From a national action plan on combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food-producing animals and a presidential task force on fishing and seafood fraud, to proposed rules on nutrition and supplement fact labeling, the Obama Administration continues a robust use of executive authority on issues related to food labeling, food safety, and nutrition. On Capitol Hill, while other issues languish, the House and Senate appear poised to take action on food and nutrition-related issues, whether it is through newly re-introduced legislation on the labeling of bioengineered foods, or debate on the funding and organization of federal food safety and nutrition programs. ML Strategies is pleased to share this Update on Food Labeling, Food Safety, & Nutrition, highlighting some of the key regulatory and legislative developments in this area.

REGULATORY OUTLOOK -

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have primary regulatory authority and an active regulatory agenda for issues related to food labeling, food safety, and nutrition. The regulatory agendas for both agencies, along with more than 60 other federal departments and agencies, can be found here. Highlights of regulatory and other administrative actions are below.