In nature, color = nutrient density. We’re hardwired to respond to color. That’s why artificial colors play such a HUGE role in packaged, processed, industrial foods. I’m not just talking about neon-blue and purple breakfast cereals or the orange of Cheetos. Even seemingly benign foods are full of artificial colors to make them look appetizing. (Yes, I’m talking about the yellow-green of your pickles.)
Wyoming Food Freedom Act
Remember the Pennsylvania “Pie Gate”? Little old ladies forbidden to serve homemade pies at a Church Fish Fry?
Well, that sort of thing won’t happen in Wyoming. Last week the state’s House of Representatives passed the Food Freedom Act out of committee in support of cottage industry foods. A similar bill became the law of the land last year, but excluded potentially hazardous foods such as dairy products, canned foods, and sauces from protection as “cottage foods.” This bill would widen the scope what’s considered an exempt “cottage food,” and food-safety advocates are hotly criticizing the expanded definition.
The Raw Milk Revolution — Jill Richardson Gets It
This summer, the battle over food rights in the midst of proposed food safety legislation has bewildered and perplexed many people. HR 875, HR 2749, and a host of others like it elicited powerful grassroots responses that took congress by surprise as well as many bloggers reporting on the sustainable food beat. One of those bloggers was Jill Richardson of La Vida Locavore fame.
Recently, Jill had the opportunity to review an early copy of David Gumpert’s The Raw Milk Revolution. And now, she reports, she finally “gets it.”
You Gotta Love Joel Salatin
Joel Salatin has a way with words. In a recent interview posted at TreeHugger.com, Salatin shares his critique of the modern food system, his opinion of organic certification (it may surprise you!), his opinion on Big Organic being in giant food stores like Wal-Mart and Whole Foods, why he thinks eating locally and in season is important, why he participated in Food, Inc., and more.
To be honest, it’s the most in-depth Salatin interview I’ve ever read. And I believe you guys will eat it up. Eat. It. Up.
HR 2749 Passes With Some Reassuring Language
Well, friends, HR 2749 has passed. Of course, we knew it would. But thankfully, a reasoned debate happened before hand, some wording was altered, and many reassurances were given.
I’m still skeptical about the actual implementation of this bill, but that’s because I’m always skeptical about the choices Big Government makes that consistently support Big Industry, and in this case Big Ag.
Food Safety Recalls? Repackage And Redistribute!
The wonders never cease! In a record-breaking year of food recalls, it turns out some food corporations aren’t willing to sacrifice all that lost cash and swallow the tab. How do they make the economic blow of losing tons of food (literally) more tolerable?
They’ve been repackaging and redistributing recalled foods.
Organic Is Not Enough
Organic food. It sounds so safe. So wholesome. So good for the environment. So good for our health. Doesn’t it? At least until you realize that the Texas and Georgia peanut plants that were sending out salmonella riddled peanut butter also had federal organic certification.
Food Scare Of The Week
I’m sick of hearing about peanut recalls. Aren’t you? Well, it turns out that nothing in this bright world of ours is safe from contamination — not even potatoes. The culprit? A wiley little bacteria called listeria. You know, the same pathogen they use to frighten us into cooking all our food. Everything must be cooked, say the food scientists. Nothing consumed raw. No raw milk. No raw vegetables. No soft cheeses. No sushi or smoked salmon.
Why MSG is dangerous and where it is hiding.
If you ever doubted the safety of MSG, watch this video. Then, share my indignation at all the places MSG hides in our industrialized food supply. It’s in just about every processed food — even low-fat milk. This is the first video in a four part series. Watch Part 2a, Part 2b, Part 3, and…