Regulatory

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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has enacted regulatory amendments with the goal of reducing red tape regarding labeling, traceability, and imports for fresh fruit/vegetable producers and the poultry/egg industries—specifically, hatcheries.

In this bonus episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Kris Sollid, RD of the International Food Information Council (IFIC) about IFIC’s recent consumer surveys measuring Americans' confidence in, and understanding of, the safety of the U.S. food supply, as well as how “MAHA” may be influencing consumer perceptions. 

Food industry representatives and consumer advocacy groups have shared their comments, which are varied in opinion, submitted in response to FDA and USDA’s joint request for information to support a federal definition for ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

Regulatory agencies based in Abu Dhabi, UAE have launched a strategic initiative to develop a regulatory framework for novel foods and processes, such as alternative proteins and precision fermentation.

The new Food Law Codes of Practice include several changes that allow local authorities to make better use of their resources through a modernized, risk-based, flexible approach.

Following the formation of a food industry-backed lobbyist group with the goal of stopping state-level food additives restrictions, 84 consumer protection and public health organizations have signed a letter urging Congress to oppose such efforts.

Americans for Ingredient Transparency (AFIT) is campaigning for federal action to “correct a maze of state-by-state-laws” that restrict or prohibit the use of colorants, additives, and ingredients in foods. AFIT is backed by many of the largest food industry associations and companies, some of which have made voluntary commitments to phase out food dyes or other additives.

The French National Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) has proposed an expanded monitoring scheme for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) based on a first-of-its-kind inventory of PFAS contamination and toxicity, comprising more than 247 “forever chemicals.”

A massive wave of consumer class actions targeting food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers is sweeping across industries as the plaintiffs' bar aggressively targets product labeling and advertising under California's consumer protection statutes. Companies should be aware of these practices and develop a plan to lessen the risk of receiving such claims.

This episode of Food Safety Five discusses a UK proposed ban on Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials, as well as two studies with global relevance: a successful clinical trial for a novel Salmonella vaccine and research demonstrating how nanoplastics enter the edible parts of crops.