Beef + Lamb New Zealand is seeking feedback from farmers on a proposal to increase the maximum biosecurity levy for cattle from $0.45/head to $2/head as part of the M. bovis response. [ + ]

The Packaging Forum has welcomed Associate Minister for the Environment Eugenie Sage's plans to improve plastic recycling efforts and reduce waste in New Zealand. [ + ]

Members of the International Food and Beverage Alliance have enhanced their commitment to WHO's goal of phasing out industrially produced trans fat from the global food supply by 2023. [ + ]

Fonterra has sold New Zealand ice-cream business Tip Top to UK-based Froneri for $380 million, but it will continue to supply milk for the ice-cream. [ + ]

The conference will bring together 700 supply chain professionals in Melbourne and Sydney this week to learn about industry predictions and unlock new opportunities for their business with GS1 standards. [ + ]

Fine Food Australia will return to Sydney on 9–12 September, bringing with it new Demo Kitchens and 19 co-located competitions and events. [ + ]

A vaccine delivered to wild boar in their food can immunise them against African swine fever, and this immunity may be able to be passed on to others, researchers suggest. [ + ]

Researchers have found that a 140-year-old mixing technique, called conching, is responsible for giving chocolate its smooth texture. [ + ]

Researchers have developed a sensor that can 'smell' if milk has gone bad before the product is opened, and changes colour. [ + ]

Probiotics Australia has announced it will open a state-of-the-art biotechnology facility on Queensland's Gold Coast on 13 May 2019. [ + ]

Some of BioPak's products used during the flight include food containers made from sugarcane pulp, cutlery made from crop starch and cups made from plant matter. [ + ]

AUSVEG has asked government to place greater prioritisation of horticulture products in trade negotiations and to implement an industry/government committee which oversees whole-of-government regulatory cost increases. [ + ]

Tickets are now available for the 26th Asia Pacific Food Safety Conference, which will be held in Sydney from 20–22 August. [ + ]

Australia's manufacturing industry expanded in April, led by the food and beverages sector which increased by 1.6 points to 61.8, according to the Australian PMI. [ + ]

Tetra Pak's acquisition of Macro Automation enhances its ability to support Oceania customers across all food and beverage categories. [ + ]