The retailer is encouraging its customers and members to take part in the public vote to ensure it retains the top spot in 2010. The Co-operative is among three finalists for the accolade, which is part of the annual RSPCA Good Business Awards.

This year, The Co-operative has been shortlisted because of its commitments to the Freedom Foods standard, higher-welfare poultry, free-range eggs, outdoor-reared beef and strict welfare standards for its own-brand pork. 

Everyday shopping has become a little bit sweeter as Sainsbury's and Nectar today announced two new apps for the App Store. The Sainsbury's and Nectar Apps for iPhone and iPod touch give shoppers access to exclusive, personalized offers as well as the ability to collect Nectar points quicker than ever before. Nectar collectors simply opt in through the app to receive personalized offers from Sainsbury's and their favourite high street retailers. Customers can choose between the Sainsbury's or Nectar App depending on their preference. 

The Sainsbury's and Nectar Apps have been created to ensure that customers always have great offers at their fingertips. Recent research conducted by Nectar highlighted that more than 90% of respondents were interested in having exclusive bonus point offers delivered to them via their iPhone or iPod touch.

Whole Foods Market,  the leading natural and organic foods supermarket in the US, today announced results from its annual Food Shopping Trends Tracker survey conducted online in June by Harris Interactive, which found that organic foods are making a larger impact in consumers’ shopping choices in 2010.  While about three out of four adults continue to purchase natural and/or organic foods (75% in ‘10 and 73% ‘09), the number of organic products found in their grocery basket has increased.  Notably, 27 percent of adults say that natural and/or organic foods comprise more than a quarter of their total food purchases this year, up from just 20 percent a year ago.

A total of 1,097 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported in 2007 to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a CDC analysis. State investigators reported 21,244 illnesses and 18 deaths as a result of these outbreaks. The report also provides the most recent data on how many illnesses were linked to specific types of foods.

"Knowing more about what types of foods and foodborne agents have caused outbreaks can help guide public health and the food industry in developing measures to effectively control and prevent infections and help people stay healthy," said Chris Braden, acting director of the CDC's Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases.