Food Safety Update: February 2023

EU: Additional Official Controls on Organic Products Following an in-depth review of all the notifications entered into the Organic Farming Information System (OFIS) over a period of one year, the European Commission decided that a number of products originating in certain third countries should be subjected to additional controls in 2023. Products of concern: Country […]

Latest Trade News and Agreements: February 2023

Australia-US: New Access for Australian Roasted Macadamia Nuts Australia can now export roasted macadamia nuts —in their shell or husk— to the United States. The new market access comes after Australia provided scientific evidence that the roasting process removed phytosanitary pest risks. The US Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service subsequently updated their import requirements. […]

Sustainability Update: February 2023

Global Circularity Report 2023 Published by Circle Economy in collaboration with Deloitte, and launched during the World Economic Forum on January 16, 2023, the report warns that the global economy is now only 7.2% circular. The report identifies 16 transformational circular solutions across four key systems that center on the principles of use less, use […]

INC Updates on EU Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Concerns for Dried Fruits

EFSA Scientific Opinion on sulfur dioxide-sulfites usage levels As previously announced, on November 24, 2022, the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) published its Scientific Opinion on the Follow-up of the re‐evaluation of sulfur dioxide (E 220), sodium sulfite (E 221), sodium bisulfite (E 222), sodium metabisulfite (E 223), potassium metabisulfite (E 224), calcium sulfite (E […]

Labeling Update: January 2023

USA: Consultation on Food Allergen Labeling Requirements The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking public and industry comments on two guidance documents about food allergen labeling requirements. Both documents intend to help the food industry meet the need to list any significant food allergen on the labels of FDA-regulated foods. Major food allergens […]

Food Safety Update: January 2023

FAO: Risk Assessment of Food Allergens (Part 2) The FAO and WHO reconvened the Ad hoc Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Risk Assessment of Food Allergens for a second meeting to provide scientific advice and establish threshold levels in foods for priority allergens. The committee considered four approaches to define thresholds: analytical-based; no observed adverse […]

Latest Trade News and Agreements: January 2023

WTO Rules Against US Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum According to Reuters, on December 9, 2022, the World Trade Organization ruled against US tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum imports. Back in 2018, the United States imposed 25% tariffs on steel imports and 10% on aluminum, using Section 232 of a 1962 act allowing to […]

Sustainability Update: January 2023

UN COP15 Outcomes and ISSB Climate-related Disclosures Standard The UN COP15 concluded in Montreal with an agreement to halt and reverse the destruction of nature by 2030. The Kunming-Montreal biodiversity agreement includes key global targets such as: to restore 30% degraded ecosystems globally by 2030, and to sustainably manage areas under agriculture and forestry. Also, […]

Labeling Update: December 2022

Japan: Walnuts, Food Labeling Standards The Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the proposed Partial Revision to the Food Labeling Standards regarding labeling for certain products and allergen labeling. The Food Labeling Standards will be partially amended to add walnuts to “specified ingredients” for allergen labeling and shall always […]