On July 14, the House of Representatives passed by a 306-117 vote the U.S. Senate’s version of a new federal standard for the labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs), S. 764, the Roberts-Stabenow Biotech Labeling Act. The measure, which pre-empts Vermont’s law and others that are in the works, will now be sent […]
Tag: legislation
The Guess Corp. Seeks C-Store/Gas Stations, and More…
C-Store News In Brief… The Guess Corp. in Durham, North Carolina, is seeking to acquire at least 1,000 convenience store/gas station units over the next 12 months through a subsidiary. The company is looking to acquire an average of 100 units per month, which may include branded and unbranded units. Upon completion, the company intends […]
House Passes Biotech Labeling Act; President’s Desk Is Next Stop
The U.S. House has voted 306-117 in favor of final passage of S. 764, the Roberts-Stabenow Biotech Labeling Act. Industry groups are praising the House for passing the bill, which is now on the desk of President Obama. Media reports have indicated that the president is likely to sign the bill. If signed, the law […]
Senate Passes Compromise GMO Labeling Bill, And More…
New Channels News In Brief… On July 7, the U.S. Senate passed bipartisan national legislation regarding the disclosure of genetically engineered (GE) ingredients and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products. The compromise bill, S. 764, was championed by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan). It includes reforms […]
Senate Passes Roberts/Stabenow GMO Labeling Bill; Now To The House
Next week is a big week in the U.S. House of Representatives for the U.S. food industry, following the July 7 Senate passage of a bipartisan bill that creates a national labeling standard for all foods made with genetically engineered (GE) ingredients and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Industry groups commended the Senate for its passage […]
Senate To Hold Final Vote On Compromise GMO Labeling Bill
On July 6, the U.S. Senate voted 65-32 to end debate and have a final vote on bipartisan national legislation regarding the disclosure of genetically engineered ingredients in food products. The compromise bill, S. 764, was championed by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan). It includes reforms to […]
IFRA’s Two Cents ‘Admission’ To Highlight Food Retailers’ Thin Profit Margin
The Illinois Food Retailers Association (IFRA) will charge two cents to attend the educational seminars, expo and bagging competition at its upcoming annual IFRA-GMA (Grocery Merchandisers Association) Conference, which is set for Sept. 29 at the Drury Lane Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. The two-cent fee is a tangible representation of the small profit […]
U.S. Senate GMO Bill Advances But July 1 Deadline Looms, And More…
Grocery News In Brief… The U.S. Senate moved towards a bipartisan agreement on nationwide labeling on food products containing genetically modified organisms GMO on June 23. The agreement received praise from the Food Marketing Institute and the Grocery Manufacturers Association but needs full support of the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives and President Barack Obama. […]
Sunoco Completes Acquisition of New York-Based C-Store, And More…
C-Store News In Brief… Sunoco LP has completed the purchase of the retail convenience store business serving the Upstate New York market from Valentine Stores Inc. This acquisition includes 18 company-operated locations, which sell approximately 20 million gallons of fuel annually, and one standalone Tim Horton’s restaurant. As part of the transaction, Sunoco’s subsidiary acquired […]
Senate Leaders Reach Agreement On National GMO Labeling
One week before Vermont’s mandatory GMO (genetically modified organism) labeling law is scheduled to go into effect, Senate legislators have reached a bipartisan agreement on a national labeling standard spearheaded by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). While this deal still requires packaged foods containing GMOs to be labeled, […]
Sheetz Applauds Reforms To Pennsylvania Liquor Laws
Convenience store chain Sheetz says it is ready to move its Pennsylvania convenience stores into the 21st century by giving their customers the ability to purchase beer and wine. Legislation recently passed in the state will change how alcohol is sold in Pennsylvania. It will improve convenience for customers and is good for the state by […]
NJFC Concerned With Proposed State Minimum Wage Increase, And More..
Grocery News In Brief… The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) is concerned about proposed minimum wage legislation after the Senate Labor Committee passed a bill increasing the wage in New Jersey by 79 percent to $15 an hour. NJFC President Linda Doherty said New Jersey’s food retail and distribution industry employs nearly 200,000 workers annually. […]
CFSAF Calls On Senate To Find GMO Labeling Agreement
Four leaders from America’s agricultural and food industries stressed the urgent need for an agreement on a national GMO labeling standard as Democrat and Republican Senate leaders work to find a bipartisan compromise. “This is the most important issue currently facing America’s food producing community and one that could do significant harm to our nation’s […]
Brunch Bill Campaign Generates 1,000+ Letters To Lawmakers, And More…
Food Service News In Brief… The New York coaster campaign in support of the Brunch Bill has generated 1,171 letters in support to state lawmakers, urging them to pass legislation that would allow restaurants to apply for special permits to serve alcohol beginning at 8 a.m. on Sunday mornings. If passed, the bill would update […]
Powdered Alcohol Ban In California Awaits Governor’s Signature
Alcohol Justice and the California Alcohol Policy Alliance (CAPA) are reporting that the Senate Governmental Organization Committee unanimously passed AB 155 on June 14. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), and coauthored by Sen. Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar), previously had passed unopposed through the Assembly. It will prohibit the possession, purchase, sale, […]
NACS Opposes House Leader’s Idea To Repeal Swipe Fee Reforms
The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) is protesting plans announced by Rep. Jeb Hensarling, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, to repeal the Durbin Amendment, which reformed debit card swipe fees. In the association’s statement issued June 7, it said, “NACS strongly opposes Rep. Hensarling’s proposal to repeal debit swipe fee reform, which […]
Two Groups Open To FDA Sodium Targets On Commercially Prepared Food
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week released a draft for public comment on voluntary sodium reduction targets for the food industry. In response, two key groups in the food industry—the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the National Restaurant Association (NRA)—were cautiously open to learning more about the FDA drafts. Average sodium intake […]
2016 North Fla. Market Profile: SNAP Changes, Fierce Competition
by Kristen Cloud/staff writer The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as food stamps, in Florida has seen two big changes this year—one proving a positive for retailers; another impacting their bottom line, and not for the good. In January, the work requirements for food assistance for an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) […]
NACS Calls Overtime Pay Regulations ‘Devastating’ To C-Stores
A representative of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) said the federal labor department regulations on overtime pay were flawed with methodology and reasoning and “will be devastating to convenience store owners, their workers and customers.” Lyle Beckwith, NACS SVP of government relations, commented on the regulations set to begin Dec. 1 that will […]
FDA Modernizes Nutrition Facts Label For Packaged Foods
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated nutritional information for most packaged foods sold in the United States. The new Nutrition Facts label will include the following: An updated design to highlight “calories” and “servings.” Requirements for serving sizes that more closely reflect the amounts of food that people currently eat. Declaration of […]
