Regulatory Watch

Dairy industry reaps Farm Bill benefits

March 8, 2014

The newly passed Farm Bill reduces funding for SNAP, the federal food stamp program, by $8 billion and trims a number of subsidies for food producers. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) says the bill significantly increases support for fruits and vegetables growers and local food systems.

Regulatory Watch

Light at the end of the tunnel for Farm Billl?

The House and Senate could agree on a version of the farm bill as early as January.

Wayne Labs

January 10, 2014

Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, says there is still a lot of work for lawyers to do, but it’s possible there could be a version of the Farm Bill the House and Senate could agree to sometime in January.

Regulatory Watch

Debate over trans fats continues

Several industry groups have requested more time to submit comments.

Wayne Labs

January 10, 2014

Food manufacturers want more time to comment on FDA’s early November preliminary determination that partially hydrogenated oils, the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, are not “generally recognized as safe” for use in food. FDA’s preliminary determination is based on available scientific evidence, and the agency has requested stakeholder comments by January 7, 2014.

Regulatory Watch

Importer definition needed under FSMA

Both retailers and wholesalers source directly from international suppliers, leading to confusion under the rule.

Shane O'Halloran

November 15, 2013

Both retailers and wholesalers source directly from international suppliers, leading to confusion under the rule.

Regulatory Watch

Farm Bill debate continues

At issue is the Dairy Market Stabilization Program, which is opposed by many dairy manufacturers.

Wayne Labs

November 14, 2013

At issue is the Dairy Market Stabilization Program, which is opposed by many dairy manufacturers.

Bakers oppose food import fee

October 11, 2013

The American Bakers Association (ABA), a Washington trade group representing commercial bakers, is opposing the proposed food import user fee, proposed as a way to partially fund the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

Federal legislation seeks to create standard front-of-package label

It would also require greater disclosure of caffeine and sugar content, and define how “natural” and “healthy” claims may be made.

Shane O'Halloran

September 25, 2013

The Food Labeling Modernization Act was introduced by three Congressional Democrats.

Regulatory Watch

New FSMA rules published

September 11, 2013

At the end of July, FDA published two proposed rules required by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The rules focus on the foreign supplier verification program (FSVP) and accreditation of third-party auditors.

Regulatory Watch

Strict guidelines for gluten-free labeling

September 11, 2013

Food manufacturers must now meet a strict set of definitions before they place “gluten-free” on labels. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has adopted a uniform standard that a food must meet all of the requirements of the definition, including containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten.