This move will encourage increased trade among Southern African Customs Union (SACU) members South Africa’s Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, welcomes the lifting of the ban on vegetable exports to Botswana. Minister Meyer said, “This move will encourage increased trade among Southern African[Read More…]
Policy and Regulatory
Australian government to freeze draught beer excise
This freeze will take effect from the next indexation date of August 2025 The Australian government will freeze the indexation on draught beer excise for two years, benefiting beer drinkers, brewers, and hospitality businesses. Indexation has been applied twice a year under a longstanding policy. While the February indexation had[Read More…]
EU agrees to reduce food waste and set new rules
The agreement also provides for the voluntary donation of unsold food that is safe for human consumption as an important aspect of reducing food waste The Council presidency and European Parliament representatives reached a provisional agreement on the targeted revision of the waste framework directive, setting EU targets for food[Read More…]
Singapore to implement beverage container return scheme from April 2026
Under this scheme, consumers will pay a 10-cent refundable deposit when purchasing pre-packaged beverages in plastic or metal containers ranging from 150 millilitres to 3 litres In a major step towards sustainability, Singapore will roll out its Beverage Container Return Scheme from April 1, 2026, aiming to increase recycling rates[Read More…]
UK’s food resilience report emphasises urgent need to reassess crisis policies
The NPC’s comprehensive report concludes that significant changes are required to ensure the UK’s food policy is adequately prepared The National Preparedness Commission (NPC) has issued an urgent warning regarding the fragile state of food security in the United Kingdom. In a report published this morning, the Commission emphasises the[Read More…]
FSANZ releases updated food standards code for improved accessibility
This update, created based on stakeholder feedback aims to enhance accessibility to the Code A newly compiled version of the Food Standards Code has been released, bringing together all 80 Standards and 29 Schedules into a single, searchable PDF. This update, created based on stakeholder feedback aims to enhance accessibility[Read More…]
Food Safety fines New Zealand Sugar Company for importing and selling sugar products contaminated with lead
In November and December 2021, the company recalled thousands of packs of sugar products because of potential low-level lead contamination New Zealand Sugar Company, trading as Chelsea Sugar, has been fined $149,500 for manufacturing, distributing and selling sugar products contaminated with lead. In November and December 2021, the company recalled[Read More…]
Singapore’s Food Safety bill paves way for commercialisation novel food
The FSSB 2024 focuses on ‘defined foods,’ which include lab-grown meat, precision-fermented products, and insect-based foods Singapore has taken a groundbreaking step in food innovation with the introduction of the Food Safety and Security Bill (FSSB) 2024. This new legislation aims to enhance food safety standards while fostering advancements in[Read More…]
EU approves Water lentils for consumption and production
The tiny green plants that float – and rapidly multiply – in stagnant water Water lentils, a protein-rich and sustainably cultivated plant have now been officially approved as a vegetable in Europe. It could make a significant contribution to the protein transition and the global food challenge. However, to achieve[Read More…]
DCT Abu Dhabi partners with ne’ma to reduce food waste
The national food loss and waste initiative is at the core of the UAE’s efforts to ensure food security and address climate change The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed an agreement with ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, to promote[Read More…]
