Hard work improves the taste of food

A Johns Hopkins University study indicates that if you have to expend more effort to get a certain food, not only will you value that food more, it might even taste better to you.

Pigs reveal secrets

Flat soft drink and anticancer drug effectiveness

It seems that taking an oral anticancer medication with degassed Sprite may improve the effectiveness of the drug.

Collaboration to identify natural, marine-derived food preservatives

Aquapharm Biodiscovery has announced it has signed a research agreement with Leatherhead Food Research to identify novel functional extracts with broad-spectrum, anti-microbial activity using Aquapharm’s extensive collection of marine microorganisms.

Endurance performance improving beverages

Low kJ beverages with added protein are claimed to improve endurance times in cyclists more than higher energy drinks.

Sans cans

A revolutionary thermal processing technology using 915 MHz microwave energy has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Salt-tolerant rice offers hope for global food supply

A team of scientists at the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics has successfully used genetic modification (GM) to improve the salt tolerance of rice, offering hope for improved rice production around the world.

Carbohydrate claims can mislead consumers

Some consumers are misinterpreting low carbohydrate claims on food packaging and assuming health benefits and weight loss qualities beyond the nutrition facts.

Carbohydrate claims can mislead consumers

Front-of-pack nutrition claims seem to be misinterpreted by consumers, who give more credence to the claims than is warranted.

Talented bacteria make food poisoning unpredictable

By understanding the role of the food matrix, researchers may be able to explain why consuming Listeria in one food may be quite safe, while eating the same amount in another food might be lethal.

No health risk from BPA in packaging

Food regulators have found no major health risks associated with the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging and closures according to the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC).

Food with added anthrax protection

An antibacterial enzyme found in human tears and other body fluids could be applied to certain foods for protection against intentional contamination with anthrax.

Woolworths South Africa’s house brand redesign project

Woolworths South Africa has begun rolling out its Essentials range of supermarket items, the first phase of a complete packaging overhaul being undertaken across all lines within the retailer’s portfolio of house brands. The mammoth task is being overseen by the company’s recently appointed Creative Director, Vince Frost.

Delaying fat digestion to curb appetite

Scientists have been experimenting with using protein layers to stabilise emulsions and delay fat digestion until the fatty acids reach the ileum where their presence stimulates satiety-inducing hormones.

Full-fat dairy not responsible for heart attack deaths

A new Australian study has found that eating full-fat dairy may reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related death.