The issue of nutrition labelling reared its head last week after the EU’s politicians voted for the food on sale in the region to carry guideline daily amounts and not traffic lights. It’s a debate that has rumbled on for years and that generates fierce argument on both sides. There are those, predominantly consumer groups but also companies like UK retailer Sainsbury’s, who believe traffic lights make it easier for shoppers to choose healthier food. However, there are those –... ...Read more »

Heinz is to enter the soy sauce business in China through the acquisition of local firm Foodstar from private-equity fund Transpac Industrial Holdings as part of a plan to make up 25% of sales in emerging markets by 2016. The US food giant is to pay US$165m for the business, with the potential for a further payment in 2014 based on the performance of the Chinese firm. Heinz chairman, president and CEO Bill Johnson said the acquisition of Foodstar would help the group “accelerate” its... ...Read more »

It’s well known that lollies and fizzy drinks cause tooth decay, but CHOICE has warned so called healthy snacks such as some muesli bars and fruit drinks are also rotting our children’s teeth.  A survey has found a number of sugar-free energy and sports drinks can also damage teeth because of their high acid content. Working with the Australian Dental Association’s Victorian Branch, CHOICE compared the sugar content and acidity of 85 processed foods and drinks and categorised them as... ...Read more »

McCAIN Foods today announced the launch of McCAIN School Veggie Patches, a program to teach primary school children about the origin and benefits of vegetables to encourage them to make healthy food choices, by planting and growing vegetables in their own schoolyard. Award-winning chef and TV personality Pete Evans is excited to show his support for the McCAIN School Veggie Patches educational program, and urges schools to register and start collecting points to build their veggie patch. “As... ...Read more »

Nominations are now open for the RSPCA Australia Good Egg Awards, a national program that recognises major companies that make the switch to non-cage eggs.The Good Egg Award began in the UK, with international award winners including McDonalds UK, Subway, Microsoft, Google and Sainsburys supermarkets. “We’re looking for big egg users that have made the switch or are intending to make the switch to using non-cage eggs and in doing so are showing great leadership in their industry and in... ...Read more »

100% Australian owned Kinkynero Dark Rum and Kinkylux White Rum, produced by the makers of Vodka O (ASM Liquor), are proving they are up there with the best, taking out Gold in their rum categories at the 2010 World Spirit Awards in Europe. Kinkynero and Kinkylux were up against more established global rum brands and it was very much a David versus Goliath battle as the Aussie owned spirits were awarded Gold in the dark and white rum categories. Competing against over 1,000 brands from around the... ...Read more »

Palm oil firm Golden Agri-Resources has struck a deal to buy Chinese noodle maker Florentina International Holdings (FIH) for CNY976m (US$142.8m).FIH, the food arm of Asia Food & Properties Limited (AFP), makes snack noodles, instant noodles and ice sticks in China. The company has eight production plants in seven provinces in China and also has a distribution network of sales and liaison offices throughout the country. Golden Agri-Resources said the proposed acquisition would allow it to leverage... ...Read more »

Nestlé is to launch a floating supermarket on the Brazilian Amazon to extend its reach into some of the least commercially-developed parts of the world. Named Nestlé Até Você a Bordo – or Nestlé Takes You Onboard – the barge will journey to 18 small cities on the Para and Xingu rivers from 1 July for nearly three weeks, docking one day in each city. Leaving the Brazilian port of Belém, the vessel will sail to the region of Marajó Island to the city of Almeirim, into the Baixo... ...Read more »

Solomon Kosher Butcher is conducting a recall of their Premium Beef Mince, and Diet Beef Mince (all weights, not pre-packaged) purchased on 16th June 2010 or 17th June 2010 as a precautionary health measure.  The product may be contaminated with Natural Rubber Latex which may cause allergic reactions.  Customers should not consumer these products.  Solomon Kosher Butcher is working with health authorities on the problem. The recall applies only to the above produts with the nominated purchase... ...Read more »

Roma Food Products is conducting a recall of Orgran Gluten Free Molasses Licorice 200g packets, best before 31 Oct 2011, due to the product containing undeclared gluten. This recall applies only to the nominated size and best before date.  Consumers with an allergy or intolerance to gluten should not consume this product.  There are no other issues with this product, and no other Orgran branded products are affected. Consumers are asked to return this product to the place of purchase for a full... ...Read more »