A new training centre dedicated to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Australia's food and beverage supply chains has opened.

Researchers from Washington State University and the University of Idaho have developed a process to make a thermoset plastic that can be reshaped and re-used. [ + ]

Coffee's reputation has been given a boost in recent years, thanks in part to the discovery that it is rich in antioxidants. Now it seems that even spent coffee grounds are chock-full of these compounds, which have potential health benefits. [ + ]

In noisy situations - like the 85 dB aboard a jetliner - it seems that our sense of taste is compromised and umami-rich foods are preferred over sweet options. [ + ]

FSANZ has called for submissions on proposed changes to the nutrition and health claims standard, which would provide exemptions from claim requirements in the Food Standards Code for trademarked elements of the Health Star Rating system. [ + ]

Chinese scientists have reared beef rich in the beneficial fatty acids associated with fish oils. However, challenges must be overcome before the product can be commercialised.

Macquarie University researcher Associate Professor Phil Taylor and The Centre For Fruit Fly Biosecurity Innovation have received $3.7 million in funding as part of the Australian Research Council's (ARC) Industrial Transformation Research Program. [ + ]

Consumer foodservice sales increased by more than 5.4% globally in 2014. Latin America and the Middle East/Africa showed the greatest growth, but while the rest of the world is growing, sales have remained flat or even declined every year since 2009 in Western Europe.

While the federal government's support of small business in the recent Budget has been welcomed by industry, mid-size businesses are missing out, according to Tony Pititto, national head of food & beverage, Grant Thornton Australia. [ + ]

Seven out of 10 Australians (or 13.6 million people) drink fresh milk in an average seven days, while fewer than two in 10 (2.9 million people) drink UHT/long-life milk, according to data from Roy Morgan Research.

A Kansas State University food safety specialist has explained how ice-cream could be contaminated. [ + ]

The food and packaging industries will receive a boost of specialist graduates in a few years: the University of Melbourne has launched a Masters degree that aims to drive innovation in these sectors. [ + ]

A 165-year-old scientific principle is behind the development of a new, non-contact way to measure high temperatures. [ + ]

Dutch biotech Micreos has applied to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) for approval of a preparation of two bacteriophages S16 and FO1a (Salmonelex) as a processing aid to reduce Salmonella contamination in specified foods including raw poultry and meat. [ + ]

An idea, born from hunger during a late-night working session, has come to fruition as a device that can deliver your choice of food to the plate in less than a minute.