Junk food found to impair memory
09 January, 2014Junk food really can turn your brain to mush. In a study published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity, UNSW researchers showed that rats fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet exhibited impaired memory after just one week.
Plastic overtakes metal in beverage closures
08 January, 2014In 2007, metal closures held 51% of the market; in 2013, metal closures held 48% of the market, with plastic closures holding 49%, a new report from Canadean shows.
'Traffic light' system produces long-lasting results
08 January, 2014A 'traffic light' labelling system used in a US hospital cafeteria has resulted in positive changes up to two years after it was first implemented.
Artificial sweeteners found to have neutral effect on gut
07 January, 2014University of Adelaide PhD student Dr Tonghzhi Wu has found that the gut's response to artificially sweetened drinks is neutral - it is no different to drinking a glass of water.
Nut allergy could be predicted by maternal diet
06 January, 2014Children whose mothers eat more peanuts or tree nuts (P/TN) during pregnancy are less likely to develop P/TN allergies themselves, researchers have found.
An alternative to trans fats?
20 December, 2013Using low-calorie sugars as a structuring agent, researchers from The City College of New York have reported the successful transformation of vegetable oils to a semi-solid form, offering a potential alternative to trans fats.
FODMAP Friendly food range launched
17 December, 2013 | Supplied by: Kez's KitchenKez’s Kitchen has released Australia’s first ‘FODMAP Friendly’ certified range of cereals and snacks, helping IBS sufferers select breakfast and snack foods that will agree with them.
Natural red is the most challenging colour
17 December, 2013Increasingly, manufacturers are turning to natural sources for food and beverage colouring. Of these colours, red is the most challenging, a recent poll has shown.
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.
Most vegetables don't make the cut under Health Star rating system
13 December, 2013The Health Star rating system fails on one significant count, according to AUSVEG: almost no fresh vegetables qualify for the five-star rating, despite their being minimally processed and beneficial to good health.
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.
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.
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.
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.
