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2016 – Gone But Not Forgotten

Happy 2017, everyone! 2016 has come and gone. Looking at 2016 in my rear-view mirror, here are a few matters...

Recent OSHA Final Rule on Recordkeeping Flouts D.C. Circuit Decision

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced last week a new final rule that purportedly “clarifies an employer’s continuing...

CPSC: Closing the Books on 2016

This is a time for reflection. Looking back on the past year, it really was not a great one for...

FDA Expands Authorized Health Claims for Raw Fruits and Vegetables

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has promulgated an interim final rule, effective December 19, 2016, amending the regulation...

FDA Finalizes FSMA Third-Party Certification User Fee Program

Last week, FDA issued a final rule to establish a user fee program for a voluntary accreditation program under Section...

John Block: Vilsack – 8 Years

By former USDA Secretary John R. Block Last week, I – along with 2 other former Secretaries of Agriculture (Ann...

Food Rules Potential Targets for Elimination or Revision

Ever since the election we have been asked which Obama Administration regulations and executive actions are likely to be stricken...

FNS Issues Final Rule Enhancing SNAP Retailer Standards

FNS Issues Final Rule Enhancing SNAP Retailer Standards On December 8, 2016, the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issued...

John Block: Trade Under Secretary

There is a lot of talk today abut the next Farm Bill. What will be in it? When will it...

John Block: Cuba And More

By former USDA Secretary John R. Block I want to review a few issues today as we plan our farming...

OFW’s Betsy Booren Recognized by The National Provisioner as “Future Icon” of Meat and Poultry Industry

As published in the November issue of The National Provisioner In the October issue, The National Provisioner honored 25 past...

Uniform Compliance Date for Upcoming Food Labeling Regulations

FDA has set January 1, 2020, as the uniform compliance date for new or amended food labeling regulations that are...

John Block: Thanksgiving 2016

By former USDA Secretary John R. Block I’m not talking about politics or President-Elect Donald Trump today. Let’s be thankful...

Court to CPSC: Your Magnet Rule’s a Turkey

Zen Magnets, the tiny Colorado company that has challenged the CPSC’s actions regulating small, powerful magnets, will be having a...

What Is “Dietary Fiber”(for Purposes of Nutrition Labeling)?

FDA has issued two notices for publication in the Federal Register: A Request for Scientific Data, Information, and Comments (comments...

John Block: Rural America Speaks Up

By former USDA Secretary John R. Block Now that the election is over, Democrats are trying to figure out what...

Homeopathic Drugs Now Have To Have Proof As Well As Provings

On November 15, 2016, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a new Policy Statement on marketing claims for over the...

A Course Correction at the CPSC?

Wow! Last Tuesday was quite something! Throughout Washington, folks are now trying to figure out what the new Administration will...

President-Elect Trump and NAFTA

Donald Trump’s “Contract with the American Voter” lists a number of actions that he plans to take in his first...

FDA Issues Final Guidance on VQIP

FDA today announced the availability of its finalized “FDA’s Voluntary Qualified Importer Program: Guidance for Industry.” It also published a...

What Will A Trump Administration Mean For The Medical Privacy Landscape?

With President-Elect Donald Trump’s unlikely victory in Tuesday’s election, we begin to look ahead at what the Trump Administration will...

Food Regulation: A Changing of the Guard

Irrespective of whether you voted for or against Donald Trump, last night’s election results will lead to a significant changing...

John Block: Trump Wins

By former USDA Secretary John R. Block It’s a new day. Donald Trump was elected President of the United States....

An Early Look at Some Congressional Changes Impacting Agriculture

With the House and Senate remaining under Republican majorities, it is very unclear what matters may be handled in the...