The roll-out of food labels designed to help US shoppers eat more healthily has been halted after food safety officials started an investigation on whether nutrition claims within the labels were misleading. The Smart Choices Program, launched in August across hundreds of products, said that it will “voluntarily postpone active operations and not encourage wider use of the logo at this time by either new or currently enrolled companies”. Participating companies include: Kellogg, Kraft... ...Read more »

The latest meeting of the Food Regulation Ministerial Council has seen the confirmation of a food labelling review, concerns raised about the impact of energy drinks, and the update of fortification guidelines. Food Labelling Review Ministers responsible for food issues in Australia and New Zealand met in Brisbane on Friday with the Chair of the Council and Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mark Butler, announcing that former Australian Health Minister, Dr Neal Blewett AC, will head... ...Read more »

American-based retailer Costco has poured another $25 million into their Australian operations to go with over $80 million spent last year, according to accounts obtained by The Age. The company opened their first Australian store in Melbourne during August amid great fanfare, with crowds upon opening more akin to a launch of a new Apple store or gadget than a wholesale outlet. The latest financial report, provided to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, highlights a $2.36 million... ...Read more »

The price trend of food commodities has been broadly upwards this year, but prices continue to show significant volatility, according to the Westpac-NFF Commodity Index. During September 2009, the Westpac-NFF Commodity Index decreased 1.4% and is now 17.2% lower than a year ago. International commodity prices easing during the month were wheat (-10.8%), barley (-7.6%), canola (-10.5%), cotton (-0.8%), and beef (-2.4%). Commodity prices that lifted during September included sugar (1.5%), wool (4.2%).... ...Read more »

Tesco, the largest retailer in the UK, has opened the first completely self-service outlet in Britain as retailers around the world continue to look at self-service checkouts as a means to reduce costs. The express convenience store will have five self-service registers, with just one employee monitoring the tills and providing assistance to customers. A Tesco spokesperson told the Daily Mail that the outlet was part of the company’s response to the consumer push for more convenient retailing. “Customers... ...Read more »

In a report published on Friday, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has shown that intake of trans fatty acids (TFAs) from manufactured sources has declined in the Australian and New Zealand population by 25-40% since 2007. The report has been welcomed by the Australian Food and Grocery Council and has convinced health ministers that regulation is not required at this point in time. FSANZ Chief Scientist Dr Paul Brent said this means that total intake of TFAs is now estimated to be 0.5%... ...Read more »

Dairy group Danone has reported sales growth of 2.4% on a like-for-like basis in the first three quarters as stronger volumes overcame a 1.5% decline in prices received. Consolidated sales fell, however, due to the impact of the sale of their beverage business Frucor earlier this year. Among brands, Activia and Danacol delivered strong performances, as their “health benefit brands” (Activia, Actimel, Danonino and Danacol) continued to grow faster than the average of the division. Franck... ...Read more »

Companies can make considerable sums by greening their bottom-line an internationally respected de-carbonisation and sustainability expert told Australian businesses this week.Dr Martin Blake, a business guru and sustainability veteran of 25 years, whose visit from the UK is supported by Austrade, Industry & Investment NSW and CPA, said that implementing cutting edge carbon abatement models can deliver cost savings and attract further investment. “Businesses that have adopted this approach... ...Read more »

New research from America has shown that consumer interest in expanding their palettes is on the rise, with innovative flavours driving restaurant sales. The study, from foodservice industry consultant Technomic, finds that 42 per cent of consumers, particularly males aged 25 to 34, are more likely to visit restaurants that offer new or unique flavours. The 2009 Flavor Consumer Trend Report was designed to identify opportunities for restaurant operators and suppliers and help them differentiate their... ...Read more »

A decision by the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council today not to recommend further regulation of trans-fats in foods has been welcomed by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC). With evidence that dietary intakes of trans-fats have fallen substantially in Australia, a communiqué by the Ministerial Council endorsed a recommendation to retain the current non-regulatory, industry-based approach to reducing trans-fats in foods. AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said... ...Read more »