WASHINGTON—Concerned federal employees would be prohibited from attending its nutritional education events, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) sent a letter to the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) about amendments to the proposed rule (RIN 3209-AA04) published by OGE on Sept. 13, 2011. The amendments prohibit federal employees from participating in gatherings hosted by organizations that are also registered as lobbyists. CRN noted if the rule is adopted many such employees would be prohibited from taking part in widely attended education events hosted by CRN and other trade associations.
In the letter, Mike Green, VP of government relations for CRN, said trade groups and other non-profit organizations sponsor programs that interest government employees, including seminars, conferences, trade shows, webinars and other events on regulatory issues, science, education, and industry performance. During these events, government workers involved in regulations can learn more about the latest science, products and ingredients, as well as gain additional insight on how potential rulemaking and guidance could impact the industry. It also allows industries to learn more about the government agencies and details on compliance.
"Educational and professional development programs conducted by trade associations are virtually indistinguishable from those conducted by the other types of organizations listed as exempt in the proposed rule," Green wrote. "They offer the same benefits to government employees and should qualify for the same exclusion." He further emphasized the need for the administration to recognize associations as more than" lobbying groups working to exert undue influence over federal agencies and their employees."
