In last five years, water for more than 49 million people has contained illegal concentrations of chemicals - arsenic, uranium, sewage bacteria - with majority of violations at smaller water systems. As many as 19 million Americans may become ill each year due to parasites, viruses and bacteria in drinking water; research links certain cancers - breast, prostate - to pollutants like those found in drinking water. Though EPA is expected to announce new policy on policing nation's 54,700 water systems, regulators say they are skeptical that any change will occur, since management remains the same. And: The Toxic Waters series (click 'See also').

By Charles Duhigg

The New York Times 2009-12-08

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EPA finalizes CO2 endangerment finding

EPA finalizes finding that greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, pose threat to human health, welfare. Finding, a signal that U.S. is prepared to contribute to climate treaty, is useful tool during Copenhagen summit. And: EPA said it would impose new rules only on large factories, refineries, power plants and other facilities emitting more than 25,000 tons a year of carbon dioxide; greenhouse gases come from millions of auto tailpipes, airplanes, ships, home furnaces, even digestive tracts of cattle (click 'See also').

By Bryan Walsh

Time magazine 2009-12-07

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Opinion: Maybe health care begins in our plastic food containers

As debate continues on health insurance and mammograms, lingering question is whether our ills have more to do with contaminants in our water or air or in plastic containers. What if surge in asthma, childhood leukemia reflect, in part, poisons we impose upon ourselves? Physicians at cancer symposium say they avoid microwaving food in plastic or putting plastics in the dishwasher, because heat may cause chemicals to leach out; they say avoid plastics numbered 3, 6 and 7. And: Lawmaker pushes for legislation to study links between women's reproductive health and chemicals that may cause hormone disruption (click 'See also').

By Nicholas D. Kristof

The New York Times 2009-12-05

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Dirty water fuels 4,700 cholera cases in Kenya

Cholera rages in Kenya after drought leaves many people only dirty, germ-infested water to drink. Drought also has left thousands of people malnourished and weak, making them vulnerable to infectious diseases. Infection can occur by taking a sip from a cup used by an infected person; best treatment is rehydration salts to restore fluids. And: It's shameful that amazing advances in technology exist side-by-side with disease, poverty, hunger, illiteracy and other scourges of the Third World (click 'See also').

By Jeffrey Gettleman

The New York TImes 2009-12-04

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Pressure builds for politically risky food, fuel subsidies cuts in Iran

Iran's lawmakers pressured to implement subsidies cuts on water, flour, bread, wheat, rice, oil, milk, sugar, fuel and postal and transportation services. Subsidies are to be replaced with cash handouts to lower-income half of population. And: Plan, which would hit hardest at urban middle class, could profoundly destabilize government of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, but could help wean Iran from its dependence on foreign gasoline and insulate economy from new sanctions - possible if Iran continues to defy Western pressure over its nuclear program (click 'See also').

By Roshanak Taghavi

The Christian Science Monitor 2009-12-03

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Maine entrepreneurs look at horsetail kelp, see bonanza

Two Maine entrepreneurs want to revolutionize American eating habits, clean environment, lower federal trade deficit and make themselves rich - with brown horsetail kelp. Seaweed already is added to noodles in Philippines, mixed with oats to bake bread in Wales, added to nutmeg and milk for a beverage in Belize, and consumed in soups, garnishes, snacks and with sushi in Japan. Kelp is processed to extract food gums - texturizing agents called agars, alginates and carrageenans that make yogurt creamy, beer foamy. California seaweed firms chiefly provide feed for abalone farms. Those in Maine mostly supply fertilizer, livestock feed and dietary supplements.

By Bob Drogin

Los Angeles Times 2009-12-05

Food stamps become safety net's safety net in tough times

Food stamps now help feed one in eight Americans and one in four children and average around $130 a month for each person in household. Path was cleared in better times when Bush administration led campaign to erase program's stigma, made it easier to apply (click 'See also' for information). Program now expanding at about 20,000 people a day. Food stamps reach about two-thirds of those eligible; benefits brought Ohio about $2.2 billion last year. It feeds half the people in stretches of white Appalachia, in Yupik-speaking region of Alaska and on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Across 10 core counties of Mississippi Delta, 45 percent of black residents receive aid.

By Jason DeParle and Robert Gebeloff

The New York Times 2009-11-28

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Senator wants BPA ban in food containers for young children

New York senator proposes ban of BPA (bisphenol A) in food packaging for children aged three and younger. Under BPA-Free Kids Act, children's food, beverage containers containing BPA would be considered a banned hazardous substance; bill also would allow for appropriation of $25 million over five years to fund research into effects of BPA exposure on all age groups and pregnant women. And: BPA commonly found in in coatings for inside of cans containing foods, in water bottles, baby bottles and some dental fillings (click 'See also').

By Rory Harrington

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-11-18

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Child hunger spikes upward as result of weak economy

In 2008, nearly 17 million children - more than one in five - were living in U.S. households in which food at times ran short, report shows. Number of children who sometimes were outright hungry rose from nearly 700,000 to almost 1.1 million. Among people of of all ages, nearly 15 percent last year did not consistently have adequate food; shortages worst among single mothers raising children alone. Feds' anti-hunger efforts include using $85 million to experiment with ways to get food to more children in summers, and next push is renewal of main law covering food, nutrition for children (click 'See also' to see Food Research and Action Center list of child nutrition bills).

By Amy Goldstein

The Washington Post 2009-11-16

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Experts rethinking nature of alcohol and addiction

Humans rarely reach point of powerlessness over alcohol, addiction experts say. Many drinkers can evaluate habits and, using knowledge about genetic and behavioral risks of addiction, change them if necessary. Even some people with alcohol-use disorders, they say, can cut back before it disrupts education, ruins careers and damages health. Data suggest there are two forms of alcohol disorders: one in which the need for a drink takes over a person's life, and form in which people drink heavily for a period but then cut down and recover. And: Novelist Mary Karr describes her drinking in 'Lit' (click 'See also').

By Shari Roan

Los Angeles Times 2009-11-16

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Food-borne toxins can cause lifelong ills, researchers say

Food-borne pathogens disproportionately affect youngest of us and have effects beyond painful stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea, researchers say. Campylobacter, e.coli, listeria, salmonella seen most in children under 4; half the reported cases of food-borne illness affect children younger than 15. Lingering effects can include premature death, paralysis, kidney failure, lifetime of seizures or mental disability. To reduce infection: Cook meat thoroughly, clean work surfaces, wash produce, buy only pasteurized milk & juice products, report any food-borne illness to local health department.

By Melissa Healy

Los Angeles Times 2009-11-12

E.coli traced to producer that doesn't test for deadly bacteria

E. coli outbreak that has killed two people, sickened 500 others traced to ground beef producer that stopped testing ingredients years ago under pressure from beef suppliers. USDA has banned e.coli 0157.H7 but doesn't require meat companies to test for it; trimmings used to make ground beef are more susceptible to contamination because pathogen thrives in cattle feces that can get smeared on surfaces of whole cuts of meat. Grinders typically use trimmings from multiple suppliers; only ingredient testing, when it uncovers E. coli, enables grinders to identify slaughterhouse that shipped contaminated trim. Slaughterhouses have resisted independent testing by grinders for fear of recalls.

By Michael Moss

The New York Times 2009-11-13

Study links can-lining chemical BPA to male sexual dysfunction

High exposure to BPA, a synthetic estrogen commonly used in linings of food, beverage cans, appears to cause erectile dysfunction, other sexual problems in men, study shows. Findings raise questions about whether exposure at lesser levels can affect sexual function, researcher says. FDA has maintained chemical is safe, but research links BPA in lab animals to infertility, weight gain, behavioral changes, early-onset puberty, cancer, diabetes. And: 2 billion pounds of BPA manufactured each year, and endocrine disruptor is in 92 percent of us (click 'See also').

By Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2009-11-11

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Major study shows fasting unnecessary before cholesterol test

Fasting unnecessary before cholesterol tests, results from major study show. Cambridge researchers found that results from 300,000 people in 68 long-term surveys in 21 countries were just as accurate if patient had eaten before test. Study adds to ongoing controversy over whether testing for blood proteins called apolipoproteins is more reliable way of predicting heart risk than cholesterol testing.

BBC News 2009-11-11

Produce shippers told to tout efficiencies to counter buy-local trend

Though buy-local movement commands only 1 percent of market share, movement is significant trend that could shift suppliers' market share, says produce economist in report (click 'See also'). Commercial fruit and vegetable shippers must be ready to make case for efficiencies and 'green-friendly' attributes - even if suppliers are far away. Movement tends to overlook economic benefits in trade between regions. Trade between states allows them to specialize; global trade has been driver of world economic growth for 60 years, has aided in transmission of technology, innovation.

By Tom Karst

The Packer 2009-11-05

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Protocol proposed for buying farmland in poor countries

New global protocol proposed to temper African farmland buying frenzy caused by growing population, scarce water supplies, climate change. South Korea bought huge areas of Madagascar recently while Chinese interests bought up large plots of Senegal to supply it with sesame. Accord could include ensuring pre-sale consent is given by local people as well as ensuring that smallholders do not lose out. First draft is expected to be released next spring. And: Analyst predicts civil unrest, with investing countries leaving trail of food scarcity for poor countries' local populations (click 'See also').

By Nick Mathiason

The Guardian (UK) 2009-11-02

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With eyes on future food, biofuel profits, fertilizer titans fight

Trio of fertilizer titans, banking that burgeoning global demand for food, biofuel will feed profits, jockey for position with hostile takeover bids. Agrium, of Calgary, Alberta (click 'See also'), is North America's largest agricultural products retailer; CF Industries Holdings is based in Deerfield, IL; Terra Industries is in Sioux City, IA. Personalities and strategies aside, some doubt that either deal will succeed and argue that premiums offered aren't deal clinchers. Likely outcome? Bankers win, shareholders lose, says analyst.

By Michael Erman and Euan Rocha

Reuters 2009-11-09

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EPA sends CO2 danger finding to White House

EPA sends to White House its final proposal on whether carbon dioxide, other greenhouse gas emissions pose danger to human health and welfare, agency head says. And: Step could trigger regulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as pollutants under the Clean Air Act; environmentalists embrace move in advance of Copenhagen climate talks while manufacturers worry (click 'See also').

By Tom Doggett

Reuters 2009-11-09

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FDA plan to kill oyster bacteria roils Gulf Coast

Last month, FDA stunned oyster industry with plans to require that Gulf of Mexico oysters harvested between April and October undergo process to kill vibrio vulnificus, which can be fatal to those with chronic conditions. Of 30 cases of infection traced to Gulf Coast oysters annually, half the victims die, CDC says. When California banned untreated oysters from Gulf during warm months, fatalities dropped to zero. Industry says processing will ruin taste of raw oysters, triple their cost and place undue burdens on business. Louisiana officials talk about defying feds. Gulf Coast supplies 67 percent of oysters eaten nationwide. And: Evidence of problem, solution unambiguous, says FDA official (click 'See also').

By Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2009-11-10

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Lawmaker questions school meals' safeguards against e.coli

Lawmaker wants Congress to see whether there are adequate protections from e.coli for school meals. He also asked investigators to compare safety, quality of ground beef available to schools with that available to restaurants, other commercial buyers. Probe earlier found that USDA didn't always make sure states and schools were notified promptly about recalled food distributed through the federal school lunch and breakfast programs, which serve 30 million students.

By Libby Quaid

The Associated Press; The Washington Post 2009-11-09

Opinon: BPA, canned food, plastic containers - and case of the willies

Evidence of harmful effects of BPA (bisphenol A), a synthetic estrogen, isn't conclusive, but justifies precautions. Chemical, found by Consumer Reports in almost all the brand-name canned foods tested, linked to miscarriage, heart disease, diabetes and liver-enzyme abnormalities. We're cutting down on use of plastic containers to store or microwave food, and I'm drinking water out of a metal bottle. In my reporting, I've come to terms with threats from warlords, bandits and tarantulas. But endocrine disrupting chemicals -- they give me the willies. And: Testimony to Congress on BPA vs phthalates (click 'See also').

By Nicholas D. Kristof

The New York Times 2009-11-08

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Prison riot was over bad food, Kentucky lawmakers told

August riot at Kentucky prison was caused by inmate anger over bad food, corrections officer tells lawmakers. 'The food was slop.' Representative calls for investigation, files bill that would cancel $12 million annual contract of Aramark Correctional Services, food provider for Kentucky prisons. State contracted with firm in January 2005. Officials have said that with savings from contract, they gave corrections officers a nearly 7 percent raise in 2005, but another official says pay went up because work week was increased to 40 hours. And: Prisoners don't deserve coddling, but they deserve adequate meals, editors say (click 'See also').

By Valarie Honeycutt Spears

Lexington Herald-Leader 2009-11-07

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Palm oil group rebuked for failing to include GHG standards in criteria

Palm oil group, at meeting, chooses not to include greenhouse gas emissions standards in criteria for 'sustainable' palm oil, but agrees on emissions from fertilizer use, fuel use, mill wastes, maintenance of water level in plantations on peat. Among 389 members are Unilever, Nestle, Conservation International, WWF. Environmental group publishes list of loopholes in accord; another calls it 'greenwash.' And: Palm oil, used in margarine, shortening, baked goods, candies, is high in saturated fat and promotes heart disease, research shows (click 'See also).

By Pete Browne

The New York Times 2009-11-06

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Lobbyists fight soda tax as health care reform funding source

During the first nine months of 2009, soda makers, supermarket companies, agriculture, fast-food business spent more than $24 million lobbying Congress on issue of tax on sweetened beverages plus other legislative and regulatory issues, reports show. Coalition fears what could be movement to raise money for health care reform by taxing sweetened beverages. Farm-dominated Senate Finance Committee sympathetic to food industry; Max Baucus hails from Montana, large producer of sugar beets; Iowa, home state of Chuck Grassley, is nation's largest producer of corn.

By Christine Spolar and Joseph Eaton

The Huffington Post 2009-11-06

Jobless rate now 10.2 percent, under-employed reaches 17.5 percent

Nation's jobless rate rises to 10.2 percent in October, highest since April 1983. Feds' broader measure of unemployment rose to 17.5 percent. That gauge of labor under-use, known as 'U-6' for its Labor Department classification, accounts for people who have stopped looking for work or who can't find full-time jobs. And: To be eligible for food stamps, household income must be below 130 percent of official poverty line - annual take-home pay of $22,000 for a family of four - with assets under $2,000 (click 'See also').

By Sudeep Reddy and Phil Izzo

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-11-06

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Brazil becomes major exporter; deforestation continues

Despite bad roads, infrastructure lack, Brazil, with efficient management, technology, has become biggest exporter of beef, chicken, orange juice, green coffee, sugar, ethanol, the soybean complex of beans, meal and oil, and fourth biggest exporter of corn and pork. Amazon deforestation, however, continues. Former Brazilian agriculture minister, now agribusiness consultant, holds out hope of slowing rate with better monitoring, market-led initiatives. And: Brazil home to quarter of world's tropical forests. They sequester carbon for years and are a primary producer of oxygen (click 'See also').

By Jonathan Wheatley

Financial Times (London) 2009-11-04

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Beauty foods, poised for growth, subject to truth in ad rules

'Beauty from within' trend in food, drink, with claims of improving skin health has potential for major growth. Claims may resemble those on labels of cosmetics - for example, anti-wrinkle - but regulation falls under Europe's notoriously thorough, data-driven food industry rules that prohibit false advertising. Expert predicts more proven scientific data on product usage in near future, which will improve products' image. And: Food on plate trumps cosmetics for beauty (click 'See also').

By Katie Bird

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-11-05

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Farm groups, atrazine maker protest safety review of weedkiller

Farm groups, manufacturer of atrazine protest decision to review Syngenta weedkiller's safety, saying EPA bowed to environmentalists. Agency said it wants to examine studies of chemical's cancer-causing potential in farm workers. Atrazine is used on about 60 percent of Iowa's corn acreage. And: Atrazine is one of most common contaminants in drinking water; new studies suggest that taint is associated with birth defects, low birth weights and reproductive problems among humans (click 'See also'). Other studies show that atrazine interferes with development and hormone systems of some animals.

By Philip Brasher

The Des Moines Register 2009-11-04

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Kellogg to remove immunity-boosting banner on cereal boxes

Kellogg

Tension builds between food companies putting more health claims on packages and governments looking to validate those claims. Kellogg drops claim of immunity building for its Cocoa Krispies boxed cereal after San Francisco city attorney writes company, asking for substantiation of the immunity claim (and also citing the H1N1 flu pandemic).

By Jacob Goldstein

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-11-05

Giant jellyfish capsize fishing trawler off Japanese coast

The Telegraph

Crew of Japanese fishing trawler rescued after being thrown into sea while attempting to retrieve net containing huge Nomura's jellyfish. In 2005, jellyfish invasion damaged nets, rendered fish inedible with toxic stings and injured fishermen. Experts say contributing factor to jellyfish proliferation in Japanese waters may be decline in number of predators - sea turtles, certain species of fish. And: Jellyfish presence signals declining health of the world's oceans, scientists say (click 'See also').

By Julian Ryall

The Telegraph (UK) 2009-11-02

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Pupils' free breakfast choices often sugary processed items

Nutrition experts warn that sugary processed foods Chicago Public Schools provides to children eating free breakfast make them sleepy and relaxed, and because such foods are digested quickly, children feel hungry well before lunchtime, making concentration difficult. Visits to schools show students pairing doughnuts with Frosted Flakes, syrupy French toast and juice. Health advocates say that's what happens when adults allow children as young as 5 to choose between oatmeal or Kellogg's Froot Loops. Chartwells-Thompson, city schools main caterer, defended brand promotion. And: Cut calories, add vegetables to school lunches, panel says (click 'See also')

By Monica Eng

Chicago Tribune 2009-11-05

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Mapping waste in UK meat, fish industry to cut carbon, save cash

UK plans to map food, water, packaging waste in meat, fish industry in bid to cut carbon, save cash. Information will be gathered on poultry, beef, lamb and pork and 20 fish types at all points along wholesale and retail supply chain. Meat, fish industries have been targeted because of higher greenhouse gas emission linked to their production.

By Rory Harrington

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-11-04

Senate's plan to reward diet, exercise choices criticized

Rewarding employees for losing weight, exercising undercuts reformists' anti-bias vow for those with pre-existing medical conditions and could mean higher insurance rates for less-fit Americans, critics of Senate plan say. Safeway grocery chain uses reduced car insurance premiums for good drivers as model. If employees pass annual test that measures obesity, blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking, they get 20 percent discount on insurance cost. And: Seventy percent of health-care costs are direct result of behavior; 74 percent of all costs caused by heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, writes Safeway head (click 'See also').

By Janet Hook

Los Angeles Times 2009-11-04

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Cooking methods can cut disease risk, study shows

Switching cooking methods to poaching, stewing, steaming, plus avoiding pre-packaged and fast foods reduces compounds in body that may increase risk of diabetes, heart disease, study shows. Toxic compounds, ubiquitous and addictive since they add flavor to foods, are produced by heating, pasteurization, drying, smoking, frying or grilling, researcher says.

By Stephen Daniells

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-11-04

Flu bill would grant 5 paid sick days to lunch ladies, waiters

In effort to slow spread of swine flu, new legislation would guarantee five paid sick days for workers with contagious illness who are sent home by their employers. School cafeteria workers, restaurant employees, others in contact with public and without paid sick leave (click 'See also') otherwise would go to work with H1N1 and spread virus, says bill's sponsor. 39 percent of private-sector workers do not receive paid sick days, while among the bottom 25 percent of wage earners, 63 percent do not. Bill would apply to businesses with 15 or more employees.

By Steven Greenhouse

The New York Times 2009-11-03

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BPA found in green beans, tuna and other canned foods

In analysis, bisphenol A, a plastic hardener, found in range of canned foods - among them Del Monte Fresh Cut Blue Lake Green Beans and 'BPA-free' cans of tuna sold by Vital Choice, advocacy group reports. Findings bolster case for banning BPA from materials that come in contact with food and beverages - can linings, baby bottles and sippy cups- group said in letter to FDA. Some studies link chemical to reproductive abnormalities, higher risk of cancer, diabetes. And: Canned juice is of particular concern, since small children may drink a lot of it, says Consumer Reports (click 'See also').

By Andrew Zajac

Los Angeles Times 2009-11-02

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E.coli kills two, sickens at least 28, CDC says

Two die, 16 hospitalized, with total of 28 sickened in outbreak of e.coli that may be linked to ground beef distributed on East Coast, CDC says. Hamburger was produced by Ashville, N.Y.-based Fairbank Farms (click 'See also'), which recalled more than 545,000 pounds of its product on Oct. 31. Ground beef was distributed in Northeast, mid-Atlantic and sold at ACME, BJ's, Ford Brothers, Giant Food Stores, Price Chopper, Shaw's and Trader Joe's, company says. It's the third recall for Fairbank Farms.

By Elizabeth Weise

USA Today 2009-11-02

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City, with Great Lakes tap, may offer discount water for jobs

At a time when regions from metro Atlanta to American southwest face acute water shortages, Milwaukee plans to offer discounted water to new companies that create jobs. Milwaukee Water Works utility operates at only a third of its capacity, draws off Great Lakes, which have a fifth of planet's surface supply of freshwater. And: EPA bid to cut ship emissions sets off furious battle in Great Lakes region beset by economic woes (click 'See also').

By John Schmid

Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI) 2009-11-02

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E.coli kills two, sickens at least 44, CDC says

Two die, 16 hospitalized and 28 have been sickened in outbreak of e.coli that may be linked to ground beef distributed on East Coast, CDC says. Hamburger was produced by Ashville, N.Y.-based Fairbank Farms (click 'See also'), which recalled more than 545,000 pounds of its product on Oct. 31. Ground beef was distributed in Northeast, mid-Atlantic and sold at ACME, BJ's, Ford Brothers, Giant Food Stores, Price Chopper, Shaw's and Trader Joe's, company says. It's the third recall for Fairbank Farms.

By Elizabeth Weise

USA Today 2009-11-02

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Orange juice demand ramps up as swine flu continues

USDA

Swine flu, now present in 46 states, plus approaching winter season increases demand for orange juice, but Florida orange crop expected to be 16 percent smaller than last year after cold snaps last winter were followed by drought conditions, citrus disease. And: Immune boosters during cold/flu season include yogurt with probiotics, lemon juice, garlic, and brightly colored fruits and vegetables, especially orange ones like sweet potatoes and carrots (click 'See also').

By Tom Sellen

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-11-02

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Study links depression to diet heavy in processed foods

People with diet heavy in processed foods more vulnerable to depression than those with highest intake of whole foods, limited British study indicates. Researchers say that food should play greater role in preventing depressive disorders. Beneficial effect could be from cumulative effect of several nutrients - folate, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants; depression link could be caused by heart disease, inflammation, both aggravated by highly processed diet.

By Jess Halliday

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-11-02

Water mapping satellite launched in Russia

AOES Medialab

European spacecraft SMOS set to make first global maps of amount of moisture held in soils, quantity of salts dissolved in oceans, and how water is cycled around Earth. Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity satellite is second of eight in European Space Agency's Earth Explorer program - the first, Goce, is mapping variations in gravity; Cryosat, next up, will assess state of world's ice cover. And: Data will be useful in agriculture, water resources management (click 'See also').

By Jonathan Amos

BBC News 2009-11-01

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At FDA, Team Tomato pits germ vs germ in battle against food pathogens

Building on 1917 discovery of bacteriophages - viruses that live within bacteria and can kill other bacteria - FDA scientists have found what they believe are powerful, naturally occurring 'good' bacteria that can slaughter 'bad' bacteria on fresh fruits, vegetables. In experiments, microorganisms kill salmonella, listeria, e.coli O15:H7 on tomato surfaces; only vibrio, found in warm seawater that can contaminate oysters and other seafood, has stood its ground.

By Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2009-10-31

Cocoa Krispies 'child's immunity' support claims challenged

San Francisco city attorney demands substantiation from Kellogg for claim on boxes of Cocoa Krispies that cereal 'now helps support your child's immunity.' And: Growing number of health and nutrition experts, fed up with misleading marketing ploys, say health claims on foods should be banned (click 'See also').

By Heather Knight

San Francisco Chronicle 2009-10-28

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Ban cow parts, chicken litter from cattle feed, coalition demands

Stop feeding poultry litter to cattle or face lawsuit and/or federal legislation effort, coalition of food and consumer groups tells FDA. Litter includes feces, spilled chicken feed, feathers, farm detritus. Chicken feed, feces contain tissue from cows, other mammals; feeding mammals to cows (which are herbivores) increases risk of mad cow, says expert. Chicken feed also can contain bacteria, antibiotics. McDonald's, nation's largest restaurant user of beef, also wants ban. And: For decades, farmers have used chicken litter as cheap fertilizer for other crops (click 'See also'). In court, Oklahoma says Tyson, Cargill, other poultry producers polluted million-acre watershed with runoff.

By Jerry Hirsch

Los Angeles Times 2009-10-31

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Lawmaker looks to OK food safety bill by year's end

FDA head endorses new role for agency but wants funding guarantee; lawmaker says he wants food safety bill OK'd by year's end. Fast track may be possible in part because of agreement among consumer groups and food industry that FDA's regulatory protocol is badly outdated. Supporters point to recent deaths and illness attributed to contaminated food and to recent recalls of spinach, cookie dough, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, peanuts and other products. Recalls together have cost food producers billions of dollars.

By Andrew Zajac

Los Angeles Times 2009-10-22

School meals may face more pork if USDA buys surplus

Feds undecided on whether to buy $50 million of pork to support industry; producers ask that it go for food assistance programs. And: Nation's schoolchildren are fed, in large part, by over-produced agricultural commodities that are promised a market by Farm Bill (click 'See also'). USDA buys hundreds of millions of pounds of excess beef, pork, milk and other meat and dairy products to bolster or normalize dropping prices, then dumps raw commodities into National School Lunch Program. Nearly half of U.S. children forecast to be overweight or obese by 2010.

By Charles Abbott

Reuters 2009-10-22

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Junk food, heroin elicit similar addictive behaviors in rat study

IBC

Diet of Ho Hos, sausage, pound cake, bacon and cheesecake elicits addictive behavior in rats similar to behaviors of rats addicted to heroin, study shows. Pleasure centers in brains of rats addicted to junk food became less responsive as bingeing wore on, so rats ate more and became obese - despite receiving foot shock while eating high-fat foods. When junk food was replaced with nutritious chow ('salad,' says researcher), obese rats refused to eat. And: For 40 of 43 rats, sweetened water wins out over cocaine (click 'See also').

By Laura Sanders

Discovery News/Science News 2009-10-21

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Probing pig farms as overlooked risk to public health

Seeking answers to swine flu questions, experts study confined animal feeding operations. Many researchers think pig farming is serious, overlooked risk to public health. Indirect, indisputable proof, say virologists, is current H1N1 pandemic influenza, which likely began in a pig (H1N1 strain was identified in seven pigs at Minnesota State Fair in late summer). There is small but steady traffic of virus between America's 110 million pigs and the 120,000 people who care for them. Mathematical modeling suggests CAFOs can function as 'amplifiers' of pandemic strains.

By David Brown

The Washington Post 2009-10-25

Poisoned coffee sends 6 Harvard researchers to hospital

Group of six scientists, students at Harvard Medical School pathology department hospitalized after drinking poisoned coffee. Immediate testing found no traces of poison, but later test revealed that sodium azide, a common preservative used in labs, is what sickened the researchers, internal memo said. School is installing new surveillance cameras, imposing tighter security.

By Adam Smith and O’Ryan Johnson

Boston Herald 2009-10-25

Smart Choices labeling program halted after FDA warning

Industry-funded Smart Choices food labeling program halted days after FDA announces investigation into whether nutrition claims on fronts of packages were misleading. Agency also said it was developing proposed regulation to define criteria for front-of-package claims. And: Smart Choices, which includes nine major companies such as Kellogg, Kraft, General Mills, has been harshly criticized for giving its green seal to items such as Froot Loops, Cracker Jack (click 'See also').

By Lisa Richwine

Reuters 2009-10-23

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Cut calories, add vegetables, whole grains to school lunches

Panel calls for calorie, sodium limits in USDA school lunch program, plus weekly amounts for dark green and orange vegetables, grains, and animal protein/dairy for each age group. Fruits, vegetables are not interchangeable, it said. It also calls for replacement of refined grains with whole grains, and for low-fat or skim milk. Recommendations reflect 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans; standards for school meals haven't been updated since 1995. Institute of Medicine panel says feds must increase reimbursement to fund changes.

By Mary MacVean

Los Angeles Times 2009-10-20

Opinion: Feds must fill safety gaps in beef, other food production

Eating a hamburger should not be a death-defying experience. Too often it is (click 'See also'). Ground beef is major part of American diet. Government needs to quickly fill safety gaps in food production. Congress, USDA should make it illegal to discourage additional testing for pathogens, must give USDA more authority to recall foods or to shut down plants that keep sending out contaminated products. Administration should nominate strong undersecretary for food safety. That vacancy leaves a huge gap.

The editors

The New York Times 2009-10-10

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Climate change already affecting farmers on U.S. coast

In harbinger of climate change, fewer 'winter chill' days already reducing yields of almonds in California, cranberries in New Jersey, Massachusetts. Higher CO2 levels, longer growing seasons will bring increased fruit yields in Great Lakes region, plus droughts, bugs, big storms everywhere. That means lower crop yields, more pesticide use or forced switch to hardier crops, more crop insurance claims. Farm equipment emits large quantities of CO2 by burning fossil fuels; this was main reason agricultural states opposed Waxman-Markey bill (a.k.a. American Clean Energy and Security Act).

By Jeneen Interlandi

Newsweek.com 2009-09-25

Slow recall alerts cited in students' salmonella-related ills

Some of the 226 students who got diarrhea and other salmonella-related symptoms after peanut product recall 'may have consumed the (tainted) products in school,' USDA school lunch recall audit shows. Recall notifications were delayed - sometimes more than a week, report says. Delay also cited on largest beef recall in U.S. history, which involved abuse of sick and injured cattle at California's Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. (click 'See also'). School meals program serves 30 million students.

By Peter Eisler and Blake Morrison

USA Today 2009-09-22

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Toxins at Cold War-era missile sites threaten water supplies

Cleanup continues at dozens of former nuclear missile sites tainted with trichloroethylene, or TCE. In Colorado, one site is near Poudre River, where planned reservoir would partly submerge site and could contaminate river, municipal water supplies. In '90s, chemical was discovered in Cheyenne city wells, which are within eight-mile-long plume of TCE within Ogallala Aquifer. Cleanup is part of work at 9,000-plus sites projected to cost $17.8 billion. And: Pentagon, nation's biggest polluter, has about 25,000 contaminated properties across U.S. (click 'See also').

By Mead Gruver

The Associated Press; The Washington Post 2009-10-11

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Lawmakers want pork bailout; dietitician says school children pay with their health

Lawmakers ask USDA to buy $100 million more pork - beyond the $30 million already announced - to protect industry from its economic troubles. Lawmakers say purchase could go for federal food assistance programs. And: Feds should be improving food served to children, not loading school meals with more pork and its saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, writes dietitian and nutrition director of activist group (click 'See also'). 'We've got to stop using school lunches as a dumping ground for high-fat meat products,' she says.

By Barbara Barrett

The News & Observer (NC) 2009-10-09

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Falling milk prices challenge dairy farmers in Europe, U.S.

European dairy farmers, angry over falling milk prices, pour milk on streets of Brussels, aim udder streams at police officers. And: New breeding technology that allows mostly female calves now adding tens of thousands to U.S. milking herds as milk prices tumble below production costs (click 'See also'). In attempt to raise milk prices, dairy industry group has paid farmers to send 230,000 cows to slaughter this year. Economists expect milk prices to recover gradually. Fertility institute is studying sex choice technique for use in people.

By Stephen Castle

The New York Times 2009-10-05

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Opinion: It's time to restructure dairy industry

It's time to revamp structure of dairy industry to eliminate boom-bust cycle. If USDA head wants to avoid replay of current fiasco, with $350 million dairy bailout on top of more than $1 billion in regular price-support and direct-payment programs, he will encourage radical thinking. Dairy farmers have milked taxpayers and consumers long enough. And: Test project in Maryland to make raw milk cheese could help struggling industry (click 'See also')

The editors

The Washington Post 2009-10-09

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Monsanto probed as part of inquiry into seed industry consolidation

Justice Department is investigating whether Monsanto violated antitrust rules in attempt to expand its market dominance of genetically engineered crops. In U.S., its patented genes are in majority of corn, soybeans. Probe is part of inquiry into consolidation in seed industry. And: From its origins as saccharin manufacturer, Monsanto has grown to global giant, dominating commodity seed stocks, buying seed companies and suing farmers it suspects of saving its seed from last year (click 'See also').

By Christopher Leonard

The Associated Press; ABC 2009-10-08

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Accord allows Costco to test Tyson beef for e.coli

Costco will begin buying beef trimmings for making hamburger from Tyson, one of the largest beef producers, after agreement reached that allows Costco to test Tyson trimmings for e.coli before being mixed with those from other suppliers. Some of largest slaughterhouses have resisted added scrutiny for fear that one grinder's discovery of E. coli will lead to expanded recalls of beef, The New York Times reported Sunday (click 'See also'). Critics in Congress say USDA has irreconcilable conflict between protecting public health and at same time promoting agricultural products.

By Michael Moss

The New York Times 2009-10-08

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Cut CO2 now to protect food source for salmon, herring, scientists say

Limit carbon dioxide emissions now to stop major disruption to global food chain, scientists urge. In many regions around north pole, Arctic seawater likely to reach corrosive levels within 10 years and will begin to dissolve shells of mussels, shellfish. Tiny mollusk, Limacina helicina, is eaten by North Atlantic salmon, herring, baleen whales, various seabirds. About a quarter of carbon dioxide pumped into atmosphere by factories, power stations and cars now falls into the oceans - 6.6 million tons daily.

By Robin McKie

The Guardian (UK) 2009-10-04

Federal agencies directed to conserve water, reduce waste

With executive order, Obama requires federal agencies to measure greenhouse-gas emissions, then meet series of environmental targets over next decade. They include 50 percent recycling and waste diversion by 2015; 30 percent reduction in vehicle-fleet petroleum use by 2020; and a 26 percent improvement in water efficiency by 2020.

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2009-10-06

Leafy greens top risk list for foods overseen by FDA

Ten riskiest foods overseen by FDA, which regulates 80 percent of food supply, are leafy greens, eggs, tuna, oysters, potatoes, cheese, ice cream, tomatoes, sprouts and berries, consumer watchdog study shows (click 'See also' for report). Meats, poultry, some egg products not considered because they're regulated by USDA. Tainted foods contained bacteria, from E.coli O157:H7 in spinach to scombrotoxin in tuna; victims suffered range of illnesses, from mild stomach cramps to death. One in four Americans sickened by foodborne illnesses and 5,000 die each year, says CDC.

By Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2009-10-06

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Bad teeth signify poverty, result in diet of soft, processed foods

Dentists failing to treat teeth of 21 million enrolled in public programs (mostly Medicaid) and 130 million - 43 percent of population - without any dental coverage. But letting one part of body rot can create havoc elsewhere, as shown by 12-year-old who died after tooth abscess bacteria traveled to brain. Expert says oral health crucial to eating, speaking, social life, job. And: Missing or rotten teeth dictates diet of soft processed foods - bad choices for those with diabetes (click 'See also').

By June Thomas

Slate Magazine 2009-10-01

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Flawed safety system makes eating ground beef a gamble

Tens of thousands of people sickened annually by e. coli O157:H7, mostly through hamburger. Ground beef blamed for 16 outbreaks in last three years, including one from Cargill that left 22-year-old children's dance teacher paralyzed from waist down. Hamburger patty her mother grilled for her was mix of slaughterhouse trimmings plus scraps from Nebraska, Texas, Uruguay and from company that processes fatty trimmings and adds ammonia to kill bacteria. In weeks before teacher's patty was made, records show Cargill was violating its own ground beef handling procedures. Cargill, which supplies beef for school lunches, has revenue of $116.6 billion last year and is country's largest company.

By Michael Moss

The New York Times 2009-10-04

Jobless rate reaches 9.8 percent; at school, algebra suffers

More than 15 million people in U.S. now unemployed, and more are working part-time jobs for less pay, or have given up looking for work. New Jersey resident, a year after losing job, has $800 left in savings account, six more weeks of $379 unemployment checks. She's paring expenses - she tries to eat less. And: Teachers note that impoverished students are distracted from learning; 'It's hard to focus on algebra when you're hungry,' says advocate (click 'See also').

By Jack Healy

The New York Times 2009-10-02

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Farm groups endorse Monsanto phosphorous mine

Idaho's Farm Bureau Federation, Grain Producers Association, Sugarbeet Growers Association endorse Monsanto's proposed Blackfoot Bridge mine to replace its existing mine, which is leaking selenium, heavy metals into Blackfoot River tributaries. Other mines in region blamed for killing livestock poisoned by selenium. New mine would allow for continued domestic production of agribusiness giant's Roundup, a weed killer that generates more than $1 billion in gross profits annually (click 'See also).

Idaho Statesman 2009-09-19

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Palau takes steps to protect sharks from extinction

Palau creates world's first shark sanctuary to protect more than 135 Western Pacific species of sharks and rays considered endangered or vulnerable, but has only one boat to patrol waters the size of Texas. President also calls for moratorium on 'finning' - the practice of hacking off shark fins (for shark-fin soup popular in China) and throwing the body back into sea - and an end to unregulated and destructive bottom trawling. Shark steaks are increasingly served in restaurants, replacing swordfish.

By John Heilprin

The Associated Press; The Washington Post 2009-09-24

Palau takes steps to protect sharks from extinction

By John Heilprin

The Associated Press; The Washington Post 2009-09-24

Hunger of 1 billion 'inherently destabilizing'

Food crisis, with 1 billion hungry people worldwide, is 'inherently destabilizing,' says director of World Food Program. Combating hunger is major foreign policy goal, Hillary Clinton tells diplomats who earlier pledged $20 billion in aid. 'Food security is about economic, environmental and national security for our individual homelands and the world,' she says, pitching G-8 investment program that would help farmers obtain seeds and fertilizer, promote regional trade agreements.

By Bill Varner

Bloomberg.com 2009-09-26

Humane Society, senators, livestock emissions and Clean Air Act

Humane Society petitions EPA to list concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) under Clean Air Act. Animal feeding operations produce 500 million tons of manure every year. And: Other senators join John Thune, Chuck Schumer in co-sponsoring S. 527, legislation that would permanently prohibit Clean Air Act permit system for emissions - including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, water vapor, or methane - associated with biological processes of livestock production.

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition 2009-09-28

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Luring supermarkets to underserved areas of New York

With blend of zoning and tax incentives, New York officials hope to lure new supermarkets to areas where fresh produce is scarce and where poverty, obesity and diabetes run high. Plan, adapted from successful Pennsylvania program (click 'See also'), targets large swaths of northern Manhattan, central Brooklyn and the South Bronx, as well as downtown Jamaica in Queens.

By Diane Cardwell

The New York Times 2009-09-24

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Buried dump beneath closed park leaches toxins into water

As Connecticut city proposes $2 million for running waterlines to residences near former park atop a buried and leaking landfill, neighbors worry about health effects of drinking tainted well water. 'I'm no tree hugger, but this just ain't right,' says one, whose wife has psoriasis and whose preschooler has hair loss. Landfill, unlined and permeable, is bordered by wetlands to north. Toxins also threaten city's aquifer and North Stamford Reservoir. Full-scale cleanup unlikely; EPA says city is providing appropriate response.

By Magdalene Perez

The Advocate (Stamford, CT) 2009-09-27

EPA lacks oversight on safety of school water

In last 10 years, toxins found in drinking water of public and private schools in all 50 states, but problem has gone largely unmonitored by feds. EPA lacks authority to require testing for all schools; it does not specifically monitor incoming state data on school water quality. Tainting most apparent at schools with wells. Schools with unsafe water represent small percentage of nation's 132,500 schools; EPA says violations spiked because of stricter standards for arsenic, disinfectants, other toxins. And: It's time to ban arsenic from chicken feed (click 'See also').

By Garance Burke

The Associated Press; The Washington Post 2009-09-25

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Bill would ban arsenic in nation's poultry industry

New York congressman introduces bill to ban use of arsenic compound known as roxarsone as a food additive. Bill 3624 called Poison-Free Poultry Act of 2009. And: Feeding arsenic to chickens promotes their growth (click 'See also'). EPA says 70 percent of the 8.7 billion broiler chickens produced annually are fed arsenic. In study, 55 percent of raw supermarket chicken contained arsenic; nearly 75 percent of breasts, thighs, and livers from conventional producers did too. Carcinogen contributes to heart disease, diabetes. Some drinking water naturally high in arsenic; runoff from fields covered with arsenic-laden chicken manure adds to problem.

washingtonwatch.com 2009-09-22

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Pesticides, pollution in food supply linked to obesity epidemic

Environmental chemicals may well account for good part of obesity epidemic, especially in those under 50, and may cause spike in infant obesity rates. Certain hormone-mimicking pollutants throughout food chain act on genes in developing fetus, newborns to reprogram precursor cells into lifelong fat cells, and they may alter metabolic rate, turning body into physiological Scrooge, research shows. Other research reports that the more pesticides children were exposed to as fetuses, the greater their risk of being overweight as toddlers; children exposed to higher levels of PCBs and DDT-related chemical before birth were fatter than others.

By Sharon Begley

Newsweek magazine 2009-09-21

River pollution suit against Tyson, Cargill, may affect meat prices

Oklahoma's pollution lawsuit against Tyson, Cargill, others in Arkansas poultry industry begins in Tulsa on Sept. 24 is being closely watched by industry. At issue is practice of spreading chicken waste on fields in Illinois River watershed, which state say caused runoff that polluted river. Industry says Arkansas, Oklahoma sanctioned practice by issuing farmers permits to spread waste. And: Oklahoma Attorney General asks if Big Poultry owns birds, feed, drugs (click 'See also'), doesn't it own chicken litter, too? If poultry companies lose the case, industry spokesperson says U.S.-raised meat prices will go up.

By Justin Juozapavicius

The Associated Press; Duluth News Tribune 2009-09-20

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Burger chain's spoon fragment reaches man's lung

WECT/TV

For two years, North Carolina man suffered from coughing, vomiting, pain. Using camera-equipped endoscope, physician saw problem: Fragment of plastic spoon bearing logo of Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers. When his relatives learned the news via telephone, they were eating food from that fast-food chain.

CNN 2009-09-18

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Citing state's obesity bill, mayor wants fee from stores that sell sugary drinks

San Francisco mayor plans bill that would charge fee to retailers that sell sugary beverages. Motivation is UCLA study that links soda, obesity in California. Adults who drink at least one soft drink daily are 27 percent more likely to be obese than those who don't, researchers say, and soda consumption is fueling state's $41 billion annual obesity bill. San Francisco would be first city to levy fee on soda if, as expected, it is approved. And: Tax of penny per ounce on such drinks would raise $14.9 billion in its first year (click 'See also').

By Heather Knight

San Francisco Chronicle 2009-09-18

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Medicaid needs policy guidelines on diet-related disease care

Medicaid should hasten policy rules on obesity-related services for children, and consider need for guidance on similar services for adults, GAO says in report requested by Sen. Max Baucus. Many children, adults in Medicaid program are obese and need preventive services. And: Last year, Medicare spent $7 billion on diet-related disease drugs; obesity-related medical treatments cost $147 billion in 2008 (click 'See also').

American Hospital Association 2009-09-14

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Make obesity prevention national priority, researchers urge

With more than 92 percent of Americans at risk for heart disease, potential exists to reverse ominous trends if obesity prevention becomes national priority and is folded into schools, workplaces, researchers write. Looming problems are blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, all time bombs, since 32 percent of U.S. children are now overweight or obese. Once they reach adulthood, their heart-disease risk could cause national numbers to explode. Authors call for physicians to be reimbursed for prevention measures, including weight-loss plans. And: Real source of obesity epidemic is federal corn subsidies (click 'See also').

By Jeffrey Kluger

Time magazine 2009-09-14

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Groups target faux, real chicken products

Packaging of meat substitute product should declare that some people have serious allergic reactions to main ingredient, a vat-grown, protein-rich fungus, says Connecticut lawsuit, which seeks class-action status. Woman alleges that she ate Quorn's Chik'n Patties on three occasions in 2008 and became 'violently ill' each time. Anti-meat advocacy group plans suit over KFC's grilled chicken, which lab tests show contains PhIP, chemical that it said can increase risk of developing cancer.

By Jerry Hirsch

Los Angeles Times 2009-09-18

Opinion: Waiting for substance from USDA on sustainability

USDA's new farm-to-community initiative is mostly symbol. Backbone of program is a new website for agency's existing 20-odd local-food support programs, plus extra $50 million to get more local produce into school cafeterias, as well as relaxing of rules on shipping meat, poultry across state lines. But most programs were made law in 2008 Farm Bill, which will dole out $35 billion in subsidies to agribusinesses for corn, wheat, soybeans. Until that changes, this is just talk.

By Barry Estabrook

Gourmet.com/Politics of the Plate 2009-09-17

Stampede kills 19 during Ramadan food giveaway

In poor neighborhood of Karachi, at least 19 women died and 25 were injured in stampede for free food traditionally distributed during Ramadan by private individuals and through religious or charitable organizations. Competition this year has been particularly intense. Food prices generally shoot up during Ramadan, but prices have been driven even higher by shortage of flour and sugar in Pakistan, caused primarily by hoarding.

By Salman Masood

The New York Times 2009-09-14

Focus on health care may delay Senate's food safety bill

Senator Tom Harkin says he hopes his committee can get food safety bill done this fall, but observers note that Senate is distracted by health care, financial services. Senate's bill likely to give FDA more authority over the 80 percent of food supply - everything but meat, poultry - that agency regulates. FDA moved ahead recently with rules for egg safety; last week, it revealed online registry where food processors are to report tainted ingredients. Administration also is creating a deputy administrator's position at FDA to oversee food safety.

By Philip Brasher

The Des Moines Register 2009-09-13

Likely food-borne illness leaves uninsured woman with $29,000 bill

Case of e.coli, likely from cheeseburger at diner, leaves woman with $29,000 in medical bills. She fell ill two weeks shy of insurance coverage after getting new job that paid $33,000 salary. Hospital list prices, like those that victim was charged, don't match what private or government insurance pays. Only uninsured are billed those amounts.

By Jim Dwyer

The New York Times 2009-09-13

Violations of Clean Water Act rampant across nation

One in 10 Americans exposed to drinking water tainted with dangerous chemicals or that fails federal standards. Clean Water Act has been violated more than 506,000 times since 2004 by 23,000-plus firms, facilities. Fewer than 3 percent of violations resulted in fines or other significant punishments. Enforcement lapses were particularly bad under George W. Bush, EPA employees said. Farm pollution, livestock runoff largely unregulated. Best solution is for Congress to hold EPA, states accountable, lawmakers, activists say; others say public outrage is required. And: Interactive database of hundreds of thousands of water pollution records from every state and EPA (click 'See also').

By Charles Duhigg

The New York TImes 2009-09-13

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Shipping industry reels from global recession

Recession rocks shipping industry as ports fill with fleets of empty freighters and Asian shipyards resist order cancellations for new ships. Shipping was beneficiary of China's status as world's factory. Shipping costs are so low today that it's worthwhile to ship Spanish tomatoes to China for processing into tomato paste, which is then shipped back to Europe. And: Steel containers are building blocks of global economy; when goods are shipped in such vast quantities, transport costs become negligible (click 'See also').

By Alexander Jung, Thomas Schulz and Wieland Wagner/Translated by Christopher Sultan

Der Spiegel 2009-08-11

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USDA requires 2 inspections yearly for school cafeterias

Schools participating in USDA National School Lunch Program, breakfast program now required to undergo two safety inspections each school year, rather than one. Schools are required to post most recent inspection report in visible location and to release copy of report to public upon request.

Federal Register 2009-09-02

Bill would require school meals to reflect Dietary Guidelines

Blanche Lincoln, new Agriculture Committee chair of Senate, introduces 'Healthy Food for Healthy Schools Act of 2009' that would ensure school foods reflect most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans (click 'See also'), and, 'to maximum extent practicable,' that school nutrition programs purchase widest variety of healthful foods that reflect those guidelines.

By Blanche Lincoln

The Library of Congress 2009-09-08

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In EU, big snack makers slash ads targeted to children

Making good on EU pledge, snack food companies, including Mars, Kellogg's, Nestle, PepsiCo, Kraft, slash child-targeted ads by 93 percent. Monitoring took place in France, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Spain and Poland between January and May 2009 and looked at ads for which more than 50 percent of audience/readership was younger than 12. And: Federal Trade Commission says food makers spend some $1.6 billion annually in U.S. to advertise to children (click 'See also').

By Jess Halliday

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-09-11

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Donor disclosure rule upheld for lobbying groups

Public has right to know names of donors to trade groups lobbying on bills before Congress, federal appeals panel rules. And: Congress due to update, reauthorize Child Nutrition Act, which includes $9.3 billion National School Lunch Program and sets school food policy (click 'See also').

By Bart Jansen

CQ Politics 2009-09-08

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Weed extract shows promise against diet-related disease

www.invasive.org/weedus/index.html

States where kudzu is considered invasive.

Kudzu, long used as health food in China, Japan, shows promise in fight against metabolic syndrome. After two months of taking root extract, rats in study had lower cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and insulin levels than control group. Invasive vine covers 10 million acres in South. And: Study shows kudzu's ability to cut alcohol consumption (click 'See also').

Science Daily 2009-08-27

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Regulators struggle to keep up with supplements industry

Nearly two-thirds of American adults take dietary supplements, mostly multivitamins, calcium, omega-3, says trade group. Supplements aren't regulated as drugs; study showed 9 percent of 300 drug-induced liver injuries potentially were linked to supplements. Senate subcommittee plans hearing on safety. Since last December, FDA has warned about 70-plus weight-loss supplements; agency urges consumer vigilance.

By Anna Wilde Mathews

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-09-07

School meal reform 'birthright,' says chef; Congress may delay

Good nutrition is matter of social justice, says Ann Cooper, chef working to replace processed items with fresh fare on school meal trays. Parents should eat school meals to see what's served; cafeteria staff hired to heat-and-serve also must be trained to cook, and kitchens need cooking equipment. And: As Congress focuses on economic recovery, health care reform, food safety, climate change, reauthorization of Child Nutrition Act, which funds school meals, faces likely delay (click 'See also').

By Jennifer LaRue Huget

The Washington Post 2009-09-04

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Food safety lapses leave families bereft, lawmakers scrambling

Linda Rivera, once teachers' aide and always in motion, now in a mute state; 4-year-old girl partially paralyzed are among 80 people sickened by eating e.coli-tainted raw cookie dough, feds believe. As recalls cause public to lose confidence in food safety, lawmakers scramble; Nestlé resumes supplying chilled dough to supermarkets. And: Cargill slaughterhouse that just recalled 826,000 pounds of beef was slapped with animal handling citations last year after review of processors that supply USDA National School Lunch Program (click 'See also').

By Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2009-09-01

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Food stamp participation reaches record as unemployment climbs

More than 35 million Americans received food stamps in June, up 22 percent from June 2008. Food stamp program, with average benefit of $133.12 per person, aids one in nine Americans and has grown with nation's unemployment rate. And: Labor Department says unemployment reached 9.7 percent in August, but other indicators show 16.8 percent (click 'See also').

By Roberta Rampton and Chuck Abbott

Reuters 2009-09-03

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Processed food makers advertise their products as 'smart choices'

Sugar-laden cereals, heavily salted packaged meals among hundreds of processed items now advertised as 'Smart Choice' by nation's largest food manufacturers and overseen by Tufts University dean. Campaign prompts letter of potential concern from FDA. 'You could start out with some sawdust, add calcium or Vitamin A and meet the criteria,' says critic. 'Horrible choices,' says another. And: Heart association recommends sugar limits (click 'See also').

By William Neuman

The New York Times 2009-09-05

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Cut sugar intake for optimum health, says heart group

Big Stock Photo

Citing links to diet-related diseases, American Heart Association sets suggested limits on sugar intake for men, women. Soft drinks, ketchup, barbecue sauce, 'reduced' salad dressings, granola bars, flavored popcorn among processed, packaged items packing extra sugar calories. And: Our brains aren't fooled by sugar substitutes, fMRI study shows (click 'See also').

By Sarah Baldauf

U.S. News & World Report 2009-08-24

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Opinion: Toward a smarter, sustainable food supply

Radical changes in the way we grow food (click 'See also') will increase our grocery bills, and that doesn't make sense in recession. But shoppers, farmers, ranchers, policymakers could help create a more sustainable agricultural system by examining impact of potential farm on water supply, soil resources and manure disposal; supporting experiments that explore smart use of water; choosing locally grown produce and products, and meats raised on less corn and without antibiotics. Feds should look for opportunities to buy produce from local farmers who use techniques that don't damage soils or environment.

The editors

The Dallas Morning News 2009-08-28

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Farming emerges as chief threat to ozone layer

Nitrous oxide (N2O, 'laughing gas') is biggest threat to ozone layer. Emissions come mostly from farming practices, including use of synthetic and organic fertilizers, production of nitrogen-fixing crops, cultivation of high organic content soils, adding livestock manure to fields, runoff leaching into groundwater (click 'See also'). Gas isn't regulated by Montreal Protocol, so there's no global effort to cut emissions. How non-farmers can help: Eat less meat, reduce driving, use fuel-efficient vehicle.

By Bryan Walsh

Time magazine 2009-08-28

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Monsanto plans price hike for GMO corn, soybean seed

Monsanto plans to increase cost of genetically modified corn, soybean seed as much as 42 percent, effectively splitting expected profits of increased yields. New biotech SmartStax corn seed expected to be planted on up to 4 million acres in 2010, with national potential for 65 million acres; Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybean seeds were planted on 1.5 million acres this year, with potential of 55 million acres, Monsanto said. And: After residents' opposition, Boulder county postpones decision on whether to allow farmers to grow Monsanto GMO beets on county open space; GMO corn has been permitted since 2003 (click 'See also').

By Jack Kaskey

Bloomberg.com 2009-09-13

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Dairy, pork firms struggle but sugar farmers see record high prices

Thirty-eight percent drop in farm profits predicted; slower increase in food costs likely. Food and agriculture account for about 13 percent of GNP. Global sugar prices hit 28-year record. Restaurants cut orders for pork; pork exports in June were 36 percent lower than same time last year. Farmers, many of whom already receive federal subsidies, seek more help. Last month, administration agreed to temporarily raise price it pays for dairy products, adding $243 million to existing supports. Midwest governors hawk pork for government nutrition programs. And: Monsanto to hike cost of genetically modified corn, soybeans up to 42 percent (click 'See also').

By Scott Kilman and Lauren Etter

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-08-28

See also

WIC food aid packages aligned to 2005 Dietary Guidelines

Food packages for WIC (Women, Infants and Children), revised for first time since early '90s, now aligned with 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (click 'See also'). New packages will contain checks for fruits, vegetables; participants will be encouraged to use whole grains, brown rice. Allotments will provide less saturated fat and cholesterol, more fiber.

By Nancy Hicks

Lincoln Journal Star (NE) 2009-08-23

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Sick farm workers likely source of turkeys' swine flu

Turkeys at two farms have caught swine flu, likely from infected farm workers, and have been quarantined in Chile, UN says. Once the sick birds have recovered, production, processing will continue. 'They do not pose a threat to the food chain,' says official. Canada, Argentina and Australia have previously reported spread of H1N1 swine flu virus from farm workers to pigs.

By Sudeep Chand

BBC News 2009-08-27

Former Marines link their cancers to tainted water at Camp Lejeune

From 1950s to mid-1980s, Camp Lejeune water for hundreds of thousands of Marines, families was laced with then-unregulated chemicals from an off-base dry-cleaning company and from industrial solvents used to clean military equipment. Now, cluster of cancer cases has appeared, and more than 1,600 former base residents have filed claims against feds, seeking $34 billion. And: Dry-cleaning chemicals taint soil, water in Illinois (click 'See also').

By David Zucchino

Los Angeles Times 2009-08-26

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Prescription drug use rates follow rise in diet-related disease

Incidence of diet-related disease pushes West Virginia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky and Missouri above national average in prescription drug use rates. West Virginia filled 17.7 prescriptions per capita compared to national average of 11.5. In 2008, prescription drug sales reached $291.5 billion. And: Heart group links diet-related disease to sugary beverages, urges 100-calorie limit for women, 150 for men (click 'See also').

By Rebecca Ruiz

Forbes magazine 2009-08-17

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OId farming method cuts methane from rice paddies

Return to old rice farming method cut methane emissions from Chinese paddies by 70 percent since 1980. Rice growing causes 20 percent of global production of methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases. Draining paddies between harvests cuts rot and methane, but somewhat increases nitrous oxide, another greenhouse gas. Also: In U.S., main man-made sources of methane are landfills and livestock (Click 'See also').

By Jane Qiu

Nature 2009-08-18

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Spiking weedkiller in drinking water OK, says EPA; critics disagree

EPA says Americans aren't exposed to unsafe levels of atrazine, a weedkiller used on cornfields, gardens, lawns, golf courses that washes into drinking water, particularly in summer. Others say EPA rules are insufficient, that local water systems must monitor atrazine more often, issue alerts of spikes. 43 water systems sue Syngenta, other chemical companies to force them to pay for removing poison from water. Studies suggest link of small amounts of atrazine to birth defects, premature births, menstrual woes. Home filtration system can avoid exposure. And: Atrazine linked to frog decline, egg production in male fish, and found in Washington, D.C.'s Potomac River (click 'See also').

By Charles Duhigg

The New York Times 2009-08-22

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Climate change bill would return farms, ranches to forest

Critics worry that climate-protecting reforestation plan could push food prices up, since financial incentives would encourage farmers, ranchers to plant trees. But growing food in 'climate change' areas would be costlier, says former Agriculture secretary. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, the key global-warming gas. More trees also would improve water quality, because lower levels of pesticides, fertilizers are used on them. And: 3,500 trees planted on BP refinery property to clean up pollution in soils, groundwater (click 'See also').

By Traci Watson

USA Today 2009-08-20

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'Unknown' cholesterol in fried, processed foods tied to heart woes

Oxycholesterol, found in fried foods, processed foods, may pose biggest heart health threat, researchers say. In hamster study, substance boosted total cholesterol levels as much as 22 percent and left deposits of cholesterol in artery linings. Oxidized cholesterol likely isn't affected by statin medicines, but researcher says that antioxidant diet rich in phytosterols and phytostanols, found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains (click 'See also') would decrease cholesterol absorption.

By Stephen Daniells

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-08-21

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National stream survey finds mercury in every fish

In nationwide stream survey, mercury found in every fish tested, with some higher concentrations found in mining areas of West. In about a quarter of the fish, levels exceeded federal standards for people who eat an average amount of fish. In study, largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass had greatest average mercury concentrations; brown trout, rainbow-cutthroat trout, channel catfish had the lowest. And: How mercury becomes toxic in environment (click 'See also').

By Bettina Boxall

Los Angeles Times 2009-08-19

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Program offers stop-gap measure for food stamps

Trial program in Chicago aims to get food stamps to those who qualify as quickly as possible, dishing out a card with about a month's worth of stamps on the spot. Express Stamps benefits are good for only about two to six weeks; if recipient wants renewed benefits, a full application process is required. In 10 sites, program has OK'd about 2,300 people for temporary benefits; 68 percent then applied for full food-stamp benefits.

By Ben Meyerson

Chicago Tribune 2009-08-20

Food processors' waste taints water, environment

In west Michigan, untreated wastewater from processors has tainted drinking water, streams, killing aquatic life and nearby trees. State officials have known of polluting for 10 years; residents say they're bearing costs - stench, orange fingernails, useless gardens, failed businesses, ruined plumbing, fear of eventual ills from tap water. Officials say there's no acute health threat. Review found probes have dragged out for years. Companies denied responsibility, failed to meet cleanup deadlines, violated law with leaks, spills, illegal dumping of fruit waste. Agriculture made more than $63 billion last year; food processing firms employ thousands. (Click 'See also' for part 2.)

By Tina Lam

Detroit Free Press 2009-08-09

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California resumes review of chemical for strawberry fields

California pesticide regulators resume review of methyl iodide for strawberry fields. Carcinogen OK'd for use in every state except California, Washington, New York. Federal law requires growers to set up buffer zones, prohibits workers from entering field for 48 hours after methyl iodide is applied, but critics worry about safety of those living or working near the plots. And: In Mississippi's delta, Roundup drift, from crop-dust pilots or ground-level applicators, can damage off-target crops, trees, gardens (click 'See also').

By Amy Littlefield

Los Angeles Times 2009-08-03

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Two deaths linked to nanoparticle exposure in factory

Two Chinese women die, 5 others hurt after working after working without proper protection in factory using nanoparticles. Tiny diameter (nanometer is one-billionth of a meter; nanoparticles are between 1-100 nanometers) allows particles to penetrate body's natural barriers, particularly through contact with damaged skin or by inhalation or ingestion. Nanotechnology also used in food packaging, household appliances, cosmetics, sunscreen, clothing. And: Nanotechnology spurs dreams of food scientists (click 'See also').

By Tan Ee Lyn

Reuters; NewsDaily 2009-08-19

See also

NJ schools get extra funds for signing poor children up for lunch

New Jersey public schools scramble to sign poor students up for free or reduced-price lunch; new funding formula matches lunch participation with eligibility for additional $5,000 per student in supplemental tutoring. Idea is that children who qualify for free meals have greater educational needs overall. And: In June, unemployment figures reached 14.3 percent in Newark and 18.4 percent in Trenton (click 'See also').

By Ashley Milne-Tyte

Marketplace 2009-08-18

See also

Rising joblessness means record crowds for school meals

At least 18.5 million low-income students expected for school lunches and 8.5 million-plus expected for breakfast. If rising family homelessness, steady growth in food stamp program are indications, however, enrollment in school meals could swell well beyond expectations. And: New York senator proposes expansion of free school meals to all children living under 185 percent of federal poverty line in certain high-cost areas, or $40,792 for a family of four (click 'See also').

By Tony Pugh

Sacramento Bee 2009-08-15

See also

Meat processors target of listeria probe in Australia

Chicken wraps served on some internal, international flights in two-month period suspected in possible listeriosis cases in Australia; focus of probe is meat processors and product may have been supplied to other firms. Bacteria have incubation period of up to 70 days. And: In U.S., estimated 2,500 persons become seriously ill with listeriosis each year (click 'See also').

By Rory Harrington

nutraingredients.com 2009-08-06

See also

Pollution history shouldn't stop more mining, Monsanto says

Monsanto's history of polluting Idaho shouldn't stop more mining for Roundup ingredient, company says. Three of firm's previous mines in region now under federal Superfund authority; a fourth is now violating federal clean water laws (click 'See also'). Two fertilizer makers J.R. Simplot, Agrium also linked to pollution there. Roundup will generate $1 billion-plus in gross profits annually; in one county in mining region where 7,000 people live, Monsanto pays more than $29 million in wages, benefits.

By John Miller

The Associated Press; The Spokesman-Review 2009-08-09

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Better foods fuel students' attention, test scores at nonprofit school

Huge woks full of vitamin-fortified spicy eggplant, ground pork and vegetables pay off at Beijing school for children of migrant workers. Children show longer attention spans, higher marks on standardized test, helping transform what once was nutritional experiment into part of school's mission to educate previously ignored population. And: Analysis had shown that the middle-schoolers in Daxing were deficient in vitamins A and B, and also had iron-deficiency anemia (click 'See also').

By Anthony Kuhn

National Public Radio/Weekend Edition 2009-05-31

See also

Investors say BPA risks food firms' value; feds mum on chemical's use

Investors representing $26 billion tell FDA that continued use of bisphenol A (BPA) in food and beverage can linings could threaten companies' value. Group says FDA assessment of safety, lack of federal regulation discourage search for alternatives. And: Consultants use Big Tobacco tactics to protect BPA market from regulation; EPA has no real program to regulate industrial chemicals, says environmental health specialist at Pew Charitable Trusts (click 'See also').

By Rory Harrington

nutraingredients.com/ Decision News Media 2009-06-24

See also

Avoid BPA, Massachusetts tells parents, pregnant and nursing women

Massachusetts warns parents, caregivers to avoid storing infant formula, breast milk in plastic bottles containing bisphenol A, urges pregnant or breast-feeding women to avoid chemical in other food and drink containers. And: Almost all canned foods sold in U.S. have BPA-based epoxy liner that leaches BPA, an endocrine disruptor, into food (click 'See also').

By Beth Daley

The Boston Globe 2009-08-04

See also

Some fish saved from brink; others may face extinction

With good management, many fish populations can recover from brink, new study shows. But there are more collapsed fish populations than ever known; many individual species - cod, for example - threatened; two-thirds of all stocks need to be rebuilt, half of those still overfished. And: Compass Group, world's largest contract caterer, bans 69 species of fish from menus at thousands of restaurants across UK, Ireland in a move hailed by campaigners fighting to protect threatened stocks (click 'See also').

By Brandon Keim

Wired 2009-07-30

See also

House, USDA, FDA move toward improved food safey

House OKs food safety bill; opposition had centered on lesser provisions that critics said would add burdensome bureaucracy for farmers. Legislation applies only to FDA, will not cover meat or poultry products, USDA territory. And: USDA to begin regular testing of meat trimmings used to make ground beef; FDA issues voluntary guidelines for growing, processing tomatoes, leafy greens, melons (click 'See also').

By William Neuman

The New York Times 2009-07-30

See also

In organic-conventional nutrition studies review, concern over scientific standards

Review of studies on nutritional content of organic and conventional produce says there are few differences (click 'See also'), but big concern is standard of science. Of 162 field trials, farm surveys and basket surveys from 1958 to 2008, only 55 contained sufficient information for inclusion in analysis. Review didn't address public health or environmental benefits of organic production methods such as regulating chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

By Jess Halliday

nutraingredients.com/ Decision News Media 2009-07-30

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Diet-related disease prevention enters debate on health care

In Congress, debate simmers over whether health care legislation should include preventive measures - farmers' markets, sidewalks, bike paths - to curb diet-related disease. Draft Senate bill would provide up to $10 billion annually for such community interventions; a 2008 report suggested that for $10 a person, U.S. could save $16 billion annually within five years in lower health care costs. Other lawmakers see ideas as wasteful spending.

By Kristina Sherry

Chicago Tribune 2009-08-05

Food safety bill falls short on first try in House

Sweeping food safety reform bill falls short in House on first try. Bill is strongly supported by White House, raft of consumer groups, plus some major industry trade groups, but is opposed by some farm interests. House bill places significant new responsibility on farmers, food processors to prevent contamination. It gives FDA new power to set safety standards for growing, processing food and requires it to sharply increase inspections, enforcement.

By Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2009-07-29

Opinion: Growing, eating less meat benefits us, planet

Breaking meat addiction is important for our survival as individuals, and for our planet. Reduce the excess meat in your diet and you'll reduce your risk of developing certain cancers. Producing one kilogram of beef produces 15-25kg of greenhouse gas emissions. If a steak became a treat and not every pot had a chicken in it every night, the food system could produce less and farmers still receive fair returns.

By Jess Halliday

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-07-27

Opinion: Pass bill that closes loopholes on shark killing

Shark fin soup no reason to decimate species or ruin oceans. Finning, the practice of cutting fins off and dumping shark back into ocean, kills about 73 million a year. Losing top predators creates cascading imbalance. With no predators, smaller fish overpopulate, compromise water quality. Without healthy oceans, healthy fisheries are impossible. And: An estimated 10.7 million blue sharks killed annually for their fins, many of which are sold at Hong Kong shark fin market, report says (click 'See also').

The editors

The New York TImes 2009-07-29

See also

Food dye blocks inflammation in injured rats, scientists learn

Commonly used blue food dye found to block nerve inflammation, aid recovery from some spinal cord injuries in rat study, researchers learn. FD&C blue dye No. 1, found in Gatorade, Jell-O, M&Ms, and OK'd by FDA in 1928, crosses blood-brain barrier. 'We eat 100 million pounds a year in the U.S., so we already know that there's no toxicity,' says scientist.

By Hadley Leggett

Wired magazine 2009-07-27

Damp-loving fungus found on Maine's bluebery bushes

Valdensinia leaf spot, a deadly fungus that spreads easily and quickly in damp weather, found on wild blueberry crop in Maine. With this year's excessive rain, blueberry crop was one of Maine agriculture's bright spots; a bumper crop had been expected. Single dead leaf on a tractor or the bottom of a shoe is enough to infect an entire field; best treatment is to burn fields.

By Sharon Kiley Mack

Bangor Daily News (ME) 2009-07-28

Opinion: EPA's endocrine-disruptor testing old, incomplete

EPA's endocrine-disruption tests for assessing pesticide safety use old information. EPA's testing program addresses only segment of organs, tissues, systems, and won't detect chemicals that can alter development, function of pancreas, and its hormone, insulin, which could lead to diabetes, obesity. Nor will it detect chemicals that alter intelligence, behavior. And: Glyphosate, atrazine included in list of pesticides for Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (click 'See also,' then scroll to page 17583 of Federal Register).

By Theo Colborn

Scientific American; Environmental Health News 2009-04-27

See also

Nanoetech spurs dreams of food scientists, concerns of environmentalists

Interest grows in food nanotechnology - manipulating matter at a scale one-1,000th the width of a human hair. Grocery trade group says likely first applications for food ingredients will be technologies that add nutrients, antioxidants, or even flavors. But others want more environmental health, safety studies. And: Nanoparticles could risk water, soil ecosystems, studies show (click 'See also').

By Carolyn Y. Johnson

Boston Globe 2009-07-27

See also

Dry-cleaning chemicals taint drinking water, soil

Often sloppy use of dry-cleaning chemicals, primarily perchloroethylene, poisoned soil, drinking water at hundreds of sites in Illinois but decades later, cleanup efforts lag. Residents are exposed to to perc by drinking tainted water or showering in it, playing in polluted dirt and breathing vapors. And: Lawsuit filed by cancer victim says feds knowingly exposed hundreds of thousands of Marines, sailors, their family members, civilians to drinking water tainted with dry-cleaning solvents, industrial sources at Camp Lejeune (click 'See also').

By Michael Hawthorne

Chicago Tribune 2009-07-26

See also

Recession slices into jobs for freight workers

As shoppers cut back, demand shrinks for those in business of moving goods. In Philadelphia, recession's effects became more obvious when port's huge seasonal business of Chilean grapes, pears, peaches, and apples ended in May. A year ago, companies had 4.5 million jobs nationally for people moving products that contribute to economy. Now more than 303,000 of those jobs are gone.

By Jane M. Von Bergen

The Philadelphia Inquirer 2009-07-26

Opinion: Regulate mercury now to protect human health

EPA should issue tough rule to control mercury spewed from coal-fired power plants, knowing that it is essential to protect human health - toxin is found in increasingly high concentrations in fish. Another reason: GAO, found that, in some cases, mercury emissions were reduced up to 90 percent at average cost of $3.6 million, or pennies a month on consumers' electric bills. And: Mercury-contaminated fish advisories, state by state (click 'See also').

The editors

The New York TImes 2009-07-25

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Monsanto, Dow win ruling for biotech corn

EPA, Canadian Food Inspection Agency OK genetically modified SmartStax corn seed for sale. The seed, a result of partnership between agribusiness giant Monsanto and Dow Chemical, includes eight biotech genes that shield it from weedkiller applications and also kill insects in multiple ways (click 'See also'). Regulators also agreed to reduce 'refuge area' - a percentage of acreage required to be planted in conventional corn seed to guard against developing pesticide tolerance in bugs.

By Jeffrey Tomich

St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2009-07-21

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Cargill cuts plant's production of hydrogenated oil

Cargill ends production of hydrogenated oil at Kansas plant. Demand has declined by 75 percent over last five years. Oil has been linked to artery clogging, heart disease; in 2006, FDA began requiring its presence listed on nutrition labels. Artificially created trans fats have been banned in New York City, Philadelphia and in California. And: FDA rules that allow up to 0.49g of trans fat per serving to be rounded to zero dupes shoppers (click 'See also').

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-07-21

See also

Opinion: Goods from China earning reputation for shoddiness

Chinese drywall scandal just the latest in long string of contaminated products, including honey adulterated with antibiotics in 2002, cough syrup tainted with solvent in 2006, melamine-laden milk products in 2008. Consumers don't take well to being poisoned. Chinese goods are earning a reputation for shoddiness that will be hard to shake.

The editors

Chicago Tribune 2009-07-16

BPA-free canned beans, but tomatoes lagging at Eden Foods

Michigan-based Eden Foods made costly switch to bisphenol-A-free can linings for its beans in 1999. The Ball Corporation uses enamel made from vegetable resins. 'I didn't want BPA in food I was serving to my kids, my grandkids or my customers,' says Mike Potter, founder and president. Eden's tomato products still packaged in BPA-containing cans.

By Nena Baker

Environmental Working Group/enviroblog 2009-07-14

Utility turns food waste to energy, compost

Utility uses food waste from San Francisco, Contra Costa County restaurants, commercial food processors to produce green renewable energy, compost. Organic waste is single largest single component of urban municipal solid waste; in U.S., more than 30 million tons of food waste - 18 percent of waste stream - are sent to landfills annually; less than three percent of food waste is diverted from landfills. And: Buying food simply to chuck it is waste of land, water, energy put into growing, processing and transporting it (click 'See also').

Environment News Service 2009-07-15

See also

As plastic bag use drops In UK, other problems await

In UK, shoppers eschew plastic bags, nearly halving their use nationwide. But critics say that grocers fought the campaign, and that plastic bags issue has obscured more pressing problems, such as packaging reduction, carbon and energy use, and waste.

By John Vidal

The Guardian (UK) 2009-07-17

Waxman food-safety bill alarms small-scale farmers

Small-scale farmers alarmed at Food Safety Enhancement Act steamrolling through Congress, say it could conflict with organic growing methods, trump environmental efforts. But others favor FDA regulation as way to fight proliferation of private, often unscientific, often secret food safety rules imposed by large buyers that have forced them to poison wildlife, destroy habitat and remove vegetative buffers that naturally filter pollutants and pathogens (click 'See also').

By Carolyn Lochhead

San Francisco Chronicle 2009-07-17

See also

Opinion: Factory safety lapses - fatal or not - no joking matter

Instead of pointless puns in bad taste, those writing about death of 29-year-old temporary worker in New Jersey chocolate factory (click 'See also') should have used their influence to highlight risks of injury in food factories and how they can be minimized. Helping to prevent even just one fatality would be magnificent achievement. Fifty-one deaths in food manufacturing were reported last year.

By Mike Stones

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-07-13

See also

More inspections could have prevented latest big beef recall

The 41,280-pound JBS Swift beef recall for e.coli, linked to 18 illnesses, could have been prevented if USDA plan to inspect more beef had been implemented. USDA is proposing to consider primal cuts - the large chunks of beef usually made into steaks, roasts - adulterated if e. coli is detected, and also to begin testing leftover parts of primals often turned into ground beef.

By Bill Tomson

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-07-10

Fed mulls tighter rules on Vietnamese fish imports; U.S. beef exporters worry

Government considers tougher regulations for pangasius, a Vietnamese fish similar to catfish, by putting it under USDA instead of FDA. Imported products regulated by USDA must meet same food safety standards as domestic competitors. And: There's no reason to launch trade war with Vietnam over fish, editors say (click 'See also'). Pangasius industry critical to economy of Mekong River region; protectionism veiled as food safety is sensitive issue for Congressional friends of cattle.

By Philip Brasher

The Des Moines Register 2009-07-05

See also

Drought-tolerant GM corn seed expected in 2010

USDA

DuPont's Pioneer Hi-Bred's drought-tolerant genetically modified corn seed set for introduction in 2010; expected for use in dry region of western Corn Belt. Water scarcity yield losses in U.S. estimated at $5 billion annually, globally, $13 billion. And: In 'Food, Inc.,' we're told that farmers are subsidized to over-produce corn, which then goes into cattle feed, Coke, Sweet & Low, and also that gut of a cow fed on corn breeds deadliest strains of e.coli (click 'See also').

Cattle Network 2009-07-13

See also

Pork producer delays plan to give pregnant sows more room

PETA

Smithfield, citing poor earnings, will delay phasing out 'gestation crates' past original deadline of 2017. And: Shareholders will vote in August on request by PETA, which holds stock, on specifying timetable for providing more room for pregnant sows (click 'See also'). Company wants shareholders to reject request because it is uncertain when the $300 million for transition will be available.

By Philip Walzer

The Virginian-Pilot 2009-07-08

See also

As workers' diet-related health costs rise, employer mandates checkups

After years of steep costs for employees' diabetes, heart disease, Pennsylvania firm mandates free health testing and some workers get 'wake-up call,' make diet, lifestyle changes. In health reform efforts, chronic conditions like diabetes are major focus - they affect 130 million-plus Americans, account for three-quarters of total health spending.

By Anna Mathews

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-07-08

Norovirus infects at least 76 aboard ship

At least 76 people aboard Marco Polo, off coast of Scotland have been infected with norovirus. German operators of Transocean Tours say source was unknown. And: Norovirus transmitted by poor hand-washing of sick food handlers, by touching tainted surfaces then eating before washing hands, or by sharing foods or utensils with victim (click 'See also').

The Associated Press; The Boston Globe 2009-07-07

See also

Concern grows over farmland investments in poor countries

Concern for equitable resource allocation grows as rich countries and world's largest food, financial and car companies invest $20 billion to $30 billion annually on farmland in developing countries (click 'See also'). UN says investment has doubled to nearly 20 million hectares (50 million acres) since last year. Analyst predicts civil unrest, with investing countries leaving trail of food scarcity for local populations, as well as devastated soils, dry aquifers and ruined ecology from highly intensive, chemical-based farming.

By John Vidal

The Guardian (UK) 2009-07-03

See also

Opinion: Action needed on food safety bill

Coming after problems with tainted tomatoes, peanuts and pistachios, recall of Nestlé's raw cookie dough is another warning about weakness of nation's food safety system. Congress should move forward on new bill that would give FDA more money, authority, including much-needed power to recall products and make it easier for agency's inspectors to view company's food safety records, consumer complaints.

The editors

The New York Times 2009-07-05

Reduced fertility in farmed salmon may undermine wild stocks

Hatchery programs for all salmon species could be reducing fish fertility, thus contributing to demise of salmon runs in California, Oregon and Washington, study suggests. On average, offspring of two hatchery-reared steelhead were only 37 percent as reproductively fit as fish whose parents were both wild, says researcher. Forty million hatchery-raised salmon are released into California river systems every year. And: Herring population that spawns in San Francisco Bay now at lowest level in 30 years (click 'See also')

By Peter Fimrite

San Francisco Chronicle 2009-07-05

See also

Analysis: Brazil's big beef firms tighten deforestation oversight

Brazil's cattle industry bends to demands to curb destruction of Amazon after Greenpeace report links JBS, other meatpackers to illegal deforestation (click 'See also'). After report, World Bank withdrew $90 million loan to one firm; Wal-Mart, other supermarkets vowed to stop buying beef from 11 producers. Bertin, JBS, Marfrig, Minerva make up 70 percent of Brazil's beef export market but account for 30 percent of domestic cattle purchases; it is unclear whether thousands of smaller processors, ranchers will change their ways.

By Reese Ewing and Stuart Grudgings

Reuters 2009-06-29

See also

Foreign aid will shift to teaching skills rather than direct food donations

In shift, U.S. will focus on providing expertise, training, roads, infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity abroad rather giving emergency aid, USDA chief says. Nation is largest donor of emergency food aid - mainly crops grown by American farmers - but spends 20 times as much on food aid to Africa as it spends on programs that could boost food production. In 1980s, U.S. annual spending on African farming projects was $400 million-plus; by 2006 it had dwindled to $60 million.

By Mark Weinraub

Reuters 2009-06-29

Pilgrim's Pride idles plant to reduce chicken supply, raise prices

As demand for chicken declines, bankrupt Pilgrim's Pride idles Georgia processing plant that provided 1,000 jobs, $300,000 in annual county tax revenues. It also shuns prospective buyers, saying that selling to competitor wouldn't reduce chicken supply. In town, poultry insurer braces for drop in business; hospital girds for more uninsured patients. Most big chicken companies reducing output; chicken prices have increased since Pilgrim's closed its plants.

By Lauren Etter

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-06-30

E.coli found in Nestlé cookie dough

E. coli found in Nestlé refrigerated Toll House cookie dough from Virginia plant, federal investigators say. Interviews with patients - most of whom are teenage and preteen girls - showed high percentage of them ate raw Nestlé's cookie dough before becoming sick, CDC says. Refrigerated dough has rarely been associated with any food-borne illness outbreaks; at least 69 illnesses have been linked to pathogen.

By Jane Zhang

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-06-29

'Inert' ingredient in herbicide kills human cells, researchers say

Monsanto's weedkiller Roundup, commonly used on food crops, contains ingredient listed as inert but is potentially toxic, says French research group. The chemical, POEA, helps main ingredient, glyphosate, penetrate cells. In tests, PEOA killed human cells. Monsanto questions methods. Product, derived from animal fat, is allowed in certified organic products. And: EPA decision due in fall on petition of 250-plus environmental, health, labor organizations to change rules for identifying pesticides' inert ingredients (click 'See also').

By Crystal Gammon

Environmental Health News 2009-06-22

See also

Dams, drought turning Iraqi farms to desert, forcing food imports

snakehunter.org

The small, aggressive and ill-tempered Saw Scaled Viper is among snakes plaguing Iraq's farmers.

Four-year drought, plus dams in Turkey, Syria, Iran drop water levels in Euphrates and the Tigris rivers, endangering Iraqi agriculture and destroying habitat for vipers, which now plague people, cattle. Farmers leaving land for cities, pushing country to import more food, though in 1950s it was one of few regional cereal-exporting countries. Drop in oil prices cuts budget for measures to increase water use efficiency.

The Independent (UK) 2009-06-15

Opinion: A strategy to reduce overfishing in world's oceans

Well-managed oceans policy, with strategies to reduce overfishing, would be example for others. Rather than annual catch limits, administration advocates 'catch shares,' which gives individuals or groups fixed percentage of annual catch, then allows them to set rules, supposing that shareholders will have vested interest in growing resource. And: New system would protect marine ecosystem, increase revenues, ensure dinnertime feasts of native fish (click 'See also').

The editors

The New York Times 2009-06-21

See also

Financial crisis adds more to ranks of global hungry

One in six - or one-sixth of the global population, now suffer from hunger and do not have access to enough food; 1 billion undernourished around the world, UN head says. Number has jumped by more than 100 million in last year. He calls for new world food order, urges more spending on agriculture.

By Stephanie Kennedy

ABC/BBC 2009-06-20

Opinion: Taking steps to end chronic hunger

sun-sentinel.com

Sustainable agriculture key to ending chronic hunger, Hillary Clinton tells World Food Prize audience. Obama administration will lead effort and seek to increase agricultural productivity; improve infrastructure of developing countries; maintain natural resources; help developing communities adapt to climate change; support R&D and education of plant scientists; seek to increase trade for small-scale farmers; support policy reform, good governance and the 70 percent of farmers who are women - and the children.

By Hillary Clinton

The Huffington Post 2009-06-11

BPA causes reproductive ills in rats at 'harmless' exposure, study shows

Exposure to levels of BPA, a chemical found in baby bottles, food can linings, that U.S. deems harmless over course of lifetime triggers reproductive problems in female rats, study shows. Chemical trade group says study is irrelevant because chemical was injected, not swallowed. And: EPA hearing will examine whether BPA should be added to California's Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity (click 'See also').

By Rory Harrington,

nutraingredients.com/ Decision News Media 2009-06-19

See also

Researchers find vinegar impedes fat buildup

Vinegar could prevent fat buildup, thus weight gain, mouse study shows. Vinegar worked at genetic level, by influencing genes linked to fatty acid oxidation and energy burning proteins, researchers learned. Previous research linked vinegar intake to eating less, reduction in cravings brought on by sugar peaks after meals. And: Adding vinegar to foods could enhance perception of saltiness (click 'See also').

By Stephen Daniells,

nutraingredients.com/ Decision News Media 2009-06-18

See also

Supermarket beef sales driving rainforest destruction, report says

Demand for processed beef, used for pies, canned meat and frozen meals sold by British supermarkets driving rapid destruction of Amazon rainforest, three-year probe shows. Greenpeace urges supermarkets to boycott unscrupulous suppliers involved in illegal Brazilian deforestation, consumers to pressure supermarkets to clean up supply chains. Clearing tropical forests for agriculture creates 17 percent of greenhouse gas emissions - more than global transport system.

By David Adam

The Guardian (UK) 2009-05-31

Tracking food-borne illnesses leads CDC to virus, chicken, poor sanitation

Leading cause of food-borne illnesses is a virus, mostly from restaurant workers who fail to wash hands, CDC finds. Salmonella bacteria was second. Among 17 individual food types, poultry was most common source of illness. Dairy products accounted for 3 percent of outbreaks, most from unpasteurized milk. And: In 2008, chicken sales increased 6.7 percent - three times overall growth rate for retail, food service meat (click 'See also').

By Gardiner Harris

The New York Times 2009-06-11

See also

Bacteria in hospital water blamed for death of two infants

Common, deadly bacteria infecting hospital water supply blamed in deaths of two premature infants, sickness of a third in Miami. Hospital urged to initiate monthly checks of water quality, train staff in infection control, closely monitor chlorine levels and use county's twice-yearly chlorine purge. And: Company develops DNA detection system for water-borne pathogens (click 'See also').

By Fred Tasker

The Miami Herald 2009-06-10

See also

Three die in ConAgra Slim Jim plant explosion

Three die, 38 injured, four critically, in explosion at North Carolina ConAgra Slim Jim factory. 300 of the 900 employed were in plant when blast occurred. And: There was no evacuation plan at Savannah-area Imperial Sugar refinery when it blew up last year, killing 14 and injuring scores, witness testifies, nor was there a working fire alarm (click 'See also').

From staff and wire reports

The News & Observer (NC) 2009-06-10

See also

New sewage-to-fertilizer ovens not needed, officials say

As final tests begin on pricey sewage-to-fertilizer plant, Chicago area officials say it's not needed. Stickney plant is one of world's largest treatment facilities for human, industrial waste, producing 150,000-plus tons of sludge (industry calls it 'biosolids') annually. And: Early on, 'Black Box' project was seen as alternative to sluicing use of 1 billion-plus gallons of water daily (click 'See also').

By Michael Hawthorne

Chicago Tribune 2009-05-27

See also

Coke, Del Monte, others at pro-BPA strategy session

Pregnant woman ideal spokesperson for counteracting BPA's bad image, industry executives, lobbyists decide at strategy session. Other plans: focus on how ban of BPA, used in food-can linings, baby bottles, would affect poor people who eat canned foods; cast doubt on safety of BPA-free canned goods. In last 20 years, growing number of studies link bisphenol A to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hyperactivity. And: Industry pooh-poohs baby bottle battle (click 'See also').

By Susanne Rust and Meg Kissinger

Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI) 2009-05-29

See also

Across nation, food stamp use rises with unemployment

One in nine Americans using food stamps, USDA says. In 20 states, rate rises to one in eight; average monthly benefit: $113.87 per person. Congress allocated $54 billion for food stamps this fiscal year, up from $39 billion last year. In new fiscal year beginning October 1, costs are estimated at $60 billion. And: Unemployment reaches 9.4 percent, highest level in 26 years (click 'See also').

By Charles Abbott

Reuters 2009-06-03

See also

Use Minnesota's model for food-borne illness detection, lawmaker says

Lawmaker advocates $20 million overhaul of food-borne illness detection system modeled on Minnesota's successful program, which relies on DNA testing plus intensive, early questioning of victims. Under proposal, five regional centers would train, assist health officials in advanced methods to trace illnesses to food sources.

By David Shaffer

Star-Tribune (MN) (may require registration) 2009-05-28

Most food system power sources mum on climate change costs

Though major greenhouse gas emitters - utilities, coal, transportation, oil and gas industries - face clear, immediate risks from climate change, most offer minimal information to investors on how it could affect bottom line, report shows. And: Agricultural policy ripples through energy sector, energy policy affects farm sector, environmental policy affects farmers, food and energy processors, and all consumers of food, fuel (click 'See also').

By Suzanne Goldenberg

The Guardian (UK) 2009-06-03

See also

Proposed BPA ban advances in California senate

California Senate OKs proposal that would ban use of bisphenol A in food containers, as well as baby bottles, toddler sippy cups. Independent studies have linked BPA to brain development problems and behavioral troubles in young children, early onset of puberty, several cancers. And: FDA says it will review its earlier OK of BPA in baby bottles, food containers (click 'See also').

By Eric Bailey

Los Angeles Times 2009-06-03

See also

Farm worker rule suspended for much of growing season

Labor Department suspends for nine months last-minute Bush administration rule that had changed calculation method for farm workers, eased oversight of efforts to recruit U.S. workers first. Democrats, farm worker advocates had argued against rule, which they said led to lower wages for farm employees and didn't protect American laborers (click 'See also').

By Sara Murray

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-05-30

See also

River-polluting Iowa farms need most federal aid, group says

iastate.edu

Mississippi River Basin and major tributaries

Advocacy group urges targeted investment of conservation funds in Iowa farms that pollute Mississippi River. But USDA, state officials say formula accounts for 'impaired waters' (click 'See also'). Program subsidizes manure collection system setup, reducing tillage, building terraces; $7 million of this year's fund reserved for specific projects - beginning organic operations, beginning or low-income farmers.

By Philip Brasher

The Des Moines Register 2009-05-29

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New bill would add transparency to food system

Key House leaders vow more frequent site inspections, mandatory preventive actions by manufacturers in new food safety bill. Proposal would require growers, manufacturers, food handlers to ID contamination risks, document preventive steps and share those records with feds, as well as require private labs to report pathogen detection. And: Obama administration launches website for its food safety working group (click 'See also')

By Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2009-05-28

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Opinion: When farmers choose biofuel crops, hunger, pollution rise

Farmers can grow food crops for one price, or same crops for biofuel for more plus tax credits. In 2007, amount of food turned into fuel could have fed 450 million for a year. Corn-based fuel additive use caused 10 percent to 15 percent of food price rise in one year. Higher food prices could cost Americans $900 million more for food stamps and child nutrition programs. Plus, amount of nitrous oxide (300 times more potent than CO2) released from farming corn, rape for biofuels had been underestimated by factor of 3 to 5 times.

By Ed Wallace

Business Week 2009-05-26

USDA cries foul over city's child feeding program

USDA official complains that it 'isn't fair' that Philadelphia has only program allowing more than 120,000 students in poor schools to eat free meals without having to fill out paper applications, so agency plans to kill program. Tom Vilsack, now USDA head, had praised program as senator and recommended expanding it. New paperwork could cost district $800,000 yearly. And: Food stamp costs likely will rise by 14 percent in fiscal 2010 and could top $60 billion (click 'See also').

By Alfred Lubrano

The Philadelphia Inquirer 2009-05-24

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More need for school breakfast as cafeterias struggle

More children rely on schools for two meals daily as schools struggle to balance food budgets because of higher costs, decline in paying customers. Meanwhile, concern grows over nutrition needs of students after school and during summer. And: USDA supporting Bush administration edict to end well-regarded Philadelphia school breakfast and lunch program, source says (click 'See also').

By Michael Alison Chandler

The Washington Post 2009-05-23

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Opinion: Fighting malnutrition of poverty with fortified foods

Chronic malnutrition in West Africa worsened by high food prices, less money sent home from workers abroad. Lack of micronutrients - iron, zinc, vitamin A, iodine - last year may have caused extra 44 million children permanent impairment. Americans typically get micronutrients from fortified foods; same strategy possible in Africa. And: Adding iodide to salt could increase global IQ 1 billion points (click 'See also').

By Nicholas D. Kristof

The New York Times 2009-05-26

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Legislation would include study of tobacco candy

Tobacco candy, estimated to contain half to three times nicotine of a cigarette, likely to to be studied for public health risks, especially to children. Lozenge-like Camel Orb in cell-phone shaped package being test-marketed in Portland, Indianapolis, Columbus. And: RJ Reynolds calls candy 'best tobacco you never smoked' (click 'See also').

By John Yaukey

Gannett News Service; Detroit Free Press 2008-05-20

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With eye on profits, food firms push health, wellness products

Health, wellness food products leap past other processed foods as economic downturn settles in. Major processors use sector as strategic pillar. Nestle, says expert, seeks to 'transform itself into a nutrition, health and wellness company' to sell more products.

By Shane Starling

nutraingredients.com/ Decision News Media 2009-05-20

Food supply disruption may be key to salmonella vaccine

Disrupting salmonella's ability to use glucose for food while it sickens host could be key to creating vaccines for it, other bacteria, researchers learn. Salmonella food poisoning sickens about 20 million people annually, causing about 200,000 deaths. It also infects farm animals. And: Whole cantaloupes sold to some Wal-Mart stores recalled (click 'See also').

By Mike Stones

nutraingredients.com/ Decision News Media 2009-05-20

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USDA head defends livestock industry practices

With flu epidemic focusing attention on pork production practices of crowded conditions, routine antibiotic use, USDA head defends industry against lawmaker's probing. Antibiotics are given to hogs to prevent disease and for weight gain. In recent study, nearly half the hogs and half the farmers tested were carrying antibiotic-resistant MRSA bacteria. And: Risks of industrial-scale animal production unacceptable, study says (click 'See also').

By Philip Brasher

The Des Moines Register 2009-05-14

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Food prices jump, led by eggs, beef, coffee, produce

In April, food prices rose the most in a year, Labor Department reports. Prices to producers of finished goods rose 0.3 percent last month, mostly result of 1.5 percent jump in food prices. Egg prices rose sharply; prices for beef, coffee, vegetables and fresh fruit also increased. And: Americans spend about 12.5 percent of budget on food; food prices linked to cost of ingredients, transportation, profit margins (click 'See also').

By Jack Healy

The New York Times 2009-05-14

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Hormone disruptor increases in volunteers drinking from bottles

After drinking cold beverages from polycarbonate baby bottles, 77 volunteers showed nearly 70 percent increase of bisphenol A (BPA) in their urine, CDC/Harvard study shows. BPA, a plastics component and synthetic estrogen, is linked to reproductive problems, heart damage, diabetes, obesity. Made by petrochemical giant Sunoco, chemical shown in 2007 to have leached into more than half the canned foods, beverages, canned liquid infant formula tested. And: Chicago bans BPA in baby bottles, sippy cups (click 'See also').

Environmental Working Group 2009-05-13

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Health claims put Cheerios in drug category, FDA declares

Health claims on Cheerios box put breakfast cereal in drug category, FDA tells General Mills. Product label says cereal can lower cholesterol by 4 percent; FDA said naming a percentage requires approved new drug application. Company-sponsored website also cited for health claims regarding whole grains.

By Jennifer Corbett Dooren

Dow Jones Newswires 2009-05-12

Agency takes step toward banning songbird-killing pesticide

EPA bans carbofuran and will remove it from market because pesticide does not meet food safety standards. Meanwhile, it still can be used on field corn, potatoes, pumpkins, sunflowers, spinach grown for seed, pine seedlings. In 2006, agency identified significant dietary, ecological and worker risks from use of carbofuran. And: Our appetite for year-'round vegetables, grains is killing our songbirds with pesticides (click 'See also').

By Richard Keigwin

EPA 2009-05-11

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Florida OJ industry faces triple tribulations

Florida orange juice industry faces drought, hurricane season, anti-dumping petition against a Brazilian juice processor (click 'See also'). Though juice futures have risen, orange stockpiles, recent low prices, could keep supermarket prices stable.

By Ted Jackovics

The Tampa Tribune 2009-05-05

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Opinion: It's past time for food safety reform

Recent recalls, contaminations, plus industry calls have combined to allow for meaningful, united reform that could keep Americans confident of food on their plates. Obama would do well to use his influence to ensure food safety reform occurs. And: FDA searches Westco Fruit & Nut Co., of Irvington, NJ, after firm refuses to issue voluntary recall of products containing peanuts from shuttered Georgia plant (click 'See also').

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

nutraingredients.com/ Decision News Media 2009-05-04

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Food safety lapses worrisome, point to developing problems

Though most public health experts believe nation's food supply safer than in past, recalls, outbreaks worrisome; some incidents point to new problems. Safety advocates say woes show inadequacy of FDA, which regulates 80 percent of food supply. Interconnectedness of food system illustrated by peanut product recall from small Georgia plant that supplied several hundred customers - 3,913 products have been recalled.

By Andrew Martin and Gardiner Harris

The New York TImes 2009-05-11

Smithfield accused of hogging European markets

The number of hog farmers in Romania fell 90 percent in four years as Smithfield Farms swept into Eastern Europe with factory farming methods that drove down pork prices. Political influence, aggressive business strategy opened huge markets but also raised environmental and health complaints and has has displaced hundreds of thousands of small farmers. Poland had 56 percent drop in hog farmers in 12 years.

By Doreen Carvajal and Stephen Castle

The New York Times 2009-05-05

Obama wants double investment in global food security, feeding children

To aid global food security needs, Obama asks Congress to double financial support for agricultural development to $1 billion in 2010. Plan calls for providing U.S. food aid, capacity building, developmental assistance. He called for doubling funding to $200 million for USDA's McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, which helps support education, child development, and food security for some of the world's poorest children (click 'See also').

USDA 2009-05-07

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Food aid to Pakistan, Afghanistan from USDA

Pakistan, Afghanistan to receive $27.5 million through USDA Food for Progress Program. Under plan, proceeds from sale of USDA-donated vegetable oil to agribusinesses there will help implement agricultural, rural development projects. Other efforts: developing agriculture trade corridors along border; improving production, processing of fruits, nuts, livestock; improving water, watershed management and irrigation methods; rehabilitating watersheds to increase crop yields and create jobs.

USDA 2009-05-07

Opinion: Reform health care by preventing diet-related chronic disease

Treating diet-related chronic disease accounts for 75 cents of every health care dollar, or $1.65 trillion in 2007, and 83 percent of Medicaid, 96 percent of Medicare. Nearly half of Americans have one or more chronic diseases; productivity loss is $1 trillion-plus per year. Though programs that reduce childhood obesity will cost money today, they will prevent heart disease 30 years later; feds must expand current 10-year time frame to determine true impact of healthier choices.

By Tommy G. Thompson

Politico 2009-04-30

Fast food chases low price, high volume

In teeth of a recession, fast-food eateries slashing prices in shift from higher profit margins to lower-price, higher-volume sales. That means more 99-cent meals and promotional giveaways. Industry insiders claim value and quality can coexist, but question whether "99 cents and quality" can meet on a bun.

By Jerry Hirsch

Los Angeles Times 2009-04-29

EPA to limit power plants' fish-tainting sludge discharge

EPA moves to limit power plants' discharge of selenium-tainted sludge into waterways. Toxin once was spewed into air, but air-pollution controls now capture it as coal ash or sludge. As with mercury, poison builds rapidly in animals' bodies. Birds that eat tainted fish may have deformed beaks, jaws and problems producing viable eggs; humans who eat fish can suffer neurological damage, hair, nail loss. And: Study links deformed fish to selenium-tainted water near mountain-removal coal mining sites (click 'See also').

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2009-05-03

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Opinion: EPA must rescind OK of fungicide label touting

EPA must reverse its OK of supplemental label on soy, corn fungicide that suggests product improves 'plant health' in face of climate change stresses. Agency should demand proof of claims before approving any label, or programs to help farmers use fewer pesticides will be sabotaged. Label also will encourage massive applications of potent chemical on land where it isn't needed. And it opens floodgates for manufacturers of similar products.

By James E. McWilliams

Slate 2009-04-21

Opinion: Pork is bacon, and 'the other white meat,' not a virus

American pig farmers probably are on to something when they complain that some countries are happy for excuse to enact emergency trade barriers that benefit their own farmers. It's time we stop dragging pig's reputation through the mud.

The editors

Chicago Tribune 2009-05-03

Two pesticide suits against banana grower dismissed

Judge dismisses two lawsuits against Dole after its lawyers said that poor people in Nicaragua were recruited to file complaints. At least 16,000 Latin American workers have sued over 20 years seeking damages from chemical companies that made the pesticide dibromochloropropane, or DBCP, and growers that used it. More than 40 related cases with thousands of plaintiffs pending in L.A.

By Edvard Pettersson

Bloomberg 2009-04-24

Old wine in Web-savvy new bottles

Sonoma County vintner Murphy-Goode conducts 'dream job' contest to hire a Web-savvy employee to tweet, blog and post videos to promote its winery. In turn, lucky winner - out of expected 10,000 wannabes - will be schooled in ways of wine, good food for salary of $10,000 per month.

By Julian Guthrie

San Francisco Chronicle 0000-00-00

Opinion: Ban all junk food at schools

Despite progress in providing more healthful foods in schools through federal meals program, junk foods abound outside the program. New legislation to give USDA authority over all food sold at schools should be supported to help stem epidemic of childhood obesity, diet-related diseases. And: Take this quiz to see if you know junk food (click 'See also').

The editors

The New York TImes 2009-04-26

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Flu is third blow for pork industry

Influenza A H1N1, virus formerly known as swine flu, follows record high feed prices, recession in triple whammy for pork industry. The months of losses already had producers quitting or paring herds, and now countries have banned imports of U.S. pork, sending hog prices sharply lower.

By Bob Burgdorfer

Reuters 2009-05-01

For scientists, hunt is on for Pig Zero and A(H1N1) flu origin

Swine flu virus, a blend of genes from Americas pigs, Eurasia pigs, doesn't yet show genetic proof that those pigs ever met. Shipping pigs between Canada, U.S., Mexico for fattening, slaughter is routine; legal movement of pigs across oceans is rare. Western hemisphere part of virus has carried an avian segment for at least 10 years, human segment since 1993. And: Virus gets new name - influenza A(H1N1) - after pork industry complains (click 'See also').

By Donald G. McNeil Jr.

The New York Times 2009-05-01

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Switching a refrigerator coolant to rescue tiny islands

In effort to stop rising sea levels, tiny island nations of Micronesia, Mauritius want 90 percent cut in use of greenhouse gases used in refrigerators, air conditioners. Scientists say eliminating use of hydrofluorocarbons would spare the world an amount of greenhouse gases up to about a third of all CO2 emissions about 20 to 40 years from now. And: Ozone treaty could regulate HFCs and become strong tool for fighting global warming (click 'See also').

By John Heilprin

The Associated Press; Chicago Tribune 2009-04-30

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After 16 years, Ecuadorian water pollution case in judge's hands

In Ecuador, judge will decide whether Texaco is to blame for pollution of rain forest waterways where tens of thousands used water for drinking, cooking, bathing and some later died. Farm worker activist conducts 'toxic tours' to one massive sludge pool (of hundreds) where waste was dumped into leaky unlined pit. Study under way on effects of pollution on fishing, agriculture. And: Chevron shareholders want report on protection of people, environment in countries where it operates (click 'See also').

By Juan Forero

The Washington Post 2009-04-27

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Swine flu is hybrid of two pig flu strains, researchers learn

Swine flu virus H1N1 is hybrid of two common pig flu strains - North American, described in 1930s, and Eurasian, described in 1979, new analysis shows. Earliest case was in La Gloria, Veracruz, near Granjas Carroll hog farm, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods. Researchers have warned that unsanitary conditions at industrial hog farms could prove a breeding ground for new flu forms. And: Internet chatter tracked 'four-alarm-fire' of infection in Mexico around Catholic holy week, a time of increased travel (click 'See also').

By Brandon Keim

Wired 2009-04-28

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Egypt's pig killing as flu control a 'mistake,' UN says

UN says Egypt's decision to kill 40,000 pigs as precaution against swine flu is 'real mistake.' Pigs are mainly raised by country's Christian minority. Egypt worries about effects of another flu virus after extensive damage to its poultry industry, economy from H5N1 bird flu virus. And: Egyptian authorities took advantage of situation to resolve question of disorderly pig rearing in cities, spokesperson says (click 'See also').

By Phil Stewart

Reuters 2009-04-29

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Biotech milk hormone effort vetoed in Kansas

Kansas governor vetoes milk disclaimer labeling bill, citing overwhelming opposition by consumer groups, small producers, retailers who want to know which milk is from cows untreated with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBST). Kathleen Sibelius, Obama pick for HHS, also cites patchwork labeling requirements, state to state, that would cost too much.

By Beth Martino

Office of the Governor, Kansas 2009-04-23

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Opinion: Obama's pick for HHS should veto milk disclaimer bill

As Obama's pick for Health, Human Services which oversees FDA, Governor Kathleen Sibelius should veto biotech milk disclaimer bill as 29 groups have requested. Kansas bill would require that milk labeled hormone-free include disclaimer saying that FDA sees no 'significant difference' between milk products with or without it. Bill will become law unless she vetoes it by Thursday.

By Barry Estabrook

Gourmet.com/Politics of the Plate 2009-04-21

Global slowdown means less work on U.S. farms

Domestic farm exports decline, led by sorghum, corn, wheat as foreign growing conditions improve and recession dampens demand. Fed economists say falloff for corn, wheat could lead to a loss of 45,000 jobs; if slowdown persists, prices for produce and farm incomes could decline sharply, leading to drop in farm real estate values. Declining exports likely to push pork, cattle, poultry production down.

By Clifford Krauss

The New York Times 2009-04-09

Endocrine disruptor linked to childhood obesity

Phthalates, an endocrine disruptor used in cosmetics and to soften plastic pacifiers, toys, linked to obesity, study of 400 9- to 11-year-old girls in East Harlem shows. Such chemicals affect glands, hormones that regulate bodily functions. Researcher compares endocrine disruptors' effect on childhood obesity to that of lead on a child's IQ. And: EPA regulates phthalates as water, air pollutants (click 'See also').

By Jennifer 8. Lee

The New York Times 2009-04-17

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Loss of income, insurance undermine diet-related disease care

As obesity epidemic leads cases of diabetes, loss of income and health insurance pushes diabetics to cut back on health care, risking serious complications and higher emergency or hospital care costs, analysis shows. And: Maryland group targets churches, community groups, doctors' offices for message about prevention through diet, exercise and health screenings (click 'See also').

By Linda A. Johnson

The Associated Press; The Boston Globe 2009-04-13

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Agricultural chemicals exposure linked to Parkinson's disease

People who lived next to fields where fungicide maneb or herbicide paraquat had been sprayed were, on average, about 75 percent more likely to develop Parkinson's, California study shows. And: Maneb often goes on potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce and corn; paraquat is used on corn, soybeans, fruit (click 'See also'). Map of their use mirrors areas of U.S. where people are more likely to die of Parkinson's disease.

Chicago Tribune 2009-04-20

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Clean Air Act should exempt cow emissions, says senator

Nebraska senator looks to exempt 'naturally occurring' livestock emissions containing methane and carbon dioxide from Clean Air Act. Legislation, he says, would protect his state, which ranks first in nation in commercial red meat production, from 'cow tax.' And: As meat consumption increases, scrutiny grows over emissions (click 'See also').

www.senate.gov 2009-04-17

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'Endangerment finding' for CO2, methane at EPA

Emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride are health hazards, EPA says. Experts say decision will transform feds' role in regulating commercial operations, motor vehicles, power plants. And: Waxman-Markey bill plausible framework to begin urgently needed discussion, action in Congress, say editors (click 'See also').

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2009-04-17

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Opinion: Clearing muddle around clean water

Congress, White House must ensure that Clean Water Restoration Act, which protects all waters, becomes law. Original 1972 Clean Water Act was written to protect all waters, wetlands, but Supreme Court narrowed scope, weakened safeguards, confused enforcers, so 20 million acres of wetlands, 60 percent of small streams have been unprotected from developers. And: Fresh water shortage among most daunting challenges, author says (click 'See also').

The editors

The New York Times 2009-04-17

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Pesticide makers must test for endocrine disruption, EPA says

EPA will require pesticide manufacturers to test 67 chemicals in products to determine whether they disrupt endocrine system, which regulates growth, metabolism, reproduction. Researchers cite male fish in Potomac River bearing eggs. Tests eventually will encompass all pesticide chemicals. And: Cornfield weedkiller linked to frog deaths (click 'See also').

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2009-04-16

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Sweet peak: Energy drink rinse linked to athletic performance

In trial, cyclists pedaled faster after rinsing their mouths with high-carb drinks, but saw no difference with artificially sweetened versions in study. Brain scans showed that glucose, maltodextrin in the mouth triggered pleasure circuits in brain not activated by artificial sweetener. Circuits are thought to reduce athletes' perceptions of how much effort they are expending, allowing them to work harder, longer. And: In rat study, artificial sweeteners result in more sluggish metabolism that stores, rather than burns, incoming excess calories (click 'See also').

By Ian Sample

The Guardian (UK) 2009-04-15

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Genetically modified crop yields suffer from hardy weeds

Rather than boosting yields, corn, soybeans genetically modified to resist insects and herbicide glyphosate have decreased production due to increased number of weedkiller-resistant weeds that compete for soil nutrients and moisture, study shows. Increased yields largely credited to better breeding, agricultural practices. And: Joining France, Luxembourg, Germany bans Monsanto's GM pest-resistant corn MON 810 (click 'See also').

By Tony C. Dreibus

Bloomberg 2009-04-14

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Opinion: Time to consider one agency for food safety

Newest salmonella-linked food recall shows it's time to think seriously about establishing one federal agency to coordinate, enforce food-safety regulations. Consumers need, deserve food safety. And: Food safety system no longer improving, study shows (click 'See also). Created when most foods were grown, prepared and consumed locally, it needs overhaul to regulate increasingly global food industry.

The editors

The New York Times 2009-04-15

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Soda lobbyist looks to block rules on school vending items

President of $110 billion-a-year beverage industry lobbies to block more rules on what schools can put in vending machines as Congress begins revision of Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act. And: Soda, sports drink intake linked to increased body weight, poor nutrition, displacement of more healthful beverages; added intake raises risk of obesity, diabetes - $79 billion spent annually for overweight and obesity alone (click 'See also').

By Philip Brasher

The Des Moines Register 2009-04-11

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Opinion: Third try on Everglades, U.S. Sugar deal much improved

Revamped Florida-U.S. Sugar plan is reasonable compromise and good start on building reservoirs to protect from flood, drought and to clean up agricultural runoff that threatens wildlife, Everglades. Company gets partnership with state, subsidies. And: Current plan would buy 72,500 acres for $530 million, with option to buy the rest by 2019 (click 'See also').

The editors

The Miami Herald 2009-04-12

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Opinion: Revamp school lunches to reflect diet-health link

As politicians debate bonuses and bailouts, surely we can agree that improving children's health is best investment for nation's future. Congress should ensure that USDA selects foods for school lunches based on current scientific evidence about role of diet in health. And: Federal nutrition programs are feeble whisper against howling scream of trash food marketing, writes columnist (click 'See also').

By Kathryn Strong

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine/The Miami Herald 2009-04-09

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Marketers push processed foods with fewer ingredients

As demand grows for simple, local foods and recalls continue, marketers push processed snack items with fewer ingredients and hope that consumers equate new formula with health. Tough economy has pushed 40 percent of adults to eat less nutritious foods, survey shows; 81 percent are limiting spending on groceries.

By Jane Black

The Washington Post 2009-04-06

Perchlorate found in baby formula, CDC reports

Fifteen of 15 powdered infant formulas contain perchlorate, a component of rocket fuel linked to thyroid disease, says CDC study, but scientists haven't named brands tested. Legislator calls on EPA to set safe drinking water standard for perchlorate, water testing. And: Pasadena begins construction of perchlorate-removing water treatment plant near Superfund site. Wells nearby have been shut down (click 'See also').

By Liz Szabo

USA Today 2009-04-02

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Casual sit-down restaurants in survival mode

Recession, proliferation pushes casual sit-down restaurants into survival mode - renegotiating loans, cutting staff, offering bargain items, closing poor performers. So far, many companies closing are small, with one to three sites, but thousands more closures expected, says analyst. Parent group of Olive Garden, Red Lobster, announce better-than-expected outlook; fast-food outlets thrive by offering full meals for less than $5.

By Andrew Martin

The New York Times 2009-04-04

Obama farm subsidy cuts absent from Congressional budget outlines

House, Senate include no limits on farm subsidies in budget outlines despite Obama's ambitious plan to cut them, though Senate does make modest trim on crop insurance programs. Critic says administration was more careful in laying groundwork for initiatives on climate change, health care. Resolutions protect health care, energy, education and reduce deficit, say Democrats, administration.

By David M. Herszenhorn

The New York Times 2009-04-03

Peanuts, pistachios recalls fuel calls for food safety reform

As salmonella-pistachio recall expands only weeks after peanut products recall began, food safety reform calls grow. Among suggestions: mandatory recall authority for FDA, more inspections, product tracking. Also: splitting FDA and establishing Food Safety Administration. But Kathleen Sebelius, nominee for Health and Human Services secretary, says that first FDA should be restored as 'world-class regulatory agency.'

By Mary MacVean

Los Angeles Times 2009-04-03

Perils of pollinators fuel backyard beekeeping

Big Stock Photo

Media coverage of threats to bees - colony collapse disorder, mites, pesticides, climate change, overworked commercial colonies - fuel interest in urban beekeeping, educating neighbors. On commercial scale, honeybees pollinate a third of nation's food supply and are crucial to California's agriculture industry. And: If honeybees die out, blue orchard bees might pollinate almonds, peaches, plums, cherries, apples and others (click 'See also').

By Lori Kozlowski

Los Angeles Times 2009-03-31

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Repeated salmonella outbreaks haven't altered FDA inspections

Despite 15-year history of nut-related salmonella outbreaks, FDA hasn't changed safety requirements at companies nor required inspectors to test for bacteria. Follow-up work after latest peanut recalls led agency to 20 previously unknown peanut product makers. FDA inspects some peanut processing facilities and contracts with states to perform inspections. And: Concerned about demand, farmers cutting back on peanut planting (click 'See also').

By Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2009-04-03

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FDA website includes pistachio recall page alongside peanut version

FDA creates information site for salmonella-linked recall of Setton Pistachios; it joins the Peanut Corporation of America products version on federal agency's home page. Because pistachios were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, recall of about 1 million pounds of nuts likely will involve many products; probe at company is continuing as well. And: Ongoing list of recalled products containing pistachios (click 'See also').

FDA 2009-04-02

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Pistachio recall expanded in salmonella case

Kraft expands its recall to include Planters, Back to Nature products that contain pistachios. Setton International Foods suspects that roasted pistachios it sold to Kraft may have become mixed with raw nuts that could have contained traces of the bacteria (click 'See also'). Suspect nuts were shipped to 36 wholesalers, Norway, Mexico.

The Associated Press 2009-03-31

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Tight credit could push food prices up, says UN

Tighter credit markets could push prices for corn, rice, other grains up by making it harder for farmers to expand production, warns UN food chief. And: $30 billion needed to help developing countries combat hunger by boosting farm production, says Jacques Diouf (click 'See also').

By Patrick Barta

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-03-30

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Unemployment checks disqualify some Californians for food stamps

Some middle-class California families struck by layoffs, unforgiving economy find their unemployment checks plus property disqualify them for food stamps, other benefits. Los Angeles County reports increases in denials for emergency benefits.

By Molly Hennessy-Fiske

Los Angeles Times 2009-03-26

Food deserts must bloom along with Obamas' new White House garden

It's not enough for Michelle Obama to laud the fresh vegetable, and plant a backyard garden. She must use her considerable influence to help bring fresh food to poor, urban neighborhoods, those "food deserts" where there's nary an unfried potato to be found. And: Cities take on their own grocery gaps (click 'See also').

The editors

The New York Times 2009-03-21

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Calves lost to fatal bleeding ailment in Germany

'Terrifying' bleeding disease killing two-to-three-week-old calves in Germany's cattle barns. 100-plus cases documented throughout country, most in Bavaria; number of unreported deaths believed to be much higher. As specialists frantically rule out causes, speculation grows on Internet; group of 600 farmers makes pilgrimage to pray to Black Madonna of Altötting (click 'See also').

By Philip Bethge

Der Spiegel 2009-03-27

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Obama sets new course for food safety

Obama appoints two public health experts to head FDA, proposes single food safety group, closes downer cow loophole, all good first steps, according to food advocacy group. But: Obama's food safety plan is safe but not necessarily healthy solution, could place backyard gardeners as 'food producers' under same scrutiny as factory farms, editors say (click 'See also').

By Jane Zhang

The Wall Street Journal. 2009-03-15

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Mapping plant hardiness as climate warms

USDA

An updated version of this 1990 version of the plant hardiness map is expected from the USDA sometime in 2009.

New gardening zone map expected from USDA this year; new map likely will extend plants' northern ranges, show continent's warming. It draws on 30 years of data, including local temperatures, altitude and presence of water bodies. USDA commissioned map after American Horticultural Society released draft update that showed significant warming over 1990 version, with many parts of nation shifted to warmer climate zones.

By Jennifer Weeks

The Daily Climate/Environmental Health Sciences 2009-03-23

Nanoparticles could risk water, soil ecosystems, studies show

Nanoparticles in hundreds of consumer products can damage beneficial microbes, which may threaten soil, water, aquatic life, ecosystems, efficiency of sewage treatment, studies show. Microbes remove ammonia from sewage, reduce phosphorus in lakes. And: FDA requires manufacturers to provide tests showing that food goods using nanoparticles aren't harmful, but two unknowns are whether nanoparticles in packaging can leach into edibles and the impact of that consumption on human health (click 'See also').

By Matthew Cimitile and Environmental Health News

Scientific American 2009-03-24

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Reason discovered for feeling your oats till lunch

Oatmeal breakfast works to suppress appetite, maintain feeling of fullness because foods with low glycemic index increase levels of GLP-1 gut hormone production in blood. Findings are step in understanding role of such foods in weight control, balanced diet, say researchers, who plan larger study. Oatmeal sales grew by 81 percent from 2000-'05.

By Lindsey Partos

nutraingredients.com/ Decision News Media 2009-03-24

Vegetables absorb livestock antibiotics through tainted manure

Corn, potatoes, lettuce absorb antibiotics in soil fertilized with manure from livestock treated to increase growth, prevent infections. Nearly 70 percent of antibiotics and related drugs used in U.S. routinely fed to cattle, pigs and poultry - nearly 25 million pounds of antibiotics per year, advocacy group reports. Beyond encouraging development of resistant bacteria (click 'See also'), tainted manure can infiltrate water supplies as it percolates through soil into aquifers or runs off into waterways. Manure composting cut concentrations of some antibiotics up to 99 percent.

By Matthew Cimitile

Scientific American 2009-01-06

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Analysis: Global appetites spur agriculture growth

Agriculture grows as more people achieve better nourishment through more grain, a lot more meat, much more milk. Meat and grain prices up 30 percent to 50 percent above averages a decade ago; demand for olive oil (replacing pork fat), continues to grow in China, elsewhere. Monsanto, other agribusinesses, posting strong gains; investment firms buy farmland in far-flung countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Pakistan, Syria, Vietnam, Thailand, Sudan and India.

The Economist 2009-03-19

In coal country, lawsuits allege ruined water, health

Hundreds in Appalachia sue coal companies, saying that slurry (mix of clay, sulfur, other impurities cleaned from coal) pumped into old mines ruined well water, caused sickness. Seldom-supervised sites also used to store sludge, ash, sand, cement, EPA says. West Virginia Coal Association argues that if injection weren't safe, EPA wouldn't allow it. And: Chemical content of slurry, mostly injected in West Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama unstudied (click 'See also').

By Vicki Smith

The Associated Press; MSNBC 2009-03-18

See also

Solve food, water, energy woes together, UK scientist says

By 2030 UK will need 50 percent more food, energy and 30 percent more water, but all must be considered simultaneously, says UK scientist. Otherwise, shortages could unleash rioting, border conflicts, mass migration as people flee from worst-affected regions. Looming water shortages in China have prompted construction of 59 reservoirs to water from melting glaciers.

By Ian Sample

The Guardian (UK) 2009-03-18

Global warming dangerous to people, EPA says

Global warming endangers public health, welfare, EPA tells White House Finding was in response to Supreme Court ordering agency to consider whether CO2, other greenhouse gases should be limited under Clean Air Act. EPA had found move would cost utilities, automakers, others billions while benefits to others. And: Companies discover they can lower costs, go green at same time (click 'See also').

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2009-03-23

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Opinion: Switch from fish to land-based feed for pigs, poultry, pets

To maintain foundation of ocean's life, stop feeding small 'forage' fish to animals (click 'See also'), and farmed salmon, limit land-based livestock to land-grown feed, globally. Pork industry consumes 24 percent of fish meal and oil; poultry takes as much as 22 percent; pets, because chicken in pet food were fed fish, uses 10 percent of global supply. Swine, poultry industries will it costs too much. But once we used whales for fertilizer.

By Paul Greenberg

The New York Times 2009-03-22

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Florida lawmaker looks to streamline food safety plans

Florida lawmaker proposes bill that would transfer food service safety duties to Department of Agriculture and would expand stringent food safety standards to crops beyond tomatoes. Ideally, says Carey Baker, who plans run for agriculture post, state's produce would carry a bar code to identify its growing, packing history. And: Law would require online availability of farm inspection reports (click 'See also').

By James A. Jones Jr.

Bradenton Herald (FL) 2009-03-20

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Hungry North Korea refuses U.S. aid

Despite chronic famine, North Korea has refused U.S. food aid. Uncomfortable with foreign aid workers inside borders, leadership may view rejection as sign of strength. Estimated 40 percent of population urgently needs food assistance; country lacks means to boost production. And: Average eight-year-old North Korean is 20 pounds lighter than Southern peer (click 'See also').

By Jack Kim

Reuters 2009-03-18

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China sets tough bargaining position on emissions

China, world's top CO2 emitter, says consumers should be responsible for carbon emissions. The rub: Western countries outsource production, temper own emissions; developing countries benefit from job creation. Common ground needed before December. And: U.S. imports of food from China nearly $5 billion in 2007; food exports to China, $8.8 billion (click 'See also').

By Jonathan Watts

The Guardian (UK) 2009-03-17

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Opinion: ID chips for livestock would cripple local food movement

National Animal Identification System, with high-tech ID chips, would reward factory farms and their use of antibiotics, confinement and unnatural feeding practices by requiring one tag per herd of poultry or swine, while crippling small farms (which supply local food movement) by requiring one tag per animal. Other beneficiaries: Meat exporters, manufacturers of animal tracking systems. Better plan: Limit industrial agriculture, stimulate growth of small farms, backyard food production. And: Mad cow scare of 2003 sped development of NAIS (click 'See also').

By Shannon Hayes

The New York Times 2009-03-11

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Michigan's salmonella response tab may reach $1 million

Peanut-product salmonella outbreak has already cost Michigan $425,000 and may reach $1 million. State does not receive federal reimbursement for food-recall expenses. Recall efforts include ensuring product removal from marketplace, collecting and testing products. CDC reports nine deaths, 691 salmonella infections. Recalls of items made with peanuts from Peanut Corporation of America's plants in Georgia and Texas: 3,488.

By Megha Satyanarayana

Detroit Free Press 2009-03-18

In trucking spat, Mexico assigns tariffs to U.S. goods

After feds decide to end program allowing some Mexican trucks on U.S. highways, Mexico retaliates with tariffs on products from 40 states. Products include sunflower seed, soy sauce, beer, onions, pears, apricots, cherries, strawberries, grapes, dried fruit mixes, lettuce, potatoes, peas, almonds, fruit and vegetable juices, prepared soups, wine, plastic kitchenware, refrigerators, coffee makers, and dishwashers (click 'See also').

By Ken Ellingwood

Los Angeles Times 2009-03-18

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Report: Unite policy to fight food, water, climate woes

Women, children more affected by food, water, climate crises, new report says. Recommendations for governments: Global rights-based approach to water for ecosystems, people; investments in climate-change mitigating potential of agriculture; blending policy approaches to water, agriculture and climate; recognition of women's involvement in farming, food production, water management; inclusion of small-scale farmers in reforming policy.

By Shiney Varghese

Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy 2009-03-01

Opinion: One cost of cheap bacon may be fiery saucer-sized lesions in people

Doctor in tiny town sees link to hog farms and fiery, saucer-sized lesions of MRSA (superbugs, or flesh-eating bacteria) in too many patients. Infections likely came from routine overuse of antibiotics in feed. Our model of agriculture produces cheap bacon but evidence is building that shows it risks our health. And: Factory-farm pigs are infused with huge range of antibiotics and vaccines and doused with insecticides so they can survive in confined spaces; they are in state of dying until they're slaughtered (click 'See also').

By Nicholas D. Kristof

The New York Times 2009-03-12

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Obama, deep carbon cuts and court-ordered CO2 decision

UN climate head questions value of new global climate deal without U.S. pledge of ambitious, short-term carbon cuts similar to those of Europe. Such cuts, he concedes, would cause 'revolution.' And: Obama so far is ignoring Supreme Court decision that ordered EPA to decide whether CO2 is pollutant under Clean Air Act and, if so, begin to regulate emissions for farms, coal-fired power plants, cars, editors say (click 'See also').

By David Adam

The Guardian (UK) 2009-03-11

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Factory farms would report emissions under new rule

EPA's revived system for reporting methane, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions would apply to confined animal feeding operations and other large industrial sources. The 25,000-metric-ton threshold is roughly equal to emissions of 4,500-plus passenger cars. Coal-fired power plant spokesperson warns that including schools, hospitals sets 'dangerous precedent.'

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2009-03-11

As ranks of jobless increase, number of food stamp recipients rises

Unemployment rates in Michigan, South Carolina, Rhode Island, California exceed 10 percent; job losses over last six months surpass 3.3 million. Nation's unemployment rate in February was 8.1 percent. And: One-percentage-point increase in unemployment rate leads to 700,000 more food stamp recipients in first year; in longer run, this increase leads to 1.3 million more food stamp recipients, 2002 USDA research shows (click 'See also').

By Julianne Pepitone

CNN Money 2009-03-11

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Unregulated private audits miss food-safety lapses

Feds' job of monitoring food safety delegated mostly to private firms that sell auditing, but in recent food-borne illness outbreaks, auditors have missed problems. Rigor, cost of audits and inspector knowledge vary. FDA spends $8,000 for inspection, but some firms charge $1,000. Auditors often inspect only plants, not suppliers or food products and sometimes are paid by inspected firms. At Peanut Corporation of America, auditor was paid by insurance giant AIG, which then sold recall insurance to PCA. FDA proposes expanding role of private auditors to inspect 200,000 foreign food manufacturers that import to U.S.

By Michael Moss and Andrew Martin

The New York Times 2009-03-06

Banana firm wants wrongful death suits dismissed

Chiquita asks judge to dismiss wrongful death suits associated with payments it made to rival Colombian paramilitary groups in region that encompassed 200 of its banana farms (click 'See also'). Suits argue that payments aided terrorist groups, which pacified region with murders, kidnappings and improved Chiquita's profits; banana company says payments were extortion.

By Jane Musgrave

Palm Beach Post 2009-02-27

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Focus on 'certified organic' after salmonella outbreak

As peanut-linked salmonella outbreak continues, questions arise about pricey USDA certified organic goods. Label requires adherence to rules, but doesn't guarantee food safety. Agency overseeing certification process underfunded, understaffed. Hope placed in Kathleen Merrigan, new USDA deputy nominee. And: Food safety among reasons cited for buying kosher foods, but demise of Peanut Corporation of America indicates kosher certification doesn't guarantee it (click 'See also').

By Kim Severson and Andrew Martin

The New York Times 2009-03-04

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Testing 'organic' becomes feasible for milk

Researcher learns that organic milk in Germany has alpha-linolenic acid concentration above a certain percentage and carbon-isotope ratios below a certain level. Differences are based on feeding - pasture-derived for organic, or corn. And: Tofu, soybeans, canola, walnut and flaxseed, and their oils also contain alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), which can become omega-3 fatty acid in the body (click 'See also').

By Henry Fountain

The New York Times 2009-03-02

Beyond health, cost and reach of salmonella outbreak

Hundreds of companies that bought Peanut Corporation of America products face financial troubles; feds say 666 illnesses and nine deaths linked to salmonella-tainted peanut products. Peanut Corporation of America sued by insurer. In court filings, insurer said it and PCA dispute whether circumstances of salmonella contamination void liability coverage.

By Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2009-03-01

Activists lobby Congress on climate emissions, green jobs

About 12,000 activists gather in D.C. to urge change on strip mining, mountaintop removal coal mining, coal-burning power plants, other green goals. Group wants dramatically reduced emissions, creation of millions of green jobs. And: Warming will be worse than thought says scientist; coal, beef blamed (click 'See also').

By Jonathan Mummolo

The Washington Post 2009-03-01

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Norovirus sickens 106 passengers aboard cruise ship

Holland American ship Oosterdam drops off 106 passengers in San Diego who fell ill with norovirus during seven-day cruise to Mexico. And: Norovirus transmitted by poor hand-washing of sick food handlers, by touching tainted surfaces then eating before washing hands, or by sharing foods or utensils with victim (click 'See also').

NBCSanDiego.com 2009-03-01

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Cutting carbon for food, drink shrinks utility bills in UK

Food, drink industry at forefront on UK emissions reductions, government group reports. Early leader was Walkers, a potato chip maker and subsidiary of PepsiCo, which learned that making fertilizer was 15 percent of footprint. Walkers now works with suppliers, has reduced emissions for some chip-making by 7 percent - and cut its utility bills. Other participants: Tesco, Sainsburys, British Sugar, Cadbury and ingredients supplier DSM.

By Lindsey Partos

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-02-27

Diet, activity, body fat limits, curbs common cancer risk, study shows

Eating nutritious diet, keeping body fat under control and being physically active may prevent about a third of cancers in nation's population, big-picture study shows. Prevention seems to most affect rates of endometrial, esophageal, mouth, pharynx, larynx, and stomach cancers.

By Miranda Hitti

Web MD Health News 2009-02-26

USDA head favors single food safety agency

Time is right to modernize food safety system into single agency, says Tom Vilsack, USDA head. He cites risk of jurisdiction questions, communication problems, possible gaps with current system which uses 12 agencies (click 'See also') and 35 laws. Frozen pizzas with meat and their manufacturing plants are inspected by USDA. Those with cheese are overseen by FDA.

By Brian Naylor

National Public Radio/All Things Considered 2009-02-25

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Higher produce prices forecast as drought idles farmland

Drought, now in third year, dries irrigation system and is likely to idle at least 60,000 workers and up to 1 million acres, lower remaining yields in heartland of California. Central Valley grows more than half of nation's fruit, vegetables and nuts. Zero water allocation was last set in 1992, but later that year was eased to 25 percent of regular amount.

By Steve Gorman

Reuters 2009-02-20

Minnesota food sleuths tops at tracking pathogens

State's leadership in tracing food-borne illness comes from complex culture of teamwork: health and food investigators who work side-by-side; strong consumer protection laws; good facilities and resources; and experienced investigators who interview patients, trace products and draw linkages. And: FDA updates on salmonella outbreak, and recalls, by the scores (click 'See also').

By Tom Webb

Pioneer Press 2009-02-18

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Low oxygen kills healing bacteria in water 'dead zones'

Dead zones in waterways tenacious because oxygen deficiency neither supports aquatic life nor water-cleaning bacteria. Dead zones caused by excess phosphorous, nitrogen washed from croplands, sewage treatment systems, livestock operations, cruise ship waste dumping, paved areas. Return of sea grass to Chesapeake Bay a hopeful sign and may be result of low rainfall.

By Kari Lydersen

The Washington Post 2009-02-17

Opinion: Beyond salmonella crisis to safer food system

Enhancing quality, safety of industrially produced food means building on success of existing programs; developing rapid detection methods for pathogens; eliminating unnecessary antibiotics; improving food preparation practices in all settings; strengthening capacities of health departments; and irradiating high-risk foods. CDC says irradiation could prevent up to 1 million cases of food-borne disease annually.

By Dennis G. Maki, M.D.

The New England Journal of Medicine 2009-02-11

In wheat fields, risk of 'pending disaster' in global agriculture

Devastating wheat epidemic, Ug99, begins to take hold, exposing fragility of food supply in poor countries. Eighty percent of Asian and African wheat varieties now susceptible, along with barley. Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, major wheat producers, most threatened. And: Monsanto, Syngenta say their genetically modified wheat resists fungus, want ban on GM wheat lifted (click 'See also').

By Sharon Schmickle

The Washington Post 2009-02-18

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Obama backs treaty to cut mercury emissions

Administration calls for cuts to global mercury emissions. Nervous system toxin can travel thousands of miles through air, water. Much drifts into oceans, where it enters food chain and contaminates fish. And: Coal-fired power plants are largest source of mercury pollution in U.S., making them true enemy of tuna sandwich crowd, says writer (click 'See also').

By Tom Maliti

The Associated Press; Chicago Tribune 2009-02-17

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Economic slump hits agricultural extension services

Missouri governor restores two-thirds of proposed cuts to state's extension offices. Cuts to University of Missouri and Lincoln University programs will be made carefully to protect eligibility for federal matching funds. And: Governor's proposed cut to Michigan State University compounded by proposal to combine university's extension services, experimental stations and halve combined budget (click 'See also'). Extension services disseminate research, expertise on health, agriculture, wellness, food safety.

By Georgina Gustin

St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2009-02-12

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Water diversion threatens salmon, main food source for orcas

Extinction threat to spring-run chinook salmon and winter-run chinook salmon from pumping water out of Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta threatens 83 orcas' existence - they depend on salmon for food. Findings, in draft report, could garner support for environmental protection. And: Earlier, water flow to cities, farms cut to avert ecological collapses of water crossroads (click 'See also').

By Mike Taugher

The Mercury News (CA) 2009-02-13

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Warming will be worse than thought; coal, beef are two culprits

Warming will be faster, more damaging than previously thought, says scientist. Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) increased far faster than expected between 2000-2007, mainly by burning of coal for electricity in India, China. And: 30 percent of human-generated global warming potential caused by foods, beverage production; about half of those come from meat; beef accounts for 30 percent of world's meat consumption, but contributes 78 percent of meat's GHG emissions (click 'See also').

BBC 2009-02-15

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Joblessness, rising prices and backdrop of 'resource war'

Iraq war will be seen as first 'resource war,' where country used force to secure natural resources, predicts former UK scientific adviser. Same strategy could be used to find and keep fresh water, crop lands, minerals, in light of population growth, dwindling natural resources, rising sea levels. And: Swelling ranks of joblessness, rising prices threaten global stability (click 'See also').

By James Randerson

The Guardian (UK) 2009-02-13

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Recalls grow; salmonella-linked peanut company files for bankruptcy

Salmonella-linked Peanut Corporation of America files for bankruptcy. Its Texas plant must recall all products produced there. Company's Virginia plant a concern for scientist. And: Poll finds that many consumers mistakenly believe that major brands of peanut butter have been recalled and also finds low levels of public confidence in groups involved in food production, inspection. (click 'See also').

By Kathy Lohr

National Public Radio/All Things Considered 2009-02-13

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Army group can issue Clean Water Act permits, court rules

In victory for coal industry, court overturns ruling that required more extensive environmental reviews of mountaintop removal, which blasts peaks away, dumps debris into valley streams. And: Environmental groups say practice taints water and harms residents, urge Obama to follow up on campaign statements (click 'See also'). The Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for preventing actions that could harm nation's water, had issued original mining permits.

The Associated Press; The Washington Post 2009-02-14

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Amazon's vastness makes protecting resources difficult

In Brazil's 700,000 acre Bom Futuro National Forest, farming, ranching, hunting threaten land's role in staving off global warming. As federally protected forest is illegally clear cut for pasture, biological diversity and freshwater resources juxtaposed with charred stumps and rows of corn and coffee. As things stand, trees will be gone by 2021.

By Joshua Partlow

The Washington Post 2009-02-06

Clean water, air rules to boost mercury control component

With stricter state-based rules on water, air quality, and federal mandates poised to follow, demand is created for powdered activated carbon, which helps control mercury levels. Data suggest demand could surge from current levels of 50 million pounds a year to between 500 million and 750 million pounds, says head of Calgon, which offers purification applications for drinking water, air, food and drugs.

By Jennifer Hoyt

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-02-11

Second peanut butter plant closed; executives decline to testify

A second peanut processing plant owned by company at heart of nationwide outbreak of salmonella illness shut down after Texas authorities discovered possible salmonella bacteria there. Company also has plant in Suffolk, Va. Taint linked to eight deaths, 600 illnesses, 1,800-plus separate recalls of peanut butter, cookies, crackers and other foods. And: Company executives refuse to testify before House committee (click 'See also').

By Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2009-02-10

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Economy, drought batter California farmers

Farmers leave fields fallow, others consider losing their businesses as economic crisis pairs with worsening drought in state's Central Valley. Some reservoirs down to as little as one-quarter of capacity. Ruling to protect endangered minnow could further cut water flow.

By Jim Carlton

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-02-10

Teen girls' weakness linked to vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency linked to weakness in teen girls, study says; earlier work showed that up to 70 percent of teen girls may be low on intake. Best food sources include salmon, tuna, mackerel, fish oil (click 'See also') but sunshine is key to metabolizing crucial nutrient. Previous studies show lack linked to diseases later in life - osteoporosis, muscle weakness, cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, heart disease.

By Stephen Daniells

NutraIngredients.com, Europe 2009-02-04

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Hidden component of rising food prices in plain sight

Average food can costs 8 cents. Prices of food-can material tinplate - steel coated with tin to prevent corrosion - up 40 to 50 percent due to volatile steel market; that's a penny or two more, retail. And: Tinplate can poorly suited to beer; Coors marks anniversary of aluminum beer can (click 'See also').

By Greg T. Spielberg

BusinessWeek 2009-01-30

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Chronic wasting disease found in elk; some meat recalled

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) case quarantines elk herd in Minnesota; last case was found in 2006. Finding disturbs wildlife officials, who fear spread to wild deer. And: Seventeen pounds elk meat recalled over CWD concern; animal-to-human transmission of such diseases, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or mad cow), has raised theoretical concern (click 'See also'). Consumers directed to consult EPA on disposal.

By Doug Smith

Star-Tribune (MN) (may require registration) 2009-01-27

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Some Arctic waters off-limits to commercial fishing

Rapid climate changes cited in new ban of commercial fishing in parts of Arctic waters. Restrictions endorsed by fishermen/processing trade group. Concerns include unregulated fishing, warming, effect of commercial fishing on region's resources, subsistence fishing, ecosystem.

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2009-02-05

USDA school lunches again victim of food safety lapse

USDA bought 32 truckloads of roasted peanuts and peanut butter for its school lunch program as internal tests on product at Peanut Corporation of America showed salmonella taint. Scandal exposes an array of failures in government's systems. And: In early 2008, Hallmark/Westland beef recall was flashpoint in debate over meat safety and quality of USDA school lunches (click 'See also').

By Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2009-02-06

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A grilling on food safety by Senate panel

In wake of salmonella outbreak, senate panel questions FDA on food safety; one senator says that 'patchwork' gives system too much credit, and another wants creation of data bank on outbreaks. Nation has 76 million cases of food-borne illness annually, with 5,000 deaths, 335,000 hospitalizations. Current system for investigating outbreaks is like 'looking in the rear view mirror, says CDC researcher.

By Annie Johnson

CQ Politics 2009-02-05

Discard peanut butter packets in food kits, FEMA says

Peanut butter packets in FEMA emergency food rations distributed in Kentucky, Arkansas after late January storms should be discarded, says agency. Product linked to salmonella outbreak. Peanut Corporation of America could have distributed contaminated product to more than 100 companies for use as ingredient in hundreds of products, says FDA.

CNN 2009-02-04

Policing what's 'organic' takes community

The failure of California's agriculture department to police maker of supposedly organic fertilizer is disappointment for a public increasingly devoted to eating organic. Job of ensuring integrity of products from organic farms, fertilizer makers must engage growers, retailers who are capitalizing on demand. And: Organic fertilizer was spiked (click 'See also').

The editors

The Sacramento Bee 2009-01-07

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Community considers recycling water, toilet to tap

California community considers reclaiming wastewater for drinking water to augment supply, but proposal details are scarce. Opponents worry water that goes from toilet to tap can contain traces of hormones, drugs, chemicals. And: After conservation measures, all regional water agencies should explore sewage water option, says editorial (click 'See also').

By Angela Lau

The San Diego Union Tribune 2009-01-23

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Two candidates in lead for food safety position

Two veterans of food safety community are top candidates to lead USDA Food Safety Inspection Service: Caroline Smith DeWaal at Center for Science in the Public Interest, and former FSIS administrator Barbara J. Masters. And: Fixing FDA's laissez-faire approach to food safety requires new commissioner position, more inspectors and penalties for problems, says DeWaal (click 'See also').

By Ed O'Keefe

The Washington Post 2009-01-27

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Obama vows stricter food safety oversight

In wake of salmonella outbreak linked to eight deaths, 500 illnesses, White House vows stricter oversight of food safety. New FDA head, more officials due in days; 'stricter regulatory structure' will prevent breakdowns in food-safety inspections, says Obama spokesman. Recent revelations about poor oversight - in federal regulatory system and peanut company - alarming, he says.

By Ben Fuller

The Associated Press; Los Angeles Times 2009-01-30

Criminal probe begins of plant linked to salmonella outbreak

Criminal investigation into salmonella-linked peanut plant announced, FDA says. And: Warnings about problems at Blakely, Ga., plant came when metal fragments were found in shipment of chopped peanuts sent to Canada in April, 2008 (click 'See also'). FDA said shipment, described as "filthy and putrid," was rejected in Canada and returned to Peanut Corp of America, where it was destroyed in November.

By Jeffry Scott and Craig Schneider

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2009-01-30

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Legislators seek food safety reforms from Obama

In wake of salmonella outbreak, legislators offer proposals to fix food safety system, and expect Obama to act, since he vowed food safety reform as candidate. At least 12 agencies regulate food safety. Nearly all bills would require company plans for manufacturing, testing and record-keeping and would fund more intense inspections of food factories. Some would also fix patchwork system by which outbreaks are detected.

By Gardiner Harris and Pam Belluck

The New York Times 2009-01-30

Tomato graft cultivating pricier sauce?

Graft could be boosting consumer prices for ketchup, salsa and sauces according to charges in a federal price-fixing case. Kraft Foods, Frito-Lay purchasing managers admitted taking bribes from broker for central California company that processes 15 percent of nation's bulk tomato paste. The broker pleaded guilty of soliciting bribes.

By Bob Egelko

The San Francisco Chronicle 2009-01-28

Peanut product recall expanded to cover two years' production

Discard every product made in last two years with peanuts processed by salmonella-tainted plant in Georgia, FDA says. Already, more than 400 products have been recalled; now, contamination's impact will reach even more processed food items. One legislator calls for criminal investigation; another introduces bill to increase FDA funding, authority. Outbreak now linked to eight deaths, about 500 illnesses. And: FDA peanut butter product recalls (click 'See also').

By Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2009-01-29

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Food bank distributes state-donated fish, unaware of state mercury alert

Idaho food bank gave away thousands of pounds of lake trout, whitefish caught in Lake Pend Oreille donated by state wildlife agency at same time another agency warned of mercury contamination in fish caught there. Giveaway offers tough choice, says activist: Go hungry, or take mercury-tainted fish that can be dangerous to long-term health of children. And: New York's advisories on fish consumption (click 'See also').

By John Miller

The Associated Press; Bonner County Daily Bee 2009-01-28

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Tainted peanut products knowingly shipped, feds say

Peanut product plant retested some positive salmonella results but sold products anyway, sometimes after negative finding from different lab, feds say. Disclosure of internal tests not required. FDA delegated inspection to Georgia; in fiscal 2008, FDA inspected 5,930 of country's 65,520 domestic food production facilities. State inspectors test 4,500 samples yearly and have 16,000 food-processing, food-sales stores in state. And: Most of about 50 workers laid off, production shut down at troubled plant (click 'See also').

By Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2009-01-28

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Past lead levels in D.C. tap water may risk children's health

Elevated lead levels in tap water from 2001-2003 could jeopardize health of about 42,000 Washington, D.C. children who then were younger than 2 or in utero, study shows. Parents outraged, Council wants probe to see whether public was misled during water crisis (click 'See also'). Blood lead levels and number of potentially affected children both considerably higher than initially reported by city, federal officials.

By Carol D. Leonnig

The Washington Post 2009-01-27

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Probe widens over use of synthetics in organic fertilizers

Concern over use of synthetic chemicals in organic fertilizer grows as federal agents search site of Port Organic Products, a major producer. Earthbound Farm, others tighten scrutiny after report of California probe that caught another maker spiking its product (click 'See also'). State suspected Port Organic of using synthetic nitrogen back in October 2007. Nearly 60 percent of nation's harvest of organic produce comes from California.

By Jim Downing

The Sacramento Bee 2009-01-24

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State finds spiked organic fertilizer, then keeps it secret

After California officials catch organic fertilizer maker spiking its fish-chicken feather brew with synthetic - therefore banned - fertilizer in June 2004, they waited until January 2007 to require that company remove product from market, then kept findings secret for nearly a year and a half longer, records show. Some of state's largest organic farms - Earthbound, Driscoll's - were among customers. And: USDA probes delay; disciplinary action possible (click 'See also').

By Jim Downing

The Sacramento Bee 2008-12-28

See also

Selling water conservation to 200 million customers a year

Shoved into reforms, Wal-Mart vowed in 2005 to go green. Now, among tens of thousands of products, it has made some progress, dragging suppliers along. Example: It sells only concentrated laundry detergent, which, company says, saves 400 million-plus gallons of water, 95 million pounds of plastic resin, 125 million pounds of cardboard, 520,000 gallons of diesel fuel over three years. Sustainability efforts have saved Wal-Mart hundreds of millions of dollars, experts say. And: Price hikes in grocery, health, wellness categories drove majority of Wal-Mart's sales growth in 2008 (click 'See also').

By Stephanie Rosenbloom and Michael Barbaro

The New York Times 2009-01-24

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Food safety review too slow, say boy's parents

Food-borne illness review too slow, say parents of seven-year-old boy who was hospitalized in November and treated for salmonella. The parents, who have sued Peanut Corporation of America (click 'See also), want CDC, FDA, state health departments to streamline, speed review process. Vermont began reviewing cases in early December, but didn't issue warnings until mid-January.

WPTZ-TV 2009-01-22

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Good, affordable foods a priority, says USDA head

Obama administration will make 'very significant push' to increase U.S. intake of affordable but good quality foods, and will heed critics who link crop subsides, obesity, says Tom Vilsack, USDA head. Former Iowa governor had vowed at confirmation hearing to increase U.S. production, consumption of fruits, vegetables.

By Philip Brasher

The Des Moines Register 2009-01-22

Cholera epidemic spreads from Zimbabwe

Cholera epidemic moves with victims to rural Zimbabwe and into South Africa. Disease, caused by drinking water tainted with sewage, took hold after health, sanitation systems collapsed under economic crisis in troubled country. Nearly 2,500 people have died; more than 40,000 are infected. And: Cholera is a measure of government's failure (click 'See also').

By Nelson Banya

Reuters 2009-01-22

See also

Salmonella sleuthing recalls 125 peanut products

Peanut product recalls list grows - and grows - spanning peanut butter crackers to dog biscuits, frozen cookie dough to pre-assembled dinner kits (click 'See also'). Salmonella outbreak has sickened hundreds and may have killed six.

By Mary MacVean

Los Angeles Times 2009-01-22

See also

Contaminated beef may have prompted EPA guideline

New EPA limits of nonstick chemical in drinking water appears linked to discovery of contaminated beef from cattle that grazed in Alabama pasture fertilized with chemical (PFOA)-laden sewage sludge. But EPA doesn't require water treatment plants to test for perfluorochemicals. And: If sludge applied to grazing lands over 12 years did taint meat, possible sources are wastewater from nearby manufacturing plant, consumer products (click 'See also').

By Michael Hawthorne

Chicago Tribune 2009-01-16

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Bad food at army base, but who's to blame?

No food, bad food, bug-infested food, inconsistent food safety standards listed as complaints at Fort McCoy military base in 2005, 2006. Army blames Wisconsin for mismanaging multi-million-dollar food service contract; state blames military's facilities. And: Wisconsin appeals $225,000 in damages due blind manager who lost job when Army canceled dining contract (click 'See also').

The Associated Press; MSNBC 2009-01-19

See also

Malicious software captured data on diners' credit, debit cards

Breach at one of the nation's largest payment processing companies - whose restaurant customers make up about 40 percent of its monthly transactions - may have exposed data from tens of millions of credit, debit card transactions. Investigators found software that was recording names, card numbers, expiration dates as it was being sent to Heartland Payment Systems. Probe began after fraudulent activity reports were received in October.

By Brian Krebs

The Washington Post 2009-01-21

Setting limits of nonstick chemical in drinking water

EPA sets short-term allowances for nonstick chemicals toxins in drinking water at 10 times amount New Jersey set in 2007 for chronic exposure. Perfluorooctanoic acid - PFOA - linked to cancer, animal birth defects, now detected in blood of nearly all Americans, in sea life, polar bears. Eight U.S. firms plan to cut emissions of chemical 95 percent by next year. And: EPA doesn't require water treatment plants to test for PFOA; advisory appears to be linked to recent discovery of contaminated beef from cattle that grazed in Alabama pasture fertilized with sewage sludge. (click 'See also').

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2009-01-17

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Mapping soil as hedge against hunger, climate change

New African soil mapping plan to assess mineral, organic nutrients and guide farmers in using fertilizer or crop rotation aims to reduce poverty, feed growing populations and cope with impact of climate change on agriculture. African soils are among most depleted on earth. New York launch scheduled for Feb. 17 (click 'See also').

By Alistair Thomson

Reuters 2009-01-13

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Science-based decisions vowed by EPA nominee

Lisa Jackson, Obama's EPA nominee, tells Senate panel she would consider regulating coal ash waste from power plants in aftermath of recent spills (click 'See also'). Her conscience, she says, is Americans suffering from 'environmental negligence' - effects from untended Superfund sites, government's botched response to Hurricane Katrina.

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2009-01-14

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Obesity overtakes overweight category in U.S.

More than 34 percent of Americans termed obese, compared to 32.7 percent who are overweight, statistics from 2005-'06 - latest available - show. Thirty-two percent of U.S. children overweight, 16 percent obese, 11 percent were extremely obese. And: Department of Defense says nearly 50,000 potential recruits have flunked Army's physical exam because they were overweight (click 'See also').

By Maggie Fox

Reuters 2009-01-09

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USDA nominee vows hunger fight, backing for fruits, vegetables

Fighting child hunger, promoting fresh fruits and vegetables for children, supporting those who supply produce, and facilitating purchase of locally grown products among goals listed by USDA nominee Tom Vilsack at Senate panel hearing. Tom Harkin, agriculture chairman, says USDA should use Institute of Medicine guidelines to set standards for junk food sold in schools.

By Aliya Sternstein

CQ Politics 2009-01-14

Toward limits, controls on pesticides, weedkillers in EU

European Parliament votes to tighten rules on pesticides, ban at least 22 toxins. New rules would limit or ban use of toxins near schools, parks, hospitals, aquatic environments, drinking water; wholesale aerial crop-spraying would also be banned; honeybees and other pollinators (click 'See also') would be protected. Opposition predicts loss of one-fourth produce, high vegetable prices. Rules must be OK'd by 27 member states' governments.

BBC News 2009-01-13

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Analysis: Details crucial in healthful living campaign

Short on funds, New York governor turns call for change into anti-obesity measures: Soft drink tax, posting calorie counts in chain restaurants, adding markets to poor neighborhoods, banning junk food in schools. Professor says proposals take health care outside of medical sector and are way of cost-shifting that doesn't recognize obstacles - no sidewalks, time deprivation.

By Anemona Hartocollis

The New York Times 2009-01-11

Opinion: Don't force-feed us calorie information

Harping on calories doesn't help when family members do it, and is trite, presumptive, costly when government does. Making restaurants post calorie counts - goal of new Massachusetts program to combat obesity - is ineffective (click 'See also'), infringes on liberties, paves way for warning labels on Oreos and government-dictated diets.

By Jeff Jacoby

The Boston Globe 2009-01-11

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Human activity speeds changes in plants, animals

Hunting, commercial fishing and some conservation rules, like minimum size limits on fish, accelerating rates of evolutionary change in species, researchers find. Human predation is opposite to what occurs in nature, agriculture - with newly born or nearly dead the target of predators in wild, and farmers, breeders retaining most robust, fertile adults to breed.

By Cornelia Dean

The New York Times 2009-01-12

Best buys are past best-by dates at this company

The weak economy has sent sales sharply higher for English company that sells outdated food at bargain prices. Expiration dates more indicative of quality than safety, agency says. And: Primer on food expiration dates (click 'See also').

UPI 2009-01-10

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Sea's CO2 absorption falls; tougher emissions limits may be required

Suddenly, Sea of Japan absorbing much less carbon dioxide than before, scientists find; other oceans likely affected. Weakening of absorption would require countries to adopt stricter emissions limits to prevent dangerous rises in temperature. And: It's the tiny ocean plants - phytoplankton - that absorb CO2 (click 'See also') to build cells during photosynthesis, then, upon death, carry carbon in their cells to deep ocean, sequestering them. They're also base of marine food web. Zooplankton - tiny animals - eat phytoplankton and are in turn eaten. If phytoplankton don't get enough nutrients, surface waters become "marine deserts," so fish can't survive in surface water, and seabirds can't eat.

By David Adam

The Guardian (UK) 2009-01-12

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Seeking a solid food safey system via Obama

Patchwork food safety system needs reform, say advocates, who look to Obama for solution. Among ideas: merging FDA, USDA systems into single food agency; replacing voluntary industry guidelines with rules; recall authority for FDA and USDA; more inspections of food processing plants, which means more staff.

By Andrew Martin

The New York Times 2009-01-10

Global warming means hunger, scientists say

Hunger likely as planet warms, researchers warn. Europe's 20003 heat wave is prediction: Grain yields fell by 20 to 36 percent; fruit harvests fell by 25 percent; crop ripening was hastened by 10 to 20 days; more water was used in agriculture. With older models, there were alternative foods, but in future there won't be, unless we rethink food supplies, says scientist. And: Expect civil unrest as masses leave uninhabitable areas (click 'See also').

By Maggie Fox

Reuters 2009-01-09

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Opinion: Build new food system to make current model obsolete

Despite raging wars, tanking economy, reform of food system can't wait. Obama's stimulus package should bolster infrastructure of local, regional food systems by providing grants to rebuild slaughterhouses, other missing facilities that sustainable-minded farmers need; reinvesting in school-cafeteria kitchens; and launching Teach for America-style program to lure new cooking school graduates to school cafeterias.

By Tom Philpott

Grist 2009-01-09

Europeans back to cooking with gas?

At least 18 European countries' natural gas supplies cut when Russia stopped flow to Ukraine over payment dispute. Pending compromise may bring relief to millions, but history of spats leaves Europeans uncertain, EU looking to further diversify energy sources. And: Thousands in Bulgaria go without heat, cooking gas (click 'See also').

By Leo Cendrowicz

Time magazine 2009-01-09

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Opinion: Cooperating for health of land, eaters, economy

Obama's secretaries of agriculture, health and human services share simple link: Health of America's eaters depends on health of food/agriculture system. The two must create science-based policies that build and protect healthy soil, make fruits and vegetables the easiest and most affordable choice, and promote local food production as community asset to strengthen economy.

By Angie Tagtow

The Des Moines Register 2008-12-18

Chesapeake Bay coalition sues EPA over cleanup failure

Coalition sues EPA over 25-year failure to deliver on Chesapeake Bay cleanup promises. Lawsuit is attempt to force Obama administration to treat bay as priority. It asks for cuts in pollution from sewage plants, power plants and storm sewers and for better farm cleanup programs.

By David A. Fahrenthold

The Washington Post 2009-01-06

Opinion: Securing agriculture's near, far future

Current agriculture methods unsustainable, as is food supply, which - unlike economy - cannot be salvaged with government money. Farmers must return to crop rotations, use grazing animals, pasture, hay, and perennialize major grain crops. Feds must provide 50-year farm bill to combat soil degradation, fossil fuel dependence, pollution, greenhouse gases, loss of rural jobs.

By Wes Jackson and Wendell Berry

The New York Times 2009-01-04

Link found between high fat diet, biological clock

High fat diet in mice alters part of biological 'clock' that regulates metabolism, researchers learn. Findings may explain obesity and metabolic conditions including hormone imbalance, psychological and sleep disorders, some forms of cancer. Circadian rhythms usually follow 24-hour cycle and affected by light, external cues like meal timing (click 'See also').

By Jess Halliday

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-01-05

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Profits top estimates for agri-biotech giant

Profit more than doubles for biotech giant Monsanto, world's biggest seed maker. Boost came from sales of seeds for genetically modified soybeans, corn, and accompanying Roundup weedkiller. U.S. farmers will plant about 90 million acres of corn this year; up to 35 million with Monsanto's triple-stack seeds, up 20 percent from last year, company head predicts.

By Jack Kaskey

Bloomberg 2009-01-07

Opinion: Use science, not ideology to map food, farm policy

Our consumer economy runs on cheap food. Though USDA should support research on sustainable and organic agriculture, embracing science is crucial to long-term food and farm policy that keeps food safe, inexpensive without wrecking environment, say former Sen. George McGovern and Marshall Matz, of World Food Program.

By George McGovern and Marshall Matz

Chicago Tribune 2009-01-04

Coal ash dumps unregulated despite threat to water supply, human health

Vast coal ash pond that ruptured in Tennessee is one of 1,300-plus in 46 states. All contain heavy metals - arsenic, lead, mercury, selenium - that threaten water supplies, human health, yet aren't federally regulated or monitored. Instead, coal ash used for construction fill, mine reclamation, on golf course (where it spoiled groundwater), even on croplands. Dumps growing mostly because pollution controls capture contaminants that once spewed through smokestacks. Leaching toxins near dumps can decimate wildlife.

By Shaila Dewan

The New York Times 2009-01-07

BPA is safe, baby formula maker told Congress

Enfamil infant formula maker Bristol-Myers Squibb lobbied Congress on issues including bill that would ban bisphenol A in its packaging. Study links chemical, used in most food can linings, to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and liver enzyme abnormalities. Canadian government declared BPA 'hazardous substance.' And: To reduce exposure, choose powdered formula over liquid (click 'See also').

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-01-05

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Boost sought for food stamp program

Anti-hunger groups lobby Obama for $24 billion over two years to boost food stamp benefits. Nutrition advocates say that handing money to hungry Americans as part of economic stimulus plan is charitable - and good for economy, since money will be spent on food.

CQ Politics 2009-01-06

In New Jersey, a rise in requests for food stamps, other aid

As unemployment in New Jersey reaches 6.1 percent, state sees food stamp applications double and 40 percent rise in number of people seeking welfare over one year. State distributes about 58 percent of its food stamp allotment; cumbersome application process blamed. And: $22.5 million aid plan OK'd in December included $3 million for NJ food pantries (click 'See also').

By Susan K. Livio

The Star-Ledger (NJ) 2009-01-04

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Coal ash spill toxins, sediment, threaten fish, mussels

Already laden with PCB, lead, arsenic and other contaminants, aquatic life - including spot fin chub, ashy darter, newly introduced lake sturgeon - in Emory River and larger Tennessee River system now face more toxic chemicals, possible suffocation from massive coal ash spill. Sediment, water samples near spill show high amounts of arsenic, with one sample containing more than 149 times the maximum safe level.

By Andy Johns

The Chattanooga Times Free Press 2008-01-03

Drought, environmental dilemmas feed California's water woes

Arguing that human needs for water, needs of delta smelt, other fish, waterfowl and rare plants are 'co-equal' goals, advisory panel urges new canal system for Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, the main water source for 25 million Californians. And: Third year of drought likely for state with $30-billion-a-year agricultural industry that grows more than half of nation's fruits, vegetables, nuts (click 'See also').

By Kelly Zito

San Francisco Chronicle 2009-01-03

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Opinion: Backbone needed for true Chesapeake cleanup

After 25-year, $6 billion failed effort, it's clear: Saving the Chesapeake requires political will to regulate farm runoff, institute and enforce wastewater limits, limit crab and oyster catches and mandate green-building techniques. And: Budget shortages, bureaucratic inertia, political opposition blocked progress (click 'See also').

The editors

The Washington Post 2009-01-02

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Opinion: Stability, dignity at confluence of labor, immigration

Obama's nominees for homeland security, labor and commerce posts are on right track to reverse Bush administration's immigration tactics, which attacked problem upside down, backward. Two share well-informed disdain for foolish, inadequate schemes like the border fence; the third is staunch defender of immigrants and workers, like those found working at hellish slaughterhouse in Iowa (for update click 'See also').

The editors

The New York Times 2008-12-26

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Shortages of drinking water, food in Gaza

Clean water, food, fuel in short supply; reports of raw sewage in some streets of Gaza Strip as Israeli air strikes continue for seventh day and ground war begins (click 'See also'). UN says that at least 100 of some 400 Palestinians killed by Israeli action so far were civilians.

BBC News 2009-01-03

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Spiking blood-sugar levels linked to memory loss

Blood-sugar spikes linked to memory loss, new study shows, but peaks can be moderated by exercise. Researcher calls findings 'compelling,' and sees implications for the elderly, overweight children, and those at risk for Type 2 diabetes and/or heart disease in fast-paced, complex society. And: Spiking, falling blood sugar levels from high-carb diet could be risk factor for central vision loss with aging (click 'See also').

By Roni Caryn Rabin

The New York Times 2008-12-31

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In New Jersey, a rise in requests for food stamps, other aid

By Susan K. Livio

The Star-Ledger (NJ) 2009-01-04

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Opinion: Tennesee spill shows myth of 'clean coal'

Coal ash spill 50 times larger than that of Exxon-Valdez - now covering 400 acres with toxic sludge oozing toward drinking water for some in Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama - calls out 'clean coal' myth. Human nature is to take cheap way today and leave mess for future, but that mess is now. And: High levels of arsenic detected in water near spill; EPA, TVA advise avoiding activities that could stir up drying dust - children playing outside, pets outdoors (click 'See also').

The editors

The Anniston Star 2008-12-30

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Missed goals, 'rosy picture' on Chesapeake Bay pollution cleanup

After 25 years of cleanup, pollution of extra 4.3 million residents to area, and opposition from agricultural, fishing interests, Chesapeake Bay's last crab harvest was 60 percent less than in 1983, oysters were 96 percent less, and 17 percent of its water had lowered oxygen levels. Leaders ask: How much will public sacrifice to clean North America's largest estuary, once brimming with sturgeon, ducks and reefs of oysters? And: An effort impeded (click 'See also').

By David A. Fahrenthold

The Washington Post 2008-12-27

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Economic ills may cut processed food prices

Prices may head lower in 2009, as processed food makers look to stimulate demand in weak economy. Long-term trends pushing food prices higher - growing global demand, increasing flow of grains to fuel production - may hibernate as world's economy slows. Economist predicts food inflation rate will fall to about 4 percent.

By Mike Hughlett

Chicago Tribune 2008-12-26

Targeting nation's linked problems of hunger, obesity

Public health advocates, pointing to diet-related disease epidemic and record levels of food stamp use, look to skirt paternalism but to link food assistance, school meals to good nutrition. Program that doubles value of food stamps and fruit and vegetable vouchers of low-income mothers, seniors at farmers' markets in San Diego is instant hit - sales soared by more than 200 percent.

By Jane Black

The Washington Post 2008-12-24

Diminished water supply could limit growth of some states

Utah, Arizona, Texas among nation's fastest-growing states, but looming question of water source will affect populations of some states. Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico have seen drops in water supply; sustainable lifestyle will be main concern for those residents, says population expert.

By Lauren Sherman

Forbes.com 2008-12-22

More research needed on BPA, says FDA

After report criticizes FDA conclusion that leaching chemical used for food cans, baby bottles is safe (click 'See also'), agency plans 'large research effort' to gauge bisphenol A's effects. Critics call plan redundant, waste of taxpayer dollars.

By Will Dunham

Reuters 2008-12-15

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Minnesota gets lead out of hunters' donated venison

Minnesota X-rays venison bound for community food pantries after finding that 5.3 percent of venison sampled contained lead fragments from bullets. Funding comes from $160,000 appropriated by legislature, an increase in nonresident hunting license fees, hunter donations.

By Doug Smith

Star Tribune (MN) 2008-12-19

Soft drink makers roll out stevia-sweetened beverages

With FDA OK of herb stevia as a zero-calorie sweetener, Coca-Cola introduces Sprite Green and Pepsi launches three flavors of a zero-calorie SoBe Lifewater, plans March launch of Trop50, an orange-juice drink. And: Such sweeteners are key in reversing sales decline of carbonated soft drinks, says Pepsi head (click 'See also').

By Betsy McKay

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-12-18

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Nutrition counts for Philly restaurants in 2010

Philadelphia mayor signs strong menu labeling law that requires most chain restaurants to display calorie, fat, other nutrition information starting in 2010. Most of city's cheesesteak joints are stand-alone shops or small chains and won't be subject to law.

By Maryclaire Dale

The Associated Press; International Herald Tribune 2008-12-18

Opinion: Soda tax, universally adapted, could make us healthier

Diabetes epidemic costs $218 billion each year -- $1,900 per household - and contributes to deaths of 200,000-plus Americans, so risky behavior includes extra-large sodas. New York's proposed 18 percent tax on soft drinks could help make us healthier, just as cigarette tax has lowered lung cancer rates. Nutrition specialist says cola industry will spend vast sums fighting proposed tax. And: How food industry discredits critics (click 'See also').

By Nicholas D. Kristof

The New York Times 2008-12-18

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Grocery-buying ability precarious for half in New York

One in two New Yorkers has trouble affording groceries, and almost one in four would need immediate food assistance after sudden loss in income, poll shows. In Manhattan, 34 percent of residents said they needed help; in Bronx, 55 percent said they did. In New York, 1.3 million use some sort of food assistance - food stamps, food pantry, soup kitchen.

By Adam Rose

The New York Observer 2008-12-17

EPA excuses factory farms from emissions reporting

Concentrated animal feeding operations - factory farms - exempted from reporting hazardous emissions from manure. EPA says requirements created unnecessary burden, weren't acted upon. Factory farms produce more waste than Philadelphia annually. And: Livestock producers whose emissions meet or exceed specific thresholds are subject to Clean Air Act requirements, GAO says (click 'See also').

By Stephen Power

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-12-12

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Low-glycemic, plant-based diet best for diabetics

Diabetics eating low-glycemic diet - nuts, beans, lentils - have better glycemic control and reduce heart disease risk factors, than those on fiber-rich diet, study shows. Type 2 diabetics have much higher risk of cardiovascular disease. And: Though exercise, weight loss and low-fat, plant-based diet reduce risk of Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent, plan works best when community - parents, grandparents, caregivers - enables and models healthful behavior (click 'See also').

By Shari Roan

Los Angeles Times 2008-12-16

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Food system unspoken in Obama's USDA pick

Tom Vilsack's selection as Obama's USDA secretary may be 'agribusiness as usual,' since words 'food' or 'eaters' unspoken in news conference, says Michael Pollan, author. Food system responsible for one-third greenhouse gases, 'catastrophic' diet that causes chronic disease in half the U.S. population and drives up health care costs (click 'See also'). Food must be included in plan to address climate change, energy independence, health care.

By Renee Montagne

National Public Radio/Morning Edition 2008-12-18

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Tough times for farmers in Argentina's breadbasket

Global economic crisis causes steep drop in commodity prices, tough times for formerly prosperous Argentinian farmers. Dry weather, high supply costs, internal protests over proposed hike in export taxes cut into earnings. Argentinian government will provide loans to farmers, reduce export taxes on wheat and corn, but experts predict recession regardless.

By Juan Forero

The Washington Post 2008-12-15

Flow of water to California cities, farmers cut to protect fish

Water flow to California cities, San Joaquin farmers further reduced to protect endangered delta smelt, avert ecological collapse of water crossroads. Contamination, invasive species, power plant operations, climate all damaging Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, says water director. Agriculture interests want new reservoirs, homeowners urged to conserve.

By Bettina Boxall

Los Angeles Times 2008-12-15

Amid political turmoil, cholera, hunger worsens in Zimbabwe

Cholera, spread by feces-fouled drinking water, has sickened 16,000-plus Zimbabweans since August. Nearly 1,000 have died (click 'See also); cases could surpass 60,000. Fresh water supplies captive to chaos of Mugabe regime; hospital system shut down by an exodus of workers whose salaries are worthless from hyperinflation. Millions enduring severe and worsening hunger. And: UN, running out of funds, may cut food rations there (click 'See also').

By Celia W. Dugger

The New York Times 2008-12-12

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Opinion: End to unregulated genetic seed alterations?

Austrian study (click 'See also') links genetically modified corn strain with diminishing fertility, size of mice. Upwards of 90 percent of U.S. soy, 60 percent of U.S. corn, come from gene-altered seeds, suffuse food system, yet government essentially doesn't regulate GMO food. Cause for hope is Obama's declaration for gene-altered organisms 'abetted by stringent tests for environmental and health effects and by stronger regulatory oversight guided by the best available scientific advice.'

By Tom Philpott

Grist 2008-12-12

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Nanotechnology oversight lacking, says report

As use of nanotechnology grows and researchers plan for use of tiny particles as food additives, in medical treatments and in electronics, report lists serious gaps in federal plan for determining risks and calls for ensuring safety of workers, consumers, environment. And: Studies are lagging behind technology (click 'See also'). One nanometer equals a billionth of a meter.

By Julie Steenhuysen

Reuters 2008-12-10

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Cocoa prices rising on instability, bad weather

Cocoa prices up from last year, expected to continue climbing in new year. Crop-damaging harmattan wind from Sahara will affect cocoa production in Ivory Coast, Ghana - suppliers of more than half the world's cocoa - and exacerbate low deliveries in Ivory Coast due to crop disease, political turmoil (click 'See also'). Manufacturers may start stocking up.

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2008-12-10

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Opinion: Clean Water Act says save fish before money

Millions of fish, other animals harmed annually in power plant cooling water intake. Supreme Court should side with literal interpretation of Clean Water Act (click 'See also'). Technology choices should minimize negative environmental impact before costs.

The editors

The Washington Post 2008-12-03

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Coffee for humans, and grounds for fuel

Researchers transform old coffee grounds into biofuel. Spent coffee grounds contain oil similar to other biofuel crops - rapeseed, palm, soybean oil - but high anti-oxidant levels make them more stable. Grounds could add 340 million gallons of biodiesel (which smells like coffee) to global fuel supply, make $8 million-plus a year in U.S.

By Michael Bernstein

American Chemical Society 2008-12-10

China starts new food safety campaign

Pledging to learn from baby formula case, China launches campaign to restore faith in food products after melamine-tainted dairy product scandal. Initiative includes assessment of procedures, probes of high-risk producers or regions and targets food processors with fewer than 10 employees - 70 percent of country's 500,000 producers.

By Mike Stones

Nutraingredients.com 2008-12-09

Opinion: Reframe, reform USDA with secretary of food

Obama needs secretary of food, not USDA - to address health care, climate change, energy independence. 'Department of Food' would give primacy to America's 300 million eaters, cut influence of industrial farm lobby, which inflicts unhealthy food on children through school lunches and exacerbates crisis of obesity, diabetes. And: Petition lists terrific reformist candidates (click 'See also').

By Nicholas D. Kristof

The New York Times 2008-12-11

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Health group cites false economy of value meals

Watchdog group rates the $1 junior bacon cheeseburger at Jack in the Box as "the most unhealthful" value item among all national fast food chains. The Cancer Project's survey, noting popularity of cheap foods in tough times, also cited Taco Bell's Cheesy Double Beef Burrito and McDonald's McDouble sandwich.

By Jerry Hirsch

Los Angeles Times 2008-12-09

Promise of sustained prosperity dims as global trade slows

Slow U.S. economy stalls global trade, jobs. Freight lines that sailed full in summer now slashing prices as cargo traffic plummets and unsold goods pile up at ports - shipment of soybeans rotted for lack of shipping, insurance funding. Decline is affecting export boom that brought investment, trade to China, India and lifted millions out of poverty in recent years.

By Anthony Faiola and Ariana Eunjung Cha

The Washington Post 2008-12-11

EPA says OK to mining near streams

Mountaintop removal coal mining - which buries freshwater streams, valleys under debris - wins EPA OK to work within 100 feet of rivers, streams despite agency's findings on hazardous runoff. Selenium - surface mining byproduct - deforms salamanders and worries locals; levels already high in West Virginia's Mud River (click 'See also').

By Scott Finn

National Public Radio/Weekend Edition 2008-12-06

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FDA revokes ban of powerful drugs for cows, pigs, poultry

FDA reverses itself, continuing to allow use of cephalosporin drugs - powerful antibiotics- in food animals after calling the practice a public-health risk in July. Worry is that excessive use of antibiotics - including in animals - can promote resistance, produce life-threatening bacteria in humans.

By Alicia Mundy and Jared Favole

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-12-09

Childhood obesity can indicate key nutrient deficiencies

Many poor, obese children are deficient in calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus - nutrients required for cell function, metabolism, study shows. Nearly half don't eat enough calories for growth. Childhood obesity a harbinger of diabetes, heart disease. In Texas, cost of obesity-related ills projected to rise from $3.3 billion in 2005 to $15.8 billion by 2025.

By Jan Jarvis

Star-Telegram (TX) 2008-11-18

Setting 'tolerable' levels for industrial toxin in food

Calling melamine a contaminant that sometimes is unavoidable, World Health Organization sets 'daily tolerable intake' without 'appreciable health risk.' The toxin, an industrial chemical, can cause kidney stones, kidney disease, other organ problems and kidney failure, and can be fatal in children. And: Toxin links industrial waste to U.S. food system (click 'See also').

nutraingredients.com 2008-12-10

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Opinion: Tough calls welcome on protecting Chesapeake Bay

Maryland's chicken farms generate $845 million - and 650 million pounds of manure - annually. Combined with stormwater runoff from overdevelopment, manure runoff into bay kills fish, crabs, oysters that have fed region's growth. Now, Maryland is correctly pushing to limit both by taking land, shoreline off market and by regulating manure disposal.

The editors

The Washington Post 2008-12-08

Obama administration gets green to-do list

One president-elect, 30 environmental groups, 391 pages of recommendations. Transition to Green (click 'See also') farming proposals include renewing conservation contracts for 18 million acres, better enforcing erosion control rules, ending crop subsidies for newly broken native prairie. Most need neither Congressional approval nor new spending authority.

By Philip Brasher

The Des Moines Register 2008-12-07

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License dispute results in charge against food business

Ohio organic food business accused of selling meat products without a license; owners maintain they're exempt from requirement, official says. Boxes of beef, lamb, turkey reportedly confiscated. Officials deny owner's account of SWAT officers accompanying state agriculture officials, sheriff's deputies to the family's home for search warrant.

By Steve Fogarty

The Chronicle-Telegram 2008-12-09

Opinion/blogs: How Obama can fix the broken food system

Reports (click 'See also') show agriculture today - heavily subsidized industry supported by commodity groups, paid scientists, friends in Washington - is fault of Democratic and Republican administrations. Obama should choose agriculture secretary unafraid of change, create National Food Policy Council and food czar, move nutrition programs out of USDA.

By Bruce Friedrich

The Huffington Post 2008-12-07

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Ancient burning technique may help crops, stave off climate change

Biochar - created by heating crop waste in airtight conditions - can store carbon dioxide, enrich soil, raise crop yields. Plowed into ground, it may forestall global warming, scientist and supporters (click 'See also') say, pointing to ancient Amazon examples. Ambitious goal would sequester 10 percent annual emissions.

By Gerard Wynn

Reuters; NewsDaily 2008-12-05

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Opinion: Childhood hunger a national disgrace

One in eight Americans, up from 2006, sometimes struggled for food - before economic downturn. Some 691,000 children went hungry at some point last year. Hungry children can't concentrate on learning. Congress must increase child nutrition funding, use food stamp boost to stimulate economy. And: Record food stamp use in September (click 'See also').

The editors

The Buffalo News 2008-11-28

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Brazil will curb deforestation with farmers' help

Brazil vows to reduce deforestation 70 percent in 10 years, will create environmental police force and pay farmers - who cut forests for cattle, soybean ranches (click 'See also) - for conservancy. Target would prevent 4.8 billion tons carbon dioxide, more than combined commitment of industrialized countries under Kyoto Protocol. Now, it's Obama's turn, says advocacy group.

By Joshua Partlow

The Washington Post 2008-12-06

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Opinion: Time for radical move on bluefin tuna fishing

New Atlantic bluefin tuna quota creates danger of catastrophic species collapse. Sharply reduced quotas or, better, moratorium on tuna fishing, may be radical, but only radical move will save the fish that drives a billion-dollar industry. And: Same mistakes that led to collapse of Atlantic cod are being repeated with bluefin, says advocacy group (click 'See also').

The editors

The New York Times 2008-12-08

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Experts, citing heart disease, target salt content in boxed, canned foods

Health advocates push to cut salt in processed items (77 percent of dietary salt is hidden there) and regulate it as additive. Cutting dietary salt by half could save 150,000 lives a year, AMA says. With extra salt, body retains fluids, boosts blood volume, then must pump it, causing rise in blood pressure. Salt processors blame obesity. And: Salt intake - including sports drinks in juice-box sizes - a factor in rising rates of kidney stones in children (click 'See also').

By Emily Sohn

Los Angeles Times 2008-10-27

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Opinion: Tiny changes, big benefits in brainpower

Adding 1 billion points to global IQ is as simple as adding iodine to salt, and Canada leads way with Micronutrient Initiative, which also advocates adding vitamin A, iron, zinc and folic acid to diets. Simple technology improves lives at low cost and in short time, says World Bank.

By Nicholas D. Kristof

The New York Times 2008-12-04

Chapter 11 for nation's biggest chicken producer

Pilgrim's Pride seeks protection of bankruptcy court after battling year of volatile feed, fuel costs, low poultry prices, and drop in demand from restaurants. And: Tyson, Perdue, Sanderson, Wayne are other big poultry players (click 'See also').

By Miriam Marcus

Forbes.com 2008-12-01

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Palm oil feeds population surge at environment's expense

Palm oil production surges with population; one in 10 processed food items contains it and it's a source of biodiesel. Plantations planned in Brazil; S. Korea owns rights to half the available farmland of Madagascar, much of it rainforest, and plans corn, palm plantations. Slash-and-burn expansion of Cargill crop spews carbon, replaces tribal homelands, displaces orangutans, destroys rainforests - and raises farmers' living standards. And: 'Our Hungry Planet' series (click 'See also).

By Matt McKinney

Star-Tribune (MN) (may require registration) 2008-11-30

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Opinion: Halting advance of health crisis from cheap food

With cheap food looming as crisis-in-the-making, Obama should consider a Cabinet-level agency over all food safety, enforcement and research. With low price as king, conglomerates trade foods from all over, and corners are cut. In U.S., 12 agencies administer 35 different food safety laws. Consumers must seek out sustainably produced foods - and vote with their pocketbooks.

By Aleda Roth

San Francisco Chronicle 2008-11-29

New USDA head must ensure safe, nutritious food and rural reform

New agriculture secretary faces daunting agenda: improved food safety; expanded food stamp benefits; healthier, fresher foods for school meals; tighter limits on farm subsidies; more agricultural research; and rural economic development. Opinion: Secretary must make good on Obama's campaign vows of policing meat packers' pricing practices; protecting land and water and investing in local foods and sustainable agriculture (click 'See also').

By Charles Abbott

Reuters 2008-11-25

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Food processors keen to recoup high grain, oil prices paid earlier

Though produce and dairy prices have fallen, processed items, including meat, likely to remain high. Manufacturing firms, restaurants, livestock farms will pass on price hikes of corn, soy, wheat they absorbed earlier. Linking oil prices to agricultural commodities also a game changer for food producers, analysts say.

By Andrew Martin

The New York Times 2008-11-27

Opinion: Repairing safety net for growing ranks of poor

As ranks of poor grow, Congress should accurately measure poverty considering changes in food costs, addition of costs for child care, health care, and regional differences in cost of living. It also must boost food stamps, modernize unemployment compensation system and strengthen governments to help those in need.

The editors

The New York Times 2008-11-26

Restoring priorities of clean water, air in January

Radical transformation expected at EPA, which holds sway over water, air pollution, and Department of Interior, which administers Endangered Species Act, federal land holdings. Interior will cope with climate change already happening - droughts, wildfires; EPA will lead regulatory response. And: Leading candidates for environmental jobs (click 'See also').

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2008-11-28

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Opinion: Blocking pollution for public, planetary health

Bush-Cheney plan to measure emissions of coal-burning power plants hourly instead of annually could mean more pollution - and enormous cost to public health, planet. And: Fish from Catskills waterways unsafe to eat; they and their predators - bald eagles - contaminated with methylmercury, a power-plant toxin. (click 'See also') .

The editors

The New York Times 2008-11-28

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Joblessness, high food prices, push food stamp use up

Number of Americans on food stamps nears record; visits to food pantries in D.C. area up 20 to 100 percent. Rising unemployment, rising food prices among causes - food-stamp benefit fell below cost of USDA's thriftiest diet for a family of four. In U.S., 11.9 million people went hungry at some point last year, including 700,000 children.

By Jane Black

The Washington Post 2008-11-25

Melamine joins BPA in toxins list for baby formula can linings

'Trace' amounts of melamine, used in plastics and fertilizers, found in one of 77 U.S. baby formula samples tested, but it's allowed in can liners and manufacturing, says FDA. And: BPA, a leaching toxin thought to be found only in metal food can linings and hard, clear plastic, also is present in frozen food trays, microwaveable soup containers, plastic baby food packaging and in recyclable containers with numbers 1, 2, 5 and 7 (click 'See also').

By Justin Blum

bloomberg.com 2008-11-25

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Rich farmers still receiving crop subsidies, report says

Payments to rich farmers in 2003-'06 totaled $49 million and expose USDA problems, GAO says, but agency says it lacks authority to check payments against tax returns. Payments favor wheat, corn, rice, cotton growers; produce growers don't receive direct subsidies. And: Obama says unwarranted payments are prime example of waste he intends to end (click 'See also').

By Michael Doyle

McClatchy Newspapers 2008-11-25

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Farm gleaning draws 40,000 for free produce

First day of Colorado farm 'gleaning' draws 40,000 people in 11,000 cars eager to scavenge for leftover potatoes, carrots, leeks after harvest. Some came prepared with sacks, wagons and barrels to celebrate getting something for free in bad economy. Farm couple, who are regulars at farmers' markets and host a fall festival for teaching about food sources, opened fields to public after hearing reports of food being stolen from churches.

By Allison Sherry

The Denver Post 2008-11-23

Large study links fish-rich diet to cancer survival

Adding extra fish, omega-3-rich seafood to diet may raise prostate cancer survival by 38 percent; men who ate five servings of fish per week had 48 percent improved survival rate over those who ate one serving a week, study shows. And: Healthy diet should consist of one omega-3 to four omega-6 fatty acids, but American diet contains more than 10 times needed amount of omega-6 oils, mostly from processed foods, cooking oils (click 'See also').

By Stephen Daniells

nutraingredients.com 2008-11-24

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Underpinnings of food industry on legislative agenda

Legislative progress on environment, energy, health care on agenda with Henry Waxman, a keen negotiator, now at helm of powerful Committee on Energy and Commerce. But: Without reform on the way we grow, process and eat food in America, there will be no significant progress on these problems or on critical issue of national security, writes Michael Pollan in letter to new farmer-in-chief Barack Obama (click 'See also').

By Julie Rovner

National Public Radio/All Things Considered 2008-11-21

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Bacteria in our bodies to blame for obesity, other ills?

New cell biology field probes bacteria inside us, which outnumber our human cells and show regional differences - maybe an Inuit's bacteria help digest Cheerios but an Argentine's wouldn't (click link to listen). Some may cause obesity, and could be changed, but then what? Balance is fragile - certain bacteria linked to stomach ulcers, but kill them with antibiotics, and patients get more asthma, hay fever, allergies, eczema.

By Robert Krulwich

National Public Radio/All Things Considered 2008-11-04

EU farm policy changes are biggest in five years

EU, in farming policy overhaul, to change distribution of billions - 40 percent of EU budget - in subsidies to farmers. Critics say diluted changes will skew markets further. Coming soon: Up milk production quota; put set-aside farmland into production; reduce payments to some farmers, landowners, including Queen. And: Questions, answers on Common Agricultural Policy (click 'See also').

By James Kanter

The New York Times 2008-11-20

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Changes to Endangered Species Act could affect salmon

In move that could impede investigation of snowpack loss and its impact on salmon, proposed changes to Endangered Species Act would exclude climate change from triggers for review of federal projects. Bush administration argues language eliminates 'back door to climate-change policy' (click 'See also').

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2008-11-21

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Report on 2025 predicts fighting - maybe for food

Dwindling resources - water and food - and climate change, growing populations will contribute to regional conflicts, global instability, says Global Trends 2025. National Intelligence Council report (click 'See also') for policymakers says Middle East, parts of Africa, eastern Europe, Asia at greatest risk.

By Peter Finn and Walter Pincus

The Washington Post 2008-11-21

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Crop prices fall, just as farmers thought all along

Crop prices stall after two years soaring (click 'See also'). Farmers buy seed, plant; price drops, crop costs more than harvest nets. Old worries - bugs, weather - trumped by new: commodity markets, rising dollar. We'll ask Congress for higher price supports if things don't improve, says one farmer. 'Everyone learns patience,' counters partner/father.

By David Streitfeld

The New York Times 2008-11-20

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First 'organic' fish standards set, pleasing producers

Panel OKs criteria for 'organic' label for farmed fish, pleasing producers but angering environment, consumer advocates. They question rule allowing up to 25 percent of wild fish as feed (organic meats require 100 percent organic food) and note that open-net pens allow fish waste, disease to pollute ocean. And: One-third of world's fish catch - mostly anchovies, menhaden, sardines - is fed to animals but should feed people, scientists say (click 'See also').

By Juliet Eilperin and Jane Black

The Washington Post 2008-11-20

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S. Korea, others see foreign farmland as hedge against grain price hikes

In effort to cut dependence on U.S. imports, South Korean firm plans million-acre corn field on land just leased for 99 years in Madagascar. Daewoo hopes to harvest five million tons of corn annually by 2023. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, seeking similar agricultural investments in Africa or Asia while Angola, Ethiopia seek partnerships with countries in need.

BBC 2008-11-19

FDA adds on-site inspection certification office in China

FDA opens China office to certify inspections of U.S.-bound products. Food safety problems, plus China's growing role as food, drug supplier to U.S. - $320 billion in products were imported to U.S. last year - prompted strategy change. Food science expert in China doubts effectiveness of move, citing dozens of pesticides available and a thousand different poisonous possibilities.

By Maureen Fan

The Washington Post 2008-11-19

Going with the grains - and Hippocrates

Beyond statins, common sense and two studies indicate that eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts cut readings for CRP, which is linked to risk of heart attack, stroke. Needed is total proof that diet- and exercise-reduced CRP levels reduce cardiovascular emergencies. And: Small, consistent increase in dietary fiber helps reduce heart disease risk and controls diabetes, and can make large difference to public health (click See also').

By Stephen Smith

The Boston Globe 2008-11-17

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Opinion: Melamine links industrial waste to U.S. food production

Melamine has pervaded U.S. food system. It's added to fertilizer and accumulates in the farm fields. Last year, millions ate chicken that had been fed tainted gluten from China; Tyson Foods butchered hogs that had eaten tainted feed too. Meat was not recalled. China melamine scandal is opportunity for U.S. to pass fertilizer standards and to test for chemical.

By James E. McWilliams

The New York Times 2008-11-17

As deadline looms, EPA asked to rethink rule on water toxin

With rocket fuel component in drinking water of 35 states and its documented toxicity to humans, scientists argue that EPA decision not to regulate perchlorate needs 'compelling scientific basis.' Rule was based on industry-funded computer model; critics say CDC studies ignored. Opinion: Congress should require EPA to explain disregard of toxin that reduces thyroid function, creates risk of lifelong lower IQ for babies (click 'See also').

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2008-11-14

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Childhood obesity may forecast prematurely disabled workforce

Arteries of obese children show harbinger of heart disease, study shows. Findings suggest potential for significant fraction of workforce disabled in their 30s, 40s, says cardiology expert. In U.S., about one third of children, teens overweight or obese, CDC says. And: In Huntington, W.Va., which leads nation in obesity, diabetes, heart disease and teeth loss, adults in their 30s suffering heart attacks, requiring open-heart surgery (click 'See also').

By Thomas H. Maugh II

Los Angeles Times 2008-11-12

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Court decision will alter UK pesticide safety assessments

Rural dwellers, workers, students near farmland must be considered in assessing pesticide risk, UK government rules. Current rules considered only occasional, short-term 'bystander' exposure, not repeated exposure to crop spraying, chemicals over years. And: 'Pesticide nun' and plaintiff Georgina Downs holds industry, politicians accountable (click 'See also').

By David Adam

The Guardian (UK) 2008-11-15

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FDA blocks China-made sweets on melamine fear

China-made sweets made with milk stopped for testing at U.S. border in effort to keep melamine-tainted goods from reaching stores. FDA, taking cue from other countries, increases scrutiny of goods on shelves. Agency should have acted earlier; problems with melamine are deeper than FDA acknowledges, says House member. And: Retracing path of toxin from greedy chemical companies to poor farmers in China (click 'See also').

By Annys Shin

The Washington Post 2008-11-14

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Food safety update begins as consumers worry

FDA begins updating 1986 standards for processing, packaging, storage of food. USDA inspects meat plants daily; FDA has no such requirement for food processing plants. Poll shows consumers want labels identifying: country of origin of processed and packaged foods; products from cloned or genetically engineered animals; meat treated with carbon monoxide to maintain red color; irradiated items.

By Jane Byrne

nutraingredients.com 2008-11-13

Food supply short as political stalemate continues in Zimbabwe

At least 1 million people could starve to death in a year if political deadlock in Zimbabwe continues, Morgan Tsvangirai, opposition leader warns. UN food agency, running short on funds, reduces corn, bean rations to 4 million people. Plea for $140 million for food from now till April harvest unheeded, World Food Program says, and food will run out in January.

BBC News 2008-11-11

Childhood food allergies up; schools unevenly prepared

Childhood food allergies, and severity, increasing. Researchers blame varied diet that exposes children to fish, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs and soy; increasing rates of childhood obesity; increased consumption of antacids, vitamins; and possibly, underdeveloped immune systems as reaction to a too-clean environment. And: 'Action plans' for food-allergic students used inconsistently in schools (click 'See also').

By Steven Reinberg

HealthDay News; U.S. News & World Report 2008-11-10

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World hunger needs Obama's attention, says UN

Fighting world hunger should be priority for Barack Obama, says UN leader. Effort needs $30 billion a year to boost rural infrastructure, farm productivity and wages of farmers. Record crop yields have reduced immediate problems, but agency fears that financial crisis will trigger another food price surge. Farmers have cut back on planting in response to high fuel, fertilizers prices and lower prices for grains.

By Svetlana Kovalyova

Reuters 2008-11-07

Layoffs accelerate, reducing priorities to food, shelter

Food, shelter, doctor visits are only priorities in consumer pocketbook lockdown as layoffs accelerate, so other industries suffer. And: One-percentage-point increase in unemployment rate leads to 700,000 more food stamp recipients in first year and eventually, 1.3 million more food stamp recipients, says 2002 USDA report (click 'See also').

By Aaron Smith

CNN Money 2008-11-07

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Opinion: Obama gets bill for 200 years of burning fossil fuel

Obama must grasp that food, climate, energy, economy are globally linked and must be solved together, and that atmospheric CO2 must be cut from 385 to 350 parts per million. Fossil-fuel use must cease by 2030; we must make massive investment in green energy; we need a Marshall Plan for carbon. And: Food/agriculture sector of economy produces more than one third of greenhouse gas emissions, says UN agency (click 'See also).

By Bill McKibben

The Guardian (UK) 2008-11-06

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Congress has power to stop pollution deregulations

With Congressional Review Act, new president's OK, lawmakers could rescind upcoming Bush administration rules that otherwise could have lasting impact on water standards, air cleanliness, among other areas. And: Last deregulation push relaxes standards for drinking water, air as well as pollution from farms, mining (click 'See also').

By Avery Palmer

CQ Politics 2008-11-06

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Massachusetts maple syrup industry under attack

University of Vermont

Asian longhorned beetle

Wood-devouring beetle chews into valuable maples, threatening New England's syrup industry, leaf peeping, timber. Calling it a national emergency, government commits to spending tens of millions of dollars to fight 62 square-mile invasion; 1,800 trees must be destroyed. Eradication efforts in New York, New Jersey, Illinois have cost $268 million over past 11 years.

By Rodrique Ngowi

The Washington Post 2008-11-05

Speculation over USDA, EPA appointments

Analysts, lobbyists speculate on USDA appointment: Tom Buis from National Farmers Union; Tom Vilsack, former Iowa governor; Charles Stenholm, veteran Congressman who helped shape 1990, 2002 farm laws; Marshall Matz, lawyer with interest in school nutrition; Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius; South Dakota Representative and biofuels activist Stephanie Sandlin; Roger Johnson, North Dakota agriculture commissioner; Rod Nilsestuen, Wisconsin agriculture secretary; Senator John Tester, organic farmer from Montana. And: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Kathleen McGinty named as EPA contenders (click 'See also').

By Charles Abbott

Reuters 2008-11-05

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Opinion: Fighting terrible legacy with hope, competence

Barack Obama won the presidential election with promise to address things beyond the power of individuals: ensuring food safety, clean air, regulating economy fairly, ensuring access to health care and educating children. He will now need the support of all Americans.

The editors

The New York Times 2008-11-05

A last push to lower drinking water, air standards

In waning days of power, Bush administration works to relax drinking-water standards, ease controls on carbon dioxide emissions of pollutants from power plants and other factories, remove environmental impact statement requirement for some commercial ocean fishing interests, and lift restriction of mountaintop-removal coal mining in Appalachians.

By R. Jeffrey Smith

The Washington Post 2008-10-31

Cornfield weedkiller linked to frog decline

Farmers' 50-year habit of spraying cornfields, other crops with tens of millions of pounds of long-lived weed killer atrazine may cause frog deaths in waterways by providing more food for snails, which carry frog parasite, study shows. And: Potomac River, source of drinking water and a fish habitat, contains Syngenta's herbicide atrazine, other suspected endocrine disruptors (click 'See also').

By Dan Charles

National Public Radio/All Things Considered 2008-10-29

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Science could rescue food production, magazine says

Stephen Doyle, Zack Zavislak/Wired

Global demand for food started to outpace agricultural production around 1997. Gulf between what's wanted, what's available is widening. A second 'green revolution' on par with introduction of modern fertilizers, pesticides could close gap, according to periodical's review of biotechnology, other scientific advances.

By Thomas Hayden, Ben Paynter and Alexis Madrigal

Wired magazine 2008-10-20

High fat, high-sugar diet raises diabetes risk

Eating energy-dense diet increases risk of developing type 2 diabetes, 12-year study shows. Energy-dense foods are those high in fat, sugars and low in fiber: fast foods, processed foods and fatty foods (click 'See also'). Best substitutes: vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains.

By Sue Mueller

Food Consumer 2008-11-02

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Florida begins conservation of soft-shell turtles

Florida cuts soft-shell turtle catch limits while crafting conservation plan for native amphibians found in lakes, ponds, canals. Biologist says that China's demand has wiped out most of Asia's native turtle populations; Florida seafood dealer buys 3,000 pounds of live turtles per week. And: Limit of 20 a day is too many, biologists say (click 'See also').

McClatchy Newspapers; The Guardian (UK) 2008-10-29

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After Pakistan quake, children beg for food

Food, water, tents distributed to survivors of Pakistan earthquake near Afghanistan border, but there's not enough to go around. Children beg for food from passing aid trucks. UN plans initial delivery of flour, lentils, salt from nearby warehouses. More than 300 dead, 20,000 homeless. China, Japan, U.S., Turkey offer help.

By Ed Johnson and Farhan Sharif

Bloomberg 2008-10-31

Obesity, lack of exercise cause soaring diabetes rates

New diabetes case rates soar nearly 90 percent over last 10 years, mostly from obesity, sedentary ways. And: In 2007, diabetes cost economy $174 billion for medical care, chronic complications (click 'See also'). Indirect costs of $58 billion came from absenteeism, reduced productivity, disease-related disability, and early death.

By Will Dunham

Reuters 2008-10-30

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Risk study on baby bottle chemical too flawed, panel says

Panel, in highly critical report, recommends that FDA redo its risk assessment of BPA, the leaching chemical in food can linings, hard plastic baby bottles. Favorable draft report used flawed methods and ignored evidence linking bisphenol A to cancer, diabetes, possibly brain development in infants, advisory board said.

By Annys Shin

The Washington Post 2008-10-28

Diet turns middle-aged problem youthful

Kidney stones a growing problem in children. Main causes are dietary - not drinking enough water, eating too much salt - and sometimes relate to obesity. Physicians cite salty chips, French fries, sports drinks and processed items - sandwich meats, canned soups, packaged meals, sodas. And: As makers of children's cereals cut sugar, they add salt, report says (click 'See also').

By Laurie Tarkan

The New York Times 2008-10-27

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Opinion: It's time to refine farming, globally

With price of bread linked to that of petroleum, metal and other goods, and a billion people in extreme poverty, we must refine farming. Much of the world's best farmland in Russia, Ukraine, Africa produces nothing; poor infrastructure dooms 40 percent of world's food to rot. We need to invest in farming, make it globally desirable, productive, with tangible benefits.

By Doug Saunders

The Globe and Mail (Canada) 2008-10-25

Melamine now found in eggs from China

Melamine found in eggs imported from China to Hong Kong, raising new concerns about food quality standards in China. The toxin, last found in dairy products, has already sickened more than 50,000 children in China and led to at least four deaths. That scandal forced global recall of foods using Chinese dairy products, including pizza, biscuits, yogurt.

By David Barboza

The New York Times 2008-10-26

Food crisis, poverty intensify with flagging economy

Global food crisis worsens with financial tumult, pulling incomes of additional 119 million people below poverty line; rich countries haven't made good on their $12.3 billion aid promise from summer. Prices for wheat, corn, soybean futures are down, lowering incentives for growing crops, and China's export tax on fertilizer leaves Africa's customers without.

By Ariana Eunjung Cha and Stephanie McCrummen

The Washington Post 2008-10-26

Widening economic crisis shrinks restaurant jobs

Restaurants, hotels cut 51,000 jobs over last three months as economic crisis deepens; deterioration of job market emerging as a driver of economic distress. And: Some economists expect unemployment to rise from current six percent to 10 percent; more than a million American families have had their homes foreclosed upon in past two years. In August, foreclosure filings reached record high. Number of Americans living in poverty has grown by more than five million since 2000.

By Neil Irwin and Michael S. Rosenwald

The Washington Post 2008-10-23

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Foreign aid crucial to U.S. standing, says Bush

For sake of economy, national security and moral authority, U.S. must stay committed to international aid, President George Bush says. Rising food prices have added 75 million people worldwide to rolls of chronic hunger for total of 925 million, UN says. In July, Senate panel voted to scale back funding request of Bush program that rewards countries for meeting strict policy, governance criteria; group has disbursed less than 10 percent of its $6.3 billion.

By Dan Eggen and Anthony Faiola

The Washington Post 2008-10-22

New ethical, environmental rules for Wal-Mart suppliers

Equating water pollution, other lapses with cheating on customers, Wal-Mart announces new supplier standards, including ban on child labor, forced labor and pay below local minimum wage. New rules also will include audits of factories for working conditions and compliance with standards regarding water, air, land pollution and waste disposal. Critic says incentives to cheat include pressure to offer low prices, plus lucrative, long-term contracts.

By Stephanie Rosenbloom

International Herald Tribune 2008-10-22

Opinion: EPA water protection would be welcome in coal-mining region

Government's dash to effectively repeal key water protections during mountaintop removal coal mining likely a response to presidential candidates' opposition to environmentally ruinous practice. In 2002, EPA rewrote rules that had prohibited use of mining waste as 'fill' in streams, wetlands. And: Rubble from mountaintop removal fouls drinking water, kills fish (click 'See also').

The editors

The New York Times 2008-10-21

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Opinion: Next president must fix infrastructure

Modern-day Works Progress Administration that restores America's crumbling infrastructure - drinking water, schools, roads, bridges, transit systems - would generate jobs and help support flagging economy. Presidential candidate Barack Obama wants infrastructure investment (click 'See also', section V); John McCain has not presented plan.

By Dave Demerjian

Wired Blog Network 2008-10-19

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Opinion: Bottled water standards don't measure up

Considering extra cost and landfill clutter, standards for bottled water should be as good or even better than those for tap water. Consumers should be able to see certified data that lists what's in bottled water and whether it meets federal requirements. Analysis (click 'See also') found fertilizer residue, pain medicine, other chemicals in some major brands.

The editors

The New York Times 2008-10-17

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Short-circuiting the obesity-prone gene

Those with malfunctioning food-pleasure gene more likely to overeat, study shows. Health expert says those with weakened 'reward strategy' can circumvent obesity by choosing diet rich in whole grains, legumes, beans, fruits and vegetables coupled with moderate level of exercise.

By Jimmy Downs

Food Consumer 2008-10-18

Relaxing rules for dumping rubble near streams

Interior Department readies overhaul of ignored rule designed to protect rivers, streams from mining companies' dumping. Government estimates that 1,600 miles of streams in Appalachia buried in 25 years. Critic decries devastating, irreversible implications. And: Rubble from mountaintop removal fouls drinking water, kills fish (click 'See also).

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2008-10-18

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Whales in busy Alaska waterway endangered

National Geographic

Beluga whales in Alaska's Cook Inlet declared endangered over Gov. Sarah Palin's objections. Listing means that new offshore drilling, new bridge, other activities must show they won't harm the 375 whales. And: Alaska Natives have been allowed to hunt the whales for subsistence, but there was no hunt for belugas in 2008 (click 'See also').

By Kenneth R. Weiss

Los Angeles Times 2008-10-17

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On World Food Day, hunger is main topic

World's promises to modernize agricultural practices and support third-world farmers remain unkept, UN speaker charges. Experts say ranks of hungry likely to grow from 920 million to 970 million this year. Only 10 percent of $12 billion pledged by world governments has arrived, and bulk was earmarked for famine relief, not longer-term agricultural aid to make future famines less likely.

By Shawn Pogatchnik

The Associated Press; Winnipeg Sun (Ca) 2008-10-17

Praising parsley and a crop-rotation plan

Amazon

Multi-year rotation plan critical for the health of all vegetables; best idea to keep track comes from garden book: Group vegetables according to families. Thus all the members of the Solanaceae family - tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants and peppers - are grown together, then moved together to a different bed the following year.

By Shirley Barker

Berkeley Daily Planet 2008-10-16

Food price crisis forces poorest to eat less

Many in developing world - especially Philippines, Panama, Kenya - cut back on eating because of food costs in last year, new study shows. Food costs expected to begin decline as lower oil prices bring price of fertilizer, fuel lower.

BBC 2008-10-15

Opinion: Candidates must address hunger, food shortages

Eve of World Food Day was missed opportunity for presidential candidates to discuss hunger, poverty. Starvation kills a child every five seconds; nearly one billion people go hungry daily. Both candidates must speak specifically about proposals to address global hunger, food shortages. And: To join anti-povery effort, click 'See also.'

The editors

The Capital Times (Madison, WI) 2008-10-16

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Three states ask manufacturers to halt BPA use

Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware ask 11 companies to stop using bisphenol A in making baby bottles, baby-formula containers. FDA has tentatively concluded that chemical is safe, but gives consumers tips on reducing exposure. Animal studies link BPA, also used in food can linings, to reproductive system abnormalities, cancers; experts disagree on whether humans are at risk.

The Associated Press; The Wall Street Journal. 2008-10-14

Artificial food colors under review at FDA

FDA reviews petition for ban on eight artificial food colors and request for warning labels on foods that contain them. Group cites studies linking hyperactivity to consumption of dyes, some made from petrochemicals and coal tar. In UK, Kellogg switched to beetroot red, annatto and paprika extract to color strawberry Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars; in U.S., they're tinted with Red 40, Yellow 6 and Blue 1.

By Melinda Fulmer

Los Angeles Times 2008-10-13

Obesity likely cause of blood pressure rise in U.S.

Obesity, overweight epidemic likely cause of increased rates of high blood pressure, researchers say. Hypertension is major risk factor for heart disease, stroke. To prevent high blood pressure, develop and maintain healthy lifestyle, and control weight through exercise and health eating behaviors, study authors say.

By Steven Reinberg

HealthDay; The Washington Post 2008-10-13

Critic of regulation gives $5 million to FDA official's center before BPA ruling

Anti-regulation activist who says bisphenol A is 'perfectly safe' gave $5 million to research center of FDA panel head due to rule on chemical's safety. FDA draft, which says products made with BPA are safe for food, relied on industry-funded studies. And: Scientists urge 'aggressive action' to limit exposure after study notes that higher levels of BPA in body correspond with higher rates of heart disease, diabetes and liver abnormalities (click 'See also').

By Susanne Rust and Meg Kissinger

Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI) 2008-10-11

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Opinion: Fuel crops with sunshine, not oil, to solve nation's big problems

To progress on health care crisis, energy independence and climate change, new president must wean food system from fossil fuel and return it to diet of sunshine. Next, new policy must strive for healthful diet for all; improve reliance, safety and security of food supply; promote regional food economies; and reframe agriculture as part of solution to environmental problems.

By Michael Pollan

The New York Times 2008-10-12

California lettuce blamed for e.coli in Michigan

Michigan e.coli outbreak traced to California lettuce. Students at Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and inmates at Lenawee County Jail, among others, fell ill. Some lettuce was sold by Aunt Mid's Produce Co., in Detroit.

By Tiffany Hsu

Los Angeles Times 2008-10-10

Dems consider expanding food stamp benefits

Expanded food stamps, extended jobless benefits and even tax rebate possible in legislation planned by Democrats after election. Barack Obama says he favors $25 billion for states, $25 billion for roads, bridges and infrastructure, and $65 billion for tax rebates paid for with oil profits tax.

By David Espo

The Associated Press; Newsday 2008-10-11

Opinion: Vote 'no' on California's egg industry overhaul

We support humane treatment of animals, but it's unlikely that Proposition 2 would start that national trend. Because measure only regulates eggs produced in California and not eggs that are sold in state, it would likely bolster the market for cheaper out-of-state eggs, simply exporting caged hens' mistreatment.

The editors

Los Angeles Times 2008-09-25

As factions battle and Somali pirates sail, millions starve

Listless babies, wizened one-year-olds, two-year-olds with no food for two weeks are among the millions dying from hunger in Somalia in 'forgotten crisis.' Recently, thousands of desperately hungry besieged 35-truck UN convoy in Mogadishu, taking two million pounds of food. Unending war, drought, global food supply squeeze, unemployment, inflation all to blame.

By Jeffrey Gettleman

The New York Times 2008-10-11

Missing links in ocean's food chain leave whales thin

West Coast's chinook salmon shortage leaves killer whales hungry and losing blubber; Canadian environmental groups blame government, propose strategy. U.S. expert recommends linking orca recovery to that of salmon and the removal of dams on Elwha River, Snake River in Washington state. And: Emaciated gray whales (click 'See also').

By Judith Lavoie

Times Colonist (Victoria, Ca) 2008-10-08

See also

Economic crisis dwarfed by cost of forest loss

Annual forest loss cost of $2 trillion to $5 trillion dwarfs current economy problems, analyst says. As forests decline, nature stops providing free services- clean water and food for foraging, plus absorption of carbon dioxide. Heartening signs: developing trade in natural ecosystems (similar to carbon trade); attention of government, business officials.

By Richard Black

BBC 2008-10-10

Maryland repopulating Chesapeake Bay with oysters

In restoration effort, Chesapeake Bay groups enlist waterfront property owners in oyster-growing venture using cages built by inmates at nearby prison. Maryland has planted more than 485 million oysters in the bay this year, a record, governor reports.

Chesapeake Bay Journal 2008-10-01

Italy's fishing methods threaten bluefin tuna, group says

Italy ignoring bluefin tuna rules and further endangering species, conservation group charges. Countries agree to quotas, but Italy reports a fleet of 185 vessels and surveyors count 283. Spotter aircraft, banned by accord, also used, group says. Official says Italy is following the rules.

By Ariel David

The Associated Press; The Union-Tribune (San Diego, CA) 2008-10-07

Michigan lettuce linked to e.coli in Canada

Forty-one e.coli cases, three in Canada, linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Michigan. And: Hospital head wants to know why there was five-day delay in notifying health authorities of outbreak (click 'See also'), considering recent listeria outbreak that has so far killed 20 and left 32 seriously ill across Canada.

By Erica Bajer

The Chatham Daily News (CA) 2008-10-08

See also

Profits of biotech agribusiness giant continue to rise

Monsanto reports increased profits of $2 billion; seed revenues rose from $4.9 billion in 2007 to $6.4 billion in 2008. Sales of Roundup, other glyphosate herbicides climbed from $2.6 billion last year to $4.1 billion in latest year. Greater grain demand drives need for more yield, more yield requires more innovation and companies that innovate will grow, says chairman.

By Dan Piller

The Des Moines Register 2008-10-08

Teens grow nutritious economy in view of Wall Street

Replacing an asphalt lot, a three-acre garden in view of Wall Street becomes a go-to place for teens and has drawn more than 5,000 students with their classes. Gardens were begun by two employees of Red Hook yourth court who started a nonprofit, Added Value, and now employ teens who 'weed it, turn it, rake it, seed it' - and sell the bounty at a farmers' market and to Brooklyn restaurants.

By Jim Dwyer

The New York Times 2008-10-08

Immigration raids at chicken plant

About 300 chicken slaughterhouse workers arrested in South Carolina immigration raid. Raid follows 10-month probe into hiring practices; seven supervisors at plant have pleaded guilty to falsifying documents. Manager charged with felony immigration fraud. And: Workers linked to other Columbia Farms plants wonder if they're next (click 'See also').

By Eric Connor and Paul Alongi

The Greenville News 2008-10-07

See also

Human activity pushes mammals toward extinction

Farming, hunting, fishing, forest-clearing, pollution and climate change push one quarter to one-third of all land mammals toward extinction; one in three marine mammals is on the same path. 'Without the political and public will to spend money on species conservation we are pressed up against the wall,' says study director.

By Ian Sample

The Guardian (UK) 2008-10-06

Overeating triggers diet-related disease pathway in brain

Persistent overeating triggers metabolic response which, once flipped 'on,' can promote overeating, creating vicious cycle, researchers learn in mouse study. Earlier research had shown that eating too much triggered inflammatory responses in muscles, liver, changes that launch development of type 2 diabetes. Now researchers see inflammation may promote obesity as well.

By Amanda Gardner

The Washington Post 2008-10-02

Economic tumult pushes more onto food stamps

Food stamp use sharply up over last year - nearly one in 10 people participated in July (latest information available). Rise reflects broader national economic distress, 'pain on Main Street,' but doesn't yet reflect upheavals of last few months, including loss of 159,000 jobs in September.

By Michael E. Ruane

The Washington Post 2008-10-04

Opinion: Biotech animals need ample oversight

Congress must ensure that FDA has budget for transparent assessments of genetically engineered animal products. New standards, which require producers to show that inserted genes do not harm animal's health and that any food from genetically engineered animal is safe to eat, are far more rigorous than agency's current oversight of biotech crops and cloned animals.

The editors

The New York Times 2008-10-03

EPA says rocket fuel chemical OK in water at 15 times higher than first said

After White House officials remove scientific data from reports highlighting some risks associated with rocket-fuel chemical, EPA refuses to set drinking-water safety standard, assumes that maximum safe level is 15 times higher than suggested in 2002. Perchlorate linked to thyroid problems in pregnant women, newborns and young children and has been found in water in 35 states.

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2008-10-04

FDA sets melamine amount that poses no serious risk

FDA says a bit of melamine in food - equivalent to two or three grains in a million grains of sand - poses no serious risk, drawing ire of House member who questions whether agency is condoning intentional contamination of foods. Four babies have died, 54,000 ill from drinking tainted milk. Some China-made products found in U.S. are contaminated.

By Marc Kaufman

The Washington Post 2008-10-04

World's largest pump gets big EPA veto

70-year-old Yazoo Pump Project earns EPA veto, to chagrin of locals and two senators. $220 million U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project would have moved six million gallons water per minute to benefit flood-prone Mississippi Delta farms. And: 'Epitome of pork' would have yielded 14 cents on the dollar (click 'See also').

By Chris Talbott

The Associated Press; The Washington Post 2008-09-03

See also

Public relations campaign backfires on FDA

Facing declining image after food safety scares, FDA decides to hire public relations firm for $300,000. Agency avoided competition for work by hiring special minority set-aside contractor which agreed to subcontract to firm with ties to FDA official, records show. Contract has been suspended; Congressional FDA oversight committee plans probe. And: Outrage at tale of taint (click 'See also').

By Robert O'Harrow Jr.

The Washington Post 2008-10-02

See also

A sweet deal for Big Sugar?

Florida's celebrated decision (click 'See also') to buy U.S. Sugar to restore Everglades may help Fanjul family's Florida Crystals. Critics say $1.7 billion deal is bailout to replace federal props as foreign sugar moves in. Fanjuls control Domino, C&H and other brands, put sugar in everything from packaged foods to pharmaceuticals.

By Mary Williams Walsh

The New York Times 2008-09-13

See also

USDA goes pig-catching in New Jersey pinelands

USDA aims to catch herd of 50-100 wild pigs in New Jersey pinelands. Feral hogs compete with native ground-nesting birds - turkey, quail - by eating their eggs. Traps feature saloon-style doors that first are wired open to allow free access to corn bait, but later will be set to swing shut with prey inside. Three hogs, one 250 pounds, have been trapped.

By Peter Mucha

The Philadelphia Inquirer 2008-08-23

See also

Staff shortages, counter-terrorism efforts erode FDA

FDA lacks staff to protect food supply, particularly fresh produce, and is distracted by counterterrorism efforts and investigating outbreaks of food-borne illness, government report says. Only 1 percent of produce imported into U.S. is inspected by FDA; 60 percent of fresh produce is imported annually. One in four Americans becomes sick from tainted food each year - 76 million people. And: New e.coli cases reported (click 'See also').

By Amanda Gardner

HealthDay; The Washington Post 2008-09-26

See also

FDA steps up tests of products that could contain melamine

In response to melamine contamination of milk and milk products in China, FDA broadens sampling, testing of domestic and imported milk-derived ingredients and products containing milk, such as candies, desserts, beverages that could contain China products. Milk-derived ingredients include whole milk powder, non-fat milk powder, whey powder, lactose powder, and casein.

By Stephanie Kwisnek

FDA 2008-09-26

Digging fish ponds yields myriad benefits in Malawi

In Malawi, where one in five adults has HIV/AIDS, ecologist digs backyard fish ponds for farmers and benefits accrue. Childhood malnutrition in region drops from 45 to 15 percent; affected households double income; residents eat more fresh fish and more corn grows via irrigation. Success means expansion into Mozambique, Zambia, but demand for fingerling tilapia has pushed prices up.

By David Biello

Scientific American 2008-08-20

EU orders testing on Chinese products containing milk

To existing ban on import of milk and milk products from China, EU adds testing on Chinese products that contain milk powder, particularly child-focused products of milk toffee, chocolate and biscuits. Melamine-tainted infant formula has killed four babies and sickened thousands in China. And: Baby food added to to EU's banned list (click 'See also').

By Jeremy Smith

The Guardian (UK) 2008-09-25

See also

Gates, Buffett foundations boost Africa's small farms

New program will use $76 million in foundation money to develop better ways for local farmers to supply UN's World Food Program with their products. Lack of agricultural infrastructure - irrigation, mechanization, roads, quality control - could hamper goals. American food-aid policy supplies only American-grown food. UN says hungry total nearly 1 billion.

By Robert A. Guth and Roger Thurow

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-09-25

Researcher's study of fruit flies' sense of smell wins genius grant

Harvard neurobiologist who studies sense of smell of fruit flies wins 'genius grant' from MacArthur Foundation. Her award, says Rachel Wilson, underscores the idea that simple, seemingly primitive organisms may yield powerful insight into how things work.

By Carolyn Y. Johnson

The Boston Globe 2008-09-23

House panel questions EPA bid to exempt factory farms from manure emissions reporting

House panel pressures EPA to rethink exempting factory farms from reporting toxic manure gas, 'particulate matter' emissions. Report says agency lacks information, strategy for regulating mega-farms, some of which produce 1.6 million tons of manure annually. And: EPA proposed dropping requirement after communities filed suits against several big farms, seeking damages and stricter controls of emissions (click 'See also').

By Stephen Power

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-09-24

See also

EPA sets no standards limiting rocket fuel in water

EPA won't set drinking-water standard for perchlorate, a rocket fuel component that has polluted soil, groundwater, drinking water in 35 states and tainted water systems in 26 states. Chemical impairs thyroid, which, in infants, can translate to irreversible loss of IQ, increase in behavioral, perception problems. Congresswoman calls inaction unforgivable and immoral. And: FDA study (click 'See also').

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2008-09-22

See also

Feeding hunger with bushmeat may cause extinctions

Gorillas, elephants, other animals at risk of extinction as starving population in central Africa struggles to eat and more people move to region for jobs in illegal logging and mining industries. Granting local peoples limited hunting while managing specific populations of animals in jungle may be only way to conserve, study authors say.

Scientific American 2008-09-15

See also

Protecting 20 percent of world's fresh surface water

Congress OKs Great Lakes Compact, which prohibits almost any new diversion of water to other places, and requires new conservation standards of border states. Eight-state accord began 10 years ago after Canadian firm sought OK to send tankers of Great Lakes water overseas (click 'See also'). Bottled water exemption worries some.

By Susan Saulny

The New York Times 2008-09-23

See also

Melamine milk scandal grows in China

Liquid milk in China found to contain melamine after similarly tainted infant formula kills three babies and sickens 53,000, with nearly 13,000 hospitalized for kidney problems. Instant coffee, milk, candy for export blocked at Asian borders. Don't assume the Chinese piece of the global supply chain follows the rules, says expert. Product-quality chief resigns. And: Ten countries ban Chinese dairy products (click 'See also').

By Don Lee and Mark Magnier

Los Angeles Times 2008-09-22

See also

Higher prices, diminished services squeeze retirees

Economic downturn hits retirees. Those who rely mostly on Social Security may not suffer directly from stock market woes, but they face higher food, gas and health care prices and reductions in volunteer services like Meals on Wheels, trimmed because of fuel costs.

By John Leland and Louis Uchitelle

The New York Times 2008-09-23

Food firms turn to lab to woo health-conscious shoppers

Food processing firms plug one food into another, claim health benefits of both. But new 'functional foods' don't have rigorous studies behind them, unlike those that added vitamin B to flour (reduced rates of pellagra), added vitamin D to milk (eliminated rickets). Benefit to eating fish might not be omega-3 fatty acids, but that you're eating less steak, says nutritionist.

By Julia Moskin

The New York Times 2008-09-16

Tipping point at New York restaurants

Restaurant staffers in New York, in lawsuits filed over last three years, accuse dozens of restaurants of stealing tips, cheating them out of wages. Jean-Georges Vongerichten agrees to pay $1.75 million to waiters who filed suit for all staff at Jean Georges and four of his other dining spots; Daniel Boulud settled with immigrant workers at Daniel.

By Christine Kearney

Reuters 2008-09-18

China's tainted milk scandal touches Hong Kong

Hong Kong toddler found to have kidney stone after drinking tainted milk products daily for 15 months; in China, four children have died and thousands are ill. China's dairy producers vowed to improve quality of products and make appropriate reparations to victims. Nearly 10 percent of milk, drinkable yogurts sampled there shown to contain melamine.

By Jeffrey Hodgson, Kirby Chien, David Chance and Manny Mogato

Reuters 2008-09-21

Food-borne illness joke falls flat in Canada campaign

Attempt at black humor over listeriosis outbreak keeps health crisis an issue in Canada campaign. Political opponents, some relatives of victims want food safety official fired after he made joke about death by a 'thousand cold cuts.'

By Ian Austen

The New York Times 2008-09-19

See also

Kraft takes insurance giant's place on stock market listing

Kraft to become first food producer on Dow Jones Industrial Average when it replaces American International Group. Stocks added to DJIA index are considered leaders in their industries. And: Kraft's new green initiative includes biomethane plant, which turns methane waste from cheese production into energy at New York site (click 'See also').

The Associated Press; Chicago Tribune 2008-09-18

See also

Fury builds in China over poisoned infant formula

Toll of melamine-poisoned babies rises in China, with 1,300-plus hospitalized and 158 with acute kidney failure. Traces of industrial additive found in powdered formula of 21 more dairy companies. As people's fury grows and they compare food safety standards of Olympics with those for citizens, government vows overhaul of dairy industry.

By Jim Yardley

The New York Times 2008-09-18

Grain boom lifts biotech agribusiness profits

Monsanto raises earnings outlook after aggressively raising prices of genetically modified corn seed and its matching weedkiller. Agribusiness firm's stock is up 48 percent from a year ago. Lower net income projection reflects settlement with chemical maker Solutia Inc., and writeoffs after buying De Ruiter Seeds. And: Monsanto breaks ground for a new GMO corn seed plant in Iowa (click 'See also').

By Lauren Etter

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-09-17

See also

Limit can-lining chemical exposure, scientists say

Scientists urge 'aggressive action' to limit human exposure to can-lining chemical after study notes that higher levels of bisphenol A in body correspond with higher rates of heart disease, diabetes and liver abnormalities. Skeptic notes that drinking lots of high-sugar canned drinks raises risk of diet-related disease and exposure to BPA. And: Chemical, also found in hard plastic water and baby bottles, inhibits brain links (click 'See also').

By Sarah Boseley

The Guardian (UK) 2008-09-16

See also

Another death from tainted infant formula

Second baby dies, 1,253 others ill with 340 in hospitals from melamine-tainted infant formula in China. More than 10,000 tons of milk powder seized or recalled. Scandal has renewed concerns about food safety of one of the world's largest food exporters. And: Same toxin was blamed for pet deaths in U.S. last year (click 'See also').

By Jim Yardley

The New York Times 2008-09-15

See also

Texas distributes food, water after Hurricane Ike

Hurricane survivors wait for food, drinking water as Texas attempts cleanup after catastrophe. Galveston official worries about disease; residents have no electricity, running water or working toilets. In Houston, residents told to boil water; those in need were to receive two packages of ready-to-eat meals, two boxes of bottled water and bag of ice.

By P.J. Huffstutter and David Zucchino

Los Angeles Times 2008-09-15

Economy-weary rediscover tap water

As economy slides lower, so do sales of bottled water, delighting those concerned with impact of plastic bottles on the environment. In US, where consumption is highest, supermarket sales are at slowest rate since bottled water became the rage 10 years ago.

By Jenny Wiggins

Financial Times (London) 2008-09-15

Past nuggets and noodles, and a child's clamped mouth

Raising good little eaters begins with serving variety of foods. Six strategies: Involve them in cooking, encourage a taste of new foods but remain neutral in face of refusal, stock only healthful foods and give children free access, teach good dietary habits by your own balanced diet, dress up the vegetables, and serve a new food 15 times before concluding the child won't eat it.

By Tara Parker-Pope

The New York Times 2008-09-14

Act now to prevent water scarcity in next decades, experts warn

Clean water, reliable sanitation will beat medical intervention in reducing disease, death as climate warms and population grows, experts say, but investment in infrastructure must be doubled. Most vulnerable: Four billion in Africa, Middle East, South Asia. Failure means recurrent floods, droughts, water pollution, erosion, sea level rise, plus undermining of other triumphs, like building schools.

By Juliette Jowit

The Guardian (UK) 2008-09-11

More information due on labels for meat, some produce

Country-of-origin labels due on meats, some produce, nuts. Ground beef labels may be long, because some processors mix meats of many countries. Critics complain about exemptions, including vegetables imported in bulk and then mixed by U.S. company. Label for cattle imported to U.S. for immediate slaughter can list origin country and U.S.; some fear that slaughterers won't bother with specifics. Then, there's scale: How do you verify origins of thousands of cattle slaughtered each day?

By Stephen J. Hedges

Chicago Tribune 2008-09-13

More babies ill from tainted formula in China

One baby dies, 432 ill from melamine-tainted Sanlu infant formula in China. Toxic chemical is used in plastics, fertilizers and cleaning products but also gives appearance of increased protein content in animal feed. In 2007, it was linked to deaths and illnesses of thousands of pets in the U.S. Officials vow severe punishment to those responsible.

BBC News 2008-09-13

Deformed child's parents say they worked fields wet with pesticides

In closely watched case of farm workers against Ag-Mart that began in 2005, parents of deformed baby say they were forced to work in North Carolina tomato fields still wet from pesticides, that pesticides were sprayed while they ate. Company, which sells Santa Sweets and Ugly Ripe tomato brands, also runs farms in Florida, New Jersey, Mexico. And: Company agreed to pay for lifelong care of field worker's limbless child (click 'See also').

By Kristin Collins

The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) 2008-09-11

See also

Obesity doubles risk of disabling knee arthritis

Obesity doubles lifetime risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, physician says. In this painful disease, cartilage breaks down and deteriorates. And: Being 10 pounds overweight increases the force on the knee by 30 to 60 pounds with each step; weight loss decreases incidence of disease and some studies show substantially reduced reports of pain (click 'See also').

By Thomas Goldsmith

The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) 2008-09-12

Some obese teens face life-threatening liver disease

Obesity pushing rates of liver disease, transplant needs in some teens. Many experts predict fatty liver disease will become top cause of liver transplants by 2020.'There aren't enough livers to go around,' says physician. Successful patients are those whose families have increased exercise, changed diet to one based on whole grains, fruits, vegetables.

By Linda A. Johnson

The Associated Press; Time magazine 2008-09-08

Targeting poultry farmers along Chesapeake Bay

Maryland targets powerful poultry industry in effort to reduce dead zones in Chesapeake Bay. Chicken and turkey farms, which industry group says add $845 million to state's economy, currently aren't subject to manure contamination and storage rules required for dairy and hog farms.

By David A. Fahrenthold

The Washington Post 2008-09-12

Tainted baby formula from China

Chinese-made baby formula may be tainted with toxic melamine, officials say. Though Sanlu-brand product is illegal to sell in U.S., some may be available at Chinese specialty stores. Melamine was found in pet food ingredients from China and in 2007 was linked to deaths, illnesses of hundreds of cats and dogs.

By Lisa Richwine

Reuters 2008-09-12

'Humanitarian emergency' in remote, poor North Korea

Feeding 6.3 million North Koreans to avert famine will cost half a billion dollars in emergency food aid in next 15 months, UN says. U.S. just delivered 110,000 tons of food, but bad weather, price hikes, export restrictions and political maneuvering have kept stores low. And: Roughly a third of country's children, mothers are malnourished (click 'See also').

By Peter Ford

The Christian Science Monitor 2008-09-04

See also

Forecasting hunger, thirst, unrest amidst dwindling U.S. influence

As planet faces droughts, food shortages and water shortages, with subsequent mass migrations and social unrest from climate change, U.S. influence will diminish because that of other countries will grow, 2025 intelligence analysis predicts. Intelligence agencies accept scientific view of global warming, and that it's too late to avoid consequences over the next 20 years. Barack Obama has been briefed; John McCain is next.

By Joby Warrick and Walter Pincus

The Washington Post 2008-09-10

9,311 child-labor violations at Iowa meatpacker

Kosher slaughterhouse owners face 9,311 child-labor violations; two executives charged with felonies after 400 arrested in May immigration raid at Iowa plant. And: Barack Obama doesn't name meatpacker, but urges crackdown on employers who are taking advantage of undocumented workers (click 'See also') 'to avoid paying decent wages and providing decent benefits.'

By Tony Leys and Jennifer Jacobs

The Des Moines Register 2008-09-09

See also

Zimbabwe aid ban lifted after U.N., U.S. pleas

Zimbabwe, once breadbasket but now in sixth year of food aid, lifts ban on aid after three-month standoff. Lag left up to 1.7 million left out of registration for food, other needs. Mugabe had claimed some groups fed only election opposition; U.S. says Mugabe used schoolchildren's food as political weapon. Meanwhile, 45 percent of citizens will be in need by January; they will forage, sell possessions and eat fewer meals to survive. For snapshot, click 'See also.'

By Celia W. Dugger

The New York Times 2008-08-29

See also

Opinion: Growing food, conserving water can dovetail

California must work toward planned, efficient agricultural sector, long-term protections for land and water resources, and production of more high-valued crops grown with efficient irrigation systems. State must support farmers by implementing policies, incentives that support water conservation and efficiency.

By Heather Cooley and Juliet Christian-Smith

San Francisco Chronicle 2008-09-08

Food fight and the rub of it all

Weaponless in California, ransacking burglar scours kitchen, then applies spice rub to one victim, whacks another in the face with a sausage, police say. After suspect is captured in field, authorities discover dog has eaten the evidence.

By Louis Galvan

The Fresno Bee (CA) 2008-09-06

Food industry challenged to reduce meat in processed foods

As climate expert urges less meat consumption at home to reduce global warming, animal welfare group in UK challenges food industry to reduce meat in packaged items and to replace it with more vegetables, 'other more benign materials.' Group also urges using meat from animals raised more humanely. And: It takes seven pounds of grain to produce one pound of beef (click 'See also').

By Jess Halliday

nutraingredients.com 2008-09-08

Prion experts study whether fatal disease of elk, deer can jump to humans

CDC

4004 chart shows chronic wasting disease among free-ranging deer and elk by county.

When prions can jump species barriers, a new kind of prion is produced, researchers learn. Prion proteins cause Creutzfeld-Jakob disease and mad cow disease, and have infected 208 people, mostly in UK. Scientists now study whether prion-induced chronic wasting disease (CWD) in elk and deer could jump to humans; disease has long dormant period. And: CDC, in 2004, said risk of CWD to humans was low (click 'See also').

By Amber Dance

Nature News 2008-09-04

See also

Eating less meat best choice for planet, expert says

Eat less meat to make personal difference in climate change, says authority on global warming. Diet change will have impact because of greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction linked to rearing cattle and other animals. And: Food emissions occur mostly during production (83 percent), with transportation contributing 11 percent (click 'See also').

By Juliette Jowit

The Observer (UK) 2008-09-07

See also

Feeding refugees between storms in Haiti

In Haiti, UN begins distributing high-energy biscuits, water to 40,000 in shelters after three storms in less than three weeks. Thousands still isolated as Hurricane Ike approaches. Country was already reeling from rising prices and government disorder after food riots in April unseated prime minister. And: In Haiti's slums, sun-baked pies made with butter, salt, water and dirt (click 'See also').

By Jonathan M. Katz

The Associated Press; The Globe and Mail (Canada) 2008-09-06

See also

In Haiti, storms erase efforts to reduce food dependence

Storm damage 'washes away' efforts to restore agricultural production in Haiti and to break its dependence on imported food, UN official says. And: As soil goes, so goes the nation (click 'See also'). To boost Haitian food production, ecologist founds nonprofit that builds composting toilets in rural communities to add organic matter and fertility to fields.

By John Heilprin

The Associated Press; The Press (Atlantic City, NJ) 2008-09-05

See also

Farm fumes accident kills three, injures three

Three workers die, three injured by fumes at Canadian mushroom farm. Accident may have occurred as workers mixed chemicals into fertilizer they use on mushrooms; employee safety agency begins investigation.

By Marha Lederman and Robert Matas

The Globe and Mail (Canada) 2008-09-06

After listeria deaths, food safety becomes Canadian election topic

Food safety becomes election issue after Canada's deadly listeria outbreak; Liberal Leader calls for resignation of agriculture minister. One issue is new rules requiring inspectors to spend more time going over records of tests and tasks at processing plants, which leaves too little time on physical inspections, union leader says. And: Meat slicing machines likely source of contamination (click 'See also').

By Bill Curry, Jane Taber and Rheal Seguin

The Globe and Mail (Canada) 2008-09-05

See also

Plastics chemical inhibits brain links

EPA's current 'safe daily limit' for consumption of bisphenol-A (BPA), a leaching chemical used in hard plastic water and baby bottles and food and beverage can linings (click 'See also'), could cause memory/learning impairments and depression, research on primates shows. Scientist says EPA 'may wish to consider' lowering limit.

By Karen N. Peart

Yale University 2008-09-03

See also

Hedge against parched conditions in California

California creates water bank to buy from upstream agencies and farmers, then sell to thirsty areas in exchange for using less. Governor urges conservation, presses for expansion of water infrastructure. And: Wealthy farmer accuses governor of plan to pipe fresh water around California's fertile San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta (click 'See also').

By Jim Christie

Reuters 2008-09-04

See also

Bumper bunny crop dismays gardeners, delights hunters

National Park Service

Cottontail rabbits, eating well where the living is easy, have reached bumper crop status in New England region, moving gardeners to protect their broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower - and delighting hunters. And: Gourmet magazine's recipe for Orecchiette with Rabbit Ragu (click 'See also').

By Kevin P. O'Connor

The New York Times 2008-09-04

See also

USDA can block testing for mad cow, court affirms

Appeals court says USDA can prohibit testing for mad cow disease. Small Arkansas slaughterhouse wanted to test each cow to prove to foreign markets that their beef was safe. USDA cites 1913 law, also argues that tests can't be used for marketing. And: Editors call ruling 'sane,' because test detects disease months before symptoms appear; disease incubation period is two to nine years.

By Charles Abbott

Reuters 2008-08-29

See also

Anchovy populations now unsustainable, group says

Anchovies added to list of 69 unsustainable fish, shellfish that ethical consumers should not eat, UK conservation group says. Assessment includes biology, stock status, management and impact of farming or fishing method and site of catch. And: For Monterey Bay Aquarium's sustainable fish choices, click 'See also.'

By David Adam

The Guardian (UK) 2008-09-04

See also

Linking vitamin deficiency to learning problems, Alzheimer's

Karla Cook/thefoodtimes

Swiss chard is a good source of folate and a very good source of vitamin B6.

Vitamin B deficiencies linked to learning problems, dramatically higher homocysteine levels in mouse study, researchers say. Elevated homocysteine levels in adults raise risk for Alzheimer's disease, stroke and atherosclerosis. And: Vitamin B-rich foods: leafy green vegetables, beans, peas, whole grains, fish, seafood, poultry and meats, eggs and milk, yogurt and cheese (click 'See also').

By Shane Starling

nutraingredients.com 2008-09-04

See also

Clone-derived products meeting resistance

As products from cloned animals and their offspring begin to trickle into food stores, consumer and animal-welfare groups report sending FDA 150,000 letters opposing label-free decision. Government panel says organic and cloned are mutually exclusive, but USDA hasn't yet agreed. Ben & Jerry's has pledged not to knowingly use such products.

By Jane Zhang and Julie Jargon

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-09-02

Slow Food for fast progress, organizers say

To make progress on energy, health care and climate change, food must be addressed, says Michael Pollan, author and an organizer of four-day Slow Food Nation event. Co-organizer Alice Waters advocates persuasion via the palate. The group hopes to convince Americans to reject fast, cheap food and choose organic, local agriculture and to return to the kitchen.

By J.M. Hirsch

The Associated Press; Austin American-Statesman 2008-08-29

Rains latest challenge for Florida's citrus industry

Florida DOACS

Asian citrus psyllid.

Steady, heavy rains increase woes of Florida's $9 billion citrus industry; juice prices go up at the supermarket. Soggy trees vulnerable to spread of citrus canker, which causes premature fruit drop. Another threat is invasive sap-sucking insect, already detected in all 32 citrus-producing counties in Florida, plus Louisiana and Texas.

By Hector Florin

Time magazine 2008-08-28

Hurdles will slow routine irradiation of leafy greens

Food firms see obstacles to irradiation of leafy greens, including scarcity of sites, costs and doubts that shoppers will embrace bacteria zapping method. Bagged salad maker calls it 'tease of a technology.' Only a few sites are set up for food, which means processors would pay three ways: shipping costs, shipping time and the procedure itself.

By Julie Schmit

USA Today 2008-08-27

The ever-growing links of fiber and health

As understanding of fiber expands, companies develop items to exploit benefits. Researchers now understand that fiber, by way of friendly bacteria called probiotics, provides fuel to the colon, in addition to improving cholesterol, slowing sugars' entrance to bloodstream and speeding transit of food through body. Good sources of fiber: fruits, beans and whole grains.

By Mark Anthony

FoodProcessing.com 2008-08-01

Overweight Alabama state workers face higher insurance

Overweight, obese who work for state of Alabama given a year to lose weight or face higher health insurance costs. And: Because medical costs are higher for the obese and premiums don't depend on weight, lighter people in same pool pay for food/exercise decisions of obese, says USDA (click 'See also').

By Nancy Yamada

WBIR 2008-08-23

See also

Toll rises in Canada from tainted cold cuts

Twelve deaths, 26 cases and 29 suspected cases of food-borne illness prompt expanded recall of 220 Maple Leaf products made at one factory in Canada. And: Listeriosis is common and rarely fatal, but can take up to 90 days to incubate (click 'See also').

By Ian Austen

The New York Times 2008-08-26

See also

Bad economy means better health, says economist

Bad economy means that as people worry more, they lose weight, drink less, exercise more, smoke less, and drive less, which then makes them feel better and reduces risks of diet-related disease and car crashes, says economist. Physician concurs, citing good health of laborers of decades past who ate rice and beans and couldn't afford cigarettes.

By Susan Brink

Los Angeles Times 2008-08-25

Opinion: Solving global food crisis is moral obligation

Joe Biden

Food crisis did not come without warning. It's unacceptable morally and unsustainable politically, economically. The U.S. must reinvest in agriculture development, organize institutions to address food challenge, re-examine food policies and consider global compact that eliminates food tariffs for poorest.

By Joe Biden

The Miami Herald; biden.senate.gov 2008-05-23

Seafood labels don't always match product, DNA shows

In survey of 60 seafoods at New York sushi restaurants and seafood markets, a quarter of labels didn't match product, young researchers learn from newly available DNA analysis. Genetic fingerprinting technique, used by one sleuth's dad in his work with birds, showed that one fish labeled as white tuna was really tilapia, and in another case, red snapper was cod.

By John Schwartz

The New York Times 2008-08-21

Food no longer included in price of many United Airlines tickets

United Airlines plans October price hike to $9 for boxes containing salads and sandwiches on longer flights and won't offer free snacks on flights of two to three hours. Airline also will charge for meals on most flights to Europe. Price of jet fuel has jumped 52 percent during the past year; industry's combined losses could reach $10 billion this year.

By Mary Schlangenstein

bloomberg.com 2008-08-19

Raw milk suspected in food-borne illness

California organic dairy stops selling raw milk through cow-share program after customer develops symptoms of campylobacter infection and is hospitalized. And: As demand for raw milk grows, federal government increases efforts to reduce availability over concerns of food-borne illnesses, though states regulate the industry (click 'See also').

By Nicholas Grube

The Daily Triplicate 2008-08-16

See also

San Jose says no to temporary ban on new fast food outlets

As fast-food ban sponsor recovers from childbirth, city council panel colleagues nix her proposal, saying one-year ban on new fast-food outlets would stifle economic development and hurt small businesses in San Jose. And: Food zoning as anti-obesity measure is paternalistic and wrong, says columnist (click 'See also').

The Associated Press; The Mercury News (CA) 2008-08-21

See also

Opinion: Retailers as food safety watchdogs

Stricter food safety standards by retailers is a welcome development. Retailers have both the clout to compel high standards and better tracking in agriculture and a direct reason to care, since they're the consumer's best chance of being compensated for food poisoning under product liability laws.

The editors

Los Angeles Times 2008-08-19

FDA OKs bacteria-killing radiation for lettuce, spinach

FDA approves irradiation of iceberg lettuce, fresh spinach in effort to reduce incidence of e.coli, salmonella and listeria and to lengthen shelf life without nutrient compromise. Dole Foods is considering process. Consumer safety group wants growers to document manure use and ensure safety of irrigation water, which is suspect in summer salmonella outbreak.

By Lauran Neergaard

The Associated Press; Newsweek 2008-08-21

Fourteenth case of mad cow in Canada

Fourteenth case of mad cow confirmed in Canada. Latest case occurred in six-year-old beef cow; officials say it did not reach food chain. In 1997, government banned practice of feeding the herbivores protein from brains and spines of infected cattle or sheep. The material was still allowed in pig and poultry feed until July 2007.

Reuters

The Star (Canada) 2008-08-15

Six months after nation's biggest beef recall

Reasons behind nation's largest beef recall still mysterious, since officials say health risk was 'vanishingly small.' USDA is auditing nation's slaughterhouses to determine whether abuse, slaughter of downer cows was isolated; it also is considering criminal charges. It has filed claim against Westland/Hallmark president for $67.2 million, the estimated price of recall.

By Ben Goad

The Press-Enterprise (CA) 2008-08-16

Pay cut for uneven performance at ConAgra Foods

ConAgra Foods CEO compensation down 41 percent to $7.9 million in 2008 fiscal year. Board cites uneven performance and blames commodity costs and two recalls: pot pie and peanut butter. Company shifting focus to packaged items, including Healthy Choice, Chef Boyardee and Egg Beaters.

By Christopher Leonard

The Associated Press; The Boston Globe 2008-08-15

As fuel prices rise, so does cost of dirt

As oil prices rise, dirt no longer cheap, nor are dirt bags, since plastic is a petroleum product. Potting mix ingredients come from all corners of the world and are vulnerable to rising freight costs. Fewer housing starts mean less shredded bark, which pushes prices up; fertilizer, too is in great demand by farmers growing corn for ethanol.

By Joel Achenbach

The Washington Post 2008-08-17

Farm economy booms in nation's midwest

Farm country economy buoyed by food price hikes and low interest rates - land prices have doubled in three years and sales of pickup trucks and farm equipment are booming - despite cost increases for fertilizer and fuel. Some worry that robustness could be bubble, and remember the early '80s bust.

By Neil Irwin

The Washington Post 2008-08-20

Fruit juices affect medicine effectiveness, study shows

Orange juice, apple juice change absorption rates of several medicines, which means that glass of water is the best chaser, says researcher. For nearly 20 years, physicians have warned against interaction of grapefruit juice and some drugs.

By Kathleen Doheny

HealthDay; The Washington Post 2008-08-19

Dead zones multiplying with agricultural pollution

Ocean's dead zones, where fish can't survive because of nitrogen- and phosphorous-laden fertilizer runoff and burning of fossil fuels, now cluster along eastern coastal U.S., endangering ecosystem, new study finds. One such zone in 1976 cost region's fisheries $500 million-plus. And: Dead zones are paradox of American agriculture: richness on fields, death in the water.

By David Biello

Scientific American 2008-08-15

See also

Opinion: Thinking inside the box, and green

Wine producers everywhere need to follow Italy's lead and deliver better wine in a box. With U.S. poised to become largest market, consumers need to demand the switch to lighter packaging. It's the environmental and affordable thing to do. Once open, a box preserves wine for about four weeks, compared to a day or two for a bottle.

By Tyler Colman

The New York Times 2008-08-17

Scarcity forces Spain to reconsider its water policy

As agriculture, large-scale irrigation, market competition and climate change fuel 'water war,' Spain reconsiders its water policy. Farmers, who use 80 percent of the country's water and now irrigate historically arid crop of olives to boost production, are blamed for tapping up to 1.5 million illegal wells. Desalination offers some hope.

By Christine Spolar

Chicago Tribune 2008-08-18

Opinion: Toward food security in Latin America

Latin America is major food producer, but sometimes must import to prevent shortages. Political left turn was tied to food problem - Brazil's 'Zero Hunger' plan, Argentina's price controls, Venezuela's land reform. Assuring food security must avoid protectionism and requires new international regime of free trade for agricultural commodities.

By Khatchik Der Ghougassian

Journal of Turkish Weekly 2008-08-18

Eating beans reduces risk of diabetes, study shows

Diet rich in legumes - peanuts, soybeans and other beans - reduces risk of type 2 diabetes by nearly 40 percent, study indicates. High intake of soybeans linked to 47 percent risk reduction. Study used food-frequency questionnaires to chart health of 64,227 middle-aged Chinese women for about 4.6 years.

By Stephen Daniells

Food Navigator 2008-01-08

New weedkiller touted for Roundup-resistant weeds

As horseweed, Palmer amaranth, johnsongrass and other weeds develop resistance to Monsanto's Roundup, Arkansas farmers pin hopes on Bayer CropScience LibertyLink soybeans. New soybeans will be resistant to Ignite, a potent weedkiller. And: EPA classifies active ingredient, glufosinate ammonium, as 'persistent' and 'mobile' (click 'See also').

By David Bennett

Delta Farm Press 2008-08-13

See also

Rice farmers' suits against biotech firm denied class-action status

Rice farmers' suits against maker of biotech rice too dissimilar to consolidate into class-action, judge rules. After Bayer CropScience's Liberty Link rice contaminated public food supply in 2006, mostly likely from plot at Louisiana State University, some countries temporarily banned U.S. rice exports, drying up foreign markets and causing drop in U.S. rice price.

The Associated Press; International Herald Tribune 2008-08-14

Track team members battled possible food-borne bug during Olympics training

Food poisoning suspected in pre-Olympics illnesses of 15 percent of about 150 American athletes on track team in town outside of Beijing. Events official says he was told illnesses were 'normal stomach bugs' and not out of the ordinary for an international trip.

By Gina Kolata and Jason Stallman

The New York Times 2008-08-16

USDA, Congress bicker over farm size threshold for payouts

Farm/food bill architects in Congress say that proposed USDA rule would cut out payments to small-acreage farmers by ignoring 'statement of intent' that accompanied law. But USDA says Congress debated provision that would have aggregated acreage to qualify for payments but removed it to save $34 million over five years.

By Aliya Sternstein

CQ 2008-08-13

Opinion: OPEC-like grains group could stabilize volatile market

nutraingredients.com

It's time to apply lessons from energy sector to food policies and create an OPEC-like group for grain. As biofuels cropland demand increases and climate change alters global harvests, Organization of Grain Exporting Countries could regulate grain stocks - and institutionalize food as a human right. And: Russia plans to form state grain trading company (click 'See also').

By Mike Stones

nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2008-08-11

See also

Niche farmers find profit and links to pastoral past

It's a good time to start a small farm, based on organic farming popularity, growing awareness of food sources, say entrepreneurs, experts. Profit requires time, niche product such as truffles or natural meats; good target is annual sales of less than $10,000, so don't quit the day job.

By Brent Bowers

The New York Times 2008-08-06

Senate committee urges restoration of pesticide, fertilizer usage survey

After protests from industry, environmental groups, Senate committee urges that USDA restore funding for surveying pesticide, fertilizer application on U.S. farms. But official says that without additional funding, $8 million program won't return. Higher standard would be implementing California's exacting reporting requirements nationally, says researcher.

By Erika Engelhaupt

American Chemical Society 2008-07-30

In Honduras, both biotech and hard-scrabble farming

Genetic engineering comes to Honduras corn fields, and country distributes seed, fertilizer to supplement pricey imported corn, rice. And: Transformation from farmer to agricultural entrepreneur in Honduras and other developing countries begins with seeds, fertilizer but requires decent roads, irrigation and help in using technology (click 'See also').

By Dan Charles

National Public Radio/Morning Edition 2008-08-07

See also

Opinion/Blog: Monsanto dairy hormone business for sale

After shoppers and businesses shun biotech hormone that increases milk yields, agribusiness giant Monsanto looks to sell its Posilac business. Company says it will focus on its genetically modified seed. And: Sale of business means sale of Georgia facility, which employs 200 (click 'See also').

By David Biello

Scientific American 2008-08-07

See also

Slaughterhouse has contentious history with USDA

Nebraska Beef, an Omaha meatpacker recalling 1.2 million pounds of beef - including some from Whole Foods - has history of food-safety and other violations and has fought USDA over plant shutdowns. Last month, it recalled more than 5 million pounds of beef. And: For recall, click 'See also.'

By Annys Shin and Ylan Q. Mui

The Washington Post 2008-08-08

See also

Shoppers lose, agribusiness wins on high grain prices

Processed food makers, meatpackers raise prices, shrink packages while ranchers thin herds to pass high grain, energy prices on to shoppers; 'sticker shock' in meat case predicted. Food service suppliers look to shorten contracts. Stock prices are up for fertilizer maker Mosaic, biotech (GMO) seed creator Monsanto and farm equipment supplier Deere & Co.

By Scott Kilman

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-08-08

No protection for coho salmon, logging regulator decides

Reflecting industry ties, California forestry board turns down emergency salmon protection bid. Board regulates logging on private land. Coastal coho salmon numbers have plunged 73 percent since last year and may be near extinction. And: Logging and conversion of timberland have harmed coho salmon, fisheries group says (click 'See also').

McClatchy Newspapers/The Guardian (UK) 2008-08-07

See also

Opinion: Our right to know nutrition information

Obesity is a public health disaster and is threatening our children. About half of Americans' food budget is spent at restaurants. If we can force oil companies to tell us octane level of fuel for our cars, surely we can demand that fast-food and restaurant chains tell us what we're putting into our bodies.

By Harold Goldstein and Eric Schlosser

Los Angeles Times 2008-08-05

As economy slows, sales of alcohol go up in Iowa

As economy struggles, wine, liquor and beer sales rise in Iowa. Treasury gathered $87.6 million for the 12 months ending June 30, up 3.7 percent from year earlier. Most of the money went to general fund, for education, environmental protection, welfare and public safety; 16 percent goes to substance abuse programs.

By William Petroski

The Des Moines Register 2008-08-04

Opinion: Illegal workers and employer demands

Court papers show that Agriprocessors' human-resources employee helped distribute false green cards to Iowa slaughterhouse workers. In 2006, Swift official was charged with harboring illegals and failing to report crime after meatpacking raid. Companies seem to rely on a mid-level manager to create bogus documents, then claim ignorance.

By Rekha Basu

The Des Moines Register 2008-08-03

Alone on the Nile, fisherman's worries drift away

Development encroaches on Qorsaya island in the Nile, long home for fisherman, his two wives and their 13 children, at least one grown and a fisherman like his dad. 'If you ask me to choose between eating food or drinking from the Nile, I choose the Nile. I can't describe the value of the Nile. There are no words.'

By Jeffrey Fleishman

Los Angeles Times 2008-08-03

Look for more information on food packaging

Country-of-origin labels required by Sept. 30 for beef, chicken, fresh produce, frozen fruits and vegetables and other products; restaurants exempt. In hint on price shoppers may pay, retailers' costs about 7 cents a pound for beef and 4 cents a pound for pork. Ground meat labels must list all countries of origin or list of all reasonably possible countries of origin (click 'See also').

By Michael Doyle

Mcclatchy-Tribune; The Houston Chronicle 2008-08-01

See also

Stinging reminder of overfishing, pollution, takes over beaches

Jellyfish unwelcome residents at beaches worldwide after severe overfishing removes their predators (tuna, sharks, swordfish) and food competitors, and pollution saps oxygen needed for other predators to thrive in coastal shallows. Their presence signals declining health of the world's oceans, scientists say. And: Jellyfish could take place of fish with chips (click 'See also').

By Elisabeth Rosenthal

The New York Times 2008-08-03

See also

Potato chip makers agree to reduce carcinogen in products

Potato chip producers agree to reduce carcinogen - acrylamide - in their chips over three years and pay penalties to settle California lawsuit. Accord means a 20 percent cut for Frito-Lay products, 87 percent cut for Kettle Chips, and warning label on Cape Cod Robust Russets. And: FDA tells home cooks to reduce chemical by not over-browning potatoes (click 'See also').

By Bob Egelko

San Francisco Chronicle 2008-08-02

See also

Opinion: Bottom-feeding kosher slaughterhouse, immigration disgrace

Iowa slaughterhouse workers treatment is disgrace. Bush administration abandoned mercy and proportionality, devised new, harsher traps for illegal workers. By treating desperate employees as criminal class, government is attempting to inflate illegals' menace to level that justifies its rabid efforts to capture and punish them. And: Immigrants' stories (click 'See also').

The editors

The New York Times 2008-08-01

See also

Opinion: Has food industry learned lesson over salmonella losses?

There's too much we don't know about what we eat, and food industry is largely to blame. After 9/11, food industry spent $2.6 million lobbying against stronger food safety rules that would have required source tracing. Bush administration backed business; this season, tomato growers alone lost $250 million so far in salmonella outbreak.

The editors

Reno Gazette-Journal (NV) 2008-07-28

Coffee, soda, tea may, may not be free on US Airways

Some flight attendants balk at collecting $1 and $2 for coffee and sodas on US Airways; assertive passengers likely to still score free non-alcoholic drinks. New policy is expected to make $500 million yearly and help offset rising fuel prices, spokesperson says.

Bloomberg News; The New York Times 2008-08-01

Opinion: Feeding hungry planet begins with freer trade

Collapse of trade talks indicates revolution in way we see economics of agriculture, and it should be reflected in freer trade. It's time for U.S. to let markets and need determine what farmers grow and how they farm - and lead by example. And: Doha failed after U.S., India and China couldn't agree on farmer protections in developing countries (click 'See also').

By Victor Davis Hanson

The New York Times 2008-08-01

See also

Projecting cost of near-universal obesity expected in U.S. by 2030

Obesity, already public health crisis, likely to cost $956.9 billion by 2030 if epidemic grows at current rate, researchers suggest. More than 86 percent of population projected to be overweight or obese by then, including 96 percent of black women and 91 percent of Mexican-American men. Analysis shows that, over time, heavy Americans become heavier.

By Natalie Wood-Wright

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health 2008-07-28

Fructose linked to fast fat production in humans

Fat build-up, triglyceride surge greater from fructose consumption than other sugars, small study reports. Researchers also note that fat was created from fructose by liver within four hours of consumption, which means that the next meal's fat is more likely to be stored. Fat synthesis may be revved up in overweight, obese patients.

By Stephen Daniells

nutraingredients.com 2008-07-25

Increasing drug prescriptions for children's diet-related diseases

Though childhood obesity best treated by diet and exercise, data suggest that several hundred thousand children now taking medicines to treat its eventual complications, with greatest increase in Type 2 diabetes drugs. Many patients live in neighborhoods without grocery stores and attend schools that have no physical education programs. And: Series on childhood obesity (click 'See also').

By Stephanie Saul

The New York Times 2008-07-26

See also

Conserved land won't be released without penalty, USDA says

Conservation program land won't be released for planting without penalty because of good harvest projections and because many farmers have already paid their way out of program, returning 288,726 acres to farming, USDA says. Decision disappoints bakers and livestock owners, who face high grain costs; hunters, conservationists pleased.

By Andrew Martin

The New York Times 2008-07-30

Opinion: With malnutrition on rise, city needs plan

When one in eight families who bring children to Maryland emergency room are undernourished, there's growing need for nutrition programs. Baltimore officials are right to urge physicians to screen young patients for malnutrition and refer families to food pantries. But encouraging families to get help isn't enough; city needs a plan.

The editors

The Baltimore Sun 2008-07-18

Processed food industry spends $1.6 billion to target children

www2.kelloggs.com

Some Kellogg's Eggo products advertised for sale a pirate bandana 'like the one worn by Jack Sparrow' in a 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie.

Pitches for sodas, restaurant items, boxed cereals led $1.6 billion in spending to sell processed food items to children in 2006, FTC report says. Beyond that 63 percent, $860 million aimed for children 12 and younger; $1 billion was directed at adolescents. And: In 1999, candy and snack ad spending was $1 billion; USDA spent $333 million on nutrition education, evaluation, and demonstrations (click 'See also').

By Bob Dart

Cox News Service/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2008-07-29

See also

Diet, exercise first presciption for pre-diabetes

Use diet, physical activity to treat pre-diabetes, endocrinologists say in issuing guidelines for diagnosing metabolic syndrome. Group calls for training primary-care doctors in helping patients with lifestyle changes. 'Most doctors don't know how to deal with this,' says research director. And: More children taking drugs related to childhood obesity (click 'See also').

By Mary Brophy Marcus

USA Today 2008-07-22

See also

FDA warns of toxin in Maine lobster liver

Eat Maine lobster, but leave the tomalley - the soft green liver - says FDA. Red tide in Atlantic waters from Canada to South Carolina may have deposited toxin that could cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. And: Florida lawmakers push for red tide research (click 'See also').

The Associated Press; U.S. News & World Report 2008-07-28

Balancing act for students cuts food waste, energy use

Trayless dining, which cuts food waste up to 50 percent and reduces water, energy use, catches on at universities.Then, there's pleasing the students: 79% of the 92,000 students surveyed this spring said they supported move. And: In Maine, colleges also compost, and buy in bulk (click 'See also').

By Bruce Horovitz

USA Today 2008-07-23

See also

Opinion: Time for more spending on food stamps

Congress must write stimulus plan with more spending for food stamps and more direct aid to states and local governments. Food aid helps most vulnerable Americans; food stamps are spent quickly and in full. Direct aid to states and localities reaches Medicaid recipients and others, and extra money is passed on.

The editors

The New York Times 2008-07-27

Agribusiness group protects ethanol, pushes biotech

As their profits soar, agribusiness giants form group to protect ethanol subsidies and to push for genetically modified crops so renewable fuels won't cut into global food supplies. In the opposing corner: food producers in U.S. lobbying to get ethanol subsidies scrapped or reduced.

By Doug Cameron

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-07-25

Parents most worried about child obesity, poll shows

Obesity now tops list of parent concerns, study shows. Drug abuse, smoking, bullying are runners-up; environmental toxins and lack of opportunity for physical activity finish off the top 10 list. Researchers saw priorities change depending on race, income or whether children were living at home, indicating no universal approach to problems, says physician. And: Slide show of obesity trends across the U.S. (click 'See also').

By Krista Hopson

University of Michigan 2008-07-14

See also

Grain costs hound world's largest meat processor

Tyson Foods

Tyson wrestles with costs of grain in chicken farming and ingredients for processed and pre-cooked items. Tyson has raised prices, closed a Kansas factory, cut 1,500 jobs. It also faced bird-flu scare, floods in Midwest and was required by USDA to pull a 'raised without antibiotics' label off some chickens (Tyson is suing over decision). And: corn price was 69 percent higher on average during the quarter than a year earlier (click 'See also').

By David Benoit

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-07-28

See also

Iowa slaughterhouse raid netted under-age workers

Teens found working at kosher slaughterhouse during immigration raid; afterward, they described labor violations that could result in criminal charges, lawyers say. And: Demonstrators expected in Iowa to protest immigrant treatment at Agriprocessors; Jewish groups debate buying their meat, labeled Aaron's Best and Aaron's Choice. (click 'See also').

By Julia Preston

The New York Times 2008-07-27

See also

Former ag secretary on VP list for Obama

UNICEF

Ann Veneman, former agriculture secretary to George Bush, floated as possible Obama running mate. Veneman was seen as experienced leader but often clashed with Democrats on regulation and over expanding subsidies for small farmers. She led administration's mad cow response; light U.S. testing has led to continuing barriers for American beef exports.

By Amie Parnes and Ben Smith

Politico 2008-07-25

Mississippi River oil spill delays grain exports

Coast Guard opens Mississippi River to limited traffic two days after oil spill; some nearby suburbs find another source for drinking water; fate of fish unknown. And: Between 55 percent and 65 percent of all U.S. corn, soybean and wheat exports leave from the Gulf of Mexico (click 'See also').

By Adam Nossiter

The New York Times 2008-07-25

See also

Exploring the 500 genes behind taste, smell

Smell, taste experts gather to share latest research, insights to these intimately connected senses that are perceived so differently among individuals. One new tool: the olfactometer. It dispenses puffs of scented air, then judges ability to name a smell; to distinguish one odor from a slightly different one; and to find the threshold of scent detection. And: Asthma drug restores sense of smell for some (click 'See also').

By Sabin Russell

San Francisco Chronicle 2008-07-25

See also

Rejected EPA report says greenhouse gases put public at risk

Democratic senators say administration-rejected EPA report declares that greenhouse gases endanger public welfare. It forecasts worse heat waves, more strain on scarce water sources, worse flooding and erosion, more stress on damaged ecosystems. And: EPA administrator refuses to grant Dems' request to appear at hearing on climate change inaction (click 'See also).

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2008-07-25

See also

Corn, soybean seed sales push DuPont earnings up

Strong demand for corn, soybeans (click 'See also'), pushes DuPont quarterly earnings higher than expected. Its $9 billion revenue aided by global agriculture boom, which offset weak performance in housing, automotive markets. Delaware-based chemical company sells genetically modified seeds, other agriculture products.

By Euan Rocha

Reuters 2008-07-22

See also

After deluges, delayed harvests and spare farmers' markets

Cool, wet weather delays peak harvest, breeds soil fungus, bloats berries and melons and proves treacherous for farm equipment - but on bright side, irrigation not required. Farmers counsel patience and explain to customers the unpredictability of agriculture.

By Jenna Johnson

The Washington Post 2008-07-25

Moist summer days forecast - over Midwest corn fields

In Midwest, vast fields of crops release moisture into the air, causing pockets of humidity. Dew points, a measure of moisture, may soon reach near 80 in sections of Missouri and Iowa--a level most often associated with tropical rain forests.

By Tom Skilling

Chicago Tribune 2008-07-25

Bird, bee-killing pesticide banned over toddler safety risk

Citing safety risk to toddlers, EPA bans residue of carbofuran. It's used mostly in developing countries on rice, bananas, coffee, sugar cane, corn, potatoes, soybeans and alfalfa. It kills bees and, over last 40 years, it has killed millions of wild birds, including golden and bald eagles, red-tailed hawks and migratory songbirds, environmental groups say.

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2008-07-25

Fast-food chain may hike prices of dollar menu

McDonald's likely to raise prices on dollar menu items, which are 14 percent of U.S. sales. Franchisees bear the rising costs of commodities; dollar menu limits revenues. One target: double cheeseburger (cheese prices to rise 21 percent). And: double cheeseburger holds 440 calories, 210 from fat; 34 grams of carbohydrates and 1,150 milligrams of sodium (click 'See also').

By Mike Hughlett

Chicago Tribune 2008-07-24

See also

Jalapeños show matching salmonella strain

After 1,251 reported illnesses, FDA finds Saintpaul salmonella match in Mexican hot peppers, but contamination source unclear. And: North Carolina recalls jalapeño peppers and Hass avocados for Orangeburg salmonella (click 'See also').

By Bina Venkataraman

The New York Times 2008-07-21

See also

As ocean warms, catch of the day changes in Scottish waters

As ocean warms, octopus appear in Scottish seas lobster traps and might be eating the more lucrative catch; their price drops to that of cod. Squid, deep-sea John Dory fish, red blenny and Japanese skeleton shrimp among those invading - others have hitched rides on ship hulls.

By Paul Kelbie

The Observer (UK) 2008-07-20

Writing away obesity, related illness, with food diary

In study, those who kept food diary lost twice as much weight as those who didn't. Other aids: low-fat diet high in produce, weekly support sessions, moderate exercise. Losing nine pounds each would vastly decrease U.S. rates of hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and stroke, says researcher. And: At senate hearing, childhood obesity called 'medical emergency' (click 'See also').

The Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente 2008-07-08

See also

Debate over paring EU produce quality standards

EU debates produce grading - cucumber's maximum arc, refractive ability of a peach, 29 pages on quality standards for onions. Some favor stringency since shoppers aren't allowed to touch merchandise, but agriculture commissioner wants regulations pared, citing waste, food prices and bureaucracy.

By John Ward Anderson

The Washington Post 2008-07-08

See also

'Funding effect' shapes questions asked in studies

Controversy over risks of BPA, a leaching chemical in some food containers, shows divergence in results of industry- and government-sponsored research because funding sources shape questions asked, data gathered and definitions used. De-linking sponsorship and research is crucial to credibility.

By David Michaels

The Washington Post 2008-07-15

Commodity yields abroad thwarted by politics, poverty

Politics, poverty hinder farmers' yields abroad. Farmhands in Ukraine scavenge junked equipment to keep their ancient tractors and combines running. And: Argentina senate votes against government's new tax on grain exports; the issue has paralyzed country's rich agriculture sector (click 'See also').

By Greg Burns, Alex Rodriguez and Oscar Avila

Chicago Tribune 2008-07-18

See also

Planting for a Slow Food Labor Day celebration

Alice Waters leads 150 in planting of updated version of a World War II victory garden at San Francisco's Civic Center. Slow Food Nation Victory Garden will be centerpiece of the group's conference over Labor Day weekend. Produce will be distributed to local charities.

San Francisco Chronicle 2008-07-13

Linking produce availability to hypertension risk

Better access to healthful foods, walkable streets and recreational areas and sense of community reduces residents' risk of high blood pressure, study shows. Links diminished when researchers factored in the 2,612 participants' race and ethnicity.

Reuters 2008-07-15

EPA sees possible water shortages, more food-, water-borne disease

Climate change may bring water shortages in West and increased spread of diseases contracted through food and water, as well as heat waves, hurricanes and increased death rates in inner city, EPA says. And: Oil industry arguments helped block regulations on greenhouse gases (click 'See also').

By David A. Fahrenthold and Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2008-07-18

See also

Starbucks coffee cafes to go

Starbucks reveals the 600 stores that will be closed after information begins to leak out. Stores targeted are across the country and in diverse locales - inside malls, near beaches, in college towns. Seattle is scheduled to lose seven cafes. For list, click 'See also.'

By Janet Adamy

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-07-18

See also

Obesity epidemic worsens nationwide

CDC

Obesity rates rise to one in four in 2007 and above 30 percent in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, CDC says. And: U.S. spends $2 trillion annually on health care; per capita cost of many effective community-based disease prevention programs is less than $10 (click 'See also') and could save more than $16 billion in five years.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2008-07-18

See also

Avoiding food-borne illness

Of the estimated 76 million cases of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. each year, a majority occur in restaurants. To reduce risk if food source is unknown, follow CDC's common-sense precautions (click 'See also') used for travel in developing countries (which, paradoxically, also export foods to U.S.); eat only at restaurants that passed local health inspections.

By Laura H. Kahn

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 2008-07-16

See also

Drug marketing guidelines include feeding physicians

Breakfast, lunch and fancy restaurant dinners still allowed under pharmaceutical industry's new voluntary guidelines for drug marketing campaigns. In 2002, industry banned "dine and dash" events where they provided free take-out dinners and other gifts to doctors who listened to sales pitches.

By Gardiner Harris

The New York Times 2008-07-10

Using what's flushed for fertilizer, fuel

As fertilizer and energy prices rise with concern for environment and food security, push to reform sanitation gains global currency. Ecological sanitation spurs new farming practices, fuels stoves and creates awareness: Why taint 4,000 gallons of potable water per person, per year, with a relatively small amount of pathogenic material - primarily feces?

By Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow

The Boston Globe 2008-07-13

Mighty appetite leaves school pantry bare

Elephant breaks into elementary school pantry in India, and in 45 minutes, consumes enough rice, lentils, potatoes and salt to feed students for a month. Animal also broke 250 eggs. About 250 children attend the school, mainly on the promise of a good meal.

The Telegraph (Calcutta, India) 2008-07-13

Poverty measure proposal reflects cheaper food

New federal poverty measure proposal accounts for diminished role of food in household spending (down from one third, in 1969, to one-eighth). New measurement includes spending on food, clothing, shelter, transportation, utilities, medical expenses and food stamps or housing subsidies. Measure determines eligibility for public assistance.

By Keith B. Richburg

The Washington Post 2008-07-14

Opinion: Terror for undocumented slaughterhouse workers

Aftermath of immigration raid at Iowa kosher meat processing house shows abuse of undocumented immigrants. Slaughterhouse workers were charged as serious criminals and shackled at the wrists, waist and ankles; most sentenced to five months in prison, sending their families deeper into poverty. And: essay from eyewitness (click 'See also').

The editors

The New York Times 2008-07-13

See also

EPA sets new rules for fumigant pesticide use

New soil fumigant restrictions, including buffer zones and community outreach efforts, set to protect farm workers, bystanders from pesticide exposure. The poison, which is injected or incorporated into soil, is used primarily on potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, carrots and peppers.

EPA 2008-07-10

UK wildlife protection means water price hike

Price for household water headed up for Brits after review shows environmental damage to rivers, wetlands and habitats and threats to wildlife. One water company, required to cut by half the amount it takes from a river supplying 740,000 people in summer, must find alternative source.

By Juliette Jowit

The Guardian (UK) 2008-07-12

USDA to list stores that receive some recalled meat, poultry

USDA will in August begin listing retail stores receiving meat and poultry products recalled for serious concerns to public health at www.fsis.usda.gov. Retail stores include supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, meat markets, wholesale clubs and supercenters. Agency won't identify distribution centers, institutions or restaurants.

USDA 2008-07-11

USDA considers conserved acres for more corn

USDA decision expected soon on whether millions of acres it rents from farmers to maintain soil, wildlife habitat, grasslands, trees, wetlands and buffer areas along streams and rivers can be plowed for corn crop without penalty. Amid rising food prices, last year's corn crop was used for ethanol; Congress has mandated increased ethanol use this year.

By Joel Achenbach

The Washington Post 2008-07-11

See also

Manufacturers retain original prices but reduce quantities

Processed food manufacturers pass along price hikes of fuel and raw ingredients by shrinking product quantity inside packaging. Called short-sizing, it's why a 'pound' of coffee now weighs 10 ounces. Best way to shop: Pay attention; compare unit prices.

By David Ushery and Alex Johnson

MSNBC 2008-07-07

Seeking heirloom grapes in Italy's abandoned vineyards

After population's mid-century exodus to urban Italy, grape vines tended for centuries were left to run wild. Now, vineyard sleuth in Alpine valley works to save grape varietals from extinction, to bring them back to cultivation and, finally to turn them into wine.

By Aaron Maines

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-07-04

Opinion: Tracing food, from farm to fork

Salmonella outbreak suspected in salsa ingredients shows it's time to put existing technology to work, tracing foods from the fields to the dinner table. Congress must protect our food supply by linking traceability with mandatory recall authority in current globalization bill under consideration.

The editors

The Washington Post 2008-07-08

In letter, FDA calls high-frucose corn syrup 'natural'

In reversal, FDA declares high-fructose corn syrup 'natural' after reviewing documents provided by manufacturer. Sugar lobby disagrees; consumer group points out that chemical bonds are broken and rearranged to create the corn-based sweetener and complains that FDA stance was announced via letter, informally. To read letter, click 'See also.'

By Laura Crowley

Food Navigator 2008-07-08

See also

Loophole may hide true levels of e.coli in slaughterhouses

Loophole allows meat companies to move e.coli-contaminated meat found during processing into the 'cook only' category without telling USDA. Some inspectors say practice conceals higher levels of bacteria in packing plants than the companies admit. School lunch program bought 2.8 million pounds of cooked beef in 2006.

By Stephen J. Hedges

Chicago Tribune; The Seattle Times 2007-11-11

Health regulators push against raw milk movement

As popularity of raw milk grows, state regulators fine small dairies for minor violations, obtain search warrants and push for restrictive laws. FDA backs the efforts but CDC reports show that about 59 people became ill from raw milk each year, compared to 14 million who contract other food-borne illnesses each year. And: Undercover agents entrap dairy farmers (click 'See also').

By David E. Gumpert

The Nation. 2008-03-05

See also

A primer on factors behind food prices

Global food market is a messy amalgam of international markets for specific foods, each reacting independently and swayed by popularity of biofuels, growing middle class, dysfunctional trade and aid policies, weather, dwindling farmland, market speculation, energy prices and decline of the dollar.

By Lee Hudson Teslik

Council on Foreign Relations 2008-06-30

Opinion: Not feeding the hungry is a moral issue

From our efficient, automated food stamp program, we have learned that current benefits run out the third week of every month. Price tag of hunger to American society is about $90 billion a year; ending hunger in U.S. would cost $10-12 billion a year. What added moral hazard could a full month of eating create?

By Michael Gerson

The Washington Post 2008-07-09

Opinion: Backing crop research to fight hunger

In fighting hunger, basic crop research pays. The U.S. needs a substantial, renewed commitment to CGIAR, the consortium of internationally funded and staffed crop-research centers around the world. And: America must rebuild, not destroy collaborative research, says father of first 'Green Revolution' (click 'See also').

The editors

The Washington Post 2008-07-09

See also

Salmonella outbreak continues growth

Salmonella outbreak now largest in U.S., with more than 1,000 cases CDC says. Agency says to avoid raw red plum, red Roma, round red tomatoes, and products containing these raw tomatoes, and warns elderly, immune-compromised to avoid jalapeno peppers as well.

By Steven Reinberg

HealthDay News; U.S. News & World Report 2008-07-09

Sport fishermen, factory fishing boat workers tangle

Costa Rica launches probe after tuna spotters for industrial seine-fishing boat drop explosives onto or near boats of sport fishermen, and, separately, encircled sport boats with fishing net and yelled threats. And: Industrial trawler fishing (which drags nets along the sea bottom) is main culprit for soaring numbers of dolphin deaths (click 'See also').

By Pete Thomas

Los Angeles Times 2008-07-08

See also

G8's food crisis talks followed by opulent meal

World's leaders feast on multi-course meal after discussions of food price crisis. Sixty chefs were flown in for the occasion, including Michelin-starred Katsuhiro Nakamura. Twenty thousand special police officers provided security; total cost of Hokkaido event was enough to buy 100 million mosquito nets.

By Andrew Grice

The Independent (UK) 2008-07-08

Preventing premature death with good diet

UK plans healthful food promotion after report links poor diet with premature death of 70,000 people each year. Program, which will urge fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced intake of saturated fat, sugar and salt, will begin in hospitals and prisons, then radiate outward. For report, click 'See also.'

By Andrew Sparrow

The Guardian (UK) 2008-07-07

See also

Opinion: G8 and duty to hungry

President Bush's pledge of $5 billion this year and next to fight global hunger is a first step. Leaders at G8 summit must increase aid to poorest countries, lead others to do the same, reduce or ban egregious agricultural and energy subsidies, stop export bans and stockpiling, and halt wrongheaded pursuit of biofuels.

The editors

The New York Times 2008-07-06

See also

Caffeine aids workout recovery, study shows

After workout, drink caffeine and eat carbs to restore muscles and to gain advantage for next contest, study suggests. Subjects who consumed caffeinated drink had higher levels of blood glucose, insulin and signalling proteins (which transport muscle-powering glucose) than those who drank carb-only beverage.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation News 2008-07-02

Jalapeños replace tomatoes in salmonella probe

As U.S. salmonella cases edge toward 1,000 and tomato industry counts losses in hundreds of millions of dollars, health officials refocus salmonella probe. At mostly non-chain restaurants that serve Mexican food, they now are examining jalapeño peppers, serrano peppers and cilantro.

By Jane Zhang and Janet Adamy

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-07-04

Cattle farmers target TB-carrying badgers

www.wildlifetrust.org.uk

With tuberculosis in cattle on the rise, UK farmers want badger population culled, but controversy continues over whether reducing germ-carrying population will reduce incidence of disease (click 'See also'). In 2007, 28,000 cattle were slaughtered because of TB; number likely to reach 40,000 this year.

By James Meikle

The Guardian (UK) 2008-07-05

See also

Biofuels pushed food prices up 75 percent, report says

Secret report says EU, U.S. drive for biofuels pushed food prices up 75 percent, contradicting U.S. assertion that plant-derived fuels contribute less than 3 percent to food-price rises. Biofuels affected prices by diverting grain from food, encouraging farmers to set land aside for biofuel production and by sparking financial speculation in grains.

By Aditya Chakrabortty

The Guardian (UK) 2008-07-04

Treating obesity beyond mere food choices

American Heart Association advocates population-based anti-obesity policy. Plan would address restaurant portion sizes, fast-food outlet placement and plethora of unhealthful food choices, plus infrastructure: sidewalks, playgrounds, nearby jobs, schools and public transportation.

HealthDay News; U.S. News & World Report 2008-06-30

Danes seek clues to salmonella outbreak

In Denmark, sleuths seek cause of salmonella that has sickened up to 4,000; meat product suspected. Experts visit patients, examine refrigerator contents and have been provided electronic files for overview of credit card purchases.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation News 2008-07-02

Ordering farms' halt to use of human antibiotic

FDA orders farmers to stop dosing chickens, cows, pigs and eggs with drug used to treat skin infections, stomach infections and pneumonia in humans. Agency says that overuse will render cephalosporins ineffective in treating human disease.

Bloomberg News; Newsday 2008-07-03

Watermelon benefits, beyond deliciousness

Citrulline in watermelon and its rind relaxes blood vessels and could benefit heart, circulatory and immune systems, researcher reports. Eating the fruit also could help with angina, high blood pressure. But the trick is eating enough: six cups. Also: Watermelon could aid in diabetes treatment (click 'See also').

By Betsy Blaney

The Associated Press; Austin American-Statesman 2008-07-02

See also

Fueling up for the Tour de France

Competitive cyclists, long ago bored with white pasta, hire chefs for high-energy fuel. In time preceding race, team Columbia's German chef, who specializes in cooking for elite athletes, makes oat burgers, quinoa and whole grain rice - a variety of foods not normally found in hotels in rural France.

By Michael Barry

The New York Times 2008-07-03

Food industry losses mount as customers shun tomatoes

As fresh tomato market withers, losses grow along with food industry's anger at government's inability to pinpoint salmonella cause in sprawling food chain. Problems also increase tension between Florida and Mexico, whose growing seasons overlap. Meanwhile, gardeners wait for their own harvests.

By Jane Zhang, Julie Jargon and A.J. Miranda

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-07-01

Nation's biggest polluter resists drinking water, soil cleanups

As concerns grow about toxic chemicals seeping into drinking water and soil, Defense Department resists EPA orders to clean up Fort Meade in Maryland, Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida and McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. Pentagon has about 25,000 contaminated properties in all 50 states. And: EPA's Superfund sites (click 'See also').

By Lyndsey Layton

The Washington Post 2008-06-30

See also

Study links prenatal diet to child's longterm health

Junk food diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding increases child's risk of diet-related disease, study on rats indicates. Offspring had raised levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin, plus harbinger of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. And: In 1986, Barker hypothesis linked adult heart disease to prenatal and early postnatal nutrition (click 'See also').

By Sarah Boseley

The Guardian (UK) 2008-07-01

See also

Starter garden resources for schools, back yards

Though growing season is upon us, resources on tending, weeding, compost making, harvesting and cooking vegetables still available in Chicago. Good starting point is Edible Gardens in Lincoln Park Zoo's Farm-in-the- Zoo, which are garden demonstration models for home and school gardens, and popular field trip destination.

ABC7 News Chicago 2008-06-17

See also

Introducing a new generation to farming

Students tend, sell crops, learn media relations and other modern-day farming skills at California high school's agricultural academy. Also on display: another side of agriculture, with potential for jobs in food safety, technology. Coordinator hopes to grow program and involve more students, particularly girls (click 'See also').

By Eric Anderson

Watsonville Register-Pajaronian (CA) 2008-05-28

See also

Tomato 'repacking' complicates disease tracking

Co-mingling, or repacking, tomatoes from different farms is common practice and a challenging twist to disease sleuths at FDA. It could mean that Mexican tomatoes go to Florida and are sold with tomatoes from Florida. Or box from Florida could easily be refilled with tomatoes from a box from Mexico, and vice versa, says expert. And: sampling of rejected foods from Canada, Mexico and China (click 'See also').

By Sabin Russell

San Francisco Chronicle 2008-06-28

See also

Backyard gardens poisoned across UK, Wales

Gardeners across UK, Wales, warned not to eat homegrown produce if they used Dow herbicide-tainted manure. Extent of problem, which could extend to market gardeners, unknown. Affected crops include potatoes, raspberries, onions, leeks, beans, peas, carrots and salad vegetables, which wither or become deformed.

By Caroline Davies

The Observer (UK) 2008-06-29

Lunch rules stir debate, education board finds

Debate over elementary-, middle-school lunch/snack restrictions halts vote for Illinois education board. The rules aim to curb obesity and encourage good choices; critics say that school districts should be in charge of such decisions.

By Adriana Colindres

GateHouse News Service; Journal Star (Ill.) 2008-06-19

Floods sharpen debate on food prices, conservation, ethanol

Politician urges release of farmers from land conservation/wildlife habitat contracts. Midwest floods have washed out four million acres of farmland, crimping this year's harvest. Critic suggests placing the flooded acreage into conservation programs. And: farmers in flooded areas allowed to graze livestock on conserved land (click 'See also').

By David Streitfeld

The New York Times 2008-06-21

See also

Opinion: Sustainable farming would help prevent flood disasters

Mother Nature may send us gully washers, but we have added to the devastation by draining wetlands, plowing up waterways and planting only corn and soybeans. Sustainable agriculture, with its ethic of conservation and stewardship, can help prevent future catastrophes.

By Denise O'Brien and Larry Harris

The Des Moines Register 2008-06-22

Hunger relief for former inmates in Arizona

Arizona pilot project helps eligible former inmates in targeted ZIP code apply for food stamps, other assistance in attempt to reduce soaring costs of criminal justice. New program seeks to address underlying problems, such as poverty, unemployment, substance abuse and mental illness.

By Amanda J. Crawford and Yvonne Wingett

The Arizona Republic 2008-06-15

Depending on donations in Mumbai

In Mumbai, a charity restaurant sells meals of rice and lentil gruel for a quarter, and broken, drifting men wait outside in rows for donations so they can eat.The city, formerly known as Bombay, has been home to 'hunger cafes,' where the poorest depend on the master's sense of paternalistic obligation.

By Anand Giridharadas

The New York Times 2008-06-17

Flooding adds misery to farmers already paying high feed prices

Four million acres of cropland likely damaged by floods; hog farmers brace for even higher feed prices. Meat producers call for rollback on ethanol mandates, which they say soaks up the corn supply and pushes prices up. As waters rise, some hogs killed after swimming to levee because officials thought hooves would break the plastic on sandbags and cause more flooding.

By Ilan Brat and Joe Barrett

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-06-20

Powering toward the Olympics with simple, natural food

Ham and eggs, sushi rice bars, and other high-protein-carbohydrate mixes fuel Olympic cyclist and allow lingering blood-sugar boost. Next to power in pedaling, nutrition is most important element in cycling performance. Athletes often forget performance boost from real, simple, natural food, says trainer.

By Gretchen Reynolds

The New York Times 2008-06-19

Grocers resist paying fees for food-stamp cards

Iowa struggles to shift responsibility of electronic food stamp card fees to grocers. At seven cents per transaction, state pays retailers $1 million a year for processing the cards, half in state dollars and half in federal spending. More than 250,000 Iowans use the program, and they will spend about $290 million on groceries this year.

By Mike Glover

The Associated Press; Chicago Tribune 2008-06-10

Beijing's voracious thirst taps water supplies for miles around

Villagers trek 12 miles for drinking water after Beijing diverts surrounding towns' supply to support itself and Olympic Games. City is sinking after pumping groundwater from underneath. What happens if dams and infrastructure fail on the way to Beijing? And: Water tables are falling in other areas as well (click 'See also').

By Peter Waldman

Portfolio 2008-06-16

See also

Opinion: Cheap bananas could soon be only a memory

Big Stock Photo

Virulent banana fungus threatens single variety shipped around the world, but big banana companies have been slow to seek cure or diversify crop by preserving little-known varieties that grow in Africa and Asia. That means bananas could become, to our pocketbooks, the exotic luxuries that they are.

By Dan Koeppel

The New York Times 2008-06-18

Rising waters, rising prices, shuttered processed food plants

Corn prices rise with floodwaters, sparking fears of more price hikes in food - especially meat - and fuel. Developing shortage likely to increase competition for corn among farmers, food companies, ethanol refiners, exporters. Flood-submerged roads, rail lines disrupt movement of goods across heartland. And: Iowa floods shut Quaker, Swiss Valley Farms and Penford Products plants (click 'See also').

By Jerry Hirsch and P.J. Huffstutter

Los Angeles Times 2008-06-16

See also

Biotech-free revolution in the rice paddies and harvest of skeptics

In challenge to genetic engineering and old customs, Cornell scientist doubles rice harvests by planting early, giving seedlings more room to grow and calling halt to flooding fields. Critics complain that method increases drudgery of farming and yields are exaggerated, yet agree to field trials for determination.

By William J. Broad

The New York Times 2008-06-17

See also

To cut costs, schools cut out house-baked breads

After operating three years in the red, Washington state school district outsources baking of bread and pizzas and eliminates nine baking positions to cut food costs. As hours drop, employees are required to pay more for health benefits.

By Isolde Raftery

The Columbian (WA) 2008-06-16

Breeding out blight, fighting hunger with chestnuts

ACF

The American chestnut tree once grew from Maine to Florida.

Hybrid disease-resistant chestnut touted as conservationist's dream: easily grown source of food, fuel and rot-resistant building material, says researcher. Chestnut flour predates wheat flour by a thousand years; it can be made into bread or pasta. Mario Batali, chef, says that pigs fed on chestnuts gives pork an intense, woodsy flavor. And: Breeding the blight out (click 'See also').

By Greta Cunningham

Minnesota Public Radio News 2008-06-07

See also

MRSA found in some pork, pigs and some vets

Ten percent of ground pork, pork chops in Ontario study harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria called MRSA, researcher finds; other studies show superbugs in pigs and in some veterinarians. Bacteria not 'important source of disease at this point,' he says. USDA doesn't test for it.

By Thomas M. Burton

The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-06-16

In rising food prices, investors see fields, farms of green

Investors bet on the farm, the fertilizer, the grain elevators and the shipping equipment - 'owning structure.' One, in Africa, plans to consolidate small plots and to provide clinics, schools for farm laborers. But critics worry that these new farmland owners lack passion for work. And: Water infrastructure a popular investment, too (click 'See also').

By Diana B. Henriques

The New York Times 2008-06-05

See also

Food safety system stretched too thin, leader says

Current salmonella-tomato problems point to chronic lack of money and manpower at FDA. Agency reacts, rather than prevents, events. But, say advocates, agency staff has strong sense of mission and sacrifice. Staffers have been known to use their own credit cards to buy suspect products; interrupting vacations or working all night is common.

By John Carey

Business Week 2008-06-13

Taking charge of children's diets, education

Barack Obama, in Father's Day address, builds on message of responsibility for education and nutrition of children, particularly for low-income African American families. Earlier in year, he lectured parents about feeding their children "cold Popeyes" for breakfast, allowing children eight sodas a day, or sending only a bag of potato chips for lunch.

By Julie Bosman

The New York Times 2008-06-16

Opinion: There's plenty of grain to go around

Feeding the hungry with subsidized American corn shipped in American ships may not be best answer. Despite woes, world has never come close to outpacing its ability to produce food. But success depends on portion control, since most grain grown is eaten by livestock, which in turn is eaten by the affluent and also is craved by growing middle class in China and India.

By Donald G. McNeil Jr.

The New York Times 2008-06-15

Rain, chill slow farmers' hopes for bumper corn, soybean crops

In midwest, corn crop drenched in floodwaters, rains delay planting of 17 million acres of soybean fields and cool temperatures hamper growth of what's there. Farmers were counting on big corn and soybean crops to meet the world's demand for grains for food and feedstocks to produce biofuels.

By Christine Stebbins

Reuters 2008-06-13

Bill would create food allergy guidelines for schools

Group pushes legislation that would create uniform food allergy guidelines for schools. Only Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island and Tennessee have statewide allergy plans. About two million school-age children have food allergies; eight foods account for 90 percent of all allergic reactions--peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat.

By Kelley Schoonover

The Associated Press; Greenwich Time (CT) 2008-06-07

Farms face another pest: diesel thieves

California farmers, already weary from concerns with drought, pests, heat and cold, fall victim to thieves who steal diesel fuel to sell to struggling truckers. Heists of fuel follow those of copper in irrigation systems.

By Paul Vercammen

CNN 2008-06-05

Opinion: Pascal Lamy and trade liberalization

Successful tax-reducing talks in Doha, Qatar, could add billions of dollars to earning potential of farmers in developing world, and to that of businesses and workers around the globe by opening rich nations' markets to mostly agricultural goods of poor nations. Triumph or failure may rest with a French bureaucrat.

The editors

The Washington Post 2008-06-11

Opinion: Look past diet-related disease to real problems of poverty

Childhood obesity may be caused from overeating, but more often it signals malnutrition and/or inadequate availability of fresh food in their neighborhoods, or unsafe play spaces, dysfunctional relationships at home, lack of health care, or parents who are uneducated about nutrition principles or time/meal planning.

By Laura Scott

The Kansas City Star 2008-05-30

Farmers squeezed as New Zealand aims for carbon neutrality

As New Zealand works toward carbon-neutral goal, its farmers seethe at proposal to make them the world's first forced to pay if they exceed government-imposed limits on greenhouse gases. Livestock-generated methane and more potent nitrous oxide make up about half the greenhouse gases that New Zealand adds to Earth's air.

By Paul Watson

Los Angeles Times 2008-06-07

Diet-related aids for diabetics

Most important predictor of a heart attack or death for diabetics is a severe hypoglycemic event (blackout or consciousness change) in the previous three months, preliminary analysis of new study finds. Biggest help: lowering cholesterol levels, controlling high blood pressure.

By Thomas H. Maugh II

Los Angeles Times 2008-06-09

Opinion: For future of salmon, stop eating it

Wild salmon collapse sends message: Don't eat it. Farm-raised is no better: Offshore net-cages dot long stretches of the west coast of the Americas. In Chile, overcrowding in those feedlots led to epidemic salmon anemia, fatal to millions of fish; in Canada, which supplies U.S. with 40 percent of its farmed salmon, sea-lice - a type of parasite - breed on farmed fish and then infect wild pink salmon.

By Taras Grescoe

The New York Times 2008-06-09

Senate votes to privatize its food service

Senate votes to allow Restaurant Associates to take over its money-losing, taxpayer-subsidized food service. Senators opposing decision note inconsistency of decrying privatization on Senate floor but supporting it in this case. And: Same firm took House food services green in December 2007. That program makes a profit (click 'See also').

By Paul Kane

The Washington Post 2008-06-09

See also

Drought in California already affecting produce crops

California crops threatened by drought; worst-hit so far is the San Joaquin Valley (click 'See also' for a geographer's rhapsody of the area). Acreage may not be planted, or crops may not receive water when they need it (tomatoes in June, and not September, for instance), which means fewer jobs and higher produce prices.

The Associated Press; CNN 2008-06-05

See also

After the UN summit, a declaration for action against hunger

Food crisis summit declaration seeks 'urgent and coordinated action' but sidesteps U.S.-promoted biofuels and biotechnology. Argentina, Cuba and other Latin American countries wanted document to contain criticism of wealthy nations for farm subsidies and biofuels. Some delegates were skeptical that three days of news conferences and nearly nonstop speeches could lead to true change.

By Andrew Martin

The New York Times 2008-06-06

Food crisis summit

Food crisis summit delegates pledge $1 billion-plus in emergency funds. They also will help small farmers with purchase of fertilizers, seeds, and farm equipment to meet goal of increasing worldwide food production by 50 percent by 2030. Left hanging: impact of biofuels on food prices, lifting trade barriers, farm subsidies.

By Alessio Vinci

CNN 2008-06-05

Salmonella outbreak across nine states

Salmonella cases reported in nine states, with illnesses linked to raw red tomatoes in Texas and New Mexico, officials say. Those 57 cases were caused by an uncommon type of Salmonella bacteria called SaintPaul. Homegrown tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes and tomatoes sold with the vine still attached are not linked to illness.

By Julie Steenhuysen and Will Dunham

Reuters 2008-06-03

See also

Rounding up support for biotech by lobbying lawmakers and government

Monsanto spent $1.3 million in first three months of 2008 to lobby lawmakers and policy officials on the farm/food bill, biotechnology, organic standards, patent reform, theft of agricultural seeds, endangered species, timber and greenhouse gas emissions legislation, international trade and ethanol production. And: About three-fourths of the corn, and about 90 percent of the soybeans planted in U.S. are genetically modified (click 'See also').

The Associated Press; Forbes 2008-05-28

See also

Tyson told to remove antibiotic-free labels

Tyson Foods directed to remove antibiotic-free claim from its chickens by June 18. USDA had approved label in December, but later was told that the company routinely used the antibiotic Gentamicin to prevent illness and death in chicks.

USDA 2008-06-02

Needing science and lacking support

As food crisis deepens and climate change threatens, top scientists in U.S. decry diminished role of science, shortage of federal funding for research and influence of politics on subject. One scientist at recent science summit says that 'persistent misperceptions' about genetically modified foods have led to their underuse or prohibition in needy countries.

By Keith B. Richburg

The Washington Post 2008-05-28

Farms follow labor south of the border

Political standoff over 12 million mostly Mexican illegal immigrants, high land prices and water shortages move American companies to set up farming on more than 45,000 acres of land in three Mexican states, employing about 11,000. But cheaper labor and diesel fuel often are offset by lower productivity and high training costs, especially in food safety.

By Jessica Bernstein-Wax

The Associated Press; Fox News 2008-05-27

Economics of gardening move local food trend to back yards

Planting a garden helps reduce impact of food, fuel costs on family budget. In studies that compared the dollar value of home-grown produce to the cost of the seeds and supplies, the ratio was as high as 17 to 1. Easiest place to start: Grow what you like to eat.

By Betty Cichy

PhillyBurbs.com 2008-05-21

Food, agriculture, climate change and politics

Bush administration appointees at NASA reduced, marginalized, or mischaracterized climate change science for public and in news releases, report finds. Related: Food/agriculture sector of economy produces more than one third of global greenhouse gas emissions, UN agency says (click 'See also').

By Juliet Eilperin

The Washington Post 2008-06-02

See also

Opinion: Plowing a solution to the food crisis

As world grows hungrier, the Conservation Reserve Program, the ethanol mandate and the ban on drilling in the Arctic Natural Wildlife Refuge increasingly are out of step. Arable land is an economic and humanitarian resource. President Bush should tell USDA to set aside the "set asides" and let America's farmers make hay while the sun is shining.

By Ashby M. Foote III

The Clarion-Ledger (MS) 2008-05-25

Workout recovery plan begins with protein, carbohydrates

Best post-workout recovery begins with protein-carbohydrate snack, researcher learns by comparing study of cyclists with those of diabetics. Eating snack within 30 to 45 minutes of strenuous activity prompts muscles to store even more fuel (glucose, which is stored as glycogen) for next workout, and protein helps repair and strengthen muscles.

By Gretchen Reynolds

The New York Times 2008-06-01

Food stamp use rises

Wisconsin food stamp enrollment rises 10 percent in last year, faster than national average. Officials cite rise of 33 percent for a typical basket of groceries; easy online sign-up; and the now-voluntary job-training program. Federal government pays benefits - monthly average was $186.85 in 2007 - but Wisconsin pays half of administrative costs - $24.2 million in the 2007 fiscal year.

By Stacy Forster

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 2008-05-26

Opinion: Leading the fight against childhood obesity

In battling childhood obesity, Steven K. Galson, acting Surgeon General, has made it his mission to gather disparate efforts of parents, schools, and local governments into a unified national campaign. Bush administration should do more to organize those activities and boost their profile.

The editors

The Washington Post 2008-05-24

School lunch and civics lessons

After four months of research and lessons on civic engagement, elementary students persuade principal to change school lunch policy that left them only 10 minutes to eat and no time to visit. As part of federally funded effort, children also met with lunchroom staff and classmates and presented their findings to crowd of teachers and parents.

By Linda Borg

The Providence-Journal (RI) 2008-05-27

Warming climate, lower yields and less water

As water rationing takes hold in California and food price crisis deepens, government forecasts water shortages and reduced food crop yields in next 25 to 50 years. The forecast, a synthesis of 1,000-plus reports, also predicts spread of weeds and insects and decline of native species. For report click 'See also.'

The Associated Press; Los Angeles Times 2008-05-28

See also

Opinion: Trust is prerequisite of biotech acceptance

Genetically modified foods would reduce some effects of global warming, but lack of long-term safety studies and lack of global trust in agri-biotech firms hinders acceptance. Monsanto must show it cares for people and environment more than profit - by paying medical bills of those harmed by its products, cleaning up its environmental disasters, and by dropping the strong-arm tactics with farmers.

By Laura H. Kahn

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 2008-05-14

Childhood obesity plateaus, but can it be reversed?

Awareness, targeted actions could be creating plateau in rates of childhood obesity, but researchers can't be sure. Real question is whether 25-year obesity trend can be reversed, says researcher. 'The rates of obesity in children are so hugely high that without any further increases, the impact of this epidemic will be felt with increasing severity for many years to come.'

By Tara Parker-Pope

The New York Times 2008-05-27

Iowa slaughterhouse workers sentenced

After nearly 400 workers arrested in Iowa raid at meat-processing plant, many face deportation - some, dissolution of families - after pleading guilty to using fake documents so they could work. Because 697 people were on the complaint, many believe government is still hunting about 300 illegal immigrants. And: At hearing, lawmakers, advocates question why plant owners haven't been charged (click 'See also').

By Nigel Duara and Grant Schulte

The Des Moines Register 2008-05-24

See also

Cutting costs for school lunches

To cut costs, school lunch ladies buy in bulk, make their own salad dressings, nix packaged desserts in favor of seasonal fruits, reduce some portion sizes, consider increasing prices for lunch and 'a la carte' items and consider decreasing labor. Schools with more free or reduced lunch students fare better; they get 23 cents toward each paid lunch, $2.07 for each reduced lunch and $2.47 for each free lunch.

By Desiree Hunter

The Associated Press 2008-05-23

Tomato pickers' raise

After vigorous resistance, Burger King agrees to pay raise for Florida tomato pickers. The wage increase, 1.5 cents a pound, covers additional taxes and administrative costs and gives the pickers a 71 percent increase, the first substantial one in decades. Florida tomato growers' group had resisted raise.

By Andrew Martin

The New York Times 2008-05-24

Food aid separated from farm/food bill; farmer payments could grow by billions

Lawmakers say they will take up farm/food bill's trade policy section, which includes international food aid programs, as a separate bill after pages were inadvertently dropped from original version that was OK'd by Congress after president's veto. And: Little-noticed provision of farm/food bill could increase payments to farmers by billions of dollars if high commodity prices fall to more typical levels (click 'See also').

By Jonathan Weisman

The Washington Post 2008-05-23

See also

Processed food firms retool approach to children

Motivated by bad publicity, tougher regulation and costly lawsuits, food companies reduce child-targeted ads for their packaged and processed products and reduce serving sizes for products. Milk sales doubled after McDonald's repackaged milk into brightly decorated plastic jugs. Many schools remain prime settings for introducing their products to children.

By Susan Levine and Lori Aratani

The Washington Post 2008-05-22

Chains' calories, fat grams often undercounted

Many health-conscious foods at Chili's, Taco Bell, Applebee's and other chains contained as much as twice the calories and eight times the fat claimed on published data, investigation shows. Macaroni Grill's 'Pollo Margo Skinny Chicken,' was advertised at 500 calories with 6 grams of fat but had 1,022 calories and 49 grams of fat.

By Isaac Wolf

Scripps Howard News Service 2008-05-21

Farm/food bill mistake

Clerical error omits 35 pages from farm/food bill sent from Congress to President Bush. Mistake may require Congress to re-submit complete bill. White House announced a veto on Wednesday; House then voted, 316-108, to override the veto. Stopgap bill may be needed; the latest short-term extension expires on Friday.

By Charles Abbott

Reuters 2008-05-21

Undermining better lunch efforts

Schools' newly healthful meals thwarted by parents who send oversized bags of chips in lunch boxes, fight bans on cupcakes and object to measuring students' body mass index. And schools undercut their efforts by selling fries, doughnuts and other 'a la carte' items and allowing vending machines. For series, Young Lives at Risk: Our Overweight Children, click 'See also.'

By Lori Aratani

The Washington Post 2008-05-21

See also

Absence of hunger cues

In suburbia, obesity spreads to sedentary children of busy parents who resort to fast food at odd hours, in the car. Counties allocate scant resources to prevention or weight-loss programs; fitness directors see parents dropping children off but know that at home, nothing's changing in the refrigerator. For complete series, Young Lives at Risk: Our Overweight Children, click 'See also.'

By Annie Gowen

The Washington Post 2008-05-20

See also

Downer cattle banned from slaughter

Downer cattle will be banned from slaughter, USDA head says. Change will increase humane handling from producers, transporters and slaughterhouses, he says, since there will no longer be any market for cattle that are unable to rise or walk on their own. Decision comes after video resulted in nation's largest beef recall.

By Ed Schafer

USDA 2008-05-20

Tracking problems to source

Grocer group's team of forensic scientists specializes in fishing clues from fillets and prying confessions from tomato cans, and determining whether the 1,000 cases of foreign items in food each year are prank, error or sabotage. Lab is vestige of early 1900s, when canning was less reliable and botulism was more frequent.

By Annys Shin

The Washington Post 2008-05-20

Budget cuts and pests in the paddies

Pests threaten rice in Philippines, China. With food surpluses of last decades, budgets for agricultural improvements were cut drastically as focus shifted to environment. Global network of 14 agriculture/food production research centers lost money for plant-breeding programs, pests and farmer education. For Norman Borlaug's view, click 'See also.'

By Keith Bradsher and Andrew Martin

The New York Times 2008-05-19

See also

Scrutiny on food waste

As food crisis deepens and environmental alarms sound, calls are renewed for food recovery and gleaning, as well as composting to reduce methane belched from landfills. Americans discard 27 percent (a pound a day per person), Britons toss a third. In Africa, improper storage spoils a quarter or more of the crops before they can be eaten.

By Andrew Martin

The New York Times 2008-05-18

Opinion: Food stamps access

California food stamp rules are punitive, shameful and miserly. Government must help the two million needy Californians get food stamps and bring in hundreds of millions of additional federal dollars to low-income families. It is foolish and unconscionable not to seize the chance to prevent hunger.

The editors

The Mercury News (CA) 2008-05-19

Opinion: Veto the farm/food bill

President should veto farm/food bill despite its nutrition and conservation virtues. Bill perpetuates indefensible direct payments of about $5 billion a year, raises payments for wheat and soybeans, and kills a program to conserve rare prairie grasslands while narrowing two programs that paid farmers to protect wetlands and wildlife habitat.

The editors

The New York Times 2008-05-16

Opinion: Icing on the cake

Farm/food bill will protect sugar industry from free trade. Bill also will require government to buy sugar at inflated rates and sell it cheaply for ethanol production. Sugar policy estimated to cost taxpayers $1.9 billion a year in high prices, plus another $1 billion-plus in the next decade for other programs used to prop up prices.

By Jay Hancock

The Baltimore Sun 2008-05-16

Solving the food crisis

Solving food price crisis means linking developed and developing worlds. Relief officials call for emergency aid and for policy change. Among ideas: Back off on biofuels, improve food aid, produce higher yields, grow better crops, curb the speculators, remove trade barriers, eat less meat, reduce waste of food and resources.

By Marianne Lavelle and Kent Garber

U.S. News & World Report 2008-05-09

Sugar back in flavored milks

High-fructose corn syrup off the ingredients list for dairy that supplies milk - plain and flavored - to about 100 school districts throughout Southern California. Syrup will be replaced by Hawaiian cane sugar and will reduce grams of sugar from 25 to 20.

By Josh Dulaney

Daily Bulletin (CA) 2008-05-09

Farm/food bill to Bush

Senate sends veto-proof $290 billion farm/food bill to President Bush. Bill includes 'permanent disaster' money for farmers who plant wheat in marginal prairie land now set aside for wildlife and watershed protection. Barack Obama said the bill will 'provide America's hard-working farmers and ranchers with more support and more predictability.'

By Carolyn Lochhead

San Francisco Chronicle 2008-05-16

Sunshine vitamin and cancer

Deficiency of vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, linked to progression of breast cancer, two separate studies find. Vitamin is found in mackerel, salmon, sardines and in foods that have been fortified - milk, orange juice and some cereals, for example (click 'See also'). Earlier studies have suggested that vitamin D may prevent prostate and colon cancer.

By Thomas H. Maugh II

Los Angeles Times 2008-05-16

Biotech in the snack food aisle

Packaged, processed food products likely to contain genetic modifications if they contain soybean oil or corn syrup, experts say. About three-fourths of the corn, and about 90 percent of the soybeans planted in U.S. are genetically modified. In poll, 87 percent of us want biotech ingredients labeled, as in Europe, Japan and Australia.

The Associated Press; CBS4 2008-05-11

'What's the plan, Stan?'

Citing U.S. response to global food crisis as 'belated and disjointed,' lawmakers show dismay, frustration and confusion as they consider integrating their thinking on food policy, agriculture, foreign aid, trade and energy into their approach to global hunger and alleviation of poverty.

By Kent Garber

U.S. News & World Report 2008-05-14

House OKs farm/food bill

House passes farm/food bill with 'veto-proof' margin. Key to strength of support is money for variety of special interests, including racehorse breeders and Vermont ski resort. Before vote, four lawmakers call bill 'a missed opportunity for the serious reform that would make our farm programs more equitable and fiscally responsible.'

By David Stout

The New York Times 2008-05-15

Opinion: Eating for the war

When we buy Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Coca-Cola, or Oscar Mayer hot dogs, all of which are typical defense department contractors, we are supporting growing civilian-oriented military economy and growing militarized civilian economy. More companies are going to war, and, by the flow of our dollars, ever more of us are going to war with them.

By Nick Turse

Los Angeles Times 2008-05-09

Biotech boosted in US hunger relief plan

Genetically modified crops get boost in Bush administration's $770 million hunger package. Advocates say such crops can result in higher yields from plants that are hardier in harsh climates. Fierce critics in US, Europe, and in Africa say they can cause unforeseen medical problems, that water, fertilizer and weedkillers also required aren't affordable to poor farmers, and that the move benefits agribusiness.

By Stephen J. Hedges

Chicago Tribune 2008-05-14

Economy down, weights up

Food crisis will increase rates of diet-related disease because high-fat, highly sweetened food products are federally subsidized and readily available. Poor women are 50 percent more likely to be obese. Poor, hungry people aren't thinking about their health, 'just filling their stomachs...getting through the day,' says researcher.

By Alfred Lubrano

The Philadelphia Inquirer 2008-05-06

Flurry of seed patents for hot, dry climate

In race to control 'climate-ready' genetically modified seed market, Monsanto, Syngenta and BASF file about 530 patent applications, says subsistence farmer advocacy group. Its report highlights biotech's moneymaking opportunities in time of food insecurity as well as image risks. Many poor countries in path of worst warming have rejected biotech crops.

By Rick Weiss

The Washington Post 2008-05-13