A recap of September's top stories

A world without cocoa? Lab-grown chocolate and other technologies may provide alternative, but not replacement – expert panel

Current trending solutions to the cocoa price crisis such as lab-grown or cocoa-free chocolate technologies may provide a niche alternative to the lack of cocoa bean supply, but are unlikely to replace the role of authentic cocoa in the food system, according to an expert panel.

No safety, no security: Asia food system facing triple threat of microbe, chemical and physical contamination - expert insights

The food system in Asia is facing a triple food safety threat in the firm of microbiological, chemical and physical contamination, all of which are being exacerbated by climate change and putting national food securities at risk.

New alcohol labelling requirements for Australia and New Zealand move a step closer, industry generally supportive

Moves to introduce new alcoholic labelling standards in Australia and New Zealand, including listing carbohydrate, sugar, and energy values on pack, have moved a step closer.

Edible cutlery: Singapore start-up seeks to reduce plastic waste in Asia with nutrition-packed products

Singapore start-up Crunch Cutlery is seeking to tackle plastic waste with its edible cutlery made from chia, buckwheat and jowar.

Mandatory health star ratings? ANZ ministers concerned with slow uptake, nutrition info panel update also planned

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is considering making the Health Star Rating (HSR) mandatory after sluggish uptake from brands, while also reviewing updates to the nutrition information panel (NIP) information on packaged foods.

New territories: CJ CheilJedang extending footprint in Oceania, Europe propelled by bibigo’s sales spike

South Korean food giant CJ CheilJedang is accelerating the expansion of its Oceania and European business led by its “bibigo K-food strategy”, following a surge in sales and positive consumer reception

First-world 'game-changer'? Kraft Heinz seeks to resolve gamers’ pain point with hands-free snack dipper

Kraft Heinz recently introduced a hands-free “snack dipper” device, which the food major says would solve the so-called problem of not being able to eat while gaming.

Bringing AI into food innovation: Digital tech must provide accessibility and meaning to consumers – Danone

Food and nutrition giant Danone believes that 'accessibility and meaning' are key to get consumers to adopt digital technology and fuel personalised innovation.

Nuclear termination? Japan declares it time to lift ‘all restrictions’ on Fukushima-affected food exports - government report

The Japanese government has declared that all international markets should lift ‘all restrictions and other measures’ on Japanese food exports that were previously affected by the Fukushima nuclear powerplant disaster.

Reconstitution rejections: India food safety authority bans ‘misleading’ fruit juice claims

India’s food safety authority has announced regulations banning local beverage companies from labelling reconstituted fruit juices as ‘100% fruit juice’ to avoid public confusion.