HEALTH. OBESITY has been in the news again this week. New research suggests the obesity crisis could be partly driven by women having fewer children as first born children are 29% more likely to be overweight as adults. Meanwhile, according to new data from Public Health England, up to five million people in England are at risk of developing type-2 diabetes.
Bees. In the same week that the Friends of the Earth has announced it will take the government to court over its decision to allow the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, a new study by the European Food and Safety Authority finds “high risk” to bees from the controversial pesticides. Meanwhile, an international group of scientists, farmers, beekeepers and technology companies have joined together to find out why bee populations are crashing by fitting 10,000 bees with tiny trackers.
Milk. In what looks to be another month of turmoil after Meadow Foods and Fayrefield Foods indicated price cuts, European milk cooperative Arla has announced it is holding its milk price. The move should help the 3,000 farmers who supply the co-operative.
Water. Coca-Cola has announced it will meet its target to replenish 100% of the water it uses by the end of this year, four years ahead of its 2020 target.
Sugar. Britvic continues to cut calories across its ranges by reducing sugar, with a reformulated 200ml bottle of Fruit Shoot My-5 now containing 75% juice, and its Hydro range containing no added sugar, artificial colours or flavourings. The launch of these reformulated ranges follows Britvic’s decision to stop producing versions of Fruit Shoot and Robinsons squash with added sugar. This alone has removed more than 9 billion calories from the soft drinks category.
Seafood. There was good news for seafood lovers as the Seafish-led Responsible Fishing Scheme (RFS) successfully certified its first three fishing vessels this week as part of the industry’s commitment to responsible catching and crew welfare
