Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is proposing an examination of options for primary production and processing requirements for the raw horticultural produce sector. The examination may result in the development of a new standard. The proposal, which will be of particular relevance to those who produce dried fruit and vegetables, is expected to be preliminarily open for public comment between mid-March 2012 and mid-May 2012. Labelling requirements for food for catering purposes and retail... ...Read more »

Millions of Truss tomato seedlings have been poisoned with herbicide at a hydroponics farm and plant nursery in Bowen in Northern Queensland. The sabotage is likely to have nationwide consequences for tomato prices, with the region growing 80% of the nation’s September tomatoes. Queensland Health says tomatoes from the property have been tested, and are safe for consumption with no residue of herbicide detected, and that testing will continue. Police are investigating the incident, the costs... ...Read more »