Category: Issue 491
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Researchers Link FTO Gene to Increased Ghrelin Levels
A new study has reportedly detailed how a common gene variant linked to obesity affects the production and reception of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for stimulating hunger. Efthimia Karra, et al., “A link between FTO, ghrelin, and impaired brain food-cue responsivity,” Journal of Clinical Investigation, July 2013. According to a July 15, 2013, press release,…
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NYT Raises Concerns over Real Life and Online Tracking
A pair of recent articles in The New York Times has raised questions about the tracking and surveillance practices used by marketers to gather information about consumers shopping in stores and online. The first article, “Attention, Shoppers: Store is Tracking Your Cell,” discusses new technology that allows retailers “to track customers’ movements by following the…
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CSPI Criticizes Retired Basketball Star’s Soft Drink Pitch
Former basketball star Shaquille O’Neal reportedly plans to endorse a new line of “low calorie sodas” that critics say promote obesity and other health problems. The Soda Shaq line is manufactured by AriZona beverages and will be distributed by convenience retailer 7-Eleven at stores nationwide. A press release announcing the product states that Soda Shaq…
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Comment Focuses on FSMA’s Potential Effects on Litigation
A recently published law review comment contends that food makers should not be concerned that the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) will increase food borne illness-related litigation or make it easier for plaintiffs to succeed. David Benton, “The Impact of Mandatory Recalls on Negligence and Product Liability Litigation Under the Food Safety Modernization Act,” San…
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Law Review Note Finds Model for Fast Food Litigation in Canada
According to a recently published law review note, health care reimbursement suits modeled on Canada’s Cost Recovery Act and provincial litigation against cigarette manufacturers could be successfully maintained against the food industry for the treatment of obesity-related illnesses. Timothy Poodiack, “The Cost Recovery Act and Tobacco Litigation in Canada: A Model for Fast Food Litigation,”…
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Court Tentatively Rejects Prop. 65 Lead Warnings for Fruit and Vegetable Products
A California court has tentatively determined, following a 10-day bench trial, that the levels of lead in canned or packaged fruit, vegetable and grape drink products, or baby foods, are below the regulatory “safe harbor” exposure level under Proposition 65 (Prop. 65) and therefore that the companies which make them are not required to provide…
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California Class Members Seek to Set Aside Settlement of “Evaporated Cane Juice” Claims
Two California residents who filed a putative class action in a California federal court against, among others, a company that makes “Horizon,” “Silk,” “International Delight,” and “Land O’Lakes” brand products with labels including as an ingredient “evaporated cane juice” in alleged violation of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements, have filed a complaint in intervention…
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Putative Class Claims Boar’s Head Misrepresents Lower Sodium Claims
A New York resident has filed a putative class action against Boar’s Head Provisions Co., alleging that the company’s advertising and labeling representations—“47% lower sodium,” “42% lower sodium,” and “40% lower sodium”—for some of its deli meats, including turkey breast and ham, contain as much sodium as its regular deli meat products and a higher…