Organic watchdog asks FTC, DOJ to block Danone-WhiteWave merger

The Cornucopia Institute, a 10,000-member group that represents small and medium-size organic producers, filed complaints with the agencies today saying that Danone's acquisition of WhiteWave would give the companies too much control over the U.S. organic dairy industry. Danone already owns Activia, Oikos, Dannon and Stonyfield. Read more at Daily Camera...

'Ugly' fresh produce gets hipper for grocers, but there's one problem—supply

Offering discounts on misshapen or damaged produce, like Walmart has started doing recently with its line of "I'm Perfect" apples, has been heralded as a way for retailers to help prevent food waste. But securing a steady stream of these items may be a challenge, especially when growers may be able to get a better deal by selling their damaged crops to producers of frozen food, or donate them to receive tax incentives. Read more at CNBC...

Never mind grass-fed, how about elixir-fed meats?

Livestock producers in China think they're on to something big by raising cows, pigs and ducks not with antibiotics but with ancient Chinese herbs and medicinal plants. Read more at The New York Times...

The mystery of kombucha culture

Consumers go crazy for it, but do they actually know what it is and where it came from? Kombucha, as far as we know, was originally produced in the Far East. This article and podcast explains the bizzare history and potential health impacts of the fizzy tea. Read more at The Atlantic...

Now you can order almond milk with your Starbucks coffee

Caffeinated consumers have spoken, and Starbucks has listened. Next month the ubiquitous coffee chain will begin offering almond milk (made with almond butter, according to a statement from Starbucks) available for all of its beverages both hot and cold. But it'll cost you an additional 60 cents. Read more at Time...