Category: U.S. Government and Regulatory Agencies
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USDA Seeks Nominees to Fill NGRAC Vacancies
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting nominations for five open slots on the National Genetic Resources Advisory Council (NRGAC), a subcommittee of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. NRGAC members are charged with recommending policies for collecting, maintaining and utilizing genetic resources as well as considering approaches for their…
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DOJ Warns of Criminal Prosecutions for Food-Safety Lapses
In a recent Associated Press (AP) interview, U.S. Associate Attorney General Stuart Delery warns that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will pursue criminal penalties against companies that sell poisoned food. AP cites the recent prosecution of Peanut Corp. of America executives along with actions against the producers of tainted cantaloupe and eggs as evidence of…
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SCOTUS Deems Raisins Program a Constitutional Taking
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that a provision in the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that regulates U.S. production and sales of raisins, amounts to a constitutional taking and requires just compensation to plaintiffs and other raisin farmers. Horne v. USDA, No. 14-275 (U.S., decided June 22,…
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Advocacy Group Seeks FTC Scrutiny of Whole Foods over Alleged Produce Mislabeling
The Wisconsin-based Cornucopia Institute has asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate labeling associated with Whole Foods Market, Inc.’s Responsibly Grown fresh produce rating system for potential consumer fraud and mislabeling. According to a June 23, 2015, letter to the director of FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, Cornucopia is “concerned that Whole Foods has…
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Freight Policy and Regulatory Developments Among Agenda Topics at Supply Chain Competitiveness Advisory Committee Meeting
The International Trade Administration’s Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness will hold a public meeting on June 23-24, 2015, at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. The 45-member group is charged with providing the Commerce secretary with recommendations for a comprehensive national freight infrastructure and freight policy to support U.S. supply chain and…
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Government Agencies Should Define “Natural” to Avoid Inconsistent Court Decisions, Professor Argues
In a recent journal article, a Babson College marketing law professor discusses legal disputes over the labeling of food as “natural,” noting drawbacks of using courts as public policy developers on the issue. Ross D. Petty, “‘Natural’ Claims in Food Advertising: Policy Implications of Filling the Regulatory Void with Consumer Class Action Lawsuits,” Journal of Public…
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USDA Seeks Candidates for Grain Inspection Advisory Committee
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyard Administration (GIPSA) is soliciting nominations for individuals to fill five pending vacancies on the USDA Grain Inspection Committee. The 15-member group representing grain producers, processors and exporters, among other stakeholders, meets twice a year to guide GIPSA in delivering its mandates under the U.S.…
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USDA Issues Compliance Guideline for Labeling of Mechanically Tenderized Beef Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued guidance about new labeling requirements for raw or partially cooked mechanically tenderized beef products, including those injected with marinade or solution. In addition to stating that the products have been mechanically, blade or needle tenderized, the labels must also provide cooking…