Editor's choice: the highlights on just-food this week

Wal-Mart stunned the US food sector this week with a decision to pull a Mead Johnson infant formula brand after the death of a baby in Missouri. In the UK, two retailers, Thorntons and Ocado, faced the scrutiny of investors after profit warnings. And, just-food launched its international food basket to highlight the difference in price between national brands and own label in seven markets.

US: Wal-Mart recalls infant formula after death
US retailer Wal-Mart Stores has taken a batch of powdered infant formula off the shelf at more than 3,000 of its stores following to death of a newborn in Missouri. 

UK: Thorntons shares melt after profit warning
Shares in UK chocolate retailer Thorntons plummeted today (21 December) after it warned its annual profits would miss expectations. 

On the money: Analysts divided over Ocado outlook
Analysts are split over the prospects of UK online retailer Ocado, which today (19 December) announced projected profits that were lower than expectations. 

UK: Charities blast snack firms online marketing
UK food and health campaigners have accused snack manufacturers of "shamelessly" targeting children with online games, apps and social media. 

Focus: Food SCP Round Table joins Ecolabel debate
The European Food Sustainable Consumption and Production Round Table's recently published report on the communication of environmental information is a timely contribution to the debate over the extension of the EU's Ecolabel scheme to food. Ben Cooper reports. 

The launch of the just-food international basket
In association with SymphonyIRI, just-food launches its international basket - a group of 17 items from tuna to milk that will highlight the difference in price between national brands and own label in seven international markets. Amid the worst economic conditions for a generation, shoppers are becoming more promiscuous in their behaviour and the data will prove valuable to brand manufacturers, own-label suppliers and retailers alike.

ITALY: Retailer Conad acquires Rewe's Italian Billa unit
Italian retailer Conad has bought German retailer Rewe's 43 Billa stores in the country.

US: General Mills launches Yoplait lactose-free yoghurt 
General Mills is to introduce its first lactose-free yoghurt under the Yoplait brand in the US.

UK: Tate & Lyle Sugars launches stevia-based brand 
Tate & Lyle Sugars is releasing a product containing stevia, the plant-based intense sweetener that received EU approval last month. 

The just-food interview - Patrick Cairns, Kallo Foods
The UK organic sector may be in the doldrums but Patrick Cairns, the chief executive of UK natural and organic food maker Kallo Foods, believes organic has its place and that the underlying demand for healthier, natural food will stand the company in good stead. In this month's just-food interview, he talked to Dean Best about his moves to refocus Kallo and his strategy to grow the business.