Industry News
First probiotic listed in Food Chemicals Codex
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. [ + ]
Weston Milling merges with AB Mauri's ANZ operations
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. [ + ]
Egg stamping becomes mandatory in November
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. [ + ]
Junk food shown to change eating behaviours
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. [ + ]
Tackling micronutrient deficiency with fortified condiments
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. [ + ]
Forget tanning: fruit and veg is the key to a truly healthy glow
New research reveals that skin colouration from fruit and vegetable intake is perceived as more attractive than a suntan. [ + ]
UK hospital admissions for malnutrition rise by 19%
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. [ + ]
Importer's fine increased from $7K to $20K
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. [ + ]
Cargill spends $440m on ADM global chocolate business
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. [ + ]
Gluten-free ingredient could cause allergic reaction
Consumers buying gluten-free products could be unwittingly exposing themselves to a food allergen, according to a Kansas State University food safety specialist. [ + ]
Australia's food traceability scored as 'average' in OECD review
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. [ + ]
Seaweed to be used to produce bioplastics
Researchers have developed a way to introduce sustainably cultivated seaweeds as feedstock for biodegradable bioplastics. SEABIOPLAS is an FP7-funded project that aims to develop a greener alternative to bioplastics. [ + ]
Socioeconomic status predicts salt intake
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. [ + ]
Contributions invited on Imported Food Inspection Scheme audit
The Department of Agriculture's administration of the Imported Food Inspection Scheme is being audited by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO). [ + ]
Merger forms world's third-largest QSR company
Burger King has merged with restaurant chain Tim Hortons to create the world’s third-largest quick-service restaurant company. Between them, the two companies have more than 18,000 restaurants in 100 countries and US$23 billion in system sales. [ + ]
