Seattle, WA-based Choice Organic Teas was enrolled as the first official participant in the Non-GMO Project’s Verification Program.

Santa Cruz Organic of Chico, CA unveiled a refreshed logo, updated packaging and new product flavors. The rebranding will continue from now through the first quarter of 2010.

Indianapolis, IN-based Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) will donate 10% of its net profits or $10,000 per year to both African Wildlife Foundation and SEEtheWild. Starting in January 2010, ESC extended partnership terms to a minimum of three years.

The California Wild Rice Advisory Board is sponsoring a Recipe Rumble for culinary professionals residing in California and Nevada. The contest features wild rice and wild rice blends and features a cash prize. The contest closes February 28 and winners will be notified by March 31, 2010. For more information, visit www.cawildrice.com.

Newberg, OR-based Willamette Shelling is voluntarily recalling thousands of pounds of shelled hazelnuts after a positive Salmonella test at the facility. According to the State of Oregon Web site, out of 20 hazelnut facilities in Oregon, this is the only one that has been linked to salmonella at this time and there are currently no reports of salmonella illness associated with consumption of Oregon hazelnuts. As a precaution, however, several other businesses have issued recalls of shelled hazelnuts and hazelnut products such as Whole Foods, Kunze Farms, Evonuk Oregon Hazelnuts, Harry and David, and Mountain Man Nut & Fruit Co.
 

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, Feb. 2010