Food Roundup: Sara Lee Outsources Jobs, Applebee's Owner Suspends Dividend, Costco Cuts Prices, and More.

(MoneyWatch)  Sara Lee to outsource 700 jobs -- Sara Lee announced plans to outsource certain transaction-processing activities, resulting in the elimination of 700 company jobs. This is the latest step in Sara Lee's "Accelerate" cost-saving initiative. [Source: Chicago Tribune]

DineEquity suspends dividend -- The Applebee's and IHOP owner has indefinitely suspended common stock dividends. The $17 million it would have paid out annually will instead go towards paying down the company's debts. [Source: Reuters]

Costco to cut prices -- The company said it will respond to lagging sales with "aggressive" price cuts. Profits rose very slightly this quarter. [Source: Reuters]

Researchers say HFCS not to blame for obesity -- A recent study found that high-fructose corn syrup was no more responsible for the obesity epidemic than sugar or other sweeteners. The study appeared in a supplement to the December issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. [Source: Food Business News]

Krispy Kreme loss widens -- The doughnut company reported greater losses for the third quarter because of higher ingredient and energy costs. Krispy Kreme has been struggling since low-carb dieting became a fad. [Source: AP]