FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles announced the comment period for a proposed federal regulation on smokeless tobacco products has

been extended from April 10 to July 10, according to a report in The Daily Independent of Ashland, Ky.

 

“This proposed rule would have a devastating economic impact on dark tobacco growers and businesses in Kentucky,” Quarles said. “If enacted, it would have the

effect of banning the sale of smokeless tobacco in the United States. I urge anyone who has an interest to send your comments to Washington and let your voice

be heard.”

 

In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price earlier this month, he asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to withdraw the proposal. Quarles said the FDA did not accurately estimate the economic impact of the proposed rule. The proposal would limit the N-Nitrosonornicotine level in finished smokeless tobacco products to 1 part per million.

 

Quarles suggested stakeholders be brought together to create a new standard that is realistic and achievable and would not create a devastating economic impact.

Kentucky led the nation in production of dark firecured and dark air-cured tobacco in 2015 at 31.7 million pounds and 13.75 million pounds, respectively. To read

the rule and comment, visit www.bit.ly/2n4J6BF

 

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Hospital Assoc. (THA) has released a report saying the impact of rural hospitals is nearly $1 billion to the state’s economy.

The association’s Rural Impact Report credits the state’s 61 rural hospitals with providing nearly 16,000 jobs.

 

THA President and CEO Craig Becker said rural hospitals are often major economic engines in their communities, and frequently the only options for people

who need health care. The report said rural hospitals provided more than

$292 million in uncompensated care in 2015. Becker, in his press statement, said rural hospitals often treat older people who are likely to suffer from a number of

chronic health conditions.

 

He said hospitals in the outlying areas face a host of challenges and are constantly under threat of having to close their doors.

 

 

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (AP) — An Oklahoma food company is recalling more than 466 tons of breaded chicken because of possible metal in the food. The USDA said Friday that OK Food, Inc. is recalling 933,272 pounds of the food shipped nationwide that was produced between Dec. 19, 2016-March 7, 2017, and includes the number P-7092 inside the USDA inspection mark.

 

The USDA said in a news release that contamination came from metal conveyor belts and was discovered March 21. An agency spokesman did not immediately return a phone call for further comment.

 

The agency said there have been no confirmed reports of injury, but consumers should either throw the product away or return it to the place of purchase.