A recap of October's top stories

Food label changes: Philippines updates policies governing sodium limits and caloric labelling in pre-packaged food products

The Philippines Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has announced new changes to sodium content limits and how caloric values are to be displayed on the packaging of pre-packaged processed food products in the country.

Philippines sugar tax: ‘Watered-down’ policy will lead to fewer health gains – new data

The sugar tax as implemented in the Philippines will lead to health and economic improvements, but to a lesser extent that if it had been enacted in its original form, new data suggests.

Autumn apprehensions: South Korea issues food safety warnings for fresh foods and rice rolls in ‘high-risk’ fall season

The South Korean government has issued food safety warnings for the consumption of fresh foods and rice rolls (gimbap) amidst the ‘high-risk’ autumn season between September to November, citing traditionally high counts of food poisoning cases occurring during this period.

India iced tea innovation: Shark Tank-backed Beyond Water launches first RTD products with strong health focus

India’s Beyond Water has launched its first ready-to-drink (RTD) iced tea in India, tapping on high-quality tea sourcing and consumers demand for healthier beverages.

Wider appeal: Lotte Thailand targets biscuit innovation for older consumers and religious groups

Snacking giant Lotte Thailand hopes to increase brand appeal beyond kids by developing more products targeted at older consumers and catering to all religions with more halal and vegetarian offerings.

Time to comply: China issues guide for food firms to meet ‘excessive packaging’ rules

The Chinese government has published guide for food firms trying to meet its new excessive packaging regulations, urging industry players to ensure they are fully compliant in the next six months.

FIT-ter KIDS: Fortified products key to addressing APAC micronutrient gaps – Nestle at Growth Asia Summit

New Nestle data has revealed the major micronutrient gaps faced by many toddlers and school-age children in the Asia Pacific region, as well as the important role that fortified foods and beverages can play in addressing these needs.

‘Significant differences’ in nutrients intake found between animal-based and plant-based diets, long-term impact hangs in the balance – study

A new study reveals the key differences in nutrient intake when an animal-based diet is replaced with plant-based alternatives, with calls for greater in-depth research and consideration of such factors manufacturers when developing new products.

‘Historic’ challenges: Nestle hopes nutrition strategy will boost recovery after APAC inflation and FX strife

Nestle is hopeful that its new nutritional labelling and marketing strategy will play a strong part in its sales recovery, after seeing a drop in sales across many APAC markets due to ‘historic’ inflation and foreign exchange challenges.

Meatable says costs cut and production improved as it aims to debut price-competitive cultivated meat in Singapore

The Netherlands-based food tech company Meatable says it has managed to reduce costs and raise production efficiency of its cultivated meat products, which are on course to be launched in Singapore by next year.