Environmental Environmental costs relating to existing conditions caused by past operations that do not contribute to current or future revenues are expensed. Liabilities for anticipated reme- diation costs are recorded on an undiscounted basis when they are probable and reasonably estimable, generally no later than the completion of feasibility studies or our commitment to a plan of action. entity. This entity had property and equipment with a carrying value of $19.4 million and long-term debt of $20.9 million as of May 30, 2010.The liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating this entity do not represent additional claims on our general assets. We also have an interest in a contract manufacturer in Greece that is a VIE. Although we are the PB, we have not consolidated this entity because it is not practical to do so and it is not material to our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity as of and for the year ended May 30, 2010. This entity had assets of $6.7 million and liabilities of $1.4 million as of May 30, 2010. We are not the PB of the remaining VIE. Our maximum exposure to loss from the three VIEs is limited to the $20.9 million of long-term debt of the contract manufacturer in Geneva, Illinois and our $2.2 million equity investment in the VIE of which we are not the PB. We have not provided financial or other support to these VIEs during the current period nor are there arrangements related to these VIEs that could require us to provide financial support in the future. Advertising Production Costs We expense the production costs of advertising the first time that the advertising takes place. Research and Development All expenditures for research and development (R&D) are charged against earnings in the year incurred. R&D includes expenditures for new product and man- ufacturing process innovation, and the annual expenditures are comprised primarily of internal salaries, wages, consulting, and other supplies attributable to time spent on R&D activities. Other costs include depreciation and maintenance of research facilities, including assets at facilities that are engaged in pilot plant activities. Foreign Currency Translation For all significant foreign operations, the functional currency is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of these operations are translated at the period-end exchange rates. Income statement accounts are translated using the aver- age exchange rates prevailing during the year. Translation adjust- ments are reflected within accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses from foreign cur- rency transactions are included in net earnings for the period except for gains and losses on investments in subsidiaries for which settlement is not planned for the foreseeable future and foreign exchange gains and losses on instruments designated as net investment hedges. These gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Revenue Recognition We recognize sales revenue when the ship- ment is accepted by our customer. Sales include shipping and handling charges billed to the customer and are reported net of consumer coupon redemption, trade promotion and other costs, including estimated allowances for returns, unsalable product, and prompt pay discounts. Sales, use, value-added, and other excise taxes are not recognized in revenue. Coupons are recorded when distributed, based on estimated redemption rates. Trade promotions are recorded based on estimated participation and performance levels for offered programs at the time of sale. We generally do not allow a right of return. However, on a limited case-by-case basis with prior approval, we may allow customers to return product. In limited circumstances, product returned in saleable condition is resold to other customers or outlets. Receiv- ables from customers generally do not bear interest. Terms and collection patterns vary around the world and by channel. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents our estimate of prob- able nonpayments and credit losses in our existing receivables, as determined based on a review of past due balances and other specific account data. Account balances are written off against the allowance when we deem the amount is uncollectible. Derivative Instruments All derivatives are recognized on the Con- solidated Balance Sheets at fair value based on quoted market prices or our estimate of their fair value, and are recorded in either current or noncurrent assets or liabilities based on their maturity. Changes in the fair values of derivatives are recorded in net earnings or other comprehensive income, based on whether the instrument is designated and effective as a hedge transaction 53 Annual Report 2010