Have you ever thought that what you see is sometimes different from what you are really seeing?
The famous Arcimboldo's "Vegetables In A Bowl Or The Gardener" painting is a clear example ....
Some critics of the FDA say the agency, which employs about 1,800 people, is not equipped to handle and ensure the safety of imported foods, which are expected to increase to 24 million shipments this year.According to data of the Office of Regulatory Affairs, the FDA inspected only 2.06% of all food imports in 2010, and expects to examine only 1.59% this year and 1.47% in 2012.
A "SUPER broccoli" developed by British scientists to fight cancer and heart disease went on sale yesterday.The vegetable contains high levels of a nutrient thought to protect against the killer diseases.The broccoli - called Beneforte - will be sold at Marks & Spencer from today and will be on the shelves of other supermarkets next year.Studies have shown men with broccoli-rich diets have a reduced risk of prostate and bowel cancer. Other research suggests it can also help prevent heart attacks and strokes.Beneforte contains three times more of the beneficial plant chemical glucoraphanin than normal strains of broccoli.It was created using conventional methods at the Institute of Food Research and John Innes Centre in Norwich. Work on the project began after a wild broccoli variety was discovered in 1983 with raised levels of glucoraphanin.The nutrient is converted in the gut into sulphoraphane, thought to stop uncontrolled cell division associated with early-stage cancer.Prof Richard Mithen, of the IFR, said: "Our research gives insight into broccoli's role in promoting health."Science minister David Willetts said the research would give "a real boost to agriculture, personal health and the economy".
Kroger has achieved big reductions in food waste, in particular with perishable product that would have once been discarded but is now increasingly being sent to food banks, according to a recent presentation by David Dillon, president and CEO. The company’s 2011 Sustainability Report cited composting programs for produce that can no longer be sold, and pointed to plans to pilot such initiatives in all Kroger divisions.Publix has focused for some time on “improving the collection and donation of fresh food, and the reduction and recycling of organic waste,” said Michael Hewett, manager of environmental services. The company has embraced better forecasting, tracking and management, and also pursues recycling and composting options that are licensed, permitted and cost-effective, he said. Earlier this year Publix began a partnership with Feeding America to help provide food to consumers in need.The potential for even wider gains lies in the industry’s new coordinated effort to tackle the waste problem. The Grocery Manufacturers Association and Food Marketing Institute recently unveiled a three-year initiative focused on reducing food waste.The activities will include identifying problems and solutions, including those in the policy arena. The co-chairs of the leadership committee are Hewett of Publix and Bob Branham, director of customer sustainability, General Mills. Other organizations represented include Wegmans Food Markets, Supervalu and Ahold USA.It’s not too late for others to join this effort. Executives and companies can still become involved in the important subcommittee work, noted Meghan Stasz, GMA’s new director of sustainability.The efforts outlined here amount to giant steps forward. The problems won’t be solved overnight, and there’s danger in unrealistic expectations. However, things tend to happen when such an important cause appears on the industry’s radar.Source: Supermarket News
According to the National Restaurant Association, Washington, D.C., restaurant performance index for August fell to its lowest level in 13 months. The index, which tracks the health of and outlook for the US restaurant industry, stood at 99.4 in August, the second consecutive month below 100 and down 0.3% from July, according to a news release. When the index is above 100, the figure signifies expansion.Forty-five percent of restaurant operators reported a same-store sales gain between August 2010 and August 2011, while 37% of operators reported lower same-store sales, according to the release.Fewer than one in five operators anticipates improving economic conditions in the coming six months. Operators who expect economic conditions to worsen represented 31% of respondents.The association’s expectations index, which measures operators’ six month outlook for same-store sales, employees, capital expenditures and business conditions, was at 99.5, the lowest level in nearly two years.Just a third of restaurant operators expect to have higher sales in the next six months, down from 39% in July.
US retailer BJ’s Wholesale Club has announced the completion of its sale to private equity group Beacon Holding.
The transaction was approved by BJ’s stockholders on 9 September and was worth an estimated $2.8 billion. The acquisition will see Beacon Holding gain 190 warehouse clubs in 15 US states.
The UK-based organization has laid out its strategy for the next few years, promising 'good food for all.'The UK's Soil Association recently produced a document entitled 'The Road to 2020', which lays out the organization's priorities for the next few years.The document focuses on two key themes: 'Facing the future' and 'Good food for all'.According to the Soil Association, the first theme will promote "solutions that meet the needs of people for healthy food, fuel and fiber while protecting the natural world".The organization said that a new emphasis would be placed on innovation, so that research could quickly be transmuted into practice and policy.It also announced the creation of the new post of director of innovation, to be filled at the end of the year by Dr Tom MacMillan, current executive director of the Food Ethics Council.The Soil Association’s second theme, 'Good food for all', highlights its commitment to ensuring that organic, seasonal, healthy food is accessible to everyone, particularly those who most need it.
The Commerce Department reported that consumers spent 3.8% less on food in 2010 compared to 2009. That decrease follows a 1.1% decrease in expenditures in 2009 compared with 2008, the report said. Total spending by consumers in 2010 fell 2%, following a decrease of 2.8% in 2009.Foodservice operations felt the biggest effect from reduced consumer spending. The Commerce Department report said average annual consumer expenditures dropped 4.4% for food away home in 2010 compared with 2009. That decline followed on the heels of a 2.9% drop in food away from home spending in 2009 compared with 2008. Total average expenditures for food away from home totaled $2,505 in 2010, off from $2,619 in 2009 and $2,698 in 2008.Food purchased for at home use was down 3.4% in 2010, reversing a 0.2% gain in 2009 compared with 2008. Overall average annual expenditures for at home food in 2010 was $3,624, down from $3,753 in 2009 an $3,744 in 2008.
Denmark has introduced what is believed to be the world's first fat tax - a surcharge on foods that are high in saturated fat. Butter, milk, cheese, pizza, meat, oil and processed food are now subject to the tax if they contain more than 2.3% saturated fat.Danish officials say they hope the new tax will help limit the population's intake of fatty foods.
Fresh & Easy has expanded its wine range with the addition of 130 varieties, Business Wire reports. Of the 450 wines offered at Fresh & Easy stores, nearly 170 are exclusive to the company.
The retailer has also expanded its Big Kahuna line, a range which has been one of its bestsellers since its introduction in 2007.
The company’s wines feature labels with information about the vineyard, tasting notes, food pairing and storage recommendations. The chain’s exclusive wines are marked ‘specially selected by Fresh & Easy.Source: Planet Retail
Ahold USA said that Bhavdeep Singh will transition from his current role as executive vice president of human resources to a new position as executive vice president of operations, effective from today.
Some critics of the FDA say the agency, which employs about 1,800 people, is not equipped to handle and ensure the safety of imported foods, which are expected to increase to 24 million shipments this year.
A "SUPER broccoli" developed by British scientists to fight cancer and heart disease went on sale yesterday.
According to the National Restaurant Association, Washington, D.C., restaurant performance index for August fell to its lowest level in 13 months. The index, which tracks the health of and outlook for the US restaurant industry, stood at 99.4 in August, the second consecutive month below 100 and down 0.3% from July, according to a news release. When the index is above 100, the figure signifies expansion.
US retailer BJ’s Wholesale Club has announced the completion of its sale to private equity group Beacon Holding.
The UK-based organization has laid out its strategy for the next few years, promising 'good food for all.'
The Commerce Department reported that consumers spent 3.8% less on food in 2010 compared to 2009. That decrease follows a 1.1% decrease in expenditures in 2009 compared with 2008, the report said. Total spending by consumers in 2010 fell 2%, following a decrease of 2.8% in 2009.
Denmark has introduced what is believed to be the world's first fat tax - a surcharge on foods that are high in saturated fat. Butter, milk, cheese, pizza, meat, oil and processed food are now subject to the tax if they contain more than 2.3% saturated fat.
Fresh & Easy has expanded its wine range with the addition of 130 varieties, Business Wire reports. Of the 450 wines offered at Fresh & Easy stores, nearly 170 are exclusive to the company.
Ahold USA said that Bhavdeep Singh will transition from his current role as executive vice president of human resources to a new position as executive vice president of operations, effective from today.
