How microplastics may alter gut health: New research & strategies for limiting plastic pollution

A new review published in the journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology has concluded that microplastics may alter gut health (Bora et al., 2024). Microplastics are small particles of plastic less than five millimeters long; they are found in many food and beverage products including beer. They are also present in water bottles, seafood,Continue reading “How microplastics may alter gut health: New research & strategies for limiting plastic pollution”

How much food does the world waste? What we know, and what we don’t

Globally, approximately 40% of food is either lost or wasted along the value chain, exposing a major blind spot in food systems. And while 40% of the world’s food is wasted or lost annually, millions of people across the globe face hunger. This fact alone should help us think more critically about the food onContinue reading “How much food does the world waste? What we know, and what we don’t”

Sorghum, a sustainable grain, may have anti-diabetes and anti-inflammatory properties: New research

A recent study conducted by researchers at Hokkaido University and the University of Sydney has unveiled the health benefits of sorghum. “The team identified unique lipids that were known to have anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties” named fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) and characterized the diverse lipid profiles among six sorghum cultivars. ThisContinue reading “Sorghum, a sustainable grain, may have anti-diabetes and anti-inflammatory properties: New research”

Nearly 200 potential breast cancer carcinogens detected in food packaging and other food contact materials: New study

In a study published in Frontiers in Toxicology on September 24, 2024 (Parkinson et al., 2024), researchers from the Food Packaging Forum identified 189 potential and confirmed mammary carcinogens that have been detected in food contact materials (FCMs) on the market. This study “shows that there is a huge opportunity for prevention of human exposure to breast cancer-causing chemicals,” said JaneContinue reading “Nearly 200 potential breast cancer carcinogens detected in food packaging and other food contact materials: New study”

October 16: World Food Day 2024: Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future – Leave No One Behind

“This year’s #WorldFoodDay theme, “Right to foods for a better life and a better future” spotlights the importance of diversity, nutrition, affordability, accessibility as well as the safety and sustainability of foods, raising awareness about how a greater diversity of nutritious foods should be available in our fields, fishing nets, markets, and on our tables, for the benefit of all. Today, hunger is often worsenedContinue reading “October 16: World Food Day 2024: Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future – Leave No One Behind”

September 29: International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste: Stop food loss and waste. For the people. For the Planet.

September 29, 2024 is the fifth observance of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW). This year’s theme is: ‘Climate Finance for Food Loss and Waste Reduction.’ This day highlights the critical need for financing to bolster efforts to reduce food loss and waste, contribute to achieving climate goals and advancing the 2030Continue reading “September 29: International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste: Stop food loss and waste. For the people. For the Planet.”

Reducing climate change impacts from the global food system through diet shifts: New study

If more than half of the currently overconsuming population starts eating a planet-friendly, healthy diet, including consuming less red meat, this could reduce emissions from global diets by as much as 17%, according to a new study published in Nature Climate Change. More specifically, the authors of the study reported that: “On the basis of detailed household-expenditureContinue reading “Reducing climate change impacts from the global food system through diet shifts: New study”

Global food banks curbed 1.8 million tons of carbon emissions in 2023, by reducing food waste, report finds

In its latest impact report, the Global Foodbanking Network revealed that it provided food and groceries to 40 million people in 45 countries in 2023. The impact of these actions not only helped meet an increase in food relief demand, but it also reduced food waste emissions, avoiding around 1.8 million metric tons of carbonContinue reading “Global food banks curbed 1.8 million tons of carbon emissions in 2023, by reducing food waste, report finds”

Exploring consumers’ willingness to adopt climate-friendly diets: A collection of research studies

An informative editorial was published in the journal Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems on August 16, 2024. The editorial, written by Isabel Simoes Miguel, from Portugal, summarizes a collection of studies published as part of the research topic, “Exploring Consumers’ Willingness to Adopt Climate-Friendly Diets.” “The urgency to mitigate climate change has propelled dietary shiftsContinue reading “Exploring consumers’ willingness to adopt climate-friendly diets: A collection of research studies”

Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): What they are, where they are found, and how to limit exposure

Per – and polyfluoroalkyl sub­stances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals characterized by a chain of car­bon atoms bound to fluorine atoms through a process called fluorination.1 PFAS are a class of thousands of chemicals known or suspected to be endocrine-dis­rupting chemicals. According to the Endocrine Society and the International Pollutants Elimina­tion NetworkContinue reading “Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): What they are, where they are found, and how to limit exposure”