Food Safety

The Center for Science in the Public Interest questioned FDA’s decision to approve a color additive in the plant-based Impossible Burger, saying the agency ignored its own guidance on toxicity testing for additives used in food, as well as research by the World Health Organization (WHO) showing that a compound found in the additive could contribute to an increase in cancer risk.

The White House Office of Management and Budget on Monday (Aug. 26) began reviewing an FDA proposed rule that would update the definition of the word “healthy” when used in food labeling, and make it consistent with current nutrition science and federal dietary guidelines.

The pharmaceutical industry, including GW Pharmaceuticals, the producer of cannabidiol-containing drug Epidiolex, warns FDA that allowing CBD in consumer products could freeze research and development on use of CBD in prescription drugs.

Hemp farmers, producers, manufacturers and processors, including those in tribal communities, told a Senate panel they are eagerly awaiting FDA’s next move on regulating cannabis-based products, namely those containing cannabidiol (CBD) derived from hemp, as those regulatory steps will drive the market.

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) complained to FDA on Wednesday (July 17) that the agency has yet to resolve issues surrounding its standard of identity for milk, namely whether plant-based products should be called “milk.”

After several dozen sprout-related foodborne illness outbreaks, FDA warned sprout seed handlers at all levels of the supply chain to clean up their act by issuing draft guidance Monday (June 24) on how to reduce the risk of pathogen exposure during the production of sprout seeds.

FDA made a sizeable notch in its enforcement belt on Friday (June 14), announcing that it requested U.S. Marshals seize $3.5 million worth of dietary supplements.

If a fiscal 2020 agriculture funding bill passes the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday (June 4), FDA will be one step closer to receiving millions of dollars to support new oversight efforts in its cosmetics, supplements and food import spaces.

FDA’s drug center would receive an approximate $50 million increase in budget authority over fiscal 2019 levels under the 2020 funding bill passed by the House Appropriations agriculture subcommittee on Thursday (May 23), according to a preliminary analysis by the Alliance for a Stronger FDA.