5@5: CBD, the FDA and Ben & Jerry’s | Tomatoes rising—before the tariffs

FDA considers safety of food infused with cannabis extract

The FDA on Friday conducted a hearing about allowing cannabidiol-infused foods and beverages. Acting Commissioner Ned Sharpless pointed out that it will be difficult to regulate CBD because it hasn’t been researched, but hemp farmers and other advocates urged him to act quickly. Read more at The Wall Street Journal …

Ben & Jerry's plans a CBD-infused ice cream, pending FDA approval

Add Ben & Jerry’s to the pro-CBD infused food list. On Thursday, the Vermont-based ice cream company known for its amusing flavor names and cartoony packaging announced it hopes to release a cannabidiol-infused flavor as soon as the FDA approves such edibles. The company submitted its pro-infusion comment before Friday’s hearing. Read more at CBS News …

Tomatoes are about to get expensive

Earlier in May—before President Donald Trump decided to impose tariffs on Mexican goods—the Department of Commerce decided to terminate the Tomato Suspension Agreement between the United States and its southern neighbor. Until a new deal is in place, that means Mexican tomatoes will be slapped with a 17.5% tariff. Read more at Modern Farmer …

13 siblings saved their family with their dying dad’s protein bar recipe

In the 1990s, a traveling supplements salesman who hauled his then-seven children around the country him created a peanut butter protein bar, Twenty-some years later, those seven kids and their six additional siblings used that recipe to start a new a new company and save their family as their father suffered from melanoma. Read more at Forbes …

On the trail of tupelo honey, liquid gold from the swamps

Tupelo honey, known for its unique tasty and buttery feel, is the most expensive honey in the country. Even as the plight of pollinators challenges food production around the country, a dedicated group of Southern beekeepers are keeping tupelo honey in production. But their numbers are declining as hurricanes batter both the tupelo trees and the beehives. Read more at The New York Times …