Today in Food News

I finally had a minute this morning to sift through the latest food news, so I thought I’d share my findings with you.

• Ahoy Captain Obvious! According to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine starchy carbs like white bread and the trans fats in many cookies and french fries make the “bad food” list, while veggies, nuts and the Mediterranean diet made the list of “good” heart foods. So basically, the typical “Western” diet, which is chock full of processed foods, won’t do your heart any favors, while a Med diet rich in fresh veggies, olive oil, whole grains and fish will keep your ticker ticking longer. Still ambiguous: eggs, red meat and milk. Via Associated Press
• Signs of the times: BJ’s Wholesale Club is allowing members to use electronic food stamps to buy goods at all of its locations. Via Associated Press
• All those food recalls? Well turns out they’re falling on deaf ears. Up to 40% of the American population doesn’t eliminate potentially contaminated food from the house. Guilty as charged: a bag of pistachio-filled trail mix still sits in my pantry. Via Reuters
• Finally some news we could all use. If this year’s taxes have left your wallet a little – or a lot – lighter, restaurants are taking the opportunity to dish up a few promos on April 15th. McCormick & Schmicks, PF Chang’s, Cinnabon, Taco del Mar, TGI Fridays and many more are offering everything from free ice cream to gift certificates on Wednesday. Via USA Today
• Jeff Corwin, better known for bagging rattlesnakes than groceries, appears to be heading to the Food Network. His program is dubbed “Extreme Cuisine with Jeff Corwin,” barf bags sold separately. I’ll pass on this one, thank you very much, but Food Network execs, I’m available in a pinch… Via NY Daily News
• Hide this one from the kids. According to data from the National Health Interview Survey in Taiwan, a quarter of children in the survey were overweight, but those that ate fast food and drank soda, were less likely to be unhappy. Filed and forgotten. Via Science Daily
• Genetically engineered zero trans-fats soybean oil? Call me old fashioned, but how does it taste… Via USA Today