The American Bakers Association (ABA) successfully fought for the inclusion of several important priorities for bakers in the “Omnibus Spending Package” released on Dec. 16. The $1.149 trillion funding bill addresses many issues, including;

COOL Repeal – Protecting U.S. bakers from a 100% retaliatory tariff on baked goods and ingredients sold in Canada and Mexico.

Hours of Service – Shielding bakers from unworkable rules pending additional research demonstrating a significant safety benefit.

Partially Hydrogenated Oils– Guarding bakers from frivolous class action lawsuits during the 3-year phase-out of PHOs.

Dietary Guidelines – Requiring the guidelines to be based on significant scientific agreement; be limited in scope to nutrition and dietary information; and instructing the National Academy of Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study of the entire process used to establish the Advisory Committee for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Sodium Reduction – Prohibiting further reduction in sodium in federal feeding programs pending further research.

Whole Grains in School Meals – Allowing states to determine exemptions from 100% whole grain standards in the National School Meals Program.