JANE E. BRODY April 1, 2013, The New York Times A new report, prepared by experts from three leading universities, projects that a small, steady reduction of sodium in the American diet could save up to half a million lives over the next decade. And a more rapid reduction could save even more lives — as many as 850,000. The Finns have already proved this projection. As described last month in The New England Journal of Medicine, since the early 1970s, when Finland launched a national campaign to reduce salt intake, daily consumption has dropped by 3,000 milligrams a day in men and women, with a corresponding decline in death rates from stroke and coronary heart disease of 75 to 80 percent. In the last decade or so, many food producers have introduced low-sodium or reduced-sodium versions of popular products, including soups, vegetables, fish, sauces, cereals, nuts, dips and even…

Colin Kruger April 4, 2013 The AGE Coles has denied that a major review of its health and nutrition product offerings is designed to squeeze branded products off its shelves in favour of private-label replacements. Documents obtained by Fairfax Media reveal Coles sent a tender request to suppliers just before the Easter long weekend, giving them barely two weeks to present potential new products to the review, including offerings for its private-label range. Categories up for review include weight management products, sports nutrition, Coles’ ”good for you” health food range, and its ”free from” range, that includes gluten-free products. ”Our intention is to expand and develop our presence in these areas,” Coles said in a message to suppliers late last week. Suppliers must present their new product proposals by Monday, April 15, with meetings to be held over the duration of that week. Coles intends to have the new product…

Trevor Paddenburg April 05, 2013 PerthNow THE cost of a coffee has now topped $7, prompting a storm of complaints about pricey Perth. Cafe Del Pescatore in Manning St, Scarborough is charging $7.25 for a flat white or cappuccino in a mug. Workers claim it is a fair price for a top-quality, large, double-shot coffee, served in a relaxed setting by friendly staff. But many diners begged to differ, labelling the hefty price tag “extortion” and a “rip off”. Hundreds of people commented on the costly coffees after a picture of a receipt was posted by the Facebook group Fed Up Perth. “What a rip off!!” Paul Skerrett said. Miguel Martin wrote: “See you in hell.” “Perth is a joke on all levels for price , service and food quality…. Melbourne every time!!” said Tracey Galati. Kelly Brown wrote: “Way too expensive. They are situated in a tourist area and…

STEPHANIE CLIFFORD April 3, 2013 The New York Times A Walmart in North Bergen, N.J. The retailer’s customers have complained about the quality and freshness in the produce aisle. Michelle Obama visited a Walmart in February to extol the fresh, healthy food in the company’s grocery aisles. But Walmart, Ms. Obama’s corporate partner in a campaign to make food healthier and more affordable, has been running into problems with food that is not so fresh. Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer and grocer, has cut so many employees that it no longer has enough workers to stock its shelves properly, according to some employees and industry analysts. Internal notes from a March meeting of top Walmart managers show the company grappling with low customer confidence in its produce and poor quality. “Lose Trust,” reads one note, “Don’t have items they are looking for — can’t find it.” Walmart is addressing the…