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. [ + ]

Consumers are increasingly demanding renewable materials and environmental labelling, new research from Tetra Pak indicates. Recycling also remains a fundamental expectation of both consumers and food industry stakeholders. [ + ]

While the beer industry is struggling - like most others - in a financially challenging market, some beer brands are demonstrating excellent growth. According to Canadean, the key to this growth lies in the market. [ + ]

Despite stereotypes, Australian tastes are swinging away from beer towards wine, figures from the ABS show. Further busting the myth of Australians as a nation of drinkers are figures showing that alcohol consumption overall is declining. [ + ]

Maria Indrayati, a Packaging Technologist with Parmalat Australia, has won the prestigious Harry Lovell Award. Indrayati was presented with the award at the AIP’s 50th anniversary celebrations on 12 September. [ + ]

Simon Parker has been announced as a new director to the board of the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA). [ + ]

Research suggests that vaccinating cattle against E. coli O157 could reduce the number of humans affected by the bacterium by 85%. Vaccines that are available for cattle are rarely used, but the study shows the public health benefits could be significant. [ + ]

The Australian Food and Grocery Council has congratulated the new Coalition ministers and welcomed the ministry's focus on growth, trade and regulatory reform. [ + ]

Warren Truss's appointment as Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development has been welcomed by the Australian Logistics Council. [ + ]

Researchers from Massey University in New Zealand will develop modelling tools to assist in the design of better packaging solutions for exporting food products. [ + ]