Final Call for abstracts for this conference!

The countdown is on! There are two weeks left to submit your Abstract for the upcoming Food Structures, Digestion and Health 2015 Conference.

Those who have already submitted will receive notification by 31 August.

The deadline to submit an Abstract is 21 August 2015. To submit please click here

The conference will be held 28-30 October in Wellington at the InterContinental Hotel. To register to attend the conference please click here.  Early bird rates close 18 September 2015.

To view the draft programme please click here

FDA proposes %Daily Value for added sugars on labels

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it is proposing additional revisions to the Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods that would require the percent daily value (%DV) for added sugars be declared. This %DV would be based on the recommendation that the daily intake of calories from added sugars not exceed 10% of total calories.

“The FDA’s initial proposal to include the amount of added sugars on the Nutrition Facts label is now further supported by newly reviewed studies suggesting healthy dietary patterns, including lower amounts of sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, are strongly associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease,” the FDA wrote in an update.

Additionally, the FDA is proposing to revise the footnote on the Nutrition Facts label explaining %DV to help consumers better understand the concept.

The FDA began accepting public comments on July 27, 2015. From the IFT Weekly

IPENZ provisionally accredits Massey’s Engineering Technology Degree

Did you know? The Massey food tech degree is now an IPENZ provisionally Accredited Three-year Engineering Technology Degree, under the Sydney Accord.

More information here

Industry workshop to revise the Approved Code of Practice for spray drying

1 October 2015, Wellington

IChemE in New Zealand is running an industry workshop to revise the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for prevention, detection and control of fire and explosion in New Zealand dairy industry spray drying plant.

The 1993 ACOP has proven an essential design document over many years and still contains useful information, particularly around preventative measures utilising the basic process control systems of industrial dryers.

However, there have been significant advances in industry practice in New Zealand and also in current international research, standards and regulations.

It is recommended that an industry working group be assembled to examine the fitness for purpose of the 1993 ACOP against international best practice and requirements under New Zealand's revised HSE legislation. An initial workshop is proposed to define the issues and get a consensus for next steps.

IChemE will provide independent oversight to ensure an open and collaborative process where sharing of best practice is facilitated and communicated accordingly.

Date: Thursday 1 October

Time: 10:00 - 17:00

Location: WorleyParsons, level 6, City Chambers, corner of Johnston St and Featherston St (entrance adjacent to Juniper restaurant and bar), Wellington.

Housekeeping: Food and drinks will be provided by WorleyParsons

RSVP: To join the workshop please email nzmembers@icheme.org by 18 September 2015

For further information please  contact Greig Wilson at greig.wilson@worleyparsons.com or tel: +64 (0) 21 656 120.