The meat industry may still be waiting on the World Trade Organization to make a call on country-of-origin labeling (COOL), but in the meantime they’ve lost another round in their fight against the rule in the D.C. Circuit courts. COOL laws mandate that meat products be labeled to tell where the food animals were born, raised and slaughtered. The American Meat Institute (AMI) has challenged the laws in U.S. courts on behalf of meat producers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Writing the majority opinion, U.S. Circuit Judge Stephen Williams said that the interest of providing consumers with information overcame claims of free speech raised by AMI. Tuesday’s decision by a split court of 11 judges reinforced an earlier decision made by a panel of three. “The court’s decision today is disappointing,” said AMI Interim President and CEO James H. Hodges in a statement. “We have maintained all along that the country of origin rule harms livestock producers and the industry and affords little benefit to consumers. This decision will perpetuate those harms. We will evaluate our options moving forward.” Consumer groups, on the other hand, celebrated the decision. “We applaud the D.C. Circuit decision, which is an important victory for the U.S. public’s right to know how their food is produced,” said George Kimbrell, senior attorney at the Center for Food Safety. “The Court confirmed that manufacturers do not have the right to avoid basic factual disclosures about their food products.” The COOL law was adopted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in May 2013, but enforcement of the rule is still developing. Canada and Mexico have both filed complaints to the World Trade Organization on COOL. A decision from the organization is still pending.
The News Desk team at Food Safety News covers breaking developments, regulatory updates, recalls, and key topics shaping food safety today. These articles are produced collaboratively by our editorial staff.
In the wake of Cyclospora outbreaks this summer, the FDA has drafted a 10-point plan to mitigate and prevent future outbreaks.
The largest of the outbreaks this summer sickened
As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until weeks or
Cryptosporidium has been removed from a list of communicable diseases subject to epidemiological surveillance in Europe.
According to the European Commission, Cryptosporidiosis is a common but predominantly mild gastrointestinal infection
Health representatives from the Americas have approved an updated strategy to improve food safety systems and reduce foodborne diseases.
Foodborne infections cause about 78,000 deaths in the region each
Stewart’s Shops Corp. of Saratoga Springs, NY is recalling two flavors, Heavenly Medley and Vanilla-Chocolate-Strawberry, of half-gallon ice cream because of the potential presence of metal.
WinCo Foods of Boise, ID, is recalling the following Salsa Bean Dip Trays because of the inclusion of recalled peperoncini from G.L. Mezzetta.
* WinCo Foods Salsa Bean Dip Tray,
EAK Distribution of Casper, WY, is recalling Home Grown Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, Heirloom, in 8-ounce packages because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Home
