Canadian biotech firm Forbes Medi-Tech has gained European approval to market its cholesterol-lowering ingredient Reducol in seven new food applications.

Israeli scientists have discovered a gene that determines the concentration of protein found in cow's milk, and plan to use that finding to spur the production of higher-protein milk in dairy herds all over the world.

Ingredient Resources has been appointed master agent for Australia and New Zealand by Taiyo Kagaku Co Ltd of Japan.

A Finnish innovation has resulted in a patent for the first method for removing lactose from food without affecting flavour.

The CSIRO has created business units to strengthen the organisation's food and nutrition, health and biotechnology, and marine and atmospheric research activities.

Flexicon USA has established a new, wholly owned Australian subsidiary named Flexicon Corporation (Australia) Pty Limited.

SAI Global has been accredited by JAS-ANZ to certify products under the Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme (AWPCS). The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) has established this scheme to help Australian exporters meet the international standard for treated wood packaging used in the export trade.

Macro Wholefoods and the BFA have announced that Macro has chosen ACO for its organic retail certification.

Amcor has reached a licence agreement with US-based Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation to provide revolutionary milk sack technology.

Soleris technology has been proven an effective indicator of the shelf life of pasteurised fluid milk, according to a study conducted by the Mississippi State University Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion.

The pathogen Campylobacter occurs naturally in turkeys' male and female reproductive tracts. To make things more complicated, it appears that artificial insemination procedures at turkey farms could expand the pathogen's prevalence. But another procedure used on the farm - placing antibiotics in turkey semen - could offer some hope for fighting Campylobacter there.

A device that is claimed can kill some of the modern world's most deadly and quickly transmitted airborne bacteria and viruses has been developed in the United Kingdom.

Inulin is low-glycaemic and can be used in foods designed for weight management, claims Sensus.

Chemists with the US Department of Agriculture report they have identified a form of soluble cellulose that, if added to high-fat food items, appears to slow down fat absorption to a healthier rate and reduce the likelihood of developing insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. The preliminary animal study was described at the 229th national meeting of the American Chemical Society.

The confectionery industry's annual convention, hosted by the Confectionery Manufacturers of Australasia (CMA) will take on a new identity this year as it takes on a new role in the mix of CMA events. The annual convention that has been known as ConSnack since 1998 will be formally rebranded as ConBiz and will provide a more focused forum for senior management and industry leaders in the Australasian confectionery industry.