Category: Legislation, Regulations and Standards
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France Bans Meat and Dairy Terms for Plant-Based Foods
The French Parliament has reportedly voted to prohibit the use of meat and dairy terms to describe plant-based substitutes such as vegetarian sausage or vegan bacon. The measure follows a 2017 European Court of Justice ruling that plant-based products cannot be marketed with terms such as “milk” or “butter.” Violations of the ban may lead…
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Organic Egg Producer Petitions FDA To Label Eggs as Healthy
An organic egg producer has filed a citizen petition urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to update the definition of “healthy” to be consistent with scientific evidence and the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for America (DGA). Specifically, Pete and Gerry’s Organics LLC asks FDA to amend the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to allow eggs,…
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European Parliament Adopts Organic Food Rules
The European Parliament has adopted rules governing the certification and labeling of organic foods, including supply chain checks and updated standards for organic foods imported from non-EU countries. The rules also cover plant seeds, allowing producers to offer locally adapted traditional varieties for sale and use. “Organic standards are already very high, but consumer confidence can best…
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EC Approves Irish SSB Tax
Ireland’s tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) will take effect May 1, 2018, following a European Commission finding that the tax does not constitute state aid. According to a press release, “The Commission in its assessment found that soft drinks can be treated differently to other sugary products in view of health objectives. For example, the…
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USDA Seeking Nominations for Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it will reestablish the Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee and seeks nominations for “a diverse group of members representing a broad spectrum of persons interested in providing suggestions and ideas on how USDA can tailor its programs” to meet industry needs. The agency intends to include growers and…
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Agencies Seek Comments on Agricultural Innovations, Trade
The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and State are accepting comments on the subjects discussed at the 2018 Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Informal North American Regional Conference. Subjects include “agri-food trade and global food security; gender equality and the empowerment of women; agricultural innovations; and FAO’s work in emergencies and emerging threats.”
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GAO Issues Food Safety Reports for Arsenic and Pathogens
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has announced new food safety recommendations for managing the risk of arsenic in rice and efforts to reduce pathogens in meat and poultry products. Following a request to review issues related to arsenic in rice, GAO determined that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not updated its…
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Advocacy Groups File Letter in Opposition to Meat Labeling Petition
The Good Food Institute (GFI), with a group of plant-based and “clean” meat companies, has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) responding to a petition filed by the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association requesting that the agency restrict the definitions of “beef” and “meat” to products derived from live animals. GFI argues that…