Top 10: Labeling laws, labor bills and trendy new flavors

News from Congress topped the list of most-read food and beverage stories this week, with the passage of a federal bill to require labeling of genetically modified ingredients ranking first, followed by a story about lawmakers efforts to phase in an increase of the threshold for overtime exemption over three years rather than seeing it more than double all at once on Dec. 1.

Efforts by food makers General Mills and ConAgra to create new products based on growing consumer demand for new yogurt flavors and natural and organic foods also made the top 10 list, as did supermarket stories including plans by Publix to expand in Virginia with the purchase of 10 Martin’s stores and Wal-Mart’s efforts to cut food waste with standardized best-by date labels and ugly produce sales.

Read the entire Top 10 list:

1. Congress passes GMO labeling bill

2. Lawmakers look to slow down overtime rule changes

3. General Mills to overhaul yogurt offerings with focus on trends

4. Publix will acquire 10 Martin’s locations in Richmond, Va.

5. Wal-Mart standardizes labels, adds imperfect produce sales

6. Grocers jump on “Pokemon Go” craze to draw shoppers

7. ConAgra rolls out new products with focus on natural, organic

8. Being big is suddenly a liability for CPG companies

9. Fresh Market holds off on some new store openings

10. Starbucks finds a bakery partner in Italy

__________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this article, join SmartBrief’s email list for more stories about the food and beverage industry. We offer 14 newsletters covering the industry from restaurants to food manufacturing.