1. The diver who carved on endangered coral: 2. The Universal Studios-bound tourists who complained to Universal that a hurricane wrecked their trip....as if A) Universal could do anything about that, and B) people weren't literally losing their homes and dying in the hurricane: 3. Whoever spray-painted this on the Pantheon: 4. The tourist who got angry there weren't more English menus at a restaurant in Japan: 5. This Disney adult who got annoyed at Disney workers being paid more because they didn't want ticket prices going up: 6. Any tourists who think this is anything other than highly inappropriate: 8. The people who left empty beer cans on this hiking trail: 9. The man who somehow thought this was okay: 10. The tourist who decided COVID closures didn't apply to them: 11. Every tourist who litters plastic bags in places with wildlife: 12. This wildly unsafe tourist: 13. This "begpacker" who expected locals to pay for them to be a tourist: 14. The tourists who brought FOURTEEN pets with them: 15. This tourist who ruined an experience for everyone else: 16. This tourist who got way too close to an animal and tried to get a reaction...then seemed surprised at the consequences: 17. These tourists who ignored a clear sign: 20. As well as these ones: 21. Aaaand all the people who clearly ignored this sign and ruined a beautiful flower field: 22. Any tourist who leaves a beach like this: 24. Any tourist who decided to take their own souvenir from a cave in Spain: 25. The owner of this car, who didn't give a damn about everyone's ocean view as long as they had convenient parking: 26. This tourist who turned a train car into their own personal gym, disregarding the poor people who just wanted to get to their destination: 27. The tourist who ran up the steps of an ancient pyramid in Mexico: 28. This beach vacationer who blamed a restaurant for a summer storm: 29. And finally, the tourists who CAUGHT A BISON CALF AND PUT IT IN THEIR CAR (who are honestly more dumb than entitled, but still):

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29 Selfish, Entitled Tourists With Such Low Self-Awareness, It Actually Needs To Be Studied - BuzzFeed

Jun 7, 2024

From being self-aware to setting boundaries, here we list down some common habits of women who are mentally strong, as per psychology. Read on to know more.

Mentally strong women are confident and they are aware of their strengths and weaknesses, which they use to their benefit.

Be it their personal or professional lives, mentally strong women set boundaries with others by saying 'no' when needed. This helps them protect their time, energy, and mental health, and in turn, stay focused.

Women who are mentally strong have a growth mindset. They have a positive attitude in life; they accept challenges as an opportunity for growth. They also keep working on themselves to become their best version.

Mentally strong women are kind and compassionate, not just to others but also to themselves. They accept their flaws because they too are human and can make mistakes at times.

When mentally strong women face failures, they accept them and learn from their mistakes. They are resilient and every experience is an opportunity to grow for them.

Things girls secretly want, but won't as...

From Rahul Gandhi to Hema Malini: Indian...

Mentally strong women are grounded and balanced, even in adversity. They acknowledge their feelings without being overwhelmed, and they use healthy ways to cope with stress.

Mentally strong women not only work on themselves but also practice gratitude. They are thankful for whatever they have in life and this brings positivity and abundance in their lives.

Mentally strong women go the extra mile-- be it their work or for helping others. This makes them an inspiration to many.

Thanks For Reading!

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Habits of women who are mentally strong, as per psychology - The Times of India

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Island Harvest, one of the leading food banks on Long Island, is trying to change the way hunger is addressed by focusing more on long-term solutions, not only feeding those in need but also teaching them how to grow their own food.

LONG ISLAND - Nestled off the beaten path in Suffolk County is nearly 30 acres of land dedicated to farming. The property belongs to the Sisters of St. Joseph, but plantings on a portion of it, dubbed the Healthy Harvest Farm, yields produce for food-insecure Long Islanders.

"Growing organic food and getting it into the community is important but we also use it as a model so we can help teach people who are struggling how to grow food for themselves and become more independent," said Randi Shubin Dresner, who is the President and CEO of Island Harvest Food Bank.

Island Harvest, one of Long Island's leading hunger relief organizations, recruits an army of volunteers to help on the farm.

According to the nonprofit, 221,000 Long Islanders struggle with food insecurity.

This season theres a new focus on culturally diverse produce for families that may not have access to products theyre used to cooking with.

"We have jalapeos, okra, amaranth, a whole assortment of different foods were able to grow," Shubin Dresner said.

Thousands of pounds of organic fruits and veggies are harvested from this so-called "food forest."

"We grow 60 to 70 different varieties of fruits and vegetables so these are things that often you may not find in the grocery store," said Cassidy Kirch, who is the Farm and Garden Supervisor for Island Harvest.

Once picked, all of the produce gets washed. From the farm, it goes to Island Harvests warehouse where it gets inventoried, and then it goes out into the community- to agencies and produce programs for kids, seniors, and veterans.

Seed libraries are alsopopping up across Long Island. The hope is for people to grow their own produce, or grow food and then donate it to a neighborhood pantry.

See more here:

Suffolk County farm cultivating hope with organic produce for the hungry - FOX 5 New York

This article is included in these additional categories:

In recognition of National Dairy Month, Organic Valley has announced ambitious plan to onboard more than 100 small organic family farms into its cooperative by the end of 2024. The cooperative, already the largest organic farmer-owned entity in the United States, has been steadily increasing its membership, reflecting its ongoing commitment to supporting and preserving small organic farms.

Organic Valleys growth strategy focuses on integrating new farms from diverse regions, including Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, New York, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri, and Iowa. This regional diversity helps enhance the cooperatives supply chain resilience and product availability across the nation. The cooperatives executive vice president of membership, Shawna Nelson, emphasized that these new additions align with Organic Valleys mission of nourishing organic food, sustainable family farming, and fostering thriving communities.

By bringing in these new farmer-owners, Organic Valley continues to lead the organic movement, demonstrating its ability to adapt and expand while maintaining high standards. Many of the new farms are joining due to challenges with other businesses or a desire to adopt more pasture-based organic farming methods, ensuring a stable future for the next generation of farmers.

Organic Valleys commitment to ethical farming practices and sustainable agriculture is evident in its dedication to protecting more than 400,000 acres of organic farmland across the United States. The cooperative ensures that its farmer-owners adhere to the stringent requirements of the USDA National Organic Program and Organic Valleys own high standards, which prioritize the dignity and interdependence of human, animal, plant, soil, and global life.

The cooperatives approach to farming involves meticulous care for soil health and animal welfare, aspects that resonate deeply with its newest members. Farmers like Toby Miller from Iowa appreciate Organic Valleys ability to provide a stable and solid market for their milk while also promoting the use of organic farming methods that avoid harmful chemicals. This focus on sustainability and long-term land stewardship ensures that Organic Valley remains a trusted leader in the organic sector.

Organic Valleys expansion bolsters its market position and strengthens its role as an advocate for ethical sourcing and sustainable farming. The cooperatives model supports farmers who are dedicated to managing their farms with care and respect for the environment, while ensuring that consumers receive high-quality organic products.

As Organic Valley continues to grow, it invites consumers to join its movement by learning more about its products and farmer-owners. The cooperatives website and blog provide insights into the lives and practices of its members, highlighting stories like that of the Miller family from Iowa. By sharing these narratives, Organic Valley aims to build a stronger connection between consumers and the sources of their food.

The cooperatives growth strategy also includes increasing market presence and expanding product availability in retail stores nationwide. By welcoming over 100 new farms, Organic Valley is set to enhance the diversity and volume of organic products on store shelves, meeting the growing consumer demand for sustainably sourced, organic foods.

In 2024, Organic Valleys expansion underscores its unwavering dedication to supporting small organic family farms and advocating for sustainable agriculture. The cooperatives success story serves as a testament to the power of collective effort in revolutionizing the food system, ensuring a stable future for farmers and high-quality organic products for consumers.

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Organic Valley Expands Cooperative, Welcoming Over 100 New Small Organic Family Farms in 2024 - Environment+Energy Leader

NEW YORK, June 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The globalhealth and wellness food market size is estimated to grow by USD 541.5 billionfrom 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.27% during the forecast period. Increasing adoption of healthy eating habitsis driving market growth,with a trend towardsadoption of prebiotic and probiotic food. However,high cost of health and wellness food poses a challenge. Key market players include Amys Kitchen Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Co., Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods Inc., Chobani Global Holdings LLC, Clif Bar and Co., Dairy Farmers of America Inc., Danone SA, Dr. Schar, Fifty50 Foods, General Mills Inc., Glanbia plc, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Kellogg Co., London Foods Ltd., Mars Inc., Mondelez International Inc., Nestle SA, PepsiCo Inc., United Natural Foods Inc., and Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd..

Get a detailed analysis on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies- View the snapshot of this report

Forecast period

2024-2028

Base Year

2023

Historic Data

2018 - 2022

Segment Covered

Product (Naturally health food, Functional food, BFY food, Organic food, and Food intolerance products), Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), and Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America)

Region Covered

North America, APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America

Key companies profiled

Amys Kitchen Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Co., Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods Inc., Chobani Global Holdings LLC, Clif Bar and Co., Dairy Farmers of America Inc., Danone SA, Dr. Schar, Fifty50 Foods, General Mills Inc., Glanbia plc, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Kellogg Co., London Foods Ltd., Mars Inc., Mondelez International Inc., Nestle SA, PepsiCo Inc., United Natural Foods Inc., and Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The health and wellness food market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing consumer awareness and demand for prebiotic and probiotic food products. Prebiotics, such as Quakers oats from Nestle, are nondigestible substances that reach the large colon undigested, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria for improved digestion and overall health.

Probiotics, like yogurt, provide live beneficial bacteria and offer benefits such as a strong immune system, improved digestion, and heart health. With millions of Americans suffering from digestive issues, companies like Danone and Yakult are responding by offering probiotic drinks to aid in digestion and reduce the risk of diseases. This trend is expected to continue driving market growth during the forecast period.

The food market is seeing a significant trend towards health and natural ingredients. Foods rich in fiber, such as nuts and fruits, are popular choices. Proteins from sources like eggs, meat, and probiotics are also in demand. Superfoods like quinoa and sourcing are gaining popularity.

Gluten-free and low-carb options are preferred by many consumers. Herbal supplements and functional beverages are also trending. Dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals are widely used. Sustainability and ethical sourcing are important considerations for consumers. Organic and locally grown produce are preferred. The market for functional foods and beverages is expected to grow further.

Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend. For more details-Download a Sample Report

MarketChallenges

For more insights on driver and challenges-Download a Sample Report

Segment Overview

1.1Naturally health food- The Health and Wellness Food Market is thriving, with consumers prioritizing nutritious meals. Supermarkets and online retailers stock a wide range of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Healthy snacks, such as nuts and seeds, are also popular choices. Brands focus on clear labeling and transparent ingredient lists to meet customer demands. This market continues to grow, offering various options to cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences.

For more information on market segmentation with geographical analysis including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) - Download a Sample Report

Research Analysis

The Health and Wellness Food Market encompasses a wide range of organic and natural food products. These include items made with gluten-free, non-GMO ingredients, probiotics, antioxidants, superfoods, and whole grains. Plant-based, vegan, and vegetarian options, as well as dairy-free and sugar-free alternatives, are also popular choices. Low-carb and high-protein foods, omega-3 rich sources, fiber-rich ingredients, and functional foods are sought after for their health benefits.

Nutraceuticals, herbal supplements, and dietary supplements are often incorporated into daily routines for additional nutritional support. Clean label, cold-pressed, and fermented foods are preferred for their transparency and raw foods offer unprocessed goodness. Prebiotics and adaptogens are emerging trends in this market, while organic beverages and natural sweeteners, as well as low-glycemic options, cater to various dietary needs.

Market Research Overview

The Health and Wellness Food Market encompasses a variety of products designed to promote optimal health and nutrition. These include functional foods, fortified foods, and dietary supplements. Organic and natural ingredients are increasingly preferred, with a focus on fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.

Gluten-free, low-sodium, and sugar-free options are also popular. Superfoods, such as chia seeds and kale, are sought after for their high nutrient content. Probiotics and prebiotics are essential components, supporting gut health and immunity. Sustainability and ethical production practices are key considerations for consumers. The market is driven by growing awareness of the link between diet and health, as well as increasing health concerns and lifestyle trends.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation

7Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email:[emailprotected] Website:www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio

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Health and Wellness Food Market size is set to grow by USD 541.5 billion from 2024-2028, Increasing adoption of ... - PR Newswire

FIELD DAY ... The event will take place at Prairiesun Organics in Vermillion, S.D. on Saturday, June 21, 2024

PUBLISHED ON June 10, 2024

The event will feature production considerations for transitioning to pasture-raised organic egg and broiler production. (Courtesy Image)

PIERRE, S.D. Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) invites you to attend a field day focused on transitioning to organic poultry production. The event will feature production considerations for transitioning to pasture-raised organic egg and broiler production. The event will take place at Prairiesun Organics in Vermillion, S.D. on Sat., June 21, 2024 from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. CDT.

Hear from Dr. Angela Jackson, owner of Prairiesun Organics, about their knowledge of producing pasture-raised organic eggs and broiler meat. Tour their farm and their semi-mobile poultry processing plant and enjoy an egg-inspired lunch.

Dr. Jackson is a USDA TOPP Plains region farm advisor through SDSPA and has experience in organic crop and livestock production as a certified organic producer in South Dakota and a lead organic auditor for the organic food and feed sectors. She has been evaluating organic farming systems for over 15 years and brings a knowledgeable perspective of risk management for transitioning livestock producers.

The event will also feature recorded interviews with industry professionals including Mike Badger, the Executive Director of the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association, and David Schafer of Featherman Equipment, small-scale poultry processing equipment supplier.

Badger is also a freelance author, publisher, and podcaster. He is the owner of Badgers Millside Farm in Hughesville, PA. He is an advocate for independent pastured poultry farms and will discuss the start-up costs of a pasture-raised poultry operation with on-farm processing.

Schafer is also the author and creator of the plant-in-a-box concept. He is author of the book Simply the Greatest Life: Finding Myself in the Country and has extensive knowledge of pasture-raised poultry and on-farm poultry processing. He is the owner and founder of Prairie Schooners, LLC, and Plant in a Box, LLC.

Pre-registration is required for this free event. Register online at SDSPA website athttps://sdspecialtyproducers.org/p/13351.

This event is hosted by SDSPA through support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Additional field days supporting producers transitioning to organic are planned this summer. Save the date for an Aug. 12th field day at Bear Butte Gardens, Sturgis, S.D and a Sept. 20th field day at Dakota Best Seeds, Platte, S.D. For a full listing of events visithttp://sdspecialtyproducers.orgorhttps://www.facebook.com/sdspa/.

SDSPA

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Field Day to Focus on Transitioning to Organic Poultry Production - Morning Ag Clips -

Buying organic groceries isn't as expensive as it used to be, but it's still a significant price jump from nonorganic meat and produce.

If you're going to buy some but not all organic, do so wisely. There are fruits and vegetables more likely to contain pesticides than others, and thus buying pesticide-free versions of them will give you more bang for your organic buck and keep more harmful chemicals off your plate.

To help decide which foods you should buy organic and which ones it might be OK not to, food safety nonprofit Environmental Working Group curates a yearly list of the foods most likely to contain pesticides dubbed "The Dirty Dozen."

To do so, the group analyzed 46,569 samples of 46 fruits and vegetables tested by the US Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture.

The No. 1 offender of pesticides in the group's latest study? Strawberries. The popular berries had more total instances of chemicals found on them than any other fruit or vegetable included in the sweeping analysis.

Strawberries are the produce most likely to have pesticides, according to the study.

Fruits and vegetables are billed as some of the healthiest foods, but they're also the most likely to pesticides, which are used to protect them from invasive insects, grazing animals and diseases during cultivation. In fact, nearly three-quarters of all nonorganic produce has detectable levels of pesticides by the time it reaches your supermarket shelves or grocery delivery order, according to thestudy.

In general, foods that don't have natural casings or have edible skins such as apples, greens and berries are more likely to contain pesticides. Pieces of produce with commonly removed skin such as avocados and pineapples are far less likely to be tainted. Below you'll find the 12 foods most likely to contain pesticides and the 15 foods least likely to be tainted.

Foods most likely to contain pesticides, according to FDA and USDA data.

Strawberries, spinach and kale are foods you'd be wise to wash thoroughly before eating.

The Dirty Dozen is a good indicator meant to alert consumers to the fruits and vegetables most in need of thorough washing. Even a quick rinse with water or a spritz ofproduce washhelps.

You can also sidestep much of the potential risk by buyingcertified organic fruits and vegetablesthat are free from the use of farming pesticides. Knowing which foods are more likely to contain pesticides might help you decide where to spend that bit of extra money on organic. And as I learned in ananalysis of organic and nonorganic prices, they aren't as expensive as you might think.

It doesn't always make sense to splurge on organic produce.

Conversely, the EWG found these 15 fruits and vegetables Ieast likely to contain pesticides.

Foods with naturally occurring protective skin are far less likely to contain potentially harmful pesticides.

These are the fruits and vegetables least likely to contain pesticides, according to the study:

EWG's methodology involves six measures of pesticide contamination. The analysis focuses on which fruits and vegetables are most likely to contain one or more pesticides but does not measure how much of any one pesticide is on a given piece of produce. You can read more on the EWG's Dirty Dozen in the published study here.

Continued here:

Always Wash These 12 Fruits and Vegetables Before Eating - CNET

The (Minneapolis) Star Tribune

Natural food co-ops are known for their organic produce and fair-trade coffee. Their chutes of bulk grains and jars of hard-to-find spices. Their wide assortment of cage-free, farm-fresh eggs and nut grinders that let you crush your own container of almond butter gooeyness.

But what many consumers dont usually associate with todays co-ops are cheap prices.

Changing values and economic pressures, though, have pushed natural food co-ops to focus more on affordability.

This year natural food co-ops have seen elevated sales as they have dramatically increased cheaper organic offerings such as United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI)s Field Day brand. Co-ops have also recently started to add less expensive, conventional and sometimes even less healthy items, including Coke products.

The changes signal an evolution in philosophy from the roots that helped pioneer the co-op movement in the 1970s and went on to sweep the country.

Co-ops have and continue to struggle over should I stock that product or not, said C.E. Pugh, chief executive of the National Co+op Grocers organization, which is based in St. Paul, Minnesota. It doesnt really meet my values. Its not local. Its not organic. Its not natural. Its just inexpensive. We are beginning to see co-ops experiment with it.

At the Mississippi Market co-op off 7th Street in the Daytons Bluff neighborhood of St. Paul, customers can buy a variety of locally sourced and organic food such as air-chilled, free-range hens and farmstead cheese staples of all three of the Mississippi Markets.

But the E. 7th store, which serves a neighborhood with 19% of residents below the poverty level, also has added Coca-Cola and Sprite and 100 items under the discount Essential Everyday private brand, which is owned by SuperValu, now a subsidiary of UNFI, Jif peanut butter and other national brands found in conventional supermarkets.

We have observed significant growth in the sales of these products, prompting us to gradually expand the selection across various departments, including grocery, cheese, wellness, and produce, said Yani Clement, Mississippi Markets purchasing director, in an email.

Currently our conventional product selection at the East 7th store makes up around 9% of our total product offerings. This expansion not only provides customers with more affordable options but also ensures that we continue to cater to a diverse range of preferences and budgetary needs.

A higher percentage of sales at the E. 7th store also comes from Mississippi Markets Co-op Basics line of products, which is a lineup of natural or organic household goods that are priced below the suggested retail price.

Co+op Basics, which National Co+op Grocers started in 2016, was a game changer for co-ops because it gave small independent cooperatives the buying power of a larger chain to negotiate lower pricing of organic products, Pugh said. The National Co+op Grocers also negotiates Co+op Deals sales flyers.

That negotiating power was essential as more mainstream stores began to offer their own organic private labels.

Whole Foods has Whole Foods 365, Kroger has Simple Truth, Target has their own organic brand and Walmart has their own private labels, Pugh said. We didnt have anything like that and we were just getting blown out of the water price wise.

Now food co-op sales are on the rise thanks in a large part to their increase in cheaper organic goods and conventional grocery products, Pugh said. During the first quarter of this year, sales at the 230 or so co-op stores that are part of the National Co+op Grocers were up 5% compared with last year, boosted by a 30% jump in Field Day sales.

Over the past decade as a whole, the growth was 2% annually, Pugh said.

Since the end of the pandemic, the Wedge Community Co-op has seen store traffic increase with people shopping more frequently.

We strive to provide options for people, said Rebecca Lee, senior director of purchasing and merchandising at the Wedge. As we adapt, as all of us adapt to increased prices, we look for more options for people so that they can continue to buy those free-range eggs like they want to but have another option for olive oil thats less expensive.

Buying in bulk is still a major way for people to save money at co-ops. Its 52% less to buy the same oats in bulk as it is packaged, Lee said. Other items that are cheaper in bulk are honey (44%), olive oil (28%) and coffee (20%).

If you dont need a lot of something like you are trying a new recipe or if you dont know that you like lentils, you can buy a quarter cup at a time you dont have to buy a whole package, she said.

Two years ago, the Wedge started its co-op perks loyalty program where coupons are sent directly to customers to match their buying habits. The individualized program has proven effective.

David Schmit, 69, of Minneapolis, considers the recently renovated Seward Community Co-op on Franklin Avenue in the Cedar-Riverside part of Minneapolis his familys neighborhood store.

We like eating healthy and they have an abundance of healthy foods, he said as he pushed a cart of fresh foods like tomatoes and spinach.

However, Schmit said his weekly store visits have gotten pricey as grocery prices at co-ops as well as conventional stores have climbed over the last two years.

Part of the problem with organics is that they are expensive, Schmit said.

Stetson McAdams, 32, of Minneapolis, visits Seward three to four times a week. His partner works there so their household gets a discount, but even with the savings, it has been hard to cope with the high prices of food at the co-op.

They are pricier, McAdams said. It feels like my wallet has shrunk by half.

Natalia Mendez, marketing director for Seward, the oldest co-op in the Twin Cities, said there used to be very stringent purchasing guidelines about what merchandise Seward sold.

Seward recently incorporated Jarritos and Mexican Coke to its Franklin Avenue store, additions that have sold well but initially received some pushback about if those products met Sewards standards. In the end, Seward decided to carry them because people do want the things that they recognize, Mendez said.

Its this balancing act, Mendez said

Seward has seen success in adding Essential Everyday and Field Day products too.

While shopping in bulk or buying generic organic items can save money at co-ops, for many consumers, value is not only about a lower price tag, said Faye Mack, executive director of the Vermont-based Food Co-op Initiative, which helps communities open co-ops.

People want to spend their dollars on what is valuable to them, and they want to support local producers and stores that provide decent wages to workers, she said.

That piece is often just as important. People are really eager to have control of their access to food, she said.

2024 StarTribune. Visit at startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Food co-ops aren't known for their price-conscious customers, but that's changing - Sunbury Daily Item

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A study conducted by Consumer Reports discovered that two popular brands of kids' snacks contain elevated levels of lead, though federal standards have not been set on heavy metal levels in many baby foods.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only set limits on heavy metals in infant rice cereal and juice, though it is working to put standards in place for other categories of baby foods.

The owner of Lead Safe Mama, Tamara Rubin, published a story on her website about LesserEvil and Serenity Kids products containing lead.

Rubins company focuses on preventing lead poisoning while also raising awareness for parents about sources of lead exposure. For example, she sounded the alarm on Stanley tumblers, which were found to contain lead.

More recently, Rubin found that cassava-based snacks like Serenity Kids puffs contained high levels of lead, leading Consumer Reports to test four cassava products from LesserEvil and Serenity Kids as well as two products from Once Upon a Farm that contained sorghum.

CUCUMBERS RECALLED IN 14 STATES OVER POTENTIAL SALMONELLA CONTAMINATION

Consumer Reports tested multiple types of kids' puffs and found high levels of lead in some. (Scott Meadows / Consumer Reports Website)

The study found that LesserEvils Lil Puffs Intergalactic Voyager Veggie Blend puffs contained "more lead per serving than any of the 80 baby foods" Consumer Reports has tested since 2017.

Specifically, the test found the lead content was 112% of the maximum allowable dose levels (MADLs) established by California Proposition 65.

James E. Rogers, Ph.D., head of food safety testing at Consumer Reports, said kids should consume less than half of a serving of the Intergalactic Voyager Veggie Blend puffs per day.

Consumer Reports also found LesserEvils Lil Puffs Sweet Potato Apple Asteroid and Serenity Kids Tomato & Herb, Bone Broth puffs also contained high levels of lead.

HY-VEE RECALLING MULTIPLE ITEMS, CITING SALMONELLA CONTAMINATION RISK

Consumer Reports showed in its report what an actual serving looks like for kids eating snack puffs. (Consumer Reports Website)

LesserEvils Asteroid puffs contained lead levels at 60% of the MADLs, while Serenity Kids Tomato & Herbs contained lead levels at 53%.

Based on these levels, Rogers recommended children be given 1 servings of puffs, at the most, per day.

Rogers warned that the serving sizes of the puffs are smaller than people may realize. According to Consumer Reports, a single serving of Intergalactic Voyager Veggie Blend is 17 puffs, while the Serenity Kids puffs are sold in a 1 ounce container with six servings.

The Once Upon a Farm products tested had "very low" levels of lead, Consumer Reports said, accounting for some of the lowest levels of all the baby food they have ever tested.

ALDI RECALLS CREAM CHEESE OVER SALMONELLA CONCERNS

Consumer Reports tested several kids' snacks and found some contained elevated levels of lead. (Consumer Reports Website)

"Clearly, some manufacturers need to do a better job of keeping heavy metals out of their snack foods, and there may be some particular concerns about foods made with cassava," Rogers said.

Rogers acknowledged that the FDA recently proposed limits on lead and other heavy metals in some categories of baby food. But he also noted that snack foods were not one of the categories being looked at for lead regulations.

"The agency needs to take a hard look at the snacks parents feed their children and make sure they dont have dangerous levels of lead and other contaminants," he said.

Caitlin Mack, the brand marketing director at LesserEvil, told FOX Business its products adhere to current regulatory requirements.

"LesserEvil was built on a mission to create better, cleaner, more natural products than the highly processed and refined snacks that overtook grocery store shelves for years," she said. "We are proud of the best-in-class products we've put on shelves, which all meet GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) standards and federal regulations for organic products. Food safety is a top priority, and we conduct extensive testing for all LesserEvil products that complies with California Prop 65 and federal standards."

Jennie Shen, director of brand marketing for Serenity Kids, told FOX Business its puffs have always been safe for consumption.

ORANGE JUICE MAKERS CONSIDER USING ALTERNATIVE FRUIT AS PRICES SKYROCKET

Cassava root and freshly made cassava flour. (Wayne Hutchinson / Farm Images / Universal Images Group / File / Getty Images)

"All of our products test well below the maximum allowable dose levels established by California Proposition 65," Shen said. "We have always addressed lead and all heavy metals head-on because we are confident in the safety of our products and ingredients, and because we believe that our products are healthier than the alternatives that exist today."

Like Consumer Reports, Shen said the FDA does not have standards and benchmarks regulating heavy metals in all baby food segments. Instead, the agency only provides drafted guidance on the matter.

Without those standards, she said Serenity Kids sought out its own standards and holds all products to the California Prop 65 exposure thresholds for heavy metals, which are some of the lowest published levels in the U.S.

"Our puffs are completely safe to consume and are compliant with applicable regulations like Prop 65 for heavy metals in the United States based on the recommended serving size," Shen said.

She also explained that heavy metals like lead are prevalent in the food system.

The manufacturers of kids' snacks say its products are below the maximum allowable dose levels of lead established by California Proposition 65. (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for National Urban League / Getty Images)

The Serenity Kids puffs contain cassava, which Consumer Reports said has been shown through tests to contain high levels of lead. Similarly, other root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots and beets also contain elevated levels of lead.

Angelia Seyfferth, Ph.D., in the department of plant and soil sciences at the University of Delaware, told Consumer Reports that lead can occur naturally in soil or end up there from pollution. The lead can accumulate in a plants roots but not move very well beyond the root, she said.

Cassava can also be processed into flour and baked into snack foods, making the lead levels more concentrated.

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Shen explained that the Serenity Kids products contain whole food ingredients, so they have a state-of-the-art quality program and testing protocols. For example, they test all of their products and work with suppliers who use remediation methods to find foods with the lowest achievable levels of contaminants, then prioritize them for babies, she said.

"We also carefully vet all of our suppliers to ensure we are using the cleanest possible ingredients so that we can feel good about the safety of our foods," Shen said. "We have always addressed lead and all heavy metals head-on because we are confident in the safety of our products and ingredients, and because we believe that our products are healthier than the alternatives that exist today."

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Popular organic kids' snacks found to contain high levels of lead: Consumer Reports - Fox Business

Organic Soy Protein Isolates Market

The global organic soy protein isolates market size was valued at USD 186.53 million in 2023. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2024 to 2032. The industry is expected to grow to USD 300.73 million by 2032.

: Soy protein is one type of protein that is extracted from soybeans. It is made from dehulled and defatted soybean meal. Three varieties of high-protein commercial products-isolates, concentrates, and flour-are produced from dehulled and defatted soybeans. During germination, the soybean breaks down its protein, and the released amino acids are transferred to the locations where the seedlings will develop. The outcome is a very pure proteinate form of soy protein with minimal beany flavour. Alternatively, the final residue can be dried and cleaned without neutralization, which will result in isoelectric soy isolates.

:https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/organic-soy-protein-isolates-market/request-for-sample

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The share is seeing increased demand as people prefer plant-based proteins, notably organic soy protein isolates. With increased health and sustainability consciousness, customers are turning to plant-based alternatives, particularly organic and clean-label products. The organic soy protein isolate market is being driven by rising health awareness and altering dietary choices. Growing interest in plant-based diets, motivated by environmental and health concerns, drives up demand.

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With so many businesses involved, the organic soy protein isolates market is projected to become more competitive as it continues to grow. Some of the major players participating in the market are:

Agrana Beteiligungs-AG AMCO Proteins Archer Daniels Midland Company Blendtek Ingredients Foodchem International Corporation Grain Millers, Inc. Kerry Group NOW Foods Organic Valley Organic Way Shandong Saigao Group Corporation Taj Agro international The Organic Protein Company The Scoular Company Xinrui Group

:https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/buy/3788/2

- : North America (U.S., Canada) Europe (France, Germany, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Russia) Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia. South Korea) Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina) Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, South Africa)

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: Dry Liquid

: Food and Beverages Feed Others

, : https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/organic-soy-protein-isolates-market

The organic soy protein isolates industry analysis is mainly segmented based on form, application, and region. Based on the form analysis for 2023, the dry segment had a significant revenue share. It offers a longer shelf life than liquid or moist forms, increases storage stability, and lowers spoiling hazards. In addition, according to application research, the food and beverage segment will have a considerable revenue share of the organic soy protein isolates market. The growing consumer preference for plant-based diets, motivated by health and environmental concerns, drives demand for plant-based food and beverage items.

In 2023, the dry segment held significant revenue share owing to versatility, longer shelf life, and ease of handling. In 2023, the food and beverages segment held significant revenue share owing to rising demand for plant-based products, functional properties, and inclination towards clean label trend. Asia-Pacific is expected to experience growth during the forecast period due to rising health awareness, population growth, and increasing vegan & vegetarian population.

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https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/omega-3-market https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/eubiotics-market https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/organic-seed-market https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/global-frozen-food-market https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/global-chocolate-market

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This release was published on openPR.

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Organic Soy Protein Isolates Market Trajectory: USD 300.73 million by 2032 with Accelerated 5.5% CAGR - openPR