Policy
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Tracking food industry priority for the COVID-19 vaccine
Each state is developing its own vaccine distribution plans, often including prioritization for workers in the food and beverage industry, from agriculture to meatpacking.
By Thai Phi Le • Jan. 13, 2021 -
Coca-Cola, Tyson Foods and ADM among companies to suspend political donations
CPG companies joined dozens of large U.S. businesses in reconsidering their contribution practices after last week's violent protest at the U.S. Capitol.
By Christopher Doering • Jan. 13, 2021 -
US tariffs on high-alcohol wine from Germany and France take effect this week
The new import duties are part of a longstanding dispute about commercial jetliner subsidies that has spilled over into food and drink.
By Christopher Doering • Jan. 11, 2021 -
Retrieved from USDA photo by Preston Keres via Flikr.
Tyson Foods not protected by executive order keeping plants open, judge rules
The federal court is sending an Iowa lawsuit about a worker's death back to the state level after rejecting the company's claim it was acting at the direction of the federal government.
By Lillianna Byington • Jan. 04, 2021 -
Dietary Guidelines published without changes to added sugars or alcohol recommendations
The document from USDA and HHS is being criticized for not incorporating more recommendations from scientists, dietitians and medical professionals.
By Megan Poinski • Dec. 29, 2020 -
Deep Dive
5 questions to ask before adopting a coronavirus vaccine policy
Vaccines are still one arrow in an employer's COVID-19 quiver, an attorney said. Incentives and education may also be preferable to mandates.
By Ryan Golden • Dec. 22, 2020 -
Proposal would move GMO food animal regulation to USDA
Moving this approval from the FDA — which gives bioengineered food animals the same scrutiny as new drugs — is wanted by farm groups.
By Megan Poinski • Dec. 22, 2020 -
FDA OKs 'potassium salt' for ingredient labels
Ingredients company NuTek Food Science petitioned the agency in 2016 to allow a more consumer-friendly name for potassium chloride, the nutrient-dense salt replacement.
By Megan Poinski • Dec. 18, 2020 -
USDA plans to crack down on nitrate and nitrite labeling claims in meat
In response to a request from the Center for Science in the Public, the department said it intends to approve non-synthetic sources such as celery powder as curing agents.
By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 16, 2020 -
Deep Dive
From science to reality: What approval of cell-based meat means for the industry
Singapore's approval of cultured meat is the beginning of a journey to bring something new to the business and potentially change how the world makes food.
By Megan Poinski • Dec. 15, 2020 -
FDA approves GMO pork, but there's no determination if it's safe for those with allergies to eat
GalSafe pigs cause no reaction in pharmaceutical uses and general consumption, but their path as a food is unclear without further safety verifications.
By Megan Poinski • Dec. 15, 2020 -
Biden to tap Obama agriculture secretary Vilsack for same post at USDA, reports say
The former Iowa governor led the department that deals with agriculture, food aid and food safety from 2009 to early 2017. He is seen as a consensus pick.
By Megan Poinski • Dec. 09, 2020 -
Senators and alcohol industry pressure Congress for tax relief
The popular tax break for alcohol producers continues to have support, but there is no guarantee that it will be reinstated come 2021.
By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 03, 2020 -
Labeling on plant-based meat is 'potentially misleading,' judge rules
An Oklahoma court issued the first ruling that favored state labeling restrictions on the segment, denying the motion for an injunction as the case continues.
By Megan Poinski • Dec. 03, 2020 -
Eat Just lands first regulatory approval for cell-based meat
Singapore has greenlighted the company's chicken bites, which will be sold at a restaurant on the island nation in the near future.
By Megan Poinski • Dec. 02, 2020 -
The image by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Photo taken by Irene Scott for AusAID is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Supreme Court hears human rights abuses case against Nestlé USA and Cargill
The companies are accused of not doing enough to monitor their cocoa suppliers in West Africa, where there have been years of accusations of child slavery and labor.
By Lillianna Byington • Dec. 02, 2020 -
Deep Dive
By the numbers: Examining the cost of the pandemic on the meat industry
Over the last eight months, some of the largest companies have spent millions to deal with the coronavirus and seen thousands of workers get infected, while meat supply and pricing fluctuate.
By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 19, 2020 -
Retrieved from USDA photo by Preston Keres via Flikr.Deep Dive
OSHA comes under fire for 'paltry' fines and lax guidance to meat plants
While critics call the citations "less than a slap on the wrist," companies including Smithfield and JBS have denounced the fines, saying they followed the agency's recommendations for the pandemic once they were available.
By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 17, 2020 -
Food and beverage groups ask White House for priority on COVID-19 vaccines
Fifteen trade associations sent President Donald Trump a letter asking for a federally regulated vaccine distribution program and prioritization for their members once it comes out.
By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 13, 2020 -
USDA photo by Preston Keres. (2017). "20170428-OSEC-PJK-1465" [photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Stampede Meat sues New Mexico to fight plant closure order
The state health department told it to shutter for two weeks after at least six workers tested positive for the coronavirus, but the company is arguing in court that it violates President Trump's executive order.
By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 11, 2020 -
What could Biden's win mean for the CPG industry?
The Consumer Brands Association outlined its expectations for the new administration, saying it could lead to policy shifts in regulation and the federal response to COVID-19, but uncertainty on the legislative front.
By Jessi Devenyns • Nov. 10, 2020 -
FDA publishes sesame labeling draft guidance
While the government has not yet concluded the seed is a top allergen, this document, which would ask for voluntary disclosure of the ingredient, indicates a change may be on the way.
By Megan Poinski • Nov. 10, 2020 -
Judge rules GMO salmon needs more environmental assessment, but can still be sold
The first batch of the fast-growing AquAdvantage fish, which is the first genetically modified animal product to be federally approved, is set to be harvested and marketed this year.
By Megan Poinski • Nov. 09, 2020 -
USDA. (2017). Retrieved from Flickr.
Lawmaker calls for probe into JBS' government subsidies
Rep. Rosa DeLauro sent a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue renewing her calls for an investigation after the meatpacker's parent company pleaded guilty to violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 04, 2020 -
Opinion
Avoiding the aura of fraud in organic certification
Organic food is big business, and regulations — both required and voluntary — are there to protect the seal's integrity. Erin Westbrook and Matthew Veenstra of Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr explain how suppliers can get products through the system.
By Erin Westbrook and Matthew Veenstra • Nov. 03, 2020