Gourmet News

Bell Flavors & Fragrances Makes Leadership Changes

Published May 21, 2024

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. has made strategic executive leadership changes within the company’s U.S. Flavor and Quality Compliance, Operational Excellence and Environmental Health & Safety divisions at its global headquarters in Northbrook, Ill.

“Congratulations on all well-deserved promotions at Bell Flavors & Fragrances. I thank these experts for their leadership and look forward to their continued success as they inspire Bell employees to uphold total customer satisfaction,” said Ron Stark, president & CEO.

Cody Heinz has been promoted to vice president of U.S. Flavor Sales in Northbrook. Since joining Bell in September 2012, Heinz has held positions with increased responsibility, most recently serving as director of U.S. Flavor Sales.

In his new leadership role, Heinz will drive the strategic direction of and oversee Bell’s Flavor Sales division, with a continued focus on growth and performance through all stages of the customer experience.

Heinz earned his undergraduate degree from Miami University and master of business administration degree from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. He is actively involved in the flavors and fragrances industry and holds a variety of professional appointments, such as being part of the National Confectioners Association’s 2024 Class of Future Leaders, 2025 Western Candy Conference Chairman and serving as a committee member for the Flavor Extract Manufacturers Association, NCA and more.

Justin Kozlowski has been promoted to vice president and commercial general manager of flavors in Northbrook. He joined Bell in June 2023, previously serving as the vice president of beverage, flavor creation & application.

In this new role, Kozlowski will manage Bell’s Flavor Sales, Creation, Application and Administration teams. He will ensure that Bell’s go-to-market strategy is executed with excellence, bringing targeted consumers closer to our customers’ brands through superior flavor experiences.

Kozlowski earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from DePaul University, a master of science degree in Food Science from the University of Illinois and a master of business administration degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. As a certified flavorist, he has been in the flavor industry for 20 years and is active as a Society of Flavor Chemists board member.

Mike Smith has been promoted to vice president of flavors and fragrances, quality compliance, operational excellence and environmental health & safety. Smith has been with Bell since July 2020, previously serving as the senior director of manufacturing at Bell’s Middletown, N.Y.. facility. He will now be based in Northbrook.

In his new role, Smith assumes executive leadership and is responsible for overseeing and developing strategies, policies and procedures for Bell’s Quality Compliance, Operational Excellence and Environmental Health and Safety teams.

Additionally, Smith will be responsible for maintaining relevant sustainability and quality management certifications and ensure ongoing compliance with local and federal food, chemical and occupational safety regulations.

Smith earned his bachelor of arts degree in government and history from the University of Notre Dame and his master of business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He is both HACCP and PCQI-certified.

Kenneth Beecher has been promoted to director manufacturing at Bell’s Middletown site. Beecher has been with Bell since 2018, previously serving as the associate director of manufacturing since 2022.

In his new role, Beecher will manage all safety, quality and service goals in accordance with Bell policies, SQF standards and government regulations.

He’ll also lead the Middletown team as an active member of Bell’s Food Defense, HAACP, GMP, Food Safety and Quality Development and Recall teams while ensuring that departments ranging from Inventory Control to Quality Systems operate at peak performance.

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FDA Rules Tara Flour Fails to Meet GRAS Standard

Published May 17, 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that tara flour in human food does not meet the Generally Recognized As Safe (or GRAS) standard and is an unapproved food additive. The FDA’s assessment of the ingredient is detailed in a memo added to the agency’s public inventory. Increased transparency of our assessment of ingredients in the food supply is part of our approach to enhance food chemical safety.

Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act, any ingredient used or intended for use in food must be authorized by the FDA for use as a food additive unless that use is Generally Recognized As Safe or GRAS by qualified experts or meets a listed exception to the food additive definition in the FD&C Act. An unapproved food additive is deemed to be unsafe under the FD&C Act.

In 2022, Daily Harvest used tara flour in a leek and lentil crumble product which was associated with roughly 400 adverse event reports. The firm took prompt action to voluntarily recall the product and conduct its own root cause analysis, during which they identified tara flour as a possible contributor to the illnesses. To date, the FDA has found no evidence that tara flour caused the outbreak; however, it did prompt the agency to evaluate the regulatory status of this food ingredient.

The FDA’s evaluation revealed that there is not enough data on the use of tara flour in food, or a history of its safe use, to consider it GRAS. There is no food additive regulation authorizing the use of tara flour in food. Uses of food ingredients that are not GRAS, not authorized as food additives, and not excepted from the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act’s food additive definition are unapproved food additives. Food that is, or contains, an unsafe food additive is considered adulterated.

Manufacturers who are considering using tara flour as an ingredient in food are responsible for ensuring that its use is safe and lawful and are encouraged to consult with the FDA. At this time, the FDA is not aware of evidence that shows that tara flour is a food ingredient being developed domestically or that there are any products containing tara flour that are currently being manufactured in the United States.

The FDA instituted screening at ports of entry for tara flour used as an ingredient in imported food or imported for sale in bulk. The agency has not detected any recent shipments of that flour in imported products as of today.

The FDA remains committed to monitoring new ingredients in the food supply to ensure they meet relevant safety standards. The FDA’s assessment of chemicals in the food supply is part of our commitment to food safety and public health.

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GoVerden Expands Products in Walmart, Whole Foods

Published May 15, 2024

GoVerden, the maker of all-natural, ready-made guacamole, launched a nationwide retail expansion of products. Beginning The brand’s distribution in Walmart will increase from 200 to 1,050 stores across the country, offering the brand’s top selling Guacamole Mild and Guacamole Spicy to a larger customer base. Second only to the Super Bowl, this time of year is the United States’ biggest consumption occasion for guacamole, and GoVerden is ensuring shelves are stocked to meet demand.

Following the expanded nationwide distribution in Walmart, GoVerden is also excited to announce that Guacamole Mild will be available nationally at Whole Foods starting in June. This expansion reflects the brand’s growing popularity and commitment to making its high-quality, convenient products accessible to a wider range of consumers.

“Guacamole and processed avocado products are registering double-digit growth in sales year over year, in retail and food service, which is why we are expanding our national distribution further,” says Rick Joyal, vice president of North American Sales at GoVerden. “Our goal is to meet the growing needs for our high-quality, all-natural guacamole, and ensure that everyone across the nation can enjoy our industry leading avocado products,” the 20 year guacamole sales veteran shares.

GoVerden is owned by three of the largest avocado growers in Michoacán, Mexico. The family farming operations date back more than three decades, boasting a rich history of producing avocados for both the fresh and processed markets. The inception of the brand started in 2018 when the passion for creating a ready-to-enjoy guacamole brand united the like-minded growers.

GoVerden sets itself apart with its unexpectedly fresh flavor, crafting guacamole exclusively with non-GMO Certified fruits and vegetables, maintaining a 100% natural product. The brand uses a high-pressure pasteurization process that eliminates pathogens and extends shelf life, without the use of artificial preservatives. “We prioritize taste and quality above anything else. Our unique farm-to-table approach ensures that every spoonful of GoVerden guacamole is packed with the freshest ingredients. You will taste the difference,” says Joyal.

Every GoVerden product starts with hand-scooped Hass avocados, grown in Michoacán, Mexico, the avocado capital of the world. This attention to detail results in a chunky yet creamy texture that is synonymous with homemade guacamole. For the consumer who values quality, flavor and freshness, GoVerden’s all-natural, non-GMO, ready-made guacamole and fresh avocado products are an ideal choice. Look out for GoVerden Guacamole in your local Walmart today, and in Whole Foods starting in June.

For a more information about GoVerden visit us at www.goverden.com and follow us on Instagram @go.verden

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