Researchers presented a study on poisons leaching from packaging material to foods.  The study detected high amounts of potential cancerogenous components of mineral oil in chocolate and other foods. [1]

Douglas et al. 2012 report that having afternoon snacks influence appetite-control and eating initiation in women. Regardless of protein content, snacks reduced hunger and delayed the demand for dinner by up to 120 minutes compared to persons having no snacks.

Leiber, a German producer of yeast products, submitted a request of health claim saying that its beta-glucan of yeast “helps to maintain the body's defence against pathogens in the upper respiratory tract”. It is already the second trial presenting new informations to the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). [1]

Oyster leaf (Mertensia maritima), also referred to as vegetarian oyster. The leaves have an amazing oyster-like, marine aroma. Delort et al. 2012 identified 109 compounds which give the plant its remarkable taste.  The oyster-like taste is caused by four compounds: (Z)-3-nonenal, (Z)-1,5-octadien-3-ol, (Z,Z)-3,6-nonadienal, and (Z)-1,5-octadien-3-one. Oyster leaves can be added to fish dishes. [1]

According to the World Bank Report global food prices stabilized at new record highs. The prices rose above their levels a year ago, notably of grains by 12%, maize by 17%, and wheat by 24%. The World Bank sees drought in the US corn belt, Kazastan, Ukraine and Russia. [1]

Biosorption is being developed to remove heavy metal from wastewater. Binding and concentration of selected heavy metal ions or other molecules such as radionuclides on to certain biological material. However,  all organic pollutants being gaseous, soluble or insoluble matters may be targeted with biosorption.

The Farmers' Services Centre (FSC), a government body tasked with modernising Abu Dhabi farms, has teamed up with UAE University to produce dried tomatoes from surplus crops. The university's researchers tested drying the tomatoes directly in the sun and using a solar drier.

The viruses of genus  Ilarvirus are of agronomic importance causing worldwide economic losses in yield and fruit quality affecting mainly Prunus spp. Ilarvirus genus is a member of the family of the Bromoviridae.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are important for health of different organs. Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to prevention of cardiovascular diseases, some psychiatric, dermatological or rheumatological disorders. Best available alpha-linolenic-acid (ALA) source for humans are  rapeseed oil (canola oil), and walnut oil.  There is an increasing recognition of the health benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). 

According to Vogt et al. 2012, food contaminants are of concern for all ages, but specially for children. The authors stress that children are in developing phase. The intake of food and fluids relative to the bodyweight is greater as that of adults. [1]