FoodStar & Andronico's Cut Waste & Cost By Selling Imperfect Fruit

January 28, 2013 Dana Gunders, Grist

On the surface, it’s a common display. A bin of apples with a sale sign greets customers as they enter the grocery store. Behind the scenes, however, it’s unchartered territory. Those apples are too small to be considered sufficient quality, or grade, for retail grocery stores. They were destined to be juice, cattle feed, or maybe even landfill waste until a few crafty folks and a bold supermarket decided to break the grade barrier.

Chiquita Announces Preliminary Fourth Quarter & Full-Year 2012 Selected Results

Chiquita Brands International, Inc. reported preliminary unaudited selected results for the fourth quarter and full year 2012 in conjunction with a proposed refinancing. Because the fourth quarter and full-year have only recently ended, the information that follows is preliminary and based upon information available to the company as of the date of this press release.

Fruit & Vegetable Intake Is Associated With Lower Risk Of ER Breast Cancer

There is no association between total fruit and vegetable intake and risk of overall breast cancer, but vegetable consumption is associated with a lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer, according to a study published January 24 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Dole Alleging Environmental Misrepresentations Resolved

January 28, 2013 Dole Food Company

Dole Food Company, Inc. announced that the parties have amicably resolved the class action lawsuit alleging Dole misrepresented its commitment to the environment. The lawsuit, Clayton Laderer v. Dole Food Company, Inc., was filed in November 2012 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

Harkin Bill Expands Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program To Low-Income Schools

Legislation introduced Tuesday by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, outlines critical public health and prevention initiatives to fight chronic disease, encourage healthier schools, communities and workplaces, and improve physical activity opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The Healthier Lifestyles and Prevention America (HeLP America) Act includes wellness provisions in a broad range of areas, including expanded access to fresh fruits and vegetables for all low-income elementary schools, tax incentives for businesses that offer comprehensive workplace wellness programs to their employees, improved physical activity and athletic opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and greater oversight with regard to food and tobacco marketing.