Ajinomoto Co. plans to overhaul its food business, unifying its domestic and international operations by next April.

Omega Protein Corporation announced that its new Health and Science Center in Reedville, Va., has been completed.

The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase certain confectionery assets of Kraft Foods for $1.48 billion.

A more than 50% increase in the life-span of Zucker rats was seen by enrichment of unhealthy food with a novel combination of plant sterols and mineral nutrients.

According to a study from England, "The traditional view of palatability was that it reflected some underlying nutritional deficit and was part of a homeostatically driven motivational system. However, this idea does not fit with the common observation that palatability can lead to short-term overconsumption...”

From 1999 through 2004, sales of mainstream Mexican and authentic Hispanic convenience foods -- such as entrées and hand-held items -- have grown 103%, according to "The U.S. Market for Hispanic Foods and Beverages.”

Forbes Medi-Tech Inc. announced that Dr. Steven Nissen, medical director of the Cleveland Clinic Cardiovascular Coordinating Center (C5), has been appointed chairman of Forbes Medi-Tech's Medical & Scientific Advisory Board (MSAB).

For the upcoming holiday, consumers are evenly split on where they will be eating for Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Forbes Medi-Tech Inc. announced a European Commission decision has been issued authorizing the use of Forbes' cholesterol-lowering ingredient, Reducol, in milk-based beverages.

The National Soft Drink Association announced it has changed its name to the American Beverage Association (ABA).