Campbell learns health food's no picnic

The food industry has spent more than $300 billion on mergers and acquisitions since 2014, according to Bloomberg—many of them focused on expanding companies' better-for-you food offerings. For some (like Campbell's, which reported disappointing quarterly earnings last week) reinventing themselves is harder than it looks. Read more at Bloomberg Gadfly...

Fourth & Heart secures $1 million in Series A funding from private investment firm

An unnamed investor led the round, which Fourth & Heart raised on CircleUp. The company produces grass-fed, artisinal ghee and says it has developed new products that reflect its mission of modernizing ancient pantry staples that will be rolled out over the next few years. Read more at BusinessWire...

U.S. bans common chemicals in antibacterial soaps

On Friday, the USDA banned 19 active ingredients in antibacterial soaps, including the controversial antiseptic triclosan, which was introduced in the 1960s for use in hospitals and has been linked to potential health and environmental concerns. "We have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water," said Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Read more at Scientific American...

Grant creates pilot farm-to-school program

In Colorado, demand for local food in schools is outpacing supply—plus, strict food safety requirements at schools are a barrier for small and medium-size farms. But a new pilot project is giving grants to growers to make investments in labor, materials and equipment to meet schools' food safety standards. Read more at Denver Post...

With food hub, premium produce may reach more New Yorkers' plates

There's also a growing appetite for local food at community organizations like food banks and senior centers. In New York City, a new $20 million food hub will support efforts to get more fresh produce on the plates of more low-income people. Read more at The New York Times...