What Is Food Fraud? Food fraud is the deliberate act of defrauding buyers for economic gain by misrepresenting food or food ingredients. This includes substitution, dilution, mislabeling, or misrepresentation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines Economically Motivated Adulteration (EMA) as the intentional substitution or addition of substances to increase a product’s apparent value…
The Greek physician Hippocrates famously stated that food should be our medicine more than two thousand years ago. He believed that what we eat directly optimizes our health and well-being. Ancient medical texts from Egypt, India, and China also highlight how specific foods prevent or treat various illnesses. Today, these ancient beliefs are returning to…
When asked about the current state of food science research funding, scientists across the United States use words like challenging, inadequate, and stagnant. This reality is alarming, given the monumental security and sustainability challenges currently facing our global food system. Surprisingly, both public and private financial sources remain shockingly low compared to the massive economic…
The apricot is a delicious fruit, but one with surprises in store. The fruit is as temperamental as its tree, and still answers to a false name. It was long thought that apricots were a kind of plum and came from Armenia. Botanists continue to follow Linnaeus in calling it Prunus Armeniaca. It is a…
The landscape of California’s logistics and industrial sector underwent a seismic shift in late 2024 with the signing of Assembly Bill 98. Authored by Assemblymembers Juan Carrillo and Eloise Gómez Reyes, this landmark legislation was born out of a high-stakes compromise between labor unions, environmental justice advocates, and the logistics industry. As we move through…
Each year, Expo West gathers some of the most innovative companies and changemakers in the natural products industry. This blog post is for the non-profits. The charities that mean the most to my industry are those in the natural foods industry. After the same old food and wellness trends, the most inspiring work is being…
In the ancient Mediterranean, your social standing and survival often came down to what was in your fruit basket. Grains were the backbone of the daily diet. Fruits like figs and dates were the economic heavyweights that powered local markets and international trade. These crops were recorded for their financial impact in a world of…
What Is Pumpkin Seed Oil? Pumpkin seed oil is a dark green oil pressed from roasted pumpkin seeds. The oil is used in meals for its nutty flavor and rich nutrient profile. In Europe, especially Austria, it has a value not just as delicious food, but also as a natural remedy. Today, science is beginning…
Obesity has become one of the most visible public health issues of the modern era. Rates have risen across the United States and worldwide, prompting extensive debate over causes, responsibilities, and solutions. For many years, obesity was framed almost exclusively as a matter of personal responsibility. Popular media and public discourse often depicted weight gain…
A bottle of Sriracha from off the grocery store shelf is a product that represents something much larger. Adorned with its distinctive rooster logo and vibrant red sauce. There is a complex intersection of cultural hybridization and appropriation. The Origins of Sriracha: A Tale of Immigrant Innovation Sriracha’s story begins in the 1980s with David…
Peanuts, also known as groundnuts, are one of the most nutritious and affordable legumes consumed worldwide. Rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, peanuts are a staple in global diets. This guide covers peanut nutrition, health benefits, allergy concerns, and their fascinating origin story. What Are Peanuts? A Botanical Overview Though commonly called nuts,…
Expo West always delivers a burst of energy, fresh ideas, and visionary entrepreneurs. 2025 raised the bar. Hosted at the Anaheim Convention Center, this year’s event brought together trailblazers in natural products, wellness, and sustainability. Below, I highlight the standout businesses that truly impressed me. Wellness with A Purpose: Functional Mushrooms Take Center Stage Many…
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