Nutella fanatics know there are numerous ways to consume the chocolatey, hazelnut treat. But the FDA applies a strict definition to the product: According to the U.S. government, Nutella is officially a dessert topping, and that categorization is reflected in the nutrition facts on its label. Now, NPR reports, Ferrero—the makers of Nutella—are petitioning the FDA to place it under the same label as honey, jam, and other sweet spreads. Doing so would reduce the serving size from two tablespoons to one and therefore cut the listed calories in half, making the product more attractive to health-conscious individuals.

The two-tablespoon suggested serving size assumes you’ll be eating it as part of a dessert: Either spread on top of cupcakes, dolloped on ice cream, or piped inside pastries. When the FDA surveyed consumers in the early 1990s, “a significant number” of respondents reported using the spread as an ice cream topping.

But times have changed: Between 2009 and 2014, Nutella sales tripled to $240 million in the U.S. Now the sweet product holds a trendy status few brands can lay claim to. And according to Ferrero, that chic reputation has helped the spread break out of the dessert mold. A 2012 consumer survey conducted by the company found that 60 percent of the women surveyed like to eat their Nutella on bread. At 14 percent, the second most popular use was as a sandwich filling, and 8 percent of responders said they like to spread their Nutella on crackers. Nutella was enjoyed with ice cream only 2 percent of the time.

The FDA is conducting a survey of their own. They will consider reclassifying Nutella and similar spreads as part of the group that contains “honey, jams, jellies, fruit butter, [and] molasses” or creating a separate category altogether for nut cocoa-based spreads based on consumer feedback. If you have strong feelings about how Nutella should or should not be eaten, or if you just want to share your preferences, you can send your comments to the FDA here.

[h/t NPR]

KEVIN BACON APPREHENDED IN NOVA SCOTIA

Police in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, were called out Tuesday to round up a runaway pig. The potbellied pig, named Kevin Bacon, was found wandering on Russell Street. Officers Nick Webber and Cody Schultz said the pig was happy and friendly, and gave them no trouble at all.

Woodworth chuckled and said, “I think he was just excited to be out front. You could say he was footloose and fancy free.”

She said Bacon was not in any danger and was following the rules of the road by staying on the sidewalk, adding that he hadn’t ventured far from his home after likely escaping from his backyard.

Kevin Bacon was safety returned to his owner.  

FAMILY CAN’T KEEP BIRTHDAYS STRAIGHT

Sandra Blackman of Bristol, England, has celebrated her birthday on November 10 for more than 50 years. But she recently ordered a copy other birth certificate and found that she was born on November 11. As if that weren’t confusing enough, her old school records have her birthday listed as November 12. Birthday confusion appears to run in the family. Blackman’s mother celebrated her birthday a week later than the actual date for 16 years. She blames it on the fact that her grandmother had a lot of children. Nevertheless, Blackman is throwing herself a birthday party on the 10th at the Brunel Pub, and has invited everyone through the local newspaper.  

SPIDER CAUSES MAN TO DRIVE INTO LAKE

An unnamed driver in New South Wales, Australia, was taking some castoff material to the dump when he was surprised by a huntsman spider. Huntsman spiders are venomous but not deadly to humans. However, they can grow very large. When the driver saw the spider, he was approaching a bend in the road on Kenwood Drive, hit the accelerator instead of the brake, and the car plunged over an embankment into Lake Cathie. The car sank, but the driver was able to escape through the car’s open window. Emergency services took the driver to a hospital for minor injuries, and a project is underway to recover the four-year-old Toyota Prado. 

NINE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS SUSPENDED FOR POSSESSION OF KOOL-AID

Nine students at Eagles Nest Elementary School in Dorchester County, South Carolina, faced expulsion for having “happy crack” in their possession at the school. Their parents did not know what “happy crack” is, but found out it’s a combination of sugar and Kool-Aid powder. The ten-year-olds were buying what they considered Pixy Stix from each other. The students had an expulsion hearing on Tuesday for a level three infraction of school rules. 

Administrators at the district office say possession of any substance, whether illegal or not, that looks like an illegal substance is a violation of a school policy, stating the following:

“No student will market or distribute any substance which is represented to be or is substantial similar in color, shape, size or markings of a controlled substance in any of the circumstances listed above. Look-alike substance or substances that mimic the effect of drugs will be treated as illegal substances.”

Parents met with school officials on Tuesday, and the charges were reduced to level one infractions. The students returned to school on Thursday.    

SQUIRREL ATTACKS PEOPLE AT SENIOR CENTER

A squirrel jumped up and began attacking people Thursday at Sterling Court, a Deltona, Florida, retirement community. One person was bitten and scratched outside, and then threw the squirrel off -and into the building. There, it attacked other residents. An employee called 911 to report that people were bleeding. The residents managed to throw the squirrel back outside, but three people were taken to a hospital for their injuries. They were all released and are doing well.  

STEVEN SEAGAL GRANTED RUSSIAN CITIZENSHIP

Russian president Vladimir Putin issued an executive order to grant Russian citizenship to his longtime friend, actor Steven Seagal. Seagal has expressed a desire for citizenship in the Russian Federation for years. Seagal and Putin have a common interest in martial arts, and have appeared together at martial arts events. Achieving Russian citizenship does not mean that Seagal is giving up his American citizenship.