In brief: Federal judge blocks California’s ban on sale of foie gras

LOS ANGELES – Foie gras can go back on the menu in California after a federal judge on Wednesday overturned the state’s ban on the sale of the fatty duck and goose liver.

U.S. District Judge Stephen Wilson permanently blocked the state attorney general from enforcing the law that took effect in 2012, finding that the federal government’s authority to regulate foie gras and other poultry products supersedes the state law.

The ruling rankled animal-rights groups, which contend the practice of fattening the birds is cruel. They urged Attorney General Kamala Harris to appeal the decision.

The 2012 law barred California farmers from force-feeding birds with a tube, which is how foie gras is produced. State lawmakers also banned sales of the delicacy, prohibiting imports from being served in restaurants or sold in markets.

Teen clothier Wet Seal shuts down 338 stores

NEW YORK – Struggling teen clothing retailer Wet Seal is closing 338 stores, about two-thirds of its stores, resulting in nearly 3,700 full- and part-time workers losing their jobs.

The retailer said Wednesday it decided to close the stores after reviewing its financial condition and failing to negotiate meaningful concessions from landlords.

The closings were effective Wednesday.

The company warned Dec. 10 that it may file for bankruptcy protection.

Falling oil dependency cuts U.S. trade deficit

WASHINGTON – The U.S. trade deficit fell in November to the lowest level in almost a year, thanks to the country’s swiftly shrinking thirst for foreign oil.

The deficit – imports minus exports – narrowed to $39 billion during the month, down 7.7 percent from a revised October deficit of $42.2 billion, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday.

U.S. exports slipped 1 percent to $196.4 billion amid lower sales of commercial airliners.

Primarily because of oil, imports posted a steeper drop of 2.2 percent to $235.4 billion.

Dunkin’ Donuts to add 1,400 stores in China

NEW YORK – Dunkin’ Donuts confirmed Wednesday that it struck a deal to open more than 1,400 locations in China over the next 20 years.

The chain said in an email there are currently 16 Dunkin’ Donuts locations in the country.

Parent company Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc., which is based in Canton, Massachusetts, and also owns Baskin Robbins, said it entered into a master franchise agreement with Golden Cup Pte. Ltd. In the U.S., Dunkin’ Donuts had about 8,000 locations at the end of the quarter.

Tooth, plastic found in McDonald’s meals

TOKYO – McDonald’s Corp. officials in Japan have bowed deeply to apologize for a human tooth and plastic pieces found in the burger chain’s food.

They told reporters Wednesday the objects were found by customers, including a child whose mouth was injured by a piece of plastic in an ice cream sundae in December. The fragment had fallen into the dispenser while being assembled.

In another case, a customer who bought a Big Mac meal in August found a tooth in the fries. McDonald’s said none of its employees at the outlet or its suppliers had lost a tooth, and there were no signs the tooth had been fried.

It still was investigating how the tooth and plastic, in two other separate cases, entered its food.