The tomato wilt and canker of tomato is caused by the bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. Michiganensis . This bacterium is a vascular pathogen which depends on plasmid-borne virulence factors and serine proteases located on the chromosomal chp/tomA pathogenicity island (PAI). [1]

According to “La Republica” four out of five bottles of extra-virgin Italian olive oil are cheap, less aromatic olive oil from Greece, Spain, Morocco and Tunisia. Italian companies import these oils for less then 25 cents, mix them with a small amount of Italian oil and sell it  for up to 4,00 euros per kilo to supermarket chains abroad, to tourists and to wholesale trade. [1]

According to a study of Orešič et al 2011, blood serum analysis may predict future development of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) before symptoms of the disease occur. The analysis identifies molecular changes associated with Alzheimer Disease years in advance. These biomarkers suggest a state of increased hypoxia. [1]

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a combination of ailments. Symptoms include cough, irritation of the nose or throat, headache, fatigue, and trouble concentrating. A 1984 World Health Organization report into the syndrome suggested up to 30% of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be linked to symptoms of SBS. Most of the sick building syndrome is related to poor indoor air quality. [1]

SOCFIN, a corporation with seat in Luxenburg, will plant oil palms for biodiesel in Sierra Leone. Politicians and functionaries sell off the lands of local farmers and suppress the protests. Small farmers are fighting to keep their land. [1]

Biofuel politics of Germany and the EU is based on massive import of “green energies”. The population of the affected regions loose their livelihood and biodiversity is menaced by the monoculture of oil palms.

The Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a draft guidance on scientific requirements for health claims related to antioxidants, oxidative damage and cardiovascular health. The guidance cites the type of evidence for a health claim. The panel takes position to several claims such as: [1]

The government of Japan reports that the shut down of the reactor has been achieved and temperatures are below100°C. Tepco, the owner of the power station, says it will take at least 10 years to remove the fuel rods, only then decommissioning can be started which will take another 20 years. There are 30 years ahead to solve the problem. [1]

The group “As You Sow” published a framework document for the food industry focusing on the use of nanoparticles in food. This framework is based on EFSA, DEFRA, PIRA and USFDA. The group argues that definition of nanomaterials should include particles up to 300 nm. This is based on some calls which say that particles up to 300 nm can be incorporated by cells. [1]

Experts fear that food security of the Gulf region will be endangered by factors such as population growth, climate change and natural disasters affecting food-producing countries, primarily in East  Asia. Food shortage and high food prices are expected in the next five years.  [1]

Seven executives of the Italian food companies Sunny Land, Sona and Bioecoitalia and  the director of a certifying body from the Marche farming region of central Italy faked the origin of food, labelled as “organic” over years. It is assumed that 700.000 tons (valued 220 million Euros) of faked foods were sold all over Europe. Only 2.500 tons could be arrested. [1]