Lysol maker bets cleaning boom will outlast coronavirus crisis

Lysol owner Reckitt Benckiser Group expects excess cleaning habits to continue even after consumers begin spending less time at home and the threat of COVID-19 diminishes. This week Reckitt announced that Lysol's like-for-like revenue skyrocketed over 50% in the quarter in North America, and the company has successfully adjusted its supply chain to meet the unprecedented demand for hand sanitizer, soap and other germ-killing products. Read more at The Wall Street Journal…

Food aid recipients go online to Amazon, Walmart to avoid virus

A pilot program that allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients to shop online is gaining major traction in 16 states, with participating retailers including Walmart and Amazon backing the initiative's expansion as stay-at-home orders remain in place for many consumers. However, conservative critics argue that moving SNAP online will increase fraud within the program. Read more at Bloomberg… 

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture adopts temporary FDA food labeling policy

In an effort to curb waste, Pennsylvania state food safety inspectors will begin allowing restaurants and food manufacturers to sell their excess prepared foods and ingredients directly to consumers without the typical labeling requirements. FDA is also allowing for flexibility in terms of providing nutrition information for standard menu items. Read more at Fox43…

Amazon is now a 'notorious market' according to Trump's trade office

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has for the first time in history included five of Amazon's overseas operations to its list of places where pirated goods are sold, otherwise known as "notorious markets." The company responded that the characterization was a "purely political act" and the result of a "personal vendetta against Amazon." Read more at USA Today…

How to eat less plastic

Plastic, contrary to how it is perceived in modern life, is not a "clean" material. It is comprised of thousands of chemicals that can leach into the food and beverages it touches, especially when heated. So why does FDA permit plastic to be used as food packaging? Federal agencies are using a risk-assessment method last updated in the 1950s, and this method does not account for the dangers that low doses of harmful chemicals over time present for consumers. Read more at Consumer Reports…