Food in the news

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration announced calorie labeling rules for all prepared foods sold in establishments that have 20 or more locations, such as restaurant and grocery chains.

The labels must be “clear and conspicuous” on menus, menu boards and displays. Companies have one year to comply. Looking at the calorie content may make some people leery of adding fries to their double cheeseburger. On the other hand, it may make some food healthier.

The rules have been delayed for years due to pressure from supermarkets, convenience stores and pizza delivery chains.

Supermarkets will not have to label food intended for more than one person, such as deli meats, but a sandwich will require labeling.

Alcoholic drinks must also be labeled with a calorie count, making for interesting bar conversations.

It’s safer in Canada

Really worried about food safety? Move to Canada or Ireland. A new report says the two countries are at the top when it comes to food safety.

But the U.S., the U.K., France and Norway round out the top tier. The study was done by a group in Canada, so there might be a little bias.

Public trust in food safety was also highest in Canada and Ireland. The research did find that most countries have strong responses to national food safety. They also found pesticide use has changed little since 2010. For the full report, go to www.foodsafetynews.com.

Going wild

“Wild Gourmet: Naturally Healthy Game, Fish and Fowl Recipes for Everyday Chefs” is now available from the Boone and Crockett Club.

 Boone and Crockett Club was founded by Theodore Roosevelt and other hunters in 1887 as America’s first wildlife advocacy group.

The book even suggests wine pairings, all submitted by third-generation Napa winemaker and Boone and Crockett member Marc Mondavi.

 At 272 pages and featuring recipes from Emeril Lagasse, Scott Leysath, Hank Shaw and many others, the book also includes advice on wild game processing.

Really strong coffee

Are you tough on coffee makers? Really tough? Then the COFFEEBOXX may be for you. “It is field tested to meet standards no one dared to set: crush-proof, dust-proof, spill-proof, and rust-proof, water resistant, impact resistant. It uses the latest single-serve technology to deliver your favorite coffee anywhere you work and play.”

The creators are still looking for crowdfunding to introduce it into retail stores. If you’re tough on coffee makers, check it out: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1217364508/the-coffeeboxxtm-the-worlds-toughest-coffee-maker