The following information is a comprehensive, though not necessarily exhaustive, summary of today’s judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food. Many of the summaries provide links that take the reader to primary documents or websites with additional resources. Please email important additions to: camarigg@uark.edu


In Lengen v. Gen. Mills, Inc., 2016 WL 2602416 (E.D. Cal. May 5, 2016) the defendant labeled its Cheerios products as “gluten free,” but FDA testing confirmed that a sample of defendants’ gluten free products had levels of gluten exceeding FDA regulations. The court, however, found no cause of action for unjust enrichment.


AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Notice that a public meeting of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD) will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 20, 2016, at the Center Ballroom, Alumni-Foundation Event Center, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, 200 North Benbow Road, Greensboro, NC. The meeting will be streamed via their website: http://www.usaid.gov/bifad

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE: Proposed Rule APHIS wants to amend regulations allowing the importation of lemons from NW Argentina provided they are produced per several conditions. Details here.

COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION: Notice The Office of Customer Education and Outreach (OCEO), CFTC, invites public comment on its proposed Information Collection Request. Details here.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY: Notice EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients. Pursuant to FIFRA, EPA provides notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications. Info here.

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE: Proposed Rule This rule would establish a Disaster SNAP program for implementing a section of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. Info here.

FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE: Notice The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirements to OMB for review. Comments are requested regarding (1) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper functions of the agency; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents. Details here.

RURAL HOUSING SERVICE: Notice announcing a series of Teleconferences and Web Conference Meetings regarding the USDA Multi-Family Housing program that will occur on a quarterly basis. Details here.

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