Trump Administration Imposes 25% Tariffs on EU Food and Beverages
The U.S. had taken the European Union (EU) before the World Trade Organization (WTO) over subsidies provided to Airbus that it contended were in violation of WTO rules. The WTO ruled in favor of the U.S., granting it permission to impose tariffs on $7.5 billion of EU imports. Consequently the U.S. will be imposing tariffs of 25% on food and beverages from EU member states including:
- Single-Malt Irish and Scotch Whiskeys
- Wine
- Liquors and Cordials
- Coffee
- Sweet Biscuits
- Waffles and Wafers
- Cheeses
- Olives and Olive Oil
- Juices
- Butter
- Jellies
- Clams and Mussels
The full list is available here.
FSIS Food Defense Documents Available
The Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminded businesses in its latest constituent update that they have developed multiple tools and resources to educate industry on how to safeguard the American food supply from an intentional adulteration incident. While the food defense resources and guidelines that FSIS produces are always available online at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/fooddefense, you can also contact FSIS to have copies sent to you. Contact FSIS by email at FoodDefense@usda.gov or by calling 202-981-6889 to request copies.
FNS Limits Utility Cost Deductions for SNAP Benefit Eligibility
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has published a proposed rule limiting the flexibility of states to establish Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs). SUAs are used for the purpose of calculating allowable utility costs that may be deducted from income for purposes of SNAP benefit eligibility. More information here.
APHIS Seeks Comments on Draft Pest Risk Assessments on UK Beets and Italian Artichokes
The government of the United Kingdom has asked USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to authorize the importation of table beet, Beta vulgaris L. (Chenopodiaceae), for consumption into the United States (Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories). APHIS has drafted a pest risk assessment that lists potential pests likely to remain on the commodity upon importation if no mitigations are applied. The risk assessment is available here.
The government of Italy has asked APHIS to authorize the importation of artichokes, Cynara scolymus (Asteraceae), for consumption into the United States (including Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories). APHIS has drafted a pest risk assessment that lists potential pests likely to remain on the commodity upon importation if no mitigations are applied. The risk assessment is available here.
FDA Awards $500,000 to Fund Studies to Help Define Duration of Use for Certain Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs for Food Animals
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded two $250,000 grants to fund research projects in fiscal year (FY) 2019 aimed to help target and define durations of use for certain medically important antimicrobial drugs approved for use in the feed of food-producing animals. More information here.
FSIS Releases Foreign Audit Report for China
The audit report is available here.
Sen. Gillibrand Asks for USDA to Investigate Farm to Retail Price Spread for Produce
Her letter to the agency and a statement may be found here.
FSIS Updates List of Substances that May be Used in Meat, Poultry and Egg Products
FSIS released Directive 7120.1 Rev. 52 which provides inspection program personnel (IPP) with the latest updates to the list of substances that may be used in the production of meat, poultry, and egg products.
AMS Updates Grade Standards for Apples
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of USDA has issued a final rule updating the grade standards for apples by by removing smooth net-like russeting as a grade-determining factor in the U.S. Extra Fancy, U.S. Fancy, and U.S. No. 1 grades for Fuji apples. In addition, AMS is removing obsolete references to the location where color standards may be examined and purchased.
AMS Reopens Comment Period on Proposed Organic Livestock Origin Rule
The proposed rule adds requirements about transitioning dairy animals to organic production. The comment period is reopened for 60 days.
FSIS Updates Lists of Establishments from Canada Eligible to Export to U.S.
Latest FDA Warning Letters
The latest FDA warning letters are:
Posted Date |
Company Name |
Issuing Office |
Subject |
10/01/2019 |
Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry |
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research |
CGMP/Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)/Adulterated/Refused Inspection |
10/01/2019 |
Lupin Limited |
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research |
CGMP/Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)/Adulterated |
10/01/2019 |
Dermameal Co., Ltd. |
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research |
CGMP/Finished Pharmaceuticals/Adulterated |
10/01/2019 |
Galt Pharmaceuticals LLC |
Office of Prescription Drug Promotion |
False & Misleading Claims/Misbranded |
10/01/2019 |
Color Art, Inc. DBA Solid Ink |
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition |
Cosmetics/Adulterated/Misbranded |
10/01/2019 |
Dynamic Color Inc |
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition |
Cosmetics/Adulterated/Misbranded |
10/01/2019 |
Intenze Products Inc. |
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition |
Cosmetics/Adulterated/Misbranded |
10/01/2019 |
Alternative Laboratories |
Office of Human and Animal Food Operations East Division IV |
Dietary Supplement/Adulterated |
10/01/2019 |
Natural Wonder Products Corp |
Division of Pharmaceutical Quality Operations IV |
New Animal Drug/Adulterated |
10/01/2019 |
Florida Import Export Services |
Center for Tobacco Products |
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act/Adulterated/Misbranded |
Please contact Erik Lieberman at elieberman@usfoodimports.com or (202) 765-1800 if you have questions or would like additional information. |