Beth Kaiserman

As grocery workers help feed Americans sheltering in place, at least 30 have died from COVID-19, with nearly 3,000 reporting missing work due to symptoms, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW).

Snack brand Supernola debuted in retail in February and is now selling its organic granola clusters in 8,000 stores, including Walgreens, select Giant and Whole Foods locations and natural retailers.

As consumers stay inside, shopping habits are changing and delivery platforms are adapting to meet the increased demand. Here’s the latest COVID-19 news from around the industry this week.

In the latest distribution news, IWON Organics enters four national retailers, Ithaca Hummus grows its store count and Daring Foods debuts at Sprouts.

As packaged food demand soars, big food brands continue to present evolving visions — growing production capabilities and adjusting marketing efforts, while prioritizing employee health and safety and funding hunger relief. Here are the latest updates on big CPG companies’ initiatives and outlooks for this unprecedented time.

In COVID-19 news this week, the FDA ensured the food supply is safe and loosened label restrictions for eggs moving from foodservice to retail, while states and retailers set shopping restrictions to encourage social distancing.

As COVID-19 rapidly transforms consumer behavior, data firms are closely monitoring patterns — and looking to past economic debacles to help predict an uncertain journey ahead.

As many foodservice operations cease or dramatically reduce their footprint, food products originally produced and packaged for restaurants, hotels, schools and other establishments are being rerouted to retailers and wholesalers. The FDA and USDA are aiming to expedite the labeling process for these products with new guidance published this week.

The USDA last week expanded its guidelines for products that can use the label claim “healthy.” The update could be a boon for meat snack brands looking to boost their products’ health claims — but while those brands welcome it, they don’t see the designation as a game-changer.

In the past few days, the FDA has released new information to answer coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns within the food industry, via official statements, a new FAQ page, and a stakeholder call addressing manufacturing, the food supply and worker safety.