Ch. 2: Government Regulations

*Codex Alimentarius Commission*

"Codex Alimentarius" (13 vol.) -- international standards est. by JECFA to protect consumers' health, ensure fair practices in food trade, and facilitate international trade of foods. 1 vol. - labeling, food additives, contaminants, irradiated foods, import/export inspection, food hygiene 9 vol. - standards/codes of practice on commodity basis 2 vol. - residues of pesticides and vet drugs in foods 1 vol. - methods of analysis and sampling

EPA

*Environmental Protection Agency* -- specifies the acceptable amount of pesticide residues on fresh fruit, veggies, and other raw agricultural products - sets effluent (liquid waste) standards for food processing plants

FTC

*Federal Trade Commission* -- authority over various aspects of food advertising and sale promotion practices -- keeps business/trade competition free and fair

FCC

*Food Chemicals Codex* -- US standards for the identification and purity of food additives and chemical set under the US Pharmacopia

FDA

*Food and Drug Administration* -- responsible for regulating the safety of foods, cosmetics, drugs, medical devices, biologicals, and radiological products. - Implements FD&C Act - nutrition labeling (except for meat, poultry, and egg products) - enforces tolerances for pesticide residues - works with USDA, has regulatory authority over dairy interstate commerce

JECFA

*Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives* -- sets international standards for purity of food additives FAO (Food and Agriculture Org.) WHO (World Health Org.)

NMFS

*National Marine Fisheries Service* -- division of the US. Dept. of Commerce that provides seafood inspection - works with FDA and EPA to assure safety of seafood

NSSP

*National Shellfish Sanitation Program* -- federal, state, industry voluntary cooperative program administered by the FDA that inspects and surveys bacteriological conditions in shellfish-growing areas - works with FDA and EPA

USDA

*US Department of Agriculture* -- administers federal statutes relevant to food standards, composition , and analysis. - mandatory and voluntary grading programs - works with FDA, involvement in dairy industry is voluntary - nutrition labeling of meat, poultry, and egg products

USCS

*United States Customs Service* -- ensures that imported food and beverages are taxed properly, safe for human consumption, and not economically deceptive. - works with FDA and USDA

*Standards of Grade*

Classifies products from average to excellent in quality

Regulations for imported foods

Customs Service, FDA, USDA

*Standards of Identity*

Defines what food is and what it contains

Regulations for drinking water

EPA, FDA

Regulations for pesticide residues

EPA, FDA

*Standards of Fill*

Est. for some canned fruits and veggies, tomato products, and seafood states how full a container must be

*Standards of Quality*

Est. min. standards/specs for some canned fruits and veggies

Regulations for shellfish

FDA, EPA, and state agencies

Regulations for dairy

FDA, USDA, and state agencies

Prevention of deceptive food labels

FTC, FDA

Food standard est. by the USDA

Standard of Grades

Food standards est. by the FDA

Standards of Identity, Quality, and Fill

TTB

Tax and Trade Bureau -- regulatory control of alcoholic beverage quality, standards, manufacture, labeling requirements