FTC Staff: Labeling Company's Textile Products as 'Flax' Would Comply with Agency Textile Rules
Federal Trade Commission / www.ftc.gov
Federal Trade Commission staff, in response to a request by a law firm representing the textile company Naturally Advanced Technologies US Inc., stated that using the generic term "flax" for textile products made from the company's CRAiLAR® flax fibers and yarns would comply with the FTC's Textile Rules.
According to the staff opinion, based on information the law firm Pisani & Roll provided about the CRAiLAR® manufacturing process and the attributes of CRAiLAR® fibers, describing these fibers as flax on labels would comply with the Rules. The Rules require that textiles sold in the United States carry labels disclosing the generic names and percentages by weight of the fibers in the product, the manufacturer or marketer name, and the country where the product was processed or manufactured.
"We base these conclusions on your assertions that the CRAiLAR® process involves a manner of obtaining flax fibers that does not chemically alter them, that the attributes of the fibers differ from those of linen, and that international standards and practice as well as the U.S. government recognize the use of the term 'flax' to describe flax fibers that have not been chemically changed," the staff letter stated.
The staff opinion letter was sent to Pisani & Roll LLP on June 26, 2012. A copy of the letter can be found on the FTC's website and as a link to this press release. (The staff contact is Robert Frisby, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2098.)
Distinguishing Bolts from Screws
U.S. Customs & Border Protection / www.cbp.gov
www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/legal/informed_compliance_pubs/icp013.ctt/icp013.pdf
Chairman Lidinsky Applauds New USDA Container Availability Report and Urges Full Shipper Participation
The Federal Maritime Commission / www.fmc.gov
The first United States Department of Agricultural (USDA) Ocean Shipping Container Availability Report (OSCAR) was released last week. The report provides shippers, particularly those in the agriculture sector, with the participating carriers’ estimates of equipment availability for the current week, and projected weekly container availability for the subsequent two weeks. "I congratulate the USDA Agricultural Marketing Services as well as the 10 ocean carrier members of the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) for implementing the Container Availability program last week, and I urge full participation by all U.S. shippers" Chairman Lidinsky stated.
The origins of this effort was the result of a dialogue during a Congressional hearing between the then House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Marine Transportation Chairman Elijah Cummings (D – MD) and Chairman Lidinsky in 2010. "FMC staff worked closely with USDA and WTSA to overcome initial hesitations with implementing the new reporting service and is a perfect example of government and the private sector uniting to implement President Obama’s goal of doubling exports. This agency will continue to work with all parties to ensure its success," said Chairman Lidinsky.
The new report contains information about five types of ocean shipping containers at 18 different U.S. intermodal locations. The data aims to offer a more transparent view of container flows, increase efficiency, and provide additional information to help U.S. exporters locate equipment to move their products, regardless of the type of cargo. For more information about the Report visit the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service website or contact April Taylor at 202-295-7374.
Treasury Increases Sanctions Against Syria
U.S. Department of the Treasury / www.treasury.gov
Action Targets Senior Syrian Officials as well as Companies
Linked to Syrian WMD Proliferation
WASHINGTON – Since the uprising against the Assad regime began last spring, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has been working to apply sanctions on those involved in human rights abuse in Syria, senior Syrian government officials, and the Syrian government itself to help bring about an end to the Assad regime’s abhorrent campaign of violence against the Syrian people. To date, we have imposed sanctions on more than 100 individuals and entities, as well as the entire Syrian government, including its Central Bank and oil companies.
Continuing these efforts, the Treasury Department today designated 29 senior officials of the Syrian government; five companies linked to the Syrian government agency responsible for developing and producing non-conventional weapons and the missiles to deliver them, Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC); and a company owned by Rami Makhluf, a corrupt crony of President Assad.
“Today’s actions reflect the unwavering commitment of the United States to pressure the Assad regime to end the carnage and relinquish power,” said Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen. “As long as Assad stays in power, the bloodshed and instability in Syria will only mount, and we will continue working with our partners in the international community to ensure that the inevitable political transition occurs as rapidly as possible.”
In addition to applying a broad set of sanctions, the United States is also working closely with other countries to enhance the multilateral pressure brought to bear on Syria. On June 6, 2012, in Washington, D.C., the Treasury Department hosted the Friends of the Syrian People International Working Group on Sanctions, at which countries worked to broaden and harmonize restrictive measures against the Syrian regime. The next meeting of the Working Group will take place tomorrow, July 19, 2012, in Qatar.
In today’s action, the Treasury Department is designating 29 Syrian government officials, including the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Justice, and the Governor of the Central Bank who has attempted to evade the sanctions place on Syria, as well as other members of Assad’s cabinet who have not been previously designated, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13573, which targets senior officials of the Government of Syria.
The Treasury Department today also designated five companies, pursuant to E.O. 13382, that are being used to advance the regime’s proliferation efforts. Industrial Solutions, Mechanical Construction Factory (MCF), Handasieh (aka General Organization for Engineering Industries), Business Lab, and Syrian Arab Company for Electronic Industries (aka Syronics) were designated for acting for or on behalf of Syria’s SSRC, the entity responsible for the development of biological and chemical weapons as well as the missiles to deliver them. The U.S. Department of State today has also sanctioned these five companies pursuant to E.O. 12938 because these entities contributed materially (or posed a risk of contributing materially) to the proliferation of WMD or their means of delivery (including missiles capable of delivering such weapons).
Finally, today’s action also targets Drex Technologies, a company based in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Drex belongs to Assad’s billionaire cousin and government insider, Rami Makhluf, who was designated by the Treasury Department in February 2008 under E.O. 13460 for improperly benefiting from and aiding the public corruption of Syrian regime officials. Drex Technologies was designated pursuant to E.O. 13572, which authorizes the United States to sanction any entities owned or controlled by persons designated under E.O. 13460.
These actions freeze any assets the designated individuals or entities may hold in the U.S. and prohibit U.S. persons or companies from dealing with them.
Auto Safety Agency Joins Effort to Combat Potential Safety Risks from Imported Goods
U.S. Customs & Border Protection / www.cbp.gov
Washington—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to advance information-sharing among the federal agencies to improve targeting of imports for health and safety violations. NHTSA, the nation’s chief automotive safety agency, is the eighth federal partner to join CBP’s Import Safety Commercial Targeting and Analysis Center (CTAC), a multi-agency center for targeting commercial shipments that pose potential threats to health and safety.
“U.S. consumers rightfully expect the millions of vehicles operating on our roadways to meet federal safety standards—whether they are produced entirely on American soil or use parts or products manufactured elsewhere,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “By partnering with CBP and other agencies to identify illegal or non-compliant shipments, we can better ensure public safety while leveling the playing field for companies that follow the law.”
In keeping with its mission to reduce deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes, NHTSA establishes and enforces safety performance standards for both vehicles and vehicle equipment. In addition, the agency supports local highway safety programs through grants and other resources for state and local governments.
"By working together to determine which shipments are high-risk, the CTAC helps the government better protect consumers," said Allen Gina, Assistant Commissioner for CBP’s Office of International Trade. "At the same time, the CTAC helps eliminate unnecessary examinations and facilitates low-risk shipments, so everyone benefits."
The addition of NHTSA brings the total number of agencies that are part of the CTAC to eight. These agencies—each with their own statutory responsibilities for public safety—will work as a team to better target imports that should be examined for possible safety violations.
FDA Approves New Colon-Cleansing Drug For Colonoscopy Prep
Food & Drug Administration / www.fda.gov
On July 16, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Prepopik (sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide and citric acid) to help cleanse the colon in adults preparing for colonoscopy.
One dose of Prepopik consists of two packets of powder, each dissolved in cold water and taken at separate times. Patients should take Prepopik the night before colonoscopy and the morning of colonoscopy (Split-Dose regimen). If this is not possible, patients may take Prepopik in the afternoon and evening before the colonoscopy (Day-Before regimen).
As part of this colon-cleansing regimen, patients taking Prepopik must consume additional fluids during and after use. Additional fluid intake is also important to reduce the risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalance. The most common side effects reported in adult patients taking Prepopik include nausea, headache and vomiting.
“The choice of a bowel cleansing regimen for colonoscopy should be based on a patient’s health and personal preferences,” says Victoria Kusiak, M.D., deputy director of the Office of Drug Evaluation III in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Today’s approval provides a new treatment option for patients and doctors to consider.”
The safety and effectiveness of Prepopik were established in two clinical studies with about 1,200 adult patients scheduled to have a colonoscopy. Patients were randomly assigned to take the Prepopik Split-Dose regimen, the Day-Before regimen, or a control preparation consisting of polyethylene glycol plus electrolytes (PEG+E) solution and two 5-milligram bisacodyl tablets.
The studies were designed to measure the number of patients whose colons were cleansed successfully. In both studies, Prepopik was as effective as the control preparation in cleansing the colon. In the study in which Prepopik was administered in the Split-Dose regimen, it was superior to the control preparation in cleansing the colon. In the Split-Dose regimen, Prepopik is administered on the day before colonoscopy and on the morning of colonoscopy. The control preparation of the study was administered entirely the day before colonoscopy.
As a condition of approval, Prepopik’s manufacturer Ferring Pharmaceuticals must conduct studies to determine if the drug can be used safely and effectively in children.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals is based in Parsippany, N.J.
CBP Responds to Detroit's Second Bomb Threat in One Week
U.S. Customs & Border Protection / www.cbp.gov
At approximately 7:30pm on Monday July 16, an anonymous caller contacted the Detroit Police Department (DPD) stating a bomb was on the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, Michigan and would detonate within 10 minutes.
Upon notification from DPD, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers immediately set up a command center at the Fort Street Cargo facility as well as a tactical command center outside the bridge complex.
Their first priority which was executed flawlessly within minutes of the call, was to clear all vehicles and passengers off the bridge and completely secure the scene as numerous Federal, State and local law enforcement partners responded to the scene with bomb sniffing dogs and an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team from DPD.
As law enforcements members from across the greater Detroit were immediately positioned on all major highways and side streets to secure the area surrounding the bridge as well as to inform drivers of the bridge closure. 
CBP U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Detroit Sector were asked to perform scene security, traffic assistance and also to assist along with the United States Coast Guard to provide a 1,000 yard safety zone on both sides of the bridge with the stations SAFE boats.
The air request was also answered with a Great Lakes CBP Office of Air and Marine, ASTAR-350 which provided an aerial search capability with its Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) which allowed it to search the entire bridge and also let officers on the ground know if there were any potential risks ahead of them.
Director Field Operations, Christopher Perry and Port Director, Roderick Blanchard where also on scene to assist in any way they could with the ongoing emergency.
Response to the scene was enormous with over 15 different Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies responding. The quick response enabled Inspector Johnson to set up an expert tactical team to sweep the Ambassador Bridge with numerous K-9 teams and EOD.
“We have set the bar for Michigan and team work to get the job done,’” said DPD Inspector Don Johnson. “The way that all of these agencies came together and worked as a single team was simply amazing.”
The sweep of the bridge lasted over 2 hours as members of CBP worked behind the scenes and also on the front lines to make sure the Ambassador Bridge was secure to re-open ensuring the safety of those entering and exiting the country.
“Thank you for your leadership during this response,” said Director Field Operations, Christopher Perry when speaking to DPD Inspector Johnson. “You have done an outstanding job.”
The Ambassador Bridge re-opened at 1am on Tuesday after being shut down for almost 5 hours. The exhaustive search of the bridge came up with negative results to any explosives items that the caller referenced in his phone call to DPD.
The Detroit Police Department has named a person of interest in the bomb threat and believes that the call origiated from a home in Detroit.