Multinational food industry accused of tobacco-industry tactics

An international analysis of food, drink, and alcohol industry involvement in non-communicable disease (NCD) policies shows that despite the common reliance on industry self-regulation and public-private partnerships to improve public health, there is no evidence to support either their effectiveness or safety. On the contrary, the study, led by Professor Rob Moodie from the University

Letters, Feb. 21, 2013

We welcome readers’ comments on issues that have been covered in the Manitoba Co-operator. In most cases we cannot accept “open” letters or copies of letters which have been sent to several publications. Letters are subject to editing for length or taste. We suggest a maximum of about 300 words. Please forward letters to Manitoba



Pork producers urged to be open about what happens in their barns

Pro-industry advocacy group says consumers have ‘woken up’ and are concerned 
about modern livestock practices, but willing to listen to farmers’ side of the story

Farmers may have a lot of good science in their corner, but facts alone won’t restore public trust in the food system, according to the head of an industry advocacy group. “People are asking ethical questions and we’re giving them science-based answers, because we’re not comfortable talking about the ethics,” said Terry Fleck, executive director


Research supports need for crustacean welfare

The food and aquaculture industries should reconsider how they treat live crustaceans such as crabs, prawns and lobsters, says a Queen’s University Belfast researcher who has found that crabs are likely to feel pain. The latest study by Professor Bob Elwood and Barry Magee from Queen’s School of Biological Sciences looked at the reactions of

Horsemeat found in British burgers

Burger King, one of the most popular fast-food chains in Britain and Ireland, said Jan. 24 it had stopped using one of the firms caught up in the scandal of supplying grocers with beef that contained horsemeat. The British food industry has been rocked by the revelation last week that retailers including market leader Tesco


Funding for value-added food processors

The Manitoba Food Processors Association is getting $440,000 in funds to assist with commercializing new products and expand food manufacturing in Manitoba. “Here in Manitoba and across the country, the food-processing industry delivers a lot to the Canadian economy and it deserves our support,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz in announcing the funding at Ag

U.K. farm minister calls on European authorities to speed up approval of GM crops

Owen Paterson says genetic modification isn’t a “frightening, new, spooky 
technology” and brings many benefits, including reduced pesticide and fuel use

Reuters / Britain’s farming and environment minister, Owen Paterson is calling for an acceleration in the European Union’s approval process for genetically modified crops, which he said offered benefits including less pesticide use. “I think we need to work with like-minded partners to move the (GM) legislation along at a European level because it is


Cargill to idle its Plainview, Texas, beef plant

chicago / reuters / U.S. agribusiness giant Cargill Inc. said Jan. 17 it will idle its Plainview, Texas, beef-processing plant on Feb. 1 due to tight U.S. cattle supplies brought on by years of drought in the Southern Plains states. “The U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest level since 1952. Increased feed costs resulting

Food industry spoiling through lack of innovation

Canadian food companies are falling behind competitors in other countries because they are failing to innovate, says a new report from the Conference Board of Canada. “When it comes to innovation, the Canadian food industry is content to compete for a bronze medal,” says Daniel Munro, a researcher with the board’s Centre for Food in