n.83

European Court of Auditors on food labelling: 450 million EU consumers defenceless against misleading messages


(intentionally or unintentionally). Among the shortcomings identified by the ECA is the fact that the legislation allows the use of nutrition and health claims even on products with a high fat, sugar and/or salt content. Thus, the addition of vitamins, minerals, fibre or protein to unhealthy foods is sufficient to claim beneficial properties. This is a consequence of the absence of nutrient profiles to limit the use of such claims. The legislation originally foresaw their definition and entry into force by 2009, but 15 years later there is still no trace of them. The EU does not seem to be interested in informing and educating consumers: in fact, the EU has only allocated EUR 5.5 million in food labelling awareness campaigns from 2021 to 2025

 

n.76

Walmart ends some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives after being threatened with a conservative boycott ahead of the critical Black Friday shopping period.


US companies have broadly pledged to tackle discrimination after George Floyd's murder in 2020 sparked a racial showdown across the country, promising to diversify their workforce and donate billions to non-profit organisations that focus on social justice... The retailer will stop using the phrase 'diversity, equity and inclusion' and tighten restrictions on LGBT-themed products in its marketplace for third-party sellers. It will also not renew funding for its $100 million Center for Racial Equity after it expires in June 2025.

Walmart
 

n.74

US retailers lengthen Black Friday offer periods to attract shrinking shoppers


Walmart, Amazon, Target and Macy's are among the US retailers already offering steep discounts under the Black Friday banner, long before it actually arrives this week. Despite this, sales of non-food units fell by 3% year-on-year in the week ending 16 November, according to data from Circana, which compiles data from retail outlets. The National Retail Federation predicts that winter holiday sales will reach nearly $1 trillion in the US in November and December, a record $902 per person. But the rate of spending growth is expected to be about 2.5-3.5%, the slowest since 2018

AmazonNon-foodWalmart
 

n.73

At COP 29 climate conference very bitter agreement for countries of the South


States at the Baku climate conference pledged on Sunday to pay USD 300 billion a year to help developing countries adapt to climate change by 2035. A much smaller sum than they were asking for. While the sum tripled the initial target agreed in 2009(100 billion aid reached in 2022, two years late), it falls far short of the expectations expressed by the South and non-governmental organisations. To cope with the immense needs created by climate disasters, but also by the energy transition, the Africa group had initially spoken of USD 1.3 trillion. The money that will not come from the richest countries will be taken away from health, schools, etc. .On climate change in Albiate read here

AlbiateClimate change