What's new in food news?

There's a lot happening right now in the world of food, so today's posting deserves more than just a recipe for your greens and grains.

First of all, you may or may not know that McDonald's had terrible October sales.  For the first time since March 2003, their monthly sales dropped by 1.8%, and their net income fell almost 4%.  These declines were expected, but not as severe as Wall Street had estimated.  

New CEO Don Thompson blamed the economy and "consumer sentiment" (are people finally realizing that perhaps Chicken McNuggets are not a wholesome meal?), and said McDonald's will attempt to bounce back by promoting the Dollar Menu and reintroducing the popular McRib.

(On the topic of the McRib, did you know that it contains 70 ingredients, one of which-- azodicarbonimide-- is described by Time as "a flour-bleaching agent that is most commonly used in the manufacture of foamed plastics like in gym mats and the soles of shoes"?  Keep that in mind next time you're craving a drive-through meal!)

Speaking of hidden ingredients, let's move on to this month's hot topic in food: genetically modified organisms (GMO's)! The most recent election could be seen as either a great failure or a great success for foodies, depending on whether you're a glass-47%-full sort of person.  

California voted on Proposition 37, which would have required more specific labeling of foods, particularly those containing GMO's.  Despite a strong movement and widespread protests, the opposition garnered a success after spending nearly $46 million attempting to destroy the movement.

Mark Bittman of The New York Times that although GMO's have not yet introduced anything harmful into our food, it is important to know what is in our food because "once we know what is in food we can better influence how it is produced."

But perhaps this ballot will be seen as a great step forward in food production.  Nearly 5 million people voted in favor of better labeling, and awareness surely increased.

Food processors and fast food restaurants are still very much in the game, and likely will be for quite some time.  But it will continue to be an uphill battle for them as transparency grows, and an expensive battle at that.