Nuts are back on the menu for dieters, following the release of a Nuts for Life health report that busts the diet myth that eating nuts makes you fat. [ + ]

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has decided not to oppose the proposed acquisition of Pfizer Nutrition by Nestlé. [ + ]

Not everyone likes fish, even though it is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. Now researchers have shown it is possible to incorporate fish oil into milk and dairy-based beverages in amounts sufficient to promote heart health without destroying the product’s taste or limiting its lifespan. [ + ]

Aluminium foil tray manufacturer Confoil recently received a Worksafe Award for Employer Excellence at the Worksafe Victoria annual awards. [ + ]

Coffee has been named king of hot beverages in Australia, usurping tea’s position as the at-home drink of choice among Australians, according to BIS Foodservices’ Coffee and Beverages 2012 report series. [ + ]

The ‘Operation Hayride’ compliance operation has uncovered widespread and deliberate importation and distribution of prohibited food in Australia. In the second completed prosecution one company director has been gaoled and his company fined. More prosecutions are expected. [ + ]

With 22 weeks to go, 90% of the exhibition space for AUSPACK PLUS 2013 has been sold, which organisers say is a testament to the show’s track record. [ + ]

A dust suppression solution has won Tecpro Australia and the University of Wollongong the Australian Bulk Handling Review Award for Dust Control, Technology, Application or Practice. [ + ]

Scientists have published the genome sequence of the watermelon. The scientists say the information could dramatically accelerate watermelon breeding to produce more nutritious, tastier and more disease-resistant fruit. [ + ]

PerfoTec has been awarded the Green Tulip (Groene Tulp) Award at the Accenture Innovation Awards in the Netherlands. The company was presented the award on 8 November. [ + ]

University of Illinois scientists have developed a method that reduces the number of E. coli O157:H7 cells that can live undetected on spinach leaves. [ + ]

Exporters of boxed beef are facing hurdles including the strong Australian dollar which, combined with an aggressive US marketing campaign into Japan, is continuing to see US beef displace Australian in its key market. [ + ]

The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) will run its half-day Flexible Packaging and Bioplastics training course again in 2013. [ + ]

Materials scientists from UQ have developed a way to convert unstable ethylene gas into a more stable powder form, which will improve the safety, efficiency and effort involved in controlled ripening of fruit. [ + ]

Flexible packaging sales are increasing rapidly, with flexible packaging taking the place of rigid due to its light weight, superior barrier properties and prudent use of packaging materials. [ + ]