The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service will host a webinar on August 18, 2020 to discuss animal raising claims made on food labels.
FSIS to Host Webinar on Animal Raising Claims on Labels
Groups Challenge “Deceptive” Tyson Worker Safety Advertisements
Food & Water Watch and worker advocacy group Venceremos, represented by the Richman Law Group, have filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission alleging that Tyson’s claims that it works with “independent” family farmers and that it provides a “safe work environment” are false and misleading to consumers.
Senate Considers Revoking Line Speed Waivers Amid Pandemic
Senate Booker has introduced Senate Bill 4338, the Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act, a companion bill to H.R. 7521, which proposes to suspend all current and future USDA line speed waivers amidst the pandemic.
Unions File Suit Challenging USDA Line Speed Waivers
The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union and local counterparts in six states have filed suit against the United States Department of Agriculture, alleging that the agency’s line speed waiver program violates the Administrative Procedure Act.
Meatpacking Facility Worker Files Suit Against Central Valley Meat Company
An employee of Central Valley Meat Company has filed a proposed class action against the company, alleging it allowed multiple employees to return to work after testing positive for COVID-19.
Georgia Governor Signs Bill Restricting Labeling of Alternative Proteins
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed into law a bill that makes it unlawful to label any cultured meat product “as meat or any product from an animal” without distinct identification as “lab-grown,” “lab-created,” or “grown in a lab.” The law also requires similar labeling for plant-based products.
Agricultural Marketing Service Releases Report on Beef Pricing Investigation
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service has released a report on its investigation into boxed beef and fed cattle price spread. The report outlines two major disruptions in the market and suggests several policy changes to address competitive imbalances.
Meatpacking Plant Workers File Suit Against OSHA Seeking COVID-19 Protections
A group of meatpacking plant workers have filed suit against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, seeking to compel the agency to force their employer to implement COVID-19 protections.
New Jersey Proposes Criminalizing Confinement of Pregnant Pigs
New Jersey Assembly No. 4439 would make confining a pregnant pig in farrowing crate or in another way that prevents her from turning around or fully extending her limbs a disorderly persons offense, subject to a fine of between $250 and $1000 dollars.
Indiana Right to Farm Statute Challenged in Supreme Court Cert Petition
Represented by the Harvard Animal Law & Policy Clinic, two families have filed a petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court, asking the Court to review Indiana’s Right to Farm Act. The Petitioners assert that the statute violates the Takings Clause of the U.S. Constitution because it denies homeowners any remedy when a massive Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) is sited next to their homes and spews noxious odors and particles onto their property, making it impossible for them to use and enjoy their property.