Category: Department of Agriculture
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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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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…
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Poultry Health Focus of Upcoming APHIS Meeting
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is convening a public meeting of the General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan on July 23, 2015, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The group of industry and state agency representatives will reportedly discuss (i) approved tests and (ii) updates regarding…
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USDA Proposes Revisions to Origin of Livestock Rules
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Agricultural Marketing Service has proposed revisions to the origin of livestock requirements that govern the transition of dairy animals to organic production. Clarifying that a producer can transition dairy animals into organic production only once, the amendments would ensure that “after completion of this one-time transition, any new dairy animals…
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Environmental Advocacy Group Files Petition Seeking Protections for USDA Scientists
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) has filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) arguing that the agency does not adhere to the goals of its Scientific Integrity Policy because the policy “fails to clearly prohibit political suppression and interference.” The policy was released in 2013 after President Barack Obama directed executive…
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Consumer Organizations Allege USDA Violated Procedure with Contaminated Compost Rule
The Center for Food Safety, Center for Environmental Health and Beyond Pesticides have filed a lawsuit against the leaders of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service and National Organic Program (NOP) arguing that USDA failed to allow public comments on a contaminated compost rule before issuing a guidance document on the subject.…