A new university study financed by the Sugar Association is likely to fuel questions about the relationship between the private sector and academia.

The packaged food company said Thursday that its quarterly profit more than doubled on the sale of its commodity trading unit, but rising costs led the company to lower its outlook for fiscal 2009.

The nation’s largest traditional grocery chain saw its quarterly profit rise as a slowing economy prompted people to eat at home more often and try more of its grocery brands.

Aiming to offset increased ingredient and transportation costs, some of the nation’s food manufacturers are reducing the size of packages. The price, of course, usually stays the same.

As the economy sputters and consumers look to save money, the privately held supermarket chain Aldi is suddenly emerging as a major force in the grocery business.

As food prices soar, the improbable business of buying and reforming collective farms has attracted financiers.

The change in policy for fresh spinach and iceberg lettuce marks the first time the F.D.A. has allowed any produce to be irradiated at levels needed to protect against illness.

Get a sampling of the current food and drink policies for flights within the United States, and what you can expect to shell out for a little sustenance.

The cost of living is rising at the fastest rate since the recession of the early 1990s, handing a de facto pay cut to the American worker.

Consumer prices were 5.6 percent higher in July than a year ago, all but assuring that the Fed will keep interest rates on hold.