Iowa’s hog population grows (AP): The state is now home to 23.6 million pigs, the highest number ever recorded and an increase of 4 percent from last year.
FDA names cereal maker in outbreak (Miami Herald): Salmonella was found multiple times in a Kerry Inc. plant before the salmonella outbreak that sickened 135 people this year, according to an FDA warning letter.
Unhealthy food in kids’ meals (Rudd Center): Roughly three-fourths of kids’ meals sold at the four largest fast-food chains include unhealthy beverages or side dishes despite the companies’ promises to serve healthier options.
The seaweed diet (AP): Cattle that eat seaweed appear to emit less methane, a potent greenhouse gas, according to ongoing tests of feed additives.
Kombucha is a no-go in local park (The Virginian-Pilot): A 60-year-old grandfather was kicked out of a Virginia park for serving home-brewed kombucha to his grandchildren. The fermented drink can contain traces of alcohol.
Revive biodiesel credit, say lawmakers (DTN/Progressive Farmer): Four dozen U.S. representatives have asked House leaders to take action this year on a multiyear revival of the biodiesel tax credit that expired at the end of 2017.
Poultry line-speed waivers (USDA): In a Federal Register notice, the Food Safety and Inspection Service lists the criteria it will use to decide if poultry slaughter plants can operate at line speeds above the current standard of 140 birds per minute.
DEA paves way for CBD pharmaceuticals (Harvest Public Media): The Drug Enforcement Administration has removed CBD — shorthand for the hemp extract cannabidiol — from its most restricted class, and for the first time will allow the sale of cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals.