Mexican researchers have developed a microbiosensor that detects beneficial bacteria in food. The micromechanical device has been used to evaluate the growth of L. plantarum 299vm. [ + ]

tna has opened a new office in Bangkok, expanding its operations in Asia as part of its global expansion strategy. [ + ]

Most anthocyanins in blueberries are found in the skin, and freezing blueberries actually improves the availability of the antioxidants, according to research conducted by South Dakota State University graduate Marin Plumb. [ + ]

Australian potato chip manufacturer Potato Magic Australia has been placed into administration. The Griffith company supplies potato chips to diet food providers. [ + ]

Despite a general decline in beer drinking in Australia, craft beer has bucked the trend, with the number of Australians consuming craft beer each month exceeding one million, according to new research from Roy Morgan Research. [ + ]

The new ARC Dairy Innovation Hub is set up to help Australian dairy manufacturers capture the growing Asian demand for dairy by developing new products. [ + ]

Eating a high-fat diet could lead to a loss of smell, according to Florida State University neuroscientists. The researchers found that a high-fat diet is linked to major structural and functional changes in the olfactory system. [ + ]

A new study published in the Journal of Food Science explains that essential oils may be suitable for use as food preservatives in packaging to help extend the shelf life of food products. [ + ]

2015 represents a significant milestone for AUSPACK: the exhibition celebrates its 30th anniversary as the largest biennial processing and packaging machinery and materials exhibition in Australia. [ + ]

Following accusations of research misconduct, an inquiry into publications regarding the 'Australian Paradox' has found that two minor errors in the research do not constitute a breach of the Australian code of conduct for research. [ + ]

How do we convince squeamish consumers that insects are a viable (and palatable) option? Research from Canadean suggests that information is key - as is tapping into insects' association with exotic foods. [ + ]

Watching football is thirsty work. It's estimated that sales of aluminium beverage cans exceeded the 2 billion mark over the four weeks of the 2014 FIFA World Cup - a 35% increase over the same period last year. [ + ]

The Australian Packaging Covenant has announced the winners of the APC Awards. The awards were presented at the APC Awards Night in Melbourne on 15 July; another awards ceremony will be held on 23 July at the Sydney APC Awards Night. [ + ]

What's for dinner for almost a quarter of all Australians aged 14+? Salmon, according to new research from Roy Morgan. While 53% of all Australians ate fish in any given week, 24% - almost half - ate salmon, the research shows. [ + ]

'Junior milk' products aimed at toddlers offer few nutritional benefits and trade on "parental guilt" that fussy eaters aren't getting all the nutrients they need, consumer watchdog Choice has claimed. [ + ]