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The National Table Olives Committee’s discussion paper is still available for comment and feedback, with input providing the basis for the development of draft Australian Standards for Table Olives. All olive industry participants are invited to comment on the issues raised in the paper, which can be downloaded here. Forward comments before the end of January to Peter McFarlane, by post to 33 Phillips St, Somerton Park SA 5044; by fax on 08 8376 7048 or via email to [email protected].
Supermarket giant Woolworths will adopt the Australian Standard for premium olive oil for its own brand lines, reports weeklytimesnow. However it will not require the voluntary standard be met by other brands it stocks. The Weekly Times revealed last year that several imported premium or ‘extra virgin’ olive oils were not meeting the Australian standard for extra virgin, including Woolworths’ imported brand.
The AOA recently commissioned its 2nd round of 30 random tests under the AS5264-2011. A summary of the testing results will be made available by the AOA in January/February 2012. These results will also be made available to the ACCC.
The past few weeks have seen the whole gamut of weather conditions experienced across Australia, from heat waves to heavy rains, floods and even cyclones. No doubt the effects are being felt in olive groves, and we’d love to know how yours has fared. Have you lost blossoms or young fruit to strong winds? Is your grove under water? Or parched from days of scorching heat? Send Olivegrower & Processor editor Gerri Nelligan an email with details of what’s been happening in your area, and she’ll compile a snapshot of how things are looking across the country. And New Zealand growers, we’d love reports from you too. Send your details to [email protected].
It’s getting closer, so now’s the time to lock in your place at the Olives New Zealand Conference 2012 – Let’s Get it On! The event will be held at the Five Star Sudima Airport Hotel, Auckland on Saturday, 24 March, with an ’Olives to Oil’ Processor Course the following day. Detailed conference program information and registration forms here. Registrations close on 31 January 2012.
Spanish firm Probeltebio has joined a growing list of players in the olive oil extract space that has been hot ever since olive extract polyphenols won a rare botanical antioxidant health claim from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Fatty acids and phytochemicals found in fish oil and olive oil have been shown to block cellular mechanisms involved in the development of acute pancreatitis, say researchers. Read more here, and also in the coming January-February edition of Olivegrower & Processor’s regularHealth Round-up.
Use of low dose x-ray irradiation on vacuum packed asparagus can increase both shelf life and microbiological safety of the product, according to new US research.
Suitable for table olives, perhaps – Ed?
There is no interest in extending the shelf-life of products for up to five years from the food industry or the consumer, says a NASA scientist and an industry insider.
Consumption of ‘junk food diets’ containing high levels of trans fats may lead to brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s, whilst consumption of foods high in vitamins may offer protection, says new research.
Still more reason for consumers – and food manufacturers – to switch to olive oil – Ed.