International Food Law

French authorities approve soda tax legislation

2012-01-06T09:59:00.001-05:00

French lawmakers have approved legislation for the proposed tax on sugar sweetened beverages in the country – effective from January 2012. http://www.foodnavigator.com/Legislation/French-authorities-approve-soda-tax-legislation

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act publication translated

2011-12-02T08:45:00.001-05:00

The Food Safety Law and the Rulemaking Process: Putting FSMA to Work now available in four languages: Español (Spanish), 中文 (Chinese), 日本 (Japanese), and ไทย (Thai).

EU passes mandatory nutrition labeling regulation

2011-11-23T21:58:00.001-05:00

Since the vote of the European Parliament in July, we have been waiting for the EU Food Information Regulation to be issued in final form. It was published in the Official Journal (L) of the European Union on November 22. The citation is Reg. (EU) 1169/2011. OJ(L) 304/18, 22 Nov 2011.

This Regulation revises 20 years of EP and EC Directives and Regulations. Among the changes, the regulation requires nutrition label declaration of the "Big 7"—energy, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, and salt by Dec. 13, 2016. There are also new rules on allergen labeling and legibility. The regulation introduces a minimum font size of 1.2 mm for all mandatory label information, and 0.9 mm for products whose packaging has a largest surface of less than 80 square cm.

The full text of the Regulation (66 pages), European Union's Food Information to Consumers Regulation, is available at: www.food-label-compliance.com. Hat tip to Charles Woodhouse.

Symposium: The Role of Public and Private Regulation in Detecting and Responding to Foodborne Disease Outbreaks

2011-11-12T10:58:00.001-05:00

A symposium will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on November 21, 2011, 1:30 to 4:30pm. In this final event, a multidisciplinary team will evaluate and compare the current systems for detecting and responding to foodborne outbreaks in the U.S. and the European Union. In the context of recent, produce-related foodborne outbreaks in the EU and the US, the team will examine and compare the respective approaches, assessing challenges in surveillance, detection, trace-back and identification of a contaminated food item. Finally, we will consider lessons learned from recent outbreaks by examining issues of public health, responsibilities of industry, and comparisons of regulatory frameworks.

Those speaking include;

— Dr. Jeri Barak-Cunningham, Assistant Professor, Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin – Madison. "Fresh produce – no longer surprising but now a major source of foodborne illness."

— Dr. Robert Tauxe, Deputy Director, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, US CDC. "The cycle of public health: Can we detect, investigate,and control foodborne outbreaks faster?"

— Dr. Jordi Serratosa-Vilageliu, EFSA Liaison Officer at FDA. "Improving public health decision making with tools of risk analysis."

To register, please send an email to Lorna Zach (lzach@engr.wisc.edu) with your name, affiliation, and email contact information. A webcast may be available.

US businesses face rude shock as EU health claims laws loom

2011-10-14T09:27:00.000-04:00

US businesses face rude shock as EU health claims laws loom:

US companies need to get up to speed with European Union health claim changes or face big hits on existing trade or missed opportunities, according to the chief of a leading UK supplements group.

US FDA, multilaterals team up for product safety

2011-10-12T22:41:00.001-04:00

From the time you take your morning vitamin until you brush your teeth at night, U.S. consumers use many products imported from other countries. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 40% of fresh produce are imported into the United States. Sometimes products may contain only one ingredient or component part from another country, while other times the entire product may come from one or many countries.

Because the neighborhood grocery and corner drug store are now global marketplaces, the FDA ensures the safety and effectiveness of products sold domestically by working through multilateral organizations to improve cooperation and collaboration with other countries. Multilateral organizations are groups of more than two countries banded together to work on specific issues. Participation in these groups offers the FDA opportunities to expand reach and increase knowledge.

The FDA is working with three multilateral organizations on projects that aim to improve food safety, as well as the safety of medical products for people and animals. FDA's partners are:

• World Health Organization (WHO)—The FDA has given WHO nearly $400,000 to help develop a plan for a global information system to make it easier to share information on food safety problems, including contamination that leads to a product recall.

• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)—The FDA, through a $904,000 award, is helping PAHO develop an information hub for the Americas through which countries in the region can share data, standards, and guidelines for regulators. FDA has also worked with PAHO to establish technical standards for drugs and biologics in the Americas.

• World Organization for Animal Health—With a grant of $565,000, the FDA is aiding the World Organization for Animal Health in its effort to strengthen agencies that regulate veterinary medical products.

Through its work with multilateral organizations and the FDA's own international offices, the agency is supporting efforts to strengthen regulatory agencies in developing nations and create internationally accepted standards of safety, efficacy, and quality.

More information is available here.

Health Canada's Proposed Approach to Managing Caffeinated Energy Drinks

2011-10-08T11:47:00.001-04:00

Health Canada has proposed regulations for energy drinks intended to prevent overconsumption of caffeine and other ingredients such as vitamins. The proposed change would require most energy drinks to be labeled with nutrition information, including the amount of caffeine in the product, and to identify groups for whom high levels of caffeine are not recommended, such as children and pregnant and breastfeeding women. The proposed measures would also limit the amount of caffeine in energy drinks to 180mg per serving – about the amount in an average cup of coffee. They would require manufacturers to ensure that types and levels of vitamins are within safe limits, and to add a warning advising not to mix the product with alcohol.

"The growth of energy drink consumption in recent years has resulted in higher levels of caffeine consumption among younger people than has previously been the case," Health Canada said. "…Canadians tend to think of and consume energy drinks not as health products but as soft drinks. Health Canada's proposals will assess the safety of these products according to how they are consumed to provide the best protection for Canadian consumers."

Health Canada is accepting comments on the proposed regulatory changes until November 15. More information and details of how to submit comments are available here. Hat tip to Caroline Scott-Thomas, Canada outlines proposed regulations for energy drinks.

Denmark introduces world's first food fat tax

2011-10-05T17:51:00.001-04:00

The BBC reports that Denmark has introduced what is believed to be the world's first fat tax—a surcharge on foods that are high in saturated fat. Butter, milk, cheese, pizza, meat, oil, and processed food are now subject to the tax if they contain more than 2.3% saturated fat. Danish officials say they hope the new tax will help limit the population's intake of fatty foods. However, some scientists think saturated fat may be the wrong target. They say salt, sugar, and refined carbohydrates are more detrimental to health and should be tackled instead.

EFSA chief warns EU vulnerable to food safety threats

2011-09-21T14:10:00.000-04:00

Image via WikipediaThe European Union (EU) is particularly susceptible to food safety threats, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) executive director Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle has warned.

“Europe is the biggest global trader in food products and the openness of the European market leaves us particularly vulnerable to food safety threats.”

A single food product could contain ingredients from across the world, many of which were produced to non-European standards.

Visit FoodProductionDaily.com for further information.

EU Community Legislation on Food Additives

2011-09-21T11:29:00.001-04:00

The European Commission maintains a useful Web site of EU community legislation on food additives, which consists of a framework Directive and three specific Directives: colours; sweeteners; the remaining food additives. The Community Legislation on food additives is based on the principle that only those additives that are explicitly authorised may be used. Most food additives may only be used in limited quantities in certain foodstuffs. If no quantitative limits are foreseen for the use of a food additive, it must be used according to good manufacturing practice, i.e. only as much as necessary to achieve the desired technological effect. Food additives may only be authorised if (1) there is a technological need for their use; (2) they do not mislead the consumer; (3) they present no health hazard to the consumer. Prior to their authorisation, food additives are evaluated for their safety by the European Food Safety Authority.

Summary of Key Provisions of the Food Safety Modernization Act

2011-06-28T14:47:00.002-04:00

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which signed into law by President Obama on January 4, 2011, amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to shift the focus of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from primarily reacting to food safety problems to prevention.

A summary of key new provisions and their impact is available on the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations website here.

EFFL-Workshop on Health Claims

2011-05-20T10:43:00.001-04:00

On Wednesday, 29 June 2011, the EFFL-Workshop on Health Claims will be held at the Club University Foundation in Brussels. This half-day workshop will present a number of currently debated issues regarding the regulation on health and nutrition claims. Special rates are offered for subscribers of the European Food and Feed Law Review EFFL and for full-time academics. Visit here for more information and online registration.

Note: Summer Academy on Global Food Law & Policy +++ 25-29 July 2011 +++ Lake Como, Italy +++ few places available +++ www.lexxion.eu/conferences +++ Apply now!

U.S. Dept. of Commerce’s seeks comments on regulatory cooperation between U.S., EU

2011-05-12T09:01:00.000-04:00

The Dept. of Commerce's International Trade Administration (ITA) seeks input on opportunities for cooperation to reduce or eliminate divergent regulatory measures that impede trade in goods in the transatlantic marketplace. The ITA identified specific possible types of regulatory cooperation (e.g., mutual recognition agreements) for which it invites comments. The U.S. Administration also seeks recommendations for specific current or emerging product sectors that may benefit from regulatory cooperation between the EU and U.S. Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments jointly. Details of this notice and comment submittal are accessible at:http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-05-03/pdf/2011-10713.pdf

Public Morals Proposed as a Grounds to Ban GMOs

2011-04-21T12:34:00.001-04:00

Public morals, public order, "social policy objectives," and "historical heritage" are some of the reasons the European Commission has proposed as grounds for a national ban of genetically modified crops. The plan presented by John Dalli, the European commissioner for health and consumer policy, is to give governments greater leeway to ban GM crop cultivation for factors other than health or environmental grounds. The legal service of the Council of Ministers criticized the proposal as contrary to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and the EU's own single market. More information is available from Jennifer Rankin, Growing GM crops 'could pose a threat to public order,' EuropeanVoice.com (Feb. 3, 2011).

International European Food and Feed Law Conference

2011-04-07T11:29:00.002-04:00

                    5^th International European Food and
                    Feed Law Conference
                    Regulation of Innovations

                    6/7 October 2011 · Logenhaus, Berlin


	This year's EFFL Conference has been scheduled for Thursday and Friday, 6 and 7 October 2011, at the Logenhaus in Berlin. The Regulation of Innovation is the theme of the agenda and will include experts from institutions, sciences, the industry and private legal practice to give insight into the following aspects of this issue: • The new regulation on novel food • Nanotechnology in food and feed • Challenges of the common authorization procedure • Risk assessment of innovations • Specific labelling requirements – an innovation killer? An early bird discount of 10 % is available for registration by 30 June. For more information please visit www.lexxion.eu/conferences.

Summer Academy on Global Food law & Policy 2011

2011-03-17T12:05:00.002-04:00

The third Summer Academy in Global Food Law & Policy will take place at Como Lake - Italy, July 25-29, 2011, at the beautiful Villa La Collina. A distinguished faculty from relevant food organizations (WTO, Codex, EFSA, EU Commission), industry (CocaCola) as well as academia (Michigan, Bocconi, HEC Paris) will be animating cutting-edge discussions on the latest developments in global food governance, from food private standards to health claims, from US Food Modernization Act to novel food regulation.

Among the those presenting are four faculty from the Institute for Food Laws and Regulations (IFLR) at Michigan State University: Neal Fortin, Professor at MSU and IFLR Director along with IFLR guest instructors Alberto Alemmano, Associate Professor of Law at HEC Paris, Gretchen Stanton, Senior Counsellor at WTO, and Raymond O'Rourke, Barrister, Ireland.

For more information on the program and the faculty, please find the brochure here and more information here and here. Please don't hesitate to contact Nikola Bock (bock@lexxion.de) for more information.

Chinese ban benzoyl peroxide and calcium peroxide as food additives

2011-03-10T17:18:00.001-05:00

According to China Daily, on March 1 Chinese authorities banned the production of two food additives used to bleach flour. The additives, benzoyl peroxide and calcium peroxide, were banned because "there is no need to use them in flour processing anymore" as the country's processing techniques and wheat planting have improved, the ministry said in a statement on its website.

EU BPA Ban Now in Effect

2011-03-02T08:36:00.001-05:00

A ban prohibiting the manufacture in the European Union of baby bottles containing Bisphenol A (BPA) became effective March 1, 2011. BPA is an organic molecule that is used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics. Small amounts of BPA can be released from plastic containers into the food they carry if these containers are heated at high temperatures. According to scientific evidence, infants' ability to eliminate BPA is still building up during their first six months of life.
The ban of the manufacture of baby bottles with BPA was adopted in January (EU Directive (2011/8/EU) and entered into force on 1 March. For more information, visit Alberto Alemanno's blog here.

Indian Supreme Court bans industry from advisory committee

2011-02-11T07:47:00.001-05:00

FoodProductionDaily reports that the Indian Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSA) has been blocked from including representatives from the food and beverage industry in a scientific panel set up to advise on safety and standards.The Indian Supreme Court found that involvement of food industry figures breached the Food Safety and Standards Act because such panels could not be said to be manned by independent experts.

"We are sorry to say that the panel does not consist of independent persons. It is contrary to the [Food Safety and Standards] Act." stated the ruling.The ruling stated that representatives from the relevant industry and consumer representatives could be invited for deliberations but could not form part of the body giving recommendations.

INFOSAN meeting in Abu Dhabi

2011-01-18T18:00:00.000-05:00

The International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) began with a keynote speech by Dr. Alan Reilly, Chief Executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. He highlighted the importance of global cooperation in aims to provide the best food safety standards for consumers worldwide.

"The global nature and growing complexity of the food chain means that risks posed by unsafe foods have the potential to quickly evolve from a local problem to an international incident in a short period of time," Dr. Reilly said.

Gowan Risk Regulation Judgment

2010-12-28T16:42:00.002-05:00

On December 22 2010, the European Courts delivered their most important risk regulation judgment since Pfizer. It is not possible to do justice to the reasoning of the Court in a few lines, but Alberto Alemanno has brought this important judgment to our attention, The Gowan judgment: celebrating the EU risk regulation paradigm for decision-making.

UK unveils new labelling responsibilities

2010-09-05T11:51:00.001-04:00

Food Navigator.com reports on the UK Government's change of food responsibilities. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) will retain responsibility for food safety aspects of labelling. This will cover:

• scientific advice on the food safety aspects of date marking

• assessment and labelling of ingredients/foods with food safety implications (e.g. allergens, glycols, high caffeine, high glycyrrhizinic acid)

• food safety aspects of organic food and of foods controlled by compositional standards

• treatments and conditions of use with food safety implications (e.g. quick frozen foods, raw drinking milk and pasteurisation, food contact materials)

• GM and novel foods (including use of nanotechnology)

• EU General Food Law regulation, including traceability of food

• Codex Committees on Food Hygiene, Methods of Analysis and Sampling, Food Additives, Contaminants in Foods

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will continue to cover its current labelling responsibilities, such as welfare, marketing standards and eco labelling. It will also now deal with labelling where this does not relate to food safety or nutrition. This includes:

• general lead on food labelling legislation and relevant EU negotiations

• lead on the EU Food Information proposal

• country of origin labelling

• food composition standards and labelling such as fruit juice and fruit nectars, jams and bottled water

• technical advice on compositional standards for food without specific legislation, such as soft drinks and cereal products

• fish labelling

• use of marketing terms e.g. natural, fresh, clear labelling, vegan and vegetarian labelling

• food authenticity programme

• Codex Committees for: Food Labelling, Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Fats and Oils, Fish and Fishery Products, Europe, General Principles

• lead on Codex Alimentarius Commission, General Principles and Coordinating Committee for Europe

The Department of Health will cover nutritional labelling policy (and relevant EU negotiations).This will include:

• nutrition related aspects of the EU food information regulation

• front of pack labelling

• food for particular nutritional uses (PARNUTS)

• infant formula and follow on formula

• health and nutrition claims

• food supplements

• calorie information in catering establishments

• Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses

Canada to Place BPA on List of Toxic Substances

2010-08-21T21:37:00.001-04:00

Environment Canada intends to place bisphenol A (BPA) on the country's list of toxic substances within eight to 10 weeks. In April 2008, the government first banned polycarbonate baby bottles. According to a recently released letter from Environment Minister Jim Prentice, the agency has formally rejected the American Chemistry Council's July 15, 2009, request for a review board because the group did not supply "any new scientific data or information with respect to the nature and extent of the danger posed by bisphenol A."

Earlier, Statistics Canada released a study examining lead and BPA concentrations in the Canadian population. Researchers used data from the 2007-2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey to determine that 91 percent of the population ages 6 to 69 had BPA in their urine.

EFLA Congress on Private Food Law

2010-08-08T10:35:00.001-04:00

The European Food Law Association (EFLA) Congress, which will take place in Amsterdam from September 15–17, 2010, is entitled "Non-regulatory dimensions of food law." Lawrence Busch, University Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University, will present the talk, "Quasi-States? The Unexpected Rise of Private Food Law." He discusses how the retreat of the state led to the rise of a wide range of 'quasi-states' of firms, industry groups, and private voluntary organisations, pursuing their own aims and interests through private codes, laws, rules, and regulations. Whether they can achieve legitimacy and democratic modes of governance remains to be seen.

For more information, please visit www.efla-aeda.org.

Health Canada seeks comments on gluten-free labeling revision

2010-05-14T10:57:00.001-04:00

Health Canada intends to modernize Canada's current gluten-free labeling policy in order to minimize the risk of inadvertent consumption of gluten by sensitive individuals and to maximize the choice of gluten-free foods for consumers following a gluten-free diet. The agency is seeking comments. More information is available here and here.

Summer Academy in Global Food Law & Policy, Como - Italy

2010-05-09T11:10:00.000-04:00

The 2^nd EFFL Summer Academy in Global Food law & Policy will be held on July 26-30, 2010, at the beautiful Villa La Collina on the shores of the Como Lake, Italy. Building on the successful previous edition, the academy will offer scientific reflection and discourse on key legal and policy issues in European and World food law as well as information and updates on the latest developments. This will be achieved through a dynamic, informal and highly interactive five-day programme, which includes lectures, presentations, discussion groups and social activities. The faculty of the academy consists of food experts coming from relevant authorities, European and US institutions, academia, legal practice and the industry.

Speakers

Alberto ALEMANNO Associate Professor of Law HEC, Paris

David BYRNE S.C. Former EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection

Dirk DETKEN Head of the Units Legal & Policy, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

Marsha A. ECHOLS, Director of the World Food Law Institute, Washington D.C.

André EVERS, Food and Veterinary Office, European Commission

Andreas KADI, Chief Science Officer, Red Bull GmbH

Susanne KETTLER, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Director, Coca-Cola Company

Vittorio SILANO, Chair of the Scientific Committee, European Food Safety Authority

Topics

The summer academy will cover main aspects of the law and policy of food regulation. Thereby, it will give a broad overview on the subject from a legal as well as a public policy point of view. In particular, it will discuss on the following:

- The global and international food regulation (WTO, SPS/Codex Alimentarius, WHO/FAO)

- The State of Play of WTO trade disputes (Hormones II, COOL, Australia Apples, EC-Poultry) and EU Food regulation (Food Supplements, enriched foodstuffs, novel food and Food Improvement Agents Package)

- The emergence of private standards
- Food quality and labelling issues

- The new challenges facing EFSA (Health Claims; Animal Cloning; Safety and claims of botanical) and its relationships with US FDA/USDA

- The risk analysis framework as applied in the food regulation sector

- The system of official controls
- Data sharing, protection and compensation in pre-market approval regimes

Please apply no later than May 30, 2010.

Further information

For further details, please visit: http://www.lexxion.de/2nd-effl-academy/

Food Labeling Workshop at MSU July 28-29

2010-04-30T16:14:00.001-04:00

Institute for Food Laws & Regulations

» Hurry, registration is limited

Food Labeling Workshop

July 28-29, 2010 · Lansing, Michigan

This workshop presents the FDA requirements for US food labeling. The workshop format and materials are designed to provide a user-friendly approach for those new to food labeling and also provide a thorough system and reference for those experienced with food label design and review. The workshop format allows time for questions. The focus is practical, and students are encouraged to bring problem labels for hands-on review.
For more information, click here.

Early bird discount (by May 14, 2008): $895

Register Online or

Download a Registration Form (PDF)

Free Bonus
Workshop participants will receive the Guide to U.S. Food Labeling Law (Vol. I) by Peter Barton Hutt, Esq. The Guide provides practical guidance and expert advice on FDA, FTC, and USDA labeling requirements in plain English. The Guide is an invaluable resource for regulatory officials, industry personnel, and anyone reviewing food labels.

The Instructors

Neal Fortin, is Professor and Director of the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations, Michigan State University. His law practice experience concentrated on food law, labeling, ingredient evaluation, advertising, legislation, and administrative law. Professor Fortin also has 20 years experience in food regulatory work with the state of Michigan, including being the primary drafter of Michigan Food Law of 2000. He has trained more than 1,500 people on the labeling law.

Constance Henry, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

James E. Hoadley is a senior consultant with EAS Consultant Group. In Dr. Hoadley's 20-year FDA career he served ten years a Senior Regulatory Scientist in the Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements (ONPLDS) with primary responsibilities in food label claim regulations. Dr. Hoadley has been directly involved in the scientific review and drafting of authorizing regulation, or denials, of nearly all health claim petitions received by CFSAN over the last decade. Dr. Hoadley has received the CFSAN Distinguished Career Service Award.

John Spink is the Director of the Packaging for Food and Product Protection Initiative at Michigan State University (MSU) and a faculty at the MSU School of Packaging. John developed and teaches the graduate classes “Packaging for Food Safety” and “Food Protection & Defense – Packaging Module”, and the “Future of Sustainability.”

IFLR Internet Courses

International Food Laws and Regulations
Food Regulation in the United States
Food Regulation in the European Union
Food Regulation in Latin America
Food Regulation in Canada
Codex Alimentarius (The Food Code)
IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention)
Food Regulation in Asia
New Summer Course Offering:
Animal Health, World Trade, and Food Safety (OIE)

Learn more about IFLR at:
www.IFLR.msu.edu or call (517) 355-8295

Email: IFLR@msu.edu Telephone: (517) 355-8295
Fax: (517) 432-1492 web: www.IFLR.msu.edu

Institute for Food Laws and Regulation
Michigan State University, 140 G.M. Trout Building, East Lansing, MI 48824

If you would like to be sure of receiving future IFLR announcements:
Subscribe to the IFLR mailing list

Health Canada completes safety assessment of caffeine use in non-cola beverages

2010-03-24T09:16:00.001-04:00

After an review of available science, Health Canada has authorized broader use of caffeine as a food additive from cola-type beverages to all carbonated soft drinks. (Similar levels of caffeine are currently allowed in non-cola soft drinks in the United States and Europe.) Health Canada has determined that adding synthetic caffeine to non-cola soft drinks in concentrations no higher than 150 parts per million (ppm) poses no health risk to consumers when they follow Health Canada’s recommendations for maximum daily caffeine intake. The authorized concentration for non-cola beverages is lower than the maximum of 200 ppm authorized under the Food and Drug Regulations for cola beverages. The current prohibition against adding synthetic caffeine to other foods remains in place.

Health Canada is urging manufacturers to voluntarily identify on product labels the total caffeine contained in a product from both natural ingredients such as guarana and from direct addition as a food additive. Health Canada is also asking industry to go beyond food additive labeling requirements (i.e., mandatory declaration of caffeine in the list of ingredients) and identify the presence of caffeine on the front of package labeling of newly caffeinated beverage formulations.

Conference on consumer and regulatory acceptance of functional foods

2010-03-01T11:50:00.001-05:00

An US and EU Conference entitled "Consumer and Regulatory Acceptance of Functional Foods: Implications for Innovation" will be held in Fermoy Co. Cork, Ireland on March 12th 2010. The schedule for the event is available here. Registration details are available here.

FAO Report: State of Food and Agriculture: Livestock in the Balance

2010-02-25T11:46:00.001-05:00

The Food and Agriculture Organization recently released this report, State of Food and Agriculture: Livestock in the Balance. The FAO report analyzes the rapidly changing global livestock production. Around one billion poor people depend on livestock production. The report stresses that livestock is essential to the livelihoods of around one billion poor people. Livestock provides income, high-quality food, fuel, draught power, building material and fertilizer, thus contributing to food security and nutrition. For many small-scale farmers, livestock also provides an important safety net in times of need. But the agency stressed the need for substantial investments and stronger institutions at global, regional, national and local levels, to ensure that continued growth of the livestock sector contributes to livelihoods, meets growing consumer demand and mitigates environmental and health concerns.

Food Safety News

2010-02-02T15:14:00.001-05:00

Issued by the Department of Food Safety and Zoonoses, World Health Organization

No 36 - 26 January 2010: http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/newsletter/36en.pdf

IN THIS ISSUE:

•Food Safety at the Executive Board – WHO Headquarters – January 2010

•Development of the WHO Strategy for the management of zoonotic public health risks at the human–animal interface

•Call for Experts and Data for Bisphenol A

•Codex Trust Fund

•New publications available on the web

To subscribe, e-mail: foodsafety@who.int, include the text "Subscribe to FOS Newsletter" in the subject line.

Newsletter Archives: http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/newsletter/en/

Health Canada's Consultation workbook on Precautionary Labelling of Priority Allergens in Prepackaged Foods

2009-11-24T15:20:00.002-05:00

Health Canada's Consultation workbook on Precautionary Labelling of Priority Allergens in Prepackaged Foods is now available here and can be completed and submitted until February 10, 2010.

Health Canada Consulting on Policy Options for Precautionary Labelling of Priority Allergens on Pre-Packaged Foods is available here.

Consultation on Precautionary Labelling of Food Allergens is available here.

Obama in Asia: The First Pacific President Attends APEC Summit

2009-11-14T13:39:00.002-05:00

From Obama Foodorama, a nice report on President Obama’s arrival last night in Singapore and attendance at the Gala Dinner at the APEC Summit. “Last night, President ending leaders were given traditional garb for the dinner, and had a choice between red shirts and blue. President Obama, of course, chose blue. APEC is the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and has 21 member countries. One of the primary goals of this week's meeting is the development of a region-wide free trade area, which would account for half the world's imports and exports if it becomes a reality. During meetings over the past few days, leaders have been discussing ending all restrictions on food trade, which is a huge percentage of the economic pie. It's also something that is problematic, in part due to food safety problems . . .”

Above, at dinner: President Obama with, from left, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Japan's Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, China's President Hu Jintao, New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key, Mexico's President Felipe Calderon.

Counting the global burden of foodborne disease - more than 1 million deaths a year

2009-11-09T20:48:00.000-05:00

Susan Jones, “Counting the global burden of foodborne disease,” Speaking of Medicine (Nov. 2, 2009) at: http://speakingofmedicine.plos.org/2009/11/02/counting-the-global-burden-of-foodborne-disease/

“[Y]ou may be surprised to find that the global burden of disease attributable to foodborne illness, which is perhaps the most basic information needed to push forward research and action on foodborne illness, is not known. Why is there such an apparent lack of interest in documenting the scope of illnesses that affect people from all countries? One reason may be a common misconception that foodborne diseases are mild and self-limiting. A second and very important reason is that it’s often incredibly difficult to attribute foodborne illnesses and deaths to a specific foodstuff. And a third reason is that there is no well-heeled funder providing the impetus and cash to tackle foodborne illness, unlike other global problems such as HIV, malaria and TB.

“In 2007, the WHO launched an international initiative to tackle foodborne disease. The WHO Initiative to Estimate the Global Burden of Foodborne Diseases aims to quantify how many people die from, or are affected by, all major foodborne causes each year. The FERG (Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group) initiative, led by Claudia Stein and Jorgen Schlundt from the WHO, aims to set the problem of foodborne illness in context. . . .

“FERG has commissioned research seeking to quantify burdens of different foodborne diseases. Early reports were presented at the meeting and revealed the shocking level of the problem. A systematic review by Christa Fischer-Walker and Robert Black from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in the US revealed that there are a whopping 5 billion episodes of diarrhea in children aged > 5 annually, with 3.2 billion cases in South-East Asia. Specific inspection of papers reporting deaths revealed that there were more than 1.15 million estimated deaths from diarrhea in South East Asia and Africa each year in children >5 — this is almost a million more deaths than was previously estimated. The paucity of data was laid bare by these preliminary results, with no data for China, Latin America, the Middle East. Pathogens in the spotlight in these systematic reviews were the usual suspects, including E. coli, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae, Campylobacter and Salmonella. This is not a burden solely borne by those living in poverty — 455 million episodes of diarrhea each year in the Americas and 419 million episodes each year in Europe. The data are so limited that these global estimates are virtually bound to underreport the problem. . . .”

This is how Europe operates when it comes to food safety

2009-11-06T12:10:00.001-05:00

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has published an EU Food Safety Almanac, which briefly describes the state structures of food and feed safety in 30 European states. "Smooth cooperation between the state players in Europe strengthens food safety. If the stakeholders and structures in the European countries are known to all those concerned, then we will be able to work together even more effectively and avoid the duplication of work", says Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel.

The EU Food Safety Almanac (German and English) can be downloaded free-of-charge here on the BfR website.

Overview of the Main Institutions of the EU

2009-09-14T20:50:00.003-04:00

A slide presentation by Laurence Castle, Central Science Laboratory, York (UK), “Overview of the main institutions of the EU” (2008).

EU Training on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Issues for Asian Countries

2009-09-14T20:50:00.001-04:00

EU Training on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Issues for Asian Countries provides links to seminar slides organised by the European Commission Directorate General for TRADE in cooperation with the Directorate General for Health and Consumers (DG SANCO). Although aimed at improving mutual understanding of Sanitary and Phytosanitary issues and relevant legislation between the EU and administrators from Asian countries, the materials are applicable generally on SPS issues in the EU and globally.

Can the multilateral institutions encourage unbiased outcomes?

2009-09-14T17:49:00.001-04:00

Lee Ann Jackson and Marion Jansen have written, “Risk assessment in the international food safety policy arena: Can the multilateral institutions encourage unbiased outcomes?” (Jan. 2009). The working paper describes how food safety related scientific evidence is generated and how it is used in the context of risk assessment for international standard-setting at Codex and in WTO trade disputes. The authors also discuss the processes leading to policy conclusions on the basis of scientific evidence. They discuss the interactions between private and public sector actors and between "scientific experts" and others. Finally, they provide suggestions on improving the interactions and the transparency of the process.

"At the table with Darwin"

2009-09-14T17:19:00.002-04:00

The new Food Systems, Culture and Society programme at the Open University of Catalonia (UOC) is coordinating a conference this evening called “At the table with Darwin” as part of their “UOC Darwin Year”. Beth Forrest, Thomas Glick and José Enrique Campillo will each present a 30 minute talk related to Darwin and food. More information is available here.

Nation-Specific Risk Tolerance in the WTO

2009-08-18T09:24:00.003-04:00

From the National AgLaw Center e-Newsletter:

When WTO member states seek to restrict imports on the grounds of protecting public health and safety, those restrictions must be justified under the provisions of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, one of the agreements that make up the WTO system. Recently, the WTO's dispute resolution arm considered attempts to justify restrictions on hormone-treated beef and on biotech products. In doing so, the WTO announced a standard that permits greater individuality of SPS measures among WTO members, while also ensuring a rigorous scientific review of even the most nation-specific solutions. Nation-Specific Risk Tolerance in the WTO: US-Continued Suspension of Obligations in the EC-Hormones Dispute by Alison Peck describes the SPS Agreement, discusses the important cases, and explains the decision, standard and practical effects of the ruling.

New Food Standards Agency Chair

2009-07-23T10:15:00.001-04:00

The Food Standards Agency today welcomes the announcement of the appointment of Lord Rooker as its new Chair by the Secretary of State for Health.

Lord Rooker, a former Minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), replaces the outgoing Chair Dame Deirdre Hutton and will take up his new duties on 27 July.

The press release is available here.

Lead Instructor Opening for OIE Course

2009-07-23T09:58:00.001-04:00

The Institute for Food Laws & Regulations (IFLR) at Michigan State University is seeking a lead instructor for a course on the OIE and world animal health. This is a three credit course is taught completely over the Internet and is designed for those interested in the global animal health and its relationship to international trade in animals and animal products.

For more information on the opening, visit here.

The Unexplored Potential of Organic-Biotech Production

2009-07-20T15:43:00.001-04:00

From the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service GAIN Report, The Unexplored Potential of Organic-Biotech Production:

“The organic movement rejects biotechnology as inherently contradictory to its fundamental goal of promoting environmental protection in agriculture. European organic promoters in particular stress respect for nature over yield maximization, campaigning for a return to traditional production methods and inputs. [1] In reality, the divide between organics and biotechnology is an artificial construction maintained by ideology rather than science. A governmental decision to change organic regulations to permit the use of biotechnology could have far-reaching policy implications for global agriculture. Allowing producers to gain organic certification for biotech crops could encourage the development of a new type of environmentally sustainable agricultural production with greater benefits for the consumer.”

The full report is available here.

US FDA chief seeks closer ties with EU for drug and food safety

2009-07-17T14:44:00.000-04:00

Dr. Margaret Hamburg, the new Commissioner of the FDA, said the agency hopes to build closer ties with European Union counterparts. The plan coincides with a previous agreement between the U.S. and the EU to assign experts in their food and drug agencies to coordinate public health policies. Forbes/Associated Press

New Online Food Studies Program

2009-06-25T15:35:00.002-04:00

The UOC International Graduate Institute is now offering an online master's program in Food, Society, and International Governance. The program is designed for individuals interested in enhancing their understanding and analysis of agriculture and food policy, and increasing their understanding of the social, cultural and economic factors that influence and shape the development and enforcement of agriculture governance. This combination presents an opportunity to explore connections between the historical, political, scientific, strategic and ethical considerations involved in the organisation of food policy and agriculture internationally.

This program is designed to prepare people to meet the demand for knowledgeable and well-trained food systems leaders and analysts by fostering practical and critical learning with an international perspective.

Starting in October, UOC will be offering innovative online courses:

* Masters in Food, Society and International Governance (2 years, part time, €4,200)

* Postgraduate Diploma in Food Systems and Governance (1 year, part time, €2,300)

* Short course in Food systems Analysis (4 months, part time, €1,200)

Is this programme for you?

The Food Systems, Culture and Society programme attracts students and people who work across the agri-food sector. Many of our students already have work experience and are looking to broaden their knowledge and skills so as to advance their careers.

The courses are specifically geared towards:

§ Individuals working in the agri-food sector

§ Public administrators

§ Policy analysts

§ Consultants

§ Lawyers

§ Journalists specializing in food politics

§ Professional organizations, NGOs or international cooperation projects that address issues linked to food and agriculture

§ Students wishing further education on issues of agri-food governance

This programme will prepare people to meet the demand for knowledgeable and well-trained food systems analysts and leaders, by fostering practical and critical learning with an international perspective.

Note that to apply for the programme, you do not have a university degree. Please submit a CV and letter of interest to foodsystems@uoc.edu.

About the UOC

The UOC is a leader in e-learning and we are progressive in our determination to champion open education that integrates new ideas and new technologies. The UOC is a 100% internet-based, fully accredited university operating from Barcelona. We champion multilingualism and hold the UNESCO chair in e-learning.

To find the program on Facebook, search "food systems, culture and society"

Check out the blog

Find out more online

New Reports: From the Foreign Agricultural Service Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN)

2009-06-22T20:52:00.001-04:00

2009 Leading Agricultural Sectors for US Export and Investment_Taipei ATO_Taiwan_4-10-2009.pdf
Agricultural marketing specialists compile basic agricultural market information for U.S. exporters about a range of industry and service sectors in Taiwan. The leading agricultural report, updated annually, cover beef, pork, poultry, fresh fruit, dried and frozen fruit, ready-to-use ingredients, cheese, engineered wood, chocolate and other candy, pet food and wine and spirits, fish and seafood products, and ginseng sectors which represent the best prospects for U.S. exporters.
Bangkok Newsletter - June 2009_Bangkok_Thailand_4-16-2009.pdf In this issue you will find information on market access for U.S. potatoes and pork, APEC events, market opportunities for U.S. exports to Thailand; and upcoming events.
Biotech Field Destructions Continue_Berlin_Germany_6-3-2009.pdf Anti-biotech groups have continued their destruction in 2009. By the end of May 2009, the German Plant Breeders Association (BDP) already reported six cases of research plot destructions and occupations in Germany this year. Since there is no commercial cultivation of biotech crops allowed in Germany, activists are concentrating their destructive work on research fields and research installations.
Commodity Report_EU-27 CITRUS SEMI-ANNUAL_Madrid_Spain EU-27_6-9-2009.pdf EU-27 citrus orchards include orange, lemon, mandarin and grapefruit groves. Production is mainly in the Mediterranean regions of Spain, Italy and Greece, with lesser production in France, Cyprus, Malta and Portugal. While it is still early in the season, production for MY 2009/10 is expected to be similar to that of MY 2008/09.
General Report_New Delhi_India_6-12-2009.pdf India's bio-fuel strategy continues to focus on use of non-food sources for production of bio-fuels: sugar molasses for production of ethanol for blending with gasoline, and non-edible oilseeds for production of bio-diesel for blending with petro-diesel. The government's current target of five percent blending of ethanol with petrol has been partially successful in years of surplus sugar production, but falters when sugar production declines.
General Report_The Hague_Netherlands-Germany EU-27_6-15-2009.pdf In Directive 2003/30, the EU set indicative targets for biofuel consumption. While the use of biofuels is trending upwards it is not expected that the EU will achieve its target of 5.75% of road transport fuel by 2010. In the previous EU Biofuels Annual, it was reported that profit margins in the biofuels sector were reduced by high feedstock prices and competitive imports. Since the summer of 2008, however, the market for biodiesel in the EU further deteriorated due to the decline in fossil ...
Improved Access for Australian Citrus and Mangos to China_Canberra_Australia_06-17-2009.pdf The emerging trade in Australian citrus and mangos to China is expected to grow after the Australian Federal Government negotiated improved market access.
New Law on GMO is prohibiting trade or commercial growing of GMO _Belgrade_Serbia_6-10-2009.pdf On May 29, 2009 National Parliament of the Republic of Serbia adopted new Law Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) that fully prohibits the possibility of commercial growing of live modified organisms, or trade with live modified organism and products derived from genetically modified organisms. With the new Law on GMO, Serbian import of soybean meal (from roundup ready soybeans) for cattle feed is no longer possible.
Organic Agriculture in Serbia_Belgrade_Serbia_6-8-2009.pdf Serbia has around 218 certified organic farmers with organic production on approximately 5,000 hectares. Only 600 hectares are certified by the certified organizations that are accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture. Total organic production accounts about 30,000 tons of organic products. Total market value of organic products in Serbia is about $55 million. Imported organic products can be found on supermarket shelves and in specialized stores. At present, more than 90 percent of all organic...
UAE Decrees New Import Requirements for Cooked Red Meat_Dubai_United Arab Emirates_6-15-2009.pdf The UAE's Ministry of Environment and Water has issued new requirements for the importation of cooked red meat, a product previously regulated by the General Secretariat of Municipalities. The decree states that meat must come animals that were not treated with hormones and requires both a veterinary and health certificate for shipments, these and other requirements could pose a significant challenge to U.S. exporters and regulators.
Weekly Rice Price Update_Bangkok_Thailand_6-16-2009.pdf Domestic and export prices increased up to ten percent due to limited exportable supplies, particularly for parboiled rice. Exporters are facing unexpected supply difficulties as the government stock release decision is still being reviewed by the Cabinet. The stock release review has forced some exporters to source white rice from the domestic market. Any increases in current export prices are expected to be temporary as the government is releasing a portion of the contracts which have been ...

The Sparkling Wine War: Pitting Trademark Rights Against Geographic Indications

2009-06-01T22:02:00.002-04:00

The May/June 2009 issue of Business Law Today is all about food. The article, The Sparkling Wine War: Pitting Trademark Rights Against Geographic Indications

By Carol Robertson, provides an nice overview of the US-EU debate on geographic indicators for wine.

"Masquerading as Champagne might be legal, but it isn't fair," reads a recent ad sponsored by the Office of Champagne, USA, a trade group dedicated to the promotion of the interests of French champagne producers. What is their complaint?—that certain U.S. winemakers are legally entitled to produce sparkling wine in this country and label it "champagne."

The Historic Mystique of Champagne

Champagne (in French "le champagne") is a beverage produced in La Champagne. This region of Northeastern France is known for its chalky soil, which contributes to the unique flavor of a sparkling wine that has long been a favorite celebration beverage—at marriages, births, and, of course, the New Year. Since the early nineteenth century, American vintners have attempted to produce a sparkling wine that would rival champagne. In 1842, Louis Longworth of Cincinnati (known as the father of the American wine industry) produced a bubbly wine from the native Catawba grape that was compared favorably to the French product. In 1876, a New York Times correspondent encountered a sparkling wine called "Eclipse" at Buena Vista Winery in California. By the end of the nineteenth century, a number of U.S. producers were making sparkling wine and were not hesitant to call their products "champagne." Among these were the Korbel brothers, who began producing a sparkling wine called "champagne" in California in 1882. . . .

Place Name Versus Trademark

There is a conflict between European wine producers and American wine producers over whether greater importance should be placed on the name of a place where a wine is produced or the brand under which it is sold. In America, historically, the trademark has been the most important feature, not the provenance of the wine. But European producers have long recognized the importance of "terroir"—that wine made from grapes grown in a particular location will have a unique taste. The word "terroir" has no English translation. It means place, certainly, but also it implies soil characteristics, climate, and altitude, for example. It represents also the learnings about wine production passed on from an earlier generation of winemakers to their followers, that is, the craft of the winemaker. France's first laws designed to protect geographic areas were enacted in the nineteenth century, as a means to deter fraudulent indication of origin. In 1919, the French created the Appellation D'Origine Contrôl&ée (AOC), which required that the true geographic origin of a wine be accurately represented and which remains in effect to this day. Starting in 1989, the European Union (EU) passed a number of regulations governing wine products with a goal of preventing descriptions that were incorrect or were likely to cause confusion or to mislead consumers. These regulations were intended to apply not only to wines produced in Europe but also to wines originating in other countries. They specifically prohibit the use of the name of a given region in the EU to describe an imported wine. . . .

Europe's Stance: Geography Controls

For comparable reasons, Europeans wish to protect their place names. The French have long railed against the common practice of U.S. winemakers to indiscriminately borrow French place names—such as Champagne, Burgundy, or Chablis—to label wines that do not come from these specific regions and that do not even closely resemble them. . . .

Robertson’s whole article is available here.

"Better Training for Safer Food" initiative gets off to Africa

2009-05-13T17:12:00.000-04:00

A "Better Training for Safer Food in Africa" (BTSF) initiative was launched in an effort to help developing countries improve their food safety systems for the benefit of their populations and economies. BTSF has provided training to both European and third country officials who are responsible for checking that EU rules related to food, feed, plant health, animal health and welfare are properly applied.

Jointly with the African Union Commission (AUC), a specific programme targeted at Africa has been now set up, with the view to promoting compliance with international Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) measures as key to bilateral trade, both within Africa and with the rest of the world, and to increasing the protection of citizens. Under "BTSF-Africa" the EC and the AUC will jointly coordinate the implementation, from 2009 to 2010, of seven capacity building activities worth around €10 million. The key objective is to support food safety mainly by the transfer of technical expertise and policy advice in areas of food safety and quality across Africa.

More information is available here and here.

UK Revised Food Safety Act guide

2009-05-11T10:56:00.001-04:00

The Food Standards Agency has published its revised guidance on the legal requirements of the Food Safety Act 1990 for food businesses in England, Scotland and Wales. The Food Safety Act 1990 – A Guide for Food Businesses (2009 Edition) is at http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/fsactguide.pdf

EU Food Law Update April 2009

2009-04-25T14:03:00.001-04:00

European Union Food Law Update - IV (Leibovitch) April 2009 is now available on the National Agriculture Law Center website.

Also available:

European Union Food Law Update - III (Coutrelis) 2006

European Union Food Law Update - II (Coutrelis) 2006

European Union Food Law Update (Coutrelis) 2005

Report on Mexico Labeling Requirements

2009-04-16T11:03:00.001-04:00

The USDA FAS Attache Report, MEXICO, Labeling Requirements (April 14, 2009) has been released. This report covers the general labeling specifications rule for pre-packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages. Currently the regulation is under review by the Mexican government. Read this report here

New USDA Regional Web Pages

2009-04-14T15:58:00.001-04:00

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) added four regional Web pages: Western Hemisphere, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and Asia and Oceania. These regional pages link to country pages, which provide essential demographic, economic and political information. The regional pages are available here.

In addition, the FAS Web site includes many searchable databases providing export, import, production, supply, and distribution data, as well as export sales reports and market reports from U.S. agricultural trade experts stationed in 97 offices around the world. The database information is available here.

"Cheat Death" Fruit Juice Ad Banned

2009-04-09T09:30:00.002-04:00

An advertisement for POM Wonderful read, “Cheat Death. The antioxidant power of pomegranate juice.” POM Wonderful offered the “no one would take it serious” defense. While consumers are unlikely to believe the juice would make them immortal, some may believe the product somehow contributed to a longer life, concluded the UK Advertising Standards Authority. The claim for longer life was not substantiated and was banned. The article in the UK Telegraph is here.

Nutrition labels and health claims: the global regulatory environment

2009-04-03T15:48:00.001-04:00

This World Health Organization (WHO) document reviews the global regulatory environment for nutrition labeling and health claims. It provides an overview of existing international, regional, and national regulations. It compiles, categorizes, and tabulates international, regional, and national regulations, and compares differing regulatory systems in 74 countries and areas. It also reviews regulations on the quantitative declaration of ingredients (information which indicates to consumers the proportion of healthful and less healthful components of the food product).

Health Canada Guidance on Food-like Natural Health Products

2009-04-02T09:49:00.004-04:00

In Canada, natural health products and foods are regulated under the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) and its regulations. Products that meet the definition of a “natural health product” under the Natural Health Product Regulations (NHPR) are subject to the FDA. Products that are “food” as defined by the FDA are subject to regulation under the food requirements of the FDA and to Parts A, B and D of the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR).

Since implementing the Natural Health Product Regulations (NHPR) in 2004, Health Canada has received several hundred product license applications for products in food format (e.g., energy drinks, vitamin or mineral supplements in candy, and water with added vitamins or minerals). These products have characteristics of both natural health products (NHPs) and foods. There have been regulatory challenges in classifying these products. Are they food-like NHPs or NHPs in food form?

Health Canada provides a new guidance document that outlines the principles and consideration to be applied in determining if a product in a food format is a natural health product.

Challenge to EU Health Claims Review System

2009-04-02T09:49:00.001-04:00

Shane Starling, NutraIngredients.com (Mar. 27, 2009) suggests that a several European industry groups are dissatisfied with the approach being taken by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in it assessment of health claims. A number of claims submitted for assessment under Article 14 have received negative opinions from EFSA.

The European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM), the European Botanical Forum and the European Responsible Nutrition Alliance are considering challenging the controversial legislation in the European Court of Justice on the grounds that it breaches the free trade principles embodied in the European Union Treaty.

The EHPM is concerned that the EFSA intends assess article 13 claims (claims based on generally accepted scientific evidence) with the same “gold standard” approach used with assessing dossiers submitted under article 14 claims (disease risk reduction claims and children’s claims). EFSA has not released any opinions on the 4000 claims submitted under Article 13.1

Global Food Contact Conference in Frankfurt, Germany

2009-04-01T10:58:00.004-04:00

Dr. P. Vincent Hegarty, Founding Director and Professor Emeritus, Institute for Food Laws & Regulations, will be speaking at the forthcoming Global Food Contact Legislation 2009 conference in Frankfurt, Germany. The conference is from Tuesday 23rd June until Thursday 25th June, 2009.

The conference examines the food contact laws for Europe, the US, Asia and other markets. This event will include expert analysis of updates to food contact legislation for countries including Ireland, Turkey, US, Argentina, Canada, China, Korea, Japan, and Thailand. Also included is a comprehensive overview of European regulatory changes and challenges and discussion of the most current issues by top legal, regulatory and industrial specialists.

You may find out further details of the program at www.globalfoodcontact.com. You may receive a 25% discount on the conference price if telephone or email Natalie King on +44 (0) 1372 802164 or natalie.king@pira-international.com and mention the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations by April 28.

Summer Academy of Food Law & Policy - South of Italy

2009-03-26T16:39:00.001-04:00

A Summer Academy in Food Law & Policy which will take palce in Apulia, Italy on 20-24 July at the beautiful XVII century Masseria Chiancone, a farmhouse immersed in an oasis of natural beauty, typically Mediterranean, along the cost of Puglia, Italy (http://www.masseriachiancone.it/).

The academy will offer scientific reflection and discourse on key legal and policy issues in European and World food law by following an innovative and interdisciplinary approach. This will be achieved through a dynamic, informal and highly interactive five-day programme, which includes lectures, presentations, discussion groups and social activities. The faculty of the academy consists of food experts coming from relevant authorities, European and US institutions and agencies, academia, industry and legal practice. Scholarships will be available.

To know more, please check at: http://www.lexxion.eu/conferences/effl09

Why food law? As I recently wrote, "this dynamic and emotive area of law provides not only an excellent vehicle for understanding the evolution of the European integration process, by illustrating the progressive abandonment of the original functionalist approach to integration, but also represents a mini-history of European law. As all EU law students are aware, an entire course of European Law may successfully be taught by focusing exclusively on the European Courts' case law developed on food, such as pasta, feta cheese or chocolate, and drinks, such as beer, wine, liquors or energy drinks" (A. Alemanno, Trade in Food - Regulatory and Judicial Approaches in the EC and the WTO, Cameron May: London, 2007).

I look forward to seeing some of you in beautiful Apulia this summer!

Alberto Alemanno
Academic Director - 1st EFFL Summer Academy in Food Law & Policy

Standards Urged for Green Labelling

2009-03-23T12:37:00.002-04:00

“The Environmental Audit Committee, in a new report, said that the [UK] government has a role to play in policing the use of environmental labels on products and should intervene to remove those found to be inaccurate or misleading.” Jane Byrne, Foodproductiondaily.com (Mar. 23, 2009). The Committee claims than an increasing number of companies are engaged in making meaningless green claims, or greenwashing. The whole story is available here.

Last July, the European Commission proposed including food products in an eco-labeling scheme. However, the proposal was rejected by the European Parliament until the Commission could study whether reliable environmental criteria could be defined for food.

Spotlight again on cloned animals

2009-03-12T15:11:00.001-04:00

Jan Byrne, Foodproductivitydailly.com (Mar. 12, 2009)

“A review of cloning is underway at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following a request from the European Commission for further advice on the implications of the technology for food safety, animal health and welfare and the environment.

EFSA has initiated a public consultation period to collate data to support the review, and the agency said that it aims to build on its July 2008 recommendations regarding clones.

“The Commission has asked EFSA to further investigate the causes of disease and mortality in clones during the gestation period and at early stages of life, and also requested that the agency consider the extent to which current knowledge on the cloning of cattle and pigs can be applied to sheep, goats and chicken.

. . . .

Complete story here.

New "gluten free" labeling rules in EU

2009-02-04T14:11:00.002-05:00

Under new European Union food labeling rules, only foods that contain less than 20 parts of gluten in a million (ppm) will be allowed to use the term “gluten-free” on their packaging. Previously, a food with this label could have contained up to 10 times more than this.

Some foods made using cereals that have been specially processed to remove most of the gluten, but which contain less than 100 ppm, will be able to make the claim “very low gluten” on the packaging. Manufacturers can use the new labeling system immediately; however, products do not have to comply with the new rules until Jan. 1, 2012. For more information, see the Food Standards Agency release and EU Commission Regulation no 41/2009.

Food Regulation: Law, Science, Policy, and Practice

2009-01-30T13:18:00.002-05:00

Neal Fortin’s new book, Food Regulation: Law, Science, Policy, and Practice, is now available.

If you would like more information:

The Summary of Contents (HTML) is available here.
The full Table of Contents (PDF) is available here.
Chapter 1 is available here.
The index is available here.

Proposed Amendments to the Food Allergen Labelling Regulations in Canada

2008-09-12T16:04:00.001-04:00

Health Canada published its Proposed Amendments to the Food Allergen Labelling Regulations in Canada Gazette, Part I (CGI) on July 26, 2008 to allow for public comment. Health Canada will take into consideration any comments received during the 90-day comment period before bringing the final regulations forward and publishing them in the Canada Gazette, Part II. At the same time, Health Canada also issued updated guidance to industry, urging food manufacturers to enhance labelling of priority allergens, gluten sources and added sulphites in prepackaged foods.

You can find out more information here.

European Food Law Association Meeting

2008-08-20T07:34:00.002-04:00

The 17th International Scientific European Food Law Association (EFLA) Congress, “The Legal Frame of Food Information,” will be held in Bologna, Italy 18 - 19 September, 2008.

INFORMATION and REGISTRATION:

EFLA Secretariat General
c/o Coutrelis & Associés
235 rue de la Loi - 1040 Brussels
Tel : 32 / 2.230.48.45
Fax : 32 / 2.230.82.06
efla-aeda@hotmail.com
http://www.efla-aeda.org

UK Food Standards Agency revised guidance for the use of the terms Fresh, Pure, Natural etc.

2008-07-31T11:13:00.002-04:00

The UK’s Food Standards Agency has revised its advice on the use of labeling terms such as “fresh,” “pure,” and “natural.”

The revised guidance includes advice on the use of new terms, including include: farmhouse pâté, handmade, quality, selected, premium, finest and best. It also has new advice for some of the terms that were in the previous guidance – and advises against the use of some terms that can cause confusion.

For more information, click here.

Saudi Arabia drafts new food safety law

2008-07-30T11:43:00.001-04:00

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has drafted a new food safety law. If passed by the Cabinet, the law will help ensure that all imported and indigenous foodstuff conforms with local specifications and as well as international standards. (From the Saudi Gazette).

"Product of Canada" Labeling Requirements

2008-07-21T15:53:00.001-04:00

Effective after December 31, 2008, "Product of Canada" Food Labeling Guidelines come into effect. In brief, “Product of Canada” will require both the contents and processing be Canadian. For foods that are processed in Canada, but contain imported ingredients, qualified “Made in Canada” labels will be available, such as "Made in Canada from imported ingredients."

The July 15, 2008 Government of Canada News Release is posted at http://www.healthycanadians.ca/media/2008-06-15_e.html.

A Government of Canada Backgrounder entitled "Product of Canada and Made in Canada voluntary claims on food labels and in advertising" is posted at http://www.healthycanadians.ca/media/2008-06-15bk_e.html.

EFSA on acrylamide

2008-06-05T08:15:00.001-04:00

The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) released information from a EFSA's 11th Scientific Colloquium, Acrylamide Carcinogenicity, held on 22-23 May 2008. “Acrylamide is a contaminant that can be formed during the preparation of food at high temperatures, particularly in starchy foods such as crisps, French fries and bread. The colloquium was organised to stimulate an open exchange of views and expertise on new information on acrylamide that has become available since the Joint FAO/WHO expert committee on food additives (JECFA) carried out a risk assessment of acrylamide in 2005, classifying acrylamide as a potentially harmful substance in food.” For more, see http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1178694670469.htm.

International Food Laws and Regulations Course

2006-11-17T14:31:00.000-05:00

International Food Laws and Regulations is a graduate level course offered by the Institute for Food Laws and Regulations at Michigan State University. The course surveys the food laws and regulations as well as the socio-economic dynamic which shapes the food laws of specific regions of the world including the US, Canada, UK, EU, Latin America, Japan, and India. It also surveys the role of international agencies in the application of food laws (WHO, FAO, Codex, WTO). The Lead Instructor is Neal D. Fortin, Director and Assistant Professor of the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations at Michigan State University, along with an international network of guest lecturers of attorneys, academics and former government officials who practice in that specific region and who understand the legal complexities of the flow of food and agricultural products across national boundaries.

Enrollment is now open for the winter term.