AUSPACK PLUS organisers have announced that with four weeks still to go the show is sold out and all of the floorspace is fully occupied. The 2013 exhibition will feature the largest number of exhibitors in the event’s history. [ + ]

Researchers have been able to reconstruct the genome sequence of an outbreak strain of Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) that caused over 50 deaths in Germany. They used an approach known as metagenomics, which bypasses the need for growing bacteria in the lab. Metagenomics has been used previously in a clinical diagnostic setting to identify the cause of outbreaks of viral infection, but this is its first reported use in an outbreak of bacterial infection. [ + ]

Field trials and genetic studies have shown that a new variety of broccoli reliably yields higher levels of a health-promoting compound. [ + ]

Virginia Tech scientists have provided new evidence that biofilms - bacteria that adhere to surfaces and build protective coatings - are at work in the survival of the human pathogen Salmonella. [ + ]

Banning the use of trans fats is one of the most effective ways to prevent some of the world’s biggest killer diseases, according to a University of Sydney study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization. [ + ]

Could there be such a thing as healthy chocolate? University of Warwick researchers say there could be. [ + ]

Researchers have developed a new method to kill deadly pathogenic bacteria, including listeria, in food handling and packaging. The method offers an alternative to the use of antibiotics and chemical decontamination in food supply systems. [ + ]

A Krones plant in Brazil, Krones do Brasil Ltda, has been certified by the German technical inspectorate TÜV SÜD. [ + ]

The mystery of arsenic in German beers has been solved, scientists announced at the 245th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society. [ + ]

A new device at Massey University’s Food Pilot Plant allows food products to be pasteurised at low temperature by exposing them to high pressure. [ + ]

Olam International has opened a $60 million almond hulling and processing plant in Victoria. The 12,000 m² facility is reportedly the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. [ + ]

AUSPACK PLUS organisers have developed the first mobile app for visitors to the show. The app is available for all mobile devices and tablets. [ + ]

Murray Goulburn has announced a $19.1 million upgrade to its Leongatha plant, increasing the site’s UHT manufacturing output by 70 million litres each year. [ + ]

The Australian Made Campaign has welcomed recommendations on country of origin labelling laws, saying they will build confidence in Australia’s food labelling system. [ + ]

AUSVEG has expressed disappointment in the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee’s decision not to endorse amendments to the Australian Food Labelling Bill. [ + ]