In The News

McDonald’s Strives to Regain Ground

Sherri Day March 3, 2003
McDonald’s is often considered the ultimate American business success, and, with restaurants in over 50 countries, a symbol of American cultural dominance. Changing tastes in America and many failed menu items have contributed to a long, slow decline for McDonald’s in the US, however, and the chain plans to stop operating in three countries. Owning a McDonald’s franchise is not the instant...

Development of Biotech Crops is Booming in Asia

David Barboza February 21, 2003
Despite unease in some parts of the world about the safety of genetically modified food, farmers in some Asian countries are jumping on the biotech bandwagon. Because GM crops are already increasing production in places like the United States, many Asian farmers have little choice but to plant them if they want to stay competitive. Governments are scrambling, too, investing huge sums of money...

U.S. Delays Suing Europe over Ban on Modified Food

Elizabeth Becker February 13, 2003
After bouts of mad cow disease and foot and mouth disease, many Europeans prefer not to take a chance with genetically modified food. For the past 4 years, the European Union has placed a ban on genetically modified food, a restriction that the US claims could lead to starvation in the developing world. Although US agricultural industries are pushing for acceptance of genetically modified food,...

Less Sheep for Sharing

Injy El-Kashef February 13, 2003
The sacrifice of sheep traditionally marks the Islamic celebration of Eid Al-Adha. For Muslims, the sacrifice is a non-obligatory act of charity, with those of all classes donating a share of their sheep to the less fortunate. In Egypt, however, recent economic troubles have interfered with the celebration. The floatation of the Egyptian pound and its subsequent decline in value in relation to...

Food Imports: Tough New Checks

February 5, 2003
Thailand’s announcement of more stringent inspections of food imports from the EU and other areas comes after the EU’s own announcement of stricter regulation against Thai food imports. Thai officials claim the new policy is not a retaliation against the EU, whose more rigorous inspections have caused Thai food exporters large financial losses. - YaleGlobal

For This Delicacy, Brand Recognition Is a Problem

Neil MacFarquhar January 13, 2003
Although UN sanctions on Iraq ban all exports except crude oil under the oil-for-food program, Iraqi dates, long prized for their delicious flavors and textures, still manage to make their way out of Iraq to other countries. According to this article in the New York Times, Iraqis use creative methods – such as shipping dates on Iranian-flagged ships and attaching phony labels – to reach markets...

U.S. Threatens to Act Against Europeans Over Modified Foods

Elizabeth Becker January 10, 2003
US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick said yesterday that the European Union's position on genetically modified (GM) foods was "immoral" and caused greater suffering in starving African nations. The EU has banned imports of GM foods, and earlier last year several African nations refused American food aid for fear that GM foods from the US would contaminate their own local crops...