1) Mad Cow News of the Week:
Scientist Warns that Farmed Fish Could be a Source of Mad Cow Disease
"In a paper that shows just how strange our modern world has become, Robert P. Friedland, neurologist from the University of Louisville, warns that farmed fish could be at risk of developing transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, a form of mad cow disease. Currently, farmed fish are fed cow slaughterhouse waste. Friedland and co-authors raise the issue in the Journal of Alzhemier’s Disease and call on food regulators to ban feeding cow bone or meat to farmed fish…"
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2) Organic News of the Week:
U.S. and Canada Agree on Organic Equivalency
The US and Canada have come to an agreement on organic equivalency standards, expanding organic trade opportunities. The new rules mean that both the USDA Organic seal and the Canada Organic Biologique logo – which is due to be introduced on June 30 – may be used on certified products in either country.
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3) Web Forum Posting of the Week:
HR 2749 Food Safety Enhancement Act -Debate and Discussion
"The bill proposes a substantial increase in power and resources for the FDA and would significantly diminish existing judicial restraints on actions taken by the agency. Although the bill includes some provisions that could improve the mainstream food system, many of these are vaguely worded and do not clearly define the scope of the agency’s power, creating the potential for inappropriate application and enforcement…"
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4) Sustainability News of the Week:
‘Humanure’ Victory: Green Toilet Wins Austin City Approval
"It took more than four years of negotiations and construction, but this month an Austin Water Utility inspector gave final clearance to a glorified outhouse that is on the vanguard of down-and-dirty environmentalism. Instead of flushing the feces, it’s safely composted into useful fertilizer. .."
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5) Health News of the Week:
American Medical Association Passes Resolution Supporting Organic and Sustainable Food
The American Medical Association has approved a new policy resolution in support of practices and policies within health care systems that promote and model a healthy and ecologically sustainable food system.
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Take Action and Demand the American Dietetic Association Support Organic Foods