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Ingredients > Food safety and labeling

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Former FDA official on GMO labeling: ‘Science doesn’t always win’

Whether the food industry likes it or not, when it comes to GMO labeling, the “train appears to have left the station”, according to former FDA associate commissioner of foods Dr David Acheson.

Sodium reduction - The road ahead

Is sodium reduction really necessary?

The stealthy approach to sodium reduction in foods—cutting levels bit by bit so that consumers don’t notice—has evolved to the point that some observers question whether it is necessary at all. Understandably, those in the business of selling sodium reduction solutions disagree, leading to an interesting debate on both sides of the issue.

Stealth sodium reduction? Consumers are attracted to low sodium claims on foods, says new analysis

Advertising sodium reduction claims on food labels may increase a consumer’s purchasing intentions, says a new study from Canada that contradicts the industry strategy of ‘stealth’ sodium reduction.

Strapped by FSMA, FDA seeks authority for new user fees in budget request

The US Food and Drug Administration has requested a $4.7 million dollar budget for fiscal year 2014, an increase of $821 million, or 21%, over FY 2012.  The biggest chunk of that increase is due to the Food Safety Modernization Act and almost all of that would be borne by new user fees.

FSMA guidance document serves as reminder to make sure facilities are registered

A new guidance document made public by the Food and Drug Administration serves as a reminder to industry to review their FSMA registration status, experts say.

Kraft meets the foodbabe, but says FD&C Yellow #5 and #6 will stay in Mac & Cheese (for now…)

Kraft officials spent an hour yesterday with blogger Vani Hari (aka the Food Babe ) discussing a petition urging the company to stop using artificial colors Yellow #5 and #6 in its Mac & Cheese, but says it is satisfied that they are both safe and legal. 

Sodium reductions detailed at meeting of stakeholders called both significant and insufficient

A meeting yesterday in Washington DC, among three major stakeholders in the food industry and in food policy gave a snapshot of what progress has been made in the years-long process in reducing sodium in the American diet.

Food manufacturers unprepared for FSMA data requirements, survey finds

Many food and beverages manufacturers are poorly prepared to comply with the record keeping requirements mandated by the Food Safety Modernization Act, according to a new survey.

Environmental Working Group, Organic Voices form GMO labeling coalition

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Organic Voices, the group behind the Just Label It campaign, have announced a new collaboration to advocate for the labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients and to highlight the benefits of organic foods.

Monster attorney: Medical evidence does not support allegation that Maryland teen died from ‘caffeine toxicity’

There is “no medical or scientific evidence that would support a finding that the death of Anais Fournier was causally linked to consumption of Monster Energy drinks”, say experts hired by Monster to address allegations in a lawsuit filed by the Maryland teenager’s parents blaming Monster for her death.

Diageo tells FTC: ‘Help us cross US alcohol facts finish line’

Diageo tells BeverageDaily.com it welcomes a US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommendation that high-alcohol malt beverage brand Four Loko carry 'serving fact' information on some cans, but urges regulators to allow the wider alcoholic drinks industry to 'cross the finish line'.

Make use of deadline extension to comment on FSMA rules, consultant urges industry

Food consultant Ben England is urging food producers and importers to comment on two proposed rules issued by FDA under FSMA, and the agency has just made that easier by extending the comment period deadline.

‘Somewhat unusual’ FDA consent decree requires company to retain a labeling expert

The FDA has issued a consent decree against a Puerto Rican beverage manufacturer that requires the company to retain a team of experts, including a food labeling expert, to ensure compliance with FDA regulations. 

Research results pointed Ben & Jerry's down non-GMO path

For Ben & Jerry’s, the Vermont-based ice cream company, taking the step to remove GMO ingredients from its supply chain was simply a matter of paying attention.  Not necessarily to the news, to political pressure, or even to consumer attitudes. It meant paying attention to the research.

US highlights food fraud perils

Seafood, clouding agents and lemon juice are the latest categories targeted by food fraudsters flagged up by the US Pharmacopeial (USP) Convention’s Food Fraud Database.

Proposed Chicago energy drink ban littered with legal errors, lawyer says

A proposed ban on energy drinks in Chicago is riddled with factual and legal errors, according to an attorney active in the dietary supplements business.

Multiple Organics grew at home by connecting to farmers across globe, exec says

Ingredient wholesaler Multiple Organics has announced an expansion into its first company-owned warehouse and headquarters facility in Hercules, CA, not far from its previous home base in San Rafael. But the expansion was made possible by paying attention to supply chain matters far from home, by having boots on the ground in fields around the world, a company official said.

Saffron Road launches first non-GMO prepared entrée in US

The first Non-GMO Project verified frozen food entrée in the US will hit store shelves by the end of the month under the Saffron Road brand.  It was a complicated, time-consuming process but one that company officials believe will ultimately pay off.

Too many eco-labels could hinder uptake, says Organic Monitor

A proliferation of eco-labels could have adverse consequences, as food manufacturers question the value of certification schemes in light of a fragmented market and multiple fees, according to Organic Monitor.

New Canadian caffeine limits part of growing pressure on energy drink sector

The energy beverage sector had a lively 2012, marked by a high-profile wrongful death suit against Monster Beverage Co., some high-profile negative press and even higher-profile attacks from a pair of US Senators. 2013 is shaping up, if anything, to be even livelier, with caffeine limits coming online in Canada.