By Brandon Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer
FOOD SAFETY
US FDA Releases New Tools on Traceability
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a new set of tools and answers to frequently asked questions on the Food Traceability Rule, including traceability lot codes, a video on product tracing systems and examples of a traceability plan. The agency also announced that although the compliance date of the rule is January 20, 2026, routine inspections under the rule will not begin until 2027.
Source: Food Safety News
SUSTAINABILITY
The Biggest Food Sustainability Pledges at COP28
Food was at the center of the table at COP28 as world leaders and major producers announced landmark agreements tackling agriculture’s role in climate change.
Some of the world’s largest food producers are taking new steps to disclose ‒ and reduce ‒ methane emissions, which are more potent than carbon dioxide. And for the first time at a U.N. climate summit, governments agreed to prioritize food and agriculture in their plans to lower emissions.
Source: Agriculture Dive
FOOD WASTE
Lidl GB Scraps “Use By” Dates on Own Brand Dairy to Slash Consumer Food Waste
Lidl GB is replacing “Use By” dates with “Best Before” on all its own brand milk and yogurt. The move forms part of the discounter’s plans to tackle food waste, as it encourages shoppers to use their judgment on whether products are still good to eat.
Lidl GB has announced changes to labeling on its yogurt and fresh milk ranges, helping customers reduce food waste at home. Customers will discover the change on milk this month, while yogurt will be implemented in early 2024.
Source: Food Ingredients First
FDA, USDA and EPA Propose National Strategy to Reduce U.S. Food Loss and Waste
The US FDA, US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a strategy that will drive progress toward the national goal to reduce food loss and waste in the US by 50% leading up to 2030. The action is a continuation of the three agencies’ collaborative efforts to build a more sustainable future.
In the US, food is the single most common material found in landfill and comprises 66 million tons of the municipal waste stream. The Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics identifies opportunities to reduce food loss and waste across the entire supply chain.
Source: FDA
SUPPLY CHAINS
US Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Supply Chains Incorporates Many CPG Industry Priorities
Legislation passed by the US House Energy and Commerce Committee would strengthen supply chains and domestic manufacturing to potentially avoid bottlenecks and challenges like those that delayed production and distribution of essential goods during the pandemic.
Source: FoodNavigator
