The Justice Department announced that SB Pharmco Puerto Rico Inc., a subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline, PLC (GSK), has agreed to plead guilty to charges relating to the manufacture and distribution of certain adulterated drugs made at GSK’s now-closed Cidra, Puerto Rico, manufacturing facility. The resolution includes a criminal fine and forfeiture totaling $150 million and a civil settlement under the False Claims Act and related state claims for $600 million.
The International Trade Administration's U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service is organizing a multi-sector trade mission to Mexico, April 5-12, 2011, in conjunction with the Trade Winds Forum -- The Americas. Trade mission participants will take part in business-to-business meetings in one or two of three select markets in Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Applications are due by February 11, 2011.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has announced the launch of its newly redesigned website, ICE.gov which features the latest ICE news information, an enhanced media/image gallery, and in-depth information about the ICE Office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations. Users can also subscribe to receive e-mail alerts on topics ranging from human smuggling to document and benefit fraud.
On October 22, 2010, APHIS updated its Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Import PPQ Manual. The manual lists by country fruits and vegetables that are admissible into the United States. It includes a description of methods for sampling and inspecting selected fruits and vegetables. It also contains pictorial identification guides, and a glossary for common and scientific names of fruits and vegetables.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a proposed rule to place the substance propofol, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible, into schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). If finalized, this action would impose the regulatory controls and criminal sanctions of schedule IV on those who handle propofol and products containing propofol. Comments are due by December 27, 2010.
On October 22, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Treatment Manual. This Manual serves as an operational guide for selecting and conducting quarantine treatments. The procedures and treatment schedules in this manual are administratively authorized for use by APHIS to prevent the movement of agricultural pests into or within the United States. Listed treatments include chemical treatments such as fumigation with methyl bromide, and nonchemical treatments with heat, cold, or irradiation.
Various U.S. government agencies are seeking comments on the following information collections for which they have requested or intend to request Office of Management and Budget approval or extension of approval (see notices for specific details):
The U.S. Trade Representative has sent a request letter to the International Trade Commission requesting that the ITC provide its advice as to the probable economic effect of the removal from eligibility for duty-free treatment under the General System of Preferences (GSP) program from all beneficiary countries or from the specified country on U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, on U.S. imports, and on U.S. consumers, for the following articles: certain sleeping bags (HTS 9404.30.80) and certain self-adhesive plastic tapes from Indonesia (HTS 3919.10.20 and 3919.90.50). (See ITT's Online Archives or 10/26/10 news, 10102611, for BP summary of USTR's announcement that it has received and accepted the petitions for review for these products.)
The Congressional Research Service has issued a report (RL34612) entitled, "Food Safety on the Farm: Federal Programs and Legislative Action." The report discusses whether more stringent safety standards are needed for farms, as exist for processors and others in the food chain, which has been an issue in Congress' consideration of pending food safety legislation.
On October 25, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Animal Product Manual. This Manual provides the background, procedures, and regulatory actions to enforce the regulations governing the import and export of animals, animal products, and animal by-products.