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Federal Agencies Push for Uniform Definition of ‘Ultraprocessed Food’ Amid Health Scrutiny
The FDA and USDA are collaborating to develop a federally recognized uniform definition for ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) amid mounting health concerns.
Nestle, Conagra Join Dye Phase-Out Amid State Pressure
Nestle and Conagra have joined Kraft Heinz and General Mills in pledging to remove the use of synthetic food dyes from their formulations amid growing pressure from the federal government and accelerated traction at the state level.
Is Big Food Embracing MAHA?
Starbucks is the latest to take down a red dye pill, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sharing details from a meeting with the coffee giant’s CEO where he “shared the company’s plans to further MAHA its menu.”
Additional Content
FARE Calls for Universal Labels on Allergen Products
After the FDA last month released temporary guidance to allow companies to make “minor” ingredient substitutions without labeling changes, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) and other industry groups have advocated on behalf of consumers with allergies for greater transparency.
Sugar Association Petitions FDA for Clearer Alt Sugar Callouts
The Sugar Association wants the FDA to issue stricter labeling guidance on alternative sweeteners in order “to stop misleading claims about added sugars content.” But industry stakeholders argue that product labels are transparent enough, and consumers aren’t confused or concerned.
FDA Adjusts Food Safety Priorities
In light of recent supply chain issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA has adjusted its New Era of Smarter Food Safety initiative, including added priorities for worker safety and predicting potential food system disruptions, and a greater emphasis on safe food delivery to consumers.
Industry Responds to FDA Ingredient Guidance
The FDA on Friday released temporary guidance to allow food manufacturers to change ingredients without updating product labels, a move aimed at preventing supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, company and industry leaders are speaking up to promote consumer safety.
COVID-19 News Roundup: IRI’s Recession Lessons, FDA & USDA Supply Chain Update
As many states begin to reopen businesses, IRI reflected on the 2008 recession to help brands prepare for the months ahead, while the FDA and USDA announced plans for supply chain management collaboration. Here’s the latest COVID-19 news from around the industry this week.
FDA/USDA: Label Guidelines Loosened, ‘Essential’ Services Clarified
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.
FDA Issues COVID-19 Food Safety and Manufacturing Updates
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.
COVID-19 Poses Marketing Challenges, Risks for Brands
While the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to rise worldwide, the food and beverage industry has been forced to swiftly adjust to the crisis. Just as consumers have changed their shopping habits by racing to grocery stores to stock up before indefinite periods of self-quarantine, many brands and entrepreneurs have fast begun tailoring their messaging to comment on the virus. Others are seizing the moment to promote products with immunity boosting properties, through social media posts, press releases and eblasts.
FDA Still Unclear on CBD Safety
In a report submitted yesterday to Congress, FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn noted the agency still lacks enough evidence to say CBD ‘can’t hurt.’ While the FDA is “actively considering potential pathways for certain CBD products to be marketed as dietary supplements,” the agency is still seeking more scientific evidence — especially to support CBD’s safety in food.
FDA Extends ‘Food Standards of Identity Modernization’ Comment Period
Fifteen years after submitting a proposed rule to the Federal Register to establish principles for food standards of identity updates, the FDA is extending its comment period, noting advances in manufacturing, food technology, market trends and nutrition science since 2005. Comments will be accepted until April 21, 2020.