With ongoing concerns about the welfare of egg-laying hens prompting changes to free-range egg classification, the egg farming industry is seeing a shift towards free-range eggs at all stages of the supply chain. [ + ]

Growth in the premium spirits market indicates a rise in preference for quality over quantity, according to the IWSR 2016 database. [ + ]

Foodbank Australia has announced the appointment of Brianna Casey as its new chief executive officer. [ + ]

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Global Food Safety Initiative have signed a memorandum of understanding to signal their commitment to a large-scale partnership for food safety. [ + ]

Lupin is an emerging food allergen of public health significance in Australia and New Zealand, and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is now calling for submissions on a proposal to require the mandatory declaration of lupin as an allergen. [ + ]

Almost six weeks after General Mills recalled 4.5 million kg of flour in the US due to suspected E. coli contamination, officials have found the 'smoking gun' in the investigation. [ + ]

In a breakthrough for the avocado industry, an Australian company has developed a processing technology which stops browning of freshly cut avocado and prolongs shelf life for a minimum of 10 days. [ + ]

Visiting Wiley at Foodtech will also provide the chance to meet Kuka's KR AGILUS robot — a lightweight, versatile and fast robot that is changing how food can be processed, packaged and delivered. Specially designed for the food sector, the bot excels at performing repetitive movements and working at high speeds with a high degree of accuracy. [ + ]

A comprehensive online resource about FODMAPs and low FODMAP diets has been developed to support both the consumer seeking more information about a low FODMAP diet and the healthcare professional looking to build knowledge and practice tools. [ + ]

Market research company Canadean has identified novel packaging solutions being used to break the stereotype of convenience-quality trade-off. [ + ]

Hilton Worldwide has announced multiyear sustainable seafood goals. [ + ]

Oxygen microbubbles make treatments for hard-to-treat tumours like pancreatic cancer more potent, according to scientists from Cancer Research UK. [ + ]

If you have knowledge to share about the migration of chemicals from packaging into food or comments about the regulations involving this, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) wants to hear from you. [ + ]

The link between cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk is well established and well known by consumers too. This has created a market for cholesterol-lowering foods that is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% to 2020. [ + ]

Australia's 'Lambassador', Sam Kekovich, has joined the Australian Made Campaign in its bid to encourage shoppers to look for the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo when they shop. [ + ]