Search Results for keywords:"food safety"

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a final guidance document titled "Evaluating the Public Health Importance of Food Allergens Other Than the Major Food Allergens Listed in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act." This guidance outlines how the FDA plans to assess the public health significance of food allergens not already classified as major allergens, like milk or peanuts. It focuses mostly on allergies caused by IgE antibodies known to trigger severe allergic reactions. The FDA also made updates in response to feedback, including changes related to non-IgE-mediated allergies and new data references.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a collection of information regarding laboratory accreditation for food analysis and submitted it to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The accreditation program aims to ensure food safety by allowing laboratories accredited by recognized bodies to conduct food testing. This program is voluntary, and the FDA estimates a decrease in the number of respondents and burden hours compared to the previous collection data. The public can submit comments by January 21, 2025, through the specified online portal.

The U.S. Codex Office under the USDA announced a public meeting to be held on April 13, 2021, to discuss the U.S. positions on topics for the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling session in Budapest, Hungary. This meeting aims to inform and gather comments from the public on agenda items such as methods of analysis for dairy, fats and oils, cereals, and more. Individuals interested in participating can submit comments and register for the virtual meeting by April 1, 2021. The meeting will also offer an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and provide feedback.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are seeking public input regarding food date labeling. They aim to gather information on industry practices, consumer perceptions, and the impact of date labels on food waste. Both agencies are concerned that inconsistent labeling terms like "Sell By" and "Use By" may confuse consumers, leading to unnecessary food waste. They encourage the use of the phrase "Best if Used By" to reduce confusion and are asking for public comments to guide future policies by February 3, 2025.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing a draft guidance for industry on creating sanitation programs for low-moisture, ready-to-eat foods to prevent pathogen contamination. This guidance also advises on corrective actions to take if contamination occurs. It applies to various foods like powdered infant formula and peanut butter and aims to help manufacturers maintain a sanitary food supply. Stakeholders can submit comments on the draft by May 7, 2025, to be considered before finalizing the guidance.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a rule that exempts the microbial pesticide Beauveria bassiana strain BW149 from needing a tolerance level for residues on all food products. BioWorks, Inc. requested this exemption, arguing the pesticide is safe when used properly, with no harmful effects expected from exposure to humans, including children. The EPA determined that using this strain in agriculture following label directions does not pose health risks and thus does not require a specified permissible level for its residues. This rule is effective as of February 25, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule that provides an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1B.34 protein in corn. This means that the Cry1B.34 protein, used as a Plant-Incorporated Protectant (PIP) in various types of corn, does not require a specific maximum residue level. After evaluating the available safety data, the EPA concluded that the protein is safe and poses no significant risk to human health, including for infants and children. This exemption eliminates the need for numerical limits on Cry1B.34 protein residues, allowing its use without the traditional tolerance requirement.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received a petition to establish or modify regulations regarding pesticide chemical residues on various foods. The request is open for public comments until March 26, 2021, and the EPA is seeking input on potential environmental justice issues and other related concerns. This petition includes requests for specific tolerances and exemptions, such as for the insecticide pyrifluquinazon on persimmons and the fungicide Kosakonia cowanii on all foods, with the agency not yet determined whether to approve these requests. The EPA has invited the public to comment before making a final decision.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), part of the USDA, is inviting commodity boards to propose topics for funding under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants Program. These topics, which should align with AFRI's priority areas like plant and animal health, food safety, or rural communities, will be co-funded by NIFA and the commodity boards. To have their topics considered for the fiscal year 2021, proposals must be submitted by March 5, 2021. If accepted, the commodity boards must provide funding equal to NIFA's contribution for grants awarded based on these topics.

The USDA is asking for nominations to join the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods for the 2025-2027 term. They need 30 members with expertise in areas like microbiology and food safety from different sectors such as academia and government. The nominated individuals will help provide advice to ensure food safety, and those selected will need to undergo background checks and adhere to ethical standards. Nominations are due by February 18, 2025, and selected members will serve a two-year term, potentially reappointed for another term.