Regulatory Watch

Parliament, Ottawa (Image by festivio from Pixabay)

Canadian food labeling rules

Canadian government launches comment period for simulated protein products guidelines

Public consultation period opened on November 3 and runs until December 3, 2020

Wayne Labs, Senior Contributing Technical Editor

November 4, 2020

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched a public consultation to seek feedback on the proposed guidelines for simulated meat and simulated poultry products. The consultation opened for a 30-day period from November 3, 2020 and closes on December 3, 2020.

Regulatory Watch

USDA releases plan to decrease Salmonella in meat, poultry, eggs

The plan outlines efforts to reduce pathogen contamination and Salmonella infections associated with FSIS-regulated products

Sharon Spielman

October 13, 2020

The USDA releases a plan to reduce Salmonella infections from meat, poultry and eggs.

Regulatory Watch

AMS proposes amending USDA organic regulations

Changes would strengthen oversight of organic agricultural products

Sharon Spielman

September 18, 2020

Proposed amendments are intended to protect integrity in the organic supply chain and build consumer and industry trust in the USDA organic label.

Regulatory Watch

FDA seeks treatments for pre-harvest agriculture water

Companies can follow the agency’s testing protocol to find out if products inactivate pathogens

Sharon Spielman

August 12, 2020

The FDA has announced a new protocol for the development and registration of antimicrobial treatments for pre-harvest agricultural water, developed through a collaboration with the EPA.

Regulatory Watch

FDA outlines steps to help prevent recurring Salmonella outbreaks linked to papayas

Federal regulators issue second letter to papaya growers and others in the industry

Sharon Spielman

July 29, 2020

The FDA has issued a second letter to papaya growers, harvesters, packers, distributors, exporters, importers and retailers outlining a series of steps to help prevent recurring outbreaks of Salmonella linked to papayas.

Regulatory Watch

FDA, USDA issue recommendations for PPE shortage during COVID-19 pandemic

Sharon Spielman

July 13, 2020

The FDA and USDA have released recommendations to help address shortages of personal protective equipment, cloth face coverings, disinfectants and sanitation supplies in the food and agriculture industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regulatory Watch

FDA issues guidance on FSMA third-party certification amid COVID-19

Sharon Spielman

June 12, 2020

The guidance addresses the challenges with conducting onsite monitoring activities during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

COVID-19

FDA allows ingredient swaps without label changes, upsetting some with allergies

Plus, vending machines can temporarily skip posting calorie counts

Rose Shilling

June 4, 2020

Hundreds of people with food allergies or sensitivities in their families are speaking out against the FDA’s latest move to loosen food labeling rules during the pandemic.

Regulatory Watch

FDA issues final guidance during COVID-19 outbreak

Sharon Spielman

May 4, 2020

The FDA has issued final guidance for industry entitled "Temporary Policy Regarding Preventive Controls and FSVP Food Supplier Verification Onsite Audit Requirements During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency."

Regulatory Watch

Proposed rule to increase onion assessment rate

Sharon Spielman

May 4, 2020

The USDA has issued a proposed rule which would increase the assessment rate from $0.10 per 50-pound bag or equivalent of Walla Walla sweet onions handled to $0.15 per 50-pound bag or equivalent of Walla Walla sweet onions handled for the 2020 and subsequent fiscal periods.