Comment RE: Request for information on opportunities, challenges, and emerging areas in statistical data, analysis, and research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture

On behalf of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, please accept these comments on the United States Department of Agriculture’s request for information on opportunities, challenges, and emerging areas in statistical data, analysis, and research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This comment responds to Questions 1 and 3-7 in the USDA Request for Information regarding Economic Research Service, National Agricultural Statistics Service, and Office of the Chief Economist’s World Agricultural Outlook Board statistical and research products. To read the comment, view the resource below.

Statement for the record: House E&C hearing on FDA foods

A poll by Pew Charitable trusts conducted in October 2025 found that about 5 in 6 US adults want government and business to do more to ensure chemical safety and increase transparency around the use of chemicals. Similarly, a poll this year of voters in House and Senate Battleground states by IMPACT Research found that “ensuring our food is safe” was a top priority, approaching support for lowering health care costs and higher than “making food more affordable." View the resource to read more.

House passes partisan farm bill, leaving millions at risk of hunger

Peter's Memo: Fulfilling a promise to fortify

Since 2016, CSPI has been pushing companies to fortify corn masa with folic acid to prevent spina bifida and other neural tube defects in newborns.

FRESH Act is a shiny apple full of worms

New York passes sweeping food chemical reform bill

Peptide compounding empowers ‘charlatans,’ undermines safety

Arizona’s drop in SNAP participation signals potential nationwide impact of Trump legislation

More than 400,000 Arizonans have lost their SNAP benefits since July — the largest decline in the nation by a wide margin — as an underfunded state agency administered changes called for in President Donald Trump’s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Letter of support for AB 2030: Dietary supplements for weight loss and over-the-counter diet pills

"Dear Chair Bonta and Honorable Members of the Assembly Health Committee: The Center for Science in the Public Interest strongly supports AB 2030, which would prohibit the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and weight-loss or muscle-building dietary supplements (WL/MB supplements) to minors. These products are widely available and heavily marketed to youth, often with deceptive claims, despite limited evidence of effectiveness. They are also poorly regulated and frequently contaminated with dangerous, undisclosed ingredients. National pediatric experts warn against their use, citing serious health risks including liver damage, hospitalization, and even death. This bill represents a common-sense, urgently needed step to protect young people in California." View the resource below to keep reading.

CSPI letter of support: CDPH Budget Change Proposal (4265-140-BCP-2026-GB)

"Dear Chairs Gabriel, Addis, Laird, and Menjivar, The Center for Science in the Public Interest is writing to express our strong support for the California Department of Public Health’s Budget Change Proposal (4265-140-BCP-2026-GB), which requests funding to implement Assembly Bill 1264 (Gabriel - 2025). AB 1264 is a first-of-its-kind law that enshrines a definition of ultra-processed food, or UPF, that integrates nutritional concerns and comprehensively captures chemical safety concerns. It then directs the California Department of Public Health to use that definition to further define “UPF of concern,” which will be phased out of schools. The department’s regulations identifying UPFs of concern will be guided by a rigorous examination of reputable, peer-reviewed scientific evidence." View the resource below to keep reading.