Reports of a 19% rise in the number of people in the UK who were admitted to hospital with malnutrition have prompted market researchers at Canadean to review their research into the areas of nutrition and consumer behaviour. [ + ]

Cargill has announced it will purchase Archer Daniels Midland Company's global chocolate business for $440 million. The sale is expected to close in the first half of 2015. [ + ]

A Queensland judge has increased a fine of $7000 to one of $20,000 to act as a deterrent to other food importers. The Department of Agriculture appealed the original fine as it was not proportionate to the seriousness of the offence. [ + ]

European Union countries rank higher than the rest of the world in terms of global food traceability regulations and requirements, a report has found. The report evaluates and compares the traceability regulations of 21 OECD countries. [ + ]

Consumers buying gluten-free products could be unwittingly exposing themselves to a food allergen, according to a Kansas State University food safety specialist. [ + ]

Researchers have found that British people from low socioeconomic backgrounds still eat more salt than those from higher socioeconomic positions, irrespective of where they live. [ + ]

Researchers have developed a way to introduce sustainably cultivated seaweeds as feedstock for biodegradable bioplastics. SEABIOPLAS is an FP7-funded project that aims to develop a greener alternative to bioplastics. [ + ]

The Department of Agriculture's administration of the Imported Food Inspection Scheme is being audited by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO). [ + ]

Burger King has merged with restaurant chain Tim Hortons to create the world’s third-largest quick-service restaurant company. Between them, the two companies have more than 18,000 restaurants in 100 countries and US$23 billion in system sales. [ + ]

The winners of the 2014 HACCP Awards have been announced at an event hosted by SAI Global. Outstanding food safety experts were recognised across five major categories, including the Ross Peters Memorial Award for Excellence in Food Safety. [ + ]

Do you feel strongly one way or another about irradiation of fruit and vegetables? Submissions are being welcomed on an application to permit the irradiation of 12 specific fruits and vegetables. [ + ]

Researchers have discovered that a common class of gut bacteria can protect against food allergies, potentially paving the way for probiotic therapies to treat food allergies. [ + ]

The third edition of the Food Code of Practice has been published by ASSDA. The free document is a technical specification covering the requirements for stainless steel plant and equipment in the food and beverage industry. [ + ]

Australia will implement emergency quarantine measures from 20 October 2014 to protect the carrot and celery industries from an exotic bacterial pathogen that has become widespread in Europe. [ + ]

Gourmet flavours, health-conscious consumers and the relatively untapped European market present the greatest opportunities for popcorn sales, according to data recorded by Innova Market Insights. [ + ]