Category: Issue 367
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High Trans Fat Diet Associated with Overweight Infants
A recent study has suggested that mothers who consume diets high in trans fats could double the risk that their babies will have high levels of body fat. Alex Anderson, et al., “Dietary trans fatty acid intake and maternal and infant adiposity,” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 2010. University of Georgia (UGA) researchers studied 95 mothers…
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Prenatal DDE Exposure Allegedly Linked to Accelerated Growth
A recent study reportedly claims that prenatal exposure to the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its breakdown product dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) is associated with accelerated growth and elevated BMI in infants born to normal-weight mothers. Michelle Mendez, et al., “Prenatal Organochlorine Compound Exposure, Rapid Weight Gain and Overweight in Infancy,” Environmental Health Perspectives, October 2010. Researchers apparently…
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Fungal-Viral Combination Eyed in Colony Collapse Disorder
A recent study has homed in on a possible explanation for colony collapse disorder (CCD), a mysterious ailment behind the destruction of honeybee hives worldwide. Jerry J. Bromenshenk, et al., “Iridovirus and Microsporidian Linked to Honey Bee Colony Decline,” PLoS One, October 2010. Researchers apparently found that a combined fungal and viral infection led to…
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Marion Nestle Criticizes Alcohol Companies for Supporting Cancer Research
New York University Professor Marion Nestle has commented on an October 5, 2010, USA Today article that highlights the efforts of alcoholic beverage manufacturers to make financial contributions to breast cancer research efforts. According to USA Today, “Both the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute say even moderate drinking increases breast cancer risk,”…
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Symposium to Address Effects of Environmental Toxins on Children
The Children’s Environmental Health Institute will conduct its “Sixth Biennial Scientific Symposium” on October 21-22, 2010, in Houston, Texas; the focus this year is “Prenatal & Early Life Exposures: How Environmental Toxins Affect the Course of Childhood.” The symposium will include sessions on “Improving Access to and Consumption of Healthy, Safe, and Affordable Food for…
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Products Liability Reference Updated to Consider GM Foods
A looseleaf reference book titled Products Liability: Design and Manufacturing Defects, 2d has been updated with sections considering legal issues relating to genetically modified (GM) foods. The section on “design defects in GM organisms used in food production” discusses the extensive regulatory review to which these substances are subject and notes that no known injury has…
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Olive Garden Owner Sues TGI Friday’s Franchisee for Trademark Infringement
Darden Concepts, Inc. has filed a trademark infringement action against a TGI Friday’s franchisee located in San Diego, California, alleging that its use of “Never Ending Shrimp” to promote one of its menu offerings infringes the “Never Ending Pasta Bowl” mark that Darden has registered and used in its Olive Garden restaurants for 15 years.…
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Class Action Filed Against POM Wonderful for Consumer Fraud
A Kansas resident has filed a putative class action in state court against POM Wonderful, LLC, alleging that the company’s claims that its pomegranate products have special health benefits are false, deceptive and misleading. Haynes v. POM Wonderful, LLC, No. CV08720 (Kan. Dist. Ct., Johnson Cty., filed September 29, 2010). Seeking to certify a statewide class…