5@5: US agricultural operations resist mandatory COVID-19 testing | Martha Stewart unveils CBD line

Should states require food and farm businesses to test their employees for COVID-19?

Washington is the second state after Michigan to require broad COVID-19 testing within its food production sector. The logistics of this, however, have been daunting; states cannot confirm what the long-term costs will look like for large growers, and a positive diagnosis could leave workers with no recourse for medical care or compensation. Read more at The Counter…

Martha Stewart launches CBD line in a crowded market

While CBD products have taken somewhat of a back seat to immunity supplements since the pandemic began, Martha Stewart is shining a light on the ingredient with a new line of gummies, soft gels, oil drops and pet products that were in development for over a year. Because the CBD market is still largely unregulated, Stewart's line will likely stand out due to the immense trust her audience has in her to deliver quality artisanal products. Read more at KTEN…

McDonald’s to test zero-waste cup solution by U.S. firm TerraCycle

McDonald's is piloting a reusable cup program in select U.K. locations in partnership with TerraCycle's Loop program. Patrons will have the option to choose a reusable hot beverage cup that can be returned by consumers, sanitized and re-used. Read more at Nation's Restaurant News…

A specialty mushroom business grows in Brooklyn

A 3,000-square-foot warehouse that grows lesser-known mushroom species on its premises will be open to the public beginning this month in South Williamsburg. The company behind the operation, Smallhold, expanded into the space because consumer demand for specialty, freshly grown mushrooms is higher than ever; plus, urban farming is especially suited to mushrooms due to the fact that they don't require soil. Read more at The Wall Street Journal…

Immigrant-led food startups face an uphill battle in the pandemic

The stark absence of in-person food-related trade shows in 2020 has put the brakes on the growth of many immigrant-led food startups. These brands must first drastically cut costs and then pivot to where the sales are, but language and cultural barriers have made this harder for some to accomplish. Read more at Eater…