Planet Lactose World Roundup

The latest lactose news from the Planet Lactose World News Headquarters.

Unilever set for brand buying spree

Unilever, which owns Pot Noodle, Persil and Flora, is bidding for Alpro Soya against Nestle to take control of the dairy-free brand, according to The Sunday Times.

The Belgian-based business, owned by Vandemoortele, is expected to sell for about £200m.

Celebrity Grapevine

PEOPLE WITH sensitivities or allergies to certain foods must be careful about what they eat and drink. Television personality Einat Erlich has a lactose problem that she does not keep secret, and she was sure that production staff had made certain that the spoonful of chocolate that she was supposed to pop into her mouth during her show Something to Eat on Channel 2 would not contain any milk. Unfortunately, someone goofed, and the unsuspecting Erlich instantly developed an itchy rash and began to scratch like crazy. The alarmed crew wanted to take her to the hospital, but she said it would pass. Shooting was suspended for an hour or so until her reaction subsided.

Planet Lactose World News Correction...

Itching? That means Ms. Erlich has dairy allergy, not lactose intolerance.

And on the lighter side:

Minor leaguer admits to shoplifting

A pro hockey player caught shoplifting on a dare a few years ago has been granted an absolute discharge.

Justin Bowers, 24, of Halifax pleaded guilty in a Fredericton court Monday to a 2005 charge of stealing from a Wal-Mart in Stephenville, N.L.

The charge was transferred to Fredericton so Bowers could enter a guilty plea.

Crown prosecutor Jeffrey Mockler said Bowers stole a disposable camera, a box of condoms and a bottle of lactose-intolerance pills while on a weekend visit to the Newfoundland town several years ago.