Food & Nutrition

FDA Publishes Guidance on Genome Editing in Foods Derived from Plants

FDA published the guidance, Foods Derived from Plants Produced Using Genome Editing, that outlines how the industry can voluntarily engage with FDA before marketing food from genome-edited plants. The guidance reaffirms that the risk-based approach FDA has taken for foods derived from new plant varieties also applies to foods from genome-edited plants, clarifying how the agency's 1992 policy statement on foods derived from new plant varieties applies to foods derived from new plant varieties produced using genome editing. The guidance describes two processes through which developers may voluntarily inform FDA of steps taken to ensure the safety of foods from new genome-edited plant varieties, including voluntary premarket consultations and voluntary premarket meetings. FDA highlights that these processes can help ease the pathway to market for foods from genome-edited plants as the agency continues to suggest voluntary premarket consultations for foods that have certain risk-based characteristics. 

Lawmakers Negotiate SNAP-Choice Pilot Program in FY 2024 Appropriations

Congressional lawmakers are negotiating a deal to approve a SNAP-choice pilot program that would restrict what foods are allowed for purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The pilot program, supported by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA Chair Andy Harris (R-MD), would restrict SNAP benefits to purchase of only ‘nutrient-dense foods and beverages,’ aligned with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, reducing the purchase of certain foods, including soda, candy, and processed foods. Lawmakers are considering approving this pilot program in exchange for increased funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and several other nutrition programs as Congress seeks to pass Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations before the March 1, 2024 deadline.

Study Compares Updated Nutri-Score to NOVA Classification System 

A study published in Public Health Nutrition examined the initial and updated Nutri-Score algorithm with the food processing NOVA classification system to compare how these two systems classify the processing levels of various foods and beverages. The study found that the updated Nutri-Score algorithm was more aligned with the NOVA classification system than the initial Nutri-Score algorithm. Researchers found that the updated Nutri-Score algorithm rated less food products that were classified as UPF as A and B and more food products as D or E. This study is the first to examine the impact of the updated Nutri-Score algorithm on the alignment between Nutri-Score and the NOVA classification system. 

Study Examines Association Between UPF Consumption and Low Muscle Mass

A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition examined the association between muscle mass and the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) among adults in the U.S. The study found a significant association between UPF consumption and low muscle mass among adults, highlighting UPF intake as a potential risk factor for sarcopenia. Researchers suggested that reducing UPF intake may serve as an effective strategy to prevent low muscle mass in young and middle-aged adults, potentially contributing to better physical function in older age. This study is the first to examine the association between UPFs and low muscle mass in a large, nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged 20−59 years.

On a related note, a study published in eClinicalMedicine suggested that UPF consumption increased the risk of cardiovascular events, particularly risk of coronary heart disease. Researchers recommend that public health authorities incorporate specific recommendations to limit UPF into national dietary guidelines and policies.

Food Safety

EWG Publishes Study Examining Chlormequat Levels in Oat-Based Foods 

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) published a study in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology that examined the presence of the pesticide chlormequat in the U.S. population and food supply. The study found that 80% of participants tested positive for chlormequat, marking the first study in the U.S. to examine the presence of chlormequat in humans. EWG suggests that the higher concentrations of chlormequat in the 2023 samples compared to tests conducted from 2017 through 2022 may reflect the recent introduction of chlormequat into the food supply. Researchers detected chlormequat in 92% of oat- and wheat-based foods collected from U.S. grocery stores in 2022 and 2023. Since 2018, EPA has allowed the use of chlormequat on imported oats and other grains and increased the maximum tolerable level for the pesticide in 2020. Additionally, EWG called for increased federal monitoring of chlormequat in foods, including considerations for USDA and FDA to test food samples for the pesticide.

Agriculture

JBF Launches Economic Impact of Climate Change Campaign and Report

The James Beard Foundation (JBF) and the Global Food Institute (GFI) at the George Washington University announced the launch of a new campaign and an accompanying report that addressed the economic impact of climate change on the independent restaurant industry. The Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival campaign aims to unite chefs across the country to raise awareness, educate federal policymakers, and support actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In addition to the campaign launch, the groups released a report that details immediate threats that climate change poses to the food supply chain of independent restaurants, including decreased availability and quality of commodity and specialty crops, as well as a fact sheet that highlights the economic importance of the industry and policy recommendations for federal action. The James Beard Foundation is also hosting a briefing to discuss key elements of the research informing this campaign and areas for engagement on March 4, 2024.

Global

EU Environment Committee Adopts Position on Food Waste Framework Directive

The European Parliament announced the EU's Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety's (ENVI) adoption of its position on a proposal to revise the EU's Waste Framework Directive (WFD). The Committee's proposal supports the EU's Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, introducing more ambitious food waste reduction targets and provisions. The proposed revisions would increase the binding waste reduction targets proposed by the Commission to a minimum of 20% in food processing and manufacturing, instead of 10%, and 40% per capita in retail, restaurants, food services and households, instead of 30%, to be met by December 31, 2030. The EU's full house is scheduled to vote on its position during the March 2024 plenary session. 

EU Organization Publishes Report on Consumer Perception of UPFs

The EIT Food Consumer Observatory, funded by the European Commission (EU), published a study and an accompanying report that examined consumer perceptions of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The study, featuring a survey from 17 EU countries, found that 65% of EU consumers believe that UPFs are ‘unhealthy’ and 67% believe that UPFs contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle-related health issues. The organization found that consumers are concerned about the health risks of UPFs in the long-term but lack the ability and motivation to avoid these foods, as well as citing concerns about the nutritional values of UPFs, including the presence of chemicals and the industrial production of such products. The report also developed a series of recommendations for food sector authorities, manufacturers, and retailers, suggesting that manufacturers of processed foods and plant-based substitutes consider cleaner labels with fewer additives and that retailers restrict the promotion of UPF products.

Fun Fact: Mangoes are produced in over 90 countries worldwide, with more than three-quarters of the world's production occurring in Asia.