News You Missed This Week

The Department of Homeland Security dropped the “no-match rule” that immigrant advocates, labor unions and business associations all opposed. The San Francisco Chronicle covered the story here.

Also last week, FDA awarded grants totaling $17.5 million to fund intervention, innovation and prevention food safety research projects. FDA’s Web site has a list of the universities and state programs that received funding.

On Oct. 6, the Center for Science in the Public Interest released its list of the Top 10 riskiest foods, raising the ire of the produce industry and resulting in a backlash from industry associations. Leafy green products were No. 1 on the list, potatoes were No. 5, tomatoes were No. 8 and berries were No. 10. The Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association sent a joint letter to CSPI, stating the methodology was lacking and the list lacked clarity. PMA’s From Field to Fork blog had some additional comments.

On Wednesday, FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg was interviewed by CNN about her goals for FDA. She said she wants to restore trust in the agency and have its regulations be science based. A transcript of the interview is here.

And finally, the Monterey County Herald reported that Bob Antle, co-chairman of Tanimura & Antle would be recognized by a farmworker group for his efforts to improve the health and housing conditions of area laborers.