3 measures on the ballot that could impact food and grocery

Voters will decide whether to ban all new grocery taxes — including those on soda — in Washington and Oregon, and may change animal welfare requirements for meat and eggs sold in California.

By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 6, 2018

When it comes to food policy, the midterm elections may have consequences

Real change may come to Washington after Tuesday, but Sean McBride of DSM Communications writes that could set the stage for more years of tumult.

By Sean McBride • Nov. 5, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Food Dive

The food and beverage industry is changing rapidly and the actions companies take this year are likely to play a major role in defining their future. 

By Food Dive staff

Do consumers want their food served with a side of politics?

Land O'Lakes and Ben & Jerry's recently made news for political reasons, but new data shows customers have mixed opinions on this kind of involvement. 

By Jessi Devenyns • Nov. 5, 2018

How can another E. coli outbreak on romaine lettuce be prevented?

The Food and Drug Administration identified a contaminated irrigation canal in Yuma, Arizona as the source of the outbreak that sickened 210 — including 96 hospitalizations, 27 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome and five deaths.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 2, 2018

Research: Poultry is safer and lasts longer with new packaging technology

The USDA's Agricultural Research Service found using electrical current to create ozone in sealed packages could reduce campylobacter by 90% and salmonella by 60%.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 1, 2018

Sesame may become a top allergen, FDA says

The agency is studying the prevalence and seriousness of reactions to the seed, said Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, which may result in major labeling changes.

By Jessi Devenyns • Oct. 31, 2018

Clear Labs closes $21M funding round to advance food safety solutions

The company plans to use the money to expand features and increase commercialization of its testing platform, which uses targeted next-generation sequencing to find and track pathogens.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 30, 2018

Should consumers worry about glyphosate residue in food and beverages?

A new study shows levels of the chemical in orange juice declined from a year ago, but the debate continues about how much is considered safe.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 29, 2018

Why whole genome sequencing is not the right tool for routine pathogen testing

Targeted sequencing is quicker, less expensive and yields more accurate results, writes Clear Labs CEO and co-founder Sasan Amini.

By Sasan Amini • Oct. 26, 2018

Nutritionists want all fruit and vegetable claims to be the real deal

In comments on the Food and Drug Administration's multi-year nutrition innovation strategy, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics asks for a crackdown on deceptive labeling. 

By Megan Poinski • Oct. 25, 2018

General Mills goes against the grain with traditional farming methods to fight climate change

The 152-year-old CPG company wants to incorporate more organic acreage and work with perennial grains, cover crops and pollinator habitats, which are all naturally regenerative practices.

By Jessi Devenyns • Oct. 23, 2018

Food companies can make nutrition affordable to low-income consumers with a mix of tech and tradition

This report from the Institute for the Future and commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation makes specific recommendations about how to create better products for this group during the next decade.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 22, 2018

Can a national coalition get manufacturers to cut sugar by 40% in 7 years?

The National Salt and Sugar Reduction Initiative, announced last week, wants a voluntary limit of the sweetener in packaged foods and drinks by a percentage depending on the product.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 22, 2018

Reading between the 'clean label' lines

While consumers clamor for simple ingredients, Rob Wong of Agri-Neo points out that on the way to being used in products, some items undergo even more chemical processes.

By Rob Wong • Oct. 22, 2018

Can Cornucopia Institute's new guide clear up questions about organic eggs, dairy and poultry?

The watchdog group said it produced the website following consumer concerns about reports that imported organic grains do not necessarily deserve the label.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 19, 2018

FDA food safety chief Ostroff to retire and be replaced by Walmart's Yiannas

The mega-retailer's vice president of food safety and health, who will join the federal government next month, was the driving force behind the store's move to blockchain technology.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 19, 2018

New website helps consumers eat food that lines up with their sustainability and social values

A communications firm unveiled FoodPrint.org on Thursday to provide information to help people make informed purchasing decisions.

By Lillianna Byington • Oct. 18, 2018

US beef exports hit record high, while pork faces challenges

In August, the red meat sold to other countries exceeded $750 million for the first time. But tariffs from China and Mexico have hurt the white meat's sales.

By Lillianna Byington • Oct. 15, 2018

How to prepare for a food recall before it starts

Following this month's beef recall, Nicole Hardin, director of product management at Sage, outlines actionable steps for how to respond to foodborne illnesses.

By Nicole Hardin • Oct. 15, 2018

Survey: Most consumers aren't confused about dairy terms for plant-based alternatives

The International Food Information Council found about three-quarters of consumers know beverages like almond milk don't contain anything from a cow.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 12, 2018

Fighting food waste to curb climate change

The World Wildlife Fund's Pete Pearson discusses how to limit food waste and fight climate change in order to decrease greenhouse gases. 

By Pete Pearson • Oct. 10, 2018

Transfarmers: Will robotic farms become mainstream?

Startup Iron Ox is programming them to grow and harvest vegetables in an 8,000-square-foot warehouse in California.

By Jacqueline Renfrow • Oct. 10, 2018

Global warming puts food supply at risk, UN report warns

More extreme weather will make growing conditions tougher and prices higher around the world, according to this study from a panel of scientists.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 9, 2018

FDA bans 7 synthetic food flavoring substances

The agency's decision, effective Oct. 9, comes in response to petitions from a coalition of consumer and environmental groups showing the additives cause cancer in laboratory animals.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 8, 2018

LaCroix faces lawsuit for allegedly mislabeling its water as natural

The complaint says the National Beverage drink includes non-natural and synthetic compounds, including linalool used in cockroach insecticide. The company has denied the allegations.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 8, 2018