Food

A whistleblower lawsuit in California alleges that millions of pounds of Driscoll's berries containing non-compliant levels of pesticides and chemicals were shipped across the border into Canada, and that the company attempted to cover it up. The claims, reported by CBC News, raise food safety concerns for Canadian consumers and questions about oversight of imported produce. Driscoll's, a major berry supplier, now faces scrutiny over the allegations.

Amazon's Ring is moving to replace local WhatsApp and neighbourhood groups with its own community platform, prompting criticism that it could turn neighbourhoods into networks of mutual suspicion. Commentators warn the shift would encourage 'curtain-twitching' behaviour, with residents reporting each other's activities rather than simply sharing local news, concerns about deliveries or lost pets.

Restaurants are increasingly using AI image generators to create advertisements for their food, and the results are putting customers off. Reports say AI-generated images of dishes look unnatural and unappetising, with diners expressing disgust at glossy, distorted portrayals of meals. The Wall Street Journal covers the trend, noting a backlash as businesses trade authentic food photography for cheaper automated imagery, alienating the very customers the ads are meant to attract.