Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) announced today the introduction of the “Fostering Overseas Rule of Law and Environmentally Sound Trade Act of 2021” (“FOREST Act”). The text of the FOREST Act is available here. The FOREST Act addresses the environmental and human consequences of illegal deforestation. The addition to the Tariff Act […]
The beginning of the new federal fiscal year on October 1 brought welcome news to 45 million SNAP beneficiaries across the country and to more than 250,000 grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retailers authorized to redeem SNAP benefits. On October 1, 2021, average SNAP benefits increased by $35.24 per person, per month. USDA’s Food
Good News for SNAP Retailers: FNS Increases SNAP Benefits for Fiscal Year 2022 Read More »
Next month, The Food Institute kicks off its 3-day virtual training seminar on Food Labeling and Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Matz PC will be co-hosting the event. Each day has its own unique theme. On day one, attendees may expect to first learn the basics of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) and the U.S.
OFW Law to co-host the 2021 Food Labeling Summit with the Food Institute next month Read More »
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has recently updated several of its guidance documents addressing the control of pathogens in beef and poultry operations. These guidelines provide best practices for establishments on managing pathogens during pre-harvest, slaughter, chilling, storage, and processing. FSIS’ guidance is focused on assisting small and very
On July 1st, the Federal Trade Commission voted 3-2 to publish the final Made in USA Labeling Rule in the Federal Register. The rule is consistent with – and essentially codifies – its prior 1997 Enforcement Policy Statement on U.S. Origin Claims, and provides the agency with enforcement tools to combat fraudulent claims. The rule
FTC to Issue Final Rule to Combat “Made in USA” Fraud Read More »
One of the major complaints of smaller meat and poultry establishments is the cost of USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) overtime and holiday inspection services. Meat and poultry establishments that are subject to mandatory inspection receive FSIS inspection services free of charge for each 8-hour shift the plant normally operates. Many plants only
USDA to Provide Overtime Fee Relief to Small and Very-Small Establishments Read More »
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has oversight over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The agency’s responsibilities including the licensing of supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail food stores as authorized SNAP vendors. FNS publishes annual data compilations regarding SNAP redemptions and enforcement proceedings in connection with the more than 250,000 retailers
Oh, SNAP! FNS Finally Issues 2020 SNAP Retailer Summary Read More »
John Dillard, a principal attorney in the USDA – FSIS Practice Group, authored the following article on a recent citizen’s petition to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The article appears in The National Provisioner’s March issue. On Jan. 25, 2021, a coalition of food safety activist groups and individuals led by Center
With climate change discussions being elevated on a local, regional, and global scale, many individuals are considering how their personal choices, including foods they consume, impact the environment. This has translated to a resurgence of interest in carbon labeling food products. Now that we understand the basics of carbon labeling and what it means for
Carbon Labeling: Who is Ahead of the Game? Read More »
President Biden recently issued an Executive Order (EO) to harness the federal government’s purchasing power to bolster domestic manufacturing. The “Strengthening Buy American Provisions, Ensuring Future of America is Made in America by All of America’s Workers” intends to support American industry and American workers. Overall, this EO looks to close loopholes in existing “Buy American” policies
How Does Buying American Benefit U.S. Food, Agriculture, and Medical Products? Read More »
Carbon labeling on foods and menu items is already a hot topic for 2021 as people are more conscious than ever of the foods they eat and as companies work to become more climate friendly. Simply put, carbon labels, or carbon emission labels, would advise consumers of the carbon dioxide emissions created from the products
Carbon Labeling and the Food Industry Read More »
For decades, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has attempted to combat fraud by retailers and beneficiaries in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with varying success. Fraud levels were dramatically reduced after FNS rolled out the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system and discontinued the use of paper food stamps more than fifteen years ago.
Oh, SNAP! SNAP Retailers Need to Watch Out for New FNS Entrapment Techniques Read More »
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will host a webinar to provide updates on COVID-19 vaccine implementation for food and agriculture workers on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 3:00 PM Eastern. The webinar will also discuss vaccine safety and confidence as well as recommendations for vaccine prioritization. The panelists for the webinar
The National Institute of Animal Agriculture invited Chelsea Good, Vice President of Government & Industry Affairs at Livestock Marketing Association and John Dillard, Principal Attorney in the USDA Practice Group at OFW Law to provide insight on the incoming Biden Administration and what it will mean for the animal agriculture industry. From the Barn to
NIAA: What to Expect for Animal Agriculture in a Biden Administration Read More »
Just in time to ring in the new year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services introduced the 2020 – 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The first Dietary Guidelines for Americans were published in 1980 and have been updated every 5 years, making this the 9th edition. The
Ring in the New Year with the 2020 – 2025 Dietary Guidelines Read More »
There have been several recent events of note that will impact meat and poultry producers and processors. The recent election of President-elect Biden means there will be new leadership at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). President-elect Biden will also have the opportunity to appoint new leadership for the USDA Office of Food Safety. In
In a decision of importance to convenience stores, grocers, and other retailers, a California District Court judge held that the 30-day period for seeking judicial review of an adverse decision by USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) in SNAP retailer licensing proceedings is not jurisdictional. While the issue of whether Congress intended for limitations periods
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been frequently referred to as “The Last Plantation,” based on what has been described as a “deeply ingrained culture of racism that manifested itself in both the way its programs were administered—and whom it hired, and didn’t, to administer those programs.” Despite sincere efforts during recent years
Oh, SNAP! FNS Issues Final Rule That Discriminates Against Minority Retailers Read More »
OFW and The Food Institute will be holding their annual Food Labeling Seminar on October 7, 8, and 9. The virtual training course will cover everything you need to know about food labeling in today’s marketplace. This seminar will review the basics of FDA’s and USDA’s food labeling requirements, including recent updates. It will review
2020 Food Labeling Seminar Hosted by OFW and The Food Institute Read More »
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published an announcement of the availability of a Guidance Document, 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 (May 2020). Comments on the Guidance may be submitted to the
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