News
USDA Talks GMO Wheat
June 3, 2013 9:47 am | by USDA | CommentsIn the wake of a discovery of unapproved GMO wheat growing in an Oregon farm, attention has turned to the global market. Many countries outside the U.S. do not allow any GMO crops, and the presence of undisclosed GMOs in U.S. crops could have an impact on global trade.
Community Skeptical of Proposed Neb. Beef Plant
June 3, 2013 9:46 am | CommentsSome who attended public forums about a planned beef processing plant in Scottsbluff reacted with skepticism about the proposal. The Scottsbluff Star Herald reports nearly 400 people attended the forums Wednesday and Thursday, led by planned plant general manager Keith DeHaan.
PepsiCo Names Chief Marketing Officer
June 3, 2013 9:45 am | CommentsPepsiCo has named a global chief marketing officer for its flagship soda as it looks to strengthen the brand's image around the world. The company, which also makes Gatorade and Frito-Lay, said Kristin Patrick will focus on driving global positioning, consistency and innovation for the Pepsi cola brand in the newly created position. Patrick, who was most recently chief marketing officer at Playboy Enterprises, starts Monday.
Fire Kills 119 at Poultry Plant in NE China
June 3, 2013 9:43 am | by CHRISTOPHER BODEEN,Associated Press | CommentsFire raged through a poultry plant in northeastern China on Monday, trapping workers inside a cluttered slaughterhouse and killing at least 119 people, reports and officials said. Several dozen people also were hurt in the blaze in Jilin province's Mishazi township, which appeared to have been sparked by three early morning explosions, the official Xinhua News Agency said.
Home of Smithfield Hams Ponders Foreign Buyout
June 3, 2013 9:40 am | by MICHAEL FELBERBAUM,AP Business Writer | CommentsThe home of the world's largest pork producer and maker of famous Smithfield hams is divided in its reaction to news that the company agreed to be bought by a Chinese company. The reception is as mixed as whether the locals favor salt-cured or sugar-cured ham.
Modified Wheat Discovery Triggers Cost, Safety Questions
June 3, 2013 9:36 am | CommentsThe discovery of genetically-modified wheat in an Eastern Oregon field has touched off a debate on the economics and safety of altering crop genetics. Critics of genetic modification point to a study that estimates the wheat industry stands to lose $94 to $272 million annually if genetically-modified wheat is introduced.
Photo of the Day: Chinese Poultry Plant Explodes
June 3, 2013 9:33 am | CommentsA water canon hoses down the roof of a poultry processing plant after a major fire which appeared to have been sparked by three early-morning explosions in northeast China's Jilin province's Mishazi township on Monday, June 3, 2013. The massive fire broke out at the poultry plant early Monday, trapping workers inside a cluttered slaughterhouse and killing over a hundred people, reports and officials said.
China’s Entrepreneurs Expand Global Presence
May 31, 2013 12:42 pm | by JOE McDONALD,AP Business Writer | CommentsThe force behind China's biggest takeover of an American company is a 71-year-old meat-packing entrepreneur dubbed "China's Chief Butcher" by the press. The $4.7 billion bid for Smithfield Foods by Wan Long, chairman of Shuanghui International, is another big step up for Chinese entrepreneurs who are emerging from the shadow of state-owned corporate giants and expanding on the global stage.
Japan Suspends Some U.S. Imports After Modified Wheat Discovery
May 31, 2013 12:39 pm | by MARY CLARE JALONICK and NIGEL DUARA,Associated Press | CommentsJapan has suspended some imports of U.S. wheat after a genetically engineered version of the grain was found on a U.S. farm. The Agriculture Department announced the discovery of the modified wheat on Wednesday. No genetically engineered wheat has been approved for U.S. farming.
New Belgium Delays North Carolina Plant
May 31, 2013 12:37 pm | CommentsA Colorado brewing company has delayed plans to open a plant in western North Carolina. New Belgium Brewing Co. says added capacity in Colorado means the company does not need the brewery in Asheville as soon as expected. The craft brewer says it will delay construction in North Carolina by eight months.
China: Baby Formula Safety Affects Nation’s Future
May 31, 2013 12:36 pm | CommentsChinese Premier Li Keqiang has vowed to tighten the monitoring of production of milk powder for babies and crack down on safety violators, saying the quality of infant formula affects the nation's future. Li's comments appeared aimed at trying to restore public confidence in China's dairy industry, which has been mired in product safety and image problems.
McCormick Buys Chinese Bouillon Maker for $147M
May 31, 2013 12:34 pm | CommentsMcCormick & Co. has completed its purchase of China's Wuhan Asia-Pacific Condiments Co. for about $147 million. Privately held Wuhan manufactures and markets DaQiao and ChuShiLe brand bouillon products, which McCormick said Friday will complement its current lineup of spices, seasoning blends and sauces for the Chinese market. McCormick funded deal with a combination of cash and debt.
Daily Sound Bite: Michigan Food Inspections Lagging
May 31, 2013 12:17 pm | CommentsAfter an audit found that a Michigan food safety inspection agency took too long to perform inspections, state regulators are attempting to explain the delay. The Governor's administration acknowledges the delays but maintains that no laws were broken.
Consumer Trends: The 'Cool' Side of Refrigerated Dairy
May 31, 2013 12:00 pm | CommentsThe National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has partnered with chef and culinary expert, Aida Mollenkamp, to celebrate June Dairy Month and the creative culinary possibilities that come from foods in the refrigerated dairy aisle.
Food Safety Exchange Scheduled for June 11-12
May 31, 2013 9:52 am | CommentsMETTLER TOLEDO will sponsor the second annual Food Safety Exchange on June 111h and 12th, 2013 at the Hilton Plaza Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, Illinois. This two-day educational forum will bring together professionals in the food industry to learn more about the current food safety regulatory environment.
McDonald’s CEO Goes on a ‘McDiet’
May 31, 2013 9:46 am | by CANDICE CHOI,AP Food Industry Writer | CommentsMcDonald Corp.'s CEO Don Thompson revealed at an analyst conference this week that he shed about 20 pounds in the past year by getting his "butt up" and "working out again." But he said he hasn't changed his habit of eating at McDonald's "every, single day."
Higher Demand for Poultry Boosts Sanderson Farms 2Q Profit
May 31, 2013 9:43 am | CommentsSanderson Farms Inc. said Thursday that its fiscal second-quarter net income rose 2 percent thanks to higher demand for poultry products. Its performance topped Wall Street's view. Shares climbed in premarket trading. The Laurel, Miss. company earned $24.4 million, or $1.06 per share, for the three months ended April 30. That's up from $23.9 million, or $1.04 per share, in the prior-year period.
EU Wants To Test U.S. Wheat After GM Find
May 31, 2013 9:40 am | CommentsThe European Union is urging its 27 member states to test wheat shipments from the United States after unauthorized genetically modified grains were found in Japan. Tokyo on Thursday halted imports of certain types of wheat from the U.S. following the discovery of an experimental strain that was tested by Monsanto but never approved.
Audit: Michigan Fails To Inspect Food Companies on Time
May 31, 2013 9:38 am | by DAVID EGGERT,Associated Press | CommentsA Michigan agency took too long to check dairies, groceries and food-processing plants for safety — in some cases waiting a dozen years to conduct inspections that the state wants done every six, 12 or 18 months, according to an audit released Thursday.
Photo of the Day: Selling France's Presidential Wine
May 31, 2013 9:35 am | CommentsFrench President Francois Hollande’s palace has decided to dive into its wine cellar and sell some of its treasures, to raise money and replenish its collection with more modest vintages. About 1,200 bottles, a tenth of the Elysee’s wine collection, are to be sold at Drouot auction house in Paris on Thursday and Friday.
