Crickets are a sustainable, efficient and nutritious protein source that far outperforms traditional livestock — and in NZ they're farming them. [ + ]

Oxygen-sensing nanoparticles doped into food labels could be used to detect tampering or adulteration. [ + ]

A serendipitous tasting of a chlorinated sugar compound by insecticide researchers in 1976 resulted in Tate & Lyle patenting the non-nutritive sweetener sucralose, in 1976. [ + ]

Fruit and vegetable suppliers LaManna Group and Premier Fruits Group will merge from July 2016. [ + ]

The Australian Institute of Packaging will hold a joint technical dinner with the SPE on plastics on 13 July at Box Hill Golf Club, Melbourne. [ + ]

Technology that reviews the allergen status of all ingredients in a product has been named the winner of the Food Industry Innovation Award at the 49th Annual Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) Convention. [ + ]

Tight profit margins and increasing labour costs may force reinvention of the foodservice industry, with automation offering the potential to offset increasing wage costs. [ + ]

A dietary expert has criticised the UK’s Eatwell Guide — a visual representation of the government's recommendations on food groups for a 'healthy, balanced diet' — saying it is not evidence based and has been formulated by too many people with industry ties. [ + ]

Scotland has launched a memorable food safety campaign about the dangers of undercooked chicken. [ + ]

From vegetable crackers to automated hospital trolleys, Australian innovations in the food and agribusiness industry are the focus of a book launched at the Australian Institute of Food Science & Technology conference. [ + ]

Australian researchers have found that eating a diet rich in fibre can shape the immune system to reduce allergies to substances such as peanuts. [ + ]

Scientists say brewing more flavoursome coffee could be as simple as chilling the beans before grinding. [ + ]

The Greens' policy of a 20% price increase for sugary drinks would be a great step forward in tackling Australia's obesity problem, especially for children, according to Public Health Association of Australia President Professor Heather Yeatman. [ + ]

Queensland vegetable grower Rob Hinrichsen has received the AUSVEG Grower of the Year Award at the industry's 2016 National Awards for Excellence. [ + ]

Scientists have found a way to use an electric field to reduce fat in liquid chocolate — maintaining a suitable viscosity for the manufacturing process while yielding a healthier end product. [ + ]