Category: Issue 535
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Russia Takes Further Action on Food Sanctions
Russia has relaxed its food ban against the European Union by clarifying that it will allow imports of salmon and trout hatchlings, potato and onion seed, sugar maize hybrid and peas for planting, lactose-free milk, flavor additives, and food fibers. The move follows criticism from within the country on the effects the import prohibitions would…
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China Yanks Approval for GM Crop Programs
The People’s Republic of China Ministry of Agriculture has reportedly failed to renew the biosafety permits for two research programs growing genetically modified (GM) corn and rice, raising concerns about the future of GMO production in China. According to media sources, the Agriculture Ministry has not yet authorized any GMOs for public consumption and decided…
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USDA Schedules Codex Meetings on Import/Export Inspection and Certification; Food Hygiene
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Food Safety and Inspection Service is convening a September 25, 2014, public meeting in Washington, D.C., to receive public comments about draft positions to be discussed at the 21st Session of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in…
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USDA to Examine Need for Honey Standard of Identity
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Agricultural Marketing Service has requested comments “on how a Federal standard of identity for honey would be in the interest of consumers, the honey industry, and U.S. agriculture.” Noting that the Food and Drug Administration in 2011 rejected an industry-backed citizens petition seeking such a standard, USDA as charged…
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FDA Issues Lupin Allergy Warning
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a consumer update warning that the lupin (or lupine) legume could cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, especially those with existing peanut allergies. According to FDA, the use of lupin-derived ingredients has increased in recent years because they are used in gluten-free products as a substitute…