If you can extend the shelf life of your ready meals you will simultaneously reduce your costs and increase your appeal to retailers and distributors. [ + ]

Australian scientist Professor Colin Raston has been awarded a prestigious Ig Nobel prize for the creation of the Vortex Fluidic Device, famous for its ability to unboil an egg. [ + ]

It seems that tomatoes, like people, can benefit greatly from a nice warm bath.

For big food, obesity is no longer a big problem. In fact, obesity-related philanthropy is helping it profit. [ + ]

Focusing on the burgeoning ready meals/high-volume catering and bulk prepared meal component market, this newsletter will bring the latest industry news, trends, methods, products and insights directly to your inbox every Wednesday. [ + ]

Eliminating larger-sized portions from the diet could reduce energy intake by up to 29%, according to a review that examined the links between 'overserving' and overeating. [ + ]

It seems that bad karma is the cause of massive oil palm crop failures.

It's a Sunday night, sometime after 9pm, I (Shady) am in my car, parked in front of Aldi in Wollongong. The lot is vacant, the sky black and threatening. I've been waiting, checking my phone, glancing up the street. [ + ]

In today's fast-paced production environment, lubrication safety audits, the use of quality food-grade lubricants and proper lubrication programs are all proactive steps towards a safe, efficient and hygienic processing facility. [ + ]

Reaching consumers these days is difficult. No longer do traditional methods of advertising and marketing warrant the attention of consumers or their dollars. Business owners and advertisers alike struggle to come up with creative ways to grab even the smallest bit of attention for their products. Creating an effective package design is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to do this but requires originality, creativity and the ability to connect with consumers. [ + ]

A naturally occurring protein that can be used to create ice-cream that is more resistant to melting has been discovered. The protein binds together the air, fat and water in ice-cream, creating a super-smooth consistency. [ + ]

New oven technology is promising a whole lot more for volume meal producers. [ + ]

Australian Vinegar is the leading vinegar solutions provider for the food industry, servicing the contract, industrial and private-label markets with bulk and customised vinegars as well as expert R&D and vinegar services. [ + ]

Mandating healthier food options does not necessarily mean that healthier options are actually consumed — especially by children. [ + ]

Cross-contamination in commercial processing facilities that prepare spinach and other leafy greens for the market can make people sick. But researchers are reporting a new, easy-to-implement method that could eliminate or reduce such incidences.