Industry News
IFT comments on sodium reduction in US
The US Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has submitted its thoughts on reducing sodium consumption in the United States to several official bodies: the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS). The IFT offered scientific perspectives and practical insights on reducing sodium intake in the US. [ + ]
Glass container plant opens in Vietnam
A state-of-the-art glass container manufacturing plant has opened in Vietnam. Joint venture partners Owens-Illinois (O-I), Berli Jucker Public Company Limited (BJC) and Saigon Beer Alcohol Beverage Company (SABECO) opened the US$47 million factory. [ + ]
Fungicide double standards in US
After the recent flurry of testing imported orange juice products for the fungicide carbendazim, it has been revealed that US officials will not be taking action against US manufacturers whose orange juice products contain more than 10 parts per billion of the fungicide. [ + ]
Self-chilling beverage can launched in US
Californian beverage group Joseph Company International is launching its self-chilling beverage can in the US in March 2012. [ + ]
Australian egg industry is a cracker: report
Australians are eating more eggs than ever. Statistics released by the Australian Egg Corporation reveal that egg consumption is up by 7% on last year. [ + ]
AIP Sustainable Packaging and Additives technical dinner
The AIP Sustainable Packaging and Additives technical dinner will be held on Thursday 9 February at the Oatlands Golf Course, in Sydney. [ + ]
New manufacturer’s agent for Bürkert in Albury-Wodonga
Bürkert Fluid Control Systems has appointed Jeff Allen as manufacturer’s agent in the Albury-Wodonga region. [ + ]
CEO CookOff
Over 100 CEOs will trade in their suits for aprons at the inaugural CEO CookOff on 6 February. An initiative of OzHarvest and Qantas, the CookOff will raise much-needed funds for OzHarvest and Mission Australia. [ + ]
Fungus threatening avocados
A Queensland researcher has uncovered a pathogen that could have a devastating impact on the $180 million avocado industry. [ + ]
Draft standards for probiotics
In response to the increased presence of probiotic food ingredients, the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) will include draft standards intended to ensure quality in these ingredients. The latest FCC Forum will contain the proposed standards, which are available for public review and comment. [ + ]
New ISO standard means safer radiation
Food irradiation could be made safer with the introduction of a new ISO standard, ISO 14470:2011. [ + ]
BPA regulations need urgent attention: CPR
The US Center for Progressive Reform (CPR) has urged US authorities to urgently address Bisphenol A regulations. [ + ]
CSIRO’s FIESTA 2012 workshop
CSIRO is once again hosting the International Nonthermal Food Processing Workshop - FIESTA 2012. [ + ]
Consultation on NZ milk pricing and raw milk regulations
The New Zealand Government is encouraging submissions for its proposed response to reviews on milk pricing and raw milk regulations. [ + ]
Testing, testing: what’s happening with Australian food safety standards?
Following the carbendazim scare in the US, Australia has begun testing incoming imported orange juice concentrate. FSANZ’s backflip on testing of orange juice products from foreign sources - and the Australian citrus industry’s reaction to the carbendazim scare - raises some questions about Australian standards and the state of the Australian citrus industry. [ + ]