What’s next for GMOs on food labels?; Face-to-Face with Richard Linton; Folate Content in Chinese Vegetables

California rejects GMO labeling: What’s next for GMOs on food labels?
Last month, California voters defeated Proposition 37 (53.1% to 46.9%), “The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act,” requiring label disclosure of foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). If passed, the proposition would have prohibited GMO food and other processed food from being labeled “natural.” In a recent ePerspective post, Karen C. Duester, President of Food Consulting Co., offers some considerations for food manufacturers given the rejection of Prop 37. As she explains, the issue of GMO labeling has put a spotlight on use of the “natural” claim. Companies are becoming more conservative surrounding the use of “natural” in an effort to steer clear of the controversy. Read Duester’s ePerspective post to see other ways that the Prop 37 rejection may impact food manufacturers.

Face-to-Face: Meet Richard Linton
In this month’s Face-to-Face series, we will be introducing you to Richard Linton, Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Professor of Food Safety at North Carolina State University. Linton began his career developing food safety outreach programs for the food manufacturing and retail food industries. Ever since then, Linton has come to value multidisciplinary teamwork to solve diffi cult agriculture and food safety challenges. Read the Q&A with Linton to learn what he sees as the main challenge we will face in the coming years.

Folate Content, Composition in Chinese Vegetables
Folate deficiency increases the risk of chronic diseases, including neural tube defects in infants, megaloblastic anemia, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers in adults. Folate deficiency in China can be reduced by proper supply of fresh leafy green vegetables but little is known about the folate content in the vegetables commonly consumed by the Chinese population. A study published in the Journal of Food Science analyzes the most commonly consumed important vegetables that contribute to folate intake in the Chinese population and estimates the significance of selected vegetables as a source of dietary folate intake. The highest folate content was found in bok choy and spinach.

Food and Agriculture Regulatory and Policy Roundup
If you are a member of IFT, you can now access a bimonthly update of global regulatory happenings. This includes what’s going on in the U.S. House and Senate, recent reports or notices from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and requests for comments on proposed laws. In addition, IFT has compiled a list of upcoming policy meetings and events. This thorough compilation of information allows you to stay on top of the global regulatory scene all in one location. Note that these roundups are only accessible for IFT members—yet another great reason to join IFT.

Kelly Hensel
Digital Media Editor
[email protected]