Pork Industry Takes Fight Over California Law To US Supreme Court
Image Source: Ben Brewer/Reuters
Last year, California voted to improve bar the in-state sale of pork, veal and eggs from animals whose confinement failed to meet minimum space requirements (24 square feet for breeding pigs vs. the current 14-20 feet). The National Pork Producers Council sued, arguing that increased costs for pig farmers violate the "Commerce Clause," which prevents states from passing laws discriminating against commerce in other states. Proponents argue that CA has the right to set standards for products sold to CA consumers regardless of where they are produced. It's a sticky issue, and pork producers are hedging their bets. Top producer Smithfield Foods said last year it plans to comply, and #2 producer Seaboard Foods said it has already begun converting its facilities.
FDA Announces External Review Of Food Safety And Tobacco Regulatory Offices
Image Source: Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo
Facing criticism for its role in the infant formula shortage and under-regulation of e-cigarettes, the Food and Drug Administration has ordered an external review of its own offices on food safety and tobacco regulation. Congress and FDA Commissioner Robert Califf have tasked the independent Reagan-Udall Foundation with assessing the resources, procedures and organization of the two offices, as well as parts of the Office of Regulatory Affairs. The review will focus on the Human Foods Program, the Office of Food Policy and Response, and the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition in an effort to improve the FDA's regulatory and oversight processes.
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National Audubon Society Launches "Bird-Friendly Beef" Certification
FDA Grants Quick Approval For Heat-Tolerant GMO Beef Cattle
Study Finds Antibiotics In Beef Cattle Labeled ‘Raised Without Antibiotics’
Image Source: Pavel Kovaricek, Shutterstock
In the absence of USDA antibiotic testing, researchers at George Washington University tested cattle from 312 feedlots in 33 feedyards over a 7-month period. Even though the cattle were raised under the “No Antibiotics Ever” program, urine analysis of almost 700 animals found that nearly 42% of the feedyards contained animals testing positive for antibiotics. The study highlights the under-regulated nature of “Raised Without Antibiotics” label claims.
USDA Surveys Americans: Do You Care If "American" Meat Actually Comes From The US?
Image Source: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Food product "Country of Origin" labels seem pretty straightforward. However, current US regulations allow meat labeled "Product of USA" to legally come from cattle and hogs raised and slaughtered anywhere in the world. That's one reason why only four multinational meat processors control 80% of the "American" meat market. Do you care if the "Product of USA" label means what it says? Voice your opinion in this USDA survey.
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Judge Pokes Holes In Swiss Cheesemakers' Legal Arguments
US Lawmakers Deregulate French Salad Dressing
New US Food Labels Replace "GMO" With "Bioengineered"
Image Source: Mehrad Vosoughi
As of January 1, food manufacturers, importers and retailers in the US must comply with new national labeling standards for genetically modified organisms. Some common genetically altered foods include corn, canola, soybeans and sugar beets. Instead of calling out their "GMOs," food labels will now include text that says "bioengineered food" or "contains a bioengineered food ingredient." Manufacturers may also display the "Bioengineered" or "Derived From Bioengineering" logos shown here.
New York Becomes Largest US City To Phase Out Gas Stoves In New Construction
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By the end of 2023, gas stoves in New York City will be prohibited in new buildings under seven stories tall (skyscrapers have until 2027 to comply). At that point, new construction must use electric technologies such as induction stovetops and electric ovens instead of gas. Why? Because 13% of US greenhouse gases come from buildings powered by fossil fuels, and the percentage increases exponentially in dense cities like New York. I love cooking with gas, but I admit: It's terribly inefficient (about 40% efficient compared to 85% for electricity). Change is good, right? I just need to find a more climate-friendly way to toast my tortillas.
