Australian companies are responding to the World Action on Salt and Health (WASH) drive to reduce the amount of salt in processed and fast foods. However, research is throwing up some interesting anomalies.

The Independent Investigator has made 57 recommendations for improvements to Canada's food safety system following the investigation into last year's listeriosis outbreak in Canada.

University of Newcastle researchers have achieved a major scientific breakthrough in the quest to protect crop longevity, yield and quality.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission has adopted more than 30 new international standards, codes of practice and guidelines to improve worldwide food safety and protect the health of consumers including parameters for the testing and monitoring of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meals.

Food Innovation New Zealand, a joint venture between the country's leading food research organisations, will facilitate greater collaboration between food researchers and lead to more innovation.

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority and the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency have signed an arrangement that fosters better links between the two organisations.

Australian Food and Grocery Council research shows that the number of food-related recalls in Australia has remained stable, with an average number of 52 recalls per year, since 2005.

Last November the European Commission voted to allow the sale of 'wonky' and misshapen fruit and vegetables in Europe from 1July this year.

The uptake of active and intelligent packaging in the foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals industries is expected to continue to increase as manufacturers take advantage of the smart packaging benefits.

The founder of food packaging and processing machine company tna, Alf Taylor, has been included in Engineers Australia's 2009 list of most influential engineers.

The world market for aseptically packed products amounted to 86 billion litres in 187 billion packs during 2008, according to the new Global Aseptic Packaging report from food and drink consultancy Zenith International and packaging experts Warrick Research. Volumes have grown by over 6% a year since 2003, with Asia achieving the fastest rise at over 13% a year.

Ms Jenni Mack, Dr James Murray, Dr David Roberts and Associate Professor Winsome Parnell have been appointed to the FSANZ board.

Avoz Exports is the trading name for a new avocado export-focused company. The Avocado Export Company represents about 60% of the avocados produced in Australia.

Rebecca Du is the inaugral recipient of the Australian Packaging Machinery Association's annual scholarship. Rebecca will complete an Australian Institute of Packaging Diploma in Packaging Technology.

The Savory Functional Systems activities of Chr Hansen has been acquired by Frutarom.