[Note: The use of irradiation is a prohibited technology in organic food production.] Food Safety News Meat and poultry producers who use ionized radiation to kill pathogens in product now have expanded options, thanks to two rules published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Friday. The first rule allows for the irradiation of unrefrigerated raw meat…. Read more »
Search Results for: packaging rules
USDA’s “GMO Labeling Law” is a Farce
Cornucopia’s Take: The GMO labeling law crawled out of the swamp in time for Christmas. The USDA will allow QR codes instead of legitimate labeling and, for those who do choose to label clearly, the necessary language is the little-know phrase, “bioengineered food.” Soda and oils made from GMOs are exempt from any labeling. The… Read more »
FSMA: What Do Exempt Farmers Have to Do?
From the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance by Judith McGeary, Esq. After seven years of debates in Congress and FDA, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations are final and in effect. Flow charts to help farmers, artisan producers, and food businesses figure out whether or not they are subject to these expensive new regulations… Read more »
FDA Refuses to Regulate “Natural” Claim on Food Packaging
Natural News Wednesday, August 13, 2008 by: David Gutierrez The FDA has no intention to define the term “natural” for food products any time in the near future, saying that it has other priorities. In 2007, the agency received two petitions for a clear definition of the term in order to avoid consumer confusion. One… Read more »
Cornucopia to Investigate Allegations of Animal Abuse at a Horizon Dairy Farm in Texas
The Cornucopia Institute is investigating recent, disturbing allegations of animal abuse at an industrial organic dairy in Texas. Lone Star Organic Dairy supplies “organic” milk to the brand Horizon. Following the public shaming, Horizon has reportedly suspended its sourcing from this factory farm. But for how long? “No one who buys organic milk expects it… Read more »
Organic Food in Trashy Packaging
Cornucopia’s Take: Organic produce is, surprisingly, often sold in non-recyclable, plastic packaging. Some organic food even comes in cans and other packaging materials containing Bisphenol A (BPA). Cornucopia pressed the National Organic Standards Board to disallow such problematic packaging of organic food at their spring 2017 meeting, although it continues to be allowed. Why do… Read more »
Small Farms and the Food Safety Modernization Act
Cornucopia’s Take: Small farms may qualify for exemptions to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), based on an average of their sales over the past three years adjusted for inflation. The post below, by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, may help farmers determine whether this applies to them. UPDATE: FOOD SAFETY MODERNIZATION ACT EXEMPTIONS NSAC’s… Read more »
USDA Releases New Organic “Pasture Rule” — Running out the Clock for Family Farmers?
CORNUCOPIA, WI — After eight years of intense scrutiny and criticism the USDA has published a proposed amendment to the federal organic regulations intended to address abuses by “factory farms,” milking thousands of cows each and masquerading as organic. The heated controversy pitted the country’s 1700-1800 families who produce organic milk, and their loyal customers,… Read more »
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Press Release
FDA Facilities Rule Contains Significant Improvements, but Concerns Remain Regarding Impacts on Farmers National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Source: Elliot Gilfix Washington, DC, September 11, 2015 – On September 10, 2015, FDA released the much-anticipated final rule detailing preventive control standards for facilities producing food for human consumption. Once officially published in the Federal Register –… Read more »
How Did a Hepatitis Virus Get Into Organic Berries?
Stalled Federal Import Safety Rules Results in More Illness Huffington Post By Michele Simon The latest example of how even health-conscious eaters are not immune from food-borne illness outbreaks came last week with a recall of organic frozen berries contaminated with Hepatitis A. The products were sold under the brand name of Townsend Farms at… Read more »
