Risk/Compliance: Page 169

Rail And Intermodal Traffic Decline Sharply For Week Ending June 4

Association of American Railroads (AAR)

For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 455,346 carloads and intermodal units, down 17.3 percent compared with the same week last year.

For the first 22 weeks of 2016, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 5,274,449 carloads, down 13.7 percent from the same point last year; and 5,648,851 intermodal units, down 2.1 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 22 weeks of 2016 was 10,923,300 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 8.1 percent compared to last year.

Mars Recalls Numerous Snacks Over Peanut Residue

Mars initiated the recall after its supplier, Grain Craft, recalled certain lots of wheat flour that may contain low levels of peanut residue. The COMBOS brand products subject to the recall may have been produced with the recalled flour.

Mars Chocolate North America also announced a voluntary recall of certain varieties and limited dates of production of COMBOS Cheddar Cheese Pretzel, COMBOS® Cheddar Cheese Cracker, COMBOS Pizzeria Pretzel, COMBOS Sweet and Salt Caramel Pretzel, COMBOS Pepperoni Cracker, COMBOS Buffalo Pretzel.

Cold Chain RFID Market To Expand 29.1% Annually Through 2022

The growing demand for real-time temperature monitoring in cold chain logistics is expected to boost the growth of the global cold chain RFID market during the forecast period.

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Risk/Compliance

Kellogg Recalls Numerous Snacks Over Undeclared Peanut Residue

Kellogg Company

Kellogg initiated the recall after its supplier, Grain Craft, recalled wheat flour that has the potential to contain low levels of peanut residue.

FMCSA: Commercial Truck Passengers Must Wear Seat Belts

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

In 2014, 37 passengers traveling unrestrained in the cab of a large truck were killed in roadway crashes, according to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Effective Aug. 8, 2016, the final rule revises Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and holds motor carriers and drivers responsible for ensuring that passengers riding in large commercial trucks are using seat belts.

Hostess Brands Acquires Superior Cake Products

This marks the company’s first acquisition since the Hostess brand returned to the market under new ownership in 2013.

Food Companies Add GMO Labels with Vermont Law Set to Take Effect July 1

In the next two weeks, the U.S. Senate could reach a national compromise on GMO labeling or a federal appeals court could overturn a lower-court decision that denied a request by the food industry to put the Vermont law on temporary hold.

In the next two weeks, the U.S. Senate could reach a national compromise on GMO labeling or a federal appeals court could overturn a lower-court decision that denied a request by the food industry to put the Vermont law on temporary hold.

Restored Railroad to Connect Tijuana to U.S. Rail Facilities

The landmark agreement between Pacific Imperial Railroad (PIR) and Baja California Railroad (Baja Rail) provides a huge economic boost to both sides of the border.

The San Diego region and U.S.-Mexico binational economies lose a staggering $6 billion annually due to long delays in getting trucks carrying freight – such as new automobiles – across the U.S. – Mexico land borders in San Diego, according to a study done by the San Diego Association of Governments. An operational Desert Line will ease congestion, reduce air pollution, promote commerce and create jobs.

Feds Order NFI to Reinstate Bottled Water Driver Who Refused to Violate Hours Of Service Rule

The driver and NFI each have 30 days from receipt of OSHA’s findings to file objections and request a hearing before the Labor Department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges.

As a result of its findings, OSHA is ordering NFI Interactive Logistics to make many corrective actions including immediately reinstating the driver to his former position, with all rights, seniority, pay raises and benefits to which he was entitled absent the discharge.

Survey Indicates Driver Sleep Apnea Costs are Hefty

American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI)

With data from over 800 commercial drivers, ATRI’s report is the first to quantify the costs and other impacts that truck drivers are experiencing as they address diagnosis and potential treatment regimen for OSA.

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Inspector General: FDA Moves Too Slow On Recalls

Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

The Office of Inspector General reviewed 30 recalls that occurred between 2012 and 2015, including two in which companies did not recall all affected items until 165 days and 81 days after the FDA became aware of tainted foods.

Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson (above) issued a report stating the Food and Drug Administration is too slow to order companies to recall tainted foods, leaving people at risk of illness and death.

ConAgra Foods To Divest Ingredient Business; Will Remove Partially Hydrogenated Oils

As of June 2, ConAgra has discontinued the use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) in the manufacturing of all spreads in the company’s portfolio, including Fleischmann’s, Blue Bonnet and Parkay.

Conagra Brands will be comprised primarily of the operations currently reported as the company’s consumer foods segment, which generated approximately $7.2 billion in fiscal 2015 revenues, as reported. The consumer foods segment consists of popular leading brands such as Marie Callender’s, Hunt’s, RO*TEL, Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, PAM, Chef Boyardee, Orville Redenbacher’s, P.F. Chang’s and Healthy Choice.

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