Supreme Court Rules Against New York City's Ban On Foie Gras
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In 2019, New York's City Council enacted a foie-gras ban, mostly intended to curtail the controversial practice of force-feeding ducks to enlarge their livers. The ban wound its way through the courts as the state's duck farmers lobbied against it and animal rights activists championed it. The ban was initially set to go into effect in November 2022, but litigation held it in court until last week, when the New York Supreme Court ruled against the ban, much to the chagrin of those who fought for it. NYC's restaurants can now continue to legally serve the delicacy. Score one for gourmands.
USDA Updates School Rules, Limits Sugars In Meals For First Time
Image Source: Audra Melton
According to a 2022 federal report, added sugars account for about 17% of calories in school breakfasts and 11% in school lunches. But federal dietary guidelines recommend that added sugars account for no more than 10% of daily calories. By the start of the next school year, the feds will require that high-sugar foods such as cereal, yogurt and flavored milk begin cutting back on sugar so that by the fall of 2027, added sugars in school meals meet the federal 10% limit. By that time, schools must also reduce sodium by 15% in lunches and by 10% in breakfasts. American schools provide breakfast to more than 15 million students and lunch to nearly 30 million students every day, so the USDA anticipates a significant positive impact on the health of our nation's youth.
Agriculture Department Proposes Higher Standards For Meat Labeled "Product of USA"
Image Source: Reuters/Andrew Kelly
In 2009, the USDA finalized labeling standards for meat that required country of origin labeling. Those standards allowed meat from animals born and raised abroad and only processed in the US to be labeled "Product of USA" and "Made in the USA." But most consumers believe the labels mean the product comes from animals born and raised in the US, according to a recent survey. So the agency has now, 14 years later, proposed changes to the rule. The US Cattlemen's Association cheered the changes, having lobbied for them for years, and arguing that the current rule disadvantages domestic producers and stifles competition. Truth in labeling. What a concept.
US Labor Department Fines Meatpacking Sanitation Company $1.5M For Underage Employees
Image Source: US Department of Labor
Labor Department officials found that Packers Sanitation Services, America's largest food sanitation services company, employed at least 102 children ranging from age 13 to 17 in hazardous occupations in meat processing facilities across eight states. The children were exposed to hazardous chemicals and cleaned meat processing equipment, including back saws, brisket saws and head splitters. At least three of the children suffered injuries on the job. Packers has agreed to pay more than $1.5 million in civil penalties. The Labor Department has also launched a widespread crackdown on child migrant labor in other industries.
US Food And Drug Administration Adds Sesame To Major Food Allergens List
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Sesame is the ninth most common US allergen. As of January 1, this ingredient is now subject to the same labeling and manufacturing requirements as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans. According to a 2019 study, about 1 in 200 Americans report having an allergy to sesame, and about 1 in 4 of those have experienced severe reactions. Look for "CONTAINS SESAME" coming to food labels near you.
Independent Panel Recommends Major Overhaul Of Flawed FDA Food Safety Program
Image Source: Rick Bowmer/AP
In the wake of the infant formula shortage, an expert panel review of the Food and Drug Administration determined that its food division has no clear leadership, avoids bold policy or enforcement actions, and doesn’t adequately protect public health. The panel recommends restructuring the organization to establish a food safety agency separate from the drug division. The FDA says it will release its new plans in January and begin implementing them in February. Will FDA Commissioner Robert Califf put a single deputy in charge of food safety? The budget is there; all that remains is the willpower.