Laws and Regulations Committee Update – June 3 – 4, 2020

FDA

Pandemic Challenges Highlight the Importance of the New Era of Smarter Food Safety

Warning Letters

AMS

USDA Issues a Packers and Stockyards Complaint Against Michael Tom Lindsey

USDA Restricts PACA Violators in Florida and Texas from Operating in the Produce Industry

USDA

USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in Mississippi

OMB

ODS

ODS at ASN Nutrition 2020

CSPI

Biotech Blog: USDA’s New Biotech Rule Explained

@SteveFDA

• In the coming weeks, we’ll release the New Era of Smarter Food Safety blueprint – a plan to create a more digital, traceable, and safer food system #FDAVoices https://t.co/Sm47PUAptR?amp=1
• Pandemic challenges have made it clear that the actions called for in the blueprint will strengthen how we approach the safety & security of the food supply, not just in the normal course of events but especially in times of crisis #FDAVoices

@FrankYiannasFDA

• A New Era of Smarter Food Safety is an idea whose time has come. One that is well-equipped to protect the safety & security of our food supply no matter what challenges we face. We will get there TOGETHER, stronger & more resilient than ever. https://fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices/pandemic-challenges-highlight-importance-new-era-smarter-food-safety @SteveFDA  https://t.co/Sm47PUAptR?amp=1

@SecretarySonny

• Amazing sight in PA last week: 1,000 cars lined up to receive healthy, nutritious, fresh food to take home to their families. Great work done by the Westmoreland County Foodbank & all their volunteers distributing @USDA’s Farmers 2 Families Food Boxes. This is the best of America
• RT @USDA_AMS:
• Through the Farmers to Families Food Box: “The USDA put it out as a way to help both communities who are affected by the COVID-19 situation, as well as the farmers, so it’s a really good mutually beneficial program.”
• “For its fast-acting, innovation, generosity and efficiency in regards to responding to the potential of Americans’ food insecurity during this crisis, you have to give Team Trump and the @USDA an A plus on this one.”

@FDAfood

• Don’t miss @DrSusanMayne, Director, U.S. FDA Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition, with updates on temporary accommodations during #COVID19, our Nutrition Innovation Strategy, & the new Nutrition Facts Label. Available on-demand! https://cdmcd.co/vrEp3Y #NUTRITIONLIVEONLINE

June 4, 2020 

Federal Register

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Proposed Rules

• Amendments to the Pale Cyst Nematode Regulations

Filed on: 06/04/2020 at 8:45 am Scheduled Pub. Date: 06/05/2020

FR Document: 2020-11792 PDF 16 Pages (323 KB) Permalink

Notices

• Decision to Authorize the Importation of Fresh Carrots From the Republic of Korea Into the United States

Filed on: 06/04/2020 at 8:45 am Scheduled Pub. Date: 06/05/2020

FR Document: 2020-12202 PDF 7 Pages (185 KB) Permalink

Environmental Protection Agency

Notices

• Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:

Anaerobic Digestion Facilities Processing Wasted Food to Support EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management Program and Sustainable Management of Food Efforts

Filed on: 06/04/2020 at 8:45 am Scheduled Pub. Date: 06/05/2020

FR Document: 2020-12154 PDF 4 Pages (197 KB) Permalink

• Cancellation Order:

Certain Pesticide Registrations and Amendments to Terminate Uses

Filed on: 06/04/2020 at 8:45 am Scheduled Pub. Date: 06/05/2020

FR Document:2020-12144 PDF 12 Pages (102 KB) Permalink

Food and Drug Administration

Rules

Guidance:

Temporary Policy During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Regarding the Qualified Exemption from the Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption

Filed on: 06/04/2020 at 8:45 am Scheduled Pub. Date: 06/05/2020

FR Document: 2020-12109 PDF 7 Pages (181 KB) Permalink

APHIS

USFWS and USDA Providing Additional Support to Montana Livestock Producers

AMS

Press Releases

• USDA Cites CKF Produce Corp. in New York for PACA Violations
• USDA Settles a Packers and Stockyards Case against Mike Perschbacher

Notices to Trade

• USDA Announces Designations to Perform Official Grain Inspection Services in South Carolina
• USDA PACA Division Continues to Serve the Produce Industry

USDA

USDA Invests $4.8 Million In Three 1890 Centers of Excellence

NAD

Social Media Video Implying Superfoods Immunity Bundle Protects Against COVID-19 is Discontinued Following NAD Inquiry

CSPI

CSPI Urges Federal Enforcement Action Against Supplement Manufacturers Making Illegal Antiviral Claims

@FDAfood

• Prepare now, it’s not too late – FDA’s advice on #foodsafety in case you lose power ⇨ https://go.usa.gov/xVjzA #HurricanePreparedness
• Are you trying a dietary supplement to lose weight? Be cautious. FDA has identified several over-the-counter products that contain potentially harmful hidden active ingredients. Check FDA’s list of public notices: http://go.usa.gov/xvkEX
• #ICYMI As many states move to reopen businesses affected during #COVID19, we prepared an infographic & checklist to help those that prepare food to serve or sell to the public directly – restaurants, bakeries, bars – protect employee and public health. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/best-practices-re-opening-retail-food-establishments-during-covid-19-pandemic

@FDA_ORAOn this #NationalEggDay be “eggstra” careful! Fresh eggs, even those with clean uncracked shells, may contain bacteria called Salmonella that can cause “food poisoning.” Watch this FDA video to LEARN MORE: http://bit.ly/2H7WJdF