News Digest

Grand jury indicts chemins co. and founder on ephedrine charges: A federal grand jury on Oct. 21 returned a 14-count indictment against Colorado Springs-based supplements maker Chemins Co. and its president, James Cameron, charging the company with product misbranding, conspiracy and obstructing FDA’s investigation into the firm’s alleged use of pharmaceutical-grade ephedrine and caffeine in its Formula One supplement products. Chemins and Cameron conspired to evade and obstruct FDA’s regulatory authority over the products, the indictment states. Cameron is expected to enter a plea to the charges on Nov. 8.

FDA TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS ON GE FOODS: FDA says it will hold what the Associated Press calls unusual public meetings in November and December to explain how it determines the safety of a genetically engineered (GE) food and to get the public’s reaction. Meetings will be in Chicago on Nov. 18, in Washington on Nov. 30, and in Oakland, CA, on Dec. 13.

BEN & JERRY’S TO OUTSOURCE SOME MANUFACTURING TO BOOST COMPANY PROFITABILITY: Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s Homemade (BJICA) on Oct. 19 said it will outsource manufacturing of its ice cream novelties, such as ice cream bars, to help cut costs and boost profitability. Manufacturing will be transferred to an undetermined contract manufacturer. Novelty ice cream products account for between 9% and 10% of BJICA’s business, the company says. About 35 employees will be affected by the move. BJICA says they will be offered positions at other BJICA operations or “a generous severance package.” BJICA also announced 3Q99 earnings of $3.54 million or $.47/diluted share. In 3Q98 BJICA earned $2.89 million or $.39/share. Revenues for 3Q99 were $67.1 million, up 4% from $64.6 million in 3Q98.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE BUYS THE INTEGRATOR: Boston-based, privately held Integrative Medicine Communications (IMC) has purchased for undisclosed terms The Integrator, a monthly publication covering the business of alternative medicine. John Weeks, publisher-editor, will continue as

editor. Warwick, RI-based Health Business Partners in August led a multimillion dollar second-round financing of IMC.

fda oks soy health claim: FDA has authorized the use of health claims about the role of soy protein in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. FDA concluded that “25 grams of soy protein a day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce your risk of heart disease.”