5@5: Danone-WhiteWave merger delayed | NOSB votes that carrageenan shouldn't be in organic foods

WhiteWave's sale to Danone delayed

WhiteWave projects the $12.5 billion deal will close in the first quarter of 2017, as it's still awaiting the "necessary regulatory approvals." The proposed merger has raised antitrust concerns—the Cornucopia Institute asked federal agencies to block the takeover in August. Read more at Denver Business Journal...

Organic board: Carrageenan shouldn't be in organic food, no decision now on hydroponics

The 15-member National Organic Standards Board voted to disallow the controversial seaweed-based ingredient in organic foods. It's a thickener that has become controversial over the last five years because some research suggested it prompted an inflammatory immune response. Read more on Food Dive...

MegaFood 'Gummy Bare All' challenge: Help create ultimate gummy vitamin, start to finish

As part of its Big T Transparency initiative, the supplement company is enlisting the help of customers to create a new line of gummy supplements. Read more at Manchester Ink Link...

Congress mulls allowing online food stamp purchases

Amazon and Thrive Market participated in a House Committee on Agriculture hearing related to the USDA's two-year pilot program that will test food use of food stamps for groceries bought online. Read more at The Daily Caller...

Technology is killing the middle of the grocery store. Is the fresh edge next?

As ecommerce continues to take sales from grocery stores, the perimeter of the store may prove to be grocery's best weapon. Read more at The Spoon...