Restaurant Law Group

It’s one of those things that you thought they already did: the Food Safety Recall Information Act was introduced to Congress requiring the USDA to publicize all of the retail stores and school districts that have received food products that have been recalled. Though the Act is in response to the Hallmark downer-meat recall, that [...]

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The House of Representatives released a report on spinach safety and what caused the E. coli epidemic 18 months ago. They came to the conclusion that it’s the FDA’s fault, but they can’t help it because they’re understaffed and underfunded. Unfortunately, the money that went into the study could not be diverted to the FDA [...]

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SAFETY AGENCIES OVERWHELMED. VOLUNTARY INDUSTRY REGULATION SHOWING ITS LIMITATIONS. . . . . Rulemaking at FSIS down 80%.

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The FDA is seeking public comment on its Food Protection Plan. In the Opportunity for Public Comment, the FDA casually notes the shocking facts that imported foods account for 15% of all foods by volume, 60% of fresh fruits and vegetables, and 75% of all seafood.

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NEW BILL WOULD SHUT FACILITIES THAT PROCESS DOWNERS

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USDA Undersecretary Richard Raymond talks “small” (Reuters photo) 
Despite having lots more money than the FDA to inspect far fewer products, the USDA doesn’t think there needs to be a major overhaul of the nation’s food-safety system. Many in Washington think that, in light of the many outbreaks and recalls recently, the USDA’s inspection system should be [...]

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Still from video of cruelty toward downed cattle at Hallmark Meats
The head of Hallmark Meats, Steve Mendell, who first refused to appear before a Congressional subcommittee without a subpoena, was in fact subpoenaed, and then showed up with his high-priced lawyer. It doesn’t look like it did him much good. According to the L.A. Times, [...]

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“This is a classic case of the fox watching the hen house.”

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Executives from Dole and ConAgra, among other companies associated with outbreaks, spoke to a Congressional subcommittee hearing on the food industry and self-regulation recently. According to Reuters, the lawmakers told the executives that they need to do more to ensure the safety of the food supply. The executives said they are doing a lot and will [...]

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Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, NYC’s Health Commissioner and #1 Calorie Counter
The New York City Board of Health approved new revised regulations regarding posting of calories on menu boards, mostly of fast-food restaurants.
After losing the lawsuit brought by the NY Restaurant Association, the health department went back and supposedly followed the judge’s directions in forming the [...]

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