The good old litmus test has been adapted to detect pathogens such as E. coli in liquids. A research team set out to make testing liquids faster, easier and more affordable by using litmus dyes and paper to detect the presence of bacteria. [ + ]

The AFGC has welcomed the Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda's strong focus on boosting industry competitiveness. [ + ]

Despite Woolworths, Coles and now even ALDI dropping their own-brand white bread prices to outdo one another, specialist stores such as Bakers Delight aren't under threat, according to a new report from Roy Morgan. [ + ]

What do humans and flies have in common? A love of beer. We all know that people like (or even love) beer, but researchers think they've found the reason why it's so tasty - for both humans and flies. [ + ]

The often-heard complaint of "I just can't afford to buy healthy food" may just have some truth to it. A new study in the journal PLOS One has found that healthy foods are three times more expensive per calorie than less healthy food. [ + ]

AUSPACK 2015 will continue its focus on processing machinery. With less than five months until the 30th anniversary show, a host of companies have already signed up. [ + ]

Ardagh was awarded Innovation of the Year for its Absolut Originality bottle at the inaugural Luxury Packaging Awards in London. [ + ]

Yeast in beer bottles salvaged from an 1840s shipwreck in Finland is being used to reproduce the 170-year-old brew. [ + ]

The OISCC has proposed three changes to the National Standard for Organic and Bio-dynamic Produce to give the standard more clarity and bring it into line with international organic standards. The proposed changes affect conversion periods, testing and poultry. [ + ]

To combat the difficulties full wrap shink sleeve labels can cause when recycling PET bottles, the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers has released the Final Report of the Sleeve Label Working Group, which outlines for mitigating the impact of sleeve labels. [ + ]

Global demand for dairy is set to overtake available supply in the next decade, according to the 7th Tetra Pak Dairy Index. The report shows a widening gap between developed and emerging dairy markets across the globe. [ + ]

A PhD student at Swinburne University of Technology has found a way to break down winery waste into compounds for use as biofuels and medicines using fungi and a bioreactor. The fermentation produces alcohols, acids and simple sugars. [ + ]

While Australia is well known for its considerable grain and livestock production, lesser-known emerging industries also play a vital role in Australia's agricultural sector. These industries have been valued at approximately $912 million. [ + ]

The Obesity Society (TOS) has called for food companies to test and market less energy-dense foods to help curb the obesity epidemic. [ + ]

A University of Florida scientist is one step closer to creating non-allergenic peanut products. Wade Yang has managed to remove 80% of peanut allergens in whole peanuts. [ + ]