Regulatory Watch

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 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.  

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. 

Frozen food manufacturers are encountering a shortage of broccoli and are looking to the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) to increase the supply.

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.

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.

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

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.