The spotlight is on sweet sorghum as a new study shows the crop's huge potential as a source of energy, food and animal feed. While the crop has received global interest, little research has been conducted under Australian growing conditions or using Australian processing facilities - until now. [ + ]

Toyota Material Handling has opened a new forklift branch in Connector Park, Kings Meadows in Launceston. Toyota forklifts were previously sold and serviced in Tasmania by an independent dealer. [ + ]

A key analytical standard for the dairy sector has been updated following joint work between ISO and the International Dairy Federation. ISO 9622/IDF 141 contains guidelines for the testing of milk and milk products with mid-infrared instruments. [ + ]

After 39 years with Nestlé, the executive vice president in charge of Nestlé Waters, John Harris, will retire in late November. Marco Settembri, currently head of Nestlé Purina PetCare Europe, will succeed Harris, effective 1 December 2013. [ + ]

The myth that nuts are fattening was recently busted. Recent research has not only confirmed this, but also highlighted the benefits of regular intake of nuts. [ + ]

Arla Foods Ingredients has won Best Beverage Ingredient at the Beverage Innovation Awards at drinktec. Arla won the prize for its processing solution that enables traditional Greek yoghurt processors to profit from their acid whey waste stream. [ + ]

While many of us try to curb the negative effects of a sweet tooth with artificial sweeteners, the brain knows the difference between these 'energyless' sweet flavours and 'real' sweeteners, a new study has shown. [ + ]

Rick Urschel has been promoted from vice president of operations to president and CEO of Urschel Laboratories, Inc, succeeding Bob Urschel, who has been president and CEO of the company for the past 30 years. [ + ]

The heaviest fine for a food offence involving allergies has been issued after an eight-year-old boy suffered a severe allergic reaction after being served ice-cream that he was assured was dairy-free. [ + ]

Recent ABS data on alcohol consumption shows that the 'alcopops tax' on ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages has failed, the Australian Taxpayers' Alliance and MyChoice Australia claim. [ + ]

Wine Grape Growers Australia (WGGA) has welcomed Woolworths' decision to sign the Australian Wine Industry Code of Conduct as a commitment to good commercial practices with growers. [ + ]

A potentially huge market exists for functional foods to keep Europe’s ageing population healthy in years to come. The NU-AGE project will hold a symposium on the topic of dietary strategies for the elderly at the International Congress of Nutrition. [ + ]

Carbonation affects the brain's perception of sweetness, making it harder to determine between sugar and artificial sweeteners, according to a new article in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association. [ + ]

The Food Industry Recall Protocol has been updated by FSANZ. FSANZ says the updates will clarify the responsibilities of food businesses, as well as update references to legislations and the communication of recalls. [ + ]

Compounds in blueberries and red grapes came out ahead of more than 400 other compounds in a study conducted at the Linus Pauling Institute. The resveratrol in red grapes and pterostilbene in blueberries were found to boost the immune system. [ + ]