2015 has seen the biggest bird flu outbreak in history. Countries around the world have been affected, but the U.S. is feeling it the hardest. More than 1.2 million birds have been killed by the disease already, and authorities are baffled on how to contain it. The bird flu outbreak has also been a supply…
In recent news, Russia and China have been working together on several trade agreements. They currently have a gas deal and an agricultural deal in the works, as well as credit agreements. Some people argue this could hurt the world’s economy, particularly the U.S. dollar. China and Russia are definitely becoming strong trade partners, and…
Consumers are demanding healthier foods from the fast food industry. As a result, many companies have reduced their trans-fats, removed additives where possible, and added healthier menu options. It’s a growing trend that fast food companies can no longer ignore.
Wal-Mart is taking a public stand against the poor treatment of animals. They are urging their seafood, meat, dairy, and egg suppliers to reduce the drugs and antibiotics used for raising farm animals. Wal-Mart is the first retailer to take such a stand, and they are doing it in a big way with voluntary regulations.
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was passed in January 2011, with changes added in 2015. It is a sweeping reform to make food safety laws better in the U.S. The FSMA calls for better responding to foodborne illness threats, and contamination prevention regulations. However, all of the changes are going to be hard for…
Fast food workers across the country are demanding higher pay in their “Fight for 15” campaign. Protestors claim that it’s not possible to live on the current minimum wage and that it should be raised to $15 per hour. McDonald’s seems to be getting the brunt of complaints, and it’s affecting their business clear to…
In May 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the biggest car recall in U.S. history. Approximately 34 million vehicles from 11 manufacturers all have defective airbag inflators that can rupture, sending metal shards into a vehicle’s compartment during an accident. This highlights the high supply chain risk in the automotive industry because there was…
Consumers in the U.S. are starting to demand more information from the products they buy at the grocery store. They want to know where their food and drink comes from, who handled it, what processes were used along the way to keep it safe, and all of the ingredients. These consumers are pushing for reforms…
Listeria is a foodborne illness that causes fever, chills, vomiting, and headache. The illness can range from mild to severe, and in some cases be life threatening. That’s why the food industry needs to be extra careful to ensure that their products are listeria free and safe for consumers to eat. This year, the president…
Between 2006 and 2007, there was a major salmonella outbreak that stemmed from ConAgra Grocery Products LLC. The company shipped contaminated cases of peanut butter under the Peter Pan brand and Wal-Mart’s Great Value label. More than 700 people reported getting sick, and nine deaths were tied to the outbreak. Now, ConAgra Foods is facing…