Category: Global
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WHO/EU Warns That Overweight Children Becoming a “New Norm”
The World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe (WHO/EU) reportedly warned attendees of a February 25-26, 2014, health conference held by the European Commission and the Greek Presidency of the Council of the European Union that “being overweight is so common that it risks becoming a new norm.” According to a February 25, 2014, press…
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China to Establish Food and Safety ‘Blacklist’
The Chinese Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) has announced a public consultation on a draft regulation, “Provisions on the Administration of the ‘Black List’ System for Food and Drug Safety,” that would give regulators the authority to blacklist companies that violate food safety laws. The regulation would allow information on manufacturers that violate laws and…
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China Issues New Food Safety Regulations
The Chinese Food and Drug Administration has announced a public consultation on a revised draft of its new food safety law. Reportedly a high-priority initiative motivated by recent food safety scandals, the draft amendment includes the following major changes: (i) clarification of government duties; (ii) increased regulatory obligations for food manufacturers and distributors; (iii) enhanced…
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Mexico Senate Passes Tax on Soft Drinks
Mexican lawmakers have reportedly approved a 1 peso-per-liter tax (US 23 cents) on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and an 8 percent tax on junk food. The controversial legislation, which aims to curb rising obesity levels, was approved in a 73-50 vote and is expected to take effect January 1, 2014. According to news sources, Mexico, whose…
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India’s Supreme Court Orders Checks on Carbonated Soft Drinks
India’s Supreme Court has reportedly accepted a government scientific panel’s finding that the chemical additives in soft drinks— e.g., artificial sweeteners, phosphoric acid, carbon dioxide, coloring agents, benzoic acid, and caffeine—are well within safety levels and do not pose a health hazard to citizens. According to a news source, the Union government insisted that the Food Supply…
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Mexican Government Approves Junk Food Tax
Mexico’s lower house has reportedly approved a new fiscal package that would, among other things, tax high-calorie foods—such as chocolate, sweets, pudding, potato chips, and ice cream. The new tax, which complements a planned charge on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) discussed in Issue 497 of this Update, is part of a broader package proposed by President…
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Mexico Proposes Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
Lawmakers in Mexico have reportedly proposed a tax on all sugar-sweetened beverages in an effort to curb the nation’s obesity and Type 2 diabetes epidemics. According to a news source, the proposed legislation, intended for flavored beverages, concentrates, powders, syrups, and essences or flavor extracts, would apply a tax of one peso (US eight cents)…
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UK Issues Warning About Fake Manuka Honey
The U.K. Food Standards Agency has reportedly issued a nationwide warning about misleading and illegal claims for manuka honey, a product derived from the manuka tree in southeastern Australia and New Zealand and endorsed by many celebrities who claim that it contains unique anti-bacterial and medicinal properties. According to news sources, manuka honey commands prices…