Regulatory
Stay informed on the latest natural food industry regulatory updates involving the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or United States Department of Agriculture(USDA), as well as news regarding lawsuits, labeling and class-actions. Understand the evolving natural food regulatory and legal environment which can directly impact your product claims, intellectual property, packaging and ingredients.
Featured Regulatory Content
Texas Gov. Signs Executive Order to Create Legal Hemp Framework
Texas governor Greg Abbott has signed an executive order mandating age restrictions on the sale of hemp-derived THC products, roughly three months after he vetoed a bill that would have outlawed the intoxicant entirely in the Lone Star State.
Smucker, Chubby Snacks Settle Trademark Suit
The J.M. Smucker Company has settled its lawsuit accusing now-defunct frozen sandwich startup Chubby Snacks of false advertising, trademark violations and disparagement in “years of advertising designed to tarnish the name and reputation” of Smucker’s competing Uncrustables brand.
Lawyers Call ‘Fraud’ on BellRing Brands, But One Analyst is Optimistic
BellRing Brands, maker of Premier Protein and Dymatize, is facing down a swarm of lawyers as multiple law firms specializing in shareholders rights have announced investigations into the publicly traded CPG company over allegations it violated securities laws.
Additional Content
Following Teen’s Death, Paqui Pulls “One Chip Challenge” From Shelves
Following the death of a Massachusetts teen who took the Paqui “One Chip Challenge,” Amplify Brands, a subsidiary of parent company Hershey’s, said it will pull the product from stores.
FDA Appoints First Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Program
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found its first leader for its Human Foods Program, appointing 30-year Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) veteran James Jones as Deputy Commissioner.
PLANT Act Enters Farm Bill Conversation
How does the government create a research-driven, farmer-centric plant-based food industry ecosystem that supports its own growth through consistent supply and demand? That’s the task the The Peas, Legumes, and Nuts Today (PLANT) Act is looking to tackle.
NOSH Podcast: The Right to Free Speech and Alt-Meat
Institute for Justice Senior Attorney Justin Pearson joins the NOSH Podcast this week to talk about how and when the First Amendment and the Constitution protects brands against food labeling regulations.
USDA Prioritizes Labeling Claims For Humanely-Raised Animal Products
The USDA announced plans to revise the guidelines for animal-raising claims providing more consumer transparency and oversight for label callouts like “grass fed,” “pasture raised,” “hormone-free” or “antibiotic-free.”
Regulatory Rundown: Here’s Where USDA Priorities Overlap CPG
The USDA’s purview is regulating agricultural products and livestock that become food, but its reach in the industry stretches into other areas of health, nutrition, food access and safety. Here is a brief explainer about some of the current administration’s priorities pertaining to CPG food.
Beyond Meat: Shareholder Lawsuit Alleges Leadership Overstated Success of QSR Partnerships
Beyond Meat was issued a class action lawsuit by institutional shareholders alleging that the plant-based meat company’s executives knowingly misled its investors about the strength of the company’s manufacturing and foodservice partnerships while, in the process, profiting on the inflated share price.
News Roundup: Congress Seeks To Increase Access to Frozen Produce, Motif FoodWorks Launching Foodservice Portfolio
A bipartisan bill in Congress will offer SNAP recipients access to frozen produce, Motif FoodWorks is launching a foodservice portfolio of its plant-based meat products and NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ private equity firm RX3 Growth Partners announces a $150M fund II.
Sweegen’s Brazzein Sweetener Receives GRAS Status, Opens Lane For Product Innovation
Last week, ingredient company Sweegen received GRAS status for its new Ultratia line of brazzein sweeteners that claim to be 500 to 2000 times sweeter than regular sugar, marking another step forward in the race to create the next generation of better-for-you sugar alternatives.
Broth Beef: USDA, FDA Trying To Ban FODMAP Terms, Says Gourmend
Gourmend Foods is suing the USDA and FDA over the use of proven, low-FODMAP labeling claims on beef bone broth packages saying “the government does not get to decide which facts consumers are allowed to learn.”