Category: U.S. Government and Regulatory Agencies
-
CCFC and CAI Criticize USDA Proposal on Food Marketing in Schools
The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) and Corporate Accountability International (CAI) published an April 25, 2014, letter to U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) School Programs Branch Chief Julie Brewer, criticizing a proposed rule that would require schools “to implement policies for the marketing of foods and beverages on the school campus during the school day…
-
NOP Issues Final Guidance on “Made with Organic” Labeling
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) National Organic Program (NOP) has issued final guidance on the use of “Made with Organic” claims on product labeling. According to NOP, the guidance seeks to clarify “the following aspects of products in this labeling category”: (i) “composition”; (ii) “compliant organic labeling claims”; (iii) “organic and nonorganic forms of…
-
FSIS Issues Guidance for Meat and Poultry Product Allergens
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued guidance for identifying, controlling and labeling allergens and other ingredients of public health concern through hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs) or other prerequisite programs. Geared toward meat and poultry products, the guidance seeks to ensure…
-
USDA to Track Swine Viruses
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it will require reporting of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv) and Swine Delta Coronavirus infections to curb the spread of the diseases. In addition, USDA will track “movements of pigs, vehicles, and other equipment leaving affected premises.” Hog farms in 29 states have already reported incidents…
-
D.C. Circuit Upholds COOL Regulations in Preliminary Injunction Context
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a lower court ruling denying the motion for preliminary injunction filed by meat producer interests in litigation challenging U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations requiring retailers of “muscle cuts” of meat to list the countries of origin and production (country-of-origin labeling or COOL) as to each step…
-
Upcoming Codex Meeting to Address Pesticide Residues
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency have announced an April 10, 2014, public meeting in Arlington, Virginia, to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft U.S. positions for discussion during the 46th Session of the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues of…
-
NOSB Meeting to Address National List Changes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has announced an April 29-May 2, 2014, public meeting in San Antonio, Texas, to discuss the work of its six subcommittees and receive input on proposed changes to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List), which governs what may be used in…
-
Black Farmers Not Included in Settlement Denied Reconsideration
A federal court in Washington, D.C., has reportedly refused to reconsider its denial of hundreds of claims by African-American farmers who alleged that they were owed a share of the $1.25-billion settlement fund established to compensate a class of farmers allegedly discriminated against by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) loan application process. In re…