Burger King is the latest food service company to jump on the gluten-free band wagon, via its offering of products for gluten-sensitive individuals. According to a QSR Magazine reports, food options include fresh apple fries with low-fat
caramel dipping sauce, all beef patties, egg omelet, Hershey’s fat free milk, side salad and the chicken breast filet; all do not contain wheat, barley, oats or rye for dietary individuals.

In keep with its efforts to offer healthier options, BK has outlined more than 350 meal combinations that have less than 650 calories, about one-third of a daily 2,000 calorie diet, which assumes some exercise or activity. Examples of these meal combos are displayed on tray liners, queue signs, and window decals. The company also forces all Burger King restaurants in the U.S. to display a nutrition poster somewhere near the counter.

Click here for the story from QSR

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Shampoos, face creams and hand lotions worth €38,000 from the Dead Sea Cosmetics company have been destroyed by Palestinian custom officials, according to CosmeticsDesign. The destruction was imposed as a boycott and an act against products being manufactured in Israeli settlements. Investigations may also take place as a question arises whether the company is benefiting from the lower tariffs for ‘Made in Israel’ products. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has also told retailers it wants better labeling regarding the origin of food made in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Ahava is among the brands under the microscope. U.S. organization Codepink urged people to boycott Ahava earlier this year.

Click here for the complete story.

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It has been a slow and steady launch of fair trade cosmetics this year, but the trend is about to take off, according to CosmeticsDesign. Originally beginning in the food industry, it has been difficult for fair trade to transition into the beauty world due to strict certifications dictating the ingredients and a trading partnership. However, companies Ainy, Jo Wood Organic, REN, Elemental Herbology and Neil’s Yard Remedies have managed to all hit the market in 2009, according to Mintel.

Neil’s Yard was one of the first to contain a Fairtrade label. One Ainy brand is also recognized by the European animal rights group One Voice and by Cosmebio, a European organization committed to organic and ecological practices in beauty. Consumer awareness is expected to continue to help expand the concept of going organic and natural.

Click here for the Fairtrade third-party site.

Click here for an earlier report on Fair Trade in beauty.

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Shaheen Lakhan and Marie Rowland of the Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation examined six studies that showed that extracts of Cannabis sativa may lessen the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, but more studies need to be done. According to The Los Angeles Times report, one extract is THC, while the other, cannabidiol, may lower levels of THC in brain. The two together result in an anti-spastic outcome in the muscles. Compared to the placebo, the study subjectively found a reduction in spasticity and improvement in mobility. In addition to recommending further study on the matter, they also recommend a study on the anti-inflammatory properties of the elements.

Click here for the original LA Times post.

Click here for the original research report.

Note: The American Medical Association urged the Federal Government to reclassify marijuana, which is now considered a dangerous drug with no medical use. Check out the LA Times report. 

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Amenity kits including Murad Skin perfecting lotion, cleansing shave, refreshing cleanser, energizing shampoo, pomegranate body lotion and moisturizing body wash will now be given to first and business class passengers of United Airlines. The deal only applies to those flying trans-Atlantic and Pacific. The deal is one of many where retail brands tie up with venues to expand exposure, such as Equinox gyms, which now feature Kiehl’s in its bathrooms and showers.

Click here for the complete Cosmetics Design story.

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According to the trillion dollar health reform proposal, an additional 5% tax will have to be paid by recipients of cosmetic surgeries, Cosmetics Design reports. The maker of Botox, Allergan, plans to fight this US Senate bill, stating it is an unnecessary punishment for those who want to enhance their appearance. However, analysts estimate it will help pay for the $6 billion dollar medical care proposed by the bill. Allergan’s third quarter sales were up 4.2% to $1.13 billion.

Click here for the full article.

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This month, MISSION Skincare and CVS/Pharmacy will launch six new products for customers on the go in more than 5,000 CVS locations. MISSION Skincare, co-founded by athletes including Mia Hamm and Serena Williams, has teamed up with CVS to bring “Active Lifestyle Skincare Destinations” specifically for people who live an energetic lifestyle.

The kick-off will begin with the debut of the following products: Revitalizing Lip Therapy Gel in Peppermint, Mega Balm Antioxidant Lip Refreshers in Blueberry-Pomegranate and Acai-Lemonade, Replenishing Hand + Body Moisturizer and Rejuvenating Face Moisturizer. The line also offers sunscreens.

For more information, visit the Mission website.

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The capital city of Yemen, Sanaa, has about 10 years until their wells run dry, The Times of London reports. Presently, the lack of water is becoming dangerous and beginning to cause a threat of civil conflict. Many are making ends meet by spending half their income on water from a truck that tours the city once a week, while others dig unlicensed wells. If affordable, the government may provide a desalination plant, but it may be too late. If conditions continue to decline, it will be an example of what could happen to the rest of the world when population exceeds natural resources.

Click here for the complete article.

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Coca-Cola Amatil and developer Goodman International have inked a partnership to construct CCA’s new solar powered distribution center. The facility opened November 5 at Eastern Creek in New South Wales with the help of Blacktown Solar City, which partly funded the $1.2 million development. The center contains roughly 700 solar panels, generating 148 megawatt hours of energy per year, as well as energy-saving light controls and water tanks filled of rainwater. The development of going green will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 148 tonnes from solar energy and 577 tonnes from lighting controls. The solar units will provide 15% of the center’s energy demands.

Click here for the complete story.

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Recording artist Chris Bridges, AKA Ludacris, introduced Conjure on The Jay Leno Show on October 20. Conjure is a warm cognac developed with Birkedal Hartmann, a creator of cognac since 1887.

Led by Kim Birkedal Hartmann, the relationship with Bridges created the blend of thirty to forty eaux-de-vie, aged in oak barrels up to fifty years old. Conjure includes hints of vanilla, rich toffee, spice, apricot and dried prune leave, leaving a warm taste.

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