The House Judiciary Committee has approved the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act (H.R.339) which says manufacturers or distributors of food and non-alcoholic beverages can't be sued for causing a consumer to become obese, unless it is shown that the product was not in compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.



Reg review for genetically engineered food

USDA's plan to update and toughen a number of regulations governing genetically engineered food is drawing praise from a major food industry group. The regulations in question cover rules for the importation, interstate movement and environmental release of certain genetically engineered organisms. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is evaluating proposed changes, including the development of a multi- tiered, risk-based permitting system to replace the current permit/notification system. The National Food Processors Association (NFPA) said the regulations are in need of review.

"The initiatives announced by APHIS will help to ensure that the Agency's regulations keep pace with advances in agricultural biotechnology," said Dr. Jeffrey Barach, vice president of special projects for NFPA.