The USDA is taking comments on letting organic beef cattle spend their final four months in feedlots. A Cornucopia Institute survey found most organic beef producers graze cattle until slaughter and about 60 percent feed no grain at all, so it argues the exemption is not needed.
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Politics
Food law, regulation, government advisories and the legal fights over what reaches your plate.
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Politics
White House Proposes Healthy Food Financing Initiative
The Obama administration's $400 million Healthy Food Financing Initiative, proposed in the 2011 budget, would draw healthy-food retailers into food deserts within seven years. USDA counts 23.5 million people, 6.5 million of them children, living over a mile from a supermarket in low-income areas.
Politics
Group Pleased to See Poultry Growers Win Competition Case Against Tyson Foods (PR)
R-CALF USA welcomed an Oklahoma court ruling for poultry growers who alleged deceptive and coercive practices by Tyson Foods. Media reports put damages at about $4.8 million actual, roughly half that in punitive damages and $125,000 per grower for mental anguish. Tyson signalled an appeal.
Politics
Home Pesticide Manufacturer Misrepresenting Products as Certified "Organic" (PR)
The Cornucopia Institute filed complaints with the USDA alleging that Wal-Mart and North Carolina's HOMS LLC violate organic standards by selling Bio Block pest-control products bearing the word organic and the USDA organic seal while containing, the group says, no organically produced ingredient.
Law & Regulations
Health Care Legislation Requires Calories on Restaurant Menus
The health care law signed Tuesday requires restaurant chains with 20 or more outlets to post calorie counts on menus and drive-through signs, and to label vending machine items. The language comes from the MEAL Act; the restaurant industry backs it for nationwide consistency.
Politics
We Need Healthy Farms and Healthy Food (PR)
American Farmland Trust says the Senate Agriculture Committee should not fund the Child Nutrition Act by taking money from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. President Jon Scholl backs $50 million in mandatory funding for the Farm to School program.
Law & Regulations
Health Care Legislation Will Require Calories on Restaurant Menus
The health care legislation signed this week requires restaurant chains with 20 or more outlets to post calorie counts on menus and drive-through signs, and to label vending machine items. The National Restaurant Association backs it for making information consistent nationwide.
Law & Regulations
New Definitions for Organic Meat and Milk Issued
USDA replaced its vague "access to pasture" language with a rule that organic meat and milk come from livestock grazing pasture at least four months a year, with 30 percent of their feed from that grazing. The rules take effect in June.
Law & Regulations
Vitamin D Nutritional Policy in Europe (Press Release)
The Standing Committee of European Doctors, the Vitamin D Workshop and the PA International Foundation convened doctors, MEPs and patient representatives at the European Parliament on 23 March 2010 to press for action on vitamin D deficiency, which speakers said affects at least half the population.
Politics
Nutrition Experts Battle Industry Groups Over Sugar
Nutrition experts say sugar and high-fructose corn syrup add empty calories and may raise cardiovascular risk, while sugar and HFCS trade groups call their products natural and harmless. Mercola sides with the experts and argues sugar alters gene activity for two weeks.
Legal Actions
Lawsuit Raises Fish Oil Supplement Concerns
California environmentalists sued eight fish oil makers and retailers, claiming PCB levels in popular supplements ranged from about 12 to more than 850 nanograms per recommended dose and that state law requires disclosure of any non-zero level.
Politics
USDA Inspector General Finds Bush Administration Ignored Organic Laws (PR)
The USDA Inspector General's March 9 report substantiated watchdog complaints that the agency enforced federal organic law inadequately under the Bush administration, flagging 14 major concerns. Cornucopia called the audit thorough and praised current management's response.
Legal Actions
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Cracks Down on Labeling Violations
FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg announced a broad push against illegal food label claims, and the agency sent more than 15 warning letters on 22 February 2010 to makers including Nestle, Gorton's and POM Wonderful. A consultant notes labels are the easiest violation to spot.
Politics
Michelle Obama calls on food industry to produce more healthy foods
Speaking to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, Michelle Obama urged Coca-Cola, General Mills, Kraft and other food giants to make healthier products and market them to children. The piece asks how much industry can do, noting healthy food costs more and that excess calories cause obesity.
Politics
Limit Fluoride to Prevent Lead Poisoning, researchers say (PR)
Sawan and colleagues report that rats given fluosilicic acid in drinking water took up more lead into tooth enamel, bone and dentine, and warn that fluoride exposure at ages one to three may push children's blood lead levels higher.
Politics
Canadian Cattle Producers Willing to Make Changes to Prevent E. coli O157 Contamination (PR)
A survey of 771 Canadian beef and dairy farmers, commissioned by vaccine maker Bioniche, found just over half willing to vaccinate cattle against E. coli O157 shedding and 88% willing if the vaccine were free. Food safety, recalls and export access drove their support.
Politics
CSPI Applauds Pepsi for Making World-Wide Commitment Not to Sell Sugary Soft Drinks in Schools(PR)
PepsiCo will phase full-sugar carbonated soft drinks out of schools worldwide, a move CSPI praised while noting the policy still allows sports drinks and unlimited juice portions in high schools. Coca-Cola's parallel policy covers only primary schools.
Law & Regulations
Food Safety Bill S 510 is about ready to go (PR)
A ScoringAg promotion built on Sen. Harkin's remark that the food safety bill is “about ready to go,” arguing its electronic records requirement and shift to all-up/all-down traceback leave the food and feed industry little time to prepare.
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