Better packaging and smarter process technology for less spoilage
13 December, 2013 | Supplied by: interpack
Innovative packages are key in the fight against food loss and wastage. More effective barrier layers, germicidal films and freshness indicators help products keep for longer and halt consumers' throwaway mentality. However, despite these improvements, companies must keep a constant eye on process efficiency and costs.
AFGC accused of undermining star rating system
06 December, 2013The AFGC has been accused of undermining the star rating front-of-pack labelling system that was agreed to by the former Labor government. The AFGC has defended the allegations, saying it remains committed to the scheme.
Healthy eating only costs $1.50 more per day
06 December, 2013Bad news for those who blame their poor eating habits on the high price of healthy food: research has shown that the healthiest diets cost only $1.50 per day more than the least healthy diets.
Mocon OX-TRAN Model 12/21 10x oxygen transmission rate test instrument
06 December, 2013 | Supplied by: Inspection Systems Pty LtdMocon's OX-TRAN Model 2/21 10x system accurately and repeatably measures barriers at levels 10 times lower than previous levels. The system measures films or packages at precise temperature and relative humidity conditions.
Energy drinks affect heart function
03 December, 2013Research has shown that caffeinated beverages increase the heart’s contraction rates, leading researchers to suggest that children and people with cardiac arrhythmia should avoid these drinks.
Controversial GM maize study retracted
02 December, 2013The Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology has retracted a controversial article which claimed to have found evidence that genetically modified (GM) maize is toxic when consumed by rats.
Consumers want more bad news on food packaging
27 November, 2013A Cornell University study found that consumers are willing to pay a premium for products labelled 'free from' something, but only if the packaging includes negative information on whatever the product is free from.
Switching off plant ageing to feed the world
26 November, 2013Researchers at the University of Münster and Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology in Germany have identified key regulatory genes in plants that 'switch off' flowering, allowing plants to live longer, grow faster and become bigger.
Responsible bioplastic development alliance forms
25 November, 2013Eight companies have formed a partnership with WWF to encourage the responsible development of bioplastics. The Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance comprises: Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, Danone, Ford, HJ Heinz Company, Nike, P&G and Unilever.
Better wheat, barley and maize through genome research
21 November, 2013Roche has released SeqCap EZ Exome Designs for the target enrichment of the wheat, barley and maize genomes. These agriculture exome designs provide researchers a cost-effective and easy-to-use alternative sequencing method beyond whole genome sequencing.
Vegetable oils not as healthy as we think
18 November, 2013Not all vegetable oils are as healthy as they seem, new research suggests. An analysis in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has found that some vegetable oils may actually increase the risk of heart disease.
Chocolate consumption lowers body fat (no, really)
18 November, 2013Finally, the news we've all been hoping for: researchers have discovered that the more chocolate you eat, the lower your body fat. Unfortunately, it doesn't mean that eating a family-sized block each day will help you lose weight, but nevertheless it's good news for chocolate lovers: your addiction may be helping, rather than harming, your health.
Amcor packs Venezuelan ambient yoghurt
14 November, 2013 | Supplied by: Amcor GlobalThe first Venezuelan non-refrigerated pourable yoghurt, called MiGurt, is packaged in an aseptically filled, 750-gram barrier PET bottle from Amcor Rigid Plastics.
Blackberry juice effective as antimicrobial and preservative
14 November, 2013Researchers have published a study in Food Control journal showing that blackberries possess several biological activities, including antimicrobial and nutritional effects.
Weight up, intake down - surprising results in UK consumers
11 November, 2013The average Briton's weight is up while their energy intake is down and real food spending is down as cheaper energy foods go into the grocery basket. Some fascinating insight into how Britons are changing their diets over a generation.
