Regulation
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.
Group Files Suit over Cold Beer Sales Law in Ind.
May 16, 2013 9:44 am | by TOM COYNE,Associated Press | News | CommentsIndiana convenience stores and gas stations seeking the right to sell cold beer to customers filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday aimed at lifting a ban on the practice. The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association argued Indiana's law is arbitrary and discriminates against grocery and convenience stores.
Poland’s Kosher and Halal Industry in Limbo
May 16, 2013 9:42 am | by VANESSA GERA,Associated Press | News | CommentsIn 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.
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).
Senate Considers Massive Farm Bill
May 14, 2013 12:35 pm | by MARY CLARE JALONICK,Associated Press | News | CommentsThe legislation the Senate Agriculture Committee is considering Tuesday makes concessions to Southern rice and peanut farmers, thanks to a new top Republican on the committee, Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran. The bill eliminates $5 billion in annual subsidies called direct payments that are important to those Southern farmers but makes it easier for them to receive alternate subsidies if prices dip.
Daily Sound Bite: Abused Iowa Workers' Award Slashed
May 13, 2013 12:36 pm | News | CommentsThe Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Henry's Turkey Service agreed in legal briefs filed late Friday that under federal law, each plaintiff can only recover $50,000 apiece — a far cry from the $7.5 million a jury awarded each worker earlier this month. On Monday, one advocate for the men called the cap "grossly unfair."
$240M EEOC Verdict To Be Cut to $1.6M
May 13, 2013 12:25 pm | by RYAN J. FOLEY,Associated Press | News | CommentsA landmark $240 million verdict awarded to 32 mentally disabled Iowa plant workers who were subjected to years of abuse by their handlers will be reduced to just $1.6 million because of a federal cap, attorneys in the case agree. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Henry's Turkey Service agreed in legal briefs filed late Friday that under federal law, each plaintiff can only recover $50,000 apiece.
Vt. House Approves GMO Labeling Bill
May 10, 2013 12:30 pm | News | CommentsThe Vermont House has approved legislation calling for labeling of food products containing genetically modified organisms. Thursday's vote came after the House spent most of the day debating a measure that will not see final action this year because the Senate lacks time to take it up.
Daily Sound Bite: Wrigley Removes Alert Gum from Shelves
May 9, 2013 12:58 pm | News | CommentsA Food and Drug Administration investigation into the safety of caffeine-added foods has prompted Wrigley to take its new caffeinated gum off the market for the time being. Wrigley said Wednesday that it will temporarily halt sales and marketing of Alert caffeinated gum after discussions with the FDA.
Pa. Attorney General Clears Hershey Trust
May 9, 2013 12:18 pm | by PETER JACKSON,Associated Press | News | CommentsA two-year investigation revealed no wrongdoing by the Hershey Trust Co.'s board, but it prompted changes in corporate rules, state Attorney General Kathleen Kane said Wednesday in concluding the probe. The attorney general's office examined allegations that Milton Hershey School assets were used to pay excessive compensation to trust board members and to make questionable land purchases.
Wrigley Pulls Caffeinated Gum
May 9, 2013 9:28 am | by MARY CLARE JALONICK,Associated Press | News | CommentsA Food and Drug Administration investigation into the safety of caffeine-added foods has prompted Wrigley to take its new caffeinated gum off the market for the time being. Wrigley said Wednesday that it will temporarily halt sales and marketing of Alert caffeinated gum after discussions with the FDA.
Wis. Assembly Approves Junk Food Stamp Bill
May 8, 2013 12:38 pm | by KEVIN WANG,Associated Press | News | CommentsA bill aimed at encouraging food stamp recipients in Wisconsin to eat healthier by limiting the amount of benefits that could be spent on junk food won approval from the state Assembly on Tuesday. The bill would require people enrolled in Wisconsin's food stamps program, or FoodShare, to spend at least two-thirds of their monthly benefits on designated items such as milk, bread and vegetables.
Vt. Committee Approves GMO Labeling Law
May 8, 2013 9:38 am | News | CommentsThe Vermont House Judiciary Committee has approved a bill requiring labeling of food products containing genetically modified organisms. But the measure isn't expected to pass into law this year, because there isn't enough time before the end of the session — scheduled this weekend — to get the bill through the Senate.
