Rob Portman tops 'veepstakes'
POLITICO
If he wins the GOP presidential nomination, Mitt Romney's vice presidential pick ultimately will come down to two basic choices: a running mate who helps him govern or one who helps him politically. Right now, the name on the lips of most GOP strategists is Ohio senator and former George W. Bush administration official Rob Portman.More

Rick Santorum's Pennsylvania primary problem
POLITICO
Rick Santorum acknowledges that his home state of Pennsylvania is a must-win for his campaign. Right now, his prospects don't look good. More

Super PAC forms to back McConnell
The Hill
A super PAC has formed to support Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in 2014. The Bluegrass Votes super PAC registered with the Federal Election Commission in early April, listing Jeremy Hughes of Kentucky as treasurer. More

$10 million available to promote farmers markets
Federal Register
The Agricultural Marketing Service has approximately $10 million in competitive grant funds this year to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding direct producer-to-consumer sales such as farmers markets, roadside stands, agri-tourism and other opportunities.More

Canadian food processors, EU regulators share FSMA complaints
Food Chemical News
Canadian food processors and European regulators shared anxieties about implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act at a global food safety session Wednesday in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Grocery Manufacturers Association.More

Banned antibiotics found in poultry products
ScienceDaily
In a joint study, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Arizona State University found evidence suggesting that a class of antibiotics previously banned by the U.S. government for poultry production is still in use. More

UK processors blast FSA over desinewed meat moratorium
Food Production Daily
The U.K. has vowed to suspend the production desinewed meat following pressure from the European Commission — a move the British Meat Processors Association has labeled a "criminal waste of a valuable product."More

Wendy's to expand in Azerbaijan, Georgia
The Wall Street Journal
Wendy's Co. said it reached an agreement with the Wissol Group to develop 25 restaurants in the neighboring countries of Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan during the next 10 years, allowing the fast food chain to continue its international expansion.More

Commentary: Burger King menu healthy — but is it smart?
SmartMoney via The Wall Street Journal
As Burger King prepares to become a publicly traded company again, SmartMoney examines the chain's revamped menu and points out the huge risk being taken when previous fast food failures are considered. More

1950s-style burger chain plans to triple in size
PR Newswire via MarketWatch
Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries — the well-known and loved '50s-style restaurant chain formerly known as Andy's — is beginning a six-year expansion that will see its 100 locations grow by more than 275 additional restaurants.More

ConAgra Foods announces dividend payment
EON
The board of directors of ConAgra Foods Inc., one of North America's largest food companies, approved a dividend payment of $0.24 per common share to be paid June 1 to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 30.More

Sealed Air Cryovac: New packaging boosts shelf life of raw meat
Food Production Daily
Sealed Air Cryovac said it has developed new high-oxygen barrier packaging that extends the shelf life of raw ham by 50 percent while preserving the product's visual appeal.More

Canada warns against frozen berry product
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Overwaitea Food Group are warning the public not to consume certain Western Family brand frozen Pomeberry Blend berries. The affected product may contain Hepatitis A virus.More