China has published a national safety standard to set limits for pathogens in food: GB 29921-2013. The standard, published by the National Health and Family Planning Commission, will be effective from 1 July 2014. [ + ]

What if bacteria and algae could produce our plastics for us with no need for petroleum? European scientists believe this could be possible and are experimenting with bacteria and algae to turn them into 'bioplastic factories'. [ + ]

The AIP's Extrusion Blow Moulding Half-Day Training Course is coming to Brisbane. To be held on 28 May, the course will be presented by Stephen Barter MAIP. [ + ]

The high-protein craze could hit a demographic not usually targeted by fad diets: the elderly. A new study has found that a diet high in animal protein may prevent functional decline in elderly people - particularly men. [ + ]

The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has filed four charges relating to breaches of the Animal Products Act against Fonterra for the whey protein concentrate (WPC80) recall in 2013. Fonterra says it will accept all four charges. [ + ]

Naturally occurring compounds in strawberries can boost the perception of a product's sweetness regardless of actual sugar levels, a new study has shown. These compounds could be a way to make processed foods taste sweeter without sugar. [ + ]

Could vegetable juice be the next big thing in Asia? The Asian region accounts for 55% of the total vegetable juice market, with the segment expected to grow further as Asian consumers become increasingly health conscious. [ + ]

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation has voiced its support for the Star Rating system, which it says will help consumers make healthier food choices, leading to a decrease in obesity levels and related illnesses like type 2 diabetes and stroke. [ + ]

If Australians were to reduce their salt intake from processed foods by just 15% over 10 years, 5800 heart attacks and 4900 strokes per year could be prevented, the National Heart Foundation of Australia estimates. [ + ]

SPC Ardmona has received a much-needed boost in the form of a five-year partnership with Woolworths. The $70 million agreement will see an extra 24,000 tonnes of fruit, tomatoes and navy beans sourced locally. [ + ]

Researchers have shown that calorie restriction has no beneficial effects on life span in mice. The researchers found that not all calories are created equal: protein, carbohydrate and fat have very different effects on food intake, health and ageing. [ + ]

A new study may have cemented hospital food's bad reputation. The study found that more than 80% of raw chicken in hospitals was contaminated with an ESBL-producing E. coli strain which is resistant to antibiotics. [ + ]

Ampac has started the year off with a bang, receiving awards from three separate organisations for its packaging products. [ + ]

The AIP's next technical dinner will feature guest speakers Gwen Blake, managing director of Boxer & Co, and Sharon Givoni, an intellectual property law expert. [ + ]

OceanWatch has been recognised as a natural resource management (NRM) organisation and will receive $439,836 as part of the National Landcare Program to promote best-practice harvest practices and help increase long-term returns for Australian fishers. [ + ]