Category: Issue 433
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Researchers Present Rapid Salmonella Test at ACS Meeting
Researchers from Jackson State University in Mississippi have reportedly developed a rapid test for detecting Salmonella on food that uses popcorn-shaped gold nanoparticles. Presented March 27, 2012, at the 243rd National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the application relies on antibodies attached to gold nanoparticles that then transfer to Salmonella bacteria if…
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Analysts Suggest Parallels Between Soft Drink and Cigarette Companies
A March 27, 2012, “Great Speculations” column on Forbes.com draws parallels between carbonated soft drink (CSD) companies and the tobacco industry, claiming that a recent decline in CSD consumption in the United States has created a competitive market environment similar to that faced by cigarette manufacturers. Authored by contributors from Trefis.com, an investment and market…
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Food Companies Sign UK Government Pledge to Reduce Calories
The U.K. Department of Health has announced a new “Public Health Responsibility Deal” signed by 17 major food and beverage companies that have agreed to cap calories in their products. According to a March 24, 2012, department press release, the pledge aims “to cut five billion calories from the nation’s diet” by asking signatories to…
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U.S. Appeals WTO’s Stance on COOL Regulations
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has appealed a ruling made by a World Trade Organization (WTO) panel against the United States in a dispute with Mexico and Canada over country-of-origin labeling (COOL) laws for beef and pork products. Responding to complaints filed by Canada and Mexico, WTO’s Dispute Settlement Panel ruled in…
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Seventh Circuit Reinstates Claim That Jail Food Violated 8th Amendment
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed in part a district court dismissal of claims that being fed nutriloaf in a county jail subjected an inmate to cruel and unusual punishment in violation of his Eighth Amendment rights. Prude v. Clarke, No. 11-2811 (7th Cir., decided March 27, 2012). The plaintiff was apparently serving…
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Court Dismisses Remaining Claims in Milk Antitrust Litigation
A federal court in Tennessee has dismissed the two remaining claims in antitrust litigation filed by certain retail processed milk sellers against Dean Foods Co. and the Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. In re: Se. Milk Antitrust Litig., No. 08-1000 (E.D. Tenn., decided March 27, 2012) (ruling applies to Food Lion, LLC v. Dean Foods…
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Court Narrows Claims in Quaker Oats Labeling Litigation
A federal court in California has granted in part and denied in part the motion to dismiss filed by Quaker Oats in consolidated cases alleging that the company falsely advertises products such as granola bars and instant oatmeal containing small amounts of trans fats as healthy. In re: Quaker Oats Labeling Litig., No. 10-502 (N.D.…
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FTC Issues Guidance on Consumer Data Protection
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released a report recommending best business practices “to protect the privacy of American consumers and give them greater control over the collection and use of their personal data.” Titled “Protecting Consumer Privacy in an Era of Rapid Change: Recommendations for Businesses and Policymakers,” the guidance reportedly expands on preliminary…