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ABA News
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- ABA Questions FDA on Sodium Reduction
ABA submitted comments and data to FDA in response to the agency's request for information on various food sectors' efforts to reduce sodium. ABA included its recently completed white paper, "Considerations for Reducing Sodium in the Baking Industry" and industry trend data that illustrated bakers' efforts over the past 18 months. ABA also included scientific research citations that question the rationale for changes from the current policy.
- ABA Calls For Adequate Funding of Food Safety without Costly User Fees
ABA and 30 other food industry trade groups sent a letter to HHS, OMB and congressional leaders urging that adequate Congressional funding for FDA food safety activities be one of their highest priorities rather than proposing any new food taxes or regulatory fees on consumers and food makers as the FY2013 Budget is finalized.
- ABA Opposes FDA Planned Experimental Consumer Survey for Added Sugar Labeling
ABA provided comments to the Office of Management on Budget (OMB) as it considers an FDA-sponsored experimental study on potential added sugar labeling. In its letter, ABA noted that there is currently no analytical method to distinguish between naturally occurring and added sugar. Therefore, such a change in labeling policy would not be enforceable. FDA does not currently have the authority to require disclosure of formulations for this purpose.
- ABA Celebrates Enrichment of Grains on Capitol Hill
The American Bakers Association hosted a Congressional reception last week to celebrate one of the top ten health achievements of the century - the fortification of Enriched Grains with Folic Acid. Nearly 70 guests attended the reception, including ABA members, allied supporters and staff representatives from Senate and House offices.
- Start 2012 with the ENERGY STAR® Challenge!
ABA and ENERGY STAR® invite you to attend an online meeting on February 13th to learn and sign up for the baking challenge. Don't be left behind.
Topic: ABA - ENERGY STAR® - Challenge for the Baking Industry
Date: Monday, February 13, 2012
Time: 3:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time
Register for the meeting.
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Decorated Navy SEAL Eric Greitens to Stress Leadership, Service at the 2012 ATBI Breakfast
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Recruitment, Healthcare Implementation Top ABA HR Meeting
It's your job to keep your company compliant, but how do you stay current? How much will the healthcare law cost your business? How will you replace you replace the aging workforce? What motivates the new generation?
These issues were discussed at this week's ABA HR meeting. If your company didn't have a representative at the meeting, you should have! E-mail ABA Senior Government Relations Manager Cory Martin
at cmartin@americanbakers.org to learn more about how the baking industry is dealing with these issues and how your company can participate.
Next HR Meeting:
July 15-17, 2012
Chicago, Ill.
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- ABA Launches BakersEnrichAmerica.org
The American Bakers Association has launched BakersEnrichAmerica.org, a site which showcases the economic impact of the baking industry. The site includes baking industry job, wage, and tax data at the national level, state level, and also by congressional district.
Learn more here!
- ABA Named USDA MyPlate Strategic Partner
ABA has been accepted as a National Strategic Partner in the USDA/CNPP Nutrition Communicators Network."Make at least half your grains whole grains," will be the focus of the fourth quarter 2010 Dietary Guidelines communications message campaign. "By partnering with USDA, corporations win, USDA wins, and the American consumer wins. That's a win-win-win situation," said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.
- ABA Convention Press Release: Multi-Format Retail Panel, Consumer Analysis Highlight ABA Annual Convention
ABA is extremely pleased to roll out the speaker lineup for its 2012 Annual Convention in Scottsdale, Ariz. Kicking off the business sessions on April 16, Todd Hale, senior vice president for consumer & shopper insights, the Nielsen Company, will present findings of brand-new consumer research in the bakery category.
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OSHA Takes Next Steps on Injury and Illness Prevention
OSHA's Injury and Illness Prevention Program (I2P2) white paper outlines its enhanced focus on preventing workplace injuries. The I2P2 rule, which was first introduced by the Obama Administration in 2010, is intended to create a federal program that would identify all workplace safety hazards on their own and take action to resolve them. A handful of states, including California, Minnesota and Washington, have laws on the books that require employers to have a written health and safety plan to deal with workplace accidents. OSHA has also announced it intends to convene a Small Business Advocacy Review panel under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act in the next few months. ABA supports a safe working environment but is concerned with the over-reaching implications of the rule.
ABA will continue tracking this issue as it develops and will likely discuss it during the spring Safety meeting.
Save the date!
ABA Safety Meeting
May 8-9, 2012
Washington, D.C.
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2011 ABA News
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Rep. Martha Roby Visits ABA
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Senator Roberts to Break Bread with Bakers
Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) is set to speak at the annual "Breakfast with the Bakers" event on Jan. 24, 2012, held in conjunction with the ABA Human Resources Committee Winter Meeting. Senator Roberts serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and will discuss efforts within the Senate to reign in the National Labor Relations Board as well as other labor-related issues.
- House Votes for Regulatory Accountability
ABA applauds last week’s House of Representatives’ vote passing a bill that would improve how agencies develop regulations by creating a more transparent process. The “Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011” (H.R. 3010) would, among other things, require cost-benefit studies before issuing new regulations. The bill passed the House by a vote of 253-157. A companion bill, introduced in the Senate earlier this fall, will likely have an uphill battle.
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ABA's MacKie Cites HOS Rules as "Regulatory Excess"
"This is the fourth rewrite of the Hours of Service regulations in twelve years," ABA President and CEO Robb MacKie told a House subcommittee with broad regulatory oversight authority. "The proposal would require significant changes to industry distribution systems; affect employee work hours; and increase the cost of delivering fresh bakery products. Ultimately, the consumer would feel these costs at the checkout aisle. With high unemployment and high food inflation, now is the worst time to push regulation for regulation's sake."
The proposed Hours of Service regulations are under review by the White House regulatory oversight office. ABA met with office officials two weeks ago to urge them to block the proposal.
- GFF's Dr. Gaesser Sets the Record Straight with Dr. Oz
GFF Clinical Advisory Committee member Dr. Glenn Gaesser finally had an opportunity to engage long-time grain critic Dr. Oz in a discussion on the impact of carbohydrates and sugars on obesity. After Dr. Gaesser's numerous responses on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation to Dr. Oz's frequent attacks grain-based foods, Dr. Oz invited him onto his popular day time talk show. Dr. Gaesser did an outstanding job dispelling the myths and conventional wisdom regarding the linkage between carbohydrates and weight gain. He reiterated his research findings that people with diets higher in carbohydrates have less weight issues.
- ABA Offers Early Bird Special For 2012 Convention
- ABA Raises Concerns over FDA Reinspection Fee Proposals, Highlights Impact to Small Bakers
In separate comments, ABA and other food industry coalition members cautioned FDA regarding two aspects of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The first comments strongly urged FDA to consider the disproportionately adverse impacts of small business re-inspection fees on small bakers and bakery suppliers. The second letter focused on the criteria FDA would use in issuing broader domestic and foreign re-inspection fees.
- ABA Secures FDA/USDA Extension for Industry's Sodium Comments
FDA/USDA announced a 60-day extension has been granted for the notice, "Approaches to Reducing Sodium Consumption; Establishment of Dockets; Request for Comments, Data, and Information." ABA requested the 60-day extension of the comment period, making the new due date Jan. 27, 2012. ABA's Sodium Working Group is currently finalizing a white paper that will be the basis for the industry's comments to the agencies.
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ABA To Testify on HOS Impact to Bakers
ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie will testify on the impact of proposed changes to Department of Transportation Hours of Service regulations. Mr. MacKie will specifically address the potential impact on short haul distribution operations utilized by bakers.The House Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus Oversight and Government Spending hearing will be held Nov. 30.
- ABA & GFF Visit With Congress on Nutrition Issues and Hispanic Health Trends
ABA and GFF visited with several members of the Hispanic Caucus and Hispanic Coalition as well as House Nutrition Subcommittee Chair Jean Schmidt last week. Topics of discussion included Hispanic health trends and the important role enriched grains play; the USDA school meal proposal; and proposed food advertising restrictions to children. ABA also led the grain chain in a meeting with USDA staff on planning for the My Plate grain messaging scheduled for Q4 2012.
- ABA Staff Participate in Redskins Harvest Feast/Operation Blessing
On Nov. 22, members of the ABA staff helped fill grocery bags with Thanksgiving foods for needy families. The annual Redskins Harvest Feast/ Operation Blessing event feeds 3,500 families in the Washington, D.C. area. A special thank you to Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe for donating the stuffing for the event! An additional donation of stuffing was made by Bimbo Bakeries USA and will be used at a local food bank.
- Food Industries Urge Sound Science When it Comes to Food Flavorings
ABA joins GMA, the National Coffee Association, the American Beverage Association, The International Dairy Foods Association, the National Confectioners Association, and the Snack Food Association in urging the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to use sound science as it proposes a worker exposure limit to butter flavoring (Diacetyl) and its substitute. NIOSH's proposed exposure estimate is based on a single microwave popcorn facility and does not consider the large amount of credible data available. ABA and others agree that there is a need for a base set of management principles in how to deal with flavorings for the food industry. Given the uncertainties that exist, NIOSH should either adopt, as a guidance level for the food industry, the peer-reviewed, publicly available occupational exposure limit (OEL) or implement a performance criteria approach instead of a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL).
- Former Baker Goes to Washington
- ABA & GFF Visit With Congress on Nutrition Issues and Hispanic Health
ABA and GFF visited with several members of the Hispanic Caucus and Hispanic Coalition as well as House Nutrition Subcommittee Chair Jean Schmidt last week. Topics of discussion included Hispanic health trends and the important role enriched grains play; the USDA school meal proposal; and proposed food advertising restrictions to children. ABA also led the grain chain in a meeting with USDA staff on planning for the My Plate grain messaging scheduled for Q4 2012.
- Take the ENERGY STAR® Challenge!
- Check Out the Fall Issue of ABA's Bulletin
- Simplified Front-of-Pack Labeling Recommendations
- ENERGY STAR® - Bakers Taking the Challenge
"This is the first step for our industry to gain recognition for its efforts to become more energy efficient," said Rasma Zvaners, American Bakers Association policy director. Kroger, an ABA member company, will also be presenting at the meeting to share its experiences with the ENERGY STAR® program in the dairy industry. ABA will begin registering bakers to take the challenge this fall and will hold another webinar on Nov. 8 for those bakers unable to attend next week's meeting.
- CFTC Chairman Gary Gensler, Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) Address Board
CFTC Chairman Gary Gensler and Sen. Scott Brown each addressed the ABA and ATBI Boards during a joint board meeting session on Sept. 21 in Washington, D.C. ABA also held its Executive Leadership Development Committee (ELDC) Public Policy Forum (with Legal Committee) in conjuction with the board meeting. Watch for a full write-up of the meetings in the November issue of ABA's hardcopy Bulletin!
- House Freshman Rick Crawford Visits ABA
- Baking Industry, EPA Sign MOU on Energy Star Initiative
- ABA, IBA Co-Locating Spring 2012 Meetings
- ABA President's Letter: Summer Draws to a Close, a Busy Fall Awaits
- ABA Board to Talk Commodities with CFTC Chairman Gary Gensler
- White House Halts EPA’s Ozone Standard
The EPA’s work toward a new ozone standard stopped short last week when the President instructed EPA to withdraw the rulemaking. The new ozone standard would have limited business expansion in most every part of the country by establishing more stringent requirements. However, the ongoing ozone rule legal challenges remain and EPA plans to continue working toward its 2013 review of the ozone standard (a 5-year review cycle is mandated by law). ABA continues tracking this issue through a broad coalition made up primarily of heavy manufacturing.
- Senator Scott Brown to Address ABA Board
- Senator Boozman Visits Southern Bakeries in Hope
- USDA Actions Confirm Need to Reform Sugar Program
- One Sweet Facebook Competition
- ABA Weighs in with FDA on Bakers' Food Safety Preventative Controls
- ABA and ATBI Boards to Host Joint Solutions Session
- ABA to Hold Four Commitee Meetings at All Things Baking
Energy & Environment Committee (Oct. 3-4)
Commodity & Agricultural Policy Committee (CAPC) (Oct. 3-4)
Safety Committee (Oct. 4-5)
Logistics Committee (Oct. 4-5)
- ABA Urges USDA to Increase Sugar Imports to Satisfy Demand
ABA urged Acting Under Secretary Michael Scuse to immediately increase the tariff rate quota for sugar imports into the U.S. to help meet demand. USDA has increased the quota twice already during the current sugar marketing year (October 2010 to October 2011) due to insufficient U.S. supplies. While USDA took a positive step earlier this week by beginning the 2011/12 marketing year on September 1 instead of October 1, imports must be increased to help meet August demand.
- FDA Re-Opens 2007 Gluten Free Labeling Proposal
FDA has reopened its comment period on the Agency’s 2007 gluten free labeling proposal. Under this proposal, FDA would allow manufacturers to label a food “gluten-free” if the food does not contain any of the following:
- an ingredient that is any type of wheat, rye, barley, or crossbreeds of these grains
- an ingredient derived from these grains and that has not been processed to remove gluten
- an ingredient derived from these grains and that has been processed to remove gluten, if it results in the food containing 20 or more parts per million (ppm) gluten
- 20 ppm or more gluten
In its notice, FDA states that it continues to believe the proposed definition of “gluten-free” is the correct one.FDA’s notice also describes current analytical methods that can reliably and consistently detect gluten at levels of 20 ppm or more in a variety of foods. The public comment period that reopened on August 3 will remain open for 60 days. After FDA reviews and considers the new comments, the Agency has indicated that it will quickly issue a final rule that defines “gluten-free” for labeling food products, as well as, dietary supplements.
- ABA Members Sponsor 2011 Congressional Hot Dog Luncheon
Each year the American Meat Institute holds a “Hot Dog Lunch” on Capitol Hill. It’s a perfect combination with the American Bakers Association as you can’t have a hot dog without a bun. This year’s event was held on July 27 and was well attended, drawing many members of Congress and their staff. The event was a great success with generous sponsorships from ABA members, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Flowers Foods, Hostess Brands and Pepperidge Farm. In addition to enjoying a hot dog lunch, attendees were able to seek autographs from baseball legends Mickey Lolich of the Detroit Tigers, Whitey Herzog of the St. Louis Cardinals and Felix Millan of the Atlanta Braves who were on hand for this event.
- ACGIH's Diacetyl Proposal Missing Key Peer-Reviewed Document for Consideration
ABA joined other trades in commenting on the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' (ACGIH) use of sound science in proposing changes for diacetyl exposure levels. The ACHIG's proposal could become a consensus standard as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and OSHA continue developing worker exposure limits for diacetyl. The trade groups urged consideration of the most recent research that was used by Cal/OSHA when promulgating its 2010 diacetyl regulation. The trade groups involved were GMA, the American Beverage Association, the National Coffee Association, the National Confectioners Association and the Snack Food Association.
- ABA Joins Snack Food in FMCSA Comments
ABA partnered with the Snack Food Association (SFA) last week to comment on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) draft strategic plan. The two groups expressed support for such objectives as “raising the bar” for new entrants and denying authority to unsafe operators. However, they questioned FMCSA’s discussion of a “new comprehensive direction” focused on “the entire CMV transportation life-cycle” including the specific responsibilities for safety improvements of those involved in the transport and logistics supply chain. “We believe the Agency’s current regulatory authority is adequate,” stressed ABA and SFA, urging FMCSA to concentrate its limited resources on key crash factors and enforcement on the worst safety performers.
- House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to Address ABA, ATBI Boards
The American Bakers Association is extremely pleased to announce that House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-22) will join the ABA Board and their counterparts at the Allied Trades of the Baking Industry for their joint dinner on Tuesday, September 20. Congressman McCarthy was a small business owner and state assemblyman before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006. Since his arrival, he has swiftly moved through party ranks and was elected by his colleagues as House Majority Whip at the commencement of the 112th Congress.
- ABA meets with FDA on Food Safety
On July 25, ABA, AIB International and several other food and feed trade associations met with FDA Deputy Commissioner for Foods Michael Taylor and his senior team to discuss key issues related to the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Deputy Commissioner Taylor noted that private-public partnership is key as the agency builds on the strength grounded in food industry practices developed over the past few decades. As FDA develops FSMA standards and implementation strategies it wants to tap industry expertise. The interactive dialogue focused on preventative controls, imports and inspection and compliance. ABA Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs Lee Sanders provided an overview of ABA’s recently filed citizen petition (see below) to exempt from compliance or modify the requirements for facilities that are solely engaged in the storage of packaged foods that are not exposed to the environment.
- ABA Files Citizen Petition Seeking Preventative Control Exemption for Depots
On July 22, ABA filed a citizen petition with seven other trade associations to exempt from compliance or modify the requirements for facilities that are solely engaged in the storage of packaged foods that are not exposed to the environment. The petition notes that Congress specified that FDA implement Food Safety Modernization Act in a manner that acknowledges different levels of risk posed by various operations. Specifically the citizen petition:
- Applies to facilities registered under the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) Subsection 415
- Applies to facilities where access is restricted
- Clarifies that facilities do not engage in further packing, labeling, processing or manufacturing activities that expose product to the environment
- Clarifies that product is transported from the facility to the purchaser
- Provided examples of short term warehouse facilities that are crucial to a number of food sectors.
- HR Committee Tackles Changes to Labor Regulations and Social Media Advantages
Peter Schaumber, Past Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), spoke at length to the ABA HR Committee during its annual summer meeting on what to expect from the NLRB in coming months. “For a variety of social, political, and economic reasons entirely unrelated to the board and its election procedures, union density has fallen below 7 percent for the first time,” said Mr. Schaumber
- ABA, AACCI Comment to FDA on Experimental Whole Grain Labeling Survey Proposal
ABA, as part of the AACC International Whole Grain Working Group filed comments with FDA responding to the agency’s proposal on an experimental whole grain labeling consumer survey. The group supported FDA’s efforts to improve consumer understanding of food labeling and label statements in general and to assess consumer nutrition knowledge. At the same time, the group’s comments strongly urged FDA to rework its questionnaire using survey methodology that will ensure questions are clearly written and will deliver the insights the agency is seeking on whole-grain labeling.
- ABA Requests More Comment Time for FDA Proposed Whole Grain Labeling Study
ABA submitted a request for a 90-day comment extension period regarding the proposed study, Experimental Study on Consumer Responses to Whole Grain Labeling Statements on Food Packages. As providers of grain products, both whole and enriched, for America’s families, ABA strongly supports research on the benefits of whole grain.
- ABA Calls for Withdrawal of Flawed Marketing Proposal
The American Bakers Association (ABA) called on the Interagency Working Group (IWG) to withdraw its fatally flawed proposal for foods marketed to children and to take a fresh approach based on sound science of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines. ABA also urged IWG to build on successful industry initiatives. Eight grains industry partners joined ABA in the comments filed with the Federal Trade Commission.
- Baking & Snack Sees Biotechnology Making Headway
- House Freshman Marlin Stutzman Visits ABA
- Ethanol Subsidy Compromise
- ABA President's Letter: Wheels of Government Do Turn
- June 2011 FTRAC Meeting Highlights
- ABA Welcomes New Allied Members
- Barth Packaging, Inc.
- Compass Industrial Group
- MobileFrame
- Portco Packaging
- Puratos Corporation
- Sorghum Checkoff
- Zeppelin Systems
- Bakers Applaud Congress for Important Ethanol Votes
"Bakers from all over the country applaud Congress' actions to end subsidies for corn-based ethanol," said Robb MacKie, American Bakers Association president and CEO. "It is time to restore balance between food and fuel crops and wean corn-based ethanol from federal support. After 30 years, it is time for ethanol to discover the free market."
- USDA Ag Secretary Vilsack Praises ABA's Leadership on MyPlate
USDA Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke to the ABA Board on June 9. At the top of ABA's lists was speculation in the commodity market and nutrition. There are issues on which ABA and USDA do not exactly see eye-to-eye, such as advertising to children and ethanol. ABA, however, was able to take the important first step in having a dialogue with Secretary Vilsack.
- American Bakers PAC Hosts Industry Roundtable for Senator John Boozman
- ABA Honors Outgoing Board Member Chris Moloney
The ABA Board of Directors honored outgoing member Chris Moloney at last week's summer meeting. Chris recently retired as vice president of the Bakery Business Unit with Safeway's Manufacturing Division. An active member of ABA's Board since 2000, Chris grew to be a true friend and partner of the industry. While his voice will be missed on the ABA Board, ABA sends its best wishes for a great retirement!
- ABA Launches Sustainability Website: NourishEnrichSustain.org
NourishEnrichSustain.org showcases the baking industry's commitment to sustainability and includes resources for bakers, suppliers and consumers.
- MyPlate Icon Replaces Food Pyramid
 The American Bakers Association commends USDA, HHS, and First Lady Michelle Obama for developing the new healthy eating icon based on the sound science of the new dietary guidelines.
- ABA President's Letter: Myriad Issues Make for Provocative Meeting with Sec. Vilsack
The ABA Board of Directors will have the privilege and pleasure of meeting with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack during its June meeting, and the timing couldn't be any better. The lengthy list of issues we initially asked the secretary to address included commodity speculation, dietary guidelines, sodium, food safety, and wheat research. It seems that each week that we get closer to the meeting adds a new issue into the mix.
- House Freshman Leader Kristi Noem Visits ABA
Food industry executives and others representing the broader business community gathered at ABA on May 25 to exchange ideas with Rep. Noem (R-SD-1) on commodity market volatility, proposed regulations on food companies marketing to children, budget and labor issues and school meal standards proposals."ABA was honored to kick off the 2011 Meet and Greet schedule with Rep. Kristi Noem," said ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie.
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