Category: Issue 287
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FSIS Seeks Members for National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has published a notice soliciting nominations for membership on a national advisory committee that addresses meat and poultry inspection issues. Names and curriculum vitae must be postmarked no later than January 23, 2009. FSIS is seeking a diverse membership drawn from industry, academia, state and local government officials, public…
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Researchers Link Food Additive in Processed Foods to Growth of Lung Tumors
According to animal studies conducted by Korean-based researchers, a common food additive used in processed meats and chicken, when fed to mice at levels roughly equivalent to human intake, increases lung tumor progression and growth. Hua Jin, et al., “High Dietary Inorganic Phosphate Increases Lung Tumorigenesis and Alters Akt Signaling,” American Journal of Respiratory & Critical…
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Marlena Spieler, “Saving a Squirrel by Eating One,” The New York Times, January 7, 2009
“While some have difficulty with the cuteness versus deliciousness ratio – that adorable little face, those itty-bitty claws – many feel that eating a squirrel is a way to do something good for the environment while enjoying a unique gastronomical experience,” writes New York Times journalist Marlena Spieler in this article chronicling Britain’s efforts to…
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Seattle Newspaper Exposes Widespread “Honey Laundering”
“A far cry from the innocent image of Winnie the Pooh with a paw stuck in the honey pot, the international honey trade has become increasingly rife with crime and intrigue,” claims a recent Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Seattle P-I)investigative report on the widespread practice of “honey laundering,” the illegal practice of transshipping products through other countries to…
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Parties to Trans Fat Class Action Against Wendy’s Agree to Settle
A California woman who claimed that Wendy’s International, Inc. violated state consumer protection laws by misrepresenting the trans fat content of its French fries and fried chicken products has entered a settlement agreement with the fast-food company. Yoo v. Wendy’s Int’l, Inc., No. 07-4515 (C.D. Cal., settlement filed December 2008). For purposes of the settlement, the…
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FDA Wins Injunction Against Dairies Deviating from Drug Laws
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has apparently prevailed in proceedings seeking injunctive relief against two New Mexico dairies that “were not keeping adequate medication records to prevent unsafe drug residues in cattle offered for slaughter” and “were using medications for unapproved indications not specified on the drug label” without a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship. The…
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Industry Groups Challenge California Ban on Food from Downer Livestock
According to news sources, litigation has been filed in California challenging a new law that prohibits the sale or distribution of food from nonambulatory livestock. One of the suits, filed in late December 2008 by the National Meat Association, claims that the state’s hog industry should be exempt. An association spokesperson reportedly indicated that “hog…
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Ninth Circuit Turns Down Gerber Request for Rehearing in Fruit Juice Snacks® Case
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has denied the request by Gerber Products Co. to rehear the court’s April 2008 decision overturning the dismissal of putative class claims that the company’s Fruit Juice Snacks® packaging misled consumers. Williams v. Gerber Prods. Co., No. 06-55921 (9th Cir., amended opinion filed December 22, 2008). A detailed summary of…