Ag in the News

11/16/2009

National and International

Report reviews long-term health effects of foodborne pathogens
Serious long-term health effects of foodborne pathogens are not well understood and present the greatest threat to children, the elderly and immune-suppressed individuals, according to a new report from the Center for Foodborne Illness Research & Prevention. MORE!

Winners and losers in retail meat product sales: report
Overall retail food spending continues to rise, particularly in such categories as meat products, condiments and baking ingredients, according to a new industry sector report by J.P. Morgan analysts, based on scanner data collected by AC Nielsen (excluding Wal-Mart). MORE!

Poultry industry calls for USDA to release acres for grain
Citing this year's "weather-delayed" corn and soybean harvest reducing projected yields and crop quality, which could once again drive up grain prices for meat and poultry producers, more than 100 companies and organizations sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging modification of rules for USDA's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). MORE!

Burger King franchisees sue over $1 double cheeseburger
The National Franchisee Association, which represents more than 80 percent of U.S. franchised Burger King restaurants, has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court over the pricing of the quick-service restaurant chain's $1 double cheeseburger, according to media reports. MORE!

Florida sandwich chain plans big expansion into Chicago
Jacksonville, Fla.-based sandwich chain Firehouse Subs, which touts its oversized portions of hand-sliced premium deli meats, said it has signed an agreement to open 125 franchised restaurants in the Chicago area over the next five to seven years. MORE!