Blown Deadline Means Needle-Tenderized Beef Labels Three Years Away

January 6, 2015 Chase Purdy, Politico

Despite last-minute pleas from various lawmakers, the Office of Management and Budget did not advance the USDA’s final rule for labeling mechanically tenderized beef before the end of 2014. As a result, such labels cannot be required by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service before 2018.

FTD Companies Completes Provide Commerce Acquisition

January 6, 2015 FTD Companies, Inc.

FTD Companies, Inc. and Liberty Interactive Corporation announced the closing of the acquisition by FTD of Liberty Interactive's Provide Commerce floral and gifting business. Provide Commerce is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTD.

Kenya Flower Farmers Shifting Latest Products To Japanese Market

January 6, 2015 Staff Reporter, Xinhua

Kenya’s flower farmers are slowly shifting their products from the traditional Dutch market to Japan, which has been identified as a key market for carnations.

SAF Announces Addition Of New Lobbyist

The Society of American Florists (SAF) announced that Shawn McBurney joined its staff starting Jan. 5 as the new senior director of government relations.

UK: New Cheese Made On Shropshire Border Is Packing A Punch

The Chirk Trout Farm and Food Smokery agreed to help the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre produce a new, smoked, variety of its award winning, Aberwen cheese.