(TNS) —Speeding cars? Bad. But speedy records request responses? Good. In order to streamline the process of providing crash reports, the city of Santa Fe's Office of Records Custodians has begun publishing them online in weekly installments. That means people are no longer required to file individual public records requests to receive them. City officials said the change is intended to increase public access to the reports and cut down on redundant work. "Since we're doing it on a weekly basis, they don't have to wait that 15-day time period that IPRA allows; they can just automatically find their report online," said Inspection of Public Records Act Manager Katherine Garcia-Gallegos. Garcia-Gallegos said crash reports are one of the city's most requested items, making up nearly 80% of this year's volume of records requests, which has exceeded more than 10,000 records to date. While they are easy to produce — each takes about five minutes on average — she said the same record is often requested by a number of parties, meaning records custodians have to produce the same report multiple times. "So one crash report could generate a request for the same report from each driver, their insurance companies and each attorney that's representing them," she said. "So that's at least four to five requests for the same report." Publishing the reports online will cut down on duplicate work and make the reports available more quickly to anyone who wants to see them, Garcia-Gallegos said. City Attorney Erin McSherry, who oversees the Office of Records Custodians, said the idea has been in the works for a little while but didn't happen earlier in part because of concerns about redacting sensitive information such as people's birth dates and driver's license numbers. She said the state agencies involved in producing these reports, including the Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety, recently began automatically redacting that information in crash reports, which made it easier for the city to publish them. City records staff still inspect each report before publication to ensure personal information is not listed in another part of the report. The city currently has the reports listed by date and driver name, but McSherry said her office is talking to the city's Internet technology department about how to make the data more easily searchable and interactive, including potentially creating a city map with reports linked to crash locations. "That would require some additional coding our IT department is looking at, but it's a multiagency coordination," she said. Long wait times for records requests has been an ongoing source of frustration for some residents; the city is currently facing several lawsuits from people alleging the city violated state open records law by not fulfilling their requests in a timely manner. City officials said they have been taking steps to improve the city's processing of records requests, including by hiring and training additional staff. The publication of the crash reports is part of an ongoing effort to make sure more information is available directly on the city's website, Garcia-Gallegos said, work that also includes making city contracts and previously approved ordinances and resolutions easily accessible online. "We are looking to put more and more just directly online," McSherry said. The crash reports currently date back to Nov. 24 and will be uploaded on a weekly basis going forward, Garcia-Gallegos said. The reports landing page is linked to the city's IPRA web page and the police department's records request landing page, and is also noted on the city's Next Request portal where records requests are submitted. The current landing site is a beta form of what city officials hope to be a longstanding initiative if it proves useful to residents. "We're hopeful that it's helpful," McSherry said. ©The 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL48) finalized a historical update of the section on allergens in the General Standard on the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods (GSLPF or CXS 1) and completed work on two new guidelines on the use of new information technologies to convey food labelling and on foods sold in E-commerce. CCFL48 advanced the review of draft guidelines on precautionary allergen labelling (when the “may contain” statement would be used when presence of allergens would be above ‘action levels,’ based on acute reference dose levels of these allergens). CCFL48 returned the proposed amendments to the GSLPF about dedicated sections on pre-packaged foods in multipacks or in joint presentations for further work while making good progress regarding various proposed definition options. CCFL48 endorsed the labelling provisions for dried saffron mandatory country of origin, while guidance from CAC47 on the country of harvest. CCFL48 agreed to work on new guidelines introducing flexibility in mandatory labelling in cases of domestic supply chain disruptions or global emergencies. Despite efforts deployed to reach a consensus, CCFL48 decided to stop work on a definition for a proposed set of guiding principles on sustain-ability (environmental) claims, as well as on alcoholic beverage labelling. Finally, CCFL48 agreed to an internal prioritization mechanism. Proposals on “high in” claims, “added sugars,” and a harmonized definition for “small packages” were all sent back to the inventory for possible future work, provided they are consistent with the next Codex Strategic Plan (2026-2031), sponsored by a Codex member to lead the work and fit within the top tier of CCFL priorities. CCFL48 was held in person in Québec City (Québec, Canada) from Sunday, October 27 to Friday, November 1st, 2024. The next CCFL meeting (CCFL49) will be held in Spring 2026, in a venue still to be determined. CCFL48 was chaired for the first time by Dr. Parthi MUTHUKUMARASAMY, the current Executive Director of Canada’s Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), who was unanimously praised for his performance in leading the Committee to overcome the difficult issues that were the subjects of discussion at that session. More information about CCFL48 supporting documents and official proceedings are available [ii] [iii]. FOOD ALLERGEN – Standing ovation for the first full revision of the relevant GSLPF provisions since 1985. CCFL48 finalized the draft revised provisions to the General standard for the labelling of pre-packaged foods (CXS 1) relevant to allergen labelling and sent it for final adoption by CAC47 (as included in Appendix II of CCFL48 report, see endnote iii). CCFL48 agreed to inform the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) about the completion of this work and ask CCFH to ensure a full consistency of concepts used in the Codex Code of practice on allergen management for food business operators (CXC 80) with the newly approved definitions and revised sections of the GSLPF. CAC47 will be held from November 25th to November 30th in Geneva (Switzerland) [iv]. CCFL48 considered the outcome of the work of an intersessional electronic working group (EWG) led by Australia and co-led by the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA). A virtual working group (VWG) met prior to CCFL48, and recommendations are included in the report of that VWG. During that process, the EWG and VWG took into account the FAO/WHO Scientific Advice, in particular, the review and validation of the Codex priority allergen list through risk assessment (Part 1) and the review and establishment of exemptions for the food allergens (Part 4). The working groups also considered a literature review performed by the International Social Science Liaison Group (ISSLG) on a review of consumer response to allergen declarations and precautionary allergen labelling [v] [vi]. CCFL48 agreed on definitions for “food allergy,” “food allergens,” “allergenic foods,” and “coeliac disease” [vii]. CCFL48 also agreed to consider that there were two types of allergenic foods and food ingredients: those that are internationally relevant and those that are viewed as relevant for mandatory declaration only at the regional level. However, both are subject to a national risk management decision, as pointed out by Brazil (for soy) and Japan in particular (where scientific names of the fish and the crustacean are more meaningful than just ‘fish’ or ‘crustacean’) [viii]. The other significant change is the revised paragraph about the ability of national and/or regional competent authorities to exempt some highly refined food ingredients obtained from the allergenic foods listed in the two batches from being declared as “allergenic foods.” Such exemptions are to be subject to a risk assessment to establish the safety of the allergenic food derivative and will be the new section 4.2.1.6 of the future re-published revised GSLPF in its 2024 version. In that regard, it is recommended to read the FAO/WHO briefing summary of Part 4 of the expert consultation [ix]. CCFL48 also significantly clarified the GSLPF on ways to declare foods and food ingredients possibly containing food allergens [x]. These provisions will apply when the allergenic foods or food ingredients are intentionally added and present in the manufactured foods, as opposed to unintentional allergen presence (through cross-contact). Such unintentional presence of allergens will be addressed through guidelines on precautionary allergen labelling (PAL). The section on sulphites was revised so that “when present in concentrations of 10 mg/kg or more in a food, [they] shall always be declared using the specified name ‘sulphite’ or ‘sulfite’ in addition to or as part of the ingredient name.” Sulphites are to be measured “on a sulphur dioxide (SO2) equivalents basis.” PRECAUTIONARY ALLERGEN LABELLING – Good progress made, new EWG formed. Proposed New Guidelines CCFL48 agreed to advance the draft Guidelines on the use of precautionary allergen labelling for mid-process approval by CAC47. The revised draft of the proposed guidelines is included in Appendix III of CCFL48 report (see endnote iii). CCFL48 agreed to inform CCMAS of the progress made on these draft guidelines and encouraged CCMAS to provide further advice on suitable methods of analysis before CCFL49. CCFH will also be informed of the progress made on these guidelines on PAL, and once this work on PAL is completed by CCFL, CCFH will have to consider targeted revisions of CXC 80 to include information on conducting risk assessment in relation to PAL. Further guidance was requested from FAO and WHO on qualitative risk assessment and specific scientific advice on the level of reference doses (expressed in milligrams of the total protein from the allergen) or concentrations for cereals containing gluten or gluten. FAO and WHO were encouraged to develop capacity-building activities for countries on PAL and risk assessment. An EWG led by the USA and co-led by Australia and the UK was tasked to continue drafting these guidelines while leaving open the possibility of holding a VWG (or a PWG) prior to CCFL49 [xi]. Methods of Analysis on the Presence of Food Allergens Participants highlighted that the recommended RfDs were based on data from Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and mass spectrometry (MS) methods. Current analytical capabilities allow reaching to reach the limit of quantification (LOQ). Some training is necessary to link the results obtained by these analytical methods and the determination of action levels [xii]. CCFL48 further noted that CCMAS is also reviewing methods of analysis (as requested by CCFL47) through a dedicated EWG led by USA under the purview of CCMAS. The EWG is currently working on compiling all the relevant methods that meet performance criteria set in the AOAC validation guidelines and the CEN 17855 standard and will make recommendations at the next CCMAS meeting(s), which in turn will formulate recommendations to CCFL49. Codex Guidance on sampling plans sufficient in the Codex General guidelines on sampling (CXG 52), were revised and adopted in 2023. E-COMMERCE – Go for final adoption and publication. CCFL48 agreed to forward the draft Guidelines on the provision of food information for pre-packaged foods to be offered via e-commerce to CAC47 for final adoption (as included in Appendix IV of the CCFL48 report, see endnote iii). CCFL48 discussed the draft text based on the outcome of an intercessional work (EWG) and the report of the VWG held a few days prior to CCFL48, led by the UK and co-led by Chile, China, India, and Japan. CCFL48 discussed all outstanding issues, including purpose, an indication of a durability clause and related definition, the maintenance under certain conditions of small unit exemptions (from some mandatory labelling particulars), and the proposal that access to information should be at ‘no cost’ to the consumer. CCFL48 simplified the purpose of the guidelines. The issue of durability was moved to the section on voluntary particulars, noting that these aspects were related to providing information prior to shipping food at the point of e-commerce sale, but no definition for durability was finally retained. Exemptions for small units could be allowed by competent authorities in specific circumstances but, in general, would not be considered justified. The reference to “fee” was replaced with “a charge”. With regards to the optional information prior to the point of e-commerce sale, CCFL48 agreed that the provision should read as follows: “A statement may be provided on the product information e-page prior to the point of e-commerce sale to inform the consumer about the relation between the best before, best quality before, use-by, or expiration date and the product shipping date or at the point of delivery” [xiii]. NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – Go for final adoption and publication. CCFL48 agreed to forward the Guidelines on the use of technology to provide food information in food labelling to CAC47 for final adoption (as included in Appendix IV of the CCFL48 report; see endnote iii). CCFL48 discussed the report of an intersessional work (EWG) on the draft guidelines, as led by Canada and co-led by India and New Zealand, as revised by the EWG Chair and Co-Chairs, based on written comments submitted prior to CCFL48 in response to a circular letter, and further editorial amendments integrated live. The guidelines include twelve main principles, which were discussed and eventually amended by CCFL48, and they should guide countries’ future development of national guidance or appropriate legislation. These new guidelines are general in nature but are relevant to all foods, standardized or not. They contain 12 core principles and define Food information as “the information that is the subject of a Codex text about a pre-packaged food” and Technology as “any electronic or digital means, including but not limited to websites, online platforms, and mobile applications.” Section (5.2) was specifically debated and even subject to an informal in-session drafting group. It related to the concepts of “health,” “nutrition,” and “safety.” It was agreed to retain only ‘safety’ and ‘nutrition’ because the term ‘health’ would account for issues impacting health but unrelated to food safety, yet remaining within the Codex’s mandate, such as nutrition labelling vis-a-vis non-communicable diseases, food allergens, etc. CCFL48 noted the general support for the concept of “health” but agreed to use the term “nutrition” instead. It was also suggested that a reference to other mandatory information as determined by the competent authority be added so that consumers can make better-informed decisions at the time of purchase (online), in addition to the name of the food and food information concerning nutrition and safety (which themselves should always be provided on the label/labelling of the food). The Committee also noted support for the addition of “and any other mandatory food information as determined by the competent authority.” JOINT PRESENTATION AND MULTIPACK FORMATS – Detailed discussions on “Container” descriptor, but no consensus found on the various proposed options. CCFL48 agreed to return the draft amendments to the GSLP relevant to joint presentation and multipack formats for redrafting and further consideration by a newly established EWG, to be led by Colombia and co-led by Canada, India, and Jamaica. CCFL48 discussed the outcome of the intersessional work (EWG) held on these proposed provisions based on the CRD 38 prepared by the Colombia chair, proposing amending provisions to the GSLP on the sections relating to the definition of terms, mandatory labelling provisions, and the presentations of such mandatory information (respectively sections 2, 4 and 8 of the GSLPF (CXS 1)). CCFL48 discussed in particular how the two terms, i.e., “joint presentation” and “multipack,” could be best reflected in the GSLPF. The Committee support was split among three proposed options, including self-standing definitions, references in the definition of container, and/or the use of examples in both cases. PROPOSED NEW WORK – Go ahead to a new Guidance in emergency situations; others retained as possible new work (“high in,” “small packs,” “added sugars”) to be decided at the next meeting(s); others were parked (“sustainability,” “alcoholic beverages labelling”); Kenya entrusted to update the inventory document for new work. CCFL48 reaffirmed the decision to keep the inventory of future work and emerging issues up to date and, for that purpose accepted Kenya’s proposal to update the CCFL future work inventory table (last version was included in Appendix II of CX/FL 24/48/14) and present the inputs received from Codex members and observers in response to a new Circular Letter to be issued by the Codex Secretariat and by removing those items already approved as new work by CAC47. Kenya will prepare and present the updated discussion paper on future work and emerging issues in advance and at CCFL49 session. Flexibilities in Emergency Situations – Go ahead. CCFL48 agreed to start new work on the application of food labelling provisions in emergencies and submit the project document for critical review by CCEXEC87 and approval by CAC47 (as included in Appendix VI of the CCFL48 report, see endnote iii). The new work is to be handled via a new EWG, led by the USA, and with a possibility for a pre-CCFL49 VWG, or PWG, to be chaired by the USA. CCFICS will be informed of this new work, given the relevance of existing approved Codex guidelines, as developed by that committee (e.g., Codex Principles and guidelines for the exchange of information in food safety emergency situations (CXS 19)). The purpose and scope of the proposed work is to provide high-level guidance (i.e., principles and criteria) to assist governments in case of emergencies and to develop national guidance for any flexibilities in mandatory food labelling that might still support a safe and adequate food supply in such emergencies. The future guidelines would include sections on Purpose, Scope, Principles, and/or General Criteria. The proposed new work will take into consideration the Codex Principles and guidelines for the exchange of information in food safety emergency situations (CXS 19) [xiv]. High In – No country support, but kept in the roster for future new work As there was no formal support from any Codex Member during CCFL48, the Committee agreed to return this item to Part A of the inventory table under the agenda item on future work. Should there be interest in the future, the project document could be accompanied by a discussion paper to provide further clarity on the background and concrete objectives of the work. This proposal, by Canada, aimed at developing new guidelines for the use of “high in” claims made for nutrients that raise public health concerns, particularly for sodium, saturated fats, and sugar. Canada explained that the new work would entail a revision of the Guidelines for the use of nutrition and health claims (CXG 23), specifically to develop guidance on “high in” claims for nutrients of public health concern related to excessive intake. The proposal followed CCNFSDU’s decision not to pursue nutrient profiling work and CCFL’s completion of the guidelines for front-of-pack nutrition labelling. The WHO representative informed CCFL48 about ongoing WHO work to develop a globally relevant nutrient profiling model (NPM), which foresees thresholds for high (in) levels of nutrients of concern, notably including numerical concentration values for total fats, saturated fats, trans fats, free sugars, and sodium. WHO announced a global NPM available by end of 2024 [xv]. Small Packs – New proposal from industry added to the roster for future new work CCFL48 agreed to return the proposal for “small packs” to Part A of the inventory table and under the agenda item on future work. CCFL48 noted a proposal from the Observer of the International Chewing Gum Association (ICGA) to review the criteria for small units and packages, including in relation to front-of-pack nutrition labelling, to ensure appropriate and feasible implementation for smaller-sized products. ICGA representative was given a rare opportunity to introduce the proposal for new work that would consist of two steps: a review of the implementation of the current definitions for foods pre-packaged in ‘small units’ (as defined in the CXS 1) and foods pre-packaged in ‘small packages’ (as defined in CXG 2), followed by a discussion of possible identified gaps and formulation of future recommendations based on the review. However, given that no Codex Member indicated a formal support or volunteered to lead on this work, the Committee agreed to keep this item into the Part A of the inventory for possible new work under the agenda item on future work for a possible consideration by CCFL in future meeting(s) [xvi]. Alcoholic Beverages Labelling – WHO left alone, no country acceptance for a global harmonization in Codex, just as of yet. The discussion paper prepared by the WHO, parent organization of the Codex Alimentarius Commission but observer in Codex meetings, was intensively discussed by CCFL48, but CCFL48 agreed to keep the work on the inventory for future work and recommended that it should be up to a Codex Member to submit a formal project document in reply to the regular circular letter requesting proposals for new work. Added Sugars – so close, but no; kept in the roster of new work proposals CCFL48 agreed to keep the topic in Part A of the inventory of future work so that Members could bring forward a new project document in reply to the CL requesting proposals for new work in the future. CCFL48 discussed in detail a proposal that had been subject to an intersessional work (EWG) led by Costa Rica on a discussion paper to establish a clear and harmonized definition of “added sugars” to be based on sound scientific evidence, be practical for industry and understandable for consumers. Costa Rica noted, however, the lack of unambiguous analytical methods to quantify and differentiate “added sugars” from naturally occurring sugars, hence it could be an issue for enforcement purposes, but was not seen as an obstacle to the development of a definition. The scope has been further limited to developing a definition of “added sugars” in the context of the “with no sugar addition” claim set in CXG 23. Noting the support from a significant number of Codex Members to develop a new definition for “added sugars,” CCFL48’s Chairperson offered dedicated time for a detailed review of the scope and purpose of the proposed new work. However, no consensus could be reached after attempts to refine the scope and purpose. The Chairperson proposed to discontinue the discussion at this time and to keep the topic on the inventory list for future work [xvii]. Sustainability and Environmental Claims – possible to revisit it at a later stage. The proposal put forward and led by New Zealand, which had been subject to an intersessional EWG, was debated during CCFL48. While there was general support from a large number of Codex Members for this work and its importance, CCFL48 noted a lack of consensus and agreed not to start new work on sustainability labelling claims and to return the proposed topic to Part B of the inventory table relating to previous work identified by the Committee, noting that the topic could still be reopened for discussion, should a new proposal be elaborated in the future. MISCELLANEOUS Prioritization Mechanism on Emerging Issues /New Work Proposals – Guidelines adopted (to be published as information document) CCFL48 formally adopted its own priority-setting mechanism (as included in Appendix VII of CCFL48 report). It establishes criteria and scores for the relevance of each proposal to the CCFL mandate (yes, no, partly), and high-to-low scores about its impact on consumer health; if and how far it helps address false, misleading, or deceptive labelling practices; its impact on consumer’s ability to make an informed decision; and its impact on international trade. The main purpose is to help rank future new work proposals and help CCFL focus on those at the top tier. Endorsement – Country of harvest for dried saffron still unresolved, guidance from CAC requested, other endorsements went through. CCFL48 agreed to endorse the section of the standard on Country of origin (mandatory declaration) but could not reach an agreement on the mandatory declaration of Country of harvest and thus was unable to endorse the provision. CCFL48 thus referred the matter to CCEXEC87 and CAC47 for consideration and further guidance. CCFL48 also agreed to endorse the labelling provisions in the standards for fish oils (amendment to existing CXS 329), dried or dehydrated roots, rhizomes, and bulbs – turmeric , as well as the new Regional Standard for Castilla lulo (naranjilla) . CCFL48 agreed to inform all committees to take note of the General standard for the labelling of pre-packaged foods (CXS 1) and the General standard for the labelling of non-retail containers of foods (CXS 346) and strive to follow the format, terminology, and the flow to avoid redundancy for any future labelling provisions. Endnotes: [i] Food Production Systems Engineer, Food Standards & Food Safety Regulatory Specialist, Counsellor at Keller and Heckman LLP Brussels office [ii] See CCFL48 webpage: https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/meetings/detail/en/?meeting=CCFL&session=48& [iii] See REP24/CCFL48: https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/meetings/en/ [iv] See CAC47 Agenda and working documents: [v] See FAO/WHO reports on allergen labelling (Part 1 to 5): https://www.who.int/groups/ad-hoc-joint-fao-who-expert-consultation-on-risk-assessment-of-food-allergens [vi] See ISSLG literature review on Consumers and [Food] Allergens Labelling (FSANZ, 2020): https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/sites/default/files/science-data/Documents/Allergens%20-%20ISSLG%20-%20Combined%20Report%20October%202020.pdf [vii] “Allergenic Food” means a food (including ingredients, food additives, and processing aids) that can elicit immunoglobulin class E (IgE)-mediated or other specific immune-mediated reactions in susceptible individuals. “Coeliac disease” means a chronic immune-mediated intestinal disease in genetically predisposed individuals induced by exposure to dietary gluten proteins that come from wheat, rye, barley, and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). “Food allergen” means the substance in an allergenic food, usually a protein or protein derivative, that can elicit IgE-mediated or other specific immune-mediated reactions in susceptible individuals. “Food allergy” means a reproducible adverse health effect arising from an IgE antibody or non-IgE antibody immune-mediated response following oral exposure to a food. [viii] Internationally relevant allergenic foods: Cereals containing gluten such as wheat and other Triticum species; rye and other Secale species; barley and other Hordeum species and products thereof [Note: includes spelt, Khorasan, and other specific cereals containing gluten that are species or hybridized strains under the genus names of Triticum, Secale, and Hordeum. Specified names are to be used according to the associated genus. Hybridized strains are to use specified names in conjunction from all of the parent genera (e.g., ‘wheat’ and ‘rye’ for triticale)] [Note: in addition to the specified name of ‘wheat,’ ‘rye,’ and ‘barley,’ the word ‘gluten’ may be used]. These can be declared as wheat’, ‘rye’, ‘barley’. Crustacea and products thereof declared as ‘crustacea’. Eggs and products thereof, as ‘egg.’ Fish and products thereof, as ‘fish.’ Peanuts and products thereof as ‘peanut.’ Milk and products thereof as ‘milk’. Sesame and products thereof as ‘sesame’. Specific tree nuts (Almond (Prunus amygdalus); Cashew (Anacardium occidentale); Hazelnut (Corylus spp. ); Pecan (Carya illinoinensis); Pistachio (Pistacia vera); Walnut (Juglans spp.) and products thereof, respectively as ‘almond,’ ‘cashew,’ ‘hazelnut,’ ‘pecan,’ ‘pistachio,’ and ‘walnut.’ Regionally relevant allergenic foods: Buckwheat and products thereof; Celery and products thereof; Oats and other Avena species (and their hybridized strains) and products thereof [Note: Oats can be tolerated by most but not all people who are intolerant to gluten. Therefore, the allowance of oats that are not contaminated with wheat, rye or barley in foods covered by this standard may be determined at the national level]; Lupin and products thereof, Mustard and products thereof, Soybean and products thereof; specific tree nuts (Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa), Macadamia (Macadamia spp.), pine nut (Pinus spp.)) and products thereof; to be declared respectively as ‘buckwheat,’ ‘celery,’ ‘oats,’ ‘lupin,’ ‘mustard,’ ‘soy.’ The main changes compared to current GSLPF is for sesame, considered as internationally relevant (due to high potency of the reaction), and soy ‘retrograded’ as regionally relevant only. The declaration of any other foods and ingredients as allergenic foods, including those listed below, may also be required using a specified name in addition to or as part of the ingredient name, while the ingredient declaration should specify the true nature of the food and be specific and not generic. Such declaration shall be based on available risk assessment data for the respective population(s), taking into account risk management considerations. For that purpose, national authorities should perform an assessment of the risks in the respective population(s) to be based on the evidence criteria of prevalence, potency, and severity of immune mediated adverse reactions to the food or ingredient as established by Part. 1 of the FAO/WHO risk assessment of food allergens. [ix] See Exemption for Highly Refined Food Ingredients: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/379046/B09032-eng.pdf?sequence=1 and FAO/WHO Part 4 (see endnote v for reference), where case studies have been presented for Glucose syrups, Alcohol distillates, Peanut oil, Soybean oil, Soy lecithin, Soy phytosterols/tocopherols, Fish gelatine, Ice structuring protein (ISP), Wheat-based maltodextrins, Isinglass, Lactitol, Extensively hydrolysed infant formula. [x] The specified name for the foods and ingredients listed subject to allergen labelling shall be declared in a clear and distinct manner, such as through the use of font type, style, or colour that contrasts from the surrounding text. They shall be declared in the list of ingredients or in a separate statement or in both as determined by the competent authority. If used, the separate statement shall commence with the word ‘Contains’ (or equivalent word) and be placed directly under or in close proximity to the list of ingredients when present. If a separate statement is used on the label, the specified name for each of the allergenic foods must be declared in the statement, even if that specified name is already shown in the list of ingredients. Where a food is exempt from declaring a list of ingredients, and no list of ingredients is present, allergenic foods shall be declared in a separate statement made in accordance with section 8.3.2.1. For single-ingredient foods, the declaration of allergenic foods does not apply if they are declared as part of, or in conjunction with, the name of the food. [xi] CCFL48 agreed with the definition of “Precautionary allergen labelling” (or PAL) as “a statement made in the labelling of pre-packaged foods to indicate a risk from the unintended presence of a food allergen(s) due to cross-contact with an allergenic food that has been identified by a risk assessment.” CCFL48 generally agreed that effective food allergen management practices, including controls to prevent or minimize the unintended presence of food allergens caused by cross-contact with allergenic foods shall be implemented in accordance with the Codex Code of practice on allergen management for food business operators (CXC 80) adopted in 2020. The use of PAL shall therefore be restricted to those situations in which the unintended presence of a food allergen(s) cannot be prevented or controlled using these allergen management practices. The decision to use PAL should be based on the findings of a risk assessment, which can include but is not limited to a quantitative risk assessment of unintended food allergen presence (see in particular Sections 3.3.1 to 3.3.6 of the FAO/WHO Expert consultation (Part 3) providing guidance for the risk assessment of unintended food allergen presence (see endnote v)). Where CCFL48 couldn’t find an agreement yet was on the conditions under which PAL could be used and on globally relevant action levels based on internationally agreed reference doses (RfD). CCFL48 found some common ground to define action levels as the reference dose (expressed mg total protein from the allergen) divided by the amount of the food (kg)) while such amount of food would be determined based on the quantity that can reasonably be expected to be consumed on a single ating occasion, preferably by using the 50th percentile. Several countries (led by Brazil) were of the view that such determination should rather be subject to national flexibility (and accountability), as it would entail some risk management decisions. In principle, there was no objection with the proposed reference doses proposed for the main allergenic foods provided in the draft Guidelines. Concerns were raised with respect to the level of protection for the most vulnerable consumers and whether the available data provided the necessary assurances that the proposed thresholds provided an equivalent or better level of protection in terms of defining action levels and on how these RfDs were derived (i.e., the eliciting dose ED05 chosen, instead of ED01). The triggering points for using PAL were to be further discussed (i.e., whether PAL should be used only when RfDs – or action levels – are exceeded or use of PAL even when RfDs – or action levels – are not exceeded). [xi] Subject to future discussions, the draft guidelines also foresaw that in the case where a reference dose was not established for a particular food allergen in these guidelines, that regional or national authorities could establish a reference dose consistent with recognized principles (described in Part 2 of the FAO/WHO expert consultation) for the purposes of determining an action level. The guidelines also foresee that PAL shall be accompanied by education and information programs to ensure understanding and appropriate use of PAL by consumers, health care providers and food business operators. With regards to the PAL statement itself, it would commence with the words ‘May contain’ (or equivalent words) and include the identified allergenic food(s) using the specified names (just agreed by CCFL48 for inclusion in the GSLPF). The PAL statement shall contrast distinctly from surrounding text such as through the same font type, style or color used for declarations of allergenic foods as per the future amended GSLPF (2024 version). These provisions may be revisited by the EWG as well. [xii] See, in particular, Table 11. Action Levels (ALs) for priority allergens based on recommended RfDs and calculated for predefined intake categories; Table 13. LOQ required for analytical methods to meet calculated ALs taking into account method performance; and Table 15. Assessment of test method performance for selected allergenic foods. See FAO/WHO Expert consultation Part 2 (see endnote v for reference). [xiii] Other definitions were added to the guidelines on E-commerce, i.e., “At the point of delivery” means the moment when consumers receive pre-packaged food. “E-commerce” means the production, distribution, marketing, sale, or delivery of goods and services by electronic means as applicable to foods. “Food information” means the information that is the subject of a Codex text about a pre-packaged food. “Prior to the point of e-commerce sale” means provided before consumers commit to ordering and purchasing the food. “Product information e-page” means the virtual space on any consumer-facing transactional electronic platform, which is intended to facilitate informed e-commerce sale. [xiv] As it is reasonable to expect that emergencies disrupting supply chains will occur in the future, such as human pandemics, climate change, animal disease outbreaks, natural disasters, disruption of critical infrastructure networks, war, or famine. Such emergencies, generally not predictable, involve critical time constraints and pressure on decision-makers, and the disrupting supply chains may occur in combination with one another and may be experienced globally or regionally, though even local or regional emergencies can have far-reaching global effects. The proposed new work intends to identify flexibilities to competent authorities, which of the mandatory required information on foods offered for sale domestically and on foods exported to other countries, where acceptance from the importing country is confirmed by the competent authority, could be skipped in cases of emergencies. In particular, those risk-based decisions on food labelling exemptions to ensure safe and adequate food supply, with consideration be given to vulnerable populations while ensuring fair practices in trade in such scenarios. [xv] During the discussion, Codex members questioned whether “high in” claims are compatible with the current CXG 23, which typically supports voluntary, positive claims. High in claims carry more of a negative aspect and might need to be mandatory to ensure effectiveness, which may not fit within the framing of the current guidelines. They also pointed out unclear definitions of the roles of CCFL and CCNFSDU in relation to the establishment of Nutrient Reference Values for nutrients associated with NCDs (NRV-NCDs), such as the ones already developed for sodium and saturated fat. Some members also raised concerns about the potential overlap with the existing Guidelines on front-of-pack nutrition labelling, recalling past challenges in reaching a consensus on this issue and indicating a reluctance to revisit it at this time. [xvi] See CCFL48’s CRD 20: https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/sh-proxy/en/?lnk=1&url=https%253A%252F%252Fworkspace.fao.org%252Fsites%252Fcodex%252FMeetings%252FCX-714-48%252FCRDs%252FCRD20%252Ffl48e_crd20.pdf [xvii] During the discussion, it was noted the differentiation between total sugars and “added sugars” was essential to avoid misleading information. It was also noted that such a definition could also be useful and be drafted in the context of the Guidelines on nutrition labelling (CXG 2). Before agreeing formally on a worded definition for added sugars, CCFL should first clarify how such definition would be used in existing or future Codex texts. It was pointed out that CCNFSDU may need to develop the definition itself, while CCFL could consider where such a definition could be applied in the Codex system. It was noted that national regulations defining “added sugars” on food labelling were different depending on the situation of “added sugars” intake in each country or region, and the issue of “added sugars” should rather be considered within CXG 2. CCFL48 noted the EU intervention, indicating that current available scientific opinions indicated clearly that mono- and di-saccharides, as well as sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, concentrated fruit juices, and fruit juices, had the same nutritional health effects. As such, the EU and its Member States consider that any new work in this area should first consider all sugars, meaning covering both “added sugars” and “free sugars.” They claimed that a wide range of mono- and disaccharides and other nutritive sweeteners were added to foods, and all should be identified as “added sugars” to distinguish them from intrinsic sugars that are naturally found in foods that are otherwise nutritious. IDF indicated that lactose should be excluded from the definition of “added sugars,” as it is naturally present in dairy products, and that lactose was currently excluded from the classification of free sugars in the 2015 WHO Guidelines on sugar intake for adults and children. Other interventions called for a mandatory inclusion of “added sugars” on the label, as “consumers had a right to access to full information relating to them” through their indication as a subtotal of « total sugars » in the nutrition declaration panel, or within the list of ingredients (e.g., quantitative indication of the type of “added sugars”). It was noted that such a Codex definition would also support WHO efforts on reducing the consumption of “added sugars,” including “free sugars,” and the ban of their use in food products for children of one to three years old. There was a call by the IFU that should the work proceed, some nuanced and science-based approach should be adopted, especially for 100% fruit and vegetable juices, which contain only naturally occurring sugars present in the fruits themselves. It was emphasized that CCNFSDU would be consulted, especially before proceeding with any further work on CXG 23, and CCMAS would also be consulted on the issue of methods of analysis. A proposal was put forward to onsult the ISSLG to ensure that any definition could adequately be well understood by the consumers, as intended to be drafted and used. The Representative of WHO noted that the development of a definition for “added sugars” in Codex would require considering the concept of free sugars to prevent misleading consumers to believe that products with free sugars that contain no “added sugars” are not harmful to diets and health, in order to be protective of health of consumers.By Anna Helhoski, NerdWallet The battle to get here was certainly an uphill one, but people are generally feeling better about the economy and their finances than they once did. On top of that, the economy has been easing into an ideal, Goldilocks-like position — not running too hot or cooling too quickly. Throughout 2024, consumer sentiment data showed people were fairly positive about the economy and their own finances, even if there’s remaining frustration over elevated prices compared to four years ago. Looking ahead, households are feeling more optimistic about their personal finances in the next year, as the share of those expecting to be in a better financial situation a year from now hit its highest level since February 2020. Combine positive personal vibes with a strong economic picture and it looks like 2024 wasn’t so bad for consumers, after all. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t bumps in the road or potential roadblocks ahead. To cap off the year, NerdWallet writers reflect on the top trends in personal finance and the economy this year — and what they think might be ahead in 2025. Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet’s economist What happened: In 2024, U.S. consumers have proven resilient following a period of high inflation and ongoing high interest rates. Wage growth has been strong, owing in part to rising productivity. This has driven robust spending throughout the year, which has kept the economy growing at a healthy pace. The labor market has remained steady, though cooler than 2023, and price growth continues to moderate towards the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation goal. What’s ahead: Barring significant changes to economic policy and significant shocks, the U.S. economy is expected to grow at a moderate rate in the coming year. Inflation will continue to moderate and the labor market will remain relatively healthy, all due in part to continued slow and deliberate rate cuts from the Fed. However, there are risks to this path. Higher tariffs and tighter immigration policies are likely, but the extent of these changes are yet unclear. The potential policy scenarios are many, and the economic outcomes complex. Increased tariffs are generally inflationary, and stricter immigration policies could impact the labor supply and economic growth. Consumers and small business owners with their eyes to the new year should focus on the things within their control. Margarette Burnette, consumer banking and savings writer What happened: High-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit offered elevated rates in 2024, rewarding savers with strong returns. Following the Federal Reserve rate cuts in the second half of the year, high-yield accounts had modest rate decreases, but they continued to outperform traditional savings accounts and CDs. What’s ahead: We’re watching for further Federal Reserve rate cuts, which could lead to more decreases in savings rates. Sara Rathner, credit cards writer What happened: Credit card debt levels hit record highs, with consumers turning to credit cards to pay for necessities. While the economy is doing well, many individuals have struggled to make ends meet, as incomes haven’t kept up with certain costs. What’s ahead: We may see some policy and regulation changes with the incoming administration that could affect folks when it comes to credit cards, debt and consumer protections. Ryan Brady, small business writer What happened : New businesses continued to blossom in 2024 as business applications remained well above pre-pandemic levels. Confidence in the future state of the U.S. economy also spiked after the presidential election, but that optimism was tempered by concerns over rising costs and labor quality. What’s ahead: All eyes are on the incoming administration as small-business owners brace for turbulence resulting from potential tariffs, tax policy changes and dismantled government regulations. We’re also watching the possibility of interest rate cuts in 2025 and small-business owners’ growing reliance on new technologies, such as AI. Holden Lewis, mortgages writer What happened: Home buyers struggled with elevated mortgage rates, rising house prices and a shortage of homes for sale. On top of that, a new rule required buyers to negotiate their agents’ commissions. What’s ahead: The Federal Reserve is expected to cut short-term interest rates, but mortgage rates might not necessarily fall by a similar amount. Buyers will probably have more properties to choose from, and the greater supply should keep prices from rising a lot. Interest rates on home equity loans and lines of credit should fall, making it less expensive to borrow to fix up homes — either to sell, or to make the home more comfortable and efficient. Sam Taube, investing writer What happened: The stock market had a great year. The S&P 500 is up more than 25% due to falling interest rates, fading recession fears, AI hype, and the possibility of lighter taxes and regulations under the new administration. Cryptocurrency also saw big gains in 2024; the price of Bitcoin crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time in December. What’s ahead: A lot depends on how fast the Fed reduces rates in 2025. Another key unknown is Trump’s second term. Regulatory rollbacks, such as those he has proposed for the banking industry, could juice stock prices — but they also could create systemic risks in the economy. His proposed tariffs could also hurt economic growth (and therefore stock prices). Finally, it remains to be seen whether trendy AI stocks, such as NVIDIA, can continue their momentum into next year. It’s the same story with crypto: How long will this bull market last? Caitlin Constantine, assistant assigning editor, insurance What happened: Many people saw their home and auto insurance premiums skyrocket in 2024. In some states, homeowners are finding it harder to even find policies in the first place. Meanwhile, life insurance rates have started to decrease post-pandemic. We also saw more insurers offering online-only policies that don’t require a medical exam. What’s ahead: Auto and home insurance costs will likely continue to rise, although auto premiums may not rise as dramatically as they have over the past few years. And if you’re in the market for life insurance, expect to see competitive life insurance quotes and more customizable policies. Eliza Haverstock, student loans writer What happened: Borrowers received historic student loan relief, but lawsuits derailed an income-driven repayment plan used by 8 million whose payments are indefinitely paused. Uncertainty will carry into 2025 as a result of the presidential administration change. What’s ahead: Trump has pledged to overhaul higher education and rein in student loan relief. The fate of the SAVE repayment plan, student loan forgiveness options, FAFSA processing and more remain in the balance. Meghan Coyle, assistant assigning editor, travel What happened: People are willing to pay more for big and small luxuries while traveling, and airlines and hotels are taking note. Many airlines raised checked bag fees early in 2024, credit card issuers and airlines invested in renovated airport lounges, and major hotel companies continued to add luxury properties and brands to their loyalty programs. What’s ahead: Southwest will say goodbye to its open seating policy and introduce new extra-legroom seats, a major departure for the airline. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will unveil a unified loyalty program in 2025. Spirit Airlines may attempt to merge with another airline again after its 2024 bankruptcy filing and two failed mergers under President Biden’s administration. Travelers will find that they’ll have to pay a premium to enjoy most of the upgrades airlines and hotels are making. Laura McMullen, assistant assigning editor, personal finance What happened: This year, dynamic pricing expanded beyond concerts and travel to online retailers and even fast-food restaurants. This practice of prices changing based on real-time supply and demand received plenty of backlash from consumers and prompted the Federal Trade Commission to investigate how companies use consumers’ data to set prices. What’s ahead: Beyond an expansion of dynamic pricing — perhaps with added oversight — expect subscription models to become more prevalent and demand for sustainable products to grow. Shannon Bradley, autos writer What happened: New-car prices held steady in 2024 but remained high after a few years of sharp increases — the average new car now sells for about $48,000, and for the first time ever the price gap between new and used cars surpassed $20,000 (average used-car prices are now slightly more than $25,000). Overall, the car market returned to being in the buyer’s favor, as new-car inventories reached pre-pandemic levels, manufacturer incentives began making a comeback and auto loan interest rates started to decline. What’s ahead: The future of the car market is uncertain and depends on policies implemented by the incoming administration. Questions surround the impact of possible tariffs on car prices, whether auto loan rates will continue to drop, and if federal tax credits will still be available for electric vehicle buyers. Jackie Veling, personal loans writer What happened: Buy now, pay later continued to be a popular payment choice for U.S. shoppers, even while facing headwinds, like an interpretive ruling from the CFPB (which determined BNPL should be regulated the same as credit cards) and Apple’s discontinuation of its popular Apple Pay Later product. Large players like Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay continued to offer interest-free, pay-in-four plans at most major retailers, along with long-term plans for larger purchases. What’s ahead: Though more regulation had been widely anticipated in 2025, the change in administration suggests the CFPB will play a less active role in regulating BNPL products. For this reason, and its continued strength in the market, BNPL will likely keep growing. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Easing inflation was a bright spot in 2024. In June, the consumer price index fell below 3% for the first time in three years. Consumers saw prices level off or decline for many goods, including for groceries, gas and new and used vehicles. But prices haven’t fallen far enough or broadly enough to relieve the pinch many households feel. What’s ahead: The new and higher tariffs proposed by the Trump administration could reignite inflation on a wide range of goods. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Rent prices remain high, but annual rent inflation slowed significantly compared to recent years, staying around 3.5% for much of 2024, according to Zillow, a real estate website that tracks rents. A wave of newly constructed rental units on the market seems to be helping ease competition among renters and forcing landlords to offer better incentives for signing a lease. What’s ahead: If it continues, a softening rental market could work in renters’ favor. But construction is one of several industries that could see a shortage of workers if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to deport undocumented immigrants. A shortage of workers would mean fewer houses and apartments could be built. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: After a contentious presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump declared victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. While on the campaign trail, Trump promised to lower inflation, cut taxes, enact tariffs, weaken the power of the Federal Reserve, deport undocumented immigrants and more. Many economists have said Trump’s proposals, if enacted, would likely be inflationary. In Congress, Republicans earned enough seats to control both houses. What’s ahead: It’s unclear which campaign promises Trump will fulfill on his own and with the support of the new Congress. He has promised a slew of “day one” actions that could lead to higher prices, including across-the-board tariffs and mass deportations. Most recently, Trump pledged to enact 20% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on China. He has also promised to extend or make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; many of its provisions expire by the end of 2025. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: Fiscal year 2023-2024’s funding saga finally came to an end in March, then six months later, the battle to fund the fiscal year 2024-2025 began. The Biden Administration waged its own war against junk fees . Antitrust enforcers pushed back against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta; prevented the Kroger-Albertsons merger; nixed the Jet Blue-Spirit Airlines merger; and moved to ban noncompete agreements. The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as a challenge to abortion pill access. SCOTUS also overruled its landmark Chevron case, which means every federal regulatory agency’s power to set and enforce its own rules are now weaker. What’s ahead: The election’s red sweep means the GOP will control the executive and legislative branches of government. They’ll face the threat of at least one more potential government shutdown; a debt ceiling drama comeback; and the beginning of the debate over extending or making permanent provisions of the expiring 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. More From NerdWallet Anna Helhoski writes for NerdWallet. Email: anna@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @AnnaHelhoski. The article What Trended in Personal Finance in 2024? originally appeared on NerdWallet .Dodgers shortstop Jose Hernandez suspended for 2025 ACL season under minor league drug program
The longstanding strip of garden centres on St. Mary’s Road has been split in two. Confusion and lost sales have resulted, affected businesses say. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * The longstanding strip of garden centres on St. Mary’s Road has been split in two. Confusion and lost sales have resulted, affected businesses say. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? The longstanding strip of garden centres on St. Mary’s Road has been split in two. Confusion and lost sales have resulted, affected businesses say. Signage is top of Dave Hanson’s Christmas list. He’s noticed a 30 per cent decline in holiday traffic at Sage Garden Greenhouses and he believes the new interchange at St. Mary’s Road and the Perimeter Highway is to blame. “Every single day, all day long, people are still — three months in — still bringing it up,” Hanson said. Sage Garden Greenhouses has spent 25 years at 3410 St. Mary’s Rd. Before the province’s interchange project, Sage Garden joined companies like Lacoste Garden Centre on a stretch of St. Mary’s Road beyond the Perimeter Highway. At the time, southbound St. Mary’s commuters would cross the Perimeter via a light-controlled intersection. Now, potential customers pass through two large roundabouts and overtop the major highway. Past the Perimeter, the road continues straight into Provincial Road 200; Sage Garden is further down. However, there’s a right-hand turn-off to another section — St. Mary’s Road — where Lacoste, St. Mary’s Nursery and Ron Paul Garden Centre sit. The St. Mary’s strip ends in a cul-de-sac; it used to stretch to companies like Sage Garden. Karen Burkett estimates it took her twice as long as normal to reach Sage Garden Greenhouses after the interchange opened in September. She didn’t use a GPS — she’d heard maps weren’t yet updated for the new road — and found herself stuck in the cul-de-sac beyond St. Mary’s Nursery. “It feels like it’s unnecessarily complicated,” said Burkett, who’s been a Sage Garden patron for a decade. “I can see how easy it’d be just to give up and not bother.” Ron Paul Garden Centre has clocked a significant decrease in live Christmas tree sales; Lacoste Garden Centre has noticed a drop in artificial tree purchases. Management of both said it’s hard to determine the reason for the trend, but the new interchange could play a role. “We’ve had customers tell us ... ‘We can’t find the place,’” said Jordan Hiebert, co-owner of Lacoste Garden Centre. The calls often come after people have passed the strip’s turnoff, he added. Ray DuBois, president of Ron Paul, said he wore his work shirt to the bank, prompting the teller to say she couldn’t find the centre anymore. Both managers noted the sites are easy to find via Google Maps. However, older clients who don’t use such systems are struggling, they said. All the garden centres the spoke to want more signage. On Friday, there were no signs showing Sage Garden and its neighbour businesses, like Red Valley Plant Market, are beyond the St. Mary’s turnoff. Signage highlighting businesses past the turnoff should come soon if it isn’t already up, said Coun. Markus Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River). He visited Sage Garden Greenhouses last week. “I didn’t realize that they were going to terminate the old St. Mary’s Road,” Chambers said. “Signage (has become) very necessary so that these businesses can continue to receive the patronage they have in the past.” Chambers said he contacted the province and the city’s street engineers, who committed to erecting markers near Seniuk Road (the turnoff point). Other companies, including a mechanic and Mom’s Pantry, are also affected by the change, Chambers noted. Tom Miller, owner of St. Mary’s Service, said he’s received calls asking if he’s moved his shop. Lacoste, Ron Paul and St. Mary’s Nursery currently have a government sign to show they’re off the main strip. It’s a small orange rectangle indicating businesses are past the turnoff. “They’ve got to do better than that,” Hiebert from Lacoste said. “There’s a lot of commerce that happens on the strip between the three garden centres.” Lacoste has nearly 200 employees. Hiebert expressed interest in creating a sign jointly with Ron Paul and St. Mary’s Nursery. Private business signs along PR 200 won’t be approved because the location is too close to the interchange, posing a risk of driver distraction, a provincial spokesperson wrote in a statement. Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure has committed to installing “new and modified” signs before 2024’s end, helping identify businesses south of Seniuk Road, the spokesperson added. “(We) will continue to monitor and communicate with the affected businesses to identify potential improvements going forward,” the spokesperson wrote, noting Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure has met with affected companies. Hanson from Sage Garden Greenhouses had hoped for signage by now. “It’s an important and busy time of year for us,” he emphasized, adding his company is stocked with potential Christmas presents. He called the infrastructure change a “double whammy,” coinciding with the ongoing Canada Post strike. Sage Garden ships many gift cards and packages via mail during the holidays. Lately, the company has been delivering its own goods within Winnipeg, but it’s missing customers in rural communities. “I don’t think anyone wants to hurt us,” DuBois from Ron Paul said of the signage issue. “There just has to be a better way.” Construction on the St. Mary’s Road interchange is ongoing. The project should be finished by August 2025, a Manitoba government webpage shows. The configuration was made to “safely and efficiently accommodate all accesses and exits” while eliminating traffic control measures like lights, a provincial spokesperson said. Government has cited trade and safety as reasons for the project in the past. gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the . She interned at the and worked for its sister outlet, , before entering the business beat in 2021. . Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Jimmy Carter had the longest post-presidency of anyone to hold the office, and one of the most active. Here is a look back at his life. 1924 — Jimmy Carter was born on Oct. 1 to Earl and Lillian Carter in the small town of Plains, Georgia. 1928 — Earl Carter bought a 350-acre farm 3 miles from Plains in the tiny community of Archery. The Carter family lived in a house on the farm without running water or electricity. 1941 — He graduated from Plains High School and enrolled at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. 1942 — He transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 1943 — Carter’s boyhood dream of being in the Navy becomes a reality as he is appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 1946 — He received his naval commission and on July 7 married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia. 1946-1952 — Carter’s three sons are born, Jack in 1947, Chip in 1950 and Jeff in 1952. 1962-66 — Carter is elected to the Georgia State Senate and serves two terms. 1953 — Carter’s father died and he cut his naval career short to save the family farm. Due to a limited income, Jimmy, Rosalynn and their three sons moved into Public Housing Apartment 9A in Plains. 1966 — He ran for governor, but lost. 1967 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s fourth child, Amy, is born. 1971 — He ran for governor again and won the election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on Jan. 12. 1974 — Carter announced his candidacy for president. 1976 — Carter was elected 39th president on Nov. 2, narrowly defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. 1978 — U.S. and the Peoples’ Republic of China establish full diplomatic relations. President Carter negotiates and mediates an accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. 1979 — The Department of Education is formed. Iranian radicals overrun the U.S. Embassy and seize American hostages. The Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty is signed. 1980 — On March 21, Carter announces that the U.S. will boycott the Olympic Games scheduled in Moscow. A rescue attempt to get American hostages out of Iran is unsuccessful. Carter was defeated in his bid for a second term as president by Ronald Reagan in November. 1981 — President Carter continues to negotiate the release of the American hostages in Iran. Minutes before his term as president is over, the hostages are released. 1982 — Carter became a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta, and founded The Carter Center. The nonpartisan and nonprofit center addresses national and international issues of public policy. 1984 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteer one week a year for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people in the United States and in other countries renovate and build homes, until 2020. He also taught Sunday school in the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains from the mid-’80s until 2020. 2002 — Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 2015 — Carter announced in August he had been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. 2016 — He said in March that he no longer needed cancer treatment. 2024 — Carter dies at 100 years old. Sources: Cartercenter.org, Plains Historical Preservation Trust, The Associated Press; The Brookings Institution; U.S. Navy; WhiteHouse.gov, Gallup
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It's been a big year for the royals . For most of the year, the focus has remained keenly on King Charles III and Queen Camilla and the Wales family as both Charles and Catherine, Princess of Wales navigated cancer diagnoses and treatment. But next year is set to look a little different, according to Australian psychic Rose Smith . She predicts that the focus will shift to another prominent member of the Royal family - one who currently resides tens of thousands of kilometres from his royal relatives. READ MORE: Why the long-running royal feud shows no signs of ending The Duke of Sussex is set to grow in importance on the world stage in 2025, Smith predicts. "Harry will become a leader on the world stage as he matures," she said. Smith believes there are simple steps Prince Harry can take to make that happen. "I also see steps with a boardwalk, these are easy steps for Prince Harry to take in order to achieve and do more." In May this year, Prince Harry, who lives in America with his family, returned to London to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Invictus Games with a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral. But he did not see his father, with Harry's spokesman saying the King's "full programme" prevented the two from meeting. For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here . Smith acknowledges that both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, his wife, have received widespread criticism but the brunt of it has been received by Meghan. "The media love to hate Meghan – she is a Leo, with a Libra moon, and in the couple's home life she is actually the compromiser, she smooths everything over," said Smith. "If Harry is angry, Meghan will calm him down. She is good for him." READ MORE: Sweden's royal women dazzle in tiaras and gowns at gala While Smith is clear on her predictions, ITV royal editor Chris Ship says, "there are so many things up in the air with the Sussexes" . "There's the issue with Harry's family, what are they going to do with their contract with Netflix? What kind of things are they going to produce? "No one really knows what Harry and Meghan's future plans are, where they're going to be. It's a very uncertain and unpredictable future, I think. "Only Harry and Meghan know what their plans are... or maybe they don't either." READ MORE: For William and Kate, that throne looks a lot closer than it did a year ago' Looking forward into 2025, Smith also predicts that King Charles could see further decline in his health with "inflammation around him getting worse". "I see 'diminishment' around King Charles when it comes to his power, which is made worse by the stressful relationships he has with his sons, particularly Harry," said Smith. Meanwhile Ship believes the year ahead with likely throw up its "challenges". "2025 is still going to present some challenges until the King is out of the woods," Ship tells 9honey, referring to the monarch's cancer. "It's still going to be very difficult for him in the coming months. He won't be able to do everything that he would have wanted to do. "He won't be able to make as many changes as he wanted to make as King. "No one's going to predict how long his reign will last, of course, but he's always going to have a much shorter reign than his mother had before him." FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE : Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
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NEW YORK , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MMA Global proudly announces the winners of the esteemed SMARTIESTM X Global & North America 2024 Awards. This prestigious program honors the most innovative and impactful marketing campaigns worldwide, celebrating the ingenuity of marketing professionals who are redefining industry standards and shaping the future of creativity and innovation in marketing. SMARTIES X Global & North America Winner Announcement This year, the SMARTIESTM X Global and North America programs received submissions across seven dynamic channels : Purpose-Driven Marketing, Marketing Impact, Impact Media, Emerging Tech Marketing, E-commerce Marketing, Creative, and AI Marketing. Evaluated by two distinguished marketer-only jury panels spanning continents, each entry underwent rigorous scrutiny to identify the most impactful and innovative campaigns. Global Winners The SMARTIESTM X Global 2024 Awards presented a total of 26 Gold , 31 Silver , and 33 Bronze category awards, alongside 12 Industry Awards recognizing outstanding achievements across various sectors. TikTok was honored as the Enabling Technology Company of the Year globally, while Ingage from Turkey took home the title of Digital Agency of the Year . Komputer, also from Turkey , was recognized as the Specialist Agency of the Year . Amazon Ads, operating in the USA and India , earned the distinction of Publisher of the Year . Dove from the USA was celebrated as the Most Resilient Brand of the Year , showcasing remarkable adaptability and strength in the market. Ogilvy Vietnam was awarded Creative Agency of the Year , demonstrating exceptional creativity and strategic prowess. Mindshare India secured the title of Media Agency of the Year , reflecting their outstanding media strategies and execution. Ogilvy was further recognized globally as the Agency Network of the Year Global , highlighting their effective network operations. WPP was acknowledged as the Holding Agency Company , underscoring their leadership and influence in the marketing industry. Mastercard from Turkey was named Brand of the Year , exemplifying brand excellence and market impact. Unilever was honored as the Advertiser of the Year globally, and Coca-Cola Foodmarks from Vietnam clinched the Best in Show award, symbolizing exceptional creativity and business impact. These winners exemplify excellence and set a high standard for the marketing industry globally. The judging process for SMARTIESTM X Global 2024 involved a comprehensive evaluation of each submission across the seven dynamic channels, ensuring that only the most innovative and impactful campaigns were recognized. The Jury Presidents played a crucial role in overseeing this rigorous selection, bringing their extensive expertise and unique perspectives to the table. Didem Namver , Director of Digital Marketing Excellence & Consumer Loyalty Programs at PepsiCo Türkiye, Chairwoman of MMA Türkiye, and General Secretary of REPİD Türkiye, shared her insights: "The SMARTIESTM X Global Awards showcase the very best in marketing innovation and creativity. It's inspiring to see how these campaigns not only drive business success but also create meaningful connections with consumers. Congratulations to all the winners for pushing the boundaries and setting new standards in the industry." Richa Goswami , Board member at EQT AB, added: "Marketing excellence is about blending creativity with strategic insight, and this year's SMARTIESTM X Global Awards perfectly highlight that synergy. I'm thrilled to see such diverse and impactful campaigns being recognized, as they truly represent the future of marketing on a global scale." Gustavo Aguiar , Integrated Marketing Director at Nestlé Brasil, added: Bei ng part of the SMARTIESTM X Global Jury has been a rewarding experience. The quality and innovation of the submissions this year are exceptional, reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of marketing. Kudos to all the winners for their outstanding contributions and for inspiring the entire industry." Carol Chen , Global CMO & SVP Shell Mobility, Chairman Shell Brands International, concluded: "The SMARTIESTM X Global Awards exemplify the highest standards of marketing excellence, celebrating campaigns that blend creativity with strategic innovation to drive meaningful impact. I congratulate all the winners for their exceptional achievements and for setting new benchmarks in the industry. These accolades inspire us all to push the boundaries of what's possible in marketing." View the complete MMA SMARTIESTM X Global 2024 Winner Gallery here. North American Winners In the North American program, SMARTIESTM North America 2024 winners have demonstrated exceptional prowess in marketing innovation. With 12 Gold , 7 Silver , and 9 Bronze category awards, along with 10 Industry Awards , the region celebrates excellence in marketing achievements. AdTheorent was named the Enabling Technology Company of the Year , showcasing their innovative technological solutions. Patients & Purpose from North America earned the title of Specialist Agency of the Year , reflecting their specialized expertise and impactful campaigns. Hearts & Science was celebrated as the Digital Agency of the Year , highlighting their outstanding digital strategies and executions. Vogue was recognized as the Publisher of the Year , demonstrating excellence in publishing and media engagement. Ogilvy secured the title of Creative Agency of the Year , showcasing their creative excellence and strategic insights. Mindshare was honored as the Media Agency of the Year , reflecting their superior media planning and buying capabilities. WPP was acknowledged as the Holding Agency Company of the Year , underscoring their leadership and influence in the North American market. Dove continued its streak of excellence by being named Brand of the Year in North America , while Unilever was honored once again as the Advertiser of the Year . The campaign Barbie Breaks Out The Box (Office) clinched the Best in Show award, demonstrating outstanding creativity and business impact. "The SMARTIESTM X Global and North American Awards celebrate marketing's potential to drive positive change. We proudly honor this year's winners for their creativity and innovation in Marketing Excellence. Their outstanding campaigns not only drive business success but also inspire meaningful change and creativity across the industry. In addition, launching our new Sonic branding logo at MMA SMARTIESTM underscores our commitment to the future of marketing. Congratulations to all award recipients for their extraordinary achievements," said Rohit Dadwal , CEO of MMA Global APAC & Global Head of SMARTIESTM Worldwide. Explore the complete MMA SMARTIESTM North America 2024 Winner Gallery and delve into the exceptional campaigns that have set the standard for marketing excellence here. About MMA Global: MMA Global is the leading global trade association for marketers, providing essential resources and expertise to empower marketers to navigate the complex world of Marketing. With a commitment to driving innovation and effectiveness, MMA Global plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of marketing. SMARTIES: SMARTIES is the prestigious marketing awards program hosted by MMA Global, recognizing excellence in Marketing. The SMARTIES Awards celebrate the most innovative and impactful campaigns that push the boundaries of creativity and drive measurable business impact in today's dynamic landscape. Find out more about MMA Global at https://www.mmaglobal.com/
The longstanding strip of garden centres on St. Mary’s Road has been split in two. Confusion and lost sales have resulted, affected businesses say. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * The longstanding strip of garden centres on St. Mary’s Road has been split in two. Confusion and lost sales have resulted, affected businesses say. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? The longstanding strip of garden centres on St. Mary’s Road has been split in two. Confusion and lost sales have resulted, affected businesses say. Signage is top of Dave Hanson’s Christmas list. He’s noticed a 30 per cent decline in holiday traffic at Sage Garden Greenhouses and he believes the new interchange at St. Mary’s Road and the Perimeter Highway is to blame. “Every single day, all day long, people are still — three months in — still bringing it up,” Hanson said. Sage Garden Greenhouses has spent 25 years at 3410 St. Mary’s Rd. Before the province’s interchange project, Sage Garden joined companies like Lacoste Garden Centre on a stretch of St. Mary’s Road beyond the Perimeter Highway. At the time, southbound St. Mary’s commuters would cross the Perimeter via a light-controlled intersection. Now, potential customers pass through two large roundabouts and overtop the major highway. Past the Perimeter, the road continues straight into Provincial Road 200; Sage Garden is further down. However, there’s a right-hand turn-off to another section — St. Mary’s Road — where Lacoste, St. Mary’s Nursery and Ron Paul Garden Centre sit. The St. Mary’s strip ends in a cul-de-sac; it used to stretch to companies like Sage Garden. Karen Burkett estimates it took her twice as long as normal to reach Sage Garden Greenhouses after the interchange opened in September. She didn’t use a GPS — she’d heard maps weren’t yet updated for the new road — and found herself stuck in the cul-de-sac beyond St. Mary’s Nursery. “It feels like it’s unnecessarily complicated,” said Burkett, who’s been a Sage Garden patron for a decade. “I can see how easy it’d be just to give up and not bother.” Ron Paul Garden Centre has clocked a significant decrease in live Christmas tree sales; Lacoste Garden Centre has noticed a drop in artificial tree purchases. Management of both said it’s hard to determine the reason for the trend, but the new interchange could play a role. “We’ve had customers tell us ... ‘We can’t find the place,’” said Jordan Hiebert, co-owner of Lacoste Garden Centre. The calls often come after people have passed the strip’s turnoff, he added. Ray DuBois, president of Ron Paul, said he wore his work shirt to the bank, prompting the teller to say she couldn’t find the centre anymore. Both managers noted the sites are easy to find via Google Maps. However, older clients who don’t use such systems are struggling, they said. All the garden centres the spoke to want more signage. On Friday, there were no signs showing Sage Garden and its neighbour businesses, like Red Valley Plant Market, are beyond the St. Mary’s turnoff. Signage highlighting businesses past the turnoff should come soon if it isn’t already up, said Coun. Markus Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River). He visited Sage Garden Greenhouses last week. “I didn’t realize that they were going to terminate the old St. Mary’s Road,” Chambers said. “Signage (has become) very necessary so that these businesses can continue to receive the patronage they have in the past.” Chambers said he contacted the province and the city’s street engineers, who committed to erecting markers near Seniuk Road (the turnoff point). Other companies, including a mechanic and Mom’s Pantry, are also affected by the change, Chambers noted. Tom Miller, owner of St. Mary’s Service, said he’s received calls asking if he’s moved his shop. Lacoste, Ron Paul and St. Mary’s Nursery currently have a government sign to show they’re off the main strip. It’s a small orange rectangle indicating businesses are past the turnoff. “They’ve got to do better than that,” Hiebert from Lacoste said. “There’s a lot of commerce that happens on the strip between the three garden centres.” Lacoste has nearly 200 employees. Hiebert expressed interest in creating a sign jointly with Ron Paul and St. Mary’s Nursery. Private business signs along PR 200 won’t be approved because the location is too close to the interchange, posing a risk of driver distraction, a provincial spokesperson wrote in a statement. Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure has committed to installing “new and modified” signs before 2024’s end, helping identify businesses south of Seniuk Road, the spokesperson added. “(We) will continue to monitor and communicate with the affected businesses to identify potential improvements going forward,” the spokesperson wrote, noting Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure has met with affected companies. Hanson from Sage Garden Greenhouses had hoped for signage by now. “It’s an important and busy time of year for us,” he emphasized, adding his company is stocked with potential Christmas presents. He called the infrastructure change a “double whammy,” coinciding with the ongoing Canada Post strike. Sage Garden ships many gift cards and packages via mail during the holidays. Lately, the company has been delivering its own goods within Winnipeg, but it’s missing customers in rural communities. “I don’t think anyone wants to hurt us,” DuBois from Ron Paul said of the signage issue. “There just has to be a better way.” Construction on the St. Mary’s Road interchange is ongoing. The project should be finished by August 2025, a Manitoba government webpage shows. The configuration was made to “safely and efficiently accommodate all accesses and exits” while eliminating traffic control measures like lights, a provincial spokesperson said. Government has cited trade and safety as reasons for the project in the past. gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the . She interned at the and worked for its sister outlet, , before entering the business beat in 2021. . Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.Amit Malviya refutes AAP MP Sanjay Singh's claims alleging BJP tried removing his wife's nameTrump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’
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There are many developers who have worked towards enhancing their games and taking advantage of the PlayStation 5 Pro's capabilities, but CD Projekt Red is not one of those, and certainly not for "Cyberpunk 2077." The company did not reveal anything as to why it will not work on giving "Cyberpunk 2077" a highly-requested PS5 Pro patch, but reports claimed that it is because of other priorities. No PS5 Pro Patch is Coming For 'Cyberpunk 2077' says CDPR A new reply from CD Projekt Red shared sad news to its fans as the game-developing company has no plans to offer a special PS5 Pro patch for "Cyberpunk 2077" that would help enhance the experience. The game developing company confirmed that they "currently have no plans" to bring a PS5 Pro update that will allow gamers to take advantage of the console's massive capabilities despite many doing so. Developers that released dedicated patches for their game's PS5 Pro run recently received massive praise from analysts and fans for their significant improvements compared to its PS4 or PS5 versions. Despite many players anticipating a PS5 Pro... Isaiah Richard
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A case for the non-essentialDAMASCUS (AP) — Exuberant Syrians observed the first Friday prayers since the ouster of President Bashar Assad, gathering in the capital's historic main mosque, its largest square and around the country to celebrate the end of half a century of authoritarian rule. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $14.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! DAMASCUS (AP) — Exuberant Syrians observed the first Friday prayers since the ouster of President Bashar Assad, gathering in the capital's historic main mosque, its largest square and around the country to celebrate the end of half a century of authoritarian rule. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? DAMASCUS (AP) — Exuberant Syrians observed the first Friday prayers since the ouster of President Bashar Assad, gathering in the capital’s historic main mosque, its largest square and around the country to celebrate the end of half a century of authoritarian rule. The gatherings illustrated the dramatic changes that have swept over Syria less than a week after insurgents marched into Damascus and toppled Assad. Amid the jubilation, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with allies around the region and called for an “inclusive and non-sectarian” interim government. Blinken arrived in Iraq on a previously unannounced stop after talks in Jordan and Turkey, which backs some of the Syrian insurgent factions. So far, U.S. officials have not talked of direct meetings with Syria’s new rulers. The main insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has worked to establish security and start a political transition after seizing Damascus early Sunday. The group has tried to reassure a public both stunned by Assad’s fall and concerned about extremist jihadis among the rebels. Insurgent leaders say the group has broken with its extremist past, though HTS is still labeled a terrorist group by the United States and European countries. HTS’s leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, appeared in a video message Friday congratulating “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” “I invite them to head to the squares to show their happiness without shooting bullets and scaring people,” he said. “And then after, we will work to build this country, and as I said in the beginning, we will be victorious by the help of God.” Syrians celebrate in the historic heart of Damascus Huge crowds, including some insurgents, packed Damascus’ historic Umayyad Mosque in the capital’s old city, many waving the rebel opposition flag — with its three red stars — which has swiftly replaced the Assad-era flag with with its two green stars. According to Arab television stations, the Friday sermon was delivered by Mohammed al-Bashir, the interim prime minister installed by HTS this week. The scene resonated on multiple levels. The mosque, one of the world’s oldest dating back some 1,200 years, is a beloved symbol of Syria, and sermons there like all mosque sermons across Syria had been tightly controlled under Assad’s rule. Also, in the early days of the anti-government uprising in 2011, protesters would leave Friday prayers to march in rallies against Assad before he launched a brutal crackdown that turned the uprising into a long and bloody civil war. “I didn’t step foot in Umayyad Mosque since 2011,” because of the tight security controls around it, said one worshipper, Ibrahim al-Araby. “Since 11 or 12 years, I haven’t been this happy.” Another worshipper, Khair Taha, said there was “fear and trepidation for what’s to come. But there is also a lot of hope that now we have a say and we can try to build.” Blocks away in Damascus’ biggest roundabout, named Umayyad Square, thousands gathered, including many families with small children — a sign of how, so far at least, the country’s transformation has not seen violent instability. “Unified Syria to build Syria,” the crowd chanted. Some shouted slurs against Assad and his late father, calling them pigs, an insult that would have previously led to offenders being hauled off to one of the feared detention centers of Assad’s security forces. One man in the crowd, 51-year-old Khaled Abu Chahine — originally from the southern province of Daraa, where the 2011 uprising first erupted — said he hoped for “freedom and coexistence between all Syrians, Alawites, Sunnis, Shiites and Druze.” The interim prime minister, al-Bashir, had been the head of a de facto administration created by HTS in Idlib, the opposition’s enclave in northwest Syria. The rebels were bottled up in Idlib for years before fighters broke out in a shock offensive and marched across Syria in 10 days. Similar scenes of joy unfolded in other major cities, including in Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia and Raqqa. US and its allies try to shape a rapidly changing Syria Al-Sharaa, HTS’ leader, has promised to bring a pluralistic government to Syria, seeking to dispel fears among many Syrians — especially its many minority communities — that the insurgents will impose a hard-line, extremist rule. Another key factor will be winning international recognition for a new government in a country where multiple foreign powers have their hands in the mix. The Sunni Arab insurgents who overthrew Assad did so with vital help from Turkey, a longtime foe of the U.S.-backed Kurds. Turkey controls a strip of Syrian territory along the shared border and backs an insurgent faction uneasily allied to HTS — and is deeply opposed to any gains by Syria’s Kurds. In other developments, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey’s Embassy in Damascus would reopen Saturday for the first time since 2012, when it closed due to the Syrian civil war. The U.S. has troops in eastern Syria to combat remnants of the Islamic State group and supports Kurdish-led fighters who rule most of the east. Since Assad’s fall, Israel has bombed sites all over Syria, saying it is trying to prevent weapons from falling into extremist hands, and has seized a swath of southern Syria along the border with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, calling it a buffer zone. After talks with Fidan, Blinken said there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the U.S. on what they would like to see in Syria. That starts with an “interim government in Syria, one that is inclusive and non-sectarian and one that protects the rights of minorities and women” and does not “pose any kind of threat to any of Syria’s neighbors,” Blinken said. Fidan said the priority was “establishing stability in Syria as soon as possible, preventing terrorism from gaining ground, and ensuring that IS and the PKK aren’t dominant” — referring to the Islamic State group and the Kurdistan Workers Party. Ankara considers the PKK within Turkey’s borders a terrorist group, as it does the Kurdish-backed forces in Syria backed by the U.S. A U.S. official said that in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Fidan both told Blinken that Kurdish attacks on Turkish positions would have to be responded to. The official spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss private diplomatic talks. The U.S. has been trying to limit such incidents in recent days and had helped organize an agreement to prevent confrontations around the northern Syrian town of Manbij, which was taken by Turkey-backed opposition fighters from the U.S.-backed Kurdish forces earlier this week. In Baghdad, Blinken met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani, saying both countries wanted to ensure the Islamic State group — also known by its Arabic acronym Daesh — doesn’t exploit Syria’s transition to re-emerge. “Having put Daesh back in its box, we can’t let it out, and we’re determined to make sure that that doesn’t happen,” Blinken said. The U.S. official who briefed reporters said that Blinken had impressed upon al-Sudani the importance of Iraq exercising its full sovereignty over its territory and airspace to stop Iran from transporting weapons and equipment to Syria, either for Assad supporters or onward to the militant Hezbollah group in Lebanon. ___ Lee reported from Ankara, Turkey. Associated Press Writer Suzan Fraser in Ankara contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement