Food design & research

'Traffic light' system produces long-lasting results

08 January, 2014

A 'traffic light' labelling system used in a US hospital cafeteria has resulted in positive changes up to two years after it was first implemented.


Plastic overtakes metal in beverage closures

08 January, 2014

In 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.


Artificial sweeteners found to have neutral effect on gut

07 January, 2014

University 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, 2014

Children 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, 2013

Using 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.


Natural red is the most challenging colour

17 December, 2013

Increasingly, manufacturers are turning to natural sources for food and beverage colouring. Of these colours, red is the most challenging, a recent poll has shown.


FODMAP Friendly food range launched

17 December, 2013 | Supplied by: Kez's Kitchen

Kez’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.


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, 2013

The 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 Ltd

Mocon'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.


AFGC accused of undermining star rating system

06 December, 2013

The 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, 2013

Bad 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.


Energy drinks affect heart function

03 December, 2013

Research 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, 2013

The 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, 2013

A 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.


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