The next generation of home cooks will cook in kitchens of interconnected smart appliances, 3D printers and touchscreen controls that will simplify food preparation, create customised meal solutions and produce far less waste. [ + ]

A new in-house test laboratory at GEA's facility in Hamilton, New Zealand, will enable engineers to obtain data to optimise production and reduce waste. [ + ]

Innovations in the chocolate industry are made possible by the highly flexible production lines which will be on display at ProSweets Cologne. [ + ]

An ancient Indian spice might hold the key to the development of countertops, cutting boards and knives that prevent cross-contamination by killing bacteria on contact. [ + ]

Graphic Packaging has agreed to acquire all the issued shares of Colorpak Limited. [ + ]

Consumers could soon be carrying miniature sensors in their smartphones that can analyse the freshness of fruit and vegetables in the supermarket. [ + ]

Japan-based Xware has released its menu-translating app SmartMenu in Australia. [ + ]

A new partnership between Swinburne and Dal Group Australia seeks to develop technology to transform winery waste into natural compounds that can be re-used in the winemaking process. [ + ]

Wiley has been comissioned to fulfil a 4-stage development project for Northern Co-operative Meat Company. The projects consist of design and construction of a new state-of-the-art cold chain management facility; design and construction of a beef knocking box and race system; design, supply and install of a steam repair and relocation; and finally the tannery wastewater treatment plant upgrade. [ + ]

SAI Global has appointed Dawn Welham as global technical director and thought leader as the risk management company continues to expand its expertise in the retail, food and agribusiness industries. [ + ]

No Christmas meal is complete without a nice serving of gravy. However, this delicious complement to any meat or poultry dish can also be dangerous as it provides a breeding ground for a common foodborne bacteria. [ + ]

The NSW Government has stripped raw milk marketed as 'cosmetic' or 'bath' milk from the shelves of a number of Sydney health food shops following recent inspections. [ + ]

Here are some tips to help minimise the risk of food safety breakdowns over the holiday season. [ + ]

The Australian Institute of Packaging has called for papers for the biennial AIP National Conference, to be held 1–2 June 2016 in Melbourne. [ + ]

Global weighing instruments manufacturer Mettler-Toledo has announced it will commence operation in New Zealand, following its purchase of the main business assets of Ansutek. [ + ]