Industry News
Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council formed
The Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council has replaced Go Grains Health & Nutrition with a new name and logo. The council is a not-for-profit organisation, founded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation and supported by producers and manufacturers in the grains and legumes industries. [ + ]
Easy tracking of GM content
With debate about the safety of genetically modified (GM) crops, it is important for food processors to be able to monitor GM levels in food products. New research has shown it is possible to recognise GM contamination as low as 0.1% in maize using bioluminescent real-time reporter (BART) technology and loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). [ + ]
DAFF seizes 1.5 tonnes of illegal food imports
DAFF Biosecurity officers have seized more than one and a half tonnes of prohibited food imports in the latest biosecurity operation. [ + ]
Innovia Films launches dedicated NatureFlex website
NatureFlex, Innovia Films’ compostable, cellulose-based packaging product, now has its own website: www.NatureFlex.com. [ + ]
Applications open for small business advice funding
Small businesses can now apply for grants of up to $100,000 a year as part of the Small Business Advisory Services program. [ + ]
Report on low UK salt intake is a “wake-up call” for Australia
The UK Department of Health has released a report showing that UK dietary salt intake is the lowest in the Western world, at 8.1 g per day. In comparison, Australians consume 9 g per day. [ + ]
Our milk has never contained permeate, claims Aussie Farmers Direct
In response to yesterday’s announcement that PURA milk will no longer have permeate added, Aussie Farmers Direct has said its milk products do not contain permeate - and never have. [ + ]
Green banana flour makes gluten-free pasta
Tasters have found a gluten-free pasta made using green banana flour to be more acceptable than regular whole wheat pasta. The product has less fat and is cheaper to produce than standard pastas and is suitable for celiacs. [ + ]
Australian children consuming less food colour than 2008: report
Australian children are consuming lower levels of food colours than in 2008, a new FSANZ report has shown. [ + ]
Goodman Fielder to close facilities, cut jobs and reduce product range
As part of its plans to improve manufacturing efficiency, Goodman Fielder will close three of its bakery facilities, cut 115 jobs and reduce its product range. [ + ]
Protein alternative sector growing, says Innova
Rising demand for protein has prompted a flurry of activity in the protein alternative sector, according to Innova Market Insights. [ + ]
PURA announces permeate-free milk
Dairy company PURA has announced its milk will no longer contain permeate, a watery by-product of milk processing, as of 1 July 2012. [ + ]
AIP recognises packaging technologists at 2012 National Conference
At the 2012 National Conference the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) recognised four packaging technologists for significant contribution to their specific packaging field and to the wider packaging industry, including the seventh only Founders Award in 50 years. [ + ]
APPMA Scholarship winner announced
During the 2012 AIP National Conference at the Marriott Surfers Paradise, the APPMA announced the winner of the annual scholarship program which enables one person each year to study a Diploma in Packaging Technology. The scholarship winner is Anna Roland, Technical Officer, Betta Foods Australia. [ + ]
Younger consumers more accepting of stevia-sweetened foods
A Belgian study has found younger consumers are more accepting of stevia-sweetened ice-creams than older consumers. [ + ]
