New Jersey Food Council
30 West Lafayette St., Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: 609/392-8899
Fax: 609/396-6571
Email: mailto:njfc@njfoodcouncil.com

NJFC GOLF OUTING RESCHEDULED
Due to inclement weather, the NJFC Annual Golf Outing has been rescheduled to Monday, August 13, 2007, at the Suburban Golf Club in Union, New Jersey.  Unless specific plans have been made, individual company arrangements remain the same.  Please notify anyone playing in you “four-some” about the August 13 rain date.

FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE TAKES EFFECT
This week, the first of three incremental increases to the federal minimum wage went into effect.  While the first two increases will remain below the State imposed minimum wage, the federal law will eventually increase the wage ten cents higher then the State imposed minimum in July 2009 thus raising the cost of doing business in New Jersey.

FDA UNVEILS WEBSITE FOR CASTLEBERRY RECALL
The US Food and Drug Administration has made available a website that will provide the latest industry information on the current recall of Castleberry products.  The website will be updated regularly with breaking news and can be located at: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/castleberry.html

CONTRACTORS MUST PROVIDE ID TO INSPECT RETAILERS FOR FOOD STAMP AUTHORIZATION
The Food Marking Institute has provided the following message:

As retail grocery stores come up for Food Stamp reauthorization, they will need a full store review. Food Stamp program rules require retailers to provide USDA FNS with necessary information when requested. If retailers do not allow a store review to be conducted, it will result in the denial or withdrawal of a store’s participation in the Food Stamp program. To that end, a private contractor may visit a store to conduct a review, which could include sketching a layout of the store and taking photos.

Because of store security issues, retailers will want to be diligent in checking a contractor’s authorization to inspect their store. When in use, the letter of introduction is on USDA FNS letterhead for the appropriate Region and Field Office and lists the Regional store visit contractor’s name, as well as the local Field Offices with telephone numbers for confirmation should a store wish to confirm the visit.

It is USDA’s practice, but not a requirement, to notify corporate merchant Food Stamp contacts in advance of the review. If a store manager did not receive notice, he or she should expect to see the representative’s identification whenever a visit is made on behalf of FNS.  

COMPROMISE ON COOL FOR MEAT REACHED IN U.S. HOUSE – PRODUCE DEBATE MOVES TO SENATE
After much debate and work in the U.S. House of Representatives, FMI has reported that the industry has scored a major victory in regard to fines associated with Country of Origin Labeling for meat.  Fines in the bill for violations have been reduced from $10,000 to $1,000 and a “good faith” clause has been added to all commodities covered by COOL, which dramatically reduces a retailer’s chance of being found in violation. 

In addition, an amendment has been made for ground beef labels which now must only contain a narrative list of all the countries of origin from which the ground beef could “reasonably” have come from as a opposed to the current standard that requires a list of the specific countries the beef was derived. 

FMI has continued working on amending current federal law for produce COOL, however the National Farmers Union has been unwilling to negotiate a program that address retail industry concerns and works for all stakeholders.  With little help from Chairman Peterson in the House, the debate now shifts to the Senate where the industry will face a serious battle to amend this onerous law. 

NEWS & VIEWS TO TAKE SUMMER HIATUS
During the month of August, the NJFC News & Views will take a summer break and return the week of Labor Day.  See you in September!

Photos Galore

Don't forget to check out our library page to view photographs from our events.