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Legislators strike a deal on farm bill legalizing hemp The top House Agriculture Democrat, Collin Peterson of Minnesota, says a final farm bill agreement rejects controversial House provisions to tie food stamp benefits to expanded work requirements but greenlights hemp cultivation. Legislators noted that there is more work to be done, including finalizing legal and report language as well as Congressional Budget Office (CBO) scores but indicated that this work is a priority. Read coverage Final farm bill makes hemp legal, details revealed→ Tentative deal reached on farm bill→ FDA approves qualified health claim for high oleic oils and reduced risk of coronary heart disease11/29/2018
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FDA approves qualified health claim for high oleic oils and reduced risk of coronary heart disease FDA has approved a qualified health claim based on a petition by Corbion Biotech for its GMO-based edible oils containing high levels of oleic acid, when it replaces saturated fat. In a recent statement, the agency noted that manufacturers can use the following wording on packaging: “Supportive but not conclusive scientific evidence suggests that daily consumption of about 1½ tablespoons (20 grams) of oils containing high levels of oleic acid, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.” The claim will also need to make it clear that to achieve this benefit, these oils “should replace fats and oils higher in saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day.” Generally, industry stakeholders have applauded the move. Read coverage: Statement from FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D, on a new qualified health claim for consuming oils with high levels of oleic acid to reduce corononary heart disease risk→ FDA approves qualified health claims for high oleic aoilsand reduced risk of coronary heart disease→ TOP STORY
VITAL and REDUCE-IT: Positive results around omega-3 for heart health, but media mixed New data from two high-profile trials indicate that omega-3 consumption may indeed significantly benefit a number of heart health outcomes. But the mainstream media coverage (and therefore messaging to consumers) has been mixed. Data from the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) and Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with EPA—Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT) saw positive presentations and papers. Both trials used pharmaceuticals, not dietary supplements, so omega-3 manufacturers should be careful not to link results to their products. GOED will be looking to integrate statistics from both trials with existing data to determine how much it strengthens the argument. Read more→ TOP STORY
FDA releases guidance, draft guidance regarding labeling, single-serve packaging FDA has released a guidance document regarding Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts labels and a draft guidance on serving sizes and other miscellaneous topics. The guidance document is in relation to the rules published on May 27, 2016, which, among other things, required the declaration of added sugars, updated the list of vitamins and minerals of public health significance, increased the prominence of the declaration of calories and updated some reference values for nutrients. Read more→ TOP STORY
Replace probiotics regulatory complexity with consistency and clarity: IPA At last week’s Probiota event, the International Probiotics Association, a UNPA MOU partner, urged the industry to support its efforts to bring consistency to the global regulatory landscape, so that the rules can keep pace with technology and scientific advancement. In the U.S. probiotics market, things are looking positive due to praiseworthy press, mounting scientific support and consumers’ embrace of healthy living, with probiotic supplementation now a regular part of even average Americans’ wellness routines. But despite this rising profile, probiotics have yet to reach their full potential with Americans. Read coverage: Replace probiotics regulatory complexity with consistency and clarity→ What will it take to grow the U.S. probiotics market→ TOP STORY
U.K. reclassifies certain glucosamine products as medicines Following a review of the classification of glucosamine-containing products prompted by a 2016 court of appeal judgement, the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced its intention to reclassify products with a level of base glucosamine equal to or greater than 1178 mg/day as medicines. This is based both on the evidence of pharmacological effect and because it is clear, MHRA says, most people use glucosamine for a medicinal purpose. The ruling means products containing at least 1178 mg/day of glucosamine cannot continue to be sold without a marketing authorization. The ruling will effect many food supplements currently on the market. Read more→ TOP STORY
Researchers identify nearly 800 ‘supplements’ in FDA database as tainted As reported earlier this week by UNPA, through an analysis of an FDA database, researchers from California have identified nearly 800 products marketed as "supplements" but adulterated with unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients. The study prompted critics of the industry to once again call for reforms to DSHEA. Commenting on the study and industry response, NBJ's Rick Polito notes that “reading the same headlines and expecting different results is insanity. Reading the same headlines and responding the same way is closer to complicity.” Read coverage: Researchers find nearly 800 ‘supplements’ in FDA database identified as tainted with drug ingredients→ Supplement spiked with drugs: Perennial headlines and predictable responses→ Unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients included in dietary supplements associated with U.S. Food and Drug Administration warnings→ TOP STORY
BAPP invites comment on proposed best practices for disposal of defective articles The ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) is inviting industry to review and comment on its proposed “Best Practices SOP for the Disposal/Destruction of Irreparably Defective Articles.” The following link provides access to the draft and instructions on how to submit comments. The file also includes the draft proposed contract language that buyers and suppliers can consider adding to their supply contracts. BAPP respectfully requests that comments be returned to ABC by Oct. 30, 2018, via email at BAPPSOP@herbalgram.org. Read more→ TOP STORY
Is consumer concern over glyphosate at a tipping point? With news of healthy products suffering glyphosate contamination, underscored by a much-publicized Environmental Working Group study that found higher-than comfortable levels in breakfast products, food and beverage companies are preparing for a deluge of increased consumer unease about pesticides in products. To convince consumers that their products are free from the herbicide, some companies seek verification from The Detox Project’s Glyphosate Residue Free certification, which tests food straight out of the box, offering assurance to both brands and end-users. The project has been overwhelmed by industry inquiries over the past six months. Read coverage: Is consumer concern over glyphosate at a tipping point→ Glyphosate residue free inquiries surge as 'clean food' movement gathers pace→ TOP STORY
Is the House trying to sneak controversial changes into the Farm Bill?; Industry optimistic on hemp provisions The differences between the Senate and House versions of the 2018 Farm Bill may be insurmountable: The House wants SNAP (formerly food stamps) recipients to work for their food; the Senate’s Democrats refuse. The House also wants to prevent local governments from restricting pesticide use; let wealthy farmers continue to receive crop subsidies; and wipe out a major conservation program. Meanwhile, passage of the “game changing” hemp provisions in the Farm Bill is expected to go smoothly, according to a panel of attorneys at the Natural Products Hemp & CBD Summit. While it will be a landmark action, some ambiguities will remain because states will still have regulatory authority. Read coverage: The House is trying to sneak these controversial changes into the Farm Bill→ Optimism high on 'game changing' hemp farming act→ |
