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
White House Issues Executive Order to Reschedule Cannabis
President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Thursday directing the U.S. Attorney General to move cannabis from a Schedule I to Schedule III controlled substance, marking a watershed moment in the history of U.S. marijuana policy and a significant step forward for the nascent THC-infused beverage industry.
USDA Launches $700M Regenerative Pilot Program
The USDA this week unveiled the Regenerative Pilot Program, an initiative to put $700 million toward assisting American farmers in the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices.
San Francisco To Sue Ultraprocessed Food Makers
San Francisco just declared war on America’s snack aisle, filing the nation’s first government lawsuit today against the largest manufacturers of ultraprocessed foods. City Attorney David Chiu claims local governments are footing the bill for chronic diseases linked to the companies’ products
Additional Content
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.”
UNFI Faces Shareholder Class Action Over Allegedly Misleading Cost Savings Program
UNFI is facing legal action from shareholders after allegedly providing false and misleading financial information following the roll out of its Value Path cost savings initiative, launched in the wake of pandemic-induced supply chain volatility.
FDA: Aims To Reduce Sodium Intake, Allows Salt Substitutes In Food Products
The FDA proposed a new rule Friday allowing food makers to use salt substitutes in place of salt in an effort to reduce sodium intake from various processed and prepared foods. The move allows brands greater flexibility in ingredient choice used for flavor enhancement and preservation.
GOOD Meat Receives FDA ‘No Questions’ Letter For Lab Grown Chicken
GOOD Meat Inc. has received the go-ahead from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin producing its cell-cultivated chicken product stateside.
FDA: Updates Restructured Human Foods Program, Withdrawing Aged Food Standards Rule
On Tuesday, the FDA announced its progress on restructuring the Human Foods Program consolidating food safety enforcement under one leadership role and streamlining operations internally and in the field.
News Roundup: JBS Fights National Ad Board Over Net Zero Claims; Flower Foods Acquires Co-Man Papa Pita
In this week’s roundup: JBS fights BBB National Ad Division over net zero claims; Flower Foods completes acquisition of co-manufacturer Papa Pita; USDA appeals to WIC for updated guidelines and Red Lobster looks to CPG to salvage sales.
News Roundup: Little Spoon Expands Offerings; Spice Makers Seek Healthy Cert From FDA
In this week’s roundup: Little Spoon expands with new Biteables lines; American Spice Trade Association believes spices and herbs earned healthy status; Kraft Heinz puts price increases on hold and Project Potluck doubles in size.
FDA: ‘Continuing Concerns’ About Smucker’s Peanut Butter Facility Tied to Outbreak
The FDA has requested further answers from The J.M. Smucker Company about the company’s food safety response in the wake of a Salmonella outbreak that led to a Jif brand peanut butter recall in May 2022.
FDA Proposes New Structure For Human Foods Program
Acknowledging issues within its existing system, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking to reimagine its food program through an agency-wide restructuring, per a letter published by Commissioner Robert Califf earlier today.