In This Week’s Edition:
- FTC Warns Advertisers to Avoid Deceptive Marketing
- USDA Renews List of Allowed Substances in Organics
- FDA Amends Acidity Standards for Lowfat Yogurt and Nonfat Yogurt
- Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Virus Infections: Frozen Strawberries
- FTC Approves Final Order against The Bountiful Company in First Case Alleging Hijacking of Online Product Reviews
- USDA Announces Key Staff Appointments
- FDA CORE Outbreak Investigation Status Update
- FSIS Updates Lists of Foreign Establishments Eligible to Export to U.S.
- FDA Import Alerts
- FDA Warning Letters
FTC Warns Advertisers to Avoid Deceptive Marketing
The Federal Trade Commission is putting hundreds of advertisers on notice-including food and supplement companies-that they should avoid deceiving consumers with advertisements that make product claims that cannot be backed up or substantiated. In notices sent to the companies, the FTC warned that it will not hesitate to use its authority to target violators with large civil penalties. See the full list of businesses receiving the notice here.
USDA Renews List of Allowed Substances in Organics
This document announces the renewal of substances listed on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s organic regulations. This document reflects the outcome of the 2023 and 2024 sunset review processes and addresses recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture, through the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, by the National Organic Standards Board.
FDA Amends Acidity Standards for Lowfat Yogurt and Nonfat Yogurt
FDA issued a final rule entitled “Milk and Cream Products and Yogurt Products; Final Rule To Revoke the Standards for Lowfat Yogurt and Nonfat Yogurt and To Amend the Standard for Yogurt,” on June 11, 2021. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) objected to the final rule’s provision that yogurt have either a titratable acidity of not less than 0.7 percent, expressed as lactic acid, or a pH of 4.6 or lower before the addition of bulky flavoring ingredients. FDA is denied IDFA’s request for the former but accepted IDFA’s request that the standard of a pH of 4.6 or lower before the addition of bulky flavoring ingredients be changed to a 4.6 pH measurement on the finished product within 24 hours after filling.
Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Virus Infections: Frozen Strawberries
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections linked to frozen organic strawberries imported by a common supplier from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico. The frozen organic strawberries were sold to a variety of retailers under multiple brand labels.
FTC Approves Final Order against The Bountiful Company in First Case Alleging Hijacking of Online Product Reviews
Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final consent order against The Bountiful Company for abusing a feature of Amazon.com to deceive consumers into thinking that its newly introduced supplements had more product ratings and reviews, higher average ratings, and “#1 Best Seller” and “Amazon’s Choice” badges.
USDA Announces Key Staff Appointments
The USDA has announced the names of individuals who will hold senior staff positions in Washington, D.C.:
- Jamal Habibi has been promoted to Chief of Staff for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs
- Russellie Bongolan has been promoted to White House Liaison
- Aliza Drewes has been appointed Senior Advisor on Energy for Rural Utilities Service
FDA CORE Outbreak Investigation Status Update
This week’s updates are:
- On 4/11/2023, an updated outbreak advisory was issued for the outbreak of hepatitis A virus linked to frozen organic strawberries (reference #1143).
- The outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1127) linked to enoki mushrooms has ended and the FDA investigation is closed.
FSIS Updates Lists of Foreign Establishments Eligible to Export to U.S.
FDA Import Alerts
The latest FDA import alerts include suppliers who are not in compliance with FSVP regulations, food products that appear to be misbranded, and more.
FDA Warning Letters
Str8Vape, LLC |
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act/Adulterated/Misbranded |
Omega Packaging Corp |
CGMP/Finished Pharmaceuticals/Adulterated |
Champaklal Maganlal Homeo Pharmacy Private Limited |
CGMP/Finished Pharmaceuticals/Adulterated |