Researchers studied the microbiomes of 116 houseflies and blowflies from three different continents and found they carried over 600 hundred different species of bacteria. [ + ]

ACCC Commissioner Mick Keogh said reliable information is important in encouraging future investment and ensuring the productivity of the red meat industry, but there is still much to be done before this is achieved. [ + ]

Electrolyte drinks may be an effective solution to help our canine friends stay hydrated, according to a study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. [ + ]

Mentorship, access to experts, $10,000 cash and more are being offered to food industry start-ups by Chobani — but you'd better be quick, applications close on 30 November. [ + ]

Australian vegetable farmers are responding to consumer demands for a wider variety of fresh vegetables and increasing their profitability as well. [ + ]

Christmas treats such as German cinnamon biscuits, cinnamon rolls and cinnamon eggnog may be slightly more guilt-free this year in light of new research which suggests the common holiday spice may help prevent obesity. [ + ]

Despite Australia being considered as a 'lucky country', hunger still affects many Australians, which is why Foodbank is calling on the federal government to develop a National Food Insecurity Strategy. [ + ]

Does your Christmas menu feature wild boar? If so, you might want to rethink. [ + ]

In conjunction with the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), the Packaging Council of New Zealand has announced the launch of an annual acholarship program. [ + ]

Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings has been appointed as chairman of the Global Dairy Platform (GDP). [ + ]

With the lactose-free milk market expanding, GlobalData labels dairy producer Parmalat's launch of its 'lactose-free' milk product as very timely. [ + ]

Windham Packaging LLC filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission after six companies used its patented breathable packaging without paying for it. [ + ]

Nestlé has joined other food companies in the fight for animal welfare, stating it will source cage-free eggs for all of its food products by 2025. [ + ]

Victorian leafy vegetable grower Bill Bulmer will take the position of AUSVEG chair after a unanimous vote during a board meeting on 13 November in Melbourne. [ + ]

The 2018 Commonwealth Games will be hosted in Brisbane, and Sunny Queen Managing Director John O'Hara suggests this could present an invaluable opportunity for the food and catering industry in Queensland. [ + ]