In The News

World Hunger, The Crisis Inside the Economic Crisis

Sonni Efron March 16, 2009
The global economic crisis and its reduction of wealth overshadow the plight of those hit hardest: “This is a disaster for the bottom billion, the one out of six humans living on less than $2 a day,” writes Sonni Efron for the Los Angeles Times. Wealthy governments have donated to UN food programs, but long-term causes of food shortages – hoarding, speculation, war, export controls, population...

To Shelter Its Cuisine, Italian City Bans Foreign Flavors

Nick Squires February 23, 2009
The nation that produced Marco Polo should know full well that explorers seek new ingredients and immigrants enjoy melding flavors from their old and new homes. Yet the Italian tourist town of Lucca has declared a ban on any ethnic eateries that do not meet Tuscan standards. City officials insist that they want to preserve authentic Italian flavors, and yet critics point out that some Italian...

When Chocolate Is a Way of Life

Jill Santopietro November 20, 2008
The Quichua people of Ecuador are no longer simply cultivators of cacao, transforming their role into manufacturers and owners, by forming their own cooperative known as Kallari. “Chocolate making has always been less common in cacao producing countries than it has been in Europe, where the technology to create chocolate bars was developed and where such a luxury could be more easily afforded,”...

Chinese Media Say Tainted Animal Feed Widespread

The Associated Press October 31, 2008
The state media in China admits that melamine, which mimics protein in tests, was packaged as “protein powder and commonly added to animal feed, reports the Associated Press in an article for the International Herald Tribune. “Four brands of Chinese eggs have been found tainted with melamine in a week, and agriculture officials speculated the source was adulterated feed given to hens,” reports...

Globalization Battle Plays Out in French Cheese Industry

Matthew Saltmarsh October 24, 2008
A great product can’t help but inspire others to follow suit. But as copies emerge, quality often declines, and such is the case with great cheeses produced and aged in France, according to traditional cheesemakers. Matthew Saltmarsh profiles Philippe Alléosse in Paris, who worries “industrial processes – from sourcing through production and distribution – are squeezing small farmers and...

Brazilian Beef Purchase Is Challenged by the US

John R. Wilke October 22, 2008
Brazil’s JBS Inc. seeks to expand its beef operations into the US, but the US Justice Department, joined by 13 states, is challenging its purchase of a US firm. Concern centers on reducing competitors in the US beef market from five to three, rising food prices and lower prices paid to US cattle farmers. Confronting hikes in food prices, some in US Congress press for more scrutiny of the...

China’s Image Sullied by Tainted Milk

Mary Kay Magistad October 1, 2008
The latest scandal involving tainted milk adds to the perception that the label “Made in China” covers layers of warnings: a potentially resentful work force, suffering low pay and abuse; managers who place profits over safety, striving for quantity over quality in production; minimal quality-inspection procedures and enforcement; and government authorities conditioned to hide rather than expose...