Category: Issue 403
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FSIS Proposes New Labeling for Injected Raw Meat, Poultry
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a proposed rule that would require raw meat and poultry products that contain injected marinades or solutions to be named in a way that clearly distinguishes them from 100 percent meat or poultry products. According to FSIS, consumers are likely unaware that“enhanced products”…
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EPA Requests Feedback on BPA Toxicity Testing Plan
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) related to bisphenol A (BPA) toxicity testing and the study of its potential environmental impacts. The agency has requested comments by September 26, 2011, on (i) requiring toxicity testing “to determine the potential for BPA to cause adverse effects, including…
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NIOSH Seeks Comments on Criteria for Setting Occupational Diacetyl Exposure Limit
The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) will hold a public meeting August 26, 2011, to solicit public input on a draft document titled “Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione.” Diacetyl is a butter-flavoring chemical widely used in baked goods and microwave popcorn. Numerous lawsuits have been filed…
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Consumer Groups Urge FDA to Regulate Heavy Metals in Fruit Juice
Consumer advocacy organizations have written to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Margaret Hamburg to report the results of tests conducted on apple juice, showing arsenic levels above federal tolerance levels for drinking water. The organizations, Food & Water Watch and the Empire State Consumer Project, urge FDA to “establish tolerance levels for arsenic in…
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Industry Coalition Seeks Regulatory Exemption for Packaged Foods Storage
The American Bakers Association and a number of other industry trade associations have submitted a citizen petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking regulations that would exempt those businesses engaged in storing packaged foods from hazard analysis and prevention controls applicable to food producers and processors. The petition notes that under the Food…
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Lawmakers Urge FDA to Finalize Gluten-Free Labeling Rules
Two U.S. senators have asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to finalize standards for a 2007 proposed rule for gluten-free food labels. In a letter to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) claim the delay is “creating unnecessary confusion for consumers and uncertainty for agricultural producers.” Included as part…