Legislative, Regulatory & Legal

WASHINGTON - The number of people with illnesses related to contaminated beef produced by ConAgra Foods Inc. rose to at least 26 in five states, state and federal health officials said on Monday.

NEW YORK - Pathmark narrowly avoided a walkout by some 800 pharmacists and technicians with a last-minute contract agreement, reported the New York Times.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Wal-Mart and Safeway were two of the most notable names among the many retailers nationwide affected by the second largest beef recall in history.

WASHINGTON - ConAgra Foods Inc. on Friday launched the nation's second-largest recall of ground beef after the U.S. Agriculture Department said the meat may be contaminated with a deadly bacteria that sickened at least 16 people, Reuters reported on Friday.

NEW YORK - Pharmacy workers at 47 Pathmark stores in New York City and four suburban counties have said they may strike on Monday unless they are promised higher wages in current contract talks, The New York Times reports.

WASHINGTON - The USDA has said that food safety inspectors will begin immediately alerting meat companies when a sample tests positive for E. coli bacteria, instead of waiting until an investigation is complete, Reuters reports.

SAN DIEGO - A San Diego judge has reduced a $30 million punitive damages verdict in a sexual harassment case against Ralphs Grocery Co., opening the door to a third trial in the case.

MADISON, Wisc. - Employees at Whole Foods Market in Madison, Wisc., on Friday voted 65 to 54 in favor of joining United Food and Commercial Workers union Local 1444.