Food Roundup: Mars Cocoa Goes Sustainable, Jones Soda Founder Quits, and More

Mars cocoa to go sustainable -- Mars Inc. announced intentions to get its entire cocoa supply certified as sustainable by the Rainforest Alliance by 2020, beginning next year with Galaxy Chocolate in the UK. The Organic Consumers Association called the move an improvement over current practices, but said Rainforest Alliance does not have the strongest standards. Mars' announcement came a month after rival chocolatier Cadbury said it would seek Fair Trade certification for its own cocoa products. [Sources: Food Business News, Organic Consumers Association]

Jones Soda founder quits board -- Saying he was concerned about the direction the company was taking, Jones Soda founder Peter van Stolk left the board of directors last week, a year after stepping down as CEO. Van Stolk started Jones Soda, previously the Urban Juice & Soda Company, in 1986. The alternative soda company is known for its quirky flavors and promotions, and was also among the first to switch to cane sugar from high fructose corn syrup, a trend that a growing number of companies is following. [Sources: MarketWatch, Just-Drinks]

Food poisoning levels plateau -- The number of foodborne illnesses in 2008 was not dramatically different from the previous three years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week. CDC officials said this data proves we are not making sufficient progress and need to step up efforts to prevent foodborne illness, but some food producers are looking on the bright side and emphasizing that despite the recent salmonella scandals, foodborne illnesses are not on the rise. [Sources: Progressive Grocer, Meat&Poultry, Food Politics]

Climate change could cost food growers billions -- A report by Environment America says global warming could cost corn growers $1.4 billion a year, as temperatures are rising while "corn likes it cool." Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska would be the hardest hit, the report said. And recent California studies showed that table grapes, almonds, walnuts, avocados and other industries will also suffer because of climate change. [Sources: Environment America (h/t Ag Observatory), AP]

Krispy Kreme testing ice cream -- The doughnut chain is testing soft-serve "Kool Kreme" ice cream at three locations, and will expand into other markets later this summer. The company has been struggling but hopes that ice cream and other new products may help turn things around. [Source: QSRWeb]