A new study that examined food poisoning infection ‘as it happens’ in mice revealed harmful bacteria, such as a common type of Salmonella, takes over beneficial bacteria within the gut amid previously unseen changes to the gut environment. The results provide new insights into the course of infection and could lead to better prevention or new treatments. [ + ]

Packaging plays a vital role in the food industry and now new Australian research has established how this role can be extended to assist in minimising food waste. [ + ]

Dagab’s cold storage warehouse is powered by 407 solar cells, which generate 87,000 kWh electricity per year - roughly the amount of energy required to heat five average-sized homes. [ + ]

The JetSpray humidifier is helping GM Steel reduce carcass moisture loss after slaughter by up to 1.5%. By maintaining a consistently high humidity in the chill-down area, GM steel has been able to reduce moisture loss from 2.5% to less than 1%. [ + ]

As astronauts journey deeper and deeper into space, space agencies are finding they need to modify life support systems, including how to feed the crew. NASA is conducting a feasibility study into using 3D printing of food for long space voyages. [ + ]

Alba Edible Oils received a grant of nearly $500,000 as part of the Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program. The company has reduced energy wastage by more than 80%, saving $190,000 per year in energy costs. [ + ]

For around every 4 L of olive oil that’s pressed, about 17 kg of pomace is left behind. These leftovers typically have low-value uses. But US engineers are working with growers and processors in California to find new, environmentally friendly and profitable uses for pomace. [ + ]

In South Africa, Durban’s moist and warm climate is an attraction for tourists but caused problems at Chester Wholesale Meat. The moist tropical air kept moving inwards from the truck loading area and condensing in the holding dispatch section, which is kept at 10˚C. In addition to blinding mist, large amounts of condensation on the meat product, walls and floor caused a slippery build-up of water and provided a potential hazard for the workforce. This became so problematic that the area earned the nickname ‘the fish tank’. [ + ]

State and federal health ministers are meeting to approve a new star rating system for food packaging. Easy-to-interpret front-of-pack labels are expected to help consumers quickly assess the nutritive value of food and help fight the epidemic of obesity and related chronic diseases. [ + ]

The high costs of upgrading winery facilities to improve sustainability can deter producers. Fortunately, grants are available through the Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program. [ + ]

The latest generation of tubular drag cable conveyors provides critical process and product quality benefits for breakfast cereal processors. Minimised product damage, improved product safety, reduced clean-up and faster changeovers are key advantages over traditional conveying systems. [ + ]

A $9.1 million government grant is helping Mackay Sugar eliminate its annual carbon liability and produce enough renewable energy to meet one-third of Mackay City’s power needs. [ + ]

Chadwicks produced high-quality pre-cut lids for First Milk’s new product, Lake District Dairy Co. Quark. Chadwicks worked closely with the company to develop a colour-matched lid that is consistent with the existing pot labelling. [ + ]

An international team of scientists has discovered the unique strain of Phytophthora infestans that was responsible for the Irish potato famine by using dried herbarium samples held in Munich and London. [ + ]

TINE, a Norwegian dairy producer, distributor and exporter, is the first brand in Europe to use Tetra Pak’s LightCap 30 product, an HDPE cap made from sugar cane. [ + ]