TLMI Responds To USDA’s New Labeling Guidelines The Agricultural Marketing Service division of the US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) issued labeling and related requirements for food products containing bioengineered (BE) ingredients, previously referred to as GMOs. As proposed, USDA will not consider “GMO” or “GM” as acceptable terms for compliance purposes after the labeling rule is finalized. TLMI has adopted no formal position on the BE label- ing requirements, however, the association wants to in- form members of forthcoming labeling changes so they may work with, and educate, their customers to imple- ment necessary changes prior to the compliance dead- line.Highlights of the BE Proposed Labeling Guidelines: • Determining BE Eligibility : USDA is seeking com- ments on which foods will require labeling.The first category covers food from genetically engineered (GE) crops with a high adoption rate (85 percent or greater). As proposed, food in this category is pro- posed to be labeled “bioengineered food”. Food from GE crops with a lower adoption rate may be labeled as “may contain a bioengineered food ingredient.” • Labeling Requirements : USDA has proposed allow- ing manufacturers to use “QR codes,”which are encod- ed images on a package that must be scanned with a smartphone or similar device, to inform the consumer of GE content,website, and other information. • Proposed BE Symbols : On the BE symbols, some have bioengineered spelled out, and some do not. The agency is seeking comment on that, along with any preference for a particular symbol. • Proposed Exemptions : USDA is seeking com- ments on small businesses who may be exempt from compliance — specifically, if the annual revenue for such businesses should be either $500,000, or $5 million. • Symbol Color : USDA recognizes the potential in- crease in print and label cost for companies, and deems symbols in black and white as suitable for compliance. • Existing Label Inventory : The USDA is proposing that existing label inventories (printed prior the com- pliance deadline) be used until January 1, 2022, or until inventory of labels is depleted (whichever comes first). • Compliance Deadline : Larger companies (more than $10 million in annual revenue) will be required to comply with the labeling requirements by January 1, 2020. Companies with revenues under $10 million annually have until January 1, 2021. The USDA will accept comments on the proposed guidelines until July 3, and aims to issue its final guidelines later in the summer.The agency also plans to host webinars on the guidelines.
Flexo Market News I NTERNET D IRECTORY
Adheso-Graphics, Inc. www.adheso-graphics.com
AGI manufactures, distributes and converts current tech- nology flexo mounting tapes and backing systems for cor- rugated plate mounting. Flexstik hard vinyl, FlexSoft, bi.esse brand, Gold Series Thin tapes for sleeve and Narrow web plate mounting. Specialty tapes that cover the vast thickness range re- quirements and specific adhesion systems for all flexo mounting requirements. We provide technical service and problem solving services for unique customers & applications.
Anderson & Vreeland, Inc. www.andersonvreeland.com
A&V manufactures a complete line of photopolymer plate processing systems and is a leading distributor of flexo- graphic platemaking materials. A&V also sells digital imag- ing systems and software specifically designed for flexography.
ARC International www.ARCInternational.com
ARC International is a world leader in the manufacturing of roller products for flexography. The latest nanotechnolo- gy laser engraving in our Charlotte and Las Vegas manu- facturing facilities ensures superior quality and consistency in anilox rollers.
Comexi Group Industries S.A.U. www.comexigroup.com
The Comexi Group is a leading supplier of quality flexographic C.I. presses for the flexible packaging indus- try worldwide. We also provide solventless laminators, slitter/rewinders and related peripheral equipment such as automatic wash-up systems, solvent recovery sys- tems, automatic roll unloaders, and plate cylinder/sleeve storage systems. DuPont Packaging Graphics is the world’s leading suppli- er of flexographic printing systems in digital and conven- tional formats; including Cyrel® brand photopolymer plates, Cyrel® FAST processing equipment, Cyrel® round sleeves, mounting and finishing products. For more than 35 years, beginning with Cyrel®, the first photopolymer printing plate, through to today’s digital workflow revolution, DuPont has been driving innovation in the Flexo and package printing industries. The Digital Cyrel® FAST imaging system has been broad- ly recognized for its efficiency, productivity, print perfor- mance, and environmental benefits. DuPont Packaging Graphics www.cyrel.com/na
10 May 28, 2018 Flexo Market News
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