An ancient Indian spice might hold the key to the development of countertops, cutting boards and knives that prevent cross-contamination by killing bacteria on contact. [ + ]

Consumers could soon be carrying miniature sensors in their smartphones that can analyse the freshness of fruit and vegetables in the supermarket. [ + ]

Graphic Packaging has agreed to acquire all the issued shares of Colorpak Limited. [ + ]

Japan-based Xware has released its menu-translating app SmartMenu in Australia. [ + ]

A new partnership between Swinburne and Dal Group Australia seeks to develop technology to transform winery waste into natural compounds that can be re-used in the winemaking process. [ + ]

Wiley has been comissioned to fulfil a 4-stage development project for Northern Co-operative Meat Company. The projects consist of design and construction of a new state-of-the-art cold chain management facility; design and construction of a beef knocking box and race system; design, supply and install of a steam repair and relocation; and finally the tannery wastewater treatment plant upgrade. [ + ]

SAI Global has appointed Dawn Welham as global technical director and thought leader as the risk management company continues to expand its expertise in the retail, food and agribusiness industries. [ + ]

No Christmas meal is complete without a nice serving of gravy. However, this delicious complement to any meat or poultry dish can also be dangerous as it provides a breeding ground for a common foodborne bacteria. [ + ]

The NSW Government has stripped raw milk marketed as 'cosmetic' or 'bath' milk from the shelves of a number of Sydney health food shops following recent inspections. [ + ]

Here are some tips to help minimise the risk of food safety breakdowns over the holiday season. [ + ]

The Australian Institute of Packaging has called for papers for the biennial AIP National Conference, to be held 1–2 June 2016 in Melbourne. [ + ]

Fonterra will invest $132 million to build a state-of-the-art cheese plant at its Stanhope factory in Victoria, replacing the hard cheese plant destroyed by fire in December 2014. [ + ]

Global weighing instruments manufacturer Mettler-Toledo has announced it will commence operation in New Zealand, following its purchase of the main business assets of Ansutek. [ + ]

With the festive season upon us, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has issued a timely food safety warning. [ + ]

Brisbane start-up ProGel has begun test marketing of Perkii, a non-dairy, low-kilojoule, juice and water probiotic drink. [ + ]