While many of us cite the health benefits of dark chocolate as the reason for our addiction to the stuff, the exact reason for these health benefits has remained a mystery for many years - until now. [ + ]

The Tasmanian Fruit and Vegetable Taskforce has been announced by Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce. The task force aims to develop an industry-led growth plan for the sector. [ + ]

Thai consumers are embracing processed foods, with consumption of prepared meals expected to increase at a CAGR of 9.8%. Packaging manufacturers can take advantage of this by producing light, easy-to-use, convenient packaging. [ + ]

FSANZ is calling for comments regarding a Dow AgroSciences application to permit food derived from a genetically modified herbicide-tolerant cotton line. [ + ]

A sweetener that doesn't raise blood sugar? While it sounds too good to be true, it isn't - researchers are suggesting that a sweetener created from the agave plant could lower blood glucose levels and help obese people lose weight. [ + ]

Forget use-by dates - what if the packaging could tell you if a product was safe to eat? Researchers have developed a smart tag that can tell whether the product inside has spoiled without the need to open the container. [ + ]

For some consumers, the words 'reduced fat' mean 'reduced flavour'. Researchers think they may have finally found way to create better-tasting, reduced-fat sauces, desserts and salad dressings by adjusting acidity and calcium levels. [ + ]

A roundtable of nutrition experts has unanimously recommended the development of a standard definition for whole grain food. The experts recommend that a whole grain food contain at least 8 grams of whole grain per 30 gram serving. [ + ]

A safer alternative to Bisphenol A (BPA) has been developed from a waste product from making paper: lignin. Researchers say the BPA alternative could be market-ready in five years. [ + ]

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'. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

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. [ + ]