This company went from making biofuels to health food

TerraBrands, a new venture from TerraVia (formerly Solazyme) and VMG Partners, plans to invest in and acquire companies that can bring algae-based food, pet and wellness products to market. Read more at Fortune...
 

Hain Celestial to reformulate some products, drop claim on chemical

Some products from Hain brands like Earth's Best will no longer carry a "no SLS" claim on their package after tests of consumer products commissioned by The Wall Street Journal found more than trace amounts of sodium lauryl sulfate, an irritant, in them. The company says it uses sodium coco sulfate, a milder cleaning agent, but even that is thought to be composed of 50 percent SLS. Other products will be reformulated to replace the ingredient with other cleaning agents. Read more at The Wall Street Journal...

U.S. companies won't label genetically modified products in Canada

The international food companies that have recently announced moves to label GMOs on products in the U.S. to comply with Vermont's law set to go into effect this summer say they won't modify their labels in Canada. Read more at Montreal Gazette...

What's cookin' in food packaging: An industry trends report

Single-serve and recycled and biodegradable packs for snacks and new films to keep meat fresh are some of the innovations noted in a recent report from PMMI. Read more at Viking Masek...

Maryland poised to become first state to restrict bee-killing insecticide

Last month, the state's House of Representatives voted in favor of a bill that would ban consumers from buying neonicitinoids for their gardens—although it doesn't address the use of the insecticides by farmers. It's now awaiting a final vote and signature by the governor. Read more at WYPR...