Nonfoods

Enticing customers with a host of new flavor combinations and heat levels, hot sauces are burning up the shelves of the condiment aisle.

WASHINGTON -- Although producers have a favorable opinion of country-of-origin labeling, a study released today shows that nearly two in three (62 percent) of the nation's meat, vegetable, and fruit producers oppose the country-of-origin labeling (COOL) law in its current form and want Congress to change or repeal the law before it goes into effect.

Still busily blanketing the U.S. with stores, the largest retailer is also becoming a major presence in countries around the globe. So far, its prospects are bigger than its problems.

Attracting and keeping prescription customers could mean huge sales for grocers, according to an ACNielsen study.

WASHINGTON - The interim final bioterrorism regulations released Thursday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration were viewed positively by the Food Marketing Institute and other food industry trade groups.

CHICAGO -- Peapod introduced Sunday delivery to the Windy City this week as part of its emphasis on improving customer service. The online grocer has also added a Chicago's Best "aisle," offering entree selections from some of Chicago's most famous restaurants.

NEW YORK - Wal-Mart Canada and GE Consumer Finance on Thursday announced they will introduce the first private-label credit card program for Wal-Mart and Sam's Club warehouse stores in Canada, according to Reuters.

NATICK, Mass. - BJ's Wholesale Club here is rolling out smaller "life sizes," supermarket-size packages of perishable items, including meat, seafood, produce, and dairy items, according to a report in yesterday's Waterbury Republican-American newspaper.