For many older consumers, seeing the word 'natural' on a food label tends to make them think it's more healthy, new research from Canadean shows. [ + ]

US consumers are eating traditional snack foods, particularly snacks with a perceived health benefit, in between and at meals. This behaviour will drive the growth of snack foods eaten at main meals over next five years, according to The NPD Group. [ + ]

Fonterra has been commended for its implementation of improvements after last year's recall of whey protein concentrate WPC80.  [ + ]

The first probiotic has had a monograph published in the FCC. This means that there are now strain-specific standards for testing the identity, concentration and purity of the GanedenBC³⁰ (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086) probiotic. [ + ]

GWF's Weston Milling business will merge with AB Mauri's Australian and New Zealand operations. The merged companies will be launced as MAURI anz and will be a division of GWF and an affiliate of the global AB Mauri business. [ + ]

Junk food changes eating behaviour in rats, causing them to stop seeking out novel foods, a new study has shown. The researchers say this could explain why excessive junk food consumption can weaken self-control and lead to overeating and obesity. [ + ]

Egg stamping will become mandatory from 26 November 2014. From this date, each egg will need to be stamped with a unique identifying mark that allows it to be traced back to the farm where it was laid in the event of a food-poisoning outbreak. [ + ]

The answer to widespread micronutrient deficiencies? Condiments! Fortified condiments, that is. University of Illinois researchers are working with the WHO to fortify condiments and seasonings to redress micronutrient deficiencies. [ + ]

New research reveals that skin colouration from fruit and vegetable intake is perceived as more attractive than a suntan.   [ + ]

Reports of a 19% rise in the number of people in the UK who were admitted to hospital with malnutrition have prompted market researchers at Canadean to review their research into the areas of nutrition and consumer behaviour. [ + ]

Cargill has announced it will purchase Archer Daniels Midland Company's global chocolate business for $440 million. The sale is expected to close in the first half of 2015. [ + ]

A Queensland judge has increased a fine of $7000 to one of $20,000 to act as a deterrent to other food importers. The Department of Agriculture appealed the original fine as it was not proportionate to the seriousness of the offence. [ + ]

European Union countries rank higher than the rest of the world in terms of global food traceability regulations and requirements, a report has found. The report evaluates and compares the traceability regulations of 21 OECD countries. [ + ]

Consumers buying gluten-free products could be unwittingly exposing themselves to a food allergen, according to a Kansas State University food safety specialist. [ + ]

Researchers have found that British people from low socioeconomic backgrounds still eat more salt than those from higher socioeconomic positions, irrespective of where they live. [ + ]