Quick Bites

Here's what we're reading this morning.

The Deccan Herald: A look at the threats posed by genetically modified crops. Insects are becoming more resistant to "self-protecting" GM foods. Plague of locusts, anyone?

Food and Wine: The July issue of this mainstream mag has a surprising feature on grass-fed hot dogs and hamburgers made by chefs. Dairy Queen can't wait to seek out Let's Be Frank in San Francisco for a taste.

The Bloomington Alternative: The FDA's mission is to protect the public's health by assuring the safety and security of the nation's food supply, among other things. When it comes to food, the FDA isn't fulfilling this role. If new labeling standards are passed, the public won't know how bad a job the FDA is doing.

New York Magazine: Virginia farm girl turned farmer's market maven Nina Planck takes on the industrial-food juggernaut and the Greenmarket Goliath, all in the same week. She also makes a strong case for lard. After she stopped being a vegan and started eating "real food" again, she lost 25 pounds, "my cholesterol and lipids are off-the-charts healthy, I’m less depressed. My digestion is better. And I exercise half as much as I used to—instead of six miles a day, I run three."

Scoop (New Zealand): Monsanto's genetically engineered corn known as LY038, when cooked, produces chemicals that have been linked as causing Alzheimer's and diabetes. Developed for animal consumption, Monsanto has applied for classification of LY038 as human food in Australia and New Zealand, and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (equivalent to the US FDA) is on track to approve the request.

Belleville News Democrat: Monsanto steps away from genetic engineering for old-fashioned breeding.