Sounds like another instance of small government putting it's big nose where it doesn't belong 
If it's clean, new ribbon, what in the world could be the problem? They've probably found traces of lead in some of the dyes in cheaper ribbons and now think they have a big bone to chew on. We get more lead breathing the air every day than we'd ever consume in a 2x2 piece of iced cake that had contact with a ribbon for a few hours---sheesh!
Personally, I'd think that using "inedible" flowers--whether they're pesticide free, or not--would be much more of an issue of concern. Errant petals or pollen could easily get on parts of the cake--and flower allergies are pretty common.
Oh, well, if it's not one thing, it's another. I guess backing the ribbon with wax paper or saran wrap would make it OK---or not...... 
Rae
This is from the newsletter. Finally found it.
"We love to persue the latest cake decorating books and mags, and we inevitably see fabric ribbons trimming cakes, whether on the sides of the cakes or cascading down the sides mixed in with florals.
"I have been told by my food inspector that it is not acceptable to have fabric ribbons are not food-approved items.
"Some decorators have suggested I can melt wax and back the ribbon with wax and then safely attach it to the cake.
"Another decorator have suggested I cut strips of parchment or waxed paper and use that to back the ribbon.
"Both methods will leave a small gap between the ribbon and cake, taking away from the professional, perfectly flat and smooth finish we see in books and mags.
"Still another member suggested using fondant ribbon, and dispensing with fabric ribbon altogether. That solution, though does not work for brides who are insistent on a particular pattern or color scheme in ribbon they selected.
So what do you all think.
If you have a solution, write in to ICes.
I'm sure the fondant people, cutter people and
embosser people are loving this!
Sorry so long.
I promise not to beat this to death, but this sounds like a truly moronic food inspector who lives in a cave, washes his/her hands 250 times per/day, and has nothing better to do than put tics in little boxes and hand out tickets 
Another logical extension of this flawed method of thinking: Silk Flowers, paper flowers, non-ceramic toppers, antique/vintage toppers and decorations made before the concept of "food-safe" was instituted....
Sorry, I just can't get my head around this one
Rae
Oh my, what next!!!!! Someone has too much time on their hands. Has anyone gotten sick from this? I doubt it. I agree, what about silk flowers that have been sitting in the store for???? and then handled by???? before they are put on the cake. Plastic decorations such as glitter bells etc. This is stretching it I believe. If it is new and not used before why not?
Linda
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