NAMA News June 2010
Inside this Issue
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 NAMA President Mary Waters giving a presentation at the 33rd Annual Sosland Publishing Purchasing Seminar in Kansas City, MO. |
Waters speaks about legislative climate at Sosland Seminar
NAMA President Mary Waters gave a presentation at the 33rd Annual Sosland Publishing Purchasing Seminar in Kansas City, MO. Her presentation gave an overview of the current legislative climate and issues of importance to the industry. While at the Seminar, she met a number of NAMA’s Board of Directors, member employees, and customers. On June 8 she visited Breck Barton with Cereal Food Processors, Inc in Mission Woods, KS. Click link to view Waters' presentation.
Whole grains recommended in Dietary Guidelines report
The Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, was released on June 15. Of major importance are the following:
- The report recommends the consumption of whole grains.
- “Refined” grains and grains with added solid fats and sugars are not recommended.
- The health benefits of “enriched” grains are acknowledged and, therefore, consumption recommended.
- Salt is a major culprit in the report.
- The report states the need for a better definition of whole grains.
A coalition of grain industry associations, including NAMA, American Bakers Association, American Institute of Baking, Grain Foods Foundation, Grains for Health Foundation, Independent Bakers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Pasta Association, USA Rice Federation and Wheat Foods Council will submit comments in response to the report. The coalition’s comments will focus on the nutrients both whole and enriched grain foods provide.
To read the report in full, visit http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DGAs2010-DGACReport.htm.
Source of DGAC recommendations to be made public
To add to the transparency of the Dietary Guidelines review process, the Nutrition Evidence Library (NEL) staff is making publicly accessibly all of the questions, literature, evidence summaries, and graded conclusion statements that form the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee's (DGAC) recommendations. This NEL information is available at http://www.dietaryguidelines.gov.
Prior to the Dietary Guidelines report being released several industry associations, including NAMA, submitted a joint letter to the co-executive secretaries of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee to convey concern over transparency issues. The letter states, “it is imperative for the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) to release access to the NEL report in the interest of transparency and compliance with the Data Quality Act . . . Without access to the NEL report and an understanding of the basis of evidence documented in it, it will not be possible for the public to accurately assess and comment on the DGAC technical report.”
IFIC survey finds consumers support biotechnology
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) has released the 2010 Consumer Perceptions of Food Technology survey.
Major findings include the following:
- 80% of consumers said they would be likely to purchase bread, crackers, cookies, cereal, or pasta products containing wheat that was grown using plant biotechnology if they were produced using sustainable practices to feed more people using fewer resources such as land and pesticides.
- 69% of consumers are somewhat or very confident in the safety of the U.S. food supply.
- 63% of consumers agree with FDA food labeling policy requiring food products to be labeled when use of biotechnology substantially changes the food’s nutritional content or its composition, or when a potential food safety issue is identified.
- 61% of consumers are favorable or neutral toward plant biotechnology.
The purpose of the annual IFIC survey (begun in 1997) is to measure and track consumer awareness and perceptions of food technology including plant and animal biotechnology, sustainability, and nanotechnology.
California withdraws Prop 65 regulatory level for fumonisin
On June 17 California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) withdrew the proposed amendment to Proposition 65 regulating a “safe harbor level” for fumonisin B1. The proposal sought to establish a “No Significant Risk” level for fumonisn B1 at 1.5 micrograms/day. However, the Grocery Manufacturers Association objected to the expedited procedure “based on a number of scientific considerations.” OEHHA was unable to complete a conventional risk assessment in the time allotted under the Administrative Procedure Act and withdrew the proposal. If OEHHA decides to proceed with a new rulemaking there will be another public notice and comments will be accepted. To read the official statements, please visit http://www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65/law/fumonisin100909.html.
New device detects insects in stored wheat
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) researchers, in conjunction with General Mills and National Manufacturing, Inc., have developed the “insect-o-graph.” “This device can detect insects such as the lesser grain borer in wheat that are not visible to the eye or that cannot be detected by usual grading methods.” Engineered by Tom Pearson and Dan Brabec, the device uses “electrical conductance signals to monitor wheat as it’s milled. If a seed containing an insect is crushed, an electrical spike occurs . . . this system can detect low levels of infestations such as five to 10 infested kernels out of 30,000 good kernels. For more information about the device, please visit ARS’ website at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2010/100624.htm.
Bair becomes member of House ag working group
NAMA Vice President Jim Bair has accepted an invitation to join the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee’s ag working group. The working group advises the Committee by providing information on ag issues relating to major legislative initiatives that affect small business members.
50% cut recommended for 2012 methyl bromide usage
In August 2009 NAMA Vice President Jim Bair submitted NAMA’s Critical Use Exemption petition for continued methyl bromide use through 2012. After review and approval by United States Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency and the State Department it was sent to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), which gave a preliminary recommendation of a 50% cut in NAMA’s request. The official review will occur at UNEP’s annual summer meeting in Geneva, and will be finalized in the fall.
NAMA members have already eliminated 90% of their methyl bromide usage, 67% just since 2006. However, due to the limited supply there is expected to be rationing of methyl bromide in 2011.
Bimbo Bakeries holds research paper contest
Bimbo Bakeries USA will award $2,000 - $5,000, depending on category, to winners of the Grupo Bimbo Pan-American Nutrition, Food Science and Technology Award. The award, established in 2004, is part of the Committed to Your Health program and addresses the company’s concern to improve the health and nutrition of the population by furthering scientific research. It aims to recognize the best research papers published during 2009 or 2010 in the field of Human Nutrition or Food Science and Technology. The closing date is October 15th 2010. Winners will receive the grant in an awards ceremony at the end of the year. For more information please contact Erica Nadboy, enadboy@mahercomm.com.
In Memory
NAMA is saddened by the passing of professor Deon Stuthman on June 18, 2010 after a battle with lung cancer. Deon spent more than 42 years as an oat breeder and professor in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota. He was a fellow in the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and the American Association for Advancement of Science and had more than 100 professional publications to his credit.
NAMA member Bruce Roskens states, "Deon was one of North America's strongest advocates for oats production and consumption. His dedicated involvement with areas of oats breeding, agronomy, and nutrition, along with his strong advocacy for oats production in both the U.S. and Canada will be deeply missed. Deon participated for many years in the lobbying efforts conducted by the American Oats Workers and NAMA, as well as traveled the world promoting improved oats production and varietal breeding. We will all miss his dedication, enthusiasm, and humor." Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Judy and their family.
Conference calendar
2010 Annual Meeting, Del Mar, CA
L'Auberge Del Mar Resort
October 14-16, 2010
2011 Division Meetings, Marco Island, FL
Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa
March 12-14, 2011
2011 Annual Meeting, Colorado Springs, CO
The Broadmoor Colorado Springs
October 6-8, 2011
2012 Division Meetings, Naples, FL
Naples Grande Beach Resort
March 10-13, 2012
The North American Millers' Association prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital or family status, age, disability, political beliefs or sexual orientation. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact NAMA at 202.484.2200 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to Mary Waters, President, 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Suite 825W, Washington, DC, 20024 or call 202.484.2200 ext. 12. NAMA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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