The White House launches the National Microbiome Initiative

The rise of probiotics reflects a deep interest in—and acknowledgment of the importance of—bacteria. Now, federal agencies, universities, non-profit organizations and companies have collectively set aside more than $500 million to study microbes in humans, plants, soils, buildings, oceans and more. Read more at The Atlantic...

Are GMO crops safe? Focus on the plant, not the process, scientists say

It's too soon to draw conclusions about the safety of genetically modified crops, according to a panel of 20 scientists convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, and every newly introduced plant should undergo safety testing. Further, as new technologies blur the lines around genetic engineering, it doesn't make sense to talk about GMOs as one distinct category of plant breeding. Read more at The Washington Post...

FDA to require data on drugs used in food animals

A new rule will require manufacturers of antibiotics used for food-producing animals to provide the agency with more detailed information on who's buying them, how much they're buying and what the drugs will be used for. This data will help the FDA better track what's happening and inform future efforts to reduce antibiotic resistance. Read more at UPI...

Will Kellogg's new attempt to support organic farming confuse shoppers even more?

Consumers are more confused than ever about food labels, and the newly created Certified Transitional organic label could make matters worse if a detailed explanation of what goes into the certification isn't made available, writes Phil Lempert. Read more at Forbes...

Lab-grown meat is in your future, and it may be healthier than the real stuff

Cultured meat can help satiate the world's appetite for meat in a healthier and more sustainable way, say the myriad companies working on such products. Some also say they'd be less dangerous, because they'd be produced in a sterile environment and without antibiotics. Read more at The Washington Post...