[DRAFT 9][FINAL] Allergen Labelling Standards

[Whovian Tardisia]

Ambassador Rupert Pink walked up to the podium at the front of the debate chamber. On the outside, he exuded confidence, but on the inside, he was very nervous. He tapped the microphone, and began to speak. "Greetings, ambassadors, representatives, delegates, whatever you like to call yourselves. I am Ambassador Rupert Pink, of Whovian Tardisia." A robotic dog, realizing its cue was imminent, rolled up the aisle to position itself in front of the podium. "And that," Pink continued, "is my aide, K-9. As I am soon to be taking some well-deserved administrative leave, if I rush out suddenly, K-9 will continue taking and recording questions and concerns, but not responding to them. Now, the proposal at hand:" Ambassador Pink pulled an odd, pen shaped device from his jacket pocket, and pointed it at the ceiling. It made a sort of whistling noise as a screen lowered behind and above him, and a projector began displaying a document on it. "Allergen Labeling Standards. I wrote it when I realized that General Assembly Resolution #64 made no provisions regarding foods that many individuals are allergic or intolerant to. Hopefully, this remedies that issue without becoming micromanagement. I should note however, that this was also partially inspired by a draft from about a year ago that I took an interest in." He pulls a glass of water from his jacket pocket, takes a sip, then puts it back, before going on. "Please provide all your criticisms, and try to remain civil. No tripping the fire alarm unless there's actually a fire." he adds, eyeing a particular name tag on a particular desk.

---

Allergen Labeling Standards

Category: Social Justice | Strength: Mild | Author: Whovian Tardisia

The World Assembly:

UNDERSTANDING that many individuals suffer from allergies or intolerances to certain foodstuffs, henceforth referred to as “food tolerance complications”,
CONSCIOUS of the fact that many food tolerance complications can be severe, and sometimes fatal, to those who possess them,
HOPING to improve the lives of individuals that suffer from food tolerance complications, by introducing tools to help prevent them from coming into contact with foods that may harm them,
HEREBY:

1. REQUIRES member states to:
   
   1. Collect data at reasonable intervals on common food tolerance complications in their populations,
   2. Submit this data to the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (WAFDRA) for the purposes of statistics and assistance,
2. CLARIFIES that “data” in this case includes:
   
   1. Surveys of populations to determine the distribution of food tolerance complications throughout them, and
   2. The results of voluntary and confidential medical testing, if deemed necessary due to severe lack of data,
3. REQUIRES that member states:
   
   1. Create one or several standard system(s) by which to indicate the presence of ingredients harmful to those with food tolerance complications on the labeling of foodstuffs, if one does not already exist, based on the data accumulated as per Clause 1.
   2. Determine which labelling is necessary within their borders, based on the data accumulated as per Clause 1,
   3. Accurately and efficiently integrate the aforementioned system(s) into their current food labeling system(s), if one exists,
   4. Create legal or financial consequences for affected manufacturers that fail to comply with food labeling regulations, if no consequences currently exist,
4. EXPANDS the duties of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency to:
   
   1. Assisting member states in the responsibilities of Clause 3 when they exhibit a dire need for such assistance,
   2. Creating international standards for the labelling of food tolerance complications, based on the systems member states currently use,
   3. Encouraging member states to adopt these standards,
5. REQUESTS that member states avoid, when at all possible, unnecessarily placing warning labels on products consisting entirely of an ingredient harmful to those with certain food tolerance complications, such as nuts and milk,
6. CLARIFIES that religious beliefs do not constitute food tolerance complications and ingredients shall not be labeled as allergens solely on the basis of any relevant religious prohibition.
7. CLARIFIES that these requirements are subject to any exemptions granted by WAFDRA to certain types of producers in past resolutions.

Included "or future" in final clause, otherwise identical and not worth wasting space with.

Allergen Labeling Standards
Category: Health Area of Effect: Healthcare Author: Whovian Tardisia

The World Assembly:

UNDERSTANDING that many individuals suffer from allergies or intolerances to certain foodstuffs, henceforth referred to as “food tolerance complications”,

CONSCIOUS of the fact that many food tolerance complications can be severe, and sometimes fatal, to those who possess them,

HOPING to improve the lives of individuals that suffer from food tolerance complications, by introducing tools to help prevent them from coming into contact with foods that may harm them,

HEREBY:

1. REQUIRES member states to collect data at reasonable intervals on common food tolerance complications in their populations, and submit this data to the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency,
   
2. CLARIFIES that “data” in this case includes:
   
   1. Surveys of populations to determine the distribution of food tolerance complications throughout them.
   2. The results of voluntary and confidential medical testing, if deemed necessary due to severe lack of data.
   
   
3. EXPANDS the duties of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency to include:
   
   1. Assisting member states in collecting the data required by clause 1, when said member states exhibit a dire need for such assistance,
   2. Creating one or several standard system(s) by which to indicate the presence of ingredients harmful to those with food tolerance complications on the labeling of foodstuffs, as well as stating the risk of possible cross-contamination of harmful ingredients on a number-based scale, based on the data accumulated as per Clause 1.
4. REQUIRES that member states:
   
   1. Cooperate with WAFDRA in the creation of the aforementioned system(s), by way of their national food regulation authorities, if they exist,
   2. Determine which labelling is necessary within their borders, based on the data accumulated as per Clause 1,
   3. Accurately and efficiently integrate the system WAFDRA creates into their own food labeling system(s), if one exists,
   4. Put a labeling system based on WAFDRA’s in place if one does not already exist,
   5. Create legal or financial consequences for affected manufacturers that fail to comply with food labeling regulations, if no consequences currently exist.
5. REQUESTS that WAFDRA and/or member states avoid, when at all possible, unnecessarily placing warning labels on products consisting entirely of an ingredient harmful to those with food tolerance complications, such as nuts and milk,
   
6. CLARIFIES that religious beliefs do not constitute food tolerance complications and ingredients shall not be labeled as allergens solely on the basis of any relevant religious prohibition,
   
7. CLARIFIES that these requirements are subject to any exemptions granted by WAFDRA to certain types of producers, in past or future resolutions.

Allergen Labeling Standards
Category: Health | Area of Effect: Healthcare | Author: Whovian Tardisia

The World Assembly:

UNDERSTANDING that many individuals suffer from allergies or intolerances to certain foodstuffs, henceforth referred to as “food tolerance complications”,

CONSCIOUS of the fact that many food tolerance complications can be severe, and sometimes fatal, to those who possess them.

HOPING to improve the lives of individuals who suffer from food tolerance complications, by introducing tools to help prevent them from coming into contact with foods that may harm them,

HEREBY:

1. REQUIRES member states to collect data at reasonable intervals on common food tolerance complications in their populations, and submit this data to the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency,
   
2. CLARIFIES that “data” in this case includes:
   
   
   1. Surveys of populations to determine the distribution of food tolerance complications throughout them.
   2. The results of voluntary and confidential medical testing, if deemed necessary due to severe lack of data.
   
   
3. EXPANDS the duties of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency to include:
   
   
   1. Assisting member states in collecting the data required by clause 1, when said member states exhibit a dire need for such assistance,
   2. Creating a standard system by which to indicate the presence or absence of ingredients harmful to those with food tolerance complications on the packaging of foodstuffs, as well as stating the risk of possible cross-contamination of harmful ingredients on a number-based scale, based on the data accumulated as per Clause 1,
   3. Determining which labeling is necessary on a member state-by-member state and product-by-product basis, based on the data accumulated as per Clause 1,
   4. Working alongside the national food regulation authorities of member states, when they exist, in regards to the responsibilities of 3b and 3c.
4. REQUIRES that member states accurately integrate the system WAFDRA creates into their own food labeling system(s), if one exists,
   
   
   1. REQUIRES that a labeling system based on WAFDRA’s is put in place if one does not already exist,
   
   
5. CLARIFIES that religious beliefs do not constitute food tolerance complications and ingredients shall not be labeled as allergens on the basis of any religious prohibition.
   
6. REQUESTS that WAFDRA avoids, when at all possible:
   
   
   1. Unnecessarily placing warning labels on products consisting entirely of an ingredient harmful to those with food tolerance complications, such as nuts and milk.

Allergen Labeling Standards
Category: Health | Area of Effect: Healthcare | Author: Whovian Tardisia

The World Assembly:

UNDERSTANDING that many individuals suffer from allergies or intolerances to certain foodstuffs, henceforth referred to as “food tolerance complications”,

CONSCIOUS of the fact that many food tolerance complications can be severe, and sometimes fatal, to those who possess them.

HOPING to improve the lives of individuals who suffer from food tolerance complications, by introducing tools to help prevent them from coming into contact with foods that may harm them,

HEREBY:

1. REQUIRES member states to collect data at reasonable intervals on common food tolerance complications in their populations, and submit this data to the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency,
   
2. CLARIFIES that “data” in this case includes:
   
   
   1. Surveys of populations to determine the distribution of food tolerance complications throughout them.
   2. The results of voluntary and confidential medical testing, if deemed necessary due to severe lack of data.
   
   
3. EXPANDS the duties of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency to include:
   
   
   1. Assisting member states in collecting the data required by clause 1, when said member states exhibit a dire need for such assistance,
   2. Creating a standard system by which to indicate the presence or absence of ingredients harmful to those with food tolerance complications on the packaging of foodstuffs, based on the data accumulated as per Clause 1,
   3. Determining which labeling is necessary on a member state-by-member state and product-by-product basis, based on the data accumulated as per Clause 1,
   4. Working alongside the national food regulation authorities of member states, when they exist, in regards to the responsibilities of 3b and 3c.
4. REQUIRES that member states accurately integrate the system WAFDRA creates into their own food labeling system(s),
   
5. CLARIFIES that religious beliefs do not constitute food tolerance complications and ingredients shall not be labeled as allergens on the basis of any religious prohibition.
   
6. REQUESTS that WAFDRA avoids, when at all possible:
   
   
   1. Unnecessarily placing warning labels on products consisting entirely of an ingredient harmful to those with food tolerance complications, such as nuts and milk.
   2. Placing labels that are vague, for instance, labels stating that a product “may contain” an ingredient harmful to those with food tolerance complications.

Allergen Labeling Standards
Category: Health | Area of Effect: Healthcare | Author: Whovian Tardisia

The World Assembly:

UNDERSTANDING that many individuals suffer from allergies or intolerances to certain foodstuffs, henceforth referred to as “food tolerance complications”,

CONSCIOUS of the fact that many food tolerance complications can be severe, and sometimes fatal, to those who possess them.

HOPING to improve the lives of individuals who suffer from food tolerance complications, by introducing tools to help prevent them from coming into contact with foods that may harm them,

HEREBY:

1. REQUIRES member states to collect data at reasonable intervals on common food tolerance complications in their populations, and submit this data to the World Assembly Food & Drug Regulatory Agency,
   
2. CLARIFIES that “data” in this case includes:
   
   
   1. Surveys of populations to determine the distribution of food tolerance complications throughout them.
   2. The results of voluntary & confidential medical testing, if deemed necessary due to severe lack of data.
   
   
3. EXPANDS the duties of the World Assembly Food & Drug Regulatory Agency to include:
   
   
   1. Assisting member states in collecting the data required by clause 1, when said member states exhibit a dire need for such assistance,
   2. Creating a standard system by which to indicate the presence or absence of ingredients harmful to those with food tolerance complications on the packaging of foodstuffs, using the data collected,
   3. Determining which labeling is necessary on a member state-by-member state and product-by-product basis, based on the data accumulated as per Clause 1,
   4. Working alongside the national food regulation authorities of member states, when they exist, in regards to the responsibilities of 3b and 3c.
4. REQUIRES that member states integrate the system WAFDRA creates into their own food labeling system(s),
   
5. CLARIFIES that religious beliefs do not constitute food tolerance complications and ingredients shall not be labeled as allergens on the basis of any religious prohibition.
   
6. REQUESTS that WAFDRA avoids, when at all possible:
   
   
   1. Unnecessarily placing warning labels on products consisting entirely of an ingredient harmful to those with food tolerance complications, such as nuts and milk.
   2. Placing labels that are vague, for instance, labels stating that a product “may contain” an ingredient harmful to those with food tolerance complications.

Allergen Labeling Standards
Category: Health
Area of Effect: Healthcare
Author: Whovian Tardisia

The World Assembly:

UNDERSTANDING that many individuals suffer from allergies or intolerances to certain foodstuffs, henceforth referred to as “food tolerance complications”,

CONSCIOUS of the fact that many food tolerance complications can be severe, and sometimes fatal, to those who possess them.

HOPING to improve the lives of individuals who suffer from food tolerance complications, by introducing tools to help prevent them from coming into contact with foods that may harm them,

HEREBY:

1. REQUIRES member states to regularly collect data on common food tolerance complications in their populations,
   
   
2. CLARIFIES that “data” in this case includes:
   
   1. Documental research, i.e. properly censored medical records, surveys, census data, etc.
   2. The properly censored results of medical testing, only to be conducted if data for large amounts of citizens is absent.
3. EXPANDS the duties of the World Assembly Food & Drug Regulatory Agency to include:
   
   1. Assisting member states in collecting the data required by clause 1, when said member states exhibit a dire need for such assistance,
   2. Creating a standard system by which to indicate the presence or absence of ingredients harmful to those with food tolerance complications on the packaging of foodstuffs, using the data collected,
   3. Determining which labeling is necessary on a member state-by-member state and product-by-product basis, based on the data accumulated as per Clause 1,
   4. Delegating the immediately aforementioned responsibility to a similar authority within a member state, if such an authority exists and WAFDRA is confident in their competence,
4. REQUIRES that member states integrate the system WAFDRA creates into their own food labeling system(s),
   
   
5. CLARIFIES that religious beliefs do not constitute food tolerance complications and ingredients shall not be labeled as allergens on the basis of any religious prohibition.
   
   
6. REQUESTS that WAFDRA avoids, when at all possible, unnecessarily placing warning labels on products consisting entirely of an ingredient harmful to those with food tolerance complications, such as nuts and milk.

Allergen Labeling Standards
Category: Health
Area of Effect: Healthcare
Author: Whovian Tardisia

The World Assembly:

UNDERSTANDING that many individuals suffer from allergies or intolerances to certain foodstuffs, henceforth referred to as “food tolerance complications”,

CONSCIOUS of the fact that many food tolerance complications can be severe, and sometimes fatal, to those who possess them.

HOPING to improve the lives of individuals who suffer from food tolerance complications, by introducing tools to help prevent them from coming into contact with foods that may harm them,

HEREBY:

1. REQUIRES member states to perform regular analyses of common food tolerance complications in their populations,
   
2. CLARIFIES that “analyses” in this case include:
   
   1. Documental research, i.e. Medical records, surveys, census data, etc.
   2. Medical testing, if data for particular citizens is absent.
3. EXPANDS the duties of WAFDRA to include:
   
   1. Assisting member states in conducting the analyses required by clause 1, when said member states exhibit a dire need for such assistance,
   2. Collecting the results of said analyses,
   3. Creating a standard system by which to indicate the presence or absence of ingredients harmful to those with food tolerance complications on the packaging of foodstuffs,
   4. Determining which labelling is necessary on a member state-by-member state and product-by-product basis, based on the analyses required by Clause 1,
   5. Delegating the immediately aforementioned responsibility to a similar authority within a member state, if such an authority exists and WAFDRA is confident in their competence,
4. REQUIRES that member states adopt and enforce the system WAFDRA creates in their own food industry,
   
5. CLARIFIES that religious beliefs do not constitute food tolerance complications and ingredients shall not be labeled as allergens on the basis of any religious prohibition.
   
6. REQUESTS that WAFDRA avoids, when at all possible, unnecessarily placing warning labels on products consisting entirely of an allergen, such as nuts and milk.

Allergen Labeling Standards

Category: Health

Area of Effect: Healthcare

Author: Whovian Tardisia

The World Assembly:

UNDERSTANDING that many individuals suffer from allergies or intolerances to certain foodstuffs, henceforth referred to as “food tolerance complications”,

CONSCIOUS of the fact that many food tolerance complications can be severe, and sometimes fatal, to those who possess them.

HOPING to improve the lives of individuals who suffer from food tolerance complications, by introducing tools to help prevent them from coming into contact with foods that may harm them,

HEREBY:

1. REQUIRES member states to perform regular analyses of common food tolerance complications in their populations, either by themselves or with the assistance of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (WAFDRA), and give the results of said analyses to WAFDRA,
   
2. EXPANDS the duties of WAFDRA to include:
   
   1. Creating a standard system by which to indicate the presence or absence of ingredients harmful to those with food tolerance complications on the packaging of foodstuffs,
   2. Determining which labelling is necessary on a member state-by-member state and product-by-product basis, based on the analyses required by Clause 1,
   3. Delegating the immediately aforementioned responsibility to a similar authority within a member state, if such an authority exists and WAFDRA is confident in their competence,
3. REQUIRES that member states adopt and enforce the system WAFDRA creates in their own food industry,
   
4. CLARIFIES that nothing in this resolution applies to ingredients that are forbidden from consumption to certain individuals due to their religious beliefs.

[States of Glory WA Office]

Fairburn: Great, it's another member of the 'We Love Defenestrations!' gang that has been tormenting me lately. Alright, let's see what we've got here. (reads draft) Hmm...right, I hate to admit it, but this is actually pretty good. Damn good, in fact. One small nitpick, though. What actually is the point of the below clarification?

CLARIFIES that nothing in this resolution applies to ingredients that are forbidden from consumption to certain individuals due to their religious beliefs.

Harold: Also, how does this affect cream pies?

Fairburn: Shut up, Harold. No-one cares about cream pies except for you.

Harold: Fine. Have it your way.

Harold proceeds to eat a cream pie, using his copy of the proposal as a napkin.

[Whovian Tardisia]

One small nitpick, though. What actually is the point of the below clarification?

CLARIFIES that nothing in this resolution applies to ingredients that are forbidden from consumption to certain individuals due to their religious beliefs.

Harold: Also, how does this affect cream pies?

Fairburn: Shut up, Harold. No-one cares about cream pies except for you.

Harold: Fine. Have it your way.

Harold proceeds to eat a cream pie, using his copy of the proposal as a napkin.

"It was included to make clear that religious beliefs do not constitute food tolerance complications. I wanted this to focus on allergens and intolerances, so included the fourth clause to make that narrowness clear. Now, as to the pies, for Harold is certainly not alone in his concern: it would affect pre-made and pre-packaged pies, as I believe most pie crusts contain gluten, something that certain species can develop an intolerance of. In places where this is relatively common, there would be a WAFDRA symbol on the package indicating the product contained gluten. Unless, of course, it had been specifically designed not to." A thought occurred to him suddenly. I'm going to have to look at GA 64 again, I feel like I missed something."

[Bananaistan]

"Clause 4 is baffling. So if one religion in one member state says that peanuts are not kosher, then peanuts as an ingredient need not be indicated on any packaging in all member states.

"Generally this is inoffensive but it does seem to a great deal of excessive bureaucracy just to have common allergens list on labels. We're inclined to oppose it on this count. There must be an easier way of achieving this aim by instructing member states without involving a WA committee.

"We're also pleased that unpackaged foodstuffs are exempt as we would strongly oppose requiring packaging merely so that a label could be attached, EG bakers selling unpackaged bread are not required to tell everyone that it contains wheat."

- Brian

[Araraukar]

(OOC: This reminds me of the funniest ingredients label ever, which I encountered on an airplane once, where they gave everyone a little packet of peanuts and it had "may contain peanuts" on the label... )

IC: On top of the critique others have already given, I have a few additional concerns.

Now, traditionally the way to check a resolution against the committee-only violation is to take away everything to do with the committee and see what you're left with. As clause 4 is not a mandate, we're left with half of clause 1:

REQUIRES member states to perform regular analyses of common food tolerance complications in their populations, either by themselves or with the assistance of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (WAFDRA), and give the results of said analyses to WAFDRA

Why is WAFDRA involved in this clause at all? You could make the non-committee part a free-standing clause on its own, and insert a new clause saying the rest of this.

Additionally, the wording "perform ... analyses" makes this sound a bit weird. Is the purpose to drag everyone to a hospital to subject them to a battery of tests to screen for allergies? And to do that regularly. That of course sounds like a ridiculous demand. Especially as the "assistance" from the committee is not limited to those nations unable to do it themselves (for some weird reason), you would be including the unwilling nations - I can just imagine the costs to the WA as the trillions of WA member nations' inhabitants are getting regularly tested.

If none of that is the intention, I suggest finding a more suitable wording or changing the basic assumptions of the proposal.

[Aclion]

"I recommend that clause 4 be rewritten to read: CLARIFIES that religious beliefs do not constitute food tolerance complications and ingredients shall not be labeled as allergens on the basis of any religious prohibition."

snip

"I do not believe the clause is baffling at all, the author's intent is clear, it just needs to be rewritten to avoid deliberate misinterpretation. I also advise you to read the proposal more carefully. It is specifically stated that labeling standards will be determined on a state by state basis. This applies to your second objection as well, as the WAFDRA is given the power to delegate to competent national authorities, if any. I would hope a nation such as yours already has a department ensuring common allergens are labeled."

Is the purpose to drag everyone to a hospital to subject them to a battery of tests to screen for allergies? And to do that regularly. That of course sounds like a ridiculous demand.

"And a ridiculous interpretation. A nation only need to test a statistically significant sample of the population to pick up common allergies. How large a sample?; dependent on how common an allergy can be before labeling is required. For nations that keep medical records even that might not be necessary, though I'd have to check the legality of using records in this way.

Of course if a nation wishes to engage in an obtrusive and expensive program for no reason that is their prerogative."

(OOC: This reminds me of the funniest ingredients label ever, which I encountered on an airplane once, where they gave everyone a little packet of peanuts and it had "may contain peanuts" on the label... )

May? Did it in fact contain peanuts?

[Whovian Tardisia]

So if one religion in one member state says that peanuts are not kosher, then peanuts as an ingredient need not be indicated on any packaging in all member states.

snip

"Agreed. We shall incorporate that rewording, and indeed, that is a far more reasonable interpretation.

Now, traditionally the way to check a resolution against the committee-only violation is to take away everything to do with the committee and see what you're left with. As clause 4 is not a mandate, we're left with half of clause 1:

REQUIRES member states to perform regular analyses of common food tolerance complications in their populations, either by themselves or with the assistance of the World Assembly Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (WAFDRA), and give the results of said analyses to WAFDRA

Why is WAFDRA involved in this clause at all? You could make the non-committee part a free-standing clause on its own, and insert a new clause saying the rest of this.

"We agree splitting Clause 1 is a good idea, and shall do so in the next draft. We will also take into consideration only requiring WAFDRA's assistance when needed, as that was the intent behind mentioning them before assigning them new duties. Perhaps 'assisting nations in the analyses required by Clause 1 when requested,' could be added to these, as a way to perform the aforementioned split?"

[Araraukar]

"We agree splitting Clause 1 is a good idea, and shall do so in the next draft. We will also take into consideration only requiring WAFDRA's assistance when needed, as that was the intent behind mentioning them before assigning them new duties. Perhaps 'assisting nations in the analyses required by Clause 1 when requested,' could be added to these, as a way to perform the aforementioned split?"

The wording "when requested" still includes nations unwilling to spend their own money. Also, I'd like you to explain, either in the proposal text or verbally, just what you mean by "analysis" in this case? Are we talking about allergy tests or Celice's half-suggestion about looking at the medical records - if it's allowable under existing resolutions - or what?

(OOC: This reminds me of the funniest ingredients label ever, which I encountered on an airplane once, where they gave everyone a little packet of peanuts and it had "may contain peanuts" on the label... )

May? Did it in fact contain peanuts?

(OOC: It indeed did. )

[Bakhton]

"Upon necessary revision, our country would gladly support this proposal," says a rather lazy Lara Qzu not wanting to belabor already stated points by her fellow representatives as she thumbs through the V.5 version of the Big Blue Law Book for publication. "Jeffrey, come here."
"Yes, ma'am?"
"I thought I told the Bakhtonian staff to restore the original formatting."
Jeff stutters, "Well, ma'am we only have ten people staffed at our publications office and they have to deal with memos and proposal stances and -"
"Don't care, by V.7 I want the original formatting restored. Give them GovBrew cappuccinos if you need to."

[Whovian Tardisia]

The wording "when requested" still includes nations unwilling to spend their own money. Also, I'd like you to explain, either in the proposal text or verbally, just what you mean by "analysis" in this case? Are we talking about allergy tests or Celice's half-suggestion about looking at the medical records - if it's allowable under existing resolutions - or what?

"Would 'when the member state exhibits a dire need for it' work better?" Pink asks. "As for analysis, it was meant to encompass documental research, ie. medical records, surveys, census data, etc., as well as testing if no data yet exists. I was making an attempt to be concise, but I can expand it if it's causing confusion."

[Jarish Inyo]

We would oppose this. We will not provide the WA information on our citizens in any form. Nor will we provide the WA with any of our research on any subject.

[Whovian Tardisia]

"You would rather see uninformed citizens die than give up some harmless data? That hardly seems reasonable. Also, I believe you already are giving the WA research."

[Jarish Inyo]

Yes, we would rather see citizens die then give any information on them to the WA or any other non governmental organizations. And your belief is wrong. You might want to read that resolution again, because you missed the part that states information shared is subject to national law. Imperial law outlaws the sharing of data to any person, organization or government that is not approved by the Crown. The WA or any of its affiliated organizations are not approved by the Crown.

[Vulcan Confederacy]

Yes, we would rather see citizens die then give any information on them to the WA or any other non governmental organizations. And your belief is wrong. You might want to read that resolution again, because you missed the part that states information shared is subject to national law. Imperial law outlaws the sharing of data to any person, organization or government that is not approved by the Crown. The WA or any of its affiliated organizations are not approved by the Crown.

The Confederacy also opposes this resolution as well as resolution 64 and others which inflict undue and illegal regulatory burdens upon the peoples. The notion that people would die is a specious and speculative argument with a foundation largely unfounded by historical facts in food processing in most modern and developing nations.

Nearly all product producers in the Confederacy label their products with ingredients and warnings. Our citizens understand that they alone are responsible for their health, safety and that of their families. If they cannot find out on the product, or by contacting the producer then they simply don't purchase the product or take a risk. Consumer producers who intentionally act to promote harm or defraud are subject to unlimited liability.

To add agencies to police food would increase product costs that would be passed onto consumers, making food more costly to our citizens. It would mean creating new agencies and growing the size of government and It's role in the daily lives of our citizens. If regulatory burdens become too great, we would have to implement taxes on personal income. All of the store mentioned are unconstitutional, illogcal and unconscionable.

Consider language that provides guidelines, suggestions and requests as opposed to requirements.

Peace and long life!

[Araraukar]

I'm fairly sure that a reasonable reading of GA #64, Food and Drug Standards would include allergens:

MANDATES that such reforms shall include:
(A)The creation of a quality grade system by which all food and drug products shall receive a grade marking their relative level of quality and safety

[Aclion]

I'm fairly sure that a reasonable reading of GA #64, Food and Drug Standards would include allergens:

MANDATES that such reforms shall include:
(A)The creation of a quality grade system by which all food and drug products shall receive a grade marking their relative level of quality and safety

I don't think so. Quality grade systems are certifications by a relevant authority that a product and it's processing meets or exceeds some standard of quality established for that product.

It has nothing to do with labeling requirements

OOC: Think the difference between USDA beef grading programs and FDA food allergen labeling requirements. This is the latter, while you're talking about the former.

[Araraukar]

I don't think so. Quality grade systems are certifications by a relevant authority that a product and it's processing meets or exceeds some standard of quality established for that product.

quality and safety

I would think that food safety would include any possibly hazardous substances, including most common allergens.

It has nothing to do with labeling requirements

Well, #64 requires labeling for quality...

ORDERS that food and drug products being sold must bear upon them a label certified by the WAFDRA which clearly displays the quality grade that the product has been given by national quality-inspection facilities

...but you're right that it doesn't require any safety labeling.

But if you're insistent on this thing, I'd suggest some clause that this doesn't require obvious labeling, such as marking "contains milk protein" on a container of milk...

OOC: Think the difference between USDA beef grading programs and FDA food allergen labeling requirements. This is the latter, while you're talking about the former.

OOC: Not from USA so not sure how those differ. In any case, I think this is covered by existing resolution, but I wouldn't make a legality challenge based on that alone.

Also OOC, to author: To sort out the "alignment buggery", I suggest just removing alignment entirely. The aligned bits can't be put in the submitted version without making it illegal, and they're unlikely to work at different screenwidths (such as the difference between smartphones and widescreen computer screens).

[Whovian Tardisia]

A blue phone booth marked "Police" makes a horrendous wheezing noise as it appears in the chamber. Ambassador Pink emerges, in his usual blue suit, sans tie, a button undone, and sunglasses on his face. He gives K-9 a quick scan with his sonic device, which he then holds to his ear. Stepping once again behind the podium, he speaks: "Greetings, fellow Ambassadors. I apologize for my absence, but I shall now be responding to the concerns raised during it."

Yes, we would rather see citizens die then give any information on them to the WA or any other non governmental organizations. And your belief is wrong. You might want to read that resolution again, because you missed the part that states information shared is subject to national law. Imperial law outlaws the sharing of data to any person, organization or government that is not approved by the Crown. The WA or any of its affiliated organizations are not approved by the Crown.

"If your nation does not trust the World Assembly enough to tell it whether or not John Doe is allergic to peanuts, why did it bother becoming a member?"

To add agencies to police food would increase product costs that would be passed onto consumers, making food more costly to our citizens. It would mean creating new agencies and growing the size of government and It's role in the daily lives of our citizens. If regulatory burdens become too great, we would have to implement taxes on personal income. All of the store mentioned are unconstitutional, illogcal and unconscionable.

"This proposal does not require nations to establish such agencies; it leaves the work to WAFDRA unless such an agency already exists."

I would think that food safety would include any possibly hazardous substances, including most common allergens.

...but you're right that it doesn't require any safety labeling.

"This is the issue we are attempting to rectify with this proposal."

But if you're insistent on this thing, I'd suggest some clause that this doesn't require obvious labeling, such as marking "contains milk protein" on a container of milk...

"Duly noted and agreed. I once saw a barrel of peanuts with a sign reading: 'Warning: Contains nuts' stuck into it. One would hope the average citizen does not need such signage. We thank you all for your contributions. We will revise and release a new draft in due haste."

Also OOC, to author: To sort out the "alignment buggery", I suggest just removing alignment entirely. The aligned bits can't be put in the submitted version without making it illegal, and they're unlikely to work at different screenwidths (such as the difference between smartphones and widescreen computer screens).

The aligned bits were there to present that information in a similar format to finished resolutions. I suppose I could just use the space bar a lot to achieve the same effect.

[Jarish Inyo]

We don't trust the WA with personal information about our citizens. It is not the WA's place to collect said information about private citizens. And I do believe that a persons medical information is confidential and that information might be protected under a WA resolution. I'll have to check. But it is protected under Imperial law and will not be given out without consent of the individual.

And as stated before, no information can be shared to the WA, other nations, or other organizations without the Emperor's consent. When the Empire joined the WA, it appeared to have noble intentions. Now, all it seems to do is push the will of others onto all nations. Maybe someday it will return to those noble intentions. But it will not do so if members leave and do not oppose these people and policies. Nice thing about the WA, it can't actually force nations to follow any of its resolutions.

[Aclion]

We don't trust the WA with personal information about our citizens. It is not the WA's place to collect said information about private citizens. And I do believe that a persons medical information is confidential and that information might be protected under a WA resolution. I'll have to check. But it is protected under Imperial law and will not be given out without consent of the individual.

And as stated before, no information can be shared to the WA, other nations, or other organizations without the Emperor's consent. When the Empire joined the WA, it appeared to have noble intentions. Now, all it seems to do is push the will of others onto all nations. Maybe someday it will return to those noble intentions. But it will not do so if members leave and do not oppose these people and policies. Nice thing about the WA, it can't actually force nations to follow any of its resolutions.

"Suppose one of your citizens is injured while traveling in Aclion. Are you saying our doctors would be unable to access their medical records? How would we know if their treatment would be complicated by medications they're on, surgeries they've had or past injuries they've suffered?"

[Araraukar]

"Suppose one of your citizens is injured while traveling in Aclion. Are you saying our doctors would be unable to access their medical records?"

Well naturally. I think there is at least one resolution that requires consent from the patient for any sharing of medical data, and even then national laws might prevent it being shared internationally.

(OOC: Isn't that how it is in real life? Any international sharing of medical files isn't, to my knowledge, very common. That's why medical tourists take physical copies of their files with them.)

"How would we know if their treatment would be complicated by medications they're on, surgeries they've had or past injuries they've suffered?"

Presumably your nation's doctors would ask the patient for their history, or, in the case the patient was unconscious, do blood tests and scans prior to treatment, and use the most commonly tolerated medications with an emergency team on standby in case of an allergic reaction. If the patient was a different species, or spoke a different language - in which case the medical files would likely also be rather "alien" - I would imagine even with any of the information you mentioned, your doctors would be stumped.

[States of Glory WA Office]

"I once saw a barrel of peanuts with a sign reading: 'Warning: Contains nuts' stuck into it."

Fairburn: Whose idea was it to place nuts and legumes in the same barrel?

[Jarish Inyo]

We don't trust the WA with personal information about our citizens. It is not the WA's place to collect said information about private citizens. And I do believe that a persons medical information is confidential and that information might be protected under a WA resolution. I'll have to check. But it is protected under Imperial law and will not be given out without consent of the individual.

And as stated before, no information can be shared to the WA, other nations, or other organizations without the Emperor's consent. When the Empire joined the WA, it appeared to have noble intentions. Now, all it seems to do is push the will of others onto all nations. Maybe someday it will return to those noble intentions. But it will not do so if members leave and do not oppose these people and policies. Nice thing about the WA, it can't actually force nations to follow any of its resolutions.

"Suppose one of your citizens is injured while traveling in Aclion. Are you saying our doctors would be unable to access their medical records? How would we know if their treatment would be complicated by medications they're on, surgeries they've had or past injuries they've suffered?"

That's exactly what I'm saying. Without written consent from the individual and the Emperor, your doctors wouldn't access said individuals medical records. Assuming we can even locate the individual's doctor to get the records in time.

[Draconae]

We don't trust the WA with personal information about our citizens. It is not the WA's place to collect said information about private citizens. And I do believe that a persons medical information is confidential and that information might be protected under a WA resolution. I'll have to check. But it is protected under Imperial law and will not be given out without consent of the individual.

And as stated before, no information can be shared to the WA, other nations, or other organizations without the Emperor's consent. When the Empire joined the WA, it appeared to have noble intentions. Now, all it seems to do is push the will of others onto all nations. Maybe someday it will return to those noble intentions. But it will not do so if members leave and do not oppose these people and policies. Nice thing about the WA, it can't actually force nations to follow any of its resolutions.

"However, this resolution does not mandate that the WA collect personal data. The only thing it mandates the WA do is receive information about distributions of food tolerance complications in your nation and create a labeling standard. No personal information is shared with the WA."

"Otherwise, support if there is a real need. I'm surprised this has gone uncaught for so long after GA #64."

[Jarish Inyo]

What people are allergic to is personal information. And the Empire will not share that information with the WA. Nor will we let it run test and collect data on our food supply or citizens. Nor do or will we ever use the WA labeling format or system.