Content about Washington

WASHINGTON — Nestlé USA today unveiled its new "Balance Your Plate with Nestlé" education campaign to help consumers build nutritious, convenient meals and offer a toolkit to healthcare professionals in guiding their customers to make healthier meals. The announcement was made during a luncheon presentation at the Consumer Federation of America's 36th Annual National Food Policy Conference.

WASHINGTON — Three Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday released a report that found inconsistencies in the labeling and classification of energy drinks, extensive marketing to adolescents and young adults through social media and events, and high caffeine levels that exceed what is considered safe in soda by the Food and Drug Administration. The report was compiled using responses from 14 energy drink companies received by Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Sens. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., from their investigation into the industry.

SEATTLE — Bartell Drugs will play a prominent role at a diabetes expo in Seattle this weekend, the retail pharmacy chain said Wednesday.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has proposed increasing federal taxes on cigarettes, drawing criticism from tobacco companies and praise from anti-smoking groups.

As part of his proposed budget, Obama proposed raising the tax on cigarettes by 94 cents per pack, with similar increases on other tobacco products. The current tax is $1.01 per pack.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Monday named six new members, including Aurora Algae, Nature’s Sources, Reckitt Benckiser, Sirio Pharma, Watson and international member JJ Health.    

British conglomerate Reckitt Benckiser recently acquired Schiff Nutrition, marking the entry of a new major CPG player into the dietary supplement space. Reckitt Benckiser now markets several supplement brands including Digestive Advantage, MegaRed and Schiff Move Free. 

WASHINGTON — A study conducted in mid-January by the Organic Trade Association shows U.S. families are increasingly embracing organic products when they shop. The study also showed increased trust in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Organic seal to properly label organic products.

"More and more parents choose organic foods primarily because of their desire to provide healthful options for their children," said Christine Bushway, OTA's CEO and executive director.

LISLE, Ill. — Washington-based accrediting organization URAC has accredited pharmacy benefit manager Catamaran Corp.'s specialty pharmacy brand, Catamaran said.

The PBM said BriovaRx had been awarded URAC's Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation. Catamaran said URAC offered the only third-party, voluntary accreditation program of this scope for the pharmacy benefit management and prescription services industry.

WASHINGTON — Global perspectives on scientific, regulatory and technical developments in product safety, health and well-being will be the feature as hundreds of experts from the consumer packaged goods industry meet Wednesday at the Grocery Manufacturers Association Science Forum.

WASHINGTON — Three high school seniors from Topeka, Kan., won a contest that sponsors hope will lead to better health outcomes while also getting young people interested in pharmacy careers.

WASHINGTON — The head of Ahold USA's Giant-Landover banner has pledged the supermarket chain's support for the Department of Defense's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Giant-Landover, officially Giant Food of Landover, Md., said president Anthony Hucker signed a statement of support for National Guard and reserve employees at the Brentwood Giant Food in Washington, accompanied by ESGR District of Columbia chairman George Alexander. Established in 1972, the ESGR develops and maintains employer support for the Guard and Reserve service.

BOSTON — The Boston Licensing Board will decide whether Walgreens' flagship store at School and Washington streets, expected to open its doors in April, can sell fresh merchandise like sushi, smoothies and coffee around the clock, according to a report published Wednesday by Universal HUB.