The use of nanotechnology in food could lead to food tasting and looking better, but knowledge regarding any possible negative health affect is scarce. Leading Australian consumer group Choice believes nanotechnology is already used in around 800 non-food products, with food manufacturers now exploring its potential behind closed doors. “(There are) invisible sunscreens, where there’s a nano-scale titanium dioxide, which gives transparent protection from UV,” Choice spokesman Christopher... ...Read more »

Supermarkets remain on top when it comes to customer loyalty, according to new research from the UK. The survey found supermarkets were rated most highly (72%) with consumers when asked which sectors they felt most loyal to. Perhaps surprisingly, banks remain on a par with supermarkets, attracting the same degree of loyalty. The study, carried out by researchers Ipsos MORI on behalf of The Logic Group, suggested loyalty to supermarkets and banks “may suggest that for many people loyalty today... ...Read more »

The Federal Workplace Ombudsman is concerned that large numbers of young people and migrant workers might be being short-changed by fast-food employers. “The preliminary findings of random audits of the fast-food sector suggest there is a lack of awareness among employers of their workplace obligations,” State Director Leigh Quealy said. Mr Quealy advised that almost half of the 120 employers scrutinised by his inspectors so far were failing to comply with workplace laws. The Western... ...Read more »

Menora Foods Pty Ltd is conducting a voluntary recall of the below-listed products due to tests showing they may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria. These products should not be eaten. This recall only applies to the products listed below with the matching Best Before dates and last four digits of the batch code ending with 2602. Customers are asked to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund and retailers should remove them from sale. Menora Foods Pty Ltd is working with... ...Read more »

People remain cautious about the emergence of new food technologies according to a review of existing research, published by the UK’s Food Standards Agency.The report, which looks at research since 1999, brings together knowledge from the UK and beyond, on public opinion about up-and-coming food technologies, such as nanotechnologies and cloning. According to the research, GM and animal cloning remain the areas of most concern for people. However, the review also showed that food technologies... ...Read more »

Industry sectors set to benefit despite tough economic conditions have been revealed as Mintel announces updated UK market forecasts in light of recession. Despite tough market conditions the research reveals that over a third (37%) of over 400 sectors monitored by Mintel are re-forecast to grow this year. The findings come as part of a major re-forecasting project undertaken by their market analysts, which takes into account the dramatic change in consumers’ expectations, attitudes and beliefs... ...Read more »

As global consumers become increasingly discerning about their purchasing behaviour, the Westpac-NFF Commodity Index is showing signs that food and fibre consumption is not immune to the world economic downturn. The Index fell 4.0% during February, taking the Index to 17.6% below February 2008 levels. “It is fair to say that agricultural commodity markets, like all commodity markets, are still feeling the impacts of the mass exodus of speculating investors once the global financial crisis hit,”... ...Read more »

The European Parliament is set to take a closer look at the food supply chain, which will ensure price trends are monitored over time. Correcting the market inequalities, and improving direct relations between consumers and producers, in order to guarantee reasonable prices for the former and profits for the latter, are at the centre of a report adopted by the European Parliament on the difference in price between production and consumption in the food chain. High food price volatility, which has... ...Read more »

Harvey Beef, Western Australia’s biggest abattoir, could be forced to shut down after workers rejected a 3 year workplace agreement for the second time yesterday. The first pay deal was rejected earlier this month, with 160 workers since made redundant. 115 employees voted against accepting the agreement, as opposed to 99 in favour, which would have led to a pay cut of up to 20% pay for a third of its workforce, for 3 years. Harvey Beef has since indicated it may have come to an alternative,... ...Read more »

The Board of Directors of Patties Foods have advised that Greg Bourke, who was chosen as Chief Executive Officer in September 2008, has been appointed as Managing Director of Patties, effective yesterday (26 March 2009). Mr Bourke was recruited from the position of CFO at George Weston’s Don Smallgoods division after Dr Michele Allan resigned. He had spent 20 years with George Weston Foods before the move.  Read More →