Q&A: Pam Ronald, UC plant geneticist
“It’s interesting that the public has come to believe that organic farming is diametrically opposed to genetics. That’s untrue…organic farmers also rely on genetic improvements. I’m lucky to have a …
The UC Food Observer chooses a handful of important stories for you to read as you finish your work week. On the menu, in no particular order: a sardine fishery …
Opinion: Read this before June 11th
“Sell by” dates may assure consumers, but they are mostly arbitrary. They came into being as part of a larger consumer movement in the 1970s, and reflected concerns about food …
Q&A: Pat Crawford, UC Nutrition Policy Institute
“Not changing is risky. The United States – along with Mexico – has the highest obesity rates in the industrialized world. With these extraordinarily high obesity rates, we are on …
Is it time for a warning label on sugary drinks?
Few disagree that the consumption of sugary beverages is contributing to the national crisis of obesity and chronic disease, including Type 2 diabetes. Various ideas have been suggested to cut …
Food industry waging battle over sugar labeling plans
A proposal being considered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seems modest, but is causing a political firestorm. It would require food labels to include a line revealing how …
The food industry’s efforts to stop GMO labeling may be hurting image
The GMO labeling debate is not going away. And it is almost certain that the food industry’s efforts to stop GMO labeling attempts by consumer groups is a bad public …
Vilsack: Smartphones could help resolve GMO labeling debate
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack is offering this idea to deal with the controversy over labeling GMO products: Use your smartphone. Vilsack suggested that consumers “could just use their phones to …
The New York State attorney general’s office has accused four national retailers of selling fraudulently labeled dietary supplements. Some contained unlisted ingredients that are known allergens. Walmart, Walgreens, Target and GNC …
Prominent chefs deliver message to Congress
A group of prominent chefs delivered a petition on December 2nd to Congress, asking for legislation to mandate labeling of GMO foods. Led by chef and TV personality Tom Colicchio, …