Category: Issue 363
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Groups Object to Proposed Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standards
A coalition representing more than 40 consumer, environmental and scientific groups has submitted a comment to the Canadian General Standards Board Committee (CGSBC), objecting to several provisions in a proposed Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard. According to a press release, the joint letter alleges that the draft standard “is contrary to the basic principles of organics…
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USDA Publishes Handbook to Aid Organic Businesses
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) has prepared a handbook that provides guidance and instructions for those who own, manage or certify organic businesses. In addition to federal regulations and recordkeeping requirements, the first-edition handbook covers topics that include: (i) “the allowance of green waste in organic production systems”; (ii) “approval of…
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FDA Issues Warning Letters About Green Tea Product Health Claims
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has notified the presidents of the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group and Unilever, Inc. warning them that their green tea products are misbranded because they make nutritional or health-related claims in violation of federal law. Specifically, FDA takes issue with antioxidant claims used to promote Canada Dry Sparkling Green Tea…
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FDA Assessment Backs Safety of GE Salmon
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a briefing packet in advance of public meetings to discuss a new animal drug application for genetically engineered (GE) salmon. Produced by AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. (ABT), the AquAdvantage salmon contains genes from Chinook and ocean pout that accelerate maturation. Additional details about the September 19-21, 2010, meetings…
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FTC Subpoenas 48 Food Companies in Follow-Up to Youth Marketing Study
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has ordered 48 food companies “to file a special report” on their youth marketing practices in an effort “to measure the effect that self-regulation has had over the last three years,” according to FTC spokesperson Carol Jennings. The companies have 90 days to respond to the subpoenas, which will assist…
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Salmonella-Contaminated Egg Outbreak Sparks Investigations and Recriminations
Responding to media reports that workers at the egg facilities linked to a recent nationwide Salmonella outbreak complained about food safety problems, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has written to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack asking whether these complaints were investigated and whether the agency has a process for reporting safety violations. Grassley…