News
Senate Votes on Changes to International Food Aid
June 4, 2013 12:30 pm | by MARY CLARE JALONICK,Associated Press | CommentsThe Senate on Monday voted to make modest changes to the way international food aid is delivered, a much scaled-back version of an overhaul proposed by President Barack Obama earlier this year. Senators adopted an amendment by voice vote to a wide-ranging farm bill Monday that would slightly boost dollars to buy locally-grown food close to needy areas abroad.
Q&A: The Farm Bill
June 4, 2013 12:28 pm | by MARY CLARE JALONICK,Associated Press | CommentsThe Senate is considering a massive, five-year farm bill this week that would set policy for farm subsidies and food stamps. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the nearly $100 billion-a-year bill, which outlines government farm subsidies and pays for the country's nutrition programs, including food stamps.
Cargill Opens $40M Chicken Plant in Russia
June 4, 2013 12:25 pm | CommentsCargill has officially opened a chicken processing facility at its complex in Efremov, Russia. This poultry facility represents a further investment of US$40 million at the company's industrial complex, located 300 kilometres south of Moscow. The facility will predominantly supply McDonald's restaurants in Russia with high quality Chicken McNuggets as well as other chicken products.
NYC Ads Warn About Sweet Tea, Energy Drinks
June 4, 2013 12:23 pm | CommentsNew York City's campaign to cut consumption of sugary drinks now features ads warning people about sweet teas, sports and energy drinks and fruit-flavored beverages. The city health department launched the TV and bus ads Monday. The spots say such drinks might sound healthy but are packed with added sugar and that can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Fire Forces Closure of Oat Processing Plant
June 4, 2013 12:22 pm | CommentsAn early morning fire on Monday prompted the closure of a South Sioux City oat processing plant. The Sioux City Journal reports firefighters responded about 3 a.m. Monday to a fire on a manufacturing line at the Viterra grain processing plant.
Consumer Trends: Rise of the 'Hybrid Consumer'
June 4, 2013 12:00 pm | CommentsAccording to a new report from Rabobank, consumers are becoming less interested in mid-market products and are instead trading down when it comes to everyday value-for-money items, such as basic groceries. Using money saved by trading down on staples, hybrid consumers are trading up to premium, high-end products that matter most from an emotional and social perspective, such as premium brands in supermarkets and fine dining.
Daily Sound Bite: China's Safety Lapses Are Deadly for Workers
June 4, 2013 11:51 am | CommentsThe two deadliest industrial plant disasters in China — including Monday's poultry fire that killed at least 119 workers — have one thing in common: locked doors. A cavalier attitude towards laborers and little punishment for employers who break the rules mean safety threats are rampant.
Modified Foods Law Heads to Conn. Governor
June 4, 2013 9:48 am | CommentsLegislation requiring special labels on food sold in Connecticut that contains genetically modified ingredients, so long as other states pass similar legislation, is heading to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's desk for his signature. The House of Representatives on Monday passed the bill on a 134-3 vote, giving final legislative approval to the bipartisan agreement reached over the weekend.
Wal-Mart To Improve Quality of Produce Sections
June 4, 2013 9:47 am | by ANNE D'INNOCENZIO,AP Retail Writer | CommentsThe nation's largest grocer and retailer said Monday it is making more changes in its operations, training and sourcing as it looks to increase sales of bananas, lettuce and other produce and instill more confidence among shoppers looking for healthier choices.
Coca-Cola Opens Bottling Plant in Myanmar
June 4, 2013 9:45 am | by YADANA HTUN,Associated Press | CommentsCoca-Cola began bottling its famous soft drink in Myanmar on Tuesday as part of a planned five-year, $200 million investment after having no local production for more than 60 years. The company announced in a press release the ceremonial inauguration of its bottling plant in Hmawbi Township, a suburb of Yangon, the country's biggest city, with local partner Pinya Manufacturing Co.
Dunkin Adds Donut Bacon Sandwich to National Menu
June 4, 2013 9:44 am | by CANDICE CHOI,AP Food Industry Writer | CommentsEven as fast-food chains tout their healthy offerings, they're also coming up with fatty new treats to keep customers interested. Case in point: Dunkin' Donuts is adding a doughnut breakfast sandwich to its national menu this week. The sandwich, which comes with fried eggs and bacon between a split glazed doughnut, will become a part of the permanent menu starting Friday, which the chain claims is "National Donut Day."
Torched Poultry Plant Exposes China’s Work-Safety Failings
June 4, 2013 9:40 am | by CHRISTOPHER BODEEN,Associated Press | CommentsA fire breaks out in a Chinese factory, and panicked workers discover one exit after another is locked. That describes not only the poultry plant fire that killed 119 people Monday, but a toy-factory blaze that left 87 workers dead 20 years earlier. The similarities between the two worst factory fires in China's history suggest that little has changed for industrial workers even as the country has transformed its economy.
Photo of the Day: Coca-Cola Begins Bottling in Myanmar
June 4, 2013 9:38 am | CommentsCoca-Cola began bottling its famous soft drink in Myanmar on Tuesday as part of a planned five-year, $200 million investment after having no local production for more than 60 years. The company announced in a press release the ceremonial inauguration of its bottling plant in Hmawbi Township, a suburb of Yangon, the country's biggest city, with local partner Pinya Manufacturing Co.
Daily Sound Bite: Blaze Claims 119 Lives at Chinese Poultry Facility
June 3, 2013 12:34 pm | CommentsHundreds of Chinese poultry plant workers were trapped inside the building during a raging fire sparked by three explosions early Monday morning. Though authorities have confirmed at least 119 people died in the fire, the death toll is expected to rise.
Tyson Buys California Food Company
June 3, 2013 12:27 pm | CommentsTyson Foods Inc. has bought a San Diego food plant that produces refrigerated and frozen Mexican foods. The Springdale-based meat company announced Monday that it had closed on the purchase of Circle Foods LLC, which specializes in production of handheld Mexican foods. The company also produces uncooked tortillas and Indian flatbreads.
NY Yogurt Plant to Open
June 3, 2013 12:25 pm | CommentsThe latest player in upstate New York's yogurt boom is set to officially open. PepsiCo Chief Executive Indra Nooyi is scheduled to cut the ribbon on the new Muller Quaker Dairy Facility in Batavia on Monday, joined by Sen. Charles Schumer and others.
Alert Gum Highlights Uncertain Regulatory Status of Caffeine
June 3, 2013 12:24 pm | CommentsIn April 2013, Wrigley launched Alert Energy Caffeine Gum with much fanfare. However, the FDA's concerns about the added caffeine in foods caused Wrigley to take its Alert Energy Caffeine gum, which has the same amount of caffeine as half a cup of coffee, off the market.
Treasury Dept. Approves Voluntary Nutrition Labels for Alcohol
June 3, 2013 12:20 pm | by MARY CLARE JALONICK,Associated Press | CommentsThe Treasury Department, which regulates alcohol, said this past week that beer, wine and spirits companies can use labels that include serving size, servings per container, calories, carbohydrates, protein and fat per serving. Such package labels have never before been approved.
Hepatitis A Outbreak Linked to Organic Berries
June 3, 2013 12:18 pm | by MARY CLARE JALONICK,Associated Press | CommentsThe Food and Drug Administration is investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A linked to a frozen organic berry mix sold by an Oregon company. The FDA and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that 30 illnesses are linked to Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend, which contains pomegranate seed mix. Illnesses were reported in Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona and California.
Consumer Trends: Snacking Trends
June 3, 2013 12:00 pm | CommentsThe typical American eats over one thousand snack-oriented convenience foods throughout the year, and kids and teens are the heaviest users of this assortment of snacks, which include fresh fruit, sweet, and savory snacks, reports The NPD Group.
