Quick Bites

→ Aspartame Ban Nixed: A few weeks ago I'd mentioned a bill before the State Legislature to band the use of aspartame in Hawaii. That bill has been deferred, effectively killing it, on the grounds that it is the FDA's responsiblity to, "to determine the safety of food and food additives." Sadly, the FDA has evolved over the years from a consumer protection organization to a business advocate. Don't hold your breath for them to take any action.
→ My Forbidden Fruits (and Vegetables): Speaking of pro-business, a NYTimes opinion piece last week complains of the financial barriers making it difficult for small farmers to convert their land from commodity crops to supply their local region with fresh produce. In a nutshell, not only do they lose their federal subsidies (understandable, under the current law) but they also face potential fines. What?! Grist has a short but pointed follow-up.
→ Anything to Eat: In happier news, Anything to Eat is a new-ish Hawaii-based food blog by Marylene Chun covering all aspects of food in Hawaii. My favorite post so far was her Chinese New Year Great Gau Exchange (also featured in the Honolulu Advertiser!)
→ Made Healthier: Hawaii has good food, but no one would try to claim it's all good for you. Made Healthier is a new food blog by "Lori" that takes favorite recipes and re-works them into healthier alternatives. I've bookmarked several ideas already, but the most intriguing is a light soba salad made with seaweed, sprouts and ponzu sauce. Guess what I'm having for dinner tomorrow night...