Thirty-four guest speakers from nine countries will present at the 2012 Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) National Conference. The conference, held over 14-15 June at Surfers Paradise, is open to both members and non-members of the AIP and is ideal for those in the food, beverage, manufacturing and packaging industries. [ + ]

FMC Corporation has opened a Technical Centre in Singapore, featuring a state-of-the-art food laboratory. FMC said its new facility - located in Singapore Science Park 2 - will serve the technology and formulation needs of FMC’s growing food and beverage customer base in Singapore and South-East Asia. [ + ]

Despite the current economic climate, the snack food industry showed continued growth in 2011, particularly in new product activity, a report from Innova Market Insights has shown. [ + ]

To the relief of parents whose children suffer anaphylactic reactions to eggwhite, researchers are working on modifying egg proteins so hens start laying allergy-free eggs. [ + ]

Tasmanian organic food producer Bellamy’s Organic has responded angrily to claims made about its products on the Channel Seven program Sunday Night, which aired on 11 March. [ + ]

The CSIRO has developed a salt-tolerant variety of durum wheat that gives a 25% higher grain yield than other varieties on salty soils. [ + ]

The NSW Food Authority has lifted the suspension on Hawkesbury Valley Meat Processors’ licence. Operations at the Wilberforce facility are permitted to recommence on 12 March, subject to strict conditions set by the Food Authority. [ + ]

The Australian Egg Corporation Ltd (AECL) has expressed concern over allegations that an Australian egg farmer was selling cage eggs as free-range eggs, saying that it will only provide support to ethical, law-abiding egg producers. [ + ]

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has welcomed a report on the progress of reforms to Australia’s biosecurity system. [ + ]

Australian mushroom growers have been encouraged to accelerate the national release of vitamin D mushrooms following research that suggests pregnant women lacking vitamin D are twice as likely to have children with language difficulties. [ + ]

Chris Evans: Investment in Australian science and research key to strong economy [ + ]

In the less than three months since launching AUSPACK PLUS 2013, 30% of the floor space for the exhibition has been sold. [ + ]

AUSVEG, the peak industry body for vegetable and potato growers, will be holding a potato industry seminar in Tasmania for growers, processors and other interested industry parties. [ + ]

Delegates at Outlook 2012 heard how Australia’s enviable biosecurity system is enabling access to new markets and increasing agricultural trade opportunities. [ + ]

Jamie Oliver has joined forces with the Victorian Government to launch Jamie’s Ministry of Food as part of the Victorian Government’s efforts to tackle diet-related disease. [ + ]