Go Back
Print this page

Food Politics

food politics

Politics of the Plate: Obfuscation is Only Natural

The USDA finally defines “natural” foods, but with a huge oversight.
Barry Estabrook
01.26.09
Keywords
barry estabrook,
politics of the plate,
food policy,
labeling,
meat
food politics

Politics of the Plate: Not So COOL After All

The USDA has finally expanded its country-of-origin labeling rules on meat, but significant loopholes leave a large portion of foods exempt.
Barry Estabrook
01.23.09
Keywords
barry estabrook,
politics of the plate,
food policy,
labeling,
meat
food politics

Politics of the Plate: Too Good for Their Own Good?

The venerable Niman Ranch ran out of cash this week, making it the second major natural-foods company to do so in 2009.
Barry Estabrook
01.22.09
Keywords
barry estabrook,
politics of the plate,
sustainability,
organics market,
seafood
food politics

Politics of the Plate: A Side Order of PCBs

New research suggests that a ban on two powerful toxins has dramatically reduced chemical contamination in freshwater fish.
Barry Estabrook
01.16.09
Keywords
barry estabrook,
politics of the plate,
health + science,
seafood
food politics

Politics of the Plate: Fighting for Food Safety

Another case of Salmonella-tainted peanut butter, and a surprising new way to detect pathogens in food.
Barry Estabrook
01.15.09
Keywords
barry estabrook,
politics of the plate,
health + science,
recalls,
industry
food politics

The White House Chef Wars

A recent flap about the first family’s chef demonstrates why that position needs to be redefined.
Christy Harrison
01.15.09
Keywords
christy harrison,
food policy,
chefs,
barack obama,
alice waters
food politics

Alice Waters’s Open Letter to the Obamas

Last November, Waters wrote a letter urging the Obamas to choose a forward-thinking White House chef, but it hasn’t been published online until now.
Alice Waters
01.15.09
Keywords
alice waters,
food policy,
farm-to-table,
barack obama
food politics

Politics of the Plate: Religious Rights

One healthcare network is refusing to buy foods made from cloned animals or genetically modified ingredients.
Barry Estabrook
01.13.09
Keywords
barry estabrook,
politics of the plate,
food policy,
nutrition/diet,
supermarket
food politics

Politics of the Plate: Working the Bugs Out—Slowly

Producers will have to disclose when food coloring includes carmine, but they still won’t have to list the source of that compound: insects.
Barry Estabrook
01.12.09
Keywords
barry estabrook,
politics of the plate,
food policy,
labeling,
nutrition/diet
food politics

Politics of the Plate: Bitter Truths

The “Certified Organic” label for honey is virtually meaningless, schools test out grass-fed beef, and more.
Barry Estabrook
01.06.09
Keywords
barry estabrook,
politics of the plate,
food policy,
organics market,
labeling