Here are some interesting articles in the news recently that caught my eye- that I thought I would share…(just in case you might be tempted to stop and grab a meal from Taco Bell anytime soon 🙂
Lawsuit: Taco Bell “Meat” Cannot Legally Be Called Meat!
A law firm in Alabama has filed a lawsuit claiming that Taco Bell is using false advertising when it refers to using “seasoned ground beef” or “seasoned beef” in its products.
The lawsuit alleges that the Taco Bell meat mixture contains binders and extenders and does not meet the minimum requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be labeled as “beef.”
The class-action lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court in the Central District of California by the Montgomery law firm Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles.
Attorney Dee Miles said attorneys had Taco Bell’s “meat mixture” tested and found it contained less that 35 percent beef.
The lawsuit on behalf of Taco Bell customer and California resident Amanda Obney does not seek monetary damages, but asks the court to order Taco Bell to be honest in its advertising.
“We are asking that they stop saying that they are selling beef,” Miles said.
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PETA is giving recognition to companies who have made successful efforts to make vegan foods available to the public. For the most part, these are not exactly “health foods,” but it’s nice to see more health conscious options.
The five winners were awarded as follows:
· Best Veggie Burger: Denny’s
Denny’s veggie burger is made by Amy’s Kitchen (see “Best Chocolate” below). With its approximately 1,500 locations nationwide, Denny’s gets the nod for adding convenience to one of the best veggie burgers available.
· Best Dairy Alternative: Starbucks Strawberries and Crème Vegan Frappuccino
Starbucks has more than 16,000 locations in 50 countries. And the best part is that all Starbucks frappuccinos can be made vegan.
· Best Fake Meat: Gardein Seven Grain Crispy Tenders
Simply put, Gardein has perfected faux meat-in flavor, texture, and appearance. Just heat and eat or slather them in your favorite barbecue sauce.
· Best Vegan Snack: Tofurky Pepperoni Pizza
Long known for making vegans feel right at home at Thanksgiving with its delicious Tofurky roasts, Turtle Island Foods has expanded its list of products, which now includes delicious meat- and dairy-free pizza.
· Best Vegan Chocolate: Amy’s Chocolate Cakes
Amy’s Kitchen-the leading natural frozen-food brand in the world-has always been synonymous with quality. Just bite into a slice of rich, chocolaty Amy’s cake, and you’ll know why. Amy’s products are available at natural-food stores and supermarkets in the U.S., Canada, and abroad.
“If you care about animals, the planet, or your health, the last things that you want to eat are meat, eggs, and dairy products,” says peta2 Director Dan Shannon. “The demand for vegan options in the food industry is skyrocketing, and these five winners are answering the call in the most delicious ways imaginable.”
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Legislatures in four states: Put vegan options on school lunch menus
This week, President Obama signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act-the first major bipartisan bill enacted by a deeply polarized congress since the election. The act will replace junk food in school lunches and vending machines with more healthful options.
Several jurisdictions have taken similar action. The Hawaii, California, New York and Florida legislatures passed resolutions recommending vegan school options. Last year, the Baltimore City public school system became the first in the nation to offer its 80,000 students a weekly meat-free lunch. According to the School Nutrition Association, 65 per cent of U.S. schools now offer vegetarian lunch options.
In the past, the USDA has used the National School Lunch Program as a dumping ground for surplus meat and dairy commodities. Not surprisingly, 90 percent of American children consume excessive amounts of fat, and only 15 per cent eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. These early dietary flaws become lifelong addictions, raising the risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Those who care about our children’s health should demand healthful, plant-based school meals, snacks and vending machine items. Additional information is available at www.healthyschoollunches.org, www.choiceusa.net and www.schoolnutrition.org.
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Hope you enjoy…
LIFE IS GOOD!
Source: WFM 1-10