Regulatory Watch

Battle over US sugar policy ensues

April 9, 2013

Sugar producers and confectioners are engaged in a heated lobbying battle over US sugar policy, with producers pointing to a pair of USDA reports as evidence of needed support.

IFT report may aid in resolving foodborne illness outbreaks

April 9, 2013

A report to the Food and Drug Administration may help regulators resolve foodborne illness outbreaks earlier and enable the food industry to respond to them more quickly.

TECH FLASH

FDA releases International Food Safety Capacity-Building plan

The plan is designed to expand the food safety capacity of foreign governments and agencies.

Shane O'Halloran

March 12, 2013

Multilateral agreements, secure data sharing and mutual recognition of food inspection reports are recommended.

Regulatory Watch

FSIS indifferent to advisory committees?

A member of Congress is questioning USDA processes for ensuring that imported meat products are as safe as domestically produced items.

March 6, 2013

In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) complained that USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) “fundamentally” changed the process with no notice.

Sugar battle may ensue

American Sugar Alliance foresees fight over farm bill.

Wayne Labs

February 24, 2013

American Sugar Alliance foresees fight over farm bill.

Resolved export issues help economy

USDA estimates it freed up $4 billion in agricultural exports last year.

Wayne Labs

February 23, 2013

USDA estimates it freed up $4 billion in agricultural exports last year.

US trade agreement termination would cause ‘Tomato Cliff’

Some Florida tomato growers have asked the US to terminate an agreement with Mexico

Shane O'Halloran

January 25, 2013

A study found that the termination of a US trade agreement with Mexico would result in huge premiums or shortages on tomatoes in the US.

Seafood, clouding agents and lemon juice among new food frauds

US Pharmacopeial Convention has added almost 800 new products to its list

Shane O'Halloran

January 23, 2013

US Pharmacopeial Convention has added almost 800 new products to its list.

Regulatory Watch

Majority of Americans think Fed should stay out of milk pricing

January 7, 2013

When the 2012 Farm Bill stalled in the US House of Representatives this fall, dairy processors doubled down in their opposition to a key provision—the Dairy Market Stabilization Program, under which the government could act to keep milk prices from falling below certain levels.

Improved outlook for Farm Bill?

December 5, 2012

The 2012 election has maintained the status quo in Washington, which may slightly improve the outlook for passage of the Farm Bill in the lame duck session of Congress.