5@5: FDA renews kratom label warnings | World hunger increases again

FDA officials renew warnings about dangers of kratom tea, other products

Food and Drug Administration head Scott Gottlieb has issued another warning about kratom and the products that contain it. Two companies received warning letters last week for reportedly making illegal health claims, which violates federal law. Read more at Food Safety News …

The fight against world hunger is going in the wrong direction

Since 2014, the fight against hunger has been losing ground. According to the United Nations, the number of people not getting enough to eat has increased for three consecutive years. The “State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World” report found that 821 million people were undernourished last year, up from 783.7 million in 2014. Read more at NPR …

Island Earth: Hawaiian women fight chemical companies

Because of its temperate climate, Hawaii is the perfect location to develop and test genetically engineered corn for seed. These crops are designed to withstand many toxic pesticides, herbicides and insecticides—and the companies developing the seeds didn’t have to disclose which chemicals they were using on their fields. Neighborhoods, schools and streams were all exposed and now, the health impacts are emerging. Read more at Earth Island Journal …

Specialty instant coffee startups aim to change the way you drink a cup of joe

Need a quick cuppa joe, but you want one that tastes good? A jolt of start-ups is trying to fulfill that desire. The secret to their success comes from three entrepreneurs who have developed freeze-drying and dehydrating methods that create premium coffees you can make anywhere, anytime. Read more at the Chicago Tribune …  

Hurricane Florence is no Hugo. It looks worse.

As Hurricane Florence approaches the East Coast, some residents there may wonder how it compares to Hugo, which hit north of Florida in 1989 with 140 mph winds. Florence’s winds may not be as strong, but larger hurricanes—the website has a side-by-side comparison—usually create higher storm surges. And yes, global warming could be a factor in the trend of more damaging hurricanes. Read more at Grist …