A packaging film is being developed that is edible, biodegradable and offers better spoilage resistance than plastic. [ + ]

A parent advocacy group claims that many prepared toddler meals contain too much sodium for young children. [ + ]

A 60% rise in global food and beverage launches using a vegetarian claim between 2011 and 2015 highlights the market opportunities available in the meat substitute market, according to Innova Market Insights. [ + ]

Landcare Australia is hoping it can tempt adventurous Australians to taste their way down Tasmania's east coast on a week-long trek to raise money to support Australian farmers. [ + ]

FSANZ is seeking submissions on a potato that has been genetically modified to reduce bruising and also reduces the amount of acrylamide formed during cooking. [ + ]

A new type of electronic sensor that can not only detect and classify bacteria, but can also tell if the bacteria are dead or alive is under development. [ + ]

Fungal diseases threaten to wipe out the global banana industry in just five to 10 years. But it is hoped new research will better equip researchers to develop hardier, disease-resistant banana plants and more effective disease-prevention treatments. [ + ]

Research from Edith Cowan University has shed light on what influences Australian consumers when making the decision to buy vodka. [ + ]

Scientists are moving closer to commercial production of a fruit protein called brazzein that is far sweeter than sugar — and has fewer kilojoules. [ + ]

A lack of accessible fresh food may increase the risk of developing the signs of early heart disease, according to research published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation. [ + ]

Do consumers understand the differences between 'best before' and 'use by'? And has recent attention on food waste reduction changed consumer behaviour in relation to food shelf life? [ + ]

Metabiota has launched a Food Risk Insights platform, to provide food producers, suppliers and retailers the ability to identify, analyse and proactively mitigate risks across the supply chain. [ + ]

The Glove Company (TGC) has launched Vinyl Premium Powdered gloves that are HACCP Food Safety certified and suitable for use with food preparation, food service and processing. [ + ]

University of Adelaide researchers are developing new high-yielding, stress-tolerant cereal varieties, by improving plant breeding strategies. [ + ]

Frankfurter fraud is real, and for those who can't consume certain types of meats for health, cultural or religious reasons, it's important to know what they're eating. [ + ]