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USFDA to Revoke Authorization for the Use of Red Dye No. 3 in Food and Ingested Drugs

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The first food standards to be issued under the 1938 act were for canned tomato products; by the 1960s about half of the food supply was subject to a standard. As food technology changed and the number of possible ingredients–including fortifying nutrients–grew, the agency developed recipe standards for foods, lists of ingredients that could lawfully be included in a product. A food that varied from the recipe would have to be labeled as imitation.

As with the 1938 act, a therapeutic disaster compelled passage of the new law; in this case the disaster was narrowly averted. Thalidomide, a sedative that was never approved in this country, produced thousands of grossly deformed newborns outside of the United States. The new law mandated efficacy as well as safety before a drug could be marketed, required FDA to assess the efficacy of all drugs introduced since 1938, instituted stricter agency control over drug trials (including a requirement that patients involved must give their informed consent), transferred from the Federal Trade Commission to the FDA.

January 15, 2025 – The USFDA is revoking the authorization for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 as a matter of law, based on the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The FDA is making changes to color additives regulations to NO LONGER allow for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs in response to a 2022 color additive petition from advocates who argue that the additive is associated with cancer and behavioral issues in children. FD&C Red No. 3 is a synthetic food dye that gives foods and drinks a bright, cherry-red color. It has been primarily used in certain food products, such as candy, cakes and cupcakes, cookies, frozen desserts, and frostings and icings, as well as certain ingested drugs.

Manufacturers who use FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs will have until January 15, 2027 or January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products. Other countries still currently allow for certain uses of FD&C Red No. 3. However, foods imported to the U.S. must comply with U.S. requirements.

 

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Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

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CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

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Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

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Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?

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