The Agricultural Marketing Services is proposing a new paper and paper-based packaging promotion, research, and information order. The program would be financed by an assessment of $0.35 per short ton on manufacturers and importers of the products, and would cover four types of paper and paper-based packaging: (1) printing, writing and related paper (used to make products for printing, writing and other communication purposes); (2) kraft packaging paper (used for products like grocery bags and sacks); (3) containerboard (used to make corrugated boxes, shipping containers and related products); and (4) paperboard (used for food and beverage packaging, tubes and other miscellaneous products).
On Dec. 28 the Foreign Agricultural Service issued the following GAIN reports:
The Food Safety and Inspection Service will hold a public meeting Jan. 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Washington, D.C. to get input on agenda items and draft U.S. positions that will be discussed at the 20th session of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems. The Codex Committee will meet Feb. 18-22 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Participation by teleconference is available by calling 1-888-858-2144, participant code 6208658.
On Dec. 26-27 the Foreign Agricultural Service issued the following GAIN reports:
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced changes Dec. 27 to Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) electronic manuals. While some changes are minor, other changes may affect the admissibility of the plant products, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service revised export requirements and plant lists for the following countries for Dec. 21-27:
The Food Safety and Inspection Service set Jan. 1, 2016, as the uniform compliance date for any new meat and poultry product labeling regulations issued between Jan. 1, 2013, and Dec. 31, 2014. FSIS periodically announces uniform compliance dates for new meat and poultry product labeling regulations to minimize the economic impact of label changes. Comments on this final rule are due by Jan. 30.
On Dec. 22-25 the Foreign Agricultural Service issued the following GAIN reports:
On Dec. 21 the Foreign Agricultural Service issued the following GAIN reports:
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced changes Dec. 21 to Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) electronic manuals. While some changes are minor, other changes may affect the admissibility of the plant products, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers.