A roundup of news, reports, and research on agribusiness and related issues.
- Michigan sues 3M, DuPont over ‘forever’ chemicals | Crain’s Detroit Business
In 2018, 3M agreed to pay Minnesota $850 million to settle a case alleging the manufacturer damaged natural resources and contaminated groundwater by disposing of the chemicals over decades. Studies have associated certain PFAS chemicals with increased risk of cancer and damage to organs such as the liver and thyroid. The suit alleges that the defendants knew or should have known that the chemicals persist in the environment and do not degrade, that they would inevitably accumulate and build up in humans and animals, and that it is a potential or confirm carcinogen.
- KIND updates labels to reflect research showing calories from nuts have been “grossly miscalculated” | Food Navigator USA
KIND is reducing calorie counts on its nut bars to reflect USDA research suggesting that traditional methods for calculating energy have “grossly miscalculated” the metabolizable energy from whole nuts, the core ingredients in its snacks.
- Walmart opened a meatpacking plant. What does it mean for the beef industry? | The New Food Economy
In a press release, Walmart said it’s opening the facility to process Angus beef steaks and roasts, which it will sell in 500 stores throughout the Southeast. While the grocer says that controlling its supply chain will meet customers’ demands for transparency, there may be other factors in play as well. This summer, Walmart U.S. Chief Greg Foran told CNN Business that concerns over industry consolidation were one factor that led the company to look into regaining some control over its supply.
- As the Salton Sea shrinks, it leaves behind a toxic reminder of the cost of making a desert bloom | The Food and Environment Reporting Network
The area around the Salton Sea already has some of the worst air quality in the country, caused by particulate matter swept up from farms and the desert. Locals have some of the highest rates of asthma and respiratory issues in the state.
- What happened when a state made food stamps harder to get | The New York Times
The most visible impact has been at homeless missions and food pantries, which saw a big spike in demand that has never receded. But the policy change was barely noticeable in the work force.
The post #AgAlerts: Forever chemicals; change in the calorie count of nuts; Walmart’s meatpacking; the Salton Sea and food stamps appeared first on Investigate Midwest.