Obama Expected to Bolster FDA Oversight of Imports
from The Associated Press
The Food and Drug Administration, bedeviled by a salmonella outbreak and tainted medicine from China, is likely to monitor imports and fresh produce more closely under an Obama administration. With the news administration, health officials also can expect new powers to control tobacco, from cigarettes to the recently introduced smokeless products called snus. More

NPA Responds to JAMA Report on Vitamin E, C Study and Cardiovascular Disease

In response to the decision reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association regarding whether long-term vitamin E or vitamin C supplementation decreases the risk of major cardiovascular events among men, the Natural Products Association said in part: "While the study did control for multivitamin intake to prevent overlap, intake of vitamin C and E from food was not controlled." More

Study: Cleanliness Next to Grocery Store Excellence

Eighteen percent of shoppers would never again set foot in a particular store if they believe it's unclean, according to a study conducted by M/A/R/C Research. Indeed, while cleanliness has long been associated with a high opinion of a particular store, the study found 46 percent of consumers deeming a clean shopping environment as extremely important. More

Fairtrade a Key Part of Sustainability Drive

The fairtrade phenomenon is benefiting from the trend for sustainability reporting as fairtrade foods as well as ingredients can boost corporate credentials, according to an analyst. More

Check for Label Marking 'Natural' Products

How "natural" is your lip balm and body lotion? Hard to say. Unlike the term "organic," the word "natural" isn't regulated by the government. A USDA organic seal on food or beverages means a green consumer can rest easy, but what about lip gloss that calls itself "natural? " A new green seal from the Natural Products Association aims to help consumers identify environmentally friendly options for their skin. More

Eating Fish Twice a Week May Help Diabetes Patients

Centering supper around a fish dish at least twice a week might help people with diabetes lower their risk of kidney disease, a study suggests. In the November issue of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, British researchers analyzed the records of more than 22,300 middle-aged and older English men and women who were part of a large European cancer study. They wanted to examine the effect of eating fish on kidney disease. More

At the Supermarket Checkout, Frugality Trumps Brand Loyalty

Many Americans are changing their everyday purchases and abandoning brand loyalty, prompted by the persistent financial pressure of rising food, gasoline and electricity prices. Over the past 24 months, consumer prices have risen 7.8 percent according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. More

Energy-dense Foods May Raise Diabetes Risk

A diet packed with energy-dense foods, those containing more calories per volume, may increase a person's risk of developing diabetes, new research suggests. High energy-dense foods include highly processed foods, fatty foods, meats, and calorie-laden fruit or soft drinks, whereas low energy-dense foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, water and calorie-free drinks. More

Marketers Go Paperless to Help Environment

Trade show attendees are about to get hit with less brochures and mailers. Recognizing the benefits of going green, marketers of late have expressed a greater interest in eco-friendly communication materials, according to a new study by Eloqua. More

Balanced Diet Includes Protein Portions at each Meals

Just when you thought it was fine to relax with a glass of well-earned wine and nibble on a few whole-grain crackers, nutrition researchers are here to ask, “Did you have enough protein today?” OK, we know you’re not into body-building competitions, but get a load of this midlife reality check: You could be losing muscle mass and strength — a condition called sarcopenia —if you don’t consume enough high-quality protein on a daily basis. More

Load Up on These Five Items and Your Brain Will Thank You

While the majority of nutrition studies have focused on our hearts, bones and waistlines, a thoughtful bunch of scientists is amassing research on how what we put into our bodies affects the health of our brains. Brain cells like all cells start needing nutrition as soon as they’re created; that’s why there’s so much emphasis on good nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood to build healthy bodies and brains. More

Taking the Gross Out of the Grocery Cart

Cleansing-wipe dispensers have been appearing next to shopping carts at grocery stores for some years now. But a host of other products have emerged to appease germophobes who shop. These new offerings include protective covers that minimize infants' contact with the seat, full-cart liners and portable, snap-on handles carried by consumers. Grocers hope the efforts boost perception of their stores. More

Study: Smell of Food Could Boost Perceived Saltiness

Enhancing food products with odors could compensate for the taste impact of reducing their salt content, according to a new study, thereby giving manufacturers another tool towards healthier formulation. The food industry is under considerable pressure to reduce the salt content of its wares, but in doing so it must still deliver products that have an acceptable taste. More