Fact Check: The authorities and the cookie factories register everything but

Fact-Check Article: "The authorities and the cookie factories register everything but"

What We Know

The claim that "the authorities and the cookie factories register everything but" suggests a lack of transparency or accountability in the registration processes for food facilities and cookie usage. However, this assertion does not align with the established regulations and practices regarding food facility registration in the United States.

1. Food Facility Registration: According to 21 U.S. Code § 350d, food facilities are required to register with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This registration includes providing the name and address of each facility, trade names, and the contact information for the facility's representative. The law mandates that registrants must also notify the Secretary of any changes to this information.

2. Renewal Requirements: The registration must be renewed every two years, ensuring that the information remains current and accurate. The Secretary is responsible for maintaining an up-to-date list of registered facilities, which is not publicly disclosed to protect the identity and location of specific registrants (FDA Guidance).

3. Cookie Usage and Data Collection: The term "cookie factories" likely refers to websites that use cookies to collect user data. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) emphasizes that companies must disclose their data collection practices, including the use of cookies, and obtain consent from users (FTC Consumer Alert). This regulatory framework is designed to ensure transparency in how personal data is collected and used.

Analysis

The claim lacks substantiation when evaluated against the regulatory framework governing food facility registration and data collection practices related to cookies.

• Food Facility Registration: The legal requirements outlined in 21 U.S. Code § 350d and further clarified in the FDA's guidance documents (FDA Q&A) indicate that food facilities are indeed required to register and provide comprehensive information about their operations. This contradicts the claim that authorities do not register everything.

• Data Collection and Cookies: The assertion implies that cookie usage is unregulated. However, the FTC's guidelines and ongoing legal actions against companies for improper cookie usage (ComplyAuto, Cookiescan) demonstrate a robust framework for regulating how companies collect and manage user data. This indicates that there are indeed mechanisms in place to oversee cookie usage and ensure compliance with data protection laws.

• Source Reliability: The sources referenced, including U.S. legal codes and official guidance from the FDA and FTC, are credible and authoritative. They provide a clear understanding of the regulatory landscape surrounding food facility registration and data privacy, making them reliable for evaluating the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that "the authorities and the cookie factories register everything but" is False. The regulatory framework mandates that food facilities must register and provide detailed information to the authorities, and there are stringent rules governing the use of cookies and data collection practices. Both areas are subject to oversight, contradicting the assertion of a lack of registration or accountability.

Sources

1. Questions and Answers Regarding Food Facility Registration
2. 21 U.S. Code § 350d - Registration of food facilities
3. Registration of Food Facilities and Other Submissions | FDA
4. When companies share your personal information without your permission
5. The Rise of the “Cookie Banner” Class Action
6. False claims: website cookies were loaded without consent
7. Businesses Targeted with Data Protection Claims over use of website cookies
8. “C” is for “Cookie” …and Sometimes for “Class Action:”