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1 1 (May 12, 2017)

handle is hein.crs/govcfws0001 and id is 1 raw text is: FF.~ May 12, 2017 Understanding Process Labels and Certification for Foods Over the years, Congress has taken an active role on issues related to the labeling and certification of food products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are responsible for administering and enforcing such claims. FDA and USDA are the primary federal authorities responsible for assuring that foods sold in the United States both domestic and foreign are safe, wholesome and properly labeled (neither false nor misleading). Other agencies also play a role. Under current law, mandatory food labeling authorities cover nutrition content in foods (21 U.S.C. 343), inspection labels and pack dates on meat and poultry products (21 U.S.C. §601 et seq., 21 U.S.C. §451 et seq., and 21 U.S.C. § 1031, et seq.), and country of origin labeling for certain agricultural products (19 U.S.C. § 1304). Food treated with irradiation must also be labeled (21 C.F.R. 179). In addition to mandatory food labels, voluntary labeling programs for foods are also subject to federal oversight. USDA's National Organic Program covers foods produced according to established federal organic standards, subject to USDA oversight and regulation (7 U.S.C. §6501 et seq.). Similarly, in 2016, Congress enacted the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (P.L. 114-216), requiring USDA to establish a national mandatory bioengineered food disclosure standard. Bioengineered foods bearing such a disclosure will need to be labeled in accordance with forthcoming USDA regulations and established federal standards. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration oversees a voluntary seafood and fisheries inspection program. Any product labeling referencing this program requires agency approval (50 C.F.R. 260). Advocacy groups are now working to integrate this program with broader seafood safety initiatives. The Federal Trade Commission maintains Green Guides to help marketers avoid making deceptive claims across a range of consumer products (including foods) and across a range of marketing strategies (e.g., labeling, advertising, promotional materials, wording, symbols, emblems, and logos). These guides focus on environmental claims and were first introduced in the 1990s to address concerns about the proliferation of process label claims and certifications. Separately, environmental claims often follow standards set by the International Organization for Standardization, an independent, non-governmental organization (NGO). State governments also have their own food labeling laws. Most states require certain food date labeling: A calendar date is displayed on a food label, accompanied by an explanatory phrase such as sell by, use by or best by. Table I. Selected Voluntary Food Product Label Categories and Selected Examples Animal Welfare (humane treatment of animals to produce animal- based products) Health/Nutrition (ingredients, dietary restrictions, handling, processing, and inspection) Human Rights/ Ethics (labor conditions, treatment, and worker pay) Religious (production and preparation as defined in religious texts) Local Business Promotion (local/regional or geographically distinct production) .. .... mA4~LA va .. 4WK-vi- FAA W.,. Certified Gluten-Free ALN / N< ou'RINNN': mom te- WR TRAM: Source: CRS. Other labels and certifications can be found at the Ecolabel Index, global directory of ecolabels (www.ecolabelindex.com). Environment/ Sustainability (environmental protection in production) gognpo 'popmm ggmm g , q 'S a X 11L1\LX\\1kJ\W, ..........

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