Category: Issue 286
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New Book Describes Systemic Effects of Obesity
A new book published by the not-for-profit consumer organization American Council on Health and Science (ACHS) reportedly outlines the effects of obesity on “virtually every body system” with 17 chapters penned by medical experts in the field. Titled Obesity and its Health Effects, the report includes a preface by Daniel Stein, M.D., Albert Einstein College…
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Michael Roberts, “International Legal Issues Concerning Animal Cloning and Nanotechnology—More of the Same or Are ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’?,” National AgLaw Center, November 2008
Roll International Corp. Senior Counsel and former Agricultural Law Professor at the University of Arkansas School of Law, Michael Roberts discusses how disputes over the use of synthetic hormones in animal husbandry and food produced from genetically modified organisms are handled from the perspective of international trade law and international agreements addressing health, safety and…
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Perdue Sued for Adding Extra Giblets to Whole Chickens
A New Jersey resident has filed a putative class action lawsuit in federal court against Perdue Farms, Inc., alleging that the company is forcing consumers to subsidize the company’s costs of disposing of extra giblet parts by “a secret practice” of inserting them into whole chickens sold by the pound to retail customers. Marin v.…
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Del Monte Seeks to Free Imported Cantaloupes from FDA Detention
Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. has sued the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), seeking a declaration that the agency has “engaged in a pattern or practice that constitutes agency action unlawfully withheld or unreasonably delayed” in connection with several cantaloupe shipments from Guatemala. Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. v. U.S., No. 08-02161 (D.D.C.,…
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Plaintiffs Voluntarily Dismiss Whole Foods from Organic Milk Lawsuit
Plaintiffs in multidistrict litigation against Aurora Dairy Corp. over claims that its “organic” milk products do not meet federal certification requirements have reportedly filed an unopposed notice of voluntary dismissal requesting that the court dismiss Whole Foods Market Group, Inc. from the case without prejudice. In re: Aurora Dairy Corp. Organic Milk Mktg. & Sales Practices…
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New York Governor Proposes Soda Tax as Budget Stopgap
New York Governor David Paterson (D) has reportedly proposed an 18 percent tax on soft drinks and other non-diet sweetened beverages as part of his plan to lessen a $1.5 billion shortfall in the state’s annual budget. The tax would purportedly raise $404 million, but industry leaders have called the maneuver a “money grab” that…
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China Publishes Official List of Banned Food Additives
The Chinese government has reportedly published its first official list of food additives that are prohibited in the domestic food supply. The list includes 17 acids, chemicals and other substances–such as formaldehyde, boric acid and sodium thiocyanate–used to improve the appearance, texture or longevity of food products. In addition, the country’s regulators have warned of…