Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: General Mills, Kraft Foods, Kellogg Company, Philip Morris International and Altria.

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CHICAGO--(Business Wire)--
Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day
the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting
stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include:
General Mills (NYSE: GIS), Kraft Foods (NYSE: KFT), Kellogg Company (NYSE: K),
Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) and Altria (NYSE: MO).

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Not So Nuts: K Supports New Bill

General Mills (NYSE: GIS), Kraft Foods (NYSE: KFT) and the Kellogg Company
(NYSE: K) are supporting legislation aimed at preventing tainted foods from
entering the food supply. The 3 companies are supporting a bill introduced by
Dick Durbin (IL-Democrat) and Judd Gregg (NH-Republican) into the Senate.

The bill (known as Food Safety Modernization Act) would give the FDA additional
authority to mandate food recalls and food safety plans for manufacturers. This
is a departure from the industry's prior stance of self-regulation and FDA
inspections rather than the proposed mandated preventive measures.

The recent outbreak of salmonella from peanut paste supplier Peanut Corporation
of America has negatively impacted the earnings of several food companies. The
salmonella contamination sickened over 600 people and is linked to 9 deaths.
Investigations revealed that the Peanut Corporation of America shipped
salmonella-tainted peanuts at least a dozen times in the last two years.

Philip Morris Hacking Through

Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) has a history of strong operating and
financial performance as part of Altria (NYSE: MO). Management has a credible
strategy of growing EPS in the range of 10% to 12% and returning a substantial
portion of the company's cash flow to shareholders.

However, Philip Morris International has experienced an adverse mix shift as
lower margin markets have grown faster than the company's average. In addition,
the company is exposed to risks from litigation and increased smoking
restrictions.

Lastly, the European Union tobacco market has remained weak. The Hold rating is
maintained. Our current target price is $40.50.

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