Latest news with #Cargill
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Beef Labeled "Raised Without Antibiotics" Actually Antibiotic-Free? A Disturbing Report Reveals, Maybe Not
This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. One of the best tips for grocery shopping is to always read labels. From checking the expiration date to knowing what's in your food, it's best to be fully informed before you add anything to your shopping cart. But what about when the packaging is misleading? That's exactly what's happening right now with beef from some of the world's biggest suppliers. According to a report by Sentient Media, last summer members of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food & Safety Inspection Service — a team within the USDA that makes sure food is safe and accurately labeled — discovered that antibiotics had been used by dozens of meat providers that sell meat labeled as 'antibiotic-free.' They found that 20 percent of the sample of meat labeled as antibiotic-free tested positive for antibiotics. The organization sent out letters to inform these companies, including Tyson, Cargill, and JBS, of their findings. The USDA recommended that these meat producers take steps to figure out how the antibiotics were administered to the animals, and do whatever is necessary to make sure that beef products are no longer mislabeled. But that doesn't mean the companies are doing it. In fact, the USDA keeps approving labels from these same brands without requiring them to show proof of this claim. Essentially there's a widespread mislabeling happening in grocery stores right now. When shoppers intend to purchase beef 'raised without antibiotics,' there's no guarantee that they're actually buying what they want. There's also a concern that overusing antibiotics causes bacteria to evolve more rapidly and become resistant to the drugs when they are actually medically necessary for humans and animals alike. The USDA has updated its guidelines, recommending that companies use a third-party certification to confirm any animal-raising claims, but it's still just a recommendation that has yet to actually be enforced. So, what's the average consumer to do? Right now it's hard to say exactly how to confirm that your meat is in fact free of antibiotics. The best you can do is stay aware of the ongoing mislabeled packaging, and try to shop locally and at farmers markets whenever possible. Sign up for The Kitchn's Daily newsletter to receive our best recipes, posts, and shopping tips in your inbox.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Magrathea launches new electrolyser to advance production technology and scale operations
Magrathea, a technology company specialising in magnesium production from seawater, has launched its new magnesium chloride electrolyser at its pilot facility in Oakland, California, US. This development marks a step towards scaling the company's operations and providing a US-based critical minerals supply chain. The company's new electrolyser is designed to optimise the production of magnesium metal by splitting magnesium salts using electricity. Magrathea's technology is set to significantly reduce both the carbon footprint and operating costs of future commercial plants. Over the coming months, Magrathea will collect and process data, aiming to minimise electricity usage, recycle energy and refine the dehydration process, which presents the largest cost-saving potential in magnesium metal production. The gathered data and processing insights are also expected to facilitate the permitting processes for new facilities due to the technology's environmental benefits. Magrathea's advancements in magnesium production technology come at a crucial time, as Russia and China currently dominate 90% of the global primary magnesium supply, with no significant producer in any NATO country. The company's pilot plant in California has the capacity to produce 4,000 pounds of magnesium annually at full capacity and demonstrates competitive operating costs. The technology is carbon-neutral, producing zero CO₂ equivalent/kg of magnesium, compared with more than 40kg of CO₂ equivalent with the current Chinese process. This attribute is expected to aid in streamlining future facility permitting. Magrathea CEO Alex Grant said: 'Magnesium is one of the most important critical materials, but NATO countries face a dire shortage of non-China supply. Western nations must view this supply crisis as a national security emergency. 'At our core, Magrathea's innovative technology revitalises a proven process with our own twist for considerable efficiency improvement and expense reduction. We expect to reduce the technology's operating expenses to make it cost-competitive with alternative production methods that exist today, including in China.' With plans to scale up production to two million pounds of magnesium per year by 2027, Magrathea aims to meet the demands of various industries including aerospace and defence. The company has already secured agreements with more than 25 companies including ten linked to the US defence industry, an offtake agreement with a global automaker and a resource supply agreement with Cargill. Additionally, Magrathea's production of chloride co-products opens further market opportunities. The company's scale-up efforts are supported by Sedgman Novopro, an engineering operator with mining and mineral processing expertise. Backed by credible investors such as the US Department of Defense and leaders from companies such as Glencore and Tesla, Magrathea is well-positioned to advance its magnesium production technology. "Magrathea launches new electrolyser to advance production technology and scale operations" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Upturn
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Cargill Earns #1 Global Ranking for Removing Trans Fats From Edible Oils Portfolio
Wayzata, Minn., United States: Cargill earned the top spot on the inaugural Edible Oil Supplier Index 2025, published by global nonprofit Access to Nutrition initiative (ATNi). The ranking recognizes the company's leadership in removing industrially produced trans-fatty acids* (iTFAs) from its entire edible oils portfolio, even in markets with no regulatory mandate. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Cargill earned the top spot on the inaugural Edible Oil Supplier Index 2025, published by global nonprofit Access to Nutrition initiative (ATNi) Cargill's leadership in this space has made a tangible difference for customers and consumers around the world. Chantilly, a cherished brand in Mexico known for its bakery, pastry and confectionery products, is a standout example. The company credits Cargill as a key ally in helping remove iTFAs from its popular whipping cream recipes. 'Cargill provided the expertise and technology needed to solve crucial challenges such as maintaining the taste and texture our consumers and operators expect, while preserving the functionality suitable for various culinary applications,' said Miriam Leticia Rodriguez Chigora, R&D leader, Chantilly. 'It not only highlights Cargill's ability to provide technical support and innovative solutions but also its commitment to consumer health and regulatory compliance.' These efforts are part of what ATNi evaluated in its first-ever ranking of the eight largest edible oil suppliers. The international nutrition organization assessed the companies on 19 indicators across four categories. Cargill earned the highest overall score, 81.4%, leading across all assessment areas, with the second-highest scoring company achieving just 14.2%. This recognition builds on a major milestone reached in January 2024, when Cargill became the first — and still only known — global edible oil supplier whose entire portfolio complies with the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of no more than two grams of iTFAs per 100 grams of fats and oils in food products — a threshold set to protect public health. Cargill's journey began years earlier, well ahead of the WHO's 2018 REPLACE initiative, which called for the global elimination of industrial trans fats. The company invested millions in capital upgrades, committed thousands of R&D hours and helped hundreds of customers reformulate products. To date, Cargill has helped remove more than 1.5 billion pounds of products containing iTFAs from the global food chain. 'Being recognized by ATNi reinforces our responsibility to lead with purpose — delivering safe, sustainable nutrition through the food and ingredient solutions we provide,' said David VandenEinde, Vice President of R&D for Food North America, Cargill. 'This achievement is the result of decades of innovation, close collaboration with customers like Chantilly, and investment in improved edible oil solutions. We will remain fully engaged with food manufacturers and related stakeholders, working together to help pave the way for a healthier and more resilient global food supply.' According to the WHO's 2024 progress report, as of the end of 2023, only 53 of the world's 195 countries — covering just 46% of the global population — had adopted one of WHO's best practice policies to limit iTFA in foods. That reality puts added meaning to ATNi's call for other suppliers to 'follow Cargill by example.' The company not only drove change within its own operations and with its customers, but it has also worked as a catalyst for global change, actively collaborating with health organizations to share expertise and support policy development in markets where iTFA regulations are still emerging. # # # *Industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFAs) are created during the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils but can also be formed by high thermal treatment during edible oil refining. At high levels of consumption, they have been linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease and mortality, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to recommend eliminating iTFAs from global food supplies. About Cargill Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. Our approximately 160,000 employees innovate with purpose, providing customers with life's essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit and our News Center. View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Class action lawsuit touching Montana beef industry sees $83 million settlement from JBS Foods
A USDA employee at work at Cargill Meat Solutions is pictured in Friona, Texas, on Sept. 20, 2022. (USDA Photo /Preston Keres) An $83 million settlement in a large class action lawsuit led in part by a Montana nonprofit against JBS Foods and other meat processing companies is accepting claims from cattle producers. The lawsuit alleged price fixing among four companies that control almost 85% of the meat processing industry in the country — including JBS Foods, a U.S. subsidiary of a Brazilian firm. The lawsuit also names Tyson Foods, Cargill and National Beef. In court documents, JBS denied wrongdoing. 'JBS denies Cattle Plaintiffs' allegations, denies any and all wrongdoing in connection with the facts and claims that have been or could have been alleged against it in the Action, and asserts that it has a number of valid defenses to Cattle Plaintiffs' claims,' a court filing stated. The lawsuit was brought by the Farmers Union and the Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America, which is known as RCALF-USA. The legal fund, RCALF-USA, is a Montana-based nonprofit. The legal battle with the companies in the suit is likely not over, said Walt Schweitzer, the president of the Montana Farmers Union. Tyson, Cargill and National Beef have yet to conclude their parts of the suit in court. 'I do anticipate more developments with the other three (defendants), but it's in the court system, and it's anybody's guess how quickly it'll proceed,' Schweitzer said. The suit covers those who sold cattle to JBS Foods and its subsidiaries between June 1, 2015, to Feb. 29, 2020. A website, has been set up to handle the claims, which have to be filed by Sept. 15, 2025. 'We filed this case after witnessing the inexplicable collapse of fed cattle prices beginning in 2015,' R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard said in a press release, 'Our case has been working its way through the court for six years now, and we will continue in our effort to recover as much as we can for American cattlemen.' Montana is a beef producing state and there are currently about 1.2 million beef cattle in the state. Including calves, that totals more than 2 million head. Schweitzer said the monopolization of the cattle industry was the biggest issue facing it. 'Price gouging, not just the producers, but the consumers, has been an ongoing issue for really decades, and Farmers Union has facilitated other lawsuits against the big four in the past. This is the farthest we've gotten, as far as settlement and discovery documents,' Schweitzer said. 'So we're getting to the bottom of it, but there's still a lot of discovery left to be made.' The class action lawsuit alleges the defendants 'conspired to fix and suppress' prices of fed cattle, or beef cows that are fed a concentrated diet to add weight before slaughter. Companies like JBS Foods and other meatpackers make their money on the 'meat margin,' or the difference between what they buy the cattle for and what they sell the processed meat for. Because it takes time for cattle to be old and large enough to be slaughtered, the price of meat does not move very fast. 'Beef demand is also relatively insensitive to changes in price (and) the meat margin is very sensitive to changes in aggregate industry slaughter levels,' the complaint states. 'Consequently, Packing Defendants can increase the meat margin, and thus their profitability, by working cooperatively to reduce their respective slaughter volumes, thereby depressing the price of fed cattle.' Using a system of complex contracts, the JBS Foods lawsuit alleges the companies artificially lowered the price of beef. The contract system and the formulas to set the sale price are relatively new, Schweitzer said, noting they were essentially unheard of 40 years ago. The packing companies get most of their meat — about 70% — through contracts at a price to be determined at delivery. Those prices in part come from the 'weekly cash cattle market,' which represents about 25% of beef sales. The contracts are also dated, meaning companies could manipulate the cash price of cattle on days when cattle on contract are brought in to be slaughtered. The companies named in the suit 'cratered' the cash cattle trade, the complaint alleges. 'Defendants used their market power and the relatively small cash cattle trade to their advantage and embarked upon a conspiracy to depress fed cattle prices that began no later than January 2015 and continues through to this day,' the suit alleges. The suit also says the companies let meatpacking plants go idle and that the defendants imported foreign beef cattle, 'after it became uneconomical for them to do so.' Cattle production is big business in America, and more than 2.5 million cows are slaughtered every month, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It takes about 15 to 24 months for a cow to go from birth to slaughter. JBS is also politically active. The company donated $5 million to Trump's inauguration, Forbes reported, far more than Meta, Amazon, Uber and even Nvidia. JBS, the largest meatpacking company in the world, was recently tagged with a $64 million fine in Brazil for raising cattle on illegally deforested land in the Amazon, although it did not admit wrongdoing in the case. The company has been beset by other legal woes and two billionaire shareholders went to jail in Brazil after bribing 1,800 politicians.
National Post
3 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Cargill Earns #1 Global Ranking for Removing Trans Fats From Edible Oils Portfolio
Article content Article content WAYZATA, Minn. — Cargill earned the top spot on the inaugural Edible Oil Supplier Index 2025, published by global nonprofit Access to Nutrition initiative (ATNi). The ranking recognizes the company's leadership in removing industrially produced trans-fatty acids* (iTFAs) from its entire edible oils portfolio, even in markets with no regulatory mandate. Article content Cargill's leadership in this space has made a tangible difference for customers and consumers around the world. Chantilly, a cherished brand in Mexico known for its bakery, pastry and confectionery products, is a standout example. The company credits Cargill as a key ally in helping remove iTFAs from its popular whipping cream recipes. Article content 'Cargill provided the expertise and technology needed to solve crucial challenges such as maintaining the taste and texture our consumers and operators expect, while preserving the functionality suitable for various culinary applications,' said Miriam Leticia Rodriguez Chigora, R&D leader, Chantilly. 'It not only highlights Cargill's ability to provide technical support and innovative solutions but also its commitment to consumer health and regulatory compliance.' Article content These efforts are part of what ATNi evaluated in its first-ever ranking of the eight largest edible oil suppliers. The international nutrition organization assessed the companies on 19 indicators across four categories. Cargill earned the highest overall score, 81.4%, leading across all assessment areas, with the second-highest scoring company achieving just 14.2%. Article content This recognition builds on a major milestone reached in January 2024, when Cargill became the first — and still only known — global edible oil supplier whose entire portfolio complies with the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of no more than two grams of iTFAs per 100 grams of fats and oils in food products — a threshold set to protect public health. Article content Cargill's journey began years earlier, well ahead of the WHO's 2018 REPLACE initiative, which called for the global elimination of industrial trans fats. The company invested millions in capital upgrades, committed thousands of R&D hours and helped hundreds of customers reformulate products. To date, Cargill has helped remove more than 1.5 billion pounds of products containing iTFAs from the global food chain. Article content 'Being recognized by ATNi reinforces our responsibility to lead with purpose — delivering safe, sustainable nutrition through the food and ingredient solutions we provide,' said David VandenEinde, Vice President of R&D for Food North America, Cargill. 'This achievement is the result of decades of innovation, close collaboration with customers like Chantilly, and investment in improved edible oil solutions. We will remain fully engaged with food manufacturers and related stakeholders, working together to help pave the way for a healthier and more resilient global food supply.' Article content According to the WHO's 2024 progress report, as of the end of 2023, only 53 of the world's 195 countries — covering just 46% of the global population — had adopted one of WHO's best practice policies to limit iTFA in foods. That reality puts added meaning to ATNi's call for other suppliers to 'follow Cargill by example.' The company not only drove change within its own operations and with its customers, but it has also worked as a catalyst for global change, actively collaborating with health organizations to share expertise and support policy development in markets where iTFA regulations are still emerging. Article content # # # Article content *Industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFAs) are created during the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils but can also be formed by high thermal treatment during edible oil refining. At high levels of consumption, they have been linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease and mortality, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to recommend eliminating iTFAs from global food supplies. Article content Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
