Eating a high-fat diet could lead to a loss of smell, according to Florida State University neuroscientists. The researchers found that a high-fat diet is linked to major structural and functional changes in the olfactory system. [ + ]

A new study published in the Journal of Food Science explains that essential oils may be suitable for use as food preservatives in packaging to help extend the shelf life of food products. [ + ]

2015 represents a significant milestone for AUSPACK: the exhibition celebrates its 30th anniversary as the largest biennial processing and packaging machinery and materials exhibition in Australia. [ + ]

Following accusations of research misconduct, an inquiry into publications regarding the 'Australian Paradox' has found that two minor errors in the research do not constitute a breach of the Australian code of conduct for research. [ + ]

How do we convince squeamish consumers that insects are a viable (and palatable) option? Research from Canadean suggests that information is key - as is tapping into insects' association with exotic foods. [ + ]

Watching football is thirsty work. It's estimated that sales of aluminium beverage cans exceeded the 2 billion mark over the four weeks of the 2014 FIFA World Cup - a 35% increase over the same period last year. [ + ]

The Australian Packaging Covenant has announced the winners of the APC Awards. The awards were presented at the APC Awards Night in Melbourne on 15 July; another awards ceremony will be held on 23 July at the Sydney APC Awards Night. [ + ]

What's for dinner for almost a quarter of all Australians aged 14+? Salmon, according to new research from Roy Morgan. While 53% of all Australians ate fish in any given week, 24% - almost half - ate salmon, the research shows. [ + ]

'Junior milk' products aimed at toddlers offer few nutritional benefits and trade on "parental guilt" that fussy eaters aren't getting all the nutrients they need, consumer watchdog Choice has claimed. [ + ]

A new website has been developed to help crop producers get the full benefit of honey bee pollination. The BeeAware site aims to protect honey bees by promoting the increased yield honey bee pollination provides crops. [ + ]

Malaysian researchers are developing a testing kit that identifies non-halal ingredients within one minute. The kit, developed by the University of Selangor, can be used to test food, cosmetics and medicines. [ + ]

There's a new emulsifier in town: okra. An Estonian PhD student is investigating the potential of carbohydrates extracted from the pods of the okra plant as emulsifiers. [ + ]

Planning to sponsor a participant in the Ignite Packaging pilot program? Time's running out: submissions close 25 July. [ + ]

The Health Star Rating System has one fatal flaw, according to AUSVEG: at least 50% of vegetables don't receive a five-star rating. If the system fails to identify these foods as optimum healthy choices, where else does it fall down? [ + ]

Fonterra has signed an agreement with Abbott to develop a dairy farm hub in China. The hub would be Fonterra's third in the country. [ + ]