Category: U.S. Government and Regulatory Agencies
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USDA, HHS Seek Public Comments on 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines
The U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) have requested public comment on topics and questions to be included in the review of scientific evidence supporting the development of the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Comments will be accepted through March 30, 2018.
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FSIS Denies Request to Waive Line Speeds for Chicken Processing
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has denied a petition from the National Chicken Council seeking to waive the line speed limit of 140 birds per minute in processing plants. FSIS told the council that processors of young chicken are permitted to run at higher speeds if they…
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USDA Proposes Changes to Organic National List
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks public comment on proposed amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances that would change restrictions on some items and allow new ones. Among the changes that USDA proposes are the suggested additions of activated charcoal, mineral oil, nutritive supplements and propylene glycol. The deadline for…
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Beech-Nut Pulls Baby Food Ads
The Beech-Nut Nutrition Co. has reportedly told the National Advertising Division (NAD) it will no longer use the terms “natural,” “sensitive” and “complete” nutrition or claim that its baby cereals have zero grams of sugar, were “formulated to be gentle on baby’s tummy,” and have “all the tastiness of oatmeal with smaller proteins that are…
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USDA Announces Delay for Organic Livestock Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has delayed the effective date of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices final rule until May 14, 2018. The rule’s original effective date was set for January 19, 2017. According to the announcement, “significant policy and legal issues addressed within the final rule warranted further review by USDA.” In September…
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Farm Groups Protest USDA Decision to End FFPR
More than 80 agricultural trade and advocacy groups have sent a letter to the White House requesting immediate action to implement the Farmer Fair Practices Rules, which would allow farmers to take legal action against foreign and multinational corporate entities to challenge anti-competition practices and contracts to produce livestock and poultry. The U.S. Department of…
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Scotland Opens Diet and Health Proposals to Public Comment
The Scottish Government is seeking public comment on a consultation that proposes actions to improve diet and reduce obesity in Scotland. The government previously announced funding of more than $55 million over five years to limit the marketing of food high in fat, sugar and salt and provide weight-loss support for people with type 2 diabetes.…
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NOSB Votes to Continue Allowing Hydroponics
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has reportedly voted to continue allowing food grown in water-based nutrient solutions to be labeled “organic,” rejecting a challenge brought by organic-food producers. The board will also allow aquaponics, which combine hydroponic systems with farmed fishing operations, but will prevent products grown with aeroponics—plants suspended in air with the…