Industry News
AFGC promises two dedicated SME Board seats
Small to medium enterprises will have stronger representation on the Australian Food and Grocery Council Board, following changes to the Board’s composition. [ + ]
Brand makeover for Emrich
Coinciding with its recent expansion, Emrich has had a brand makeover, including an updated company name, logo and website. [ + ]
Largest US pork processor sold to Shuanghui
Smithfield Foods has been acquired by Chinese company Shuanghui International Holdings. Shuanghui is the majority shareholder of Henan Shuanghui Investment & Development, China’s largest meat processing enterprise. [ + ]
Taro research to boost Pacific agribusiness
Australian research into taro could open new markets and create greater food security in the Pacific region, according to UQ and PARDI research leader Shane Dullahide. [ + ]
Industry bodies criticise National Food Plan
The National Food Plan has elicited critical responses from several industry bodies, including the Australian Food and Grocery Council and AUSVEG. [ + ]
Food safety contributions to be awarded at HACCP Conference
Entries are now open for the 2013 Australian HACCP Awards. The awards will commend the outstanding contributions of individuals and businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to food safety. [ + ]
Phthalates raise blood pressure in children, study suggests
Phthalates are odourless, colourless and just about everywhere: flooring, plastic cups, beach balls, plastic wrap, intravenous tubing and - according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - the bodies of most Americans. [ + ]
A minute with Rob Lawrence (video)
What’s New in Food Technology & Manufacturing chatted to Rob Lawrence from Walls Machinery about the new Toyo Jidoki TT-8CR Pouch Filler/Sealer. [ + ]
Healthy gut bacteria protects against E. coli O157:H7
Having healthy gut bacteria could mean the difference between life and death, new research suggests. Healthy human gut bacteria protected mice against the effects of E. coli O157:H7 in a study carried out by the University of Michigan. [ + ]
Food laboratory accuracy remains a concern
A retrospective study of nearly 40,000 proficiency test results over the past 14 years shows that food microbiology laboratories continue to submit false negative and false positive results on a routine basis. [ + ]
Call for submissions on Food Standards Code revision
FSANZ is calling for submissions on a revision of the Food Standards Code. The closing date for submissions on the Code Revision Proposal is 15 August 2013. [ + ]
New guidelines for whole grain food products
The AACCI has approved the Whole Grains Working Group’s characterisation of whole grain products, which states that whole grain food products must contain 8 g or more of whole grain per 30 g of product. [ + ]
Bring back the spud, researcher says
A Purdue University researcher says we should reconsider our opinion of potatoes and other white vegetables as they are just as important to a healthy diet as their colourful cousins. [ + ]
Danone’s new partnerships to advance dairy sector in China
Danone has signed an agreement with COFCO, the state-owned largest food company in China, to form a joint venture. In addition, Danone and Mengniu have established a joint venture for the production and sales of yoghurt products in China. [ + ]
pitt&sherry appoints national leader for food and beverage unit
pitt&sherry has appointed a new National Leader - Food and Beverage. Andrew Buckley comes to the role having previously been Senior Project Engineer for the Food and Beverage business unit. [ + ]
