Category: Issue 342
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FSA to Create Nanotechnology Research Registry
The U.K. Food Standards Agency (FSA) Board has reportedly agreed to maintain a confidential database of food industry research into nanotechnology, as well as a public registry of food and food packaging products that contain both approved nanomaterials and materials appearing to have nanoscale elements. “The way that we respond in terms of nanotechnology is…
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MEPs Put the Brakes on Traffic-Light Labeling
The European Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) has apparently issued a legislative report that recommends several changes to EU food labeling laws, but stops short of proposing a uniform “traffic light” system. After considering more than 800 amendments to draft legislation, ENVI approved “minor changes to existing rules on information…
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U.N. Members Vote to Continue Trade in Bluefin Tuna
The United Nations (U.N.) has reportedly balked at a proposal to ban the international trade of Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna, an endangered species prized by sushi aficionados. Gathered in Doha, Qatar, for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), U.N. member states voted 20-68 to reject…
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NOSB Meeting to Review Substances Allowed in Organic Production and Handling
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an April 26-29, 2010, meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), which makes recommendations about whether a substances should be allowed or prohibited in organic production or handling; assists in the development of organic production standards; and advises USDA on implementation of the Organic Foods Production…
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FSIS Issues Temporary Labeling Guidance for Products Containing Recalled HVP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued temporary labeling guidance for products that contain hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) recently recalled for Salmonella contamination. As companies reformulate their products due to the recall, existing labels are likely to be out of compliance and may require temporary approval for continued use.…
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Task Force on Childhood Obesity Requests Public Help
The U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education and Health and Human Services have requested public input to assist the Task Force on Childhood Obesity. President Barack Obama (D) created the task force in February 2010 to enhance coordination among private sector companies, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations to address the critical health issue. The task force…
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FDA Seeks Comments on Information Collection Under Security and Bioterrorism Law
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued two requests for public comments regarding proposed collections of information under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. One notice involves the registration of domestic and foreign food facilities. FDA is calling on owners, operators or agents “in charge of domestic or…
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FDA Task Force Seeks Public Input on Ways of Increasing Transparency with Industry
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has requested public comments on how the agency can increase transparency in its interactions with regulated industry. According to a March 12, 2010, FDA press release, the agency regulates products responsible for approximately 25 percent of the U.S. gross national product, as well as overseeing the industries that manufacture these…