Expression, purification, characterization, and patient IgE reactivity of new macadamia nut iso-allergen.
Structural and functional information about food allergens is essential for understanding the allergenicity of food proteins. All allergens belong to a small number of protein families. Various allergens from different families have been successfully produced recombinantly in E. coli for their characterization and applications in allergy diagnosis and treatment. However, recombinant hexameric 11S seed storage protein has not been reported, although numerous 11S legumins are known to be food allergens, including the recently identified macadamia nut allergen Mac i 2. Here we report the production of a macadamia nut legumin by expressing it in E. coli with a substrate site of HRV 3C protease and cleaving the purified protein with HRV 3C protease. The protease divided the protein into two chains and left a native terminus for the C-terminal chain, resulting in a recombinant hexameric 11S allergen for the first time after the residues upstream to the cleavage site flipped out of the way of the trimer-trimer interaction. The 11S allergens are known to have multiple isoforms in many species. The present study removed an obstacle in obtaining homogeneous allergens needed for studying allergens and mitigating allergenicity. Immunoreactivity of the protein with serum IgE confirmed it to be a new isoform of Mac i 2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pep.2022.106211
Oral immunotherapy using boiled peanuts for treating peanut allergy: An open‐label, single‐arm trial.
Background: Peanut allergy affects 1%–3% of children in Western countries. Boiling peanuts has been demonstrated to result in a hypoallergenic product that may provide a safer way of inducing desensitization in peanut-allergic patients by first inducing tolerance to boiled peanut. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of oral immunotherapy (OIT) using sequential doses of boiled peanuts followed by roasted peanuts for treating peanut allergy in children. Methods: In this open-label, phase 2, single-arm clinical trial, children aged 6–18 years with a positive history of peanut allergy and positive peanut skin prick test ≥ 8 mm and/or peanut-specific IgE ≥ 15 kU/L at screening underwent OIT involving sequential up-dosing with 12-hour boiled peanut for 12 weeks, 2-hour boiled peanut for 20 weeks and roasted peanut for 20 weeks, to a target maintenance dose of 12 roasted peanuts daily. Primary outcome: proportion of children passing open-label oral food challenge involving cumulative administration of 12 roasted peanuts (12 g peanuts; approximately 3000 mg peanut protein) 6–8 weeks after reaching the target maintenance dose. Secondary outcomes included treatment-related adverse events and use of medications for treating allergy symptoms. Results: Between 1 July 2017 and 22 June 2018, 70 participants were enrolled and commenced OIT. Desensitization was successfully induced in 56 of 70 (80%) participants. Withdrawal due to treatment-related adverse events was infrequent (n = 3). Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 43 (61%) participants, corresponding to a rate of 6.58 per 1000 OIT doses. Medication use associated with treatment-related adverse events was infrequent, with rescue epinephrine use reported by three (4%) participants (0.05 per 1000 doses). Conclusion: Oral immunotherapy using boiled followed by roasted peanuts represents a pragmatic approach that appears effective in inducing desensitization and is associated with a favourable safety profile. https://doi.org/10.1111/cea.14254
Pharmacotherapeutic potential of walnut (Juglans spp.) in age-related neurological disorders.
Global and regional trends of population aging spotlight major public health concerns. As one of the most common adverse prognostic factors, advanced age is associated with a remarkable incidence risk of many non-communicable diseases, affecting major organ systems of the human body. Age-dependent factors and molecular processes can change the nervous system’s normal function and lead to neurodegenerative disorders. Oxidative stress results from of a shift toward reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the equilibrium between ROS generation and the antioxidant defense system. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation caused by Amyloid-ß protein deposition in the human brain are the most likely pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Walnut extracts could reduce Amyloid-ß fibrillation and aggregation, indicating their beneficial effects on memory and cognition. Walnut can also improve movement disabilities in Parkinson’s disease due to their antioxidant and neuroprotective effect by reducing ROS and nitric oxide (NO) generation and suppressing oxidative stress. It is noteworthy that Walnut compounds have potential antiproliferative effects on Glioblastoma (the most aggressive primary cerebral neoplasm). This effective therapeutic agent can stimulate apoptosis of glioma cells in response to oxidative stress, concurrent with preventing angiogenesis and migration of tumor cells, improving the quality of life and life expectancy of patients with glioblastoma. Antioxidant Phenolic compounds of the Walnut kernel could explain the significant anti-convulsion ability of Walnut to provide good prevention and treatment for epileptic seizures. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effect of Walnut oil could be beneficial in treating multiple sclerosis. In this study, we review the pharmaceutical properties of Walnut in age-related neurological disorders. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.10.015
Almond intake alters the acute plasma dihydroxy-octadecenoic acid (DiHOME) response to eccentric exercise.
Introduction: This investigation determined if 4-weeks ingestion of nutrient-dense almonds mitigated post-exercise inflammation and muscle soreness and damage. Methods: An acute 90-min of eccentric exercise (90-EE) was used to induce muscle damage in 64 non-obese adults not engaging in regular resistance training (ages 30–65 years, BMI < 30 kg/m2). Using a parallel group design, participants were randomized to almond (AL) (57 g/d) or cereal bar (CB) (calorie matched) treatment groups for a 4-week period prior to the 90-EE (17 exercises). Blood and 24-h urine samples were collected before and after supplementation, with additional blood samples collected immediately post-90-EE, and then daily during 4 additional days of recovery. Changes in plasma oxylipins, urinary gut-derived phenolics, plasma cytokines, muscle damage biomarkers, mood states, and exercise performance were assessed. Results: The 90-EE protocol induced significant muscle damage, delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), inflammation, reduced strength and power performance, and mood disturbance. Interaction effects (2 group × 7 time points) supported that AL vs. CB was associated with reduced post-exercise fatigue and tension (p = 0.051, 0.033, respectively) and higher levels of leg-back strength (p = 0.029). No group differences were found for post-90-EE increases in DOMS and six cytokines. AL was associated with lower levels of serum creatine kinase immediately- and 1-day post-exercise (p = 0.034 and 0.013, respectively). The 90-EE bout increased plasma levels immediately post-exercise for 13 oxylipins. Interaction effects revealed significantly higher levels for AL vs. CB for 12,13-DiHOME (p < 0.001) and lower levels for 9,10-DiHOME (p < 0.001). Urine levels increased in AL vs. CB for seven gut-derived phenolics including 5-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone that was inversely related to changes in plasma 9,10-DiHOME (r = −0.029, p = 0.021). Discussion: These data support some positive effects of almond intake in improving mood state, retaining strength, decreasing muscle damage, increasing the generation of gut-derived phenolic metabolites, and altering the plasma oxylipin DiHOME response to unaccustomed eccentric exercise in untrained adults. The elevated post-exercise plasma levels of 12,13-DiHOME with almond intake support positive metabolic outcomes for adults engaging in unaccustomed eccentric exercise bouts. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.1042719
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 226), calcium bisulfite (E 227) and potassium bisulfite (E 228).
Sulfur dioxide-sulfites are added as preservatives and antioxidants to a range of food products, including dried fruits (dried apricots, raisins) and vegetables. According to the report, EFSA’s Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings performed a risk assessment for toxic elements present in sulfur dioxide-sulfites (E 220-228), based on data submitted by business operators, and concluded that the maximum limits in the EU specifications for arsenic, lead and mercury should be lowered and a maximum limit for cadmium should be introduced. EFSA’s Panel concluded that the intake of sulfur dioxide-sulfites may represent a safety concern, however, the available toxicity data was insufficient for them to derive an Acceptable Daily Intake level.
FRUCOM held a meeting today with the members of the Dried Fruit and Nuts Working Group to discuss the situation and potential impact for the industry. Since EFSA’s Scientific Opinion was published last November, EU Member States might start discussions very soon.
EFSA Scientific Opinion. EFSA Journal 2022;20(11):7594, 139 pp.
INC Strategic Goals to Aid in the Sustainable Growth of the Nut & Dried Fruit Sector, 2022-2026
By: INC Executive Director, Goretti Guasch
The future of the nut and dried fruit industry was front of mind as the INC Executive Committee gathered at our headquarters in Reus, Spain, for a Strategic Planning Meeting in late October 2022. By the time the meeting was adjourned, we had identified new priorities for the INC and charted a roadmap for the years ahead.
The Committee agreed that it was essential to incorporate the figure of the consumer into the INC’s vision, mission and value proposition. The revised statements adopted by the Committee reflect our commitment to encouraging greater consumption in all markets across the globe:
- Vision: To grow consumption by being the leading international source of information on nuts and dried fruit for health, nutrition, statistics, food safety and quality standards while improving market access globally.
- Mission: To facilitate sustainable growth in supply and consumption through sharing the goodness and health benefits of nuts and dried fruit globally.
- Value proposition: INC promotes the sustainable growth of nuts and dried fruit globally to improve consumption and benefit the businesses involved.
The Committee also adopted four new strategic goals for the period 2022-2026:
- Goal #1: Increase global consumption to ensure a healthy balance between supply and demand. The consumer is key to the growth of our sector. Therefore, the INC will continue to empower the industry to work together and raise awareness about the importance of the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits. To help the INC achieve this goal a new committee on Global Communications and Insights is being created to ensure the correct message is reaching the consumer.
- Goal #2: Prioritize key areas of focus for health and nutrition to obtain regulatory approved health claims to aid the promotion of nuts and dried fruits globally. The INC will focus its efforts on gaining a regulatory approved health claim in either Europe, USA, Australia or Canada as the claim in these areas would have global impact, recognition and prestige worldwide. As well as this the INC’s multi-country marketing campaigns will aim to make an impact in key regions for consumption growth and penetrate them with marketing strategies by promoting the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits.
- Goal #3: Collaborate with international organizations regarding increasing market access and overcome the challenges of the trade barriers and supply chain issues. The INC will continue to support initiatives to help overcome trade barrier challenges and supply chain issues to help global trade worldwide by being present in discussions where trade barrier challenges, tariffs, and regulatory and supply chain issues are topics on the agenda.
- Goal #4: Define the sustainability agenda for the nut and dried fruit industry. The INC will launch a global project to promote both the industry’s sustainability efforts and the positive facts that are inherent in nuts and dried fruits, with the goal of ensuring that the promotion and concept of sustainability are aligned across the entire sector.
The new strategic goals represent a plan for growth and improvement. How our industry grows and evolves matters. We are grateful to all our members, stakeholders and the industry as a whole for your continued support and commitment to both the INC and the nut and dried fruit sector.
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 in the United States include tree nuts and peanuts.
The new draft guidance includes revised questions and answers to update and clarify information presented in earlier editions of the guidance, such as the labeling of tree nuts and images that show examples of labeling requirements.
Deadline for comments is January 30, 2023.
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 effect level [NOAEL] and uncertainty factor [UF]; benchmark dose [BMD] with/without margin of exposure (MoE); and probabilistic hazard assessment before opting for the latter and benchmark dose without MoE.
The expert committee concurred that the benchmark dose/probabilistic hazard assessment approach aligned most closely with the requests of the Codex Alimentarius Committees. They reached a consensus on reference doses (RfD) for priority allergenic foods, meeting the criterion that they should reflect a range of exposure without appreciable health risk.
Tree nuts and peanuts are among the food allergens studied.
Brazil: Phytosanitary Requirements for Pistachios from Argentina
The following notification submitted to the WTO establishes the phytosanitary requirements for the importation of pistachios (Pistacia vera) from Argentina. They entered into force on January 2, 2023.
Canada: MRLs for Ipflufenoquin
The objective of this notification submitted to the WTO on January 5, 2023, is to consult on the listed maximum residue limits (MRLs) for ipflufenoquin that have been proposed by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).
| Commodity | MRL (ppm) |
| Almonds | 0.01 |
Final date for comments is March 8, 2023.
EU: Changes in Official Controls
On November 29, 2022, EU Member States voted in favor of a draft Commission Implementing Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1793, which lays down rules on the temporary increase of official controls at the entry into the EU of certain foods.
Changes for nuts and dried fruits:
- Dried figs and products derived from dried figs from Türkiye: A high rate of non-compliance with the relevant requirements provided for in EU legislation with respect to contamination by aflatoxins was detected during official controls. The proposed regulation increases the frequency of identity and physical checks on dried figs entering the EU to 30%.
- Brazil nuts in shell and mixtures of Brazil nuts or dried fruits containing Brazil nuts in shell from Brazil should be transferred to Annex I, maintaining the level of frequency of identity and physical checks at 50% of consignments entering the EU.
- Groundnuts and products produced from groundnuts from Argentina: Increased controls are no longer justified for these commodities and their entry in Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 should be deleted.
- Groundnuts and products produced from groundnuts from Bolivia should be transferred to Annex II, with a frequency of identity and physical checks set at 50% of consignments entering the EU.
- Groundnuts and products produced from groundnuts from Brazil: An increased level of official controls due to the risk of contamination by aflatoxins is no longer justified and their entry for this reason in Annex I should be deleted.
- Groundnuts and products produced from groundnuts from Brazil: A high rate of non-compliance with the relevant requirements provided for in EU legislation with respect to contamination by pesticide residues was detected during official controls performed by Member States. The proposed regulation finds it appropriate to increase the frequency of identity and physical checks to 30%.
- Groundnuts and products produced from groundnuts from Madagascar: These commodities have not been imported into the EU for more than three years. Therefore, their entry in Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 should be deleted.
EU: Glyphosate License Extended until December 2023
The European Commission has extended the authorization for the use of herbicide glyphosate until December 15, 2023. On the other hand, the EU is partly funding a project to develop a natural substitute for glyphosate —the CARINA project— as part of the EU's Horizon Europe Framework Program for Research and Innovation. They will use the natural molecules and compounds of two plants, Carinata and Carmelina, to develop an effective bioherbicide to replace glyphosate. The CARINA project, which started on November 1, 2022 and is expected to end on October 31, 2026, involves 19 partners based in 13 different countries.
EU: Review of Pyriproxyfen MRLs
The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) published its reasoned opinion Review of the existing maximum residue levels for pyriproxyfen according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC)No 396/2005.
| Commodities | Current EU MRL (mg/kg) | EFSA recommendation |
| Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Pine nuts kernels, Pistachios, Walnuts | 0.05 | 0.01 |
| Macadamias | 0.05 | 0.05 |
The European Commission will perform its own assessment based on the EFSA opinion.
EU: Suspension of Autonomous Common Customs Tariff Duties
Council Regulation (EU) 2022/2583 of December 19, 2022, amending Regulation (EU) 2021/2278 and suspending Common Customs Tariff duties on certain agricultural products, entered into force on January 1, 2023.
In addition to the autonomous suspension of tariff duties on the products listed in the Annex, the Regulation also excludes the suspensions to products originating in Belarus, with the exception of products falling under TARIC code 2926907024 and products originating in Russia, with the exception of products falling under TARIC codes 7608208930 and 8401300020.
Products of concern listed in the Annex:
| Serial number | CN code | TARIC | Description | Rate of autonomous duty | Date envisaged for mandatory review |
| 0.3347 | ex 0804 10 00 | 30 | Dates, fresh or dried, for use in the manufacture (excluding packing) of products of drink or food industries | 0 % | 31.12.2023 |
| 0.4716 | ex 2008 93 91 | 20 | Sweetened dried cranberries, excluding packing alone as processing, for the manufacture of products of food processing industries | 0 % | 31.12.2027 |
Kenya: Code of Practice, Part 1: Tree Nuts
On December 15, 2022, Kenya notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the Standard KS 2958-1:2022 Nuts and oil crops industry —Code of practice —Part 1: Tree nuts, which was adopted on August 26, 2022.
USA: Food Code 2022
The recently released U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code intends to provide guidance to state and local authorities and retailers to help mitigate foodborne illness risks at retail, as well as to provide a uniform set of national standards for retail food safety. Fruits and nuts are among the foods covered.
USA: MRLs for Simazine
On January 5, 2023, the USA notified the WTO on new tolerances for residues of simazine for certain food products including tree nuts, currants and cranberries. They also amend the tolerance for residues in or on almond hulls.
This regulation is effective since December 22, 2022. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before February 21, 2023.
USA: Extension of Tolerance of Propyzamide for Cranberries
Effective since December 16, 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extends the time-limited tolerance for residues of the herbicide propyzamide in or on cranberry at 1 part per million (ppm) for an additional 3-year period.
This regulation will expire on December 31, 2025.
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 restrict imports if they are considered to threat national security.
Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement
As of December 29, 2022, tariffs on 85% of Australia's exports to India are eliminated and high tariffs on a further 5% of goods are phased down. The agreement has eliminated tariffs over seven years on products including macadamias, cashews, shelled pistachios and hazelnuts.
China-Ecuador FTA Negotiations Concluded
According to Reuters, China and Ecuador have concluded negotiations to reach a free trade agreement. It is expected to especially impact agricultural and agro-industrial products from Ecuador, as well as better access of machinery from China.
EU: Agricultural Labor Productivity Up by 13% in 2022
According to data from Eurostat published on December 16, 2022, the index of agricultural labor productivity in the EU has increased by 13% in 2022, after a slight growth in 2021. Highlights include:
- Market disruption provokes considerable variations in labor productivity
- Rise in EU labor productivity driven by sharp increase in agricultural prices
- Agricultural labor productivity for the EU as a whole in 2022 over 40% higher than in 2015
EU Signs Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Thailand and Malaysia
Both Malaysia and Thailand have signed Partnership and Cooperation Agreements with the European Union. The agreements intend to “enhance the political dialogue on issues of global concern and will give more scope for mutually beneficial cooperation in a wide number of policy areas, including the environment, energy, climate change, transport, trade, employment and social affairs, human rights, agriculture”.
Iran-Eurasian Economic Union FTA
Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union have finalized the terms for a free trade agreement that shall be signed on January 18, 2022. The agreement will cover more than 7,500 types of commodities and will grant tariff concessions to 500 types of Iranian commodities, whereas Iran has listed 400 types of goods.
Kenya and South Korea Agree to Deeper Economic Cooperation
During a 3-day official visit to South Korea from November 21-24, 2022, Kenya and South Korea agreed to expand ties aimed to contribute to the socio-economic development of the two countries in certain areas, including agriculture. The deal is expected to address trade especially on Kenyan agri products.
USA-China: Economic and Security Review
In the 2022 Annual Report to Congress, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has recommended that the Congress directs the Administration to produce an interagency report to assess China’s compliance with the terms and conditions of the 1999 Agreement on Market Access between China and the US. The Commission recommends that “if the report concludes that China has failed to comply with the provisions agreed to for its accession to the WTO, Congress should consider legislation to immediately suspend China’s Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) treatment”. The suspension of normal trading relations could result in an increase tariff on China’s imports, among other consequences.
USA Revokes Russia's Market Economy Status
On November 10, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that it will no longer treat Russia as a market economy in its antidumping (AD) proceedings. This measure may result in an increase of import duties for Russian goods that are subject to antidumping (AD) investigations.
USA-UK: Suspension of Tariffs for Prunes from California
The United Kingdom has suspended import tariffs on dried prunes from California. Effective since January 1, 2023, the suspension sees the removal of the 8% tariff until at least December 31, 2024.
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, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has set out a series of guidance and reliefs to help companies embed and improve their processes for measurement and disclosure of Scope 3 GHG emissions.
GRI Revised Biodiversity Standard
The revision process of the GRI Biodiversity Standard was led by a technical review committee, including several biodiversity frameworks and initiatives such as CDP, the Align project, Partnership for Biodiversity Accounting Financials, and the Accountability Framework. The draft, which is now opened for public comment until February 28, 2023, was molded by contributions from the Science Based Target Network (SBTN), Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), and WBA Nature Benchmark.
China: 10% Cut in Pesticide Use on Fruits & Vegetables by 2025
According to Reuters, China wants to reduce pesticide use on fruit and vegetables by 10% by 2025. China began tackling the problem in 2015, with a campaign to reduce the use of chemicals by 2020. As stated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, “there is an urgent need to improve the efficiency and scientific use of pesticides and fertilizers when promoting the reduction of chemical pesticides".
EU: Analysis on Main Drivers of Food Security
The European Commission recently published an analysis on the main drivers affecting food security in the EU and worldwide. It looks at the effects on food security of drivers such as climate change or environmental degradation. Regarding trade, the Commission identifies fruits and nuts as the second most important import category (EUR 20.7 billion in 2021). They also state that in the EU, with a few exceptions, the consumption of fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grain, and dietary fiber, as well as potassium, is lower than the recommended intake levels.
EU: Certification of Carbon Removals to Help Reach Net Zero Emissions
On November 30, 2022, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a first EU-wide voluntary framework to reliably certify high-quality carbon removals. It is expected to help companies report on their climate footprint in accordance with the Corporate Social Responsibility Directive and the related Sustainability Reporting Standards, and to provide more transparency on climate neutrality claims by public and private organizations.
EU: Packaging and Packaging Waste
The European Commission published on November 30, 2022, the new proposal for a regulation on packaging and packaging waste, as a further step of the European circular economy action plan. The new rules have three main objectives:
- Avoid the generation of packaging waste: reduce it in quantity, restrict unnecessary packaging, and promote reusable and refillable packaging solutions.
- Drive high quality recycling: make all packaging on the EU market recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030.
- Reduce the need for primary natural resources and create a well-functioning market for raw materials by increasing the use of recycled plastics in packaging through mandatory targets.
To this end, a number of key lines of work are set out. These include:
- Targets for packaging waste reduction and mandatory reuse or refill targets in sectors such as retail and catering.
- EU-wide standards for overpackaging, including setting a maximum allowable void space on ecommerce packaging, as well as banning certain forms of unnecessary packaging.
- Eco-design criteria in packaging to increase recycling rates.
- Mandatory composting for some types of packaging, where composting is beneficial for the environment.
- Labels on all packaging to facilitate correct sorting of waste by consumers and corresponding labels on recycling bins to make it clear where to place each container.
EU: Provisional Deal to Close Gender Pay Gap
The Council and European Parliament have reached a provisional deal on pay transparency rules. This agreement stipulates that employers with more than 100 employees will have to provide information about the pay gap between female and male workers in their organization. The information must be shared with their relevant national authority and they will also need to provide this information to their workers and their representatives. The information is due annually or every three years, depending on the size of the company.
Germany: National Nutrition Strategy
On December 21, 2022, the German Minister of Agriculture introduced the main points of the new national nutrition strategy. One of the objectives is to make a plant-based diet more accessible to the population, with as high a proportion as possible of unprocessed vegetables and fruit, as well as fiber-rich cereal products, pulses and nuts.
Spain: Special Tax on Non-Reusable Plastic Packaging
The Special Tax on Non-Reusable Plastic Packaging (Law 7/2022 of April 8, 2022, on waste and contaminated soils for a circular economy) entered into force on January 1, 2023. This measure will directly affect companies in the food and beverage sector.
- What is taxed: the use of non-recycled plastic in non-reusable packaging.
- Which part of the industry is affected: virtually the whole sector. There are certain exceptions for products with medicinal uses.