Category: Global
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Philippines Department of Justice Upholds DOH Decision on Infant Formula Trademarks
According to news sources, Philippine Department of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima issued an opinion in May 2012, upholding a Department of Health (DOH) memorandum that prohibited multinational companies that make infant milk and other nutritional products from using registered trademarks that contain health and nutrition claims which may undermine breastfeeding and breast milk. The…
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Australian Agency Fines Olive Oil Maker Over “Extra Virgin” Claims
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has fined a Kensington, South Australia, olive oil manufacturer a total of A$13,200 for marketing its products as “extra virgin” even though they purportedly did not meet international grade standards. According to a May 18, 2012, ACCC press release, The Big Olive Company Pty Ltd over a four-month…
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Indian State Seizes Red Bull®, Caffeine Content Above Legal Limits
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (MFDA) has reportedly seized more than 1 million cans of Red Bull®, an energy drink containing 250-300 parts per million (ppm) of caffeine, on the ground that the product exceeds the 145 ppm limit for carbonated beverages. according to a press report, no separate standards for caffeine in energy…
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Bahamas Bans Shark Fishing
The Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources has reportedly announced its decision to prohibit all commercial shark fishing in its waters, citing a shark tourism industry that generates $80 million in revenue each year. According to media reports, the ban would encompass 240,000 square miles and protect approximately 40 shark species present in the…
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Codex Alimentarius Commission Approves GM Food Labeling Guidance
According to news sources, the Codex Alimentarius Commission concluded its meeting in Geneva by reaching an agreement on labeling foods that contain genetically modified (GM) ingredients. While the guidance is not mandatory, it would allow countries to label GM foods without risking a legal challenge before the World Trade Organization. National laws based on Codex…
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China Uncovers More Melamine-Tainted Milk
Chinese authorities have reportedly seized more than 25 tons of melamine-tainted milk powder from Chongqing-based Jixida Food Co. Ltd., detaining three suspects on allegations that the company planned to use the adulterated ingredient in its ice cream. Found in a warehouse, the contaminated stock evidently included some powder purchased approximately one year ago, although officials…
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Mexico Approves Pilot Program for GM Corn
Mexico has reportedly approved its first pilot program to grow genetically modified (GM) corn. Noting that “it is necessary to advance the use of biotechnology to reduce imports and promote national production,” the Ministry of Agriculture approved the planting of GM yellow corn on approximately 2.5 acres in the northern state of Tamaulipas. Since 2009…
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ISO Nanotech Standard Addresses Inhalation Toxicity Testing
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has finalized a new standard that apparently establishes parameters for monitoring the concentration, size and size-distribution of nanoscale particles in an inhalation chamber as part of an effort to assess their potential toxicity. ISO 10808-2010, titled “Nanotechnologies—Characterization of nanoparticles in inhalation exposure chambers for inhalation toxicity testing,” reportedly establishes…