FDA Guidance on New Nutrition Labeling Units of Measure
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released Guidance for Industry: Converting Units of Measure for Folate, Niacin, and Vitamins A, D, and E on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels. The Guidance provides step-by-step instructions on how to convert the previous units of measure for folate, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E to the new units required on the updated Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts labels. The guidance includes conversion factors to be used for each of these nutrients and sample calculations for converting new units of measure.
Commerce Department Strikes Deal with Mexico to Lift Tomato Tariffs
On August 21, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that it had struck a deal with the government of Mexico which will result in the lifting of the 17.56% tariff on tomato imports from Mexico. The previous tariff suspension agreement had expired in May of this year. A new suspension agreement will take its place. Comments will be accepted on the new agreement until September 19, 2019.
FDA Proposes Rule Requiring Graphic Tobacco Warning Labels in Color
On August 15, the FDA announced that it had released a proposed rule requiring warning labels on the front of the pack of cigarette packages and advertisements containing graphic color images.
FSIS Releases Updated Foreign Audit Reports
On August 15 the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture released updated reports on audits of foreign food safety systems. The new reports cover France and San Marino.
FDA Releases Results of Romaine Lettuce Sampling Assignment in Yuma Growing Region
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released the results of a sampling assignment that tested romaine lettuce grown in the Yuma, AZ agricultural region for pathogenic Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Salmonella spp. During the assignment, the FDA collected and tested 118 samples for each pathogen. The FDA did not detect Salmonella in any of the samples. The agency detected Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) in a single sample, however, further analysis determined that the bacteria was not pathogenic.
FSIS Changes Verification and Exploratory Poultry Sampling Programs
FSIS is increasing the number of sampling tasks at certain establishments producing chicken parts, chicken carcasses, or turkey carcasses that are subject to the Salmonella performance standards. In addition, FSIS has canceled all sampling for the low volume poultry products and religious exempt chicken carcasses. Notice 27-19.
Latest FDA Warning Letters
The latest FDA warning letters involving food and supplements are:
Please contact Erik Lieberman at elieberman@usfoodimports.com or (202) 765-1800 if you have questions or would like additional information. |