GM legislation on food labelling
European opposition to the GM revolution gathered momentum last week when MEPs in Strasbourg voted in favour of bringing in strict GM food labelling rules and curbing the proliferation of GM crops.
New legislation will mean that any ingredient made from more than 0.9% genetically modified organisms will have to be labelled as such. For the first time ingredients in animal feed that contain more than that percentage will also require labelling.
The legislation threatens to escalate a growing war of words between the EU and the pro-GM US government, which accuses the EU of continuing its moratorium on GM products to protect its trade interests.
Kraft cuts its fat and sugar levels
Brands supplied to the UK food service industry by Kraft will be subject to big changes after the company pledged to cut sugar and fat levels across its range. The company, which makes Toblerone, Terry's Chocolate, Philadelphia cheese and Dairylea, said the move was part of a worldwide effort to reduce obesity.
But the announcement last week also came after a lawsuit earlier this year in the USA which attempted to ban Kraft's popular Oreo biscuits. Litigation began over the issue of trans-fats, or hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are used to increase shelf life and which have no nutritional benefit - but which have also been linked to the clogging of human arteries.
New-look Visit London revealed
London Tourist Board and Convention Centre unveiled its new corporate brand this week as part of its mission to promote the city thorough domestic and overseas leisure and business visitors.
The Visit London brand was adopted to reflect changes in the structure of tourism in London, which includes increased funding.
Meat origin labelling gains momentum
New research has strengthened British Meat's call for the origin of meat on menus to be labelled. A recent NOP survey showed 51% of respondents, compared with 45% last year, said they felt a law that required notification of meat origin in restaurants should be introduced. Only 18% believed the changes should be bought about by a voluntary code of practice.
The British Meat initiative was prompted after it emerged that 64% (up to 71% this year) believed most meat served in Britain was British - in fact only about 40% of meat served is actually British.
Gallagher goes on trial for theft
The trial has begun into the alleged theft of three paintings from Dublin's Fitzwilliam hotel by former celebrity chef and Michelin star holder Conrad Gallagher. He has been charged with stealing the paintings, owned by the Fitzwilliam hotel on St Stephen's Green, which previously housed his Peacock Alley restaurant.
Gallagher denies theft. The hearing, at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, continues.
Benjy's on the move
Sandwich chain Benjys is launching a new mobile catering franchise, Benjys Delivered, targeted at workers in business and light industrial parks. With a launch date set for mid-October, the company is now looking for 500 entrepreneurs to take up the reins. Central to the business plan will be a specially built catering van that unfolds into a shop in 30 seconds.