Food Roundup: Love for Merrigan, Shock at McDonald's, and More

(MoneyWatch)  Sustainable agriculture fans applaud Obama USDA pick -- President Obama's announcement that he would nominate Kathleen Merrigan as deputy secretary for the USDA inspired praise from advocates of organic, local food and sustainable agriculture. An assistant professor at Tufts University, Merrigan worked on the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. [Source: Daily Dish]

Bloggers: McDonald's workers comp denial 'coldhearted' -- McDonald's has refused to pay workers compensation to an employee who was shot after stopping a customer from beating a woman in the restaurant. Nigel Haskett needed three abdominal surgeries after the incident and his medical bills totaled more than $300,000. McDonald's refusal to pay has provoked angry criticism from various bloggers, but the company maintains the injuries "did not arise out of or within the course and scope of his employment." [Sources: AlterNet, Pam's House Blend]

McDonald's gets praise from Health magazine -- In what came as a surprise to many, the March issue of Health magazine listed McDonald's as one of the top ten healthiest fast-food chains. The magazine said McDonald's has done a good job of expanding its healthier offerings, and the restaurant also earned points for providing customers with nutrition information. McDonald's came in 8th place; Panera Bread Co. was No. 1. [Source: Food Business News]

California farmers may lose water -- In response to drought, federal water managers announced plans to cut off water to California farms for the first two weeks of March, if not longer. The move could lead to lost agriculture jobs and higher food prices. Future water rationing for Californians across the board is also a possibility. [Sources: The Modesto Bee, San Jose Mercury News]

JBS gives up on National Beef Packing acquisition -- Because of antitrust litigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, Brazilian meat giant JBS has called off its attempts to purchase National Beef Packing Co. JBS is the world's largest beef producer and recently purchased Smithfield Beef. [Source: Business Journal of Milwaukee]