Reading List: Controversy Over Olive Oil, Cloned Food + Adult Picky Eaters

In this week’s nutrition news: Meatless Monday makeover, study shows label readers eat healthier and Europe faces cloned food controversy
hummus

Ina-Garten-hummus

In this week’s nutrition news: Meatless Monday makeover, study shows label readers eat healthier and Europe faces cloned food controversy.

The Adult Picky Eaters Club

It's not just kids who only eat hot dogs and potato chips -- there's a group of picky adults that claim their long list of  hated foods is a disorder, not a choice.  The group Finicky Eating in Adults has more than 2000 members who  report their eating habits have cost them their loved ones and even jobs. The site has a support forum and information for those living with food limitations.

TELL US: Are you are an adult picky eater?
Cloned Food Debacle
As if cloning wasn't controversial enough, what about eating food derived from the cloned animals? In the UK, meat and milk from the offspring of cloned animals is being sold to customers without proper labeling. Many aren’t sure if this was by accident or not. Even scarier, the European Union doesn’t know if this is legal.  Health and food safety experts say these foods are safe to eat, but many folks are skeptical. The European Commission is working on clarifying the guidelines when it comes to eating offspring from cloned animals. Why do I have a feeling the U.S. may be dealing with the same issues in the near future?
TELL US: Should food derived from cloned animals be legal?
Meatless Mondays Makeover

Meatless Mondays have been on the radar for some time as one way to help lower cholesterol and heart disease. But if  lowering disease risk isn't a motivator for you, would you eat less meat to help the environment? The movement is making over its message to attract younger, environmentally-conscious localvores that care where meat comes from and how it's raised. Want to go meatless on Mondays?  We have 4 Mondays-worth of meatless meals here, plus get 25 more vegetarian meals.

Not-So-Virginal Olive Oil

As if olive oil labels weren't confusing enough, a recent study conducted at the University of California found that 69 percent of the imported oils claiming to be “extra-virgin” didn’t meet international standards for the term. Top Chef contestant David Martin and other California restaurateurs filed a lawsuit alleging 10 major brands were misrepresenting their products. The North American Olive Oil Association says their tests revealed that only one percent of samples have issues. The lawsuit comes as the USDA develops standards for products labeled  "virgin" and "extra-virgin."

Label Readers Eat Healthier

Label readers, stand proud!  New data from a national survey found that more than 60 percent of the respondents read the nutrition facts, 51.6 percent check out the ingredients, 47.2 percent read the serving size and 43.8 percent review the health claims at least some of the time when choosing which food to buy. Research also revealed a significant difference in total calories, fat, sodium, fiber and sugar between label readers verses non-readers. So to all you label readers — keep it up! Want more info about what's in your food? Check out our label decoder series.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. See Toby's full bio »

Next Up

Star in Training

The Next Food Network Star winner Aarti Sequeira takes us through the making of her new show, Aarti Party.

Does Olive Oil Go Bad?

An olive oil expert and producer weighs in.

These Baked Chicken Dinners Are Perfect for Picky Eaters

Save that boxed mac and cheese for a rainy day.

What Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

Extra virgin olive oil, affectionately known as EVOO, is a pantry staple. Why does it come in smaller bottles and cost more than regular olive oil? It all has to do with how the olives are pressed to extract the oil that goes into the bottles.

These Veggie Butters Make Pasta for Picky Eaters a Little Healthier

Got a pasta-with-butter lover? This is your weeknight dinner solution.

How Much Olive Oil Should You Use When Cooking?

You don't want to overdo it — but there are ways to eyeball the measurements.

Now, Everyone Can Get Olive Oil in Their Starbucks Drink

Previously offered in only 15 states, Starbucks is now offering Oleato beverages nationwide.

How to Cook Food Over a Campfire

From choosing the right equipment to building the perfect cooking fire, plus outdoor recipes for upping your dining game.

The Internet’s Favorite Olive Oil Is Now In a Non-Alcoholic Martini

Graza teamed with Aura Bora for a new canned cocktail.