Top stories on just-food this week

Food took centre stage on UK news pages and bulletins this week as the country's food watchdog reignited the debate on the nutritional merits of organic food. In a busy few days for the Food Standards Agency, a consultation period on the levels of sat fat and sugar in products was also launched. Across the pond, moves to beef up the US watchdog, the Food and Drug Administration, moved forward when the House passed a reform package.

These are the top ten stories on just-food this week.

UK: Organic has "no extra health benefit" - FSA
Organic food gives consumers no "additional health benefits", according to research commissioned by the UK's food watchdog.

UK: FSA launches sat fat, sugar consultation
The UK's food watchdog has outlined plans to consult on proposals to bring in voluntary recommendations to cut the levels of saturated fats and added sugar in products.

US: Food safety legislation passed
The US House of Representatives has passed legislation designed to strengthen food safety in the country, giving the Food and Drug Administration greater enforcement powers and resources to prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses.

INSIGHT: Own-label growth slowing - Kellogg CEO
Kellogg CEO Dave Mackay today (30 July) claimed that private-label sales are starting to "moderate" despite consumers still looking for value during the downturn.

COMMENT: Gum remains sticking point for Cadbury
Life is looking pretty sweet for Cadbury, the UK confectionery giant. Cadbury and its CEO Todd Stitzer are sitting more comfortably than they were just two years ago, when investors were pressing for improvement from what they saw as an under-performing business.

UK: Uniq sees H1 loss
Uniq this morning (30 July) posted a pre-tax loss of GBP12.5m for the first half of the year, down from a profit of GBP3m a year ago.

US: Supervalu earnings slide
US supermarket group Supervalu saw profits slide to US$113m in the first quarter of its fiscal year, down from $162m last year.

UK: Tesco rapped over comparison ad
Tesco has been criticised by the UK's advertising watchdog for its "misleading" use of price comparison adverts.

UK: Spar boss confident in UK convenience battle
Spar, the convenience retailer, can withstand growing competition from the UK's major multiples through the company's "connection" with local communities, the head of its global operations has claimed.

FRANCE: Entremont seeks deal with Lactalis or Sodiaal
Entremont Alliance is looking to sign a draft agreement in the next month that would see the ailing French dairy group link-up with either Lactalis or Sodiaal.