Whole Foods-Wild Oats Merger Blocked

The merger of Wild Oats and Whole Foods would mean "higher prices, reduced quality and fewer choices," according to the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Competition director. The FTC sued to block the $565 million merger of the country's two best known natural foods markets yesterday. Their argument, essentially, is that two big competitors operate in many of the same markets, and the competition drives down prices and offers consumers a greater variety of good stuff. The two chains said there will still be competition a plenty, with so many mainstream supermarkets now stocking organic and natural products. If the merger is allowed to proceed, the new larger Whole Foods would have more than 300 stores in the United States, Canada and Britain, according to a story in the June 6 Los Angeles Times. What do you think? Take The Daily Green poll. For daily recipes and blog posts about making meals a little greener, visit The Daily Green's New Green Cuisine. Today's recipe is Fresh Tomato and Avocado Soup.