Online magazine - Natural Food News

Last week, many people found themselves feeling shocked, and perhaps a little betrayed, at the news that in the 1960s the sugar industry paid scientists at Harvard to downplay the role of sugar in heart disease and instead play up the role of saturated fat. While the news is no doubt troubling, one thing it really shouldn’t be is shocking.

Ask the average person whether or not the government should require GMOs to be labeled, and chances are they have some sort of an opinion. Ask the average person what they think about the national GMO labeling law that passed this year, and they’ll probably have no idea what you’re talking about.

FDA has announced that a New Jersey company Gel Spice Inc. has recalled ground turmeric powder sold under multiple brand names due to excessive levels of lead in the products.

The final rules prohibit the marketing of junk food to kids at school, require snacks to meet the same science-based nutrition guidelines as all food sold in schools, and make it easier for children in high-poverty areas to receive free breakfasts and lunches.

Philadelphia has become the first major city to impose a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Proponents view the task as a means to curb poverty by providing education funding; opponents call the tax “regressive” and harmful to business. What does the evidence say?

Maryland's Montgomery County’s Annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale takes place July 23-24, and is a truly wonderful way to get to know your local farmers. Residents are invited to visit local farms and learn about the diverse agriculture of the region, as well as purchase some farm-fresh produce straight from the farmers.

As national pressure to label genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food grows, the first labeling laws passed at the state level were set to go into effect in Vermont on July 1st. However, the Senate voted for a controversial bill that could overrule the Vermont bill and loosen the labeling requirements desired by pro-labeling activists.

FDA releases final rule on intentional adulteration provisions to the Food Safety Modernization Act, in order to prevent contamination and protect the public from food-borne illnesses and outbreaks.

UPDATE — to our previous article, “Maryland is the First State to Pass Bill Protecting Bees from Pesticides”.

For the first time in more than two decades, the FDA has changed the requirements for nutrition labeling on food. According to the May 20 news release, the FDA has modernized the requirements in order to “help people make informed decisions about the foods they eat and feed their families.”

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) has been combating childhood obesity by providing low-income elementary school students free fresh fruits and vegetables in all 50 states since 2008. Despite evidence that the program has made significant positive impacts on the health of participating students, a draft bill in Congress could alter the program’s focus on fresh produce.

Yes, you read that right. The first Saturday of May is the annual World Naked Gardening Day, when people are encouraged to, you know, tend their garden in the nude. Of all the bizarre and random holidays out there—Lost Sock Memorial Day, also celebrated in May, does in fact exist—is it really so crazy to dedicate one day of the year to getting back to our (naked) roots and being one with nature? …well, probably.