Category: Issue 380
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Meeting Slated for Codex Committee on Fats and Oils
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration and the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety have announced a February 9, 2011, public meeting in College Park, Maryland, to provide information and receive public comments on draft U.S. positions to be discussed at the 22nd session of the Codex Committee on…
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USDA Issues 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have released the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, “the federal government’s evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity.” Published every five years,…
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Senators Push Legislation Banning “Frankenfish”
U.S. Senators Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) have spearheaded a bill (S. 230) that would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prevent the approval of genetically engineered (GE) fish. Companion legislation (S. 229) would require labeling of any genetically engineered fish should such fish get approved. Noting that the Food…
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House Bill Would Require Labels for Foods with Nexus to Sewage Sludge
Representative José Serrano (D-N.Y.) recently introduced legislation (H.R. 254) that would amend several laws to require that consumers “receive notification regarding food products produced from crops, livestock, or poultry raised on land on which sewage sludge was applied.” Titled “Sewage Sludge in Food Production Consumer Notification Act,” the proposal would consider food to be adulterated…
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Leahy Proposal Would Increase Penalties for Food Safety Violations
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) has renewed his quest to increase the sentences prosecutors can seek to impose on those who knowingly sell tainted food products. He has reintroduced the Food Safety Accountability Act (S. 216) and promises to schedule hearings in the near future before the Judiciary Committee, which he chairs. While the proposal passed…