Regulation
The Lead
Poland’s Kosher and Halal Industry in Limbo
May 16, 2013 9:42 am | by VANESSA GERA,Associated Press | News | Comments
In a victory for a growing animal rights movement, activists succeeded in getting a ban on religious slaughter. But with economic decline deepening and exports seen as a possible salvation, the government faces pressure to get the practice reinstated legally — and is scrambling to do so.
New U.S. Rules for Labeling Meat Go into Effect
May 24, 2013 11:17 am | by M.L. JOHNSON, Associated Press | News | CommentsShoppers in the U.S. will soon have more information about where their meat comes from after new federal labeling rules went into effect Thursday. The rules require labels on steaks, ribs and other cuts of meat to say where the animal was born, raised and slaughtered.
Canada Disapproves of U.S. Meat Labeling Rules
May 24, 2013 11:15 am | News | CommentsCanada said Thursday that it is considering retaliatory measures against the United States in a dispute over meat-labeling rules that Ottawa and the World Trade Organization consider discriminatory and the Canadian government says will mean additional costs for producers.
NJ: Caramel-Colored Rubbing Alcohol Sold as Scotch
May 24, 2013 10:01 am | by REMA RAHMAN, Associated Press | News | CommentsState officials provided those new details Thursday on raids they conducted a day earlier as part of a yearlong investigation dubbed Operation Swill. Twenty-nine New Jersey bars and restaurants, including 13 TGI Fridays, were accused of substituting cheap booze — or worse — for the good stuff while charging premium prices.
Turkey Debates Alcohol Sales and Ad Restrictions
May 24, 2013 9:51 am | by SUZAN FRASER, Associated Press | News | CommentsTurkish lawmakers on Thursday began debating a bill that bans all alcohol advertising and tightens restrictions on sales of such beverages — a controversial proposal the government insists is aimed at protecting the young from the ills of spirits.
Daily Sound Bite: Food Stamp Administration to Remain Federal
May 23, 2013 12:47 pm | News | CommentsThe senate has rejected an attempt by Republican lawmakers to move the administration of food stamp benefits under the SNAP program to the states. Opponents of the measure cited fears that individual states would impose restrictions on benefits including eliminating those with criminal records from the program.
New Zealand Resumes Meat Exports to China
May 23, 2013 12:38 pm | News | CommentsNew Zealand's Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy said Thursday exports of frozen lamb, beef and mutton to China should resume next week after a paperwork problem resulted in hundreds of tons of meat getting stranded at Chinese docks.
Senate Rejects GMO Labeling Amendment to Farm Bill
May 23, 2013 12:35 pm | by MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press | News | CommentsThe Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly rejected an amendment that would allow states to require labeling of genetically modified foods.Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt, said his amendment was an attempt to clarify that states can require the labels.
Dutch Meat Processor Arrested in Horse Meat Probe
May 23, 2013 12:33 pm | by MIKE CORDER, Associated Press | News | CommentsInvestigators from the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority on Thursday arrested the director of a meat-processing and wholesale company whose business is at the center of an investigation into undeclared mixing of horse meat with beef.
Senate Rejects Bid to Let States Run Food Stamps
May 23, 2013 9:38 am | by MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press | News | CommentsA proposal by Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., to a wide-ranging farm bill would have converted the food stamp program into grants to states, which could decide how to use the money, with certain restrictions. The Senate rejected the amendment 60-36.
Texas Schools Soda Ban Advances
May 22, 2013 11:44 am | by MICHAEL BRICK, Associated Press | News | CommentsSeeking to help the state's youngest students develop nutritious habits, Texas lawmakers on Tuesday approved banning the sale of sugary drinks in public elementary and junior high schools. The bill would limit beverage choices to water, low-fat milk and pure juice.
Research Links Communication to Childhood Obesity
May 22, 2013 8:34 am | News | CommentsRutgers Business School professor Jerome Williams is co-editor of a new book of research that explores the role communications play in the nation's troubling epidemic of childhood obesity. The book also touches on the implications of regulating advertising and the variety of efforts underway to try to counter the obesity problem.
White House Pushes for More Farm Subsidy Cuts
May 21, 2013 11:51 am | by MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press | News | CommentsThe Obama administration said Monday it wants to see more cuts to agriculture subsidies in a massive farm bill moving through the Senate this week. The bill would cost almost $100 billion a year over five years and would set policy for farm programs and food aid.
General Mills Says 'No' to GMO Labeling
May 21, 2013 10:27 am | by CNN Money | News | CommentsIn the face of growing consumer interest in labeling packaged foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs), General Mills CEO Kendall Powell explains why his company opposes GMO labeling, saying that GMOs are safe and don't need to be specifically identified.
Safe Food for Canadians Action Plan Unveiled
May 20, 2013 12:00 pm | News | CommentsThe Safe Food for Canadians Action Plan aims to further improve Canada's food safety system by strengthening food safety rules, implementing more effective inspection and pledging a renewed commitment to service and more information for consumers.
Oklahoma Grocery Store Wine Proposal Being Renewed
May 20, 2013 10:48 am | by TIM TALLEY, Associated Press | News | CommentsSupporters of a plan to permit some grocery stores in Oklahoma's most populous counties to sell wine plan to launch a new petition drive to put the proposal to a statewide vote.The plan will be resubmitted to voters this summer following a Supreme Court challenge.
Daily Sound Bite: Food Map Details Expansive Food Marketplace
May 20, 2013 10:40 am | News | CommentsResearchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a new, highly detailed map illustrating Americans' buying and consumption habits. Some hope the map can be used to better tailor nutritional guidelines and monitor public health as it related to processed food.
Deep Divide in Congress Over Domestic Food Aid
May 17, 2013 12:50 pm | by MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press | News | CommentsThe House and Senate Agriculture Committees laid the groundwork this week for reducing the size of the federal food stamp program, approving farm bills that would shrink food aid and alter the way people qualify for it. The two chambers are far apart on how much the $80 billion-a-year program should be cut.
Tougher Food-Safety Rules Ahead for Canadian Meat Processors
May 17, 2013 12:15 pm | by The Canadian Press | News | CommentsCanadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says the country's food watchdog is planning to impose tougher rules to deal with the threat of E. coli in slaughterhouses. The agency will soon begin a two-year review of the country's food regulations to ensure they are in line with the Safe Food for Canadians Act passed last year.
NC House Votes to Block Obesity Lawsuits
May 17, 2013 10:01 am | News | CommentsA majority in the North Carolina House voted Wednesday night for legislation that would bar civil law suits against food producers, manufacturers and marketers on claims long-term consumption led to weight gain and obesity-related health problems.
Kosher & Halal Industries Under Siege in Poland
May 16, 2013 12:15 pm | News | CommentsAfter Polish animal rights activists succeeded in banning "barbaric" religious slaughter methods used in kosher and halal production — the process involves slashing the throats of conscious animals and letting them bleed out — religious and industry supporters are coming together to fight the changes.
NC House OKs Blocking Obesity Lawsuits
May 16, 2013 12:07 pm | News | CommentsLegislation that attempts to prevent people from suing North Carolina food manufacturers, sellers and advertisers by claiming their products made them overweight has passed one General Assembly chamber. A majority in the House voted Wednesday night for legislation that would bar civil actions against food producers and marketers on claims long-term consumption led to weight gain and obesity-related health problems.
Montana Judge Hears Arguments over Milk Freshness
May 16, 2013 12:04 pm | News | CommentsA Helena judge heard arguments Tuesday over a California-based food distributor's challenge of a rule that says milk sold in Montana must be stamped with a "sell-by" date of 12 days after it is pasteurized. Core-Mark International argues consumers would be better informed with a "use-by" date set by the processor, while Montana's milk-producing industry supports the current rule.
House Panel Set To Approve Food Stamp Cuts
May 15, 2013 12:32 pm | by MARY CLARE JALONICK,Associated Press | News | CommentsThe House Agriculture Committee is considering a five-year farm bill that would make small cuts to the $80 billion-a-year food stamp program. The cuts are part of massive legislation that costs almost $100 billion annually and would set policy for farm subsidies, rural programs and the food aid. The House panel started work on the legislation Wednesday, one day after the Senate Agriculture Committee approved its version.
Senate Panel Approves Farm Bill
May 15, 2013 9:38 am | by MARY CLARE JALONICK,Associated Press | News | CommentsThe Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday approved a massive five-year farm bill that would cut spending while also creating new subsidies for farmers. The legislation approved 15-5 includes concessions to Southern rice and peanut farmers, thanks to a new top Republican on the committee, Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran.
Opposition to Dairy Supply Management Grows
May 14, 2013 12:37 pm | News | CommentsAs the House and Senate Agriculture Committees prepare to write a new Farm Bill this week, the list of organizations opposed to a proposed dairy program continues to grow. Nearly 150 organizations and businesses across the food chain, from farmers and food manufacturers to food retailers and consumers, have signed letters to members of Congress urging them to oppose the "Dairy Market Stabilization Program" (DMSP).
