Category: Issue 395
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New Study Compares Salt-Reduction Strategies, Urges Product Reformulations
A recent study examining national salt-reduction strategies around the world has concluded that such programs are “likely to be one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of improving public health.” Jacqueline Webster, et al., “Salt Reduction Initiatives Around the World,” Journal of Hypertension, June 2011. The study used existing reviews, literature and relevant websites…
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Is Ethical Line Crossed When Children “Like” Products?
An Advertising Age article discusses recent litigation filed by parents against Facebook® alleging that the social network has used names and/or likenesses of their children in product endorsements without obtaining parental consent. While no child younger than age 13 is supposed to be able to set up a Facebook® account, Consumer Reports estimates that some…
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Natasha Singer, “Foods with Benefits, or So They Say,” NYT, May 14, 2011
“Push a cart through … any supermarket anywhere in America, and you just might start believing in miracles—or at least in food miracles,” according to Natasha Singer writing in The New York Times about the latest trends in functional foods. “In aisle after aisle, wonders beckon. Foods and drinks to help your heart, lower your…
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Growth Chemical Blamed for Bursting Watermelons in China
Watermelons have reportedly been bursting on farms in eastern China during recent wet weather, a phenomenon that state media attribute to the growth chemical forchlorfenuron. Jumping into a burgeoning watermelon market, approximately 20 first-time users of the chemical reportedly lost up to 115 acres after applying it too late in the season on an inappropriate…
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McDonald’s Declines to Retire Iconic Clown
McDonald’s Corp. investors have reportedly rejected a shareholder proposal that asked the company to prepare a report assessing the role of fast food in “childhood obesity, diet-related diseases and other impacts on children’s health.” Led by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, which apparently owns $2,000 in company stock, the proposal coordinated with an…
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Physicians, Scientists Call for More Pesticide Testing on Kids’ Favorite Fruits, Veggies
A group of physicians and scientists has written a letter to federal agencies calling for more pesticide testing on children’s favorite fruits and vegetables. Noting that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) typically releases latest data on pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables each January but has yet to do so this year, the May…
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Alcohol Energy Drink Maker Sued in Teen’s Death
According to a news source, the family of a teenager has sued Phusion Projects, which makes the alcohol energy drink Four Loko®, alleging that their son’s disorientation after drinking two of the beverages led to his fatal accident. Rupp v. Phusion Projects, No. __ (Ill. Cir. Ct., Cook Cty., filed May 19, 2011). He allegedly…
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Waffle House Worker Claims Owner Falsely Reported That Minimum Wage Was Paid
A former employee of an Olathe, Kansas, waffle venue has brought a collective action against his employer alleging that it reported inaccurate tip earnings so that it would appear that his total earnings were compliant with the federal minimum wage. Spears v. Mid America Waffle House, Inc., No. 11-2273 (D. Kan., filed May 2010). Jared…