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