Any allergen-free efforts must not be done halfway.

Just as sports teams sometimes experience a “transitional year” from time to time, 2011 proved to be just such a year for makers of convenience meals and processed meats. The perception of these markets as relative “safe havens” for economically stressed consumers ebbed a bit as the economy improved.

The legislative push to enable school cafeterias to keep serving pizza and French fries will not save nearly as much money as some law-makers have suggested—if any, according to the Agriculture Department.

Fast-food restaurants are benefiting from consumer concern about another recession, as unemployment and weak confidence hurt discretionary spending.

Young adults buy fast food not only because it is convenient, but because it tastes good.

Whether it is pita steeped in Mediterranean history, true Persian naan or pizza from Naples, flatbread is ingrained in all cultures.