Weekly Newsletter | June 1, 2023 |
Food & Nutrition
FDA Publishes Updated Webpage on Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food
FDA published updated web content on aspartame and other sweeteners and sugar substitutes in food. The updated webpage highlights sweeteners authorized for use as food additives in the U.S., including aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, neotame, and advantame. The webpage also includes information on plant and fruit-based sweeteners, such as steviol and monk fruit extract. FDA affirms that the agency continues to monitor the latest science available on sweeteners, remains updated on published literature and the current level of consumer exposure, and participates in international scientific and standard-setting activities related to food ingredient safety.
Coalition Files Petition Requesting FDA Revoke Approval of Titanium Dioxide in Foods
A coalition of five public health advocacy groups, including the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), and the Center for Food Safety and Center for Environmental Health (CFS) filed a petition requesting that FDA revoke its approval of the use of synthetically-prepared titanium dioxide in foods. Titanium dioxide is commonly added to provide a bright white color to food products, including coffee creamers, baked goods, chewing gums, hard-shell candies, puddings, frostings, dressings, and sauces. Titanium dioxide is among the five food additives the California and New York State legislatures are proposing to ban from the state's food supply.
Senator Grassley Sends Letter Requesting Further Transparency of DGAC Members
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting transparency regarding potential conflicts of interest among the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC). In the letter, Grassley requests the DGAC suspend writing new dietary recommendations until the DGAC comes into full compliance with the recommendations from the 2017 National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report, which explicitly calls for public transparency around conflicts of interest. This letter serves as a follow-up to Grassley's previous letter sent last March, requesting transparency regarding potential conflicts of interest among DGAC member, Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford.
Texas Signs Cell-Cultured Meat Labeling Bill Into Law
Texas signed into law a bill that would require cell-cultured and analogue food products, including plant-based or alternative products of meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs, to carry a qualifying term or disclaimer on the product packaging. The law would require cell-cultured and analogue food products to be labeled as “analogue,” “meatless,” “plant-based,” “made from plants” or with similar clarifying language in prominent type and in close proximity to the name of the product. This law is intended to clearly communicate to a consumer the contents of alternative, analogue and cell-cultured meat products. This law will take effect on September 1, 2023.
Study Suggests Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Impacts Sustainability
A study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment examined the impact of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption on greenhouse gas emissions and water, energy and land use. The study suggested that low consumption of ultra-processed foods, classified according to the NOVA system, may improve environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and energy use. Researchers also found that meat-based UPF products had greater negative environmental impacts on land use compared to plant-based products.
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Food Safety
FDA Publishes Action Level for Inorganic Arsenic in Apple Juice
FDA published the final guidance, Action Level for Inorganic Arsenic in Apple Juice. This final guidance identifies for industry the action level of 10 parts per billion (ppb) for inorganic arsenic in apple juice. The agency will continue its current practice of monitoring arsenic in apple juice samples and if testing identifies inorganic arsenic in apple juice above 10 ppb, the FDA will consider this action level, in addition to other factors, to determine whether to take enforcement action. The final guidance finalizes the draft guidance published on July 15, 2013. The establishment of this action level is part of FDA’s efforts under its Closer to Zero Action Plan.
FDA Releases Update on PFAS Activities in the Food Supply
FDA released an update on the agency's recent Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) activities to better understand PFAS in the general food supply. The update includes an overview of FDA's progress and findings, including updates on recent testing results, progress on seafood-related work, and advances in testing methods. Among these findings, FDA shared that PFAS contamination appears to be higher in seafood than other types of foods and concluded that exposure to PFAS at the levels measured in conducted sample studies are not likely to be a health concern for young children or the general population. FDA expanded its testing methodology to test for 30 types of PFAS in 2023 and plans to publicly share its revised methodology later this year.
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Agriculture
GAO Publishes 2023 USDA Priority Open Recommendations
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) published its 2023 Priority Open Recommendations for USDA to help the agency save money, address issues on its High Risk List, and improve government operations. In a letter sent to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, the GAO outlines 12 open recommendations that the agency should prioritize, including to 1) reduce improper payments; 2) improve USDA's oversight of federal assistance programs; 3) improve IT and cybersecurity; and 4) manage federal fiscal exposure to climate risks. GAO requests that USDA provide an update on the overall status of the agency's implementation of the identified priority recommendations.
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Global
Mexico Publishes New Dietary Guidelines
Mexico published the country's new Dietary Guidelines, including ten recommendations with an emphasis on diets that are environmentally friendly and to ‘avoid ultra-processed foods.’ Specifically, the Mexican Dietary Guidelines contain recommendations to 1) breastfeed babies for the first 6 months and then continue until age 2 along with other nutritious foods; 2) eat more vegetables and fruits; 3) eat beans; 4) choose whole grains; 5) eat less beef and processed meats; 6) avoid ultra-processed foods; 7) drink water; 8) avoid alcohol; 9) be physically active; and 10) enjoy meals with family and friends.
UK Food Industry Group Issues Position Statement on Ultra-Processed Foods
The British Nutrition Foundation, a food industry group in the UK, issued its position statement on ultra-processed foods (UPFs), stating that UPFs should not be included within national dietary guidelines. The Foundation notes that while some UPFs may contribute to a poor diet, advice to avoid all foods classified as UPF may have unintended consequences such as fostering feelings of guilt and stigma around food choices, and that more research is needed in order to understand their impact on human health. The position statement also highlights that while there is no agreed-upon definition for UPFs, consumers should be supported to choose nutrient-dense and affordable versions of processed foods, alongside the consumption of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and other protein sources.
UK Releases Guidance to Ban Single-Use Plastics
The UK released guidance on its ban of single-use plastics. The ban, initially announced in January 2023, will prohibit businesses from supplying, selling or offering single-use plastic items, including plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks, and certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers. The ban will take effect on October 1, 2023.
Fun Fact: Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world, after saffron.
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