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.

Duties lifted on many food and ag products sold to Panama

December 5, 2012

The US Panama Trade Promotion Agreement took effect this month, reducing or eliminating tariffs on nearly 90 percent of US products entering that Central American nation.

SFA gets FSMA clarification

November 7, 2012

There has been some uncertainty about FDA’s plan to implement preventive controls and other provisions of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) because the agency has not yet issued regulations implementing the law.