Category: Issue 362
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Court Approves $50 Million Settlement of Claims Against Bankrupt Diacetyl Defendant
A New York bankruptcy court will reportedly allow Chemtura Corp. to resolve 90 percent of the respiratory disease claims pending against it for $50 million, or one-third of the $150 million sought by factory workers allegedly exposed to the popcorn-flavoring ingredient diacetyl. In re: Chemtura Corp., No. 09-11233 (S.D.N.Y., settlement approved August 23, 2010). Responding…
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USDA Approves Continued Methionine Use in Organic Poultry Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) has issued an interim final rule that extends until October 1, 2012, the allowance for methionine in organic poultry production. Effective October 1, 2010, the interim rule allows organic operations to use synthetic methionine at the following maximum limits per ton of poultry feed: (i) four…
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FDA Advises Consumers to Discard Fruit Pulp on Typhoid Outbreak Fears
Linking a Salmonella Typhi outbreak to frozen mamey fruit pulp, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged consumers to discard La Nuestra® or Goya® fruit products in their possession and find out what brand is in use by street vendors before purchasing the mamey fruit-based juices and fruit shakes they sell. At least nine…
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FDA to Hold Public Consultations for GE Salmon
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced two public meetings to consider the labeling of food derived from genetically engineered (GE) salmon. During the first meeting slated for September 19-20, 2010, the Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee will address general scientific issues surrounding GE animals, statutory and regulatory constraints, and “a new animal drug application…
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House Members Seek Documents, Schedule Hearing on Tainted-Egg Recall
Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), who chairs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) appropriations subcommittee, is seeking information from the agencies about the unfolding Salmonella outbreak linked to two Iowa egg producers. Representatives Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) have also stepped into the massive egg recall, requesting information from…
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Obama to Appoint Key Food Safety Official
President Barack Obama (D) recently announced his intention to “recess appoint” Elisabeth Hagen as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) under secretary for food safety. According to a White House press release, Hagen is among four key administrative nominees who have waited an average of 303 days for Senate confirmation. Obama said he chose to…