An Open Letter to #BigFood
16 June, 2014 by Alessandro R Demaio, Harvard UniversityThe world is at a crossroads - facing an unclear future. In 2014, we have broken economic, health, food and ecological systems - all interconnected - and find ourselves on a short time frame for correction. Global action is required - and required urgently.
MPI seeks feedback on sales of raw milk
12 June, 2014New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking feedback on options for the sale of raw milk to consumers. The MPI is consulting interested people and parties on options to change the requirements for the sale of raw milk.
Could the WA organic canola case change Australian organic standards?
04 June, 2014Experts say they hope the case of Marsh vs Baxter will lead to a reconsideration of Australia's organic certification standards, which set a strict zero-tolerance policy for GM.
NSW Government's decision on distilled spirits "unjustifiable", DSICA says
02 June, 2014The NSW Government's decision to ban the sale of shots, doubles and certain ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages is "completely unjustifiable", the Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia (DSICA) claims.
Court proceedings begin against alleged egg cartel members
28 May, 2014The ACCC has commenced Federal Court proceedings against a number of egg producers and organisations for allegedly attempting to make a cartel arrangement that would reduce the number of eggs available to Australian consumers and businesses.
New handbook on certifying food safety management systems
27 May, 2014ISO has published a new handbook that compiles two key standards for certifying food safety management systems. It contains all the information certification bodies need for reliable and efficient audits.
Revised Food Industry Recall Protocol now available
22 May, 2014A revised food recall protocol has been launched by FSANZ. Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash says every Australian food manufacturer, importer, wholesaler and distributor should have a copy.
Report recommends strict regulation of nanomaterials in food
22 May, 2014A report on nanotechnology in food and agriculture has elicited mixed responses from experts on the topic. Published by Friends of the Earth, the report suggests that the Australian Government should strictly regulate the use of nanomaterials in these fields.
Food industry feels the pressure from online campaigns
12 May, 2014Consumers are increasingly voicing their gripes about the food industry through online campaigns - and some companies are being swayed by this new type of consumer influence, according to an article in Chemical & Engineering News.
Australian Made Campaign gives evidence at inquiry into food labelling
12 May, 2014The Australian Made Campaign has given evidence at the inquiry into country-of-origin labelling for food at the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture and Industry.
ACCC signals strategic change in battle with supermarkets
07 May, 2014 by Alexandra Merrett, University of MelbourneThe corporate regulator's ongoing battle with the major supermarket chains took an interesting twist on Monday when it alleged that Coles had engaged in unconscionable conduct against various small suppliers.
ACCC takes action against Coles for "unconscionable conduct"
06 May, 2014The ACCC has alleged that Coles threatened "commercial consequences" if suppliers refused to pay a rebate that was "based on purported benefits … that Coles asserted had resulted from changes Coles had made to its supply chain".
Anti-Dumping Commission recommends dumping notice, possible dumping duty
17 April, 2014The Anti-Dumping Commission has recommended that a dumping notice be published regarding several imported Italian tomato products. Exporters of these products may be forced to pay a dumping duty.
First food manufacturer adopts Health Star Rating
16 April, 2014The Monster Health Food Co has become the first company to sport the front-of-pack Health Star Rating on its product. The labelling appears on its Berry and Free&Lo mueslis, with its remaining products to feature the new labelling in the next 12 months.
Guidance available on country-of-origin claims
15 April, 2014New guidance on complying with the Australian Consumer Law when making country-of-origin claims has been published by the ACCC.
