In case you missed it: Thoughtful, newsworthy comments from industry professionals, consumers and legislators.
"This legislation will open a new era for transparency in ingredient information for consumers, by requiring disclosure of genetically engineered ingredients for families in every state across the nation. Its consistent national standard is far better than a costly and confusing patchwork of different state labeling."
—Pamela Bailey, president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, hailing President Obama's signature on a law that requires disclosure of genetically modified ingredients on product labels. The law has been controversial, mostly because it would allow manufacturers to put their disclosure on a smartphone-scannable QR code.
"We know that they don’t feel good about high-fructose corn syrup so we’re giving them what they’re looking for instead."
—Marion Gross, senior vice president of McDonald's North America supply chain, to the Huffington Post. This week, McDonald's announced it was replacing corn syrup with sugar in its hamburger buns, as well as taking artificial preservatives out of cooking oil, pork sausage patties and some of its eggs. The company also is changing some of the ingredients in its chicken nuggets.
"The FDA’s action in June to eliminate trans fat will help prevent cardiovascular disease and save lives."
— Steven Stack, president of the American Medical Association, told Food Processing. The Food and Drug Administration wants to remove partially hydrogenated oils, which are the primary source of trans fats in processed foods, by 2018.
"The truth is, we have not seen any credible scientific research to support the idea that the judicious use of antibiotics in chicken contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance in humans. At Sanderson Farms, we believe we have a moral responsibility to protect the welfare of our animals, and as veterinarians, we have taken an oath to relieve the suffering of animals, particularly those under our supervision. It's simply the humane thing to do."
—Dr. Phil Stayer, corporate veterinarian for Sanderson Farms. While many poultry farmers are working on campaigns to make their chickens antibiotic-free, Sanderson Farms announced this week that they would continue to use antibiotics to keep their chickens healthy and safe to consume as long as scientific research says they are safe to use.
"We are still gathering information and working to identify other parts of the relevant supply chain and facilitate recalls where necessary. However, FDA is prohibited by law from releasing publicly certain information about supply chains, which may constitute confidential commercial information."
—A statement the Food and Drug Association provided to Food Safety News in response to questions about the sugar manufacturer that provided a product responsible for a recall of about 1,000 tons of P.F. Chang's frozen entrees. The regulatory agency still has not said which manufacturer found the problem, when the issue took place, or where the sugar might have gone.
"Rather than wanting to affiliate themselves with bigger brands, millennials often seek to define themselves by more niche, higher-quality brands with a quirky backstory.”
—Jonny Forsyth, global drinks analyst at Mintel, told Food Business News. Millennials are driving growth in the craft spirits segment. It is still a small portion of the spirits market, but the American Distilling Institute told Food Dive that it is growing at a rate of about 30% a year.
