locally produced food over the last month, double the number in 2006, according to new consumer research released by food and grocery analysts igd. “these figures prove what we have been saying throughout the recession—shoppers are looking for both value and values.

the u.s. food and drug administration (fda) is requesting $4.03 billion to transform food-safety practices, improve medical product safety, protect patients and modernize fda regulatory science to advance public health. the request is part of president obama’s fiscal year 2011 budget—a 23-percent increase over the agency’s current $3.28 billion budget. the proposed budget includes $318.3 million in support for the transforming food safety initiative that reflects president obama’s vision of a new food-safety system to protect the american public.

no association between red or processed meat consumption and cancer has been found according to a new, comprehensive assessment of the scientific evidence. the report, funded by the beef and pork checkoff program, examines the hypothesis that meat consumption may contribute to human carcinogenesis. the hypothesis arose in the 1960s, when certain studies correlated per capita intake levels of animal fat with cancer rates, particularly colorectal cancer and breast cancer.