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WASHINGTON — Two associations representing dietary supplement companies criticized a British Medical Journal meta-analysis published April 20 that concluded calcium and vitamin D supplementation may increase risk of heart attack and stroke.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Just in time for Earth Day, Fresh & Easy has introduced its private-label household cleaning and paper products.

The retailer's Green Things line, which now is available in stores, features household cleaners that are made with plant-based formulas, are biodegradable and pH-neutral, and also are made without such chemicals as 1,4-dioxane, phosphates, dyes or perfumes.

LOS ANGELES — Coconut water brand One Natural Experience is continuing its partnership with Healthy Child Healthy World, a leading environmental health nonprofit dedicated to preventing childhood exposure to harmful chemicals that exist in everyday life.

ALBANY, Ore. — In response to a Food and Drug Administration warning letter, Tec Labs announced on Thursday that the company plans to work with the agency regarding its StaphAseptic first-aid antiseptic and pain-relieving gel.

The FDA on Wednesday issued a total of four warning letters, including the one to Tec Labs, to companies that manufacture and market products claiming to prevent infection from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, or MRSA.

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — The organic industry grew at a rate of nearly 8% to more than $28.6 billion, according to a recent survey conducted by the Organic Trade Association.

"While total U.S. food sales grew by less than 1% in 2010, the organic food industry grew by 7.7%," said Christine Bushway, OTA's CEO and executive director. "Consumers continue to vote with their dollars in favor of the organic choice. These results illustrate the positive contribution organic agriculture and trade make to our economy, and particularly to rural livelihoods."

ALBANY, N.Y. — The School Administrators Association of New York State will present its 2011 Friend of Education Award to Wegmans Food Markets and the Wegman family, the Rochester, N.Y.-based grocer announced Wednesday.

“There are few organizations as dedicated to the future of [their] community and [their] young citizens [as] Wegmans,” stated Don Nickson, deputy executive director of SAANYS. “We are fortunate to have such a company based right here in western New York and are honored to recognize [its] commitment and service.”

LOS ANGELES — My Idol Pops is rolling out licensed confections through its My Idolpops line based on the upcoming 3-D movie "The Smurfs."

The beloved blue characters, including Clumsy, Smurfette, Papa and Brainy, are captured in My Idolpops hand-crafted lollipops. The 1-oz. lollipops are wrapped in a bag bearing the colorful image of each Smurf character and displayed in a four-color playful display box of 24. The pops also are available in peg-hook bags of two pops each.

"The Smurfs" is slated for theatrical release on July 29.

BOULDER, Colo. — Boulder Canyon Natural Foods is rolling out a single-serve compostable package for its kettle chips in honor of Earth Day.

The Boulder Canyon compostable packaging is made from wood pulp sourced from plantations that have Forestry Stewardship Council or similar certification. The company said its new 2-oz. compostable bag is available with a suggested retail price of $1.29 per package.

NORWICH, N.Y. — Chobani has captured the U.S. yogurt market as the leading brand in the category, according to SymphonyIRI Group data.

The Greek yogurt brand surpassed such competitors as Yoplait and Dannon, according to SymphonyIRI’s InfoScan Review, which examined the last 12 weeks of sales, ended March 20, across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart).

What's more, SymphonyIRI recently named Chobani as one of the most successful food and beverage consumer packaged goods brands of 2010.

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson on Tuesday announced that distribution of McNeil Consumer Healthcare consumer products will slow in the coming months as the company shifts production of its over-the-counter medicines to other manufacturing plants and implements additional third-party quality controls within those plants.

NEW YORK — Bainbridge & Knight announced the expansion of its Lichi Super Fruit Diet brand with a probiotic product.

New Lichi LactoSpore is a gluten- and dairy-free probiotic designed to aid in healthy digestion without uncomfortable bloating. It also helps the immune system fight off infections, the company said, and provides Bacillus coagulans, necessary bacteria.

Lichi LactoSpore probiotic will be available at leading drug stores and supermarkets nationwide.