Food Law Weekly News Round Up 4/5

Starbucks reached an agreement with EEOC to settle allegations of bias in promotions

Starbucks recently announced that it brokered an agreement with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission earlier to settle allegations of bias against minority workers in its store-level promotions process. Data from 2007-2011 showed that Starbucks was not providing equal access to promotions to certain employees based on race or national origin. Starbucks denies the existence of systemic discrimination in promotions, but admits that they can “improve transparency around promotion opportunities.” Specifics of the resolution are confidential, so it is unclear whether or not a financial penalty was attached to the resolution. 

Boston City Council Approved Food Cottage Law

On March 31st the Boston City Council approved of an ordinance allowing Bostonians to apply for cottage food licenses which would allow them to make and sell food from their home kitchens. The law will go into effect at the end of April and will cover non-temperature controlled foods, known as “cottage foods,” including baked goods, jams, and granola. According to City Councilor, Julia Mejia, the ordinance is intended to benefit “small, minority, and immigrant entrepreneurs who want to share their food and their culture with the community.” 

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Food Law Weekly News Round Up 3/29

Federal Court Rules Hydroponic Produce can be Certified Organic On March 23rd the US District court for Northern California ruled the USDA can continue certifying hydroponic farming operations as organic under the National Organic Program. The Judge found the “USDA...

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Food Law Weekly News Round Up 3/22

Skippy Peanut Butter Producers Beat JIF Producers Peanut Butter Label Lawsuit  An Ohio federal judge dismissed J.M. Smucker Co.’s (JIF peanut butter producer) request for a declaratory ruling that it would not be infringing on the similarly colored labeling used by...

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Food Law Weekly News Roundup 3/15

Kellogg reaches $13 million settlement  On March 10th Kellogg reached a $13 million settlement over class action claims that the company had misleadingly advertised sugary cereals (including Raisin Bran, Frosted Mini-Wheats, and Smart Start) as healthy. A CA...

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