5@5: Alt-food labels under fire | LaCroix 'naturalness' questioned

FDA officials fast-track review of use of the words 'milk' and 'cheese' in dairy substitutes

Public use and perception of dairy substitutes may change drastically following an FDA investigation into the damage a “milk” or “yogurt” label on non-dairy products can cause. The agency is responding to pressure from members of the dairy industry who believe consumers may be unaware of the significant nutritional differences between dairy and nondairy items. Read more at CNBC ...

How the word ‘meat’ could shape the future of protein

Companies such as Tofurky and Beyond Meat should face up to a year of jailtime according to a recent court case filed in Missouri. The case, filed by the US Cattlemen’s Association, argues that increasingly popular “fake meat” companies are intentionally confusing shoppers with their labels. Read more at Grist …

Class action lawsuit filed against LaCroix water

The sparkling water brand LaCroix has become largely synonymous in the public eye with its claim to be “100% natural.” However, a recent lawsuit against the company alleges the beverage contains multiple artificial ingredients, including one derived from cockroach insecticide. Read more at EIN Newsdesk ...

A drifting weedkiller puts prized trees at risk

Dicamba, a controversial weedkiller used often in the Midwest and Midsouth regions, has damaged more than 1 million acres of neighboring crops and wild plants in the past two years. Now the EPA must figure out how to place restrictions on this harmful, heavily funded herbicide. Read more at NPR …

Artificial sweeteners, sport supplements could be toxic to your gut, study says

The evidence continues to amount against artificial sweeteners: a new study analyzing sports supplements containing six major artificial sweeteners finds that these products can have adverse effects on E. coli bacteria, and by extension on human health. Read more at Newsweek …