The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA) has lent its support for AUSVEG's campaign to stop the import of fresh potatoes from New Zealand to prevent the spread of Zebra Chip disease. [ + ]

While most Australians are patriotic in their beer choice, an increasing number are making the switch to imported beer, a new report from Roy Morgan Research shows. [ + ]

A humble Japanese pickle could be the next 'superfood', after scientists discovered that it contains a bacteria that prevents the flu. [ + ]

The flexible packaging market has been forecast to grow from $73 billion in 2012 to $99 billion by 2018 with a CAGR of 5.1%, according to a new report from MarketsandMarkets. [ + ]

Dow AgroSciences Australia has applied to have the Food Standards Code changed to allow genetically modified soybean. FSANZ has issued a call for submissions on the application. [ + ]

Blueberries’ high polyphenol content has earned them ‘superfood’ status. While they are healthy enough when raw, recent research shows that cooking or baking the fruit changes their health benefits. [ + ]

To meet the WHO salt target, Nestlé has pledged to accelerate the reduction of salt in all its food brands. The WHO salt target is no more than 5 grams of salt per person per day by 2025. [ + ]

The majority of Australians support taxing soft drinks and junk food, the Obesity Policy Coalition claims, particularly if the money raised is used to reduce the cost of healthy foods. [ + ]

The Anti-Dumping Commission’s preliminary report on processed tomatoes has been welcomed by the Australian Made Campaign. The report finds in favour of local processors and recommends tariffs be imposed on 'dumped' processed tomatoes. [ + ]

SAI Global has anounced it will present a seminar on Standard 1.2.7, the new Health Claims standard. Presented by compliance specialist James Elton, the seminar will cover all the 'need to knows' of the standard. [ + ]

Researchers claim to have developed a recipe for industrial mixing that could optimise mixers. The process uses magnets to generate synchronised flows of jets that move in opposite directions and whose positions are slightly offset from each other. [ + ]

The Anti-Dumping Commission has found that the Australian tomato processing industry has suffered following the import of Italian processed tomatoes that arrived in Australia at 'dumped' prices. [ + ]

Husky Injection Molding Systems has announced it will acquire Swiss closure mould making company Schöttli. Schöttli's shareholders recently reached an agreement to sell the company to Husky. [ + ]

APPMA, the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association, has welcomed Concept Automation as its the newest member company. [ + ]

Despite difficult economic conditions, strong growth opportunities exist for the Australian food and beverage manufacturing sector, the AFGC 'State of the Industry 2013' report shows. [ + ]