Salmonella Outbreak Leads To Raw Onion Recall In 37 States
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Red, white, and yellow onions have been linked to over 652 illnesses and 129 hospitalizations due to Salmonella poisoning. To control the outbreak, the US Centers for Disease Control advises, "Do not eat, sell, or serve red, white, or yellow onions imported from Mexico and distributed US-wide by ProSource Inc." When in doubt, throw it out.
Why Biden Wants To Break Up The Powerful US Beef Industry
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Over the past 18 months, beef prices have risen steadily, yet cattle rancher profits have dropped by more than 25%. Meatpackers are taking the lion's share, and the four biggest multinational conglomerates--Tyson, JBS USA, Cargill and National Beef--control more than 80% of the US beef supply. That's a bit too much consolidation according to Joe Biden, who recently signed an executive action aimed at diversifying and strengthening the US meat supply by increasing competition in the beef industry.
Only Four Companies Supply Most American Grocery Products, Study Finds
Image Source: Julia Louise Pereira
A joint investigation by The Guardian and Food and Water Watch found that only a few transnational companies control the market for nearly 80% of common American grocery items. For instance, PepsiCo owns five of the most popular dip brands and General Mills, Kellogg, and Post own 73% of the breakfast cereals we eat. Go capitalism! The problem is that market dominance and political power by mega-companies do not generally favor consumers, farmers, and retailers.
US And EU Reach 5-Year Deal To End Long-Running Food And Beverage Tariffs
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Two decades ago, the US and EU began a trade dispute over subsidies to aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus. As a result, everything from French wine and Italian cheese to American bourbon got slapped with a 25% surcharge as it shipped overseas. Finally, the two world powers have called a truce. A wide array of European wines and food products such as olives and cheese will now be free of the 25% tariff for at least 5 years. Hallelujah! Cognac, brandy, and vodka from both continents will also shed the surcharge, a move praised by restaurateurs and liquor producers as they struggle to recover from the pandemic. But one beverage category has been left conspicuously out of the deal: American whiskey will still be subject to a 25% tariff due to a separate ongoing trade dispute over steel and aluminum. Sorry bourbon. You'll still be pricey in Europe.
Pork Prices Set To Rise This BBQ Season, Say Industry Analysts
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It's simple supply and demand. The US hog supply is down about 2% compared to this time last year. Meanwhile, now that restaurants are reopening and people are hosting barbecues again, demand for pork chops and hot dogs is going up. Bacon prices make a good barometer. In March 2020, the price per pound of bacon was $4.72, but now it's up to $5.11. If you want to save a few bucks on pork shoulder, it might be a good time to stock up before pork prices climb higher.
