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The secret sauce of Coles’ and Woolworths’ profits: high-tech surveillance and control

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-kate-kelly-1262424">Lauren Kate Kelly</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> Coles and Woolworths, the supermarket chains that together control <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-20/woolworths-coles-supermarket-tactics-grocery-four-corners/103405054">almost two-thirds</a> of the Australian grocery market, are facing unprecedented scrutiny. One recent inquiry, commissioned by the Australian Council of Trade Unions and led by former Australian Consumer and Competition Commission chair Allan Fels, found the pair engaged in unfair pricing practices; an ongoing <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Supermarket_Prices/SupermarketPrices">Senate inquiry into food prices</a> is looking at how these practices are linked to inflation; and the ACCC has just begun <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/inquiries-and-consultations/supermarkets-inquiry-2024-25">a government-directed inquiry</a> into potentially anti-competitive behaviour in Australia’s supermarkets. Earlier this week, the two companies also came under the gaze of the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-19/super-power-the-cost-of-living-with-coles-and-woolworths/103486508">ABC current affairs program Four Corners</a>. Their respective chief executives each gave somewhat prickly interviews, and Woolworths chief Brad Banducci <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-21/woolworths-ceo-brad-banducci-retirement-four-corners/103493418">announced his retirement</a> two days after the program aired. A focus on the power of the supermarket duopoly is long overdue. However, one aspect of how Coles and Woolworths exercise their power has received relatively little attention: a growing high-tech infrastructure of surveillance and control that pervades retail stores, warehouses, delivery systems and beyond. <h2>Every customer a potential thief</h2> As the largest private-sector employers and providers of essential household goods, the supermarkets play an outsized role in public life. Indeed, they are such familiar places that technological developments there may fly under the radar of public attention. Coles and Woolworths are both implementing technologies that treat the supermarket as a “problem space” in which workers are controlled, customers are tracked and profits boosted. For example, in response to a purported spike in shoplifting, a raft of customer surveillance measures have been introduced that treat every customer as a potential thief. This includes <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/coles-introducing-new-technology-which-will-track-shoppers-every-move/news-story/86ea8d330f76df87f2235eeda4d1136e">ceiling cameras</a> which assign a digital ID to individuals and track them through the store, and <a href="https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/finance/consumer/2023/08/16/smart-gate-technology">“smart” exit gates</a> that remain closed until a purchase is made. Some customers have reported being “<a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/coles-supermarketshoppers-dramatic-checkout-experience-goes-viral-i-was-trapped-c-12977760">trapped</a>” by the gate despite paying for their items, causing significant embarrassment. At least one Woolworths store has <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/woolies-in-wetherill-park-fitted-with-500-tiny-cameras-to-monitor-stock-levels/news-story/585de8c741ae9f520adcc4005f2a736a">installed 500 mini cameras</a> on product shelves. The cameras monitor real-time stock levels, and Woolworths says customers captured in photos will be silhouetted for privacy. A Woolworths spokesperson <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/up-to-70-cameras-watch-you-buy-groceries-what-happens-to-that-footage-20230819-p5dxtp.html">explained</a> the shelf cameras were part of “a number of initiatives, both covert and overt, to minimise instances of retail crime”. It is unclear whether the cameras are for inventory management, surveillance, or both. Workers themselves are being fitted with body-worn cameras and wearable alarms. Such measures may protect against customer aggression, which is a <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-22/retail-union-staff-abuse-cost-of-living-christmas/103117014">serious problem facing workers</a>. Biometric data collected this way could also be used to discipline staff in what scholars Karen Levy and Solon Barocas refer to as “<a href="https://ijoc.org/index.php/ijoc/article/view/7041">refractive surveillance</a>” – a process whereby surveillance measures intended for one group can also impact another. <h2>Predicting crime</h2> At the same time as the supermarkets ramp up the amount of data they collect on staff and shoppers, they are also investing in data-driven “crime intelligence” software. Both supermarkets have <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/industries/information-technology/grocery-chains-surveillance-tech-auror/">partnered with New Zealand start-up Auror</a>, which shares a name with the magic police from the Harry Potter books and claims it can predict crime before it happens. Coles also recently began a partnership with Palantir, a global data-driven surveillance company that takes its name from magical crystal balls in The Lord of the Rings. These heavy-handed measures seek to make self-service checkouts more secure without increasing staff numbers. This leads to something of a vicious cycle, as under-staffing, self-checkouts, and high prices are often <a href="https://www.aap.com.au/news/retail-workers-facing-increased-violence-and-abuse/">causes of customer aggression</a> to begin with. Many staff are similarly frustrated by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jun/05/coles-woolworths-court-accused-of-underpaying-workers">historical wage theft by the supermarkets</a> that totals hundreds of millions of dollars. <h2>From community employment to gig work</h2> Both supermarkets have brought the gig economy squarely <a href="https://theconversation.com/coles-uber-eats-deal-brings-the-gig-economy-inside-the-traditional-workplace-204353">inside the traditional workplace</a>. Uber and Doordash drivers are now part of the infrastructure of home delivery, in an attempt to push last-mile delivery costs onto gig workers. The precarious working conditions of the gig economy are well known. Customers may not be aware, however, that Coles recently increased Uber Eats and Doordash prices by at least 10%, and will <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/shoppers-slam-coles-over-major-change-to-half-price-buys-that-will-affect-millions-c-12860556">no longer match in-store promotions</a>. Drivers have been instructed to dispose of the shopping receipt and should no longer place it in the customer’s bag at drop-off. In addition to higher prices, customers also pay service and delivery fees for the convenience of on-demand delivery. Despite the price increases to customers, drivers I have interviewed in my ongoing research report they are earning less and less through the apps, often well below Australia’s minimum wage. Viewed as a whole, Coles’ and Woolworths’ high-tech measures paint a picture of surveillance and control that exerts pressures on both customers and workers. While issues of market competition, price gouging, and power asymmetries with suppliers must be scrutinised, issues of worker and customer surveillance are the other side of the same coin – and they too must be reckoned with.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/224076/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-kate-kelly-1262424">Lauren Kate Kelly</a>, PhD Candidate, ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-secret-sauce-of-coles-and-woolworths-profits-high-tech-surveillance-and-control-224076">original article</a>.

Money & Banking

New commemorative Queen coin worth serious cash

The Royal Australian Mint has confirmed that it will be releasing a commemorative 50c coin to celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday. The coin will feature all six effigies which have been featured on Australian coins during the late monarch’s reign, with two versions up for sale. One is an uncirculated version which will cost $15 and, the other is silver proof edition for $135. “With limited mintage, this coin is expected to be a highly prized addition to any coin collection,” the Mint said. Australian coin expert Joel Kandia said that online marketplaces are already selling the coin at “seven times the RRP”. Royal Australian Mint CEO Leigh Gordon added that this latest release is the perfect tribute to the late Queen. “Historically, coins bear witness to a Monarch’s reign with their royal effigies appearing on the obverse. In keeping with that tradition, this exceptional coin showcases the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Effigy by Jody Clark on the obverse,” he said. “The Mint’s trademark storytelling is strongly represented on the coin’s reverse, which features a central design depicting the first six effigies, fanned above the Queen’s royal cypher.” This surprise release will be in high demand, with a “frenzy” expected for coin collectors, according to the Perth coin and bank note expert. “It is essentially the last coin commemorating the Queen,” Kandiah said in an interview with 7News. “It is extremely special because it features all six effigies of the Queen that have appeared on Australian coinage since 1954, so it unique in that respect. “There will definitely be a frenzy, which is why the RAM have reduced the allocation to just one per person through their physical store, through the phone and their authorised distributors. “There have been murmurings about the coin for a while, so collectors are really excited to see it confirmed and able for purchase.” The uncirculated coin itself will have a mintage of 25,000 and the silver proof version has an even lower mintage of 7,500. The coins will be for sale at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra from 8.30am on Thursday November 23, through the Mint’s Contact Centre on 1300 352 020, or through the Mint’s authorised distributors. Image: Royal Australian Mint

Money & Banking

Tropical banana cake with salted peanut caramel sauce

If you’re really looking to go all out, this tropical banana cake with salted peanut caramel sauce is a striking dessert that tastes as good as it looks. If there are any leftovers of, they will keep for a few days in the fridge. Serves: Six to eight Ingredients: Banana cake <ul> <li>125g butter, softened</li> <li>1 cup brown sugar</li> <li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li> <li>2 tablespoons rum</li> <li>2 eggs</li> <li>3 ripe bananas, mashed</li> <li>1/4 cup coconut milk</li> <li>1/2 cup desiccated coconut</li> <li>1/2 cup chopped tropical dried fruits, plus extra for garnish</li> <li>2 cups self-raising flour</li> </ul> Salted peanut caramel sauce <ul> <li>200g caster sugar</li> <li>60ml (4 tablespoons) water</li> <li>60g butter, cut into small cubes</li> <li>1/2 cup cream</li> <li>1 teaspoon soy sauce</li> <li>80g salted roasted peanuts, roughly chopped</li> </ul> Filling <ul> <li>300ml cream</li> <li>1 tablespoon icing sugar</li> <li>250g sour cream, whisked</li> <li>2 bananas, sliced, tossed in a little lemon or lime juice to prevent browning</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Heat oven to 180°C. Grease and line the base of a 22cm spring-form tin.</li> <li>Cream butter and brown sugar together. Add vanilla and rum, beating to combine. Beat in eggs, mashed bananas and coconut milk. Add desiccated coconut and dried fruits, sift the flour over and gently fold to combine. </li> <li>Spoon into prepared tin and bake 45-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool. The cake can be made the day before it is needed.</li> <li>For the sauce, place caster sugar and water in a small saucepan and swirl the pan over a medium-high heat until sugar dissolves.</li> <li>Bring to the boil and cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until a rich caramel colour. Add butter carefully (mixture may spit) and whisk to combine.</li> <li>Add cream and soy sauce, whisking to combine.</li> <li>Add half the chopped peanuts. Serve immediately or leave covered on the bench (the sauce will become solid if refrigerated). </li> <li>For the filling, whip cream with icing sugar then mix into whisked sour cream.</li> <li>Keep chilled until needed. </li> <li>To assemble, split the cold cake and cover the bottom piece with a layer of sliced banana. Top with half the cream mixture then add the other layer of cake.</li> <li>Cover the top with remaining cream and garnish with remaining peanuts and extra dried tropical fruits. Pour over the caramel sauce and serve.</li> </ol> Written by Bernadette Hogg. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Images: Shutterstock

Food & Wine

Brand new mitey $2 coin revealed

A brand new $2 coin has been revealed to celebrate 100 years of Australia’s beloved Vegemite. Woolworths and the Royal Australian Mint have partnered up for the release of the limited edition $2 coins marking 100 years of the infamous Aussie spread. Woolworths shoppers across the country will be able to collect three exclusive versions of the gold coin so long as they pay with cash. Three million limited edition coins will be available for customers, with a new design released to cash tills each week over a three-week period. The coins have been designed by Royal Australian Mint designer Aaron Baggio, with each featuring a unique illustration honouring Vegemite. Each of the three designs has a different coloured circle - yellow, red and black. The first coin shows a jar of Vegemite with the words “100 Mitey Years” at the bottom. Another features a slice of Vegemite toast with the words “Tastes Like Australia”, while the third features a child eating a slice of Vegemite toast with the words “Happy Little Vegemites”. Woolworths brand and marketing director Jane Sales said the supermarket has supported Vegemite for decades and is excited to be part of the centenary celebrations. “It’s been a staple in the shopping baskets of Australians for years; we’re delighted to be a part of the celebrations for this iconic brand’s centenary,” she said. As part of the celebrations, there will also be a $1 coin featuring the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Obverse. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by British engraver Jody Clark, the Memorial Obverse also added the Queen’s years of reign – reading “Elizabeth II 1952-2022”. Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh, said Vegemite is one of the most loved brands across the country. “It is fitting the Royal Australian Mint has partnered with Vegemite and Woolworths to celebrate 100 Mitey years of an Australian icon,” he said. The Vegemite brand will be celebrating its 100th birthday on October 25, 2023, with Bega’s marketing manager for spreads, Jess Hoare, thanking all Aussies for loving the mitey product. Image credit: Getty/Royal Australian Mint

Money & Banking

National Duck Day: Diana Chan’s Luv-a-Duck Peking Duck breast with egg noodles, five spice sauce and fresh cucumber salad

The family owned business and Australia’s leading duck producer Luv-a-Duck has partnered up with MasterChef alum and duck lover Diana Chan, to officially launch National Duck Day, which falls on Tuesday May 23rd, 2023. Diana Chan is a Malaysian-Australian and won the 9th season of MasterChef in 2017. She has since become a well-known TV host, menu designer, product creator and restaurateur, turning her passion for food into her career. Diana Chan’s Luv-a-Duck Peking Duck breast with egg noodles, five spice sauce and fresh cucumber salad Serves: 2 Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 10 mins INGREDIENTS: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 2 x precooked Luv-A Duck peking duck breasts </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1 x 400g packet fresh egg noodles (medium thickness) </li> </ul> For the five spice sauce: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1 tbsp cooking oil </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 2 cloves garlic, minced </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 3 shallots, finely diced </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 50g galangal, sliced </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 50g ginger, sliced </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Leftover liquid from the packet </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1 tbsp five spice powder </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1 tbsp tapioca starch mixed with 2 tbsp of water </li> </ul> For the cucumber salad: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1 continental cucumber, halved and sliced into 5mm thick chunks </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 30g coriander, roughly chopped </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1 tbsp black vinegar </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1 tsp sugar </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1 tbsp soy sauce </li> </ul> To garnish: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Freshly sliced spring onions </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds </li> </ul> METHOD: <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Cook the peking duck breasts according to the packet instructions (microwave or oven) and set aside somewhere warm. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Preheat a large braising pot or wok. Add cooking oil. Add the garlic, shallots, galangal and ginger and fry until aromatic - about 3 minutes or so. Add the sauce from the packet and the five spice. Allow to reduce for 10 minutes. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Mix tapioca starch with water. Pour it into the sauce liquid while stirring at the same time and the liquid will start to thicken. You can add more tapioca mixture if you don't think the sauce is thick enough. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> While the sauce simmers, reheat the noodles according to the packet instructions. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> To assemble, remove the cooked duck breasts from the packet and slice them into 5mm thickness. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> In a mixing bowl, add in all the ingredients for the cucumber salad and mix to combine. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Place the reduced sauce into the serving bowls, divide the noodles into 2 portions, top with the duck breasts and pour over the sauce. Serve with the cucumber salad on the side. Garnish with some spring onions and sesame seeds. </li> </ol> Image credit: Luv-A-Duck

Food & Wine

New coin featuring Queen Elizabeth II carries hidden detail

The final design for the coin featuring Queen Elizabeth’s profile has been released by the Royal Australian Mint. Since taking the throne in 1953, six portraits of the Queen have appeared on Australian coins and next year the late monarch will feature for the last time. The new design was unveiled this week, after her death in September, and will include her familiar profile but with a notable difference. Featuring British engraver Jody Clark’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the memorial coin’s notable addition will include the Queen’s 70 years of reign and will read "Elizabeth II 1952-2022". Australian coin expert Joel Kandiah says this will be the first time this detail has appeared on an Australian coin. The change will only be for the collectable coin, and not for normally circulated coins. “Any new circulation coins minted next year will be dated 2022 until the King Charles III effigy is introduced,” he told 7News. The coin has been called Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Obverse and will be released in January 2023. Existing coins bearing the Queen’s profile will remain in circulation and continue to be legal tender forever. In the coming months, the Australian Government will announce details of the transition to the profile of King Charles III for all Australian coins. Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh said: “This final series of collectable coins will serve as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and a reminder for all Australians of her 70 years of service to Australia and the Commonwealth". Image: Royal Australian Mint

Money & Banking

Royal Australian Mint reveals the future of Aussie money

The Royal Australian mint has revealed the future of Australia’s coins in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II's passing. Set to undergo a major revamp, King Charles III’s effigy will begin popping up on the back of newly minted coins in the new year. In an interesting change, he will now be facing to the left. It’s part of a tradition that dates back to the reign of Charles II in the 1600s, in which each new monarch must alternate in the direction they gaze. The Queen has been the only monarch to feature on Australia’s currency, which was introduced in 1966. The Queen’s face is minted on more than 15 billion coins, according to assistant Minister for Treasury Andrew Leigh. Treasury has been working with the Royal Australian Mint as well as the Perth Mint to plan for a change in the effigy on Australian coins, which will be supplied by the UK Royal Mint. Coins featuring the Queen will remain legal tender, so there will be a mix of both the new King and his mother in circulation for quite a while, with the coins featuring the monarch’s effigy to linger for an estimated 30 years at least. Queen Elizabeth II has appeared on money more than any other person in history, with her face adorning currencies in 35 countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The Royal Australian Mint has also confirmed that it had “no plans” to submit a design for King Charles’ effigy. Image: Royal Mint of Australia

Money & Banking

Maccas to release international dipping sauces

McDonald’s is releasing a cult British menu item for the first time in Australia. The much-loved fast food giant is running a “Sauces in July” promotion, giving Aussies the chance to get their hands on a run of famous limited-edition condiments from around the world. The first two sauces released were the brand’s Cajun Sauce and the “rare” Szechuan Sauce. With two more flavours being released - closing out the winter promotion with Curry Sauce and Mighty Hot Sauce. Curry Sauce dip is a staple at British McDonald’s restaurants. It’s a “delicately spiced and fruity” condiment that is similar to the famous yellow curry sauce sold at fish and chip shops in the UK. While the Mighty Hot Sauce, a spicy chilli dip that “packs the ultimate punch”, originally ran in the US alongside the limited-edition spicy nuggets. The new McNuggets sauces will be available in Macca’s restaurants nationwide from Wednesday the 20th of July – Tuesday the 2nd of August, while stocks last. Image: McDonalds.com.au

Food & Wine

Pecan waffles with maple and blackberry sauce

<h4>Ingredients</h4> <ul> <li>¾ cup (110 g) plain flour</li> <li>½ teaspoon ground cinnamon</li> <li>1 teaspoon baking powder</li> <li>1 tablespoon caster sugar</li> <li>1 large egg, separated</li> <li>200 ml low–fat milk</li> <li>1 tablespoon (20 g) butter, melted</li> <li>1½ tablespoons finely chopped pecans</li> <li>Maple and blackberry sauce</li> <li>1 large, ripe dessert pear</li> <li>4 tablespoons maple syrup</li> <li>½ cup (50 g) pecans</li> <li>100 g blackberries</li> </ul> Preparation <div> <div data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/pecan-waffles-with-maple-and-blackberry-sauce"> </div> <ol> <li>First make the maple and blackberry sauce.</li> <li>Cut the pear lengthwise into quarters and cut out the core, then cut the pear into fine dice.</li> <li>Put into a small heavy saucepan and add the maple syrup.</li> <li>Warm gently, then remove the pan from the heat.</li> <li>Stir in the pecans and blackberries.</li> <li>Set aside while making the waffles.</li> <li>Heat and lightly grease the waffle iron or maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.</li> <li>Meanwhile, make the waffle batter.</li> <li>Sift the flour, cinnamon, baking powder and sugar into a medium–sized mixing bowl.</li> <li>Make a well in the centre, and add the egg yolk and milk to the well.</li> <li>Gently whisk the egg yolk and milk together, then gradually whisk in the flour to make a thick, smooth batter.</li> <li>Whisk in the melted butter, then stir in the finely chopped pecans.</li> <li>Whisk the eggwhite in a separate bowl until stiff.</li> <li>Pile it on top of the batter and, using a large metal spoon, fold it in gently.</li> <li>Spoon a small ladleful (3–4 tablespoons) of batter into the centre of the hot waffle iron or maker, then close the lid tightly.</li> <li>If using a waffle iron on top of the hob, cook for about 30 seconds, then turn the waffle iron over and cook for a further 30 seconds.</li> <li>Open the waffle iron: the waffle should be golden brown on both sides and should come away easily from the iron. (If using an electric waffle maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions – usually allow 2–3 minutes for each waffle.)</li> <li>Lift the cooked waffle from the iron using a round–bladed knife, and keep warm while cooking the rest of the waffles.</li> <li>Just before all the waffles are ready, gently warm the fruit sauce, then pour into a sauceboat or serving bowl.</li> <li>Serve with the warm waffles.</li> </ol> <div data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/pecan-waffles-with-maple-and-blackberry-sauce"> </div> </div> <div>Serves 4 (makes 4-8 depending on waffle iron)</div> <div>Preparation: 20 minutes</div> <div>Cooking: about 15 minutes</div> <div> </div> <div>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/pecan-waffles-with-maple-and-blackberry-sauce" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</div>

Food & Wine

A slow cooked Napoletana sauce for all your pasta needs

<div> A quality homemade sauce is the secret to absolutely mouth-watering tomato-based Italian meals. </div> <div> <div>Ingredients</div> <div> 2 x 800g cans diced tomatoes 1⁄4 cup tomato paste  1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 brown onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 cup basil leaves Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season Method <ol> <li> Put tomatoes, tomato paste, oil, onion and garlic in the bowl of a 5L slow cooker. Stir in 1⁄2 of the basil. Place bowl in appliance, cover with lid and cook on low setting for 6 hours. </li> <li> Remove bowl from appliance and remove lid. Season, stir in remaining basil and serve. </li> </ol> Serve and enjoy! It really is that easy! </div> </div>

Food & Wine

Healthy creamy mushroom pasta sauce

Serves: 4 | Cooks in: 15 minutes Ingredients <ul> <li>350g farfalle pasta</li> <li>1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle</li> <li>1 bunch sage, leaves picked</li> <li>500g Button Mushrooms, cleaned, thinly sliced</li> <li>50g butter</li> <li>2 tbsp plain flour</li> <li>2 garlic cloves, finely chopped</li> <li>750ml (3 cups) vegetable stock</li> <li>1 cup milk</li> <li>250g fresh ricotta</li> <li>75g walnuts, toasted, coarsely chopped</li> <li>Salt and pepper, to season</li> </ul> Method 1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta according to packet instructions, then drain and set aside. 2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Toast the sage leaves until crisp and translucent, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. 3. Melt the butter in the pan. Stir-fry the mushrooms and garlic for 4 minutes until golden. Sprinkle over the flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually stir in the stock and milk. Cook for 5 minutes or until thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the pasta and toss to combine. 4. Divide the pasta among bowls. Spoon over the ricotta, scatter with the walnuts and sage and drizzle with oil, to serve. Republished with permission of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/recipes/healthy-creamy-mushroom-pasta-sauce" target="_blank">Wyza.com.au. </a> Recipe courtesy of Mushroom Association Australia.

Food & Wine

URGENT RECALL: Popular pasta sauce pulled from shelves

Jars of a specific Leggo's pasta sauce sold at Woolies are being pulled from shelves across Australia over concerns for the potential presence of plastic and metal fragments inside. The recall is specifically for the 250-gram containers of Leggo's Fresh Napoli Sauce with Tomato, Garlic, Basil & Oregano, sold at Woolworths around Australia. The affected products carry the use-by date of 02/10/2021. Patties Foods Pty Ltd today issued the recall for the sauce, letting customers know there is a ‘potential presence of foreign matter (metal and plastic).’ The notice for the recall states: ‘If consumed, food products containing metal or plastic may cause illness and injury.’ Anyone who has bought the affected products are eligible for a full refund and they are advised to return the products to the store where they bought them. For more information, consumers can contact Patties Foods Pty Ltd on 1800 650 069 or email them at <a rel="noopener" href="mailto:info@patties.com.au" target="_blank">info@patties.com.au</a>. Image: provided

News

ALDI shopper’s quirk sparks heated debate

An ALDI shopper has mistakenly sparked a fierce debate regarding her pantry habits after she shared a cool hack to social media. The woman took to the ALDI Mums Facebook group to share a photo of lights she had installed in her pantry supermarket, writing: “Thanks ALDI, lights in my pantry!” Many praised the DIY hack, with one person calling it a “game changer”. Another joked the lights would be “perfect for midnight snacking”. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842333/aldi.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9216edb3a0bd4d7a88bf7e9694b5d359" /> However, even the lights could not distract some from noticing the face there was tomato sauce in the pantry. "Who keeps tomato sauce in the pantry?" one user asked. "Who doesn't?" another replied. "We have always kept sauces in the pantry ever since I can remember... We are all still alive," someone else said. "Fridge for me. If it says on the bottle to refrigerate after opening, why would you do differently?" another user took time to point out. "Always in the pantry. Cold sauce on hot food is not my thing. Besides the space in the fridge is premium real estate," a fourth person wrote. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842329/aldi-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0ea1f05974af425caf5d310e5c926504" /> One woman noted that there are plenty of preservatives in tomato sauce, revealing she had “never had a problem in 50 years”. Others commented that the soy sauce should also be refrigerated. "This is awesome, but we need to talk! Is the sauce open? If it is plz [refrigerate]! And is that soy sauce? Plz [refrigerate]! But everything else is awesome," one user said. Many also defended the woman and her sauce habits, with one user writing, "All these sauce comments! I keep my in the pantry, haven’t killed anyone yet, lol. “Lights look great!" "Ooohhh look at all the pantry police," another user joked.

Caring

Urgent recall issued for Pete Evans product

Pete Evans “healthy” simmer sauce has been urgently recalled over fears it could trigger an allergic reaction. The $5 item - Pete Evans Healthy Everyday Jamaican Simmer Sauce 330g - which can be purchased from various different food stores around the country, has been recalled over undeclared allergens. “Thai Green Curry Sauce 330g has been labelled incorrectly as Jamaican Simmer Sauce 330g which has resulted in the presence of fish (an undeclared allergen)”, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand stated in a media release issued Wednesday. The health authority issued a warning to anyone who suffers from a fish allergy or intolerance that they may have a reaction if the product is consumed. “Consumers who have a seafood allergy or intolerance should not consume this product,” it stated. “Customers should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.” In the product description on the <a rel="noopener" href="https://shop.coles.com.au/a/national/product/pete-evans-simmer-sauce-jamaican" target="_blank">Coles website</a> Evans says: “My Sauces are full of flavour and healthy wholefood ingredient. Bursting with essential nutrients, they are ideal for families looking to spend more time at the dinner table and less time in the kitchen.” The recall applies to the product with a best before date of July 10, 2022.

News

RECALL: Popular Coles, Woolies and IGA product contaminated

Simplot Australia Pty Ltd has recalled a popular sauce after it was revealed one of its batches could be dangerous to consume. The brand is urging shoppers to return to the store for a full refund if they purchased the Leggo’s Tuna Bake with Spinach & Garlic. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836529/leggo-tuna.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2da79adbdbc44173b16c8d69bcf66bcd" /> The item was sold online and at Woolworths, Coles and IGA stores across the country. The item was recalled after it was found to have an incorrect pH level, which could cause microbial growth. If the sauce is consumed, people may get sick from microbial contamination. Microbial contamination can be defined as the accidental introduction of microbes such as bacteria, yeast, mould, fungi, virus, prions and protozoa. Symptoms of contamination include nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, diorrhea, feeling weak and a high fever. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836528/leggo-tuna-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4ddb51e47f6d44c68ef2439a44793657" /> All products with a best before date of May 1, 2022, and a specific batch code of 12164 have been recalled. The product has been sold at major supermarkets and independent stores across Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania. Consumers who bought the product are being urged not to eat it and instead to return it to the store for a full refund.

News

The secret sauce in the government’s A$130 billion JobKeeper payment is that it will be retrospective, in the best possible way.

It’ll not only go to employers who have suffered losses and had employees on their books tonight, March 30, but to employers who have suffered losses and had workers on their books as far back as March 1. This means employers who have sacked (“let go of”) workers at any time in the past month can travel back in time, pay them as if they hadn’t been sacked, and nab the A$1,500 per employee per fortnight payment. As the official <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/Fact_sheet_supporting_businesses_1.pdf">fact sheet</a> puts it, “the JobKeeper Payment will support employers to maintain their connection to their employees”. This retrospective connection will add new meaning to the term “revision” when the March unemployment numbers are released. Not only will the March numbers be liable to being revised a month later as is normal in the light of extra information, but many Australians who were unemployed in March will retrospectively turn out not to have been unemployed. They will have been retrospectively in paid work. (And if they have applied for the Centrelink payment of Newstart plus <a href="https://theconversation.com/scalable-without-limit-how-the-government-plans-to-get-coronavirus-support-into-our-hands-quickly-134353">$550 per fortnight</a>, they’ll have to un-apply to avoid what the prime minister referred to as “double counting” rather than the more loaded “<a href="https://theconversation.com/hockey-under-the-pump-to-show-he-really-can-be-a-lifter-41584">double dipping</a>”.) It gets better. If you have been part-time, or for some other reason on <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/Fact_sheet_Info_for_Employees_0.pdf">less than</a> $1,500 per fortnight, “your employer must pay you, at a minimum, $1,500 per fortnight, before tax”. This means you’ll get a pay rise, for the six months the scheme lasts. Written by Peter Martin. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-key-to-the-success-of-the-130-billion-wage-subsidy-is-retrospective-paid-work-135042">The Conversation.</a>

Legal

Royal Mint unveils the most expensive coin ever

The Royal Mint has revealed a new gold coin as part of its new James Bond collection that is a one-of-a-kind collector’s item. The seven-kilo gold coin has a face value of £7,000 ($A$13,655) and features an engraving of an Aston Martin DB5 with its famous BMT 216A licence plate surrounded by a gun barrel. Currently, there has been no indication on the retail price of the coin but those interested are being advised to call the mint to discuss. The coin is the largest coin with the highest face value the Royal Mint has ever produced in its 1100 year history. The item is part of a coin and gold bar collection which launched before the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die, with Daniel Craig playing the iconic Brit for the last time. The collection also has a smaller two-kilo gold coin, with a value of £2,000 ($A3901) but has a recommended retail price of £129,990 ($A253,577). The collection is available to buy from mid-March and also includes three smaller coin designs in gold and silver. The smaller coins are part of a set and when put together reveal the famous 007 motif and feature famous cars from the Bond films including the Aston Martin DB5 and the submarine car from The Spy Who Loved Me. According to the Royal Mint, there are 15,017 of the £1 ($A1.95) James Bond coins, while 8,517 of the £2 ($3.90) pieces have been minted. The £1 ($A1.95) are priced at £65 ($A126.80) while the £2 ($A3.90) has a retail price of £88 ($A171.67).

Money & Banking

Chocolate pancakes with caramel and peanut butter sauce

These delicious pancakes come packed with flavours and no dairy – perfect for the whole family! Serves 2 Ingredients: Pancake <ul> <li>1 cup wholemeal spelt flour</li> <li>1 cup unsweetened almond milk</li> <li>3 medjool dates, pitted</li> <li>3 tbsp raw cacao powder</li> <li>1 very ripe banana</li> </ul> Sauce <ul> <li>1/3 cup coconut milk</li> <li>2 tbsp <a href="https://mayvers.com.au/product/mayvers-smooth-peanut-butter/">Mayver’s Peanut Butter</a> </li> <li>3 medjool dates</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Blend the dates and the almond milk until they are well combined and there are no chunks.</li> <li>In a mixing bowl, combine the flour with the cacao powder, date/almond milk from the blender and the banana. Mash the banana through the mixture with a fork.</li> <li>In a non-stick frypan over medium heat, cook the pancakes for approximately 2 minutes either side. </li> <li>Blend the sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Pour over pancakes when they’re ready.</li> <li>Enjoy! </li> </ol> Recipe by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/young_rebecca/">Rebecca Young</a>.

Food & Wine

Lowly silver coins to be phased out

Aussies may have to bid farewell to 5 and 10 cent coins within the next decade as the lowly silvers are increasingly rendered obsolete. Royal Australian Mint chief executive Ross MacDiarmid told <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-30/5-and-10c-soon-to-die-graceful-death/11910736?section=business">ABC Radio Melbourne</a> the 5c and 10c coins “will probably just cease to be used” in the next five to 10 years. “Retailers more than likely would be the ones that would stimulate a decline in the demand for 5c pieces because if you rounded up to 10 [cents] there’s not really much need for a five,” he said. Demand for coinage had declined by about 55 per cent in the last five years amid growing inflation and the rise of online and contactless payments. MacDiarmid said he expected the Mint to eventually stop the production of 5c and 10c coins, just like it did with the old 1c and 2c coins in 1990.

Retirement Income

New 50c coin released

The Royal Australian Mint has released a new coloured 50 cent coin to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Indian Pacific train. The new 50 cent coin is legal tender and depicts the transcontinental train that operates between Sydney and Perth besides the engraving ‘INDIAN PACIFIC 1970 - 2020’. The release of the special batch followed last year’s launch of the The Ghan and 3801 – A Legend of Steam coins. Peter Egglestone, chief commercial officer at Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions, said it was an honour to have the Indian Pacific’s special milestone recognised in a coin. “The Indian Pacific is a truly transcontinental rail adventure that journeys across the Nullarbor, through mountain ranges and rocky valleys and across arid deserts,” Egglestone said. “The inaugural journey nearly 50 years ago was a significant achievement, which has now developed into the all-inclusive guest experience today with regionally-inspired food and wine, world-class service and Off Train Excursions.” There are 30,000 coins in existence, each of which is sold at $15.

Retirement Income

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New commemorative Queen coin worth serious cash