Category: Issue 422
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Red Meat Intake Allegedly Linked to Kidney Cancer
A recent study has reportedly suggested a link between red and cooked meat consumption and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Carrie Daniel, et al., “Large prospective investigation of meat intake, related mutagens, and risk of renal cell carcinoma,” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 2011. Researchers apparently monitored approximately 492,000 participants over nine years using…
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“Zombie” Parasite Turns Bees into Buzzing Dead
Researchers have reportedly identified a new threat to North American honeybees after discovering evidence of a parasitic “zombie” fly infestation in some bee populations. Andrew Core, et al., “A New Threat to Honey Bees, the Parasitic Phorid Fly Apocephalus borealis,” PLOS One, January 2012. According to the study, scientists detected a known paper-wasp and bumblebee parasite,…
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Online Food Marketing a “Cynical” Ploy to Target Children, Claims New Report
A recent report issued by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Children’s Food Campaign (CFC) has described online food marketing to children as “pervasive,” with more than 75 percent of websites targeting children with high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) products “linked to a corresponding product or brand page on a social networking site” such…
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Rudd Center Report Claims “Advergames” Promote Unhealthy Food to Kids
Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity recently published a study claiming that “children are disproportionately targeted by food company Websites using branded computer games, known as advergames,” which allegedly promote “calorie-dense nutrient-poor foods.” Jennifer Harris, et al., “US Food Company Branded Advergames on the Internet: Children’s exposure and effects on snack consumption,”…
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New Lawsuits Filed: “Natural” Orange Juice, Mislabeled Butter, City vs. State in Trans Fat Dispute, Lack of FDA Action on Nanotechnology Petition
Putative class actions have been filed in New Jersey and California federal courts against Tropicana Products, Inc., alleging that the company misleads consumers by labeling and marketing its orange juice as “100% pure and natural,” when it actually “undergoes extensive processing which includes the addition of aromas and flavors.” Lynch v. Tropicana Prods., Inc., No.…
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Settlement Proposals: Nutella® Marketing and Salad Dressing Labels
Seeking to certify a nationwide settlement class, excluding California consumers, in litigation against the company that makes the hazelnut spread Nutella®, two named plaintiffs alleging deceptive product marketing have filed their brief in support of preliminary approval of a class settlement. In re: Nutella Mktg. & Sales Practices Litig., No. 11-1086 (D.N.J., brief filed January 10,…
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Claims Rejected: Deregulation of GE Alfalfa, Lead in Fruit Juice, MDL Transfer of “All Natural” Skinnygirl Margarita® Actions, U.S. Supreme Court Review of $97.4-Million Nicaraguan Judgment in Banana Worker Exposure to Pesticides
According to news sources, the Center for Food Safety, which lost its challenge to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) decision to deregulate without restriction genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa, plans to appeal the matter to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. A federal court in California determined on January 5, 2012, that the law does…
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New York City Launches Ad Campaign Urging Reduced Portion Sizes
The New York City Health Department has launched a “hard-hitting” ad campaign encouraging subway riders to cut their portions of food and sugary drinks to reduce the health risks associated with obesity. One poster, for example, depicts a diabetic man with an amputated leg with the tagline, “Cut Your Portions, Cut Your Risk.” “The portion…