Consuming issues
In a regular column, just-food contributing editor Ben Cooper chews over how the industry is tackling issues from obesity to labelling and from child labour to its environmental impact.
Consuming issues - GM debate comes down to question of trust
25 April 2013
The GM debate has re-emerged in the UK in the last couple of weeks with the news four major supermarket operators will allow their suppliers to use GM feed for poultry and eggs.
Consuming issues - Cocoa's certification challenge
3 April 2013
Hershey's commitment to source 100% of its cocoa requirements from third-party-certified sources by 2020 has been broadly welcomed. However, what form that certification will take is unclear and is likely to remain so until the cocoa sector at large agrees sustainability standards and evolves the means to certify a huge amount of cocoa.
Consuming issues: Let them eat horse
26 February 2013
The suggestion this weekend from German development minister Dirk Niebel that food products containing horsemeat should be distributed to the poor reminds us that, while indicative of a glaring lack of scrutiny on the part of food companies, the horsemeat scandal has represented no danger to human health to date.
Consuming Issues - Childhood obesity: The Obamas' legacy?
21 January 2013
Today (21 January) sees Barack Obama's second inauguration as President of the United States, an appropriate juncture to look ahead to what the next four years may have in store in terms of US food policy.
Consuming issues: Industry should engage on nutrient taxes
8 November 2012
With nutrient taxes recently attracting media attention in a number of countries, Ben Cooper reflects on how the food and beverage industry might react to the heightened debate.
Consuming issues - UK food makers unbowed on FOP labelling
24 October 2012
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), which represents UK food manufacturers, shows little sign of relinquishing its dogged support of a system based solely on percentage of guideline daily amounts (GDAs), writes Ben Cooper.
Consuming issues: UK dairy row brings inequality questions north
29 September 2012
This summer's dispute of UK dairy prices shows how the debate over how farmers are treated can reach the developed markets of the north, writes Ben Cooper.
Consuming issues: Tesco leaves FDF at lights
24 August 2012
The unexpected announcement by Tesco that it will incorporate colour-coding, or 'traffic lights', into its front-of-pack nutritional labelling surprised industry watchers but has more importantly left UK food manufacturers isolated, writes Ben Cooper.
