Industry News
Recall could harm Australian vegetable processors, says AUSVEG
The recall of frozen broccoli from China could impact on Australian frozen vegetable processors, AUSVEG claims. Earlier this week, Metcash issued a recall of a batch of its Black & Gold Broccoli Florets after receiving several complaints of glass fragments in the bag. [ + ]
Trio to produce bio-based superabsorbent polymers in Sri Lanka
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), CIC Holdings and Chemanex have formed a joint venture - Chemcel - and will build and operate a processing facility in Sri Lanka, manufacturing bio-based superabsorbent polymers. [ + ]
Sparkling wine category to pop in 2017
The Australian sparkling wine category is projected to see the most growth in the wine category to 2017, according to Canadean. The sparkling wine category’s growth rates are set to more than double the sector average over the period. [ + ]
Beef industry gives back with Foodbank Beef Program
JBS Australia and Primo have committed to the Foodbank Beef Program, a major new beef initiative that will supply Foodbank with more than 130 tonnes of sausages per year to those in need. [ + ]
Warning statements on soft drinks is "absurd", Bev Council says
Recent calls for soft drink labels to carry warning statements have been criticised by the Australian Beverages Council. Geoff Parker says a recent study linking soft drink consumption with behavioural problems does not prove cause and effect. [ + ]
Insurer ensures healthy members with healthy eating incentives
A US health insurer has come up with a novel way to ensure its members stay healthy: money-back rewards for buying fresh fruits and vegetables. Independent Health members will earn $1 credit for every $2 spent on fresh fruit and vegetables. [ + ]
Protests force Fonterra to suspend Sri Lankan operations
Fonterra has announced it will temporarily suspend consumer operations in Sri Lanka after accusations of tainted product sparked protests outside its Sri Lanka head office. [ + ]
Govt bailout prevents demise of Chiko Roll
The NSW Government will support Simplot's struggling Bathurst vegetable processing plant with payroll tax rebates for three years through its NSW Regional Industries Investment Fund. [ + ]
Spill costs vegetable oil producer $45K
A water pollution incident has cost a Rutherford vegetable oil producer $45,000. Atlantic Pacific Foods was convicted on 15 August and fined $15,000 for the offence and ordered to pay $30,000 in prosecutor and investigation costs. [ + ]
Omega 3s are going to gaol
Can omega 3s reduce criminality? A new study aims to investigate this link between biology and behaviour. [ + ]
Coalition's manufacturing policy good news for food sector, says AFGC
The Coalition's manufacturing policy is a step towards enhancing Australia's food and grocery manufacturing sector, the AFGC says. [ + ]
FDA permits spirulina blue as colour additive
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a petition filed by Mars Inc to permit the use of spirulina extract as a colour additive in candy and chewing gum. [ + ]
US emerging as strong dairy competitor
The US could emerge as a competitor to Australian dairy products in international export markets, according to Tim Hunt, Rabobank’s New York-based global dairy strategist. [ + ]
Consumers less likely to recycle 'distorted' packaging
Consumers are more likely to throw a dented can or cut-up piece of paper in the bin than recycle them, according to a new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research. [ + ]
Making processed food healthy
Reducing the salt, sugar and fat content of foods has long been the focus of research, but all this work counts for nothing if consumers avoid the low-salt/sugar/fat option. In order to reduce the public health burden by designing healthier processed food, scientists need to ensure consumers will actually want to eat it. [ + ]
