A new food allergies portal that provides information for consumers and food manufacturers on managing food allergies has been launched to coincide with Food Allergy Awareness Week, 13 to 19 May. [ + ]

Hake is the fish of choice for Brisbane fish and chip shops, takeaways and cafes, according to Brisbane Wholesale Foods (BW Foods). The company released a report on its top-selling product lines for the first quarter of 2013. [ + ]

A new report that assesses the facts, myths, issues and challenges around palm oil has been launched by WWF-Australia and the Australian Food and Grocery Council. [ + ]

Mettler Toledo has developed a new microgram load cell for an experiment aimed at establishing a new definition of the kilogram. The kilogram is the last SI unit still based on an artefact - the international prototype of the kilogram. [ + ]

N Clarke Services has launched a new company name and logo at AUSPACK PLUS 2013. The company is now known as PAC Solutions (Packaging Adhesive Equipment Consultants & Solutions Pty Ltd). [ + ]

Matthews Australasia is celebrating a significant milestone, having sold its 1000th FOX IV Label Printer Applicator (LPA). The 1000th unit was displayed at Matthews’ AUSPACK PLUS stand. [ + ]

Automated Packaging Systems has retained an authorised distribution agreement with MPI Australia for sales and service of its Autobag, AirPouch and SidePouch bag packaging systems and materials in Australia and New Zealand. [ + ]

Ten years of hard work has paid off for Ardagh and Bonduelle, culminating in the launch of a new food can that delivers environmental benefits as well as enhanced consumer appeal. [ + ]

The London, UK-based Institution of Mechanical Engineers recently estimated that anywhere between 35 and 50% - or 1.2 to 2 billion tons - of all food produced is wasted worldwide; a fraction of which is due to by-products in food processing. [ + ]

Matthews Australasia will launch the Avery Dennison 81x Label Printer Applicator (LPA) at AUSPACK PLUS tomorrow. [ + ]

Hally Labels Group has acquired a majority shareholding in AC Labels Pty Ltd. The companies say the investment is an exciting opportunity to grow and develop their core business. [ + ]

A government plan to secure jobs for Australians and build sustainable industries will see Australia’s food, manufacturing and defence industries work with university researchers to become more competitive in the global marketplace. [ + ]

The Minister for Fair Trading will officially open AUSPACK PLUS 2013, the largest biennial packaging and processing machinery and materials exhibition in Australia. [ + ]

A three-month Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS) campaign has resulted in the arrest of 904 people who are alleged to have been involved in meat-related crimes such as producing fake beef and mutton made from rat and fox. [ + ]

The government will not consider imposing tariffs on imported tinned fruit, the Prime Minister has told ABC Rural, despite calls from SPC Ardmona to put temporary tariff protection in place. [ + ]