Food

The Obama administration plans to ban certain antibiotics in farm animals in order to reduce dangerous bacteria in humans. But some experts say the ban could be detrimental to the food supply.

If the brilliant hues of July’s fruits and vegetables don’t draw you in, then learning about their health benefits should. Before long, you’ll be rushing to your local market to stock up on cherries, summer squash and nectarines to brighten up your diet and your dinner table.

Food safety concerns have prompted the U.S. and China to ban imports of each other’s chicken, calling attention to the case for locally grown food.

The days are longer, the evenings warmer and the moods brighter—summer is fully upon us and what better way to celebrate long afternoons with friends and sunsets on the beach than to raise a glass and hear the music of tinkling ice cubes? While cocktails are a year-round pleasure, the scorching days of August demand a particular approach to mixology. The ingredients should be fresher, the portions larger and the effect more bracing to counteract the heat, the haze and the lazy days. So stock up the bar and celebrate the season of summer cocktails—get mixing.

The Napa Valley is by and large the most well-known and beloved wine region in the United States, enticing oenophiles and foodies with gorgeous vineyards and bountiful restaurants. Web sites with itineraries and official winery portals can enhance your trip. 

A trip to Oregon Wine Country in the Willamette Valley is a worthwhile excursion for any traveler. The area’s winding roads take you through culturally rich small towns where you’ll find covered bridges, farmer’s markets and vineyards galore.

Residential farming and gardening services are taking hold in some American cities, furthering the homegrown food craze and helping people save money in the process.

Iconic Canadian brands have held strong during the recession, seeing expansion into America and partnership with U.S. companies. Part of the key to their success is making consumers relate to their brands.

In a bid to lower costs, Canadian brewer Molson is cutting back its monthly allocation of free beers for the company’s retirees.

U.K. officials are considering getting rid of certain food labels that confuse consumers and can lead to excessive waste.

Grocery stores, from nationwide chains to local convenience stores, are reporting resilient sales figures. Whatever the economic conditions, people need to eat.

Thanks to deft management practices and affordable prices, some restaurant chains are weathering the recession well.

The proposed beverage tax would help provide an estimated 50 million Americans with health insurance. But manufacturers, small businesses and consumers aren’t happy about a possible increase in price.

By the end of 2010, restaurant chains in Massachusetts with 20 or more locations in the state will have to post calorie counts for their dishes.

The level of radioactive carbon in whiskeys made after 1950 is higher due to nuclear bomb testing, making it easy to identify new whiskey posing as century-old vintage.

April is a great month for spring cleaning, but it’s also a perfect time to rejuvenate your diet. After months of subsisting on hearty vegetables and roots, welcome warmer weather by infusing your cooking with the foods of the season. Tender asparagus, aromatic ramps and buttery fava beans all deliver the fresh flavors of spring, along with an array of nutrients to keep you healthy.

Among today’s positive news headlines: Bed, Bath & Beyond and Ruby Tuesday shares boosted by better-than-expected numbers, financial master’s grads stand to benefit from current economic conditions and a financial company CEO points out the good news inherent in negative headlines.

The humble dessert has long been thought to be a Chinese contribution, but researchers contend that Japan deserves credit.

The popularity of Umami is growing worldwide among chefs who think its meaty, savory taste helps enhance the flavor of their own dishes.

Will the pistachio recall, the second food borne illness to strike American nut processors this year, finally prompt FDA improvements?

A new study strengthens the link between scalding beverages and cancer, a week after another study showed alcohol could also be a risk factor.

Eating Synsepalum dulcificum, known more commonly as the “miracle fruit,” changes taste sensations for up to an hour or more. As well as having potential medical uses, the berry has sparked underground flavor-tripping parties.

Americans are in the mood for love, as evidenced by recent strong sales in romance novels, online dating sites and chocolate.

More restrictive budgets are pushing Americans toward cheap comfort foods and lower-priced chain dining establishments. But are our tightened economic belts leading to expanded waistlines?

Alcohol consumption is linked to one type of esophageal cancer, though recent studies suggests moderate drinkers have a lower overall risk of getting that cancer.

To keep up spirits among remaining employees—and to keep them from leaving, some U.S. companies are offering low-cost fringe benefits. Green energy and agriculture are also showing some positive indicators.

Research suggests that food produced locally may leave as large a carbon footprint as food created on an industrialized farm.

Recipes from “The Joy of Cooking” have increased substantially in calorie count and portion size since the book’s original publication, according to a recent study.

Food labels: nearly everything we eat has them, yet they seldom make for easy reading. Here’s a quick how-to guide for deciphering the labels on your food.

Feeding genetically modified Golden Rice to participants in a research study has outraged a group of scientists, who say the food hasn’t been evaluated enough.