Whole Foods workers push to unionize

Employees who want better pay, benefits and profit-sharing from Whole Foods and its parent company, Amazon, are pushing their colleagues around the country to unionize. Previously, Amazon has resisted the efforts of warehouse workers and other employees to unionize. In July, Amazon employees in Germany, Spain and Poland went on strike seeking better health protections and more on-the-job safety measures. Read more at The Wall Street Journal …  

California moves closer to banning animal testing for cosmetics by 2020

Cosmetics that have been tested on animals will not be legal for sale anywhere in California if a bill passed by the state legislature becomes law. It’s the first time in U.S. history a state has passed such a bill; if Gov. Jerry Brown signs it, it will become effective on Jan. 1, 2020. The bill’s broad definition of cosmetics would include deodorant, shampoo, conditioner and more. Read more at Fortune …

FDA grants new lentil protein ‘Generally Recognized as Safe’ status

Parabel USA Inc’s plant protein, Lentein, has been acknowledged by the FDA as a “generally recognized as safe” product. The Vero Beach, Florida-based company makes plant-based, non-GMO products. Lentein is derived from water lentils and considered to be “protein rich and nutrient dense.” Read more at Food Safety News …

Instagram is building a standalone app for shopping

Instagram wants to make shopping easier, so it’s developing an app that lets users browse products from the businesses they follow then buy goods directly. The app would provide users an easy way to shop and allow retailers to increase revenue. Read more at TheVerge.com …

The godfather of California organics is optimistic about the future of food

Warren Weber, 77, spent more than 40 years operating Star Route Farms, the oldest organic farm in California, and helping define organic standards in the state as well. Now semi-retired, he consults with farmers and educates the public about the challenges of farming in the 21st century. Read more at Civil Eats …