Regulatory

Following the ongoing relaxation of GMO labeling laws by the USDA, a coalition of industry members led by the Center for Food Safety last week sued the agency, noting that a lack of regulation over the growing biotech industry is threatening the ability to provide transparency in food and beverage products — something consumers increasingly want.

In a test of 200 CBD products the FDA found many contained CBD levels inconsistent with their labels — though not explicitly unsafe. The overall variability points (again) to what brands, researchers and advocacy organizations say is the bigger problem: lack of regulation in the budding industry.

The FDA has “a new mindset” for managing the food system and on Monday released its New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint. In an update last month, the FDA outlined the initiative, noting it had been tweaked based on the food supply chain’s challenges during the pandemic.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.